Aenean Broadcasting Corporation

[Kotar (Ancient)]

Monte Times

Island Magnate Found Dead!
Late last night, authorities discovered the Illustrious Lord Frederick IV of Monte deceased in one of his yachts. It appears that he was in the company of one of his concubines, a Miss Priscila Ninh. The details of the incident of not been released, but there are many rumours regarding the cause of death. Miss Ninh, who may be the only witness to the death, is in custody of the authorities, but they have not stated if she is under arrest or merely under protection.

Mainland authorities have been contacted, but until jurisdiction is cleared up, their involvement is expected to be minimal. This is expected to delay the course of the investigation, and the release of details to the public, as well as the sensitive nature of the matter. Political complications are expected, for although the late Illustrious Lord of Monte was known more for his eccentricity (such as his than restoring the ancient practice of concubinage) than his political activity, his successor will have great influence, both in the island and nationally. The issue is further complicated by the late Lord's lack of a clear successor. His Illustrious Highness last will and testament is sealed according to custom, and will only be opened after the inquest and funeral are completed. Already the Steward of Monte has formed a Council to handle the interregnum, however its membership has not been announced leading to more speculation.

Lord Frederick IV leaves behind a widow Lady Madeline of Bartik with whom he had no children. It is speculated that His Illustrious Highness left behind offspring, but they are barred from inheriting. While Lord Frederick IV was open about the manner in which he lived his life, there were many details about it kept secret and he managed to cultivate an air of mystery around himself. Many secrets are expected to be made public now that he has passed.

[Florys]

12th July 2014

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Terror Wave to Rock Aeneas?
By Defence Analyst, James Bohem

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Image showing the alleged training of Indian Warrior Brotherhood fighters, Gvozdevsk .

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From the sun baked shores of Songhai to the rainy streets of Afalia, insurgent and separatist attacks have wrought a bloody toll across Aeneas, ensuring 2014 to be coined the 'Year of the Terrorist' by some. In this feature length article 'The Florysian' will thrust you, the reader, into the maelstrom of extremism and dogma that is international terrorism to bring you a unique insight into the three major players, their methods, ideologies and capabilities in this often clandestine and covert conflict.

Austerian Ocean Pirates.
Although not a single terrorist organization as such, these disparate coalitions of raiders, smugglers and hijackers are often known to be the scourge of unprotected shipping along Aeneas' southern most waters. Infighting, caused by tribal differences, notions of political ideology, religion and simple greed is the main reason that these corsairs have not organized into a unified front, a possibility many merchant ships hope never to have to entertain. Despite an apparent lack of technology and structure however, the pirates of the Austerian Ocean continue to mount opportunistic assaults on contact with unguarded haulage shipping using a fairly potent combination of speed, surprise and ill-gotten firepower in an attempt to overwhelm the crew. It has been noted that these raids can often be halted through the firing of warning shots at the raider's small watercraft, as an armed ship is often far more hassle than it's cargo is worth. However the successful hijack and sack of the FlorOil tanker MS.218 in the year 2000 showed that these tenacious and wild men can and will overpower large, guarded tankers and cargo carriers. In response to the recent spate of successful and attempted raids on cargo shipping between Minea and Austeria has lead the Florysian Navy into a joint anti-piracy operation dubbed 'Swordfish 'with the Royal Navy of Regnum Albion, an operation that looks to deter the most opportunistic brigand.

Indian Warrior Brotherhood.
A thorn in the side of the Gvozdevski security services and administration, the Indian Warrior brotherhood or IWD is an ethnically motivated indigenous separatist movement. They appear to be both well armed and administrated with footage showing rudimentary training, a media circulation capability, a variety of military grade weaponry and modern camouflage fatigues. With threats from the IWD resonating around northern Aeneas it seems they have been able to pull a swathe of separatist extremists from other groups across Gvozdevsk into their fold. Despite their unnerving growth, the Indian Warrior Brotherhood have not been registered as a threat to the Florysian nation or people as, to our best knowledge, all their attacks have been aimed at the Gvozdevski government, security services and the ethnic Slavs that inhabit their ancestral homeland. This being said, terrorist groups are as unpredictable as they are dangerous so all Florysians travelling to the North of the region are being urged to exercise caution.

The Harling Freedom Army.
Possibly the most publicized terrorist organization in Aeneas, the catholic secessionist Harling Freedom Army, are famed for there dogmatic approach to achieving their cause. Hailing from Harling Island, an Afalian claimed land mass of the coast of the south eastern nation, there goals seem to be to halt what they perceive as protestant oppression of their primarily catholic homeland. Of course, the H.F.A have recently seen an immense spike in media attention following their audacious raid on the Afalian embassy on Cherry Tree lane, Regnum Albion. This attack, which sent shock waves across the region, with airports and embassy introducing stringent security measures, showed that the 'Army' had not only a force projection capability but was also able to smuggle arms into another first world country. Many in the Dual Parliament have expressed concern that if diplomatic, military and political ties with the Crown Commonwealth and it's former dominion continue to grow closer, that the Grand Electoral Duchy will be at risk of 'Guilt by association' revenge attacks by the Harling Freedom Army.

[The Republic of Lanos]

National Broadcasting System
Lanos National News
Freedom, Democracy, Justice!

Lanos: The region's newest, and a reluctant, power

It was proven all over the region that the aftermath of the Chonburi war changed the regional dynamic. With that country divided and occupied, Aurinsula under the yoke of Defese, Defese having a longstanding animosity against Segland that could go hostile at any moment, and Regnum Albion announcing a drawdown of its military, the Plata continent's sole occupant sits untouched given the regional shakeup and continued effects of the last decade. The Republic of Lanos is unusual in this sense since it has no direct military power to project, yet, and that it seeks regional stability in the light of its new found source of power: the petrochemical industry. Since becoming the #1 oil and gas producer in Aeneas, Lanosian oil has become the biggest ecomomic weapon that the country could use to achieve stability. With Chonburian oil killed off within the foreseeable future, LanOil has seen its profits go sky high as it, and the Lanosian economy, profits from the sudden change in the oil markets to the Lanosians' favor.

But the new found power that the nation has achieved in the span of almost a decade has not come without a sense of unease regarding how to use it. It's as if the National Government is unwilling to exercise it unless it absolutely has to, a feeling shared in the halls of the Green House and Congress. Oil is now a weapon that could be used against belligerents in war. It could be used as the weapon of peace even as oil profits partially fund the Lanos Defense Forces. The LDF is now the protector of Lanosian oil and natural gas as it has an seemingly endless supply to wage war within Lanos and the vicinity of its part of the region. The economy continues to grow and prosperity is to be had in a very large portion of the population. Nobody in Lanos wants to jeopardize this new sense of prosperity and power.

But that power comes with responsibilities, responsibilities that have not been defined as of yet. What role should the country play in stabilizing the region? What should Lanos do if another major war pops up? What if outsiders seek to establish a presence in the region? These questions are sure to be asked in Keinsteinem sooner or later if things escalate anywhere in the region, especially if Lanos has to get involved.

Stay tuned.

[Florys]

16th July 2014

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Building Bridges-Florysian Investment in Songhia.
By Economic Analyst, Baroness Elnora Beauview.

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Contracted construction is underway for nearly two billion crowns of infrastructure in the Republic.

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Since corporate and political figure heads of the Grand Electoral Duchy met with their counterparts from the Republic of Songhia some five months ago, significant inroads have been made into fulfilling multiple economic and trade agreements between the two nations.

In a series of controversial exchanges, Florys has benefited from A 20% 'Right of First Refusal' (RFR) deal on both Songhian petroleum and on multiple rare and heavy metals and minerals including cobalt, coltan, tungsten, and gold. Both these transactions are being dealt with by with government subsidized Songhian corporations and will be inter-mediated by Florysian energy giant 'FlorOil' and foreign mining and procurement company 'Heavy Earth Limited'. The influx of oils and minerals from the central Carpathian nation has been hailed a great economic and political success by Minister of the Treasury, Miss Rene Summers MDP, who was quoted as saying that:

"To deal so successfully with an emerging nation, especially one with such potential [as Songhia], has been a fantastic learning experience for Florysian corporations and parliament members alike. The Songhian delegation was keen to learn how Florysians did business and we were eager to learn what they could offer not only to the nation but indeed the region. I sincerely hope that this is the first of many deals with the Republic, as these initial agreements have been a great success to all parties involved."

In return for Songhian oil and metals, the Grand Electoral Duchy is currently investing around two billion crowns (C.2,000,000,000) into the construction and renewal of the nation's antiquated and strained infrastructural systems. The move will see multiple bridges being erected, including at least two over the nation's largest river, the Nyanga, and the instillation of a modern, economical rail system to connect the Republic's major settlements.The labour force, which is built up of both Florysian contractors and local national workers, is currently on target to complete all bridging work by the end of the year 2016 with rail laying expected to take longer.

Despite widespread approval across Florys, with petrol prices being lowered on average by 1.01 Atlars across the country, the deals has proven to be controversial one across the rest of Aeneas with many citizens believing that Florys is merely playing the damaged state of Songhai to it's own ends and some conspiracy theorists going as far as to suggest the improvement of infrastructure is merely being used to make a conventional Florysian invasion of Songhia easier!

Never the less, we here at 'The Florysian' will keep you informed on the developments in Songhia, turn to the General Economics section (p38-40) to see how these economic transactions will affect you.

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Also In This Issue
-Progress of Operation Swordfish
-Troubling rumors from the Defese/Segland Border
-Interview with the cast of 'That Little Winter War'

[Gvozdevsk]

Gvozdevski Broadcast Corporation News Service

Armed Forces Begin Anti Terrorist Operation
July 16, 2014

A flight of three Tejas fighters of the Gvozdevski Air Force return from a strike mission against IWB targets

Ugolgrad - Today, near the city of Ugolgrad, the Gvozdevski Armed Forces began an anti terrorist operation against the Indian Warrior Brotherhood. A series of air strikes were launched against IWB training camps and rocket launcher sites that have been identified over the past week, the closest of which were located 80 kilometers west of the city. Footage from the fighters' targeting pods showed plenty of destruction, however, a proper battle damage assessment could not be carried out. A reconnaissance team sent to conduct the assessment was fired upon by a numerically superior force in entrenched, elevated positions and were forced to retreat.

"The enemy has dug themselves into the hills and mountains in order to avoid our airpower. For the safety of the people of Ugolgrad, and indeed the people of Gvozdevsk as a whole, and armed incursion into the hills and mountains west of Ugolgrad is necessary," Colonel Maksimilian Gorshakov, the officer in charge of the anti terrorist operation, said in a press conference with news media following the air strikes.

The western side of Ugolgrad has now become a forward operating base for the coming assault. The parking lots and green spaces of Ugolgrad University have become helicopter bases and infantry fighting vehicles line the once quiet residential streets. An empty classroom in the university now functions as the headquarters for the upcoming assault. Howitzers and rocket artillery on the edge of the city continuously fire to the west. The elite 14th Rifles Regiment has been deployed to spearhead the assault by helicopter in the early hours of the morning, following continuous air and artillery bombardment throughout the night.

"We hope for a quick and decisive end to this operation, and as little disruption to the lives of civilians in Ugolgrad and the surrounding area as possible," Colonel Gorshakov continued in his press conference.

The operation against the IWB marks the first time the Gvozdevski Army has fought directly fought the terrorists in almost a decade. The coming days will show us truly how much of a threat the IWB has become since their last period of activity.

"I am one hundred per cent confident in the abilities of our brave men and women of the Gvozdevski Armed Forces and Internal Troops. They are highly trained and have the best equipment we can afford with our budget. I predict a swift defeat for the IWB that will hopefully send them into hiding permanently, and minimal casualties on our side," Colonel Gorshakov said to end his press conference.

For continuing coverage of the anti terrorist operation, stay tuned to the Gvozdevski Broadcasting Service. We will have more news as it becomes available.

[Kotar (Ancient)]

Slavery in Our Time
by Penelope Franswais

Every year on this day, we celebrate the abolition of slavery. Such celebrations go on around the world and slavery is seen as a thing of the past. A barbarism of a time gone by. Only now existing as a fetish and fantasy. At most it is something that happens in foreign and backwards lands. All the while slavery is going on right here, right now.

Thousands of women, sometimes of very tender ages, as well as boys are taken to a foreign country, where they are mistreated, abused and drugged, all so that they can be prostituted. Research by this reporter shows how widespread this problem is and how little is being done about it. Following a tip about an illegal brothel, full of young women abducted or tricked into service for a crime syndicate. From there the story was followed across borders and across seas. Furthermore, this reporter further investigated Kotarn women who had fallen victim to the modern slave trade.

We will begin with the story of Aloe*, a girl working in the Blue Diamond brothel. The Blue Diamond, was known to many as a dive bar, but those truly in the know knew its dark secret. Men could come there at any hour of the day to slate their lust, with women who were kept in bondage. The brothel was owned and operated by small time gangsters, the Berges family. They would hold the women either in the cellar, the attic, or stuffed into a crowed slum flat.

Aloe had once dreamed of life as star, sometimes a star athlete, sometimes as singer, and other times as a dancer. In her homeland of Poldania, she thought had little chance to achieve these dreams. Coming from a low income family, she was probably right. Nevertheless she had hope, and when she met a recruiter for a talent agency, she jumped at the chance. She gave an audition, and was offered a position at a modelling school in Florys. This was all a scam and at the age of 16, she found herself in bondage.

Aloe story so far is pretty typical. Most women who are trafficked or end up in prostitution are low income, and many of them are tricked into it. Besides posing as talent scouts, smugglers will charge to help women cross the border, only to hand them over to local gangsters and pimps. Some women are violently abducted. Aloe was redirected to Kotar via a ship during a what she thought would be a layover between connecting flights. As she was ignorant of the world and lacked money, Aloe became dependent on her captors.

Arriving in Kotar, she was then raped and beaten, and changed hands several times before ending up with the Berges in the Blue Diamond. Pimps and traffickers have many ways of controlling their victims. They rely on the victims lack of understanding of local customs and laws. They add to this threats and violence, often claiming the victims owe them large debts. Several crime syndicates cultivate drug addictions to control their women. The Berges considered this to costly, and most often beat or starved disobedient women.

After the Blue Diamond was raided, the Berges gave an interview, and agreed to cooperate with the police. This revealed a mass international network involved in taking women from all over the globe and placing them in bondage. It involves the notorious Tongpinghui crime syndicate of Aurinsula, and included allegations against high ranking members of certain governments. The networks also involves taking women from Kotar to work as prostitutes in other nations. Often using the same tactics, they successful lure thousands of women a year into prostitution, to suffer the same fate as Aloe. Kotarn women are thought to be beautiful, exotic and desirable by many foreigners. Furthermore, misconceptions about Kotarn sexual practices leaves some to believe they make ideal prostitutes.

Many voices clamour for policy reform to address the issue. There is an ongoing debate on legalization, some feeling that it would only encourage trafficking, where others see it as the ultimate liberation of womankind. One popular reform trend is to focus prosecution on the johns and pimps, as the women are often victims. Afalia, for example has adopted this policy. Others point out that a stronger enforcement of laws are needed. In this vein, Florys and Albion have jointly launched operation Swordfish to combat smuggling of all types by sea.

Whatever changes are needed, they can not come soon enough for girls like Aloe. Aloe, now freed at the age of 18, has little where to turn. To ashamed to return to her family and lacking other skills, it is feared with out help, she will return to prostitution.

*Names may be changed

[Florys]

22nd July 2014

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Train Hard, Fight Easy-Military Steps Up Overseas Training Programs
By Defence Analyst, Edmure Weeks.

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Men of Bravo Company, VI/X Regiment of Fusiliers, perform battle drills in Regnum Albion .

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Despite, or perhaps in light of, recent events in Northern Aeneas, and indeed the region as a whole, the Florysian Tri-Services have significantly increased both the man-power and hours involved in international and domestic training maneuvers. These 'Exercises', as they are known within the services, are an integral part of Florys' military training, capability and projection.

The largest of these war-games, dubbed 'Exercise Aenean Chainmail' is due to take place on the Florysian owned 'FATARA' live fire exercise area in the harsh and unforgiving wilderness of Regnum Albion's wild Highlands region. It will directly follow a training narrative that the Army's II Motor Rifle Brigade are currently trialing on a smaller Brigade level. When the exercise proper begins, it will be the largest of it's kind conducted by the Florysian services outside of the Grand Electocratic Duchy in nearly two decades and will involve over 6000 soldiers from the Army's IV Motor Rifle Brigade and IX Air Assault Brigade, as well as their counterparts from the Royal Anglican armed forces.

The maneuvers will involve not only conventional armoured and airborne warfare but will also be a test bed for the reforms enplaced by the Anglicans in their own 2014 military review, as well as multi lateral training such as foreign weapon exchanges, mixed armour drills and irregular/asymmetrical operations scenarios based on the experiences of both militaries previous engagements.

The announcement of the increased tempo of large scale training was made by Army Head Quarters in Argentwood just days after a state of War was declared between the nations of Defese and Segland over land disputes and the treatment of citizens along the border of the two Northern nations, although it is not yet likely that the Tri-Services will become embroiled in the rapidly escalating skirmishes occurring up and down the frontiers.

In related news several unconfirmed sources from Livean Straits Command, on the Duchy's east coast have also hinted that a Florysian Naval battle group is in the process of being drawn up to help protect Florysian shipping near the conflict wracked waters south of the belligerent states. The straits are well traversed by Florysian merchant ships bringing vital Lumber and Refined Steel from Defese to be used across the nation. It seems that the captains and crews of these vessels are rightly eager to garner some form of military escort as amateur footage of a night time Naval engagement has appeared on internet video streaming site, VidTube apparently filmed from the deck of the lumber haulage ship MSV Bountiful Harvest, showing just how dangerous the key trade route has become.

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Also in this Issue
-Constabulary make first arrests in 'Nightshade' investigation.
-Operation Swordfish: HGS Mars & HMS Swarm engage pirates,in pictures.
-Kotarn paper attempts to raise awareness of human trafficking.

[Afalia]

HFA Bomb Broadplace Protestant Community, 6 Dead
24th July 2014-Last Updated 20:02 AEST-Afalia's Most Popular Quality Newspaper Online

Soldiers of the 5th Battalion, Royal Lancers regiment conducting a parade as they arrived in Harling last month following the assassination of Christopher Kelly.

THE HFA HAVE confirmed that they were the ones that carried out a series of car bombings in a Protestant community of Broadplace today. Five separate car bombs detonated between half past twelve and one o'clock in the borough of Lionshare, Broadplace. Six people were killed, police have said, including two children. Another fifteen are said to be injured. A sixth car bomb was prevented from detonating by army munitions experts.

In a video message to police and the Blackdon Daily Journal this afternoon the HFA confirmed they were responsible for the bombing, which they claimed was in response to the Afalian Army's new 'oil spot' strategy-where army personnel secure neighbourhoods and communities in Harling from the HFA before expanding outwards, increasing the number of secure communities and boroughs. The policy has been in effect since the assassination of Christopher Kelly last month and has so far seen four Catholic boroughs of Broadplace 'secured' from terrorism.

Speaking directly to the new Prime Minister the leader of the HFA Gareth Curren, whose whereabouts are still unknown, said, 'Your oil spot theory will fail. The Harling people will not be won over by bribes, nor by fascist boots in our streets.' The bombs, parked in cars across the two square mile borough of Broadplace, Harling's capital, exploded at lunchtime. Six people have been confirmed dead, including two children. In a separate message sent to police and the Journal the HFA apologised for the deaths of the two children saying, 'We did not and never do target children. Our fight is with the oppressors and occupiers of the Afalian army and government and their protestant collaborators.'

Police and ambulances responded to the scene ten minutes after the first bomb detonated. However their efforts were difficult as a further four car bombs exploded across Lionshare. Afalian Army soldiers and munitions experts also joined emergency services in defusing a sixth car bomb minutes before it was due to detonate, according to Harling Island constabulary. Injured were rushed to nearby Our Lady St. Mary Hospital but four of the dead six died this afternoon from their injuries. Two people were confirmed dead on arrival at the scene of the bombings.

The news comes as Christopher Kelly's former bodyguard, Vincent Nelson, who was with the prime minister when he was assassinated was officially arrested by police today on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. Mr. Nelson, who was in hospital following his injuries during the assassination on Mr. Kelly until last week, was arrested at his Blackdon home yesterday evening and taken to Royal Blackdon Police headquarters. Police have not released any further details but did say Mr. Nelson is being held, 'in connection with the ongoing Christopher Kelly case.' HFA member Brenton Drummond also appeared at a hearing earlier today to confirm his name, date of birth and address ahead of a trial date in the coming months for the murder of the prime minister. It also comes only weeks after the HFA takeover of the Afalian embassy in Regnum Albion.

In response to the attacks security around Fortmoor Barracks in Broadplace, other barracks in Harling and ports across the island have been stepped up. The Prime Minister, speaking from Fairfax House, condemned the violence and said that the targeting of civilians proved, 'once again that the HFA do not seek peace or democracy, but wish to force their own opinions upon others through the use of violence and terror.' Fairfax House has stepped up its efforts concerning the Harling terrors in the last week with legislation for the creation of a new Harling Legislative assembly to be read tomorrow in an all day, partly emergency session. Plans for the Prime Minister to meet with leaders of the Harling Independence Movement and the Catholic Church in Harling have also been announced, as have proposed plans for the reformation of the Harling Island constabulary, local councils, businesses and other Harling institutions.

Commentators have noted this new 'carrot and stick' policy as one of the major defining themes of Jessica Shaw's premiership so far, with an increase in troops, Anglican and Itailian military support and a harsher crackdown on HFA sympathisers abroad on the one hand, combined with policies designed to 'warm the Harling people' to the mainland and reduce popular support for the HFA amongst the Catholic communities.

The deaths of the six civilians and deaths of five HFA members last week during an Afalian Army raid in St. Mary's, a town in northern Harling, mean that the death toll for the conflict has risen over 200 to 204.

OTHER NEWS

• Vincent Nelson Arrest: Full Ongoing Coverage [ 21978 ]
• Florysian Forces Increase Training [ 967 ]
• Anglican Armed Forces Reforms: What Do They Mean For Afalia & Aeneas [ 1782 ]
• Bush Hunters Begin South Arturia Withdrawal [ 1561 ]
• Gvozdevski Bombs Suspected Indian Warrior Brotherhood Camps [ 2349 ]
• House of Peers Debates Modern Day Slavery Following Kotar Report [ 756 ]

[Afalia]

HFA: We Will No Longer Target Civilians
18th August 2014-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Quality Newspaper

THE HFA WILL no longer target civilians according to an official video announcement. The leader of the HFA, Gareth Curren, speaking in a video message sent to the government and police, said that the organisation would no longer 'target Protestant civilians or civilians of any faith, in Harling or the mainland,' but would continue to 'fight the Afalian occupiers in Harling wherever they are.' The announcement comes after the HFA bombed the protestant community of Lionshare in Broadplace, with six civilian deaths.

Fairfax House said the announcement did not mean 'the fight against the HFA would be stepped down.' A spokesman said that, 'The HFA remain responsible for the deaths of hundreds of civilians through their terrorist campaign. The Afalian government remains committed to creating the conditions for peace and stability in Harling.' Sources inside Fairfax House said that whilst the 'decision not to target civilians' was a 'good sign,' the HFA 'would have to prove they weren't going to target civilians. We can't trust them that easily.'

Speaking to the Blackdon Daily Journal professor of Harling studies Dr. Wickmore said that, 'This announcement marks a major change in HFA policy and direction. The deaths of the six civilians last month drew widespread criticism, not least because of the deaths of two children among the six. Responding to this pressure the HFA have decided to only target Afalian soldiers. Whilst they have not ruled out of targeting soldiers on the mainland the likelihood is that action of the HFA will now be restricted to Harling Island.'

The announcement comes after the House of Peers passed the Harling Legislative Assembly Act last week paving the way for an independent legislative assembly for Harling Island. The Prime Minister, speaking in Parliament, said that the new assembly would remove the problems of protestant domination and corruption and allow for a fresh start for sectarian relations in Harling. The assembly act is expected to be signed by the Queen on Wednesday in a rare public ceremony. The ceremony will be attended by Catholic and Protestant leaders in Harling and representatives of the peace process across governmental and non-governmental lines. The assembly will contain 100 seats split evenly across Catholic and Protestant areas, with an independently chosen speaker. The first elections for the new assembly are scheduled for October.

In addition to this Fairfax House announced the first round of official peace talks between the government and Harling Independence Movement to be held in Verena in September. Representatives of the Catholic Church in Afalia and specific Catholic representatives in Harling, Harling Island Constabulary leaders, major catholic and protestant business leaders and county and local councillors.

[Florys]

21st August 2014

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Aggressive Diplomacy-The Armies of Aeneas turn to Florys
By Defence Analyst, Edmure Weeks.

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The 'Business End' of a Florysian Barbarian MkIII tank, one of the many MBT's to be deployed for 'Aenean Chainmail' .

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Situated in the extreme north of the country, far removed from the radiant meadows, pristine beaches and lazy canals that the Duchy is famous for, lies the chalky grasslands of 'Alsayers Plains' training ground. Here the Tri-Services have conducted large scale maneuvers and war games in preparation for operational tours for over sixty five years! It is this, relatively barren and unassuming land scape that will soon hold the unwavering attention of commanders from across Aeneas as the Grand Electocratic Duchy hosts Exercise: Aenean Chainmail, a multinational 'ground mobile' war game.

The Florysian New Model Army will be joined by a plethora of over-seas units from foreign forces including the Federal Army of Gvozdevsk, the The Aurinsulan National Defense Force and the Royal Afalian Army. It will be both the first occurrence of such a large gathering of foreign military power on Florysian soil, and the first time many members of the visiting nations armed forces have trained in the country. Sources within the Army inform us that the exercise will be focused on combined arms, forward echelon land warfare, that is to say, the use of tanks, artillery, infantry and mechanized units in concert. The organizers have also made clear the ancillary aims of the maneuvers are to breed closer ties of trust, camaraderie and healthy competition between the militaries of the region, especially in the face of the escalating conflicts in the Aenean middle north.

The plains that the multi-national formations will be engaging across are the is the military's largest real estate. Grid #2, where the exercise is set to take place is massive a 400kms battle field, complete with rolling hills, precarious valleys, natural water features and live fire zones. The training area is also outfitted with no less than six simulated settlements, many of which have been built in tactical locations across the grid, all of these mock towns have been constructed to stringent realism standards, to benefit the over all training experience of the exercising troops. It is on this proving ground that for over sixty years, new recruits of the New Model Army participate in their final tactical exercise of basic training, and as such has a bitter sweet reputation among troops.

During a press conference on the subject earlier this week, the New Model Army's 'Director of Land Forces Training', Col.Count Jacob Ellesmere VSM read the following statement:
...Exercise Aenean Chainmail is one of the most exiting prospects that we, as a modern and capable military, can imagine. It is a unique opportunity to forge newer, tighter relationships with some of the best developed fighting forces from across the region. It offers us the chance, not only to test our mettle against our foreign counterparts, but also work along side our over-seas allies, to help prepare them and ourselves for whatever contingency operations the future may hold. We here at the Department of Land Training have worked tirelessly to prepare the most immersive, testing exercise for all troops deployed to Alsayers Plains, and we have no doubt this will be an experience to look back, study, and learn from, for years to come...

The first foreign servicemen and women are due to be landing in the in Florys early next week with the exercise 'Going Live' not long afterwards. The Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Defence and the New Model Army charity 'Camouflage Trust' have also funded the visiting troops to have a three day tour of the nation as a sign of good will and co-operation.

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Also In This Issue
-Florysian Navy begins to escort merchant shipping near troubled Defesian waters.
-National interest grows in Afalia's 'Harling Situation'.
-A Species of flat fish, thought long extinct rediscovered!: The Pictures

[Afalia]

PM Announces Expansion of Kiboona Radar System
22nd August 2014-1 Chand-Afalia's Most Popular Quality Newspaper-Evening Edition

The Kiboona Radar Station 1, located in Kiboona, Helmsford, north Afalia. The radar system will be expanded by 500km over the next two to three years.

THE PRIME MINISTER has announced that the Kiboona Radar System will have its range of 2,500km extended to 3,000km over the next few years. The over the horizon radar system was first installed across northern Afalia in the late 1970s during increased security measures under the premiership of Frederick Dawson, as a lower cost alternative to planned airborne early warning systems. The system allows the Afalian Armed Forces to observe all nautical and air activity 2500km north of Afalia.

Speaking from Fairfax House, with the security secretary Roger Craig, Jessica Shaw announced that the system would be allocated approximately 100 million chands from the defence budget to complete the new upgrade phase. Speaking to the press after the joint statement Mrs. Shaw said that, 'As the Blitzen Bomb proved it is essential that Afalia, a country isolated in the corner of this region, has a radar system fit for the modern day-that we can detect and respond to threats in our often remote north.'

The system was the subject of a debate after the Titanican War, where it failed to pick up the bomber which would later launch the Blitzen bomb on Blackdon. In the emergency May 2013 budget millions were allocated towards upgrading the system to track stealth aircraft. However the Parliamentary Select Committee on Security recommended that the system be allocated additional funds. Despite suggestions that particular funds would be allocated for the system in the 2014 budget, no such funds were allocated. However this announcement marks a definite policy of improving the system.

Under the policy outlined the radar system will increase its range by 500km over the next two to three years, with plans for a potential future expansion to 3500km outlined for the next 8-15 years. The Royal Afalian Air Force Press Office said that work on upgrading the radar system would begin, 'almost immediately.' The Security Secretary Roger Craig said that the expansion of the system would, 'strengthen Afalian security and ensure our northern borders were safe from attack.' Members of the defence select committee, speaking on holiday, also welcomed the announcement.

However opposition and Labour leader Martin Jones criticised the policy in a television interview with ABC News, saying, 'We are now going to be spending 100 million Chands on expanding a radar system that is already more than adequate to provide for our defence. No matter what the tories may say we are not under any real threat. Titanica no longer poses a danger to our internal security. There are no other states which currently threaten us. The Titanican War is over. Yet this government continues to spend millions of taxpayers money on unnecessary defence projects.'

Fairfax House dismissed Mr. Jones criticism saying that, 'It remains the first and major priority of this government, any government, to provide for the defence of its citizens. By expanding the Kiboona radar system's range we are making sure Afalian citizens are better protected from a fast changing world, one which we now play a role in and one which can potentially inflict harm upon this country.'

Despite opposition from Labour and some within the Progressive Conservatives the policy will not face a vote in Parliament as the funds are being withdrawn from existing defence budgets. Work is expected to begin on the expansion of the radar system within a month.

[The Republic of Lanos]

National Broadcasting System
Lanos National News
Freedom, Democracy, Justice!

Segland-Defese War spooks oil markets

The Segland-Defese War has only lasted a week and the Keinsteinem Oil Trading Market has been officially spooked as oil is trading higher than it was a week ago. From last week's $97 per barrel the price spiked just over $20 to reach Friday's price of $120 per barrel of crude before being expected to gradually rise in response to the war over in the continent of Agenor at the start of trading next week. The Department of National Infrastructure and Energy cautioned that the price of oil could rise slowly but surely if the conflict continues in its present state. If it were to escalate further, oil prices could rise further still. LanOil and other Lanosian private oil companies are expected to profit given the current crisis but will be expected to plan for a contingency such as this conflict in the future to combat higher prices.

Reports on war crimes occurring in the conflict have leaked out given Defesian prohibitions on foreign reporters embedding with their forces. The pull-out of Defesian forces from the disputed town of Burcheg reportedly came with intense shelling and bombing in order to delay the Seglandic offense, killing an estimated 300 civilians during the entire battle. Reports also bear word that Seglandic POWs are being executed by Defesian forces. This comes after Seglandic authorities arrested the Defesian embassy staff, leading to a reported abandonment of force restraint in civilian areas, bringing a predictable rise of civilian casualties. With the arrest of the embassy staff, there have been further reports of how international protections have been disregarded for Seglandic persons. None of these reports could be independently verified.

Reports from Keinsteinem suggest that a future regional initiative could emanate from President Marina Aruthyan staring next week. As the Afalian Prime Minister is expected to make a state visit next week, the Department of Foreign Relations has suggested to the media that a major foreign policy announcement is coming possibly during or just after the state visit. No details on the announcement has been leaked to the public and is only known to the President and a few officials.

Stay tuned.

[Aurinsula]

民國111年8月24日

NEW FLAG OVER OCCUPIED TERRITORY
Union of Taunggu granted independence from occupying forces

SHWEKAW - The Union of Taunggu officially began its first day of autonomous self-governance after 5 years of occupation by the Aurinsulan National Self-Defense Force. This news comes six months after its first official election since the occupation began.

The new flag of Taunggu

The handover began with a ceremonial lowering and raising of flags. As the Aurinsulan flag lowered to the tune of the Auspicious Cloud, the new flag of Taunggu raised up to their new national anthem - "The Green and Gentle Fields." Military Commandant Zhu Fajie was present, as was Taunggu's new President-elect U Pandaw.

President U Pandaw's first official act, once the flag ceremony was complete, was to sign into law the new Constitution of Taunggu. This Constitution was written by a team of eminent Taung intellectuals, and closely mirrors its counterpart in Aurinsula. This allowed the Legislative Assembly of Taunggu to take its seats in their new building and begin the business of government in the new country. President U Pandaw also appointed Kaw Sayadaw U Dhammapakkhiya to be the new Sangharaja, or Supreme Monk, to guide the country's reformed monastic community.

The Union of Taunggu not only comprises the area held by the pre-war Republic of Pegu, but also incorporates several districts formerly held by Chonburi. These districts were granted to Taunggu due to the preponderance of Taung-speaking peoples in those provinces, as well as their historical connection to the traditional Kingdom of Nzin.

In all, the whole country incorporates some 27 million citizens, 22 million of whom speak a Taung language, including Pegu. Of the remainder, the majority are new immigrants from elsewhere in Tinchalia who have come as guest-workers to help rebuild the country.

"The Taung peoples have a long and storied history with Aurinsula and with the whole Tinchalian people," said the new President during his inaugural address. "Though we have seen dark times, once again the Gods have seen fit that our fortunes rise together. Now, as the great poet Daw Nu once said, the time for tumult has come to a close. Let us retire once more to tend our gardens, and return to the joyful business of living through our days."

[Afalia]

Albion Returns To 'Splendid Isolationism'
26th August 2014-Last Updated 23:02 AEST-Afalia's Most Popular Quality Newspaper Online

THE ANGLICAN PARLIAMENT has voted for an historic foreign policy shift in a series of votes in the House of Commons tonight. After weeks of mounting pressure on the government to change foreign policy a series of votes organised by the Conservative opposition were held in Regnum Albion's Parliament tonight, leading to what Afalian sources are calling, 'one of the largest shifts from involvement to isolation of the Anglican nation.'

The House of Commons voted tonight to withdraw Anglican forces from conflict zones around the region, including West Chenberry causing panic amongst some Afalian, Anglican and international about the future of the country, as well as military advisors from Harling and other areas of operations, as well as pursuing a line of non-involvement with most Aenean affairs, except those which directly affected the security of Regnum Albion.

The Anglican Prime Minister Lord Tweedsmuir, speaking to journalists and the general public after the votes said, 'I am utterly disappointed and disheartened by the votes tonight. Regnum Albion will now return to isolation, much to my disappointment. However much I wish I could change the outcome of tonight's vote, it is the will of Parliament and the people that our current foreign policy does not continue.'

Opposition to Anglican foreign policy first emerged after the Cornelian Crisis and was exaggerated in the wake of the Chenberry situation. Many Anglican MPs and foreign office officials were concerned with the joint occupation of the Western half of Chenberry for a number of reasons, including the number of troops deployed, the continuing humanitarian and refugee situation and allegations, made by both Anglican and Afalian officials, that Aurinsula plans to continue to occupy large swathes of Chenberry territory. Others criticised Albion's foreign policy in general, saying that its involvement with Aenean affairs had only bought them problems since emerging from isolation in 2012.

Anglican forces across the region are due to begin a slow drawdown and withdrawal over the next three to four months. The news of the withdrawal in Chenberry brought an immediate reaction from Prime Minister Jessica Shaw who promised that Afalia, 'remains committed to its role in Chenberry and, if necessary, will take on a bigger role to ensure that we can create a modern, democratic and disarmed state in Mineas.'

The apparent promise by Mrs. Shaw that Afalia would take on a bigger role in the West Chenberry situation-hinting at an increase of troop numbers to provide security and help manage the refugee crisis, will help calm Afalian markets when they open tomorrow after the extended Tuesday bank holiday but are still expected to fall in the wake of the announcement. Other markets also fell in the wake of the news. The Ministry of Defence has announced it will be holding a special press conference later this week to discuss a new security policy with regards to the Chenberry situation.

OTHER NEWS

• 12 HFA Members Killed In Army/Police Raid [ 7523 ]
• MoD Confirm 'Bush Hunters' Active In Harling [ 12767 ]
• Rights Watch Raises Questions Over Aurinsulan Guest Worker Programme [ 10747 ]
• Afalian Battlegroup Prepares For Florysian Exercise [ 1219 ]
• Navy Prepares Operation To Protect Commercial Shipping In Wake Of Seglandic-Defesian Conflict [ 9073 ]
• Opinion: Larger Afalian Role Abroad Will Mean Welfare Sacrifices At Home [ 13956 ]

[Demphor]

[The Republic of Lanos]

National Broadcasting System
Lanos National News
Freedom, Democracy, Justice!

BREAKING NEWS
President Aruthyan to give speech in divided Chon capital

Ladies and gentlemen, we are live in Mahanakhon as President Marina Aruthyan arrived two days ago to inspect and observe the Lanosian mission in the International Occupation Zone in Chonburi. She has made an unscheduled stop here in the divided capital to inspect Lanosian elements here before she shortly announced to the world that she was to be speaking from the Chancellory in front of soldiers from one of the formations engaged in occupation duty and in front of residents of this city. Her trip was announced earlier this month publicly but this speech is regarded as a surprise for the President as her undisclosed idea broached about before this trip appears to be related. We are waiting for her to take to the podium any moment.

If you are tuning in just now, the President of Lanos is to give a speech in front of the Chancellory in Mahanakhon, Chonburi, in front of what is now the International Occupation Mission Headquarters in the divided Chon capital. Here we go...she is taking the podium right now. Ladies and gentlemen, the President of Lanos, the Honorable Marina Aruthyan.

Ladies and gentlemen of our region Aeneas,

Our region has seen one terrible war destroy a nation and harmed others involved in its wrath. We see its aftermath to this day two years removed from the last of the shooting in the Second Chon War here behind me in this once-beautiful city. We were united in the goal of stopping the Chonburi war machine and after it ended, we have lost our sense of unity, unable to agree upon the future path of this country. We have seen a war escalate from a border dispute between Segland and Defese, with reports of war crimes taking place and a disregard for should-be adopted international laws regarding such horrific offenses. Couple that with a lack of a coordination between nations in the region of what should be done to prevent war and what should be governed if war does break out. War in this region is a dangerous prospect. We have seen, in the last 50 years, the use of nuclear weapons between Segland and Defese and the destruction wrought by the Chon war machine.

I do not take these past events lightly and neither should the rest of the region. For too long, I've myself watched this region go from the brink back into solvency again. The threat of a war that could destroy yet another nation or even this region lurks around the corner when one conflict emerges and escalates. It is my desire and the desire of my nation, Lanos, to seek a means of establishing and maintaining peace, international guidelines and laws, and international dialogue within Aeneas, a desire I stated to try to achieve when I first became president in 2013. I should not be alone in seeking in the implementation of this desire as I am sure many in this region also wish for international peace. Peace is a common goal we should work together on.

I would like to ask, first, that the conflict between Segland and Defese ceases immediately with a ceasefire agreement and a standing down of all aggressive forces on both sides and that both sides permit neutral international observers and mediators to attempt to work out the complex border shared by these two nations. My second request is to ask the heads of state and or government to come to Fairfax in the state of Dakmar by the end of next week so that we can begin to create, as I would like to term it, an assembly of nations in this region to work for the common goal of peace and dialogue between nations in Aeneas. It is there that I would like to sit down at the table to discuss how we can achieve the three goals I have stated earlier and how to implement them fairly and universally across this region of ours. I do not wish to force anything upon any nation unless the nation is egregious or willfully violating said international laws but rather bring them to the table first be peaceful means and only save war for when it must be absolutely be fought.

Nobody in our region should be subject to any further conflict. No child should be forced to live without his or her father or mother lost in war. No nation should be forced to be divided and parceled among victors when they have lost a war, even if they started said war. An occupation should only be to rehabilitate a nation, not to annex or divide it in perpetuity with no hope of reunification. Ethnic cleansing and other serious crimes against humanity should be a thing of the past, not a policy of the modern day. War crime laws should be taken seriously, not willingly discarded and blatantly ignored when one belligerent nation breaks them either by design or by accident. Nuclear weapons may be owned by rational nations but not used about to blackmail a nation or region to gain an upper hand by an irrational actor. I do not wish to indict nations now but to try to change their ways by talks instead of bullets. Too many people have died in the last fifty years by war. It is time we change the culture of war to stop further death and destruction before we go into the abyss that we may face without a serious change.

I challenge all national leaders of our region. If you wish to change the nature of war, come to my nation. If you wish to change the rules of war to make it fair for all, not for some, come to our nation. If you value peace and the lives of your people more than you value war, come to Lanos. If you wish to finally put further conflict aside, join the rest of us and begin to make a change starting with the first discussions in Fairfax. Do not come as just a citizen or national of your nation. Come first as a citizen of Aeneas and do not argue just for your nation but for the sake of all peoples in our region. I look forward to meeting you and your delegations by the end of next week to begin to work for peace in Aeneas.

Thank you and may God help us achieve peace in our region.

Ladies and gentlemen, as she leaves the podium to cheering, we have just witnessed Marina Aruthyan, President of Lanos, lay out her visions of creating a regional assembly for peace and dialogue in Aeneas. After mentioning the major wars in the region over the past 50 years as well as mentioning recent events without naming specific actors, we have seen her transition from talking about the time of war to what she hopes to create: a time of peace for the region. We may only hope that others will take this request for peace as seriously as she does.

Stay tuned.

[Florys]

21st August 2014

1C

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A Meeting Of Minds-Premier Elect To Meet With Afalian Opposite
By Political Analyst, Georgia Winde.

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Premier Elect Westerly is set to arrive in the South Aenean island nation tommorow.

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Premier Elect Lucius Westerly is set to arrive in the Kingdom of Afalia in the small hours of Monday morning alongside the Minster of the Treasury, Ms.Rene Summers to begin a series of high profile negotiations and dialogues with their Afalian counterparts. The meeting follows the late Afalian Prime Minister Christopher Kelly's visit to Deliverance over six months ago.

The months that have have followed the Kelly assassination have been tumultuous to the extreme and with a rising death toll on the island of Harling, economic and political fluctuations spreading around Aeneas and a state of war breaking out between the nations of Defese and Segland, the two delegations will have plenty to talk about. The key topics of the dialogue however are likely going to be focused on the two nations providing a united front on certain matters and ensuring closer links with the withdrawal of the Crown Commonwealth of R.Alblion from the international political stage.

The Premier Elect himself is said to be 'thrilled' with the opportunity to visit the nation of Afalia as well as meet Prime Minister Jessica Shaw, leader of the country's 'Progressive Conservative' party and the head of Afalian Government with whom he has been previously quoted to support and share many similar ideals. The journey to the Island nation is set to be the Premier Elect's first professional over-seas venture since the birth of his second child, Leighton, with his geologist wife Helen some ten months ago. In a press conference outside Avalon House yesterday, Premier Elect Westerly had this to say:

"I am thrilled to be visiting the Kingdom of Afalia in the coming week. In light of recent events across Aeneas and indeed the globe it is imperative that the nations that stand for civilization, stability and freedom align themselves so as to better to become a force for good in the region. It has long been an aspiration of mine to visit the country and I am keen to learn more of our friends from across the Austerian. My only regrets are that the optimistic nature of this visit is to be marred by the actions of a few cowardly and misguided extremists and that the great Mr.Christopher Kelly is not here to see his vision of a unified Aeneas becoming a step closer to reality, thank you."

The address that Westerly read outside Avalon House has ruffled a few feathers in diplomatic circles as it is the first time a member of the Florysian administration has personally condoned the campaign of the religiously motivated Harling Freedom Army in such strong terms, the Dual Parliament has also been criticized by some of the more traditionalist noble houses for 'Pandering to the colonial nation' by not sending a member of the gentry as part of the delegation. Never the less, support for the dialogue seems to be high across the peoples and administrations of both states and is seen as a step in the right direction for a more stable Aeneas.

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Also In This Issue
-What does a politically withdrawn Crown Commonwealth mean for the Grand Electoral Duchy.
-Seventh series of hit crime drama 'Custodians' set to start filming imminently.
-Exercise Aenean Chainmail. Who will prevail?

[North Defese]

Defesian State News

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The Voice of Integrity

Issue 203 - September 13th, 2014

2nd Fleet Nearing Completion

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Ivanna Grugov - A spokesperson for the Shikovundr announced today that the 2nd Fleet would finish construction by 2015. The new fleet consists of seven Argov-class destroyers, five Gerlot-class cruisers, and five Senri-class attack submarines. The fleet is expected to cost $30.9 billion dollars total, presenting a serious financial strain. The Interior Government reaffirmed its commitment to the Shikovundr as well as the navy, and is not planning to cut costs in other areas of the budget. When Defense Minister Mishka Filatov was asked how the government can afford such a large investment so shortly after the War of God's Wall with Segland, she repeated the line presented by the Interior Government.

"We are acquiring the funds necessary. The total cost is actually much lower when you account for the expenditures being offset by the corporations participating in construction."

From a strategic perspective, the new fleet is expected to pose a serious threat to current Seglandic naval advantages in the Livean. The stalemate that ensued in the naval skirmish during the war only served to remind everyone that our Empire, while powerful, is lacking the strength to use the seas to directly strike against our enemies. The fleet is also predicted to have the ability to be deployed anywhere in the region, creating a massive shift from the current defensive nature of the Imperial navy.

The Republic of Segland has not made any comments regarding the fleet, which sources predict to be stemming from a sense of fear of eventual Imperial advantages. We only have to look at the reliance of the Republic on merchant shipping in the Livean to understand the potential: a theoretical naval blockade would cause the Republic to collapse within months.

Of course this station is completely confident in the ability of our Empire to defeat the Republic in any conventional conflict, whether it be economic, diplomatic, or military. The only question is how big of an advantage we hold. It is through the leadership of Our Emperor, Protector of us All, that we continue to outpace our neighbor.

In more local matters, the military contracts and construction has lowered the unemployment rate of the city, bringing it down to 6%. This is good news, considering that the city was the flashpoint of riots only weeks before.

[Demphor]

As Keeleigh Resigns, Bradshaw Sworn In as President of the Republic
Vows to end corruption as Socialist popularity plummets

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Ormania, Demphorian Republic - President Brittany Keeleigh has been forced to resign as the Court of the Republic unanimously decided to remove her from the Presidency and hold her guilty on accounts on corruption and unconstitutional acts.

Bradshaw, who gained fame in January 2014 as being the only Socialist Party member of the James Kernow administration, has been widely known for showing more interests in diplomatic representation of his country then party politics. He's famously remarked in a DBC interview in June, "I don't care about the arguments, if you've got a job, just get it done."

Bradshaw has already made it clear that he has no interest in running for a second term. In his opening speech to the nation, he remarked, "My duty is to fill in the remaining of my predecessors term. My interest is not in party politics, more or less the representation of you, the people."

He's also made it clear that he will uphold the ruling of the Court of the Republic, and not pardon the Keeleigh administration as they are set to be imprisoned with life sentences late next week. "Corruption has no place in this nation, and there is not a chance that I would consider pardoning those who attempted to sell our country to special interests.

Even though he's received the endorsement of both the Socialist Party, Justice Party and the National Party, Bradshaw needs to address the nation with this tone of anti-corrupt ideals if his Party is going to stand a chance in the 2016 legislative election. His party's popularity has dropped twenty-seven points when the Keeleigh administration was caught accepting bribes from corporate donors, which is unconstitutional. Before the scandal erupted, the Socialist Party majority had a 60% popularity over it's opponents, now, it's a measly 33%.

However, most Demphorians feel comfortable with Bradshaw being President. The Court ruled that he had no involvement, and there's audio evidence that Keeleigh actually didn't involve him in the scandal. The Court ruled that Bradshaw could easily represent what Keeleigh failed to represent herself: the people. 65% of Demphorians approve of the appointment of Bradshaw to the Office of the President (according to a DBC poll conducted two days ago), and only disapprove of the partisan politics some Socialist lawmakers in Ormania have resorted to in order to shift blame away from their party and onto other political leaders and Parties.

Some political analysts believe that this may balance out the political downward spiral the country faced during the trial of President Keeleigh, hoping that now-President John Bradshaw can restore a sense of decency to Ormania. Others claim that the damage has already been done, and possibly the reputation of the government may already be stained from the Keeleigh administration's corrupt activities.

[Lyncanestria]

New Lord Governor Appointed
6 October 2014 by Michelle Robertson

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Today, it was announced that the Emperor's appointment of Charles Neal, III as Lord Governor of Lyncanestria was affirmed by the National Parliament, making Mr. Neal officially the youngest Lord Governor ever appointed to said office. However, the appointment is not without controversy, as it is well known that both the Emperor and the new Lord Governor went to school together and were in the same graduating class. The Emperor's public relations liaisons have said, 'It is that by knowing him well that the Emperor assures he's the best man for the job, rather than by knowing him alone he has become a crony.' Vocal opponents in the opposition party have accused the Conservatives for 'permitting cronyism in its most blatant form'. Regardless, the newly-appointed Lord Governor has vowed to focus his tenure on reducing the recently growing crime rates plaguing the more urban centres of the Autonomous District. This new appointment comes after the previous Lord Governor, Albert Cage, announced his resignation following medical complications.

Historical Landmark Residence to become Public Attraction
by Maria Collins-Worth

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Many people knowledgeable of the historic palaces and castles of the Empire would say that the Palace at Parmes in the province of Junois is among the most celebrated, given its refined architecture and rich history. Since it was built in 1522, it has served as the chief residence of the Junois noble family and had remained privately owned by them until 1987, when it became held in trust by the Junois provincial government for the ducal family. Until now, that is. Last Friday, the Parliament of Junois voted to accept a bill which would open the Palace to the public and move the ducal family out to their last remaining residence, the St. Bartholomew Castle at Saulliery. With a reimbursement of ₡3.5 million, the ducal family has been forced out, this comes as the province suffers unprecedented stop in economic development. The provincial president, Thaddeus Grey has said that he hopes that this new attraction, along with the extra funding of other tourist attractions, like Saulliery beach, will increase provincial revenue and allow for the public programmes to remain untouched without budget cuts being needed.

Aeneas Seeks Intraregional Organisation
3 October 2014 by Leonard Gregory

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As the intense moments of the most recent Defesian-Seglander conflict begin to settle and calls for peace start to ring throughout the Aenean region, a number of nations have petitioned for a new regional organisation be formed to better connect the governments of the region under an overarching 'government', seeking to further the interests of the region as a whole and ease international tensions. Naturally, we have been asked to form part of this new organisation, and talks have started in the Republic of Lanos, where the Minster of Foreign Affairs and our ambassador have said they hope to have a charter for this new international coalition. Many, including the Emperor himself are calling this new organisation a 'landmark for the region' in terms of unprecedented cooperation.

[North Defese]

Defesian State News

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The Voice of Integrity

Issue 212 - October 6th, 2014

Food Riots Quelled

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Ivanna Grugov - The riots earlier this week that took place in Port Sindri were today suppressed in a crack-down by the Inner City Defense Force. The riots were sparked by shortages of food and electricity after a severe storm struck the port city, delaying shipments and causing rolling brownouts. Several markets were ransacked by the belligerent anarchists as two days of rioting threatened to paralyze the city.

Thankfully I.C.D.F. deployed 200 officers to the city, arming them with rubber bullets and tear gas. There were several clashes within the market district and the lower-class neighborhoods after there were refusals to abide by the curfew instated by City Overseer Lieutenant Benedikt Rastov, but I.C.D.F. were able to quickly suppress the rioting and made over a hundred arrests. Current estimates put damage costs at nearly $970 million NSD.

Insurgent Leader Captured!

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Gregory Mustov - General Akilina Syuzanna, the woman responsible for the battle against the insurgency in the northern Gerlotion provinces, today announced the capture of Varnava Mstislav, the "Vulture of the North". Varnava is the second highest member of the 'Gerlotion National Army', and is responsible for the orchestration of several high-profile attacks on Imperial officials and buildings within the Gerlotion provinces, including the bombings of Labinsk National Airport and the attack on the Mozhga Army Base. She is currently being held by Imperial Intelligence at an undisclosed location, where they will interrogate her and extract her considerable knowledge of the GNA.

Due to her classification as a terrorist, she has been denied a trial. Varnava will instead be held by Imperial Intelligence until she can be given sentencing by a military tribunal. The only option available to terrorists is execution or life imprisonment and hard labour. It is speculated that if Varnava provides Imperial Intelligence with vital information, they may lodge a request to stay the execution in favour of the life imprisonment.

[North Defese]

Imperial News Network

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The Standard in Media

Issue 421 - October 14th, 2014

Quarantine of Predyastk

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Iona Grisha - Following the sudden outbreak of influenza within the city of Predyatsk, the City Overseer Colonel Ferapont Yaromir has announced a quarantine to be put in place for infected areas. ICDF are being commissioned protective equipment and are beginning to set up barricades and check-points around areas known to harbour infected individuals. Those wanting to leave quarantined areas will only be permitted to do so with an examination to guarantee that they are not infected. The Minister of Health, Grigory Nikolay, held a press conference where he affirmed the actions of the ICDF and declared that the infection would be 'cauterized.'

The Overseer also encouraged residents to refrain from panicking, and reminded them that proper hand washing and avoiding contact with others are the best way to prevent infection. He also quashed rumours surrounding alleged shortages of medical supplies and healthcare officials, stating that "We have all necessary tools to provide care to those who really need it."

The virus is suspected to have infected over 800 people within the city, and spread rapidly after it was first discovered on the 2nd of this month. As of writing, there are 22 known deaths.

[Demphor]

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Media Host Causes Outrage of Offensive Comments

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CHRISTIANA, Demphorian Repubic, prominent right wing radio talk host Eugene Grisswald has caused uproar in Demphor by claiming that Defesian intelligence networks had openly corrupted the Keeleigh administration.

Grisswald’s statements have angered members of the national community.

President Brittany Keeleigh was convicted of corruption this August by the Supreme Court for accepting bribes, which is ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Grisswald claims that he has sources that prove his claims.

“The fact of the matter is that these Defesians cannot be trusted or negotiated with to do any dealings of any kind,” he ranted openly.

Later in the show, Grisswald later boasted that in order to stop prominent foreign spy rings from corrupting government offices, tighter immigration stances against Defesians should be taken to halt the stream of spies entering the country, despite the fact that the Demphorian government has issued a travel ban to and from Defese since June as tensions rose between the two nations.

Grisswald failed to mention other ethnic groups within the country, including Lanosians or Seglanders, both of which are other prominent minorities in Demphor. The National Census Bureau’s 2014 census issues that over 2 million Demphorian citizens are first generation immigrants. By failing to highlight other ethnic groups, Grisswald has angered Defesian-Demphorians of first, second and third generations.

“His statements have angered the Defesian community,” read a statement from the National Office for Defesian Relations, a representational organization promoting Defesian heritage from within the Republic. “it is a shame that these people have access to such communication today.”

However, some of Grisswalds statements have echoed the sentiments of political movements in the country. The National Front, a right-wing, Pan-Demphorianist political party, applauded the statements of the radio host.

“He speaks much of the truth,” said a National Front spokesperson in their party headquarters on Monday. “Grisswald has highlighted a horrible corruption both socially, economically and politically by permitting these Defesians to operate against the interests of the government.”

The National Front is expected to gain at least 15 seats in the new 180-seat National Assembly in 2016, and caucuses with the similarly named National Party, which has not commented on this incident.

[Funam (Ancient)]

ISLAMIC EMIRATE OF YOHOR LAUNCHES NEW OFFENSIVE

1 DINAR

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IEY terrorists gearing up for offensive

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28.10.2014 - Yohor, Funam

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The worst fears of Funamese population were confirmed as Islamic Emirate of Yohor - terrorist organisation which since 1998 wages war against the government - launched a new offensive today night. About 109 people were confirmed dead already, as wave of bombings and guerilla attacks begun all across Yohor region. Countless more people were wounded and many are missing. One of major attacks was carried on Kedai Besar shopping centre, where enormous bomb exploded, killing over 34 people and wounding even more, as well as making the shopping centre collapse. Terrorists also laid siege to court in Kota Yohor to release their comrades who were imprisoned there, including Dayang Adi Putra, - commander of famous 44th Martyrs Battalion, formation responsible for religious cleansing of Christians and Shiite Muslims in this area. Dayang's unit was also responsible for famous 2008 City Hall bombings in Kota Yohor, where a bomb was detonated near Kota Yohor city hall, blowing it up and killing over 82 people. For his deeds, since his capture in 2013 Adi Putra was to be sentenced to death via hanging, his execution to be carried two weeks from now. With new tide of terrorism rising in the Yohor province, we should look at genesis of this conflict.

PRAT militia patrols the jungle

Islam never took radical form in Funam, which since it's founding was very multi-cultural county, with different religions and a lot of different cultures. Even current Sultan, while actively protecting Islam, is of Christian faith. However, this fact is unable to tolerate for Islamic radicals, who are de fact remnants of his uncle's government. Sultan Tunaku Jafaar Shah, Current Sultan's uncle - tried to impose Sharia law upon the whole population, which included stoning, chopping off hands and other similar horrid punishments. However, after black revolution led by his nephew grand reforms have begun. Islam still has major role in politics, but is generally of tolerant kind, accepting other religions. Christianity has 18% worshippers and is generally widely socially on par with Islam; many Christians have highly respected functions in Secretariats of People's committees. Funam generally stays away from religions persecution (even if Atheism is frowned upon). However, current problems with Islamic Emirate of Yohor date back to 1997, where massive amount of riots shook Yohor. The riots were caused by Abu Izzat front. Abu Izzat front was formed directly after black revolution as counter-action against the secularist reforms. It is currently strongest Islamic radical faction in Funam, which is political group supporting Islamic Front for Liberation of Watinilam (IFLW) operating in Watinilam province and Islamic Emirate of Yohor - operating on Yohor province.


Much question in last times was also caused by paramilitary formations operating on government side. Popular Resistance Against Terrorism (PRAT) is one of largest vigilante militia groups, which was formed after General People's Congress issued a vote upon "Local Self Defence Formations" which allowed local People's Committees to form armed militias for local defence. However, many accuse PRAT that local People's Committee long ago lost control over PRAT, which begun eliminating everybody they see as a threat to social order. PRAT is well known for being first line of resistance against local terrorists; their militants often engage in fire fights with them during patrols in this mountainous region. However, PRAT is often accused of brutality against captured islamists; on one video which was recently leaked to internet, PRAT volunteers were beating and humiliating captured insurgents, to finally execute them. Most of local societies see however PRAT as their local heroes, and vigilantes receive a lot of community support from local people. Mior Citra, woman who is also member of local People's Committee Secretariat, tells us about the vigilantes;

"If not them we will be dead as now" she says "Those damned terrorists would have taken the region." However, many people see them as obstacle for creating peace in the region.

How will the conflict end? Seeing how the situation escalates, it probably neither end soon, neither it would end without bloodshed.

Megat Dvi on behalf of Popular News Gazette.

[North Defese]

Imperial News Network

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The Standard in Media

Issue 421 - October 28th, 2014

Destroyer Deployed At Demphor

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Iona Grisha - Today the Minister of the Armed Forces Mishka Filatov announced that the destroyer Lugebevsk (named after King Lugebevsk Gradysk 1260 - 1281) would be deployed outside Demphorian waters. Currently the destroyer is stationed in the District of Izmena, which is directly south of the Demphorian islands.

Filatov explained that the reason for the deployment being offensive treatment of Defesian ethnicities within the nation of Demphor, calling it 'provocative' and 'disgusting'. She cited recent remarked by a radical radio host Eugene Grisswald and the Demphorian National Party, who used extremely harsh language against Defesian minorities living within their nation, as more evidence.

"Our Empire is no longer a victim to the whims of belligerent powers," she further explained, "the message we give them is loud and clear: We are watching. If they want to subjugate our people, then we will show them the consequences."

While the destroyer will remain in international waters, its position right outside Demphorian national waters will no doubt be very alarming to them, and remind them that the Empire is fully capable of defending its people even when they are outside its borders.

Lugebevsk itself is one of the more modern destroyers in the navy. It was constructed in 1997 and participated in the sole naval engagement with Segland during the War of God's Wall, where it and its crew fought valiantly. It will launch from its port at the end of the week, where it will remain stationed outside Demphorian waters for the foreseeable future.