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by **Tippercommon** » Fri Sep 12, 2014 9:22 am

UTR Naval Base Falls to Right-Wing Militants in Terinyi, Ashizwe

Released photos of captive UTR Marines shortly before their execution.
Courtesy of the National Patriot

By Marcus Chester

Ambrosia, Alleghania - Correspondents on the TNV Liberty Watch are reporting that on the early morning of 12 September, forces of the Terinyi National Socialist Army and the international crime syndicate the Corps of Constables have overran the Stortford Naval Air Base in the center of the country, killing and capturing almost 400 sailors and marines. The Terinyi National Socialist movement recently engaged in a lightning campaign in mid-July at the height of the Tippercommon Civil War, capturing the nation's valuable diamond mines in the north and pushing loyalist forces further south. As Stortford NAB fell to militant forces, the Corps of Constables announced through several right-wing media outlets throughout Pardes, including Rodarian media outlet "National Patriot," that it was under a private security contract by the Terinyi National Socialist movement, similar to the type it had received from the Meritocratic Union from 1990 to 2014, and that it had begun operations in Ashizwe.

All 25,000 members of the Corps of Constables now sit at the top of the Judicial Office's "Most Wanted" list. When the Sussex Group Conglomerate - the Corps of Constables parent company - failed as a result of the financial crisis of early 2014, the Corps was seized by the Department of the Treasury. However, being the primary security for the merchant marine, the Corps was spread throughout Pardes, adding further to the confusion caused by the Civil War. Most of the Corps remained unaccounted for, and by the signing of the Treaty of Ambrosia in Alleghania on 24 August, it had become clear that a substantial portion of Constables had gone rogue. Several hundred Constables had been implicated for war crimes, with executed civilians being recovered in Hyperion and a town in Ayton (JAT) being torched by a group of contractors. As Constables and Sussex Group warships were charged with protecting merchant marine vessels and Department of Treasury buildings, the Corps made off with several hundred million dollars worth of gold, fighter aircraft bound for Orlessia, and billions of dollars worth of goods. The Corps had been outfitted rather recently by the Meritocracy's Board of Defense, meaning they have access to an unspecified amount of naval aircraft, which may include the new Corsair F3 and Pegasus F4 fighters.

The Terinyi National Socialist Movement had been gaining ground over the past decade, setting its sights on the Meritocracy-backed Republican government. Up until the withdrawal of Tippercommon troops, the group had remained in check, confined primarily to the poor northern provinces. Starting towards the end of July, NSA militants upped the ante, expanding from minor terrorist and insurgency operations to a full scale sweep of the Terinyi countryside. The day before the end of the Civil War, the militants had reached the state's capital of Stortford. Since then, the citizens of Stortford have been subject to random shelling, the decimation of entire neighborhoods, kidnappings, and rape. It has not been confirmed if the Corps of Constables aided the militants with Meritocracy military hardware.

At around 2:05 AM Sussex Standard Time, a video was posted on the shock site "Guts and Glory," depicting the execution of several UTR Marines by what appears to be a squad of Terinyi Nationalists. Their identities at this time have not been confirmed by the Naval Department, but the Office of Diplomatic Affairs has stated in a short statement this morning that it is launching an investigation into the matter. The naval establishment at Stortford did house a small detachment of Marines; the 15th Guards Company according to the Naval Department's portal. The unit markers on the uniforms depicted in the video are consistent with a Guard Detachment. Back in late May, the base housed two battalions of Marines, including elite Force Reconnaissance companies and a Marine Air wing. However, as the Hyperion rebels advanced on the capital of Tippercommon, all primary combat Marine units, except for the base's organic Guard Detachment, were pulled out, shipping out along with an element of the 2nd Fleet. This left the base understrength, with only about 170 Marines and 200 non-combatant sailors manning the only Tippercommon military establishment in central Terinyi. Those Marines and sailors now seem to be paying a price, with an unknown number being executed or killed in the fighting, and rest being held captive. Only four Marines, the crew of a helicopter, managed to escape the battle and relay this report to a Coast Guard cutter in the Gulf of Alloquia.

The Office of Homeland Defense has not released a statement regarding the situation in Terinyi as of yet, although military involvement in Ashizwe seems imminent. The Office of Diplomatic Affairs has hinted at a possible OPA resolution to formulate an international response, contradicting early opinions that the UTR would leave the Organization of Pardesi Affairs. A timeline has not yet been specified for retaliatory action.

by **Rodarion** » Sun Sep 14, 2014 7:28 am

Foreign Minister Mircea Basescu to travel to Provisa for Talks

Mircea Basescu's visit to Provisa is his first and comes with 'good will'

September 14, 2014| 12.04 PM PCT | înregistrate| By: Claudiu Tadic

Foreign Minister Mircea Basescu left Pope Julius II International Airport this afteroon, his destination; Provisa, the capital of the Belhavian Empire. According to the Foreign Ministry, Minister Basescu's trip to Belhavia is entirely within the realms of good will and intentions of maintaing current relations between the Papal Republic and the Belhavian state, despite recents rifts over Flight EA112's downing over Drakkar, with suspicions falling upon the separatists and the continued cold relations between the CDI and the RCO. However prior to his departure, Minister Basescu addressed questions at the Foreign Ministry, with his main statement being, "I have complete faith in the Belhavians to continue valuing their relationship with the Papal Republic, both nations are vital to the regional economy and indeed long term peaceful co-existance between the CDI and the Romula Cooperation Organisation, my visit will cover numerous issues, however most cover issues of mutual benefit between both nations."

Mircea Basescu was appointed Foreign Minister three months ago by Consul Ceaușescu, after Petronela Stanca was moved to the Ministry of National Health and Social Services, after incumbet Emil Dalca is to step down on Wednesday due to ill-health. Although Minister Stanca appeared fine with the re-shuffle, many suspect it was a demotion after Minister Stanca criticised the Consul's efforts to shut down the Affordable Healthcare Act, which has been stalled since August. Mircea Basescu however, has been a key ally of Consul Ceaușescu and Proconsul Tiberiu Alexandreșcu since 2007, Mircea Basescu was chairman of the Senatorial Consultation Committee (SCC), the group of 18 Senators that represents the backbenchers for the National Catholic Party, Basescu is a staunch national catholic and patriot and many within the Rodarian Socialist Party (RSP) and the National Liberal Party believe that Basescu's appointment may only result in further division across Pardes as Basescu champions the growing interventionist foreign policy as the current administration, a claim rejected by the NCP as 'ridiculous nonsense, only liberals and socialists could conjure in the depths of irrevelance'.

Minister Basescu will meet his Belhavian counterpart Daniel Nobelstein for two days of talks, Minister Basescu will then travel to Westonaria and then finally he will travel to Los Reyes for talks with the new Ulthrannian government. The Foreign Ministry stated that the Minister will take with him, proposals for a reduction in the red-tape limiting the number of working visas given out to Belhavian nationals, the same visas will also have their time limits extended from 18 months to 36 months, the minister will also propose a trade deal with $5.4 billion which will last five years after signing. The trade deal includes easier access for Belhavian high quality goods such as computers and machine parts into the Rodarian economy and in exchange an increase in Rodarian white goods and light goods such as textiles. Apart from that, Minister Basescu and Foreign Minister Nobelstein will also discuss the situation in Drakkar, the Astra Pact, Rodar-Belhavian relations and CDI-RCO relations.

Octavian Candreva (NCP) said "let's not go there expecting a warm welcome,
I certainly don't expect one from an enemy of the Papal Republic"

However many Senators are doubtful, both sides will come out closer. Vocal NCP Senator, Octavian Candreva said during a session of the Senate today, "let's not go there and expect a war welcome, I certainly don't expect one from an enemy of the Papal Republic. Because let's not kid oursevles, the Belhavians do not like the Papal Republic, do not like its system, they do not like what it stands for and they certainly don't like what the RCO stands for, peaceful co-existance, regardless of whether you democratic or not so, because to the Belhavians its liberal democracies or nothing and beg my pardon Speaker, Rodarion doesn't exactly sit within the utopian view of Belhavia's leaders."

Senator Octavian Candreva, is the de facto leader of the Candreva family's 36 Senators within the NCP and a major RCO supporter and nationalist, he and his fellow family members have been critics of the government's efforts to improve relations between the Papal Republic and the CDI's memberstates. Last month, Aurlius Candreva, Octavian's son said publically, "they hate us, we should hate them equally, less we forget, we're the ones who make every basic thing they need to live such glorious lives under the liberal sun." However Senator Candreva's comments recieved groans from NCP, NCDP and NLP Senators and the Consul reminded the senator who produces and executes foreign policy, the executive not the legislature.

Minister Basescu is expected to land in Provisa early tonight, he will remain in Belhavia until tuesday morning, where he then travels to Centurion in Westonaria to discuss the situation in Albiya and Rodarian investments in the southern Ashizwe state.

PRRB's Claudiu Tadic contributed to this report.

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by **New Belhavia** » Sun Sep 14, 2014 2:55 pm

Trending Stories -- Rodar-Belhavian Talks -- 2014 RCO Summit -- New Pontus Crisis -- Operation Deliverance in Albiya -- Tippercommoner War Aftermath

Rodarian Foreign Minister To Provisa For Talks On Rodar-Belhavian Relations, Regional Issues

_{Pictured: Rodarian Papal Foreign Minister Mircea Basescu addressing the press in Provisa, N.B., before a meeting with Imperial Foreign Minister Daniel Nobelstein.}

Presidential Palace Spokesman: Issues include Drakkar, Flight 212, CDI-RCO relations, Papal-Imperial relations, and trade.
^{September 14th, 2014 | By Elazar Cohen (ecohen@aij.org) (AIJ) | 4:16pm EDT}

PROVISA, NEW BELHAVIA — This weekend, the Goldman Administration hosted the Foreign Minister of the Papal Republic of Rodarion, Mircea Basescu, in Provisa for a series of one-on-one talks with Belhavian Imperial Foreign Minister Daniel Nobelstein. Both Foreign Ministries presented the visit as a casual affair, though numerous analysts believe recent events may have disrupted the famously complex Rodar-Belhavian relationship, and Minister Basescu's impromptu visit is an attempt by Romula to shore up declining good will. However, the Imperial Foreign Ministry replied that the visit had been planned for weeks, and noted that Basescu will be continuing on to a longer trans-Pardes diplomatic jaunt to Westonaria and Ulthrannia next week.

Both sides acknowledge that among the topics discussed with include a litany of broader and narrow issues, including the current state of the Rodar-Belhavian relationship, a proposed free trade agreement, and Rodarian visa control reforms for Belhavian citizens. In addition, broader, regionwide issues such as ongoing CDI-RCO relations, Drakkar and the Flight 212 tragedy, the Far East Astra Pact, amid other topics.

Insider: Res. 0010 Good Will "Fading" Over Flight 212 Destruction

An important topic being discussed is the August 1st crash of Flight 212, which saw the loss of 482 passengers, including 161 Belhavians. President Goldman was reportedly incensed when he learned of the Rodarian response to the tragedy, including the Papal Republic's alleged cover for the pro-Rodarian Catholic Drakkar rebels, which allied Emmerian intelligence believes shot down the fateful Air Emmeria flight through evidence gleamed from social media and other intelligence reports.

This is in contrast to the good will generated by the near-universal regional support for Res. 0010, which passed the Organization for Pardesi Affairs (O.P.A.) vote with 89%. During the denounced Far East nuclear tests by the now so-called "Astra Pact", there is a well-captured moment where Goldman reportedly bonded with Pope Pius II's fiery broadside against the Far East rogue states.

The lack of progress of the investigation of the fatal crash over the last 6 weeks has frustrated the Gold Administration, which has been characterized by seeking justice for the victims, as well as casting off opposition Liberal Democratic narratives accusing the administration of "gross incompetence" and "callous indifference" in the still-unresolved crash's unknown perpetrators. Swing-province Tory Senators up for re-election in November's midterm election took the unusual step of penning a letter to Goldman demanding answers for the families of the deceased.

Minister Nobelstein is expected to press Basescu hard on the Rodarian response to the crash, as well as presumed Rodarian cover for the suspected perpetrators, a group of the Drakkarian rebels.

Economic, Geopolitical Issues To Dominate Talks

Goldman has been pushing for relaxed controls over visas for Imperial nationals to visit and work in Rodarion, an chief concern of the Dakos financial and business sectors. Belhavian investment firms do billions in day-, bond-, and equity-trading on the Voluntari Stock Exchange, the primary Rodarian stock and bond exchange.

Low-level foreign ministry staff communication has relayed the Rodarian interest in a free trade agreement with Provisa that could amount to as much as $5.4 billion over the next five years, with increased access for Belhavian capital goods into the Rodarian economy in return for greater access of white and light goods into the Belhavian economy. Sources close to the president say he is intrigued by the offer but as yet to decide on whether to accept it.

Besides Flight 212, both Foreign Ministers are expected to discuss broader proposed resolutions to concluding peace in Drakkar, as well as more general CDI-RCO relations. Frank Abramowicz, a senior analyst on Pardesi geopolitics who works for the defense contractor, the Pyrion Group, opined that "the Rodar-Belhavian relationship is complicated and complex at multiple levels. Both are socially conservative large economies, but find themselves on differing geopolitical divides. Rodarion is considered the leader of the [Romula Cooperation Organization], while Belhavia is viewed as a leading actor in the [Central Defense Initiative]. Both are societies and cultures primarily underpinned by Abrahamic faiths, both Belhavia is more free and pluralistic while Rodarion is more restrictive and closed. Our relationship is one of yearning but wariness, interest because of some commonalities but suspicion because of our chief differences."

Left, Right Divided Over Rodarian Overtures

The traditional liberal-conservatives divisions over foreign policy and diplomacy versus military projection were upended in the wake of this weekend's bilateral talks.

The left, in social media and among the Lib Dems, was torn between preferring this type of diplomacy over aggressive military posturing; yet, Rodarion, as a symbolic of state-imposed insularity and closed-society policies, holds a particular disdained and despised role in the Belhavian left's imagination. Lib Dem Senate Minority Leader, John Fellan (LD-Merrina), ridiculed some internal Rodarion distrust of the Empire on Twitter, lambasting one important Rodarian senator by saying that "@OctavianCandreva 'to the Belhavians its liberal democracies or nothing' - Maybe you forgot, esteemed Senator, that Belhavia is a constitutional monarchy. Obviously it's not 'liberal democracies or nothing'. Maybe you should get a refresher in comparative politics. #RodarKnowNothings".

Another outspoken liberal, antiwar activist and author Debra Feinburg, wrote a caustic shot at Senator Candreva's "enemy of the Papal Republic" remark, tweeting, "If we're such 'enemies', Senator, why do you want to sell your goods in our economy? #SocConHypocrites #RodarKnowNothings".

On the right, Tories and conservatives debated the utility of having Rodarion as a geopolitical and economic partner. One camp, led by Conservative Senator Evan Levin (C-JAT), argued that despite its leadership of the loathed RCO, Rodarion as an individual actor was "palatable to us as a Pardesi actor, economic actor", asserting that "we share some social beliefs, they protect and enfranchise their Jews, and they generally are anti-Marxist and promote capitalism and free enterprise. We can work with them." On the other spectrum, Senator Adrian Kalian (C-West Dakos), chairman of the Imperial Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a renowned defense hawk, denounced Rodarion as a "barbaric, totalitarian regime that wants to enable universal terror and iron-steeled cryptofascist policies that will leave all of Free Pardes as weakened, shadow of its former self...we cannot allow religious freedom, free and capitalist governments to fall to the pro-'any regime is okay' agenda of the Rodar-led RCO."

Opponents of the Papal Republic within the Imperial Senate put forward a resolution condemning Rodarion sparked chaos on the Senate floor, with individual senators voting every which way. An unorthodox bloc of socially-liberal and moderate, hawkish Lib Dems joined together, with 3 of 4 Libertarian Party members, and a few libertarian Tories and a handful of conservatives, such as Kalian, voting to condemn. Another bloc of pro-business conservative and libertarian Tories, the fourth Libertarian senator, and some antiwar liberals and pro-trade moderate Lib Dems voted in opposition to the motion. The resolution received three floor votes before it failed a third time, with Senate Majority Leader Ian Settas (C-Provisa), a potential 2016 presidential candidate and key Goldman ally, acting quickly to shelve the resolution, with received a majority on a voice count. Vice-President Jacob Grossman, dispatched hurriedly by Goldman when news reached of the surprise resolution, worked the floor, reportedly convincing enough senators to vote nay on the resolution in order for Settas to have a quorum to shelve it.

Presidential Palace insiders leaked that it would have been embarrassing to Goldman to have the resolution pass right as the Rodarian Foreign Minister was set to sit down with Minister Nobelstein, with the President calling the cell phones of several key allies on the Senate floor as the chaotic vote went down and scrambled Grossman to the Capitol Building down the street to control the damage and prevent an anti-Rodarion win.

When reached for comment, a Goldman press secretary declined to address the failed Senate resolution but stated that "we look forward to a constructive and positive dialogue between Foreign Ministers Nobelstein and Basescu."

Elazar Cohen reported from Provisa, N.B. None of these organizations are associated with the AIJ, and all opinions and personal views in the article do not reflect the viewpoints of the AIJ or their employees.

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by **Ankaran Union** » Sun Sep 14, 2014 4:20 pm

Army downs Eaglelander UAV over the Union

This image captures the moment the missile was fired at the unmanned aerial vehicle.

September 14, 2014| 18.44 PM PCT |Sertifikalı| By: Volkan Emin

Just moments ago, Colonel Serkan Koray of the 4th Air Defence Unit based on the frontier with New Pontus has confirmed that the Ankaran National Army, has successfully down an intrusive Eagelalnder UAV. At 18.38pm, local time, radar stations based outside Erkmentepe detected an unknown object crossing over into Ankaran airspace from New Pontus, it's size was determined to be to small for an aircraft and the ANA took immediate action, several air defence batteries located around the illegal territory immeditely mobilised and one battery had the honour of shooting down the spy aircraft, which was heading north-east, past Erkmentepe and towards the Erkmentepe Air Force Base.

An Air Defence trooper, took a picture just as the missile left the launcher, moments later the missile struck its target and the UAV tumbled down into the dry arid ground, wreckage was collected and transported to Erkmentepe Air Force Base for analysis, where it was identified as a Predator drone, these craft are also capable of carrying deadly weapons, the nature of the drone has unleashed fury across the Union. Colonel Serkan Koray has denounced the Eaglelander attempts at espionage from the skies, "do they truly underestimate our ability to defend our skies from intrusion? They can try again and we will shoot it down, over and over again."

Minister of Defence, General Mustafa Cetin has slammed the illegal territory for its blatan disregard for Ankaran sovereignty, "even as they continue to illegally occupy Ankaran soil, they not further insult our sovereignty by illegally entering our airspace with drones. I applaud the patriotic defenders in the 4th Air Defence Unit, their actions have shown the region that the Union can and will defend its airspace and sovereign territory, whoever and wherever the threat is." In response to the drone incident, the National Governance Council has authorised the deployment of a further six Air Defence Units, eight more radar units are also to be deployed along the border with the illegal territory. Erkmentepe Air Force Base has been placed on high alert and patrols of the frontier by fighter aircraft is also likely in the coming days.

General Ekin Bayraktar, the commanding officer of Erkemntepe Air Force Base, spoke to reporters after the incident saying, "this area of the Union is a highly charged region, we are all within eyesight of the greatest and continous insult to a nation's sovereignty, the Ankaran National Air Force is constantly watching and we will ensure that no more incursions take place, we will shoot down every military aircraft that enters Ankaran airspace."

The drone incident comes several days after an explosion killed 85 people in the Amaseia Night Market, no one has claimed responsibility, however independent sources in New Pontus indicate that the Eaglelander authorities may well place blame upon the Bozkurtlar (Grey Wolves) who apparently have a branch operating within the illegal territory. Over 854,000 ethnic Ankarans live in the territory, all of whom are now at risk of Eagleland reprisal, Aker Savaş, the most senior Imam in New Pontus has stated that many Ankarans come to his Mosque, explaining their fear that the Eaglelander authorities will not care who they arrest or intimidate, they will just act against any Ankaran. Anti-Ankaran attitudes have been high in New Pontus for decades, as the Eaglelander occupation authorities continue to incite racial and islamophobic hatred against the Ankaran minority.

Deputy Kılavuz Tarık Peynirci said that 'any reprisal against any Ankaran citizen will be treated as a reprisal against a citizen of this Union', anti-Eaglelander rallies are expected to take place tomorrow, with Erkmentepe welcoming over 43,000 protesters from villages and hamlets across the Erdine Province. Imren Akcatepe, the commander of the Erkmentepe Bozkurtlar said that the city of 154,000 will alive with roaring voices and beating drums, "the rally will be so loud, the occupiers will hear us in their glass towers in Trapesounta, we will shake their towers and mansions with our roar."

We expect that the Eaglelander government will produce lies as to why the UAV crossed over into the Union, we also expect denials of reprisals against the defenceless Ankaran minority, the Eaglelander government justifies its illegal occupation of sovereign Ankaran soil through lies and deciept, the Eaglelander government is without morals or honour.

ARTN's Volkan Emin contributed to this report.

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by **Hellenic Eagleland** » Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:08 pm

BREAKING: Eagleland Air Force UAV allegedly shot down over Ankaran Union; New Pontus Crisis quickly escalates.
Federal Government denies accusations by Ankaran Government, proceeds to new sanctions.
^{15 September 2014 | By Ioanna Vlassi (@jeannevlassi) (ENT)}

Leaked images of the downed Predator UAV by the Ankaran Government.

Constantinople, Konstantineian Capital Territory — Yesterday, the Ankaran Military stated that a Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), operated by the Eagleland Government, has been shot down over Ankaran territory. According to Ankaran News outlet ART News, "Colonel Serkan Koray of the 4th Air Defence Unit based on the frontier with New Pontus has confirmed that the Ankaran National Army, has successfully down an [...] Eagelalnder UAV. At 18.38pm, local time, radar stations based outside Erkmentepe detected an unknown object crossing over into Ankaran airspace from New Pontus, it's size was determined to be to small for an aircraft and the ANA took immediate action, several air defence batteries located around the illegal territory immeditely mobilised and one battery had the honour of shooting down the spy aircraft, which was heading north-east, past Erkmentepe and towards the Erkmentepe Air Force Base."

The Federal Government, be it the Presidential Office, the Ministerial Council, the Ministry of National Defence or the ENIS, refused to answer to repeated calls for interviews to ENT. The Federal Government denies any accusations of UAV intrusions in Ankaran Territory and affirmed that "Even if it's ours," as a source affirmed, "a UAV intrusion would have been anything but a small response to the threats and menaces that the Ankaran Union exercised on our soil. Though we deny any implication to the event, we can deduct from their statements that there is little room for reasoning with their Government."

Sanctions on Ankaran Union

At 17:15 today, both the Federal Immigration & Customs Authority (FICA) and the Pontus Checkpoints Aurthority (PCA) stated that, in view of these attacks, the flow of Ankaran nationals for temporary residence from ten to the maximum sixty days will be suspended and the numbers of visas granted for studies and permanent settlement reduced by 75%. Existing students and migrants will not be affected by the scheme. Furthermore, the number of temporary residence visas for a ten-day period every six months will be reduced to 15 a day (i.e 5,400 per year).

In a press conference, the press representative from the PCA stated "We cannot authorise entry of people from a nation that does not recognise us as part of the Orthodox Federation of the Eagleland; this does not honour our welcoming spirit." She then added: "850,000 Ankaran nationals reside in New Pontus, and even though some are not a security threat, others are confirmed members of the Yeni Pontus Bozkutlar, or the YPB. Members of the YPB only serve to demonise our efforts as an attack on the entirety of the Ankaran community here, so that they can gain support and destroy our nation. We appologise to the innocent Ankarans who take no part in this disgrace, but we will continue to enact such measures until the diplomatic situation ameliorates."

The Pontus Civil Guard rejected accusations from the Ankaran Government about threatening the local community in New Pontus, stating that "we will not carry out unjust investigations without evidence of crime, and being an Ankaran in New Pontus is not at all a crime; what constitutes a crime," they affirm, "is membership to the YPB and the criminal acts associated with it. We will continue to mercilessly hunt down the YPB, especially after the bomb attack ten days ago."

Updates on YPB criminal sprees

Though the Amaseia Night Market bombers are still at large, investigations are pending for most of those arrested at the Oinoe safehouse. Others were included in the list of wanted criminals and admitted to the crimes committed.

The YPB members accused of the attacks on August 26, i.e. the 17 Ankaran youths aged between 20-30 who threw stones at 25 Military Cemetary, Fanari District, Kerasounta and the 5 youths, again aged 20-30, who attacked the Archifylakas Triantafyllides Police Station, Oinoe, killing one 28-year-old woman, including those arrested at the raid in Oinoe on September the 5th, were convicted. Those who were arrested for the first crime, were charged with a count of tresspassing, a count of possessing illicit improvised weapons, a count of violating migration rules, a count of participation in a criminal organisation and a count of desacrating a grave each; they were all found guilty of all charges and sentenced to 25 years each in Federal Prisons in the Eagleland proper.

Those who were arrested for the second crime were each charged with a count of tresspassing, a count of possessing illicit improvised weapons, a count of violating migration rules, a count of participation in a criminal organisation, a count of causing public damage, a count of assault for civilians and a count for assault on security forces personnel; they were all found guilty of all counts and sentenced to 50 years imprisonment in Federal Prisons in the Eagleland proper. The person behind the death of the 28-year old woman was also charged with first degree murder and found guilty for it, plus all aforementioned counts for his fellow comrades; he received the death penalty.

Ioanna Vlassi reported from Constantinople, KCT. Konstantinos Irakeides contributed to the article from Constantinople, KCT.

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by **Ankaran Union** » Wed Sep 17, 2014 3:53 pm

Thousands attend Anti-Occupation rally in Nevşehir

Over 98,000 people attended a rally led by Kılavuz Kenan Evren.

September 16, 2014| 13.00 PM PCT |Sertifikalı| By: Hamad Jalani

An estimated 98,000 proud citizens attended the Anti-Occupation Rally in the capital today, led by Kılavuz Kenan Evren. Thousands came dressed in red, waving vast patriotic banners, portraits of the Eternal Father of the Union Celâl Bayar Atankarı and flags. It is one of the largest rallies seen in the capital in years, with hundreds more citizens joining the rally by boat on waters the Kumantepe Straits. Kılavuz Evren gave an passionate speech, urging the Ankaran people to stand strong for the 850,000 ethnic Ankarans living in the occupied territory of Erdine or "New Pontus". He urged solidarity, he also urged the people of the Union be they Arab, Persian or Turk to shout out to Pardes, to shake the earth with their roar.

Speaking to citizens, Kılavuz Evren said, "Stand firm brothers and sisters, stand strong, steady yourselves at the sound and sight of our siblings suffering in occupied Erdine, the Eaglelanders do not relent in their efforts to maintain their illegal presence on Ankaran soil, render yourselves to demands of the martyred, the most honourable martyrs of our previous attempts to free Erdine of the Eaglelander infestation, hear them, hear them cry.

How much longer must we continue to ignore the calls of our martyred parents, grandparents. By the grace of God we must listen, in the name of Imam Hussein we must listen, did Muslims ignore the calls and cries from the field of Karbala when Imam Hussein was struck down? No, they heard and they recognised his martyrdom, as must we for our own personal martyrs, we must take their sacrifice and embrace it and let it inspire us to tear Erdine away from under the feet of the occupiers."

The rally comes a day after the Ankaran National Army shot down an Eaglelander UAV, which was heading towards Ekrmentepe Air Force Base, illegally entering Ankaran airspace. In response to the Union's rightful act of self defence, the Occupation authorities in New Pontus have closed off the border further to ordinary citizens eager to make a living, despite the harm to their souls for working with such vile creatures. In response to the sanctions, all Eaglelander goods still within the Union have been collected in numerous towns and cities by the Bozkurtlar and set ablaze in numerous public demonstrations, in Canakkale, over 3,000 books, journals and magazines of Eaglelander origin were destroyed by a blaze in Selim Ozzan Park. Leader of the Bozkurtlar in Cannakle said, "we do not burn this books because of what they say or who wrote them, we burn them because they written with the blood of Ankarans, we burn them because they represent the occupation of Erdine, we burn them because they remind us with every word, with every page that 850,000 of our brothers and sisters, before Allah are alone, they live upon desocrated Ankaran soil and we say no more!"

Bozkurtlar in Zahedan, Ali Haydar spoke before 18,000 Grey Wolves, saying "soon, we shall cross that wretched border, we will burn down the Eaglelander monument to their occupation, we will burn down their dens of the idoltry, we will burn down their nests of decadence, we will burn down their cesspits of vainity, we will burn down their universe and by the will of God, we shall raise the martyr's flag over Mount Greece and let the world know that it shall be named Mount Damavand."

Speaking further in the capital, Kılavuz Evren stated, "They can close down the border to whoever they wish, the actions of a few in occupied Erdine, show that our brothers and sisters in that place have had enough, enough of marginalisation, enough of seperation and enough of the occupation, should they choose to launch a patriotic revolution of their own to topple the decadent arrogance of the occupational authorities we shall do so with them, we shall carry forth the banners of unity, of Shi'ism and carry forth the will of Celâl Bayar Atankarı.

"They can threaten all they wish, the will of the Ankaran people, the will of the union of Arabs, Persians and Turks, the will of the union of party, people and army will not be stopped, it cannot be stopped, by the will of God it shall never be stopped, for should we will anything, we can achieve anything and we shall achieve the demise of the occupation of Erdine, be it tomorrow, next week, next month or next year, it shall fall into ashes and upon the mound, shall flutter the martyr's flag." Throughout the rally, the vast crowd cheered, chanting, "God is the Greatest", "Death to Eagleland", "In the name of Imam Hussein" and "Liberate Erdine, Eradicate the Occupiers."

The Devgübak has announced that it has arrested six Eaglelander nationals for espionage and for plotting to commit terrorist acts against the Union, they have been transferred to Bozrum Prison outside Balıkesir, where they will face a military tribunal, if found guilty they will face the death penalty. The Ministry of Justice has refused to release them under house arrest, nor any prospect of being released back to Eagleland. The verdict will be determined tomorrow afternoon.

ARTN's Hamad Jalani contributed to this report.

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by **Belfras** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 3:50 am

BNN International
Regional Politics

Pope Pius III dies
Millions around the world mourns as Pope Pius III dies of heart failure.
^{18/SEP/2014 | Albert Worthson (@Worthsonnews) (BNN)}

His Holiness had been ill for some time prior to his death.

Isn Deslen, Belfras - The Rodarion government has confirmed this morning that Pope Pius III died last night at 23:12 hrs surrounded by his closest friends. The Pope, who was 77, ruled over the Romulan church and Rodarion politics for nine years. The Cardinal Secretary of State, Remus Draganescu, personally led a mass at the Pope's death bed and placed his holiness's personal bible on is body - a final sign of respect and admiration of Pope Pius' selfless service to the Catholic church. It was confirmed by Vatican Spokesman Enrico Buschemi that the Pope received the Viaticum prior to his death, a rite for the sick and dying.

Officials broke the news of the Pope's death with a simple message: "Our Holy Father Pius III has passed away peacefully in his sleep, may God and the Virgin Mary greet their ever faithful servant with open arms." It was known publicly that the Pope had previously cancelled trip to Copsa Mica due to ill-health and was reportedly feeling "down-trodden" some weeks prior to his hospitalization.

Spokesman Buschemi further explained that his Holiness suffered heart and blood pressure issues for some time prior to his death. It was also confirmed the Pope's funeral is as yet unconfirmed, but is likely to occur before Monday.

Prime Minister Ian Davies ordered flags around the country to half-mast in respect for His Holiness and joined His Majesty King James in mourning. King James, who is adamantly Rodarion Catholic, had mass at 8:00 along with several members of state, his family, and the Bishop of Callis and Deslen. King James voiced his high opinion of Pope Pius III and hope that his passing might remind those around the region of each-others humanity. HM King James has confirmed that preparations are being made to fly to Romula for the funeral should he be formally invited. His spokesman, Ser Michael Pattson, spoke on his behalf:

"His Majesty King James is racked with grief, much like all other faithful Catholics. At the same time he wishes to express his hope that not only would he be allowed to attend Pope Pius the third's funeral, but that His Holiness's passing might remind us all that we are human. His Majesty wished a quotation of the bible. Thessalonians 4:14 - 'For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.' His Holiness Pope Pius the Third will be in His Majesties prayers."

The Prime Minister will be facing another tough challenge as a rescheduled General Election date looms. Davies has been a long-time opponent to the Rodarion Government and has, on multiple occasions, pinned Pope Pius III as the cause of the problems. This has put him at odds with HM King James, who was an adamant supporter of the Pope's policies and has sought closer relations to Rodarion. While it's highly doubtful that anybody in the Vatican would have forgotten the events of the past few years, it's widely believed that they, like a vast majority of Belfrasians, are eager to move forward.

Pope Pius III intervened in the 2013 Belfrasian-Rodar crisis and successfully brought it to a peaceful conclusion, making him popular within Belfras. Whilst the Rodarion Catholic Church has voiced support for dissidents within the Itailian Empire, they have remained cautiously silent over the riots within Nos Callis that erupted shortly after the Drakkar Massacre. The now infamous religious terrorist cell 'Christ's Chosen' has risen to prominence among Catholic religious terrorist cells within Callis Province after the riots and is responsible for several attacks on people of other religions. Imam Jermaine Fishbourne became the groups latest victim after being attacked with machetes outside of his Mosque in Nos Callis.

The Bishop of Callis was quoted two weeks ago as saying that Christ's First had "Critically and fatally misunderstood God's word. This 'crusade' they have undertaken is naught but an errant path that will lead them to damnation." Bishop Patrick Rosen replaced Bishop Volancis after the latter was voted out of his position after trying to detach the catholic church in Belfras from Romula. Bishop Rosen has risen to prominence within the last twelve years and has recently been elected as the Belfrasian candidate to become a Cardinal.

News article by Albert Worthson.
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© Belfrasian News Network 2013

by **Arthurista** » Thu Sep 18, 2014 11:32 am

POPE PIUS III DIES

Arthuristan delegation to attend funeral

Dave Dimblesey, Chief Foreign Correspondent

Pope Pius III, supreme pontiff of the Romulan Catholic Church, died at 23:12 local time in Papal Medical Hospital, following his admittance due to a sudden illness.

"Our Holy Father Pius III has passed away peacefully in his sleep," states the pope's metsin' page which broke the news, "may God and the Virgin Mary greet their ever faithful servant with open arms."

In Loweport Cathedral, the mother-church of the 5% of Arthurista's population of that faith, a requiem mass was conducted for the departed pontiff. Gabriel Thurston, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Loweport, stated in a press release that "although relations between Arthurista and Romula have been frosty recently, due to the lamentable conflict in the Drakkar and the bombings in the capital, I hope we can put aside our differences and mourn the passing of a great servant of God."

The Foreign Office has dispatched an official message of condolence through its ambassador at Romula. The funeral will be attended by an Arthuristan delegation including His Serene Highnesses Lord Protector Gareth II and Prince Michael Arthurius, as well as leader of the major monotheistic faiths of Arthurista including the Archbishop of Kingston (the head of the Church of Arthurista), the Chief Rabbi of Loweport, the chairman of the Muslim Council of Arthurista, the president of the Arthuristan Sikh Association, the High Priest of the Zoroastrians of Arthurista and the director of the Arthuristan Ulthrian Assembly. Conspicuous in her absence is Princess Elbareth Arthurius, heir to the Protector's Shield, who converted to Archonism at the age of 16.

by **Geanna** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 7:34 am

DISPATCHES::RCO Summit; Amraviran Pipeline; Military Expenditure;Al-Kema falls

^{SHARE THIS:}

Melanie Laveau (@MelveauGBC) and Harrison Konstantinous (@KonstantHarris) (GBC)
^{09/19/2014 | Saxonople, CoG}

_{S T O R Y H E A D L I N E S}
:· NEW:Saxonople slams
the Ankaran Union, ''Misinformed''

:· Geannese Nationalism
on the rise says Think Tank

:·Ankaran Union provocative
'A threat to regional sovereignty'

:·Rebuilding the economy
RTC and SelCorp settle several multi-billion dollar deals

CoG, Pardes (GBC) —

RCO Summit

This year's RCO Summit was considered a success with several RCO members participating. In total $78 Billion USD was raised in numerous trade negotiations among RCO members - Another milestone during the summit was the support backing the RSCA [Romulan Scientific Cooperation Agreement]; President Isula Anina was especially pleased with the agreement to fund the Rempetrol Transnational Pipeline that'd run from Geanna through Amravira and into Espheria and the PRR. The agreement solidified the friendship of the two countries and ensured that petrol would continue to flow throughout southern Lusankya.

Military Expenditure

Anina also announced that the Geannese would begin to increase their budget to the military after the Ministry of Defense petitioned Parliament for almost 72 straight hours to work with the State in establishing a better mode of defense for the Commonwealth. Anina said that an additional $8.6 billion dollar plan would be built over the next five years to add to the already in place $18 billion dollar loft program to expand numerous naval and air facilities to help create almost 120,000 jobs within the 5 year bracket.

Al Kema

On August 27th - Geannese forces announced the beginning of UNISAS - The operation orchestrated between Ulthrannia and Geanna to eliminate the Albiyan Liberation Front in Ashizwe and attempt to re-establish an organized state. UNISAS had begun with a massive bombing campaign and cruise missile assault by the 5th fleet - within hours the Ilopl' Fleet had dumped almost 2,500 troops both from amphibious craft and air transport; into Albiya. Admiral O'Fallon stated that by the following day a total of 5,000 Geannese troops had pushed themselves into Albiya. At the same time Ulthrannia began it's invasion northward and began to drive towards Sorbishu an important focal point for the UNISAS operation. Despite the hefty fire-fight engagements Geannese forces encountered in and around Al Kema the city officially fell into Geannese hands early this morning giving the RAF and REM a basing point via the city's airfield.
By GBC's Melanie Laveau as Lead Reporter and Investigative Reporter Harrison Konstantinous

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by **Rodarion** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 9:07 am

Thousands visit the Pope in state

Thousands of Rodarians and Catholics from Pardes have payed their respects to the Pope who is lying in state inside the Saint Peter's Basilica

September 19, 2014| 13.30 PM PCT | înregistrate| By: Atticus Namarescu

Since Thursday, Pope Pius III's body has been lying in state, inside the Saint Peter's Basilica, there, thousands of Catholics from Rodarion, Belfras, Itailia and even Arthurista have travelled to pay their last respects to the late Bishop of Romula. Wednesday, Thursday and tonight will see continued public masses outside in parks, squares and streets as the Papal Republic still struggles to come terms with the sudden loss of their Pope. The Vatican also has confirmed that the Pope's funeral will take place on Sunday, major regional heads of state and government have been invited, some of whom will be listed below. On Monday, Cardinals will meet to dicsuss the upcoming Conclave, election of a new Pope. Conclave is set to start next Thursday.

The last two nights have seen millions out in the warm summer night air, holding candles, bibles, pictures of Pius, flags and tears. In Pope Julius II Square, in Romula, over a million people amassed to pray for the passed Pope, the mass at the square was led by Father Anton Malaxa, who himself shed tears as he broke down during prayer. At the Castle of Angels, two large spotlights were shot up into the air, on the Monument to the Papal Republic, a light projection used read "Pope Pius III, 1937-2014". Saint Peter's Square has remained packed since the news of the Pope's passing, over 765,000 people amassed before the doors of the Vatican, well over the 400,000 limit. Yet the Seraphim Guard (the Pope's personal security force) or the Romula Police had no intention of stopping people from offering their respects, in fact numerous pictures from Saint Peter's Square, show ordinary people passing candles to police officers, who too prayed.

In Voluntari, the largest city in Pardes, over 954,000 people amassed in Saint Maria Park for a requiem mass, in Videle, the second largest city in Rodarion, 775,000 people amassed in Pope Benedict XII Square for requiem mass, the mass was led by the Archbishop of Videle, Ciprian Tauran. Cardinal Chamberlain of the Romulan Catholic Church, Viktor Florin Stoica led prayers at Saint Peter's Basilica, he is now in charge of the Church and the Papal Republic until the next Pope is elected. Cardinal Stoica has not spoken to reporters or addressed the Senate since the death of Pius III, however the Office of the Cardinal Chamberlain has stated that "His Emminence, Cardinal Stoica will address the nation prior to the funeral of Pius III."

Hundreds of thousands attended mass in Saint Peter's Square

The Vatican has stated that it has invited all major heads of state and government to the Pope's funeral on Sunday, those invited are as follows: Belfras, King James, Prime Minister Ian Davies; Belhavia, King Peter III, President Eli Goldman; Emmeria, President Alex Vaziri; Tarsas, Emperor Romulus X; Ulthrannia, Emperor Carlos de Santiago, Vicar Octavio Mangellez de Fey; Arthurista, Lord Protector Gareth II, Prince Michael, the Archbishop of Kingston; Estovakiva, Autarch Valeriya Agaard; Geanna, President Isulia Anina; Prestonia, King Charles III; Anikatia, President Niklas Bykov; Eagleland, President Konstantinos Theodoropoulos; Sturmia, Sovereign Karl Quisling. All other RCO members have been invited, the leaders of the Beth Din in Belhavia, Chief Rabbi Schlomo Ben Asher has been invited, as has the Supreme Jurist of the Shi'ites in the Ankaran Union, the heads of the Seikh, Hindu and Buddhist communities in Arthurista.

All Rodarian Senators will be present at the Funeral, as will the Consul and Proconsul, it is expected that 900,000 people will line the streets leading to the Vatican, 320,000 people will be allowed to enter Saint Peter's Square, however due to international presence, a space in the square must be clear, for Seraphim Guards and police to protect the dignitaries. Should all those invited attend, the funeral Pope Pius III maybe the largest in Pardesi history, with an estimated 2.4 billion Catholics in Pardes, it may also be the most watched public funeral in Pardesi history. The funeral in Rodarion, will be televised live and large screens will be set up in parks, squares and other public spaces. On Sunday, all public transportation around the Vatican will be shut down, all major roads will be closed to vehicles, to make way for the vast crowds.

See here for travel disruptions

Tributes have continued to come in from across the Region, Eaglelander Catholic Minister of Religious Affairs, Maria Ioannidou said, "I feel that I am representing the millions of Catholics in the Eagleland who feel terribly shocked and struck by the death of Pope Pius III. Our nation, the nations of Pardes, and in particular, the billions of Pardesian Catholics will feel that his loss is a loss on all mankind. Let the soil be light on his grave, and God welcome him in Heaven with open arms."

Spokesman for Belfrasian King James said, "His Majesty King James is racked with grief, much like all other faithful Catholics. At the same time he wishes to express his hope that not only would he be allowed to attend Pope Pius the third's funeral, but that His Holiness's passing might remind us all that we are human. His Majesty wished a quotation of the bible. Thessalonians 4:14 - 'For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.' His Holiness Pope Pius the Third will be in His Majesties prayers."

The Pope's Funeral will begin at 9am Sunday, the Pope will recieve the Rite of Visitation tonight and then be placed ready for Requiem Mass in Saint Peter's Basilica where all invited dignitaries will be present, they will then be asked to go outside of the Basilica for the private cermony that only includes Cardinals and the heads of the Orthodox Churches. Then the funeral will progress until the Pope's recieves the Rite of Internment on Tuesday morning.

PRRB's Claudiu Tadic contributed to this report.

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by **Arthurista** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 12:17 pm

POPE POLITICS

Deconstructing Arthurista's funeral delegation

Princess Elbareth's absence from the roster has raised eyebrows among analysts

Dave Dimblesey, Chief Foreign Correspondent

As the pinnacles of power in Pardes prepare to make the trip for the funeral, Arthurista is doing likewise. As reported yesterday, a delegation including the Lord Protector and various Arthuristan religious leaders are about to make the journey to to Romula. Two individuals, however, are conspicuous in their absence - Prime Minister Leanne Whittaker and Princess Elbareth.

Government Representative

The fact that the Prime Minister will be giving the funeral a miss is not difficult to explain. After all, the present government has been a staunch supporter of Itailia in the tensions between the Empire and the Papal Republic over the Drakkar Province Insurgency, not to mention an opponent to the Rodarian theocratic regime on ideological grounds. It must also heed the strong current of anger directed at Romula from large sections of the public, who believe that its agents instigated the Loweport Bombings earlier this year, a fact that Rodarion denies.

The Lord Protector, on the other hand, represents not the government, but the Arthuristan nation. As a figure above politics, his presence is necessary to show respect on behalf of Arthurista at the passing of a fellow head of state. It was also considered vital that the 57 million strong Arthuristan christian community, some 20% of the population and of whom he is a member, be adequately represented at the funeral, complementing the role of the Archbishop of Kingston who is the official head of the Church of Arthurista, the largest denomination of the nation's christians.

As such, HSH's government will have to settle for being represented by the person of the Arthuristan ambassador to Rodarion, a comparatively lowly figure compared to the heads of government who will be attending the funeral.

Heir trouble

A more problematic absentee, compared to the Prime Minister, is Princess Elbareth, Duchess of Kingston and heir to the Protector's Shield. The most popular internet forum hypothesis is that her conversion to Archonism at age 16 effectively made her persona non grata. This is rather difficult to credit - Archonists revere many of the same deities as Itailian pagans. However, they hold that they are emanations, or facets, of a supreme creator God. As such, they can be considered monotheists in the sense that Vaishnavist Hindus are monotheists - delegates of that latter community were in fact invited to Romula by church authorities. A more creditable explanation is that Flight Lieutenant Elbareth Kingston, as she is known in the Arthuristan People's Air Force, has reportedly flown combat missions against the Drakkar Insurgents during the Battle of Nece (a fact neither confirmed nor denied by the Ministry of Defence, as per their standard response to such questions from the media regarding active or recent operations). As such, her presence at the funeral could be construed as politically embarrassing for both sides.

A wider question remains - would Her Serene Highness's absence during the funeral affect relations between Arthurista and Rodarion in the future, especially after her own succession to the Shield? This remains to be seen, although it seems inevitable that this episode would complicate bilateral relations in the years to come.

by **Tarsas** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 10:44 pm

His Holiness Pope Pius III Dies

His Holiness Pope Pius III, passed onto the hall of Plutos on at 23.12pm local time, surrounded by his closest friends and aides. The pope was reportedly hospitalized yesterday, reporting breathing problems, reported the PRRB. The Pope passed away from heart failure and experienced very little real pain or discomfort. The death was reportedly a peaceful one. Pius III was the leader of the Rodarion Catholic Church for 9 years, 4 months and 10 days.

Vatican spokesman Enrico Buschemi said a mass was held at his bedside by senior officials before his death, at 23.00. Cardinal Secretary of State, Remus Draganescu led the mass and personally placed the Pope's personal bible upon his body. The Pope then received the Viaticum, a Catholic rite for the sick and dying. The funeral will reportedly begin on Sunday at 9am and end Tuesday.

In a gesture of respect for the long time relationship between Tarsas and Rodarion, and the deceased, the Emperor ordered that a day of national mourning was to be declared and gave the nation a day off. Catholics were given the remainder of the work week off to attend services in the Pope's honor. Tarsas has a small minority population of 1.5% Rodarion Catholic faith adherents.

The Emperor released a statement regarding the event and commemorating the Pope. "On many occasions, we have had dealings with Pius III. Every time, he has shown himself to be a caring man. He had a love for others that you don't see in many people in today's time. He will be sorely missed by all." The Emperor will be personally attending the funeral service and is expected to be departing the nation as early as Friday.

The Bishop of Marvius, Caius Regara Terala, seen as the local leader of Rodarion Catholics in Tarsas, had this to say. "I met His Holiness on several occasions on my many trips between Marvius and Romula. I never knew a kinder man. His love for his people was inspiring, his shrewd calculating mind was admirable. The man had an uncanny capability to navigate the maze of Vatican politics and confound his enemies, which were many. He will be missed, and we mourn his passing." The Bishop will be attending as well, and has been invited as a member of the Emperor's procession that will be travelling to Rodarion. When asked what his plans were, he had this to say. "I will be staying in Romula for the next two months while the Papal government is in transition so I can attend the first mass that the successor will hold after his election. My trusted advisers will handle matters here."

Decia Gorva Eckas, High Priest of Plutos, also issued a statement. "I have no doubt that Plutos will treat the Pope well now that he is in the god's realm. He lived an upright life, serving the poor and doing good deeds. Those who do good deeds and do as much as they can with what they are given are not relegated to wander the Fields of Asphodel, but can enter the pastures of Vertos. I have no doubt that he was allowed in with the other exceptional people that reside there." The Temple of Plutos held its own service for the Pope, paying homage to him via sacrifice of jewels and two white lambs to appease Plutos and allow the Pius to gain a higher standing in the underworld.

To honor the Pope, the Imperial Senate has approved a measure that will allow Bishop Terala to erect a small mausoleum in Marvius to be a symbolic place that Catholics can enter and pay tribute to past Popes. Unlike the vast Hall of Emperors in Civitas Tarsae, this will be a small marble building near the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Marvius where one marble coffin will be placed inside as a symbolic representation of the burial chamber in Romula.

The final mass in honor of the Pope will be conducted by Bishop Terala on Thursday before he leaves to go to Romula. The mass will be held at the same time, at noon on Thursday, across the entire country in all the Catholic churches that are present. The mass will reportedly be attended by a representative from the Palace as a show of support for Catholics in this time of mourning for the loss of the Pope.

The funeral date has been set for Sunday and the IBA will have a crew on site to record the procession and broadcast it live for those who cannot make it to Romula.

The Final Mass for Pius III in Marvius at the Holy Trinity Cathedral

by **Central Prestonia** » Fri Sep 19, 2014 11:07 pm

Romulan Pope Dead at 77

Hudson His Holiness Pius III, Pope of the Romulan Catholic Church and head of state of the Papal Republic of Rodarion, passed away late Thursday, Rodarian authorities stated. His Holiness was 77 years of age, having been elected to the Papacy in 2005 at the age of 68.

Born and raised into modest, middle-class means in Rodarion as Lucian Florescu, His Holiness entered the ministry in 1951 and rose quickly through its ranks, being consecrated a cardinal in 1977 after a brief spell as a military chaplain. Throughout his career in the ministry, Pius held staunchly conservative theological positions, rejecting the radically liberal undercurrents of 1960s Rodarian theology while maintaining in his seminal work An Introduction to Christianity the importance of consensus in theological doctrine-building. This position was held throughout His Holiness' early ministry, though it became less-prominent with the rise of the political Rodarian Salvation Party, with which he was often identified.

In 1981 Florescu was appointed to head the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, a post better-known through its history as the Inquisition; he would maintain this post until his election to the papacy. It was here that Florescu's theological and temporal views assumed their current form; while taking an active role in Catholic scholarship, he also stridently criticised and censored publications he considered heterodox. His seminal work Dominus Iesus affirmed the doctrines of papal centralism and unam sanctum, a sharp departure from his earlier stances on the Church and its relation to world religion. He is perhaps best known, however, for his forceful attacks on church child abuse, characterising it as "a modern-day Crusade for the very soul of our Blessed Church."

Upon election, Pius receded somewhat from the political aspects of the Papacy, focusing on the theological roles to which he was better accustomed while emphasizing social justice and compassion domestically. Ironically, his humility fostered an intense cult of personality, with law at one point decreeing his portrait be hung in government buildings. In foreign affairs, critics have charged Pius as an ineffective, indifferent counsel, particularly in matters of the Drakkar Crisis; supporters cite increased relations between the Papal Republic and Belhavia as a counterpoint.

Pius had no living relations at the time of his passing.

Shock, Sadness at Home as Legacy Debated

Around the world, expressions of condolence flooded the airwaves as the world's leaders eulogized the departed Pontiff. In a conference Thursday afternoon, Emperor Albert Francis paid tribute to the Pontiff, whom he described as "a model and inspiration of Christian service."

"On behalf of myself, Empress Sophia, Archdeacon Joseph David and all the Imperial Household and people of Prestonia, I wish to express my deepest shock and sorrow at the passing of His Holiness," His Imperial and Apostolic Majesty said before an assembled press corps. "His Holiness exemplified the model servant of Christ through his compassion and dedication to the uplift of his fellow-man. The world was a brighter place for his presence, and is a darker place for his loss. On behalf of Our subjects, We wish the Rodarian people the peace and mercy of God and the soul of His Holiness eternal rest."

The Emperor's remarks, if somewhat standard protocol, are nonetheless a sharp break from the prevailing history of mutual distrust between Prestonia and Romula on theological matters. From the outset, the Borean churches were loathe to join the Romulan communion, having been founded and run initially by wandering monks from Belfras; while the church would eventually join, a failed attempt at a papal veto in 1672 brought about an acrimonious end to the union. Subsequent informal talks on reconciliation held throughout the centuries have failed to bear any fruit, and the idea was considered thoroughly kiboshed with the stringent supremacist doctrines of the late Pope. This history, combined with the Pope's conservative and often controversial stances, has prompted strong reactions from among the elected leadership of the Empire. Perhaps none has been more prominent than Embrean Minister-President Mark Hamilton, an avowed atheist and self-described anti-Catholic, who characterised the Emperor's comments as "out of touch with reality."

"His Majesty, with respect, appears to have taken leave of his senses. To paean Pius as a saintly, compassionate Christian leader is to ignore reality. The scorched ground of Nece begs to differ, the thousands of Itailian refugees driven from their homes and living in squalor beg to differ, the inhabitants of the mass graves whose only crime was their refusal to bow to Pius and his interpretation of God beg to differ with His Imperial and Apostolic Majesty's view of Pius's legacy," Hamilton said. The Emperor would do well to consider these as he attends the Romulan god-king's funeral this Sunday."

Ahead, an Uncertain Future

Within in a few weeks, it is expected that the Cardinals of the Romulan Church will convene for the solemn duty of electing a new Pope. The process, essentially unchanged in two centuries, is steeped in intrigue and tradition, and perhaps no tradition is as old as that of predicting who the new Pontiff may be. Already, betting pools have begun as to who will be elected and what name will be taken, and for the first time, a Prestonian cardinal's name is among the early favorites. Listed by booking agency BetMax at 10:1, Cardinal Archbishop Paul Fishbourne is not among the immediate favorites--all Rodarian natives--but neither is he a dark horse. Fishbourne's resume is somewhat typical of the Church, though he holds the distinction of being the youngest papabile candidate in recent history at 56 years of age. While stressing that "predicting the next Pope with any certainty is nearly impossible," PBC Vatican Affairs Correspondent Donald Clark stated that Fishbourne's election is "ultimately less-likely than bookmakers would like it to be."

"[Cardinal] Fishbourne is a young cleric and a fairly liberal one, which are two major strikes against him in a system which is primarily seasoned and conservative in nature," Clark said. Additionally, he states, the Cardinals will be unlikely to elect one from such a far-flung ecclesiastic province as Prestonia, especially given history and recent events.

"With a war on in Itailia, the College of Cardinals will be less likely to look outside their boundaries for the next Pontiff, as they will be disinclined to elect anyone perceived to have an outside bias," Clark stated. "And of course, given Prestonia's history vis-a-vis the Papacy, it is unlikely that a Prestonian cardinal will be elected unless the College decides to focus on reconciliation and big-tent politics if you will. But of course, anything can happen."

by **Belfras** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 11:32 am

BNN Domestic
2014 Elections

General Election looms as Prime Minister attends rally
PM Davies gives up his seat at the Pope's funeral to the Diocesan Bishop of Callis.
^{21/SEP/2014 | Nathaniel Ridgewood (@RidgewoodNate) (BNN)}

Opinion polls have buried the Conservatives, but have been shining for the Unitary Democrats candidate.

Isn Deslen, Belfras - Almost a year late, the General Elections are now finally around the corner. Prime Minister Davies has prioritized a late-stage surge for support and has given up his seat at the upcoming Pope's funeral in order to attend rallies and try and pull back the votes that have been straying from the Conservatives. His close rival - Theodore Lechance of the Unionists - has been doing likewise, for they both sense a new rival on the stage. Enter Aaron Sentar of the Unitary Democrats.
* Ian Davies - Conservatives
* Theodore Lechance - Unionist Party
* Samantha Beckinhurst - Belfras United
* Toby Marshall-Stewart - Deslen Reborn
* Sebastian Lauer - New Tories
* Aaron Sentar - Unitary Democrats Party
For more, read here.

Aaron Sentar is a relatively new entrant to the political circuit in comparison to his main rivals for the hot chair. His earlier life was consumed by patriotic duty when he enlisted with the Army at eighteen. His career ended when, during operations overseas, he was wounded by enemy fire. His entry to the political arena was only heralded when his popularity as both a newspaper author, book author, and occasional television actor and icon. His most recent work was in the movie "The price of truth", a movie also starring Dame Helena Childstown which chronicles the rise of the Royal Intelligence Agency.

Sentar was speaking at a rally in Nos Callis where he insisted that he was serious. "When it comes to that fateful day where we choose our next leader, we must remember the important things. It is important to not fret and feel that we should be governed by an elite group. That government by an elite group is superior to government for, by, and of the people. We are a nation that has a government. Not the other way around. This makes us a special nation - A precious, free nation where all are both welcome and safe. It is important to remember that we have prospered and thrived as a nation, and will continue to do so regardless of whom is elected."

He continued to say that "[The Unitary Democrats] represent the people to the best of their abilities. We whole-heartedly believe in the Belfrasian way of life. The Belfrasian Nobility. The Belfrasian soul. We have fought, negotiated, bled, and loved as no other country in Pardes. We may get things wrong at times, we may do things wrong at times. But if elected, I whole-heartedly vow to my fellow Belfrasians that my every effort will be for our continued prosperity and to bring the best of our nation to our neighbours and far-flung brethren."

Unionist Party leader and rival Theodore Lechance has spoken harshly on Sentar's chances, stating his surge in popularity as a "phase", further saying that: "When it comes for the people of this great nation to go to the voting stations, as is their birth right, they will vote right. They know that a vote for the Unionists is the only way we may be safe in this dangerous world of today. Any other vote is a failure to safeguard their nation. It's that simple."

Some have echoed Lechance's opinions, feeling that Sentar is "Just an actor" and wouldn't be trusted but Doctor Peter Ochenski praised Sentar's desire and that his beliefs were "Refreshing in today's society. His patriotism but nobility are just what we need."

With elections on the Monday, all eyes will be on the candidates.

Nathaniel Ridgewood reported on this from Isn Deslen with the assistance of his junior correspondence team.
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© Belfrasian News Network 2013

by **Rodarion** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 1:23 pm

Pope Pius III laid to rest

Cardinals and key Church officials led the funeral outside Saint Peter's Basilica in what is the most televised funeral in Rodarian history

September 21, 2014| 13.30 PM PCT | înregistrate| By: Atticus Namarescu

At 9.00am this morning until midday, the region said one final farewell to Pope Pius III. His funeral today, attracted thousands into Saint Peter's Square and billions watched the processions on television, at home, at work or in public gatherings that have taken place across the Papal Republic. All leaders invited to the Funeral were present, in what has become the biggest funeral in terms of regional participation, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Mario Pagano led to the homily and requiem mass and the Eucharist. Several senior clergymen took part in the Liturgy of the Word, with the Archbishop of Loweport, Gabriel Thurston reading from the Acts of the Apostles, the Bishop Ronald Dreyfuss of Nos Callis read through the Book of Gospels focusing on John in respect to Pius' personal favourite verses. At midday, Pius III recieved the Rite of Interment from the Carmalengo of the Catholic Church, Paulus Baron and his coffin was interred into a simple crypt in the Saint Lucius Tombs built in the early 1900s. The tomb is basic and simple, as per the request of Pope Pius III.

Cardinal Florian Draganescu led the Mass of Requiem at 9.00am, by virtue of his office as Dean of the College of Cardinals. He was also one of Pope Pius III's closest friends and carried out most of the Pope's duties during his final weeks. Concelebrating in the Mass of Requiem were the College of Cardinals (the number of members that were present has been variously given as 157 and 164) and the patriarchs of the Eastern Catholic Churches. The choice of today for the funeral, was doen to the Pope's belief that every Pontiff should be laid to rest on a Sunday, in line with the days religious importance, Pius' personal preference is justification for today's service according to the Vatican.

Today's funeral was the second Papal funeral to be televised live to the region, with Pope Benedict XII's funeral in 2005 being watched by an estimated 1.3 billion people, however estimates for today's funeral put the number of viewers up to over 3 billion including the 2.407 billion Catholics in Pardes. Over 500,000 people lined Saint Peter's Boulevard, they could see and hear the funeral procession through large television screens that lined the capital's central avenue. Over 500 public spaces in the capital also recieved large television screens allowing vast crowds to observe the final farewell, to their leader of the past nine years. Similar provisions were made in Voluntari, Videle, Bacau, Braila, Botosani, Livada and other major cities.

Numerous regional political and religious dignitaries attended the funeral, Belfrasian Prime Minister, Ian Davies was forced to give his invitation to the Bishop of Nos Callis due to his political requirements, Bishop Wells joined his superior, Archbishop Patrick Rosen at today's funeral.

After the private ceremony within the Basilica, the body was lowered into a cypress coffin, which served as the innermost coffin. Along with the body was a sealed document, the Rogito, a eulogy detailing the life and works of Pius III, read aloud in Latin by Archbishop Gheorgescu and signed by those present during the funeral. Three bags containing gold, silver, and copper Leu coins were placed beside the body. Each bag contained one coin for each year in Pius III's reign.

The procession began with the introductory chant, "Requiem Aeternam" ("Eternal Rest Grant Him, O Lord"), which includes verses from Psalm 64 (65), "To You We Owe Our Hymn of Praise, O God of Zion." Carried on the shoulders of the Papal Gentlemen, the coffin bearing the image of Pius III's coat-of-arms burned onto the lid, the pope was carried into St. Peter's Square onto the marble apron. An acolyte holding a red leather-bound Book of the Gospel led the coffin. The Papal Gentlemen laid the coffin onto a red carpet directly front in the altar.

During the Homily, after kissing the text of the Book of the Gospels, Cardinal Draganescu stood before the congregants to offer the homily which included references to the life and service of Pope Pius. He spoke in Rodarian, first greeting the many political figures and religious leaders that had gathered, and then told the story of how the young Lucian Florescu had answered the Lord's call, and became a priest after experiencing God's touch in flock of birds flying pass the sun, the answer of the command: "Follow me!" Cardinal Draganescu also told of Pius' life as a bishop, cardinal, and pope, frequently applying scripture to the pope's life. Finally, he told of the pope's devotion to Mary and the Divine Mercy of Christ. The cardinal's last words were about the end of Pope John Paul II's life:

"None of us can ever forget how in that last Easter Sunday of his life, the Holy Father, marked by suffering, most of us completely unaware of his suffering, came once more to the window of the Apostolic Palace and one last time gave his blessing Urbi et Orbi. We can be sure that our beloved pope is standing today at the window of the Father's house that he sees us and blesses us. Yes, bless us, Holy Father. We entrust your dear soul to the Mother of God, your Mother, who guided you each day and who will guide you now to the eternal glory of her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ."

Cardinal Draganescu became emotional at certain parts of his homily, especially in reflection of the inability of Pope Pius' to speak or walk in the last days of his life. Altogether, the homily was interrupted approximately ten times with outbursts of applause by the congregants. In areas outside Saint Peter's Square, hundreds of people became emotional, with members of the clergy and ordinary citizens comforting each other through tissues and hugging. Numerous Cardinals were spotted passing along boxes of tissues as they too succumb to their emotions.

The part of the Mass of Requiem called the Liturgy of the Eucharist began. Cardinal Draganescu and the concelebrating cardinals gathered around the altar to consecrate the bread and wine. Catholics know the that in the Mass (when the priest re-presents the Sacrifice of Calvary), the substance of the bread and wine is actually changed into that of Christ's physical body and blood. This change is referred to as transubstantiation. Because the Church knows the Eucharist is literally Jesus Christ, Catholics worship Him in the Eucharist.

After the Eucharistic Prayer (the point in the Mass when it is believed the elements become Christ), the Lord's Prayer was sung followed later by the brief Latin litany, "Agnus Dei". The Eucharist was then taken to the congregation in St. Peter's Square to be distributed among those present. As the congregation received the Blessed Sacrament, Psalm 129 (in some Biblical versions Psalm 130) was sung. Its lyrics proclaimed, "Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice."

Numerous Muslim religious and political leaders were present

After the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the crowds in the streets of Vatican burst into applause, waving flags and banners chanting, "Sfânt Acum!" which means "Saint now!" and "Sfânt Pius Acum" or "Saint Pius Now!". A few also repeatedly chanted "Magnus" or "Great", spontaneously declaring that he should be Pius the Great. Other groups on Saint Peter's Boulevard began singing the Rodarian national anthem in respect of his role as the supreme political leader of the Papal Republic.

After the congregants received Communion, Cardinal Draganescu led the Rite of Final Commendation and Farewell. He asked the College of Cardinals and patriarchs of the Eastern Rite to converge on the casket of Pope Pius III. The congregants were called to prayer, "Dear brothers and sisters let us entrust to the most gentle mercy of God, the soul of our Pope Pius III." He continued, "May the Blessed Virgin Mary... intercede with God so that He might show the face of His blessed Son to our Pope, and console the Church with the light of the Resurrection." It was after this that the Pope was moved back into the Basilica for the Rite of Interment, where a second private ceremony took place, only the highest ranking members of the Sacred College were permitted and it was here that he was laid to rest at last.

Senior Cardinals are to meet tomorrow for preliminary discussions over the inevitable election of a successor to Pope Pius III. The Vatican announced last night that Conclave will begin on Tuesday, in line with a Papal Edict signed in 1885 by Pope St. Lucius X, that states that conclave should begin within two days of the funeral, to ensure the contitunity and stability of the throne of Saint Peter. The Papabili will most likely be revealed by tomorrow evening, however the Vatican has requested that all speculation over Conclave be laid aside this evening, as the nation and the Chuch reflects upon the death of its Pontiff.

PRRB's Atticus Namarescu contributed to this report.

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by **Belfras** » Sun Sep 21, 2014 2:37 pm

BNN International
Regional Politics

Portsdown ceremony for Pope's funeral
Priest of the Golden Palace led mourners from around the country.
^{21/SEP/2014 | Albert Worthson (@Worthsonnews) (BNN)}

The fireworks display underway to celebrate the life of Pope Pius III.

Portsdown, Belfras - Hundreds of thousands of mourners joined Father Edward Montohue as he led ceremonies at the same time as the official Papal funeral for Pope Pius III. In attendance was HRH Princess Catherine, Princess Elizabeth, and the Duchess of The Vale Patricia. Also in attendance was General Election candidate Aaron Sentar of the Unitary Democrats. It was reported that Prime Minister Ian Davies attended a service in Nos Kenwadi whilst Theodore Lechance of the Unionists avoided attending service altogether.

The service was well cheorographed in order to avoid the topics of the aggressive relations between Rodarion and Itailia - a crown ally. Father Montohue led a formal prayer after participating servicemen and women were marched in and led to formation by Chief of the Admiralty Nathan Fellbridge. Several hymns were also sung, predominantly in Rodarion although "Sun's Grace" was sung in it's native Belfrasian.

"Allow us to celebrate the life of Pope Pius the third." Princess Catherine said during her address to the gathered mass. "His life was one worth celebrating at it's finest root. Our King, my father, attends the funeral in Romula as I speak. We all wish him fortune in this venture and pray that he might pass on our best wishes for those whom were closest to His Holiness and extend our thanks for their tireless effort to safeguard our faith."

Following the address, Chief of the Admiralty Nathan Fellbridge unveiled what was a closely hidden surprise. At the time there were twenty-five merchant ships of various classes and purposes within the bay. Upon the order, each rose the Papal flag and sounded their horns for twenty-five seconds - One second per year of Pope Pius' reign. It certainly didn't go without note that the newest addition to the Royal Navy - The H.M.S Victoria - joined in with a twenty-meter Papal Flag from her central structure and joining in the horn segment.

After the sun had completely set a fireworks show, orchestrated by the local Church, began in order to fully celebrate Pope Pius the Third's life. Admiral Fellbridge confirmed that private services were held on naval bases around the country and abroad and that personnel were granted a ration of wine for the service. He also stated that whilst services were being conducted those "not of the Catholic faith were allowed to participate on their own volition or otherwise." saying that "His Holiness worked for his entire life to bring everybody closer together. On a day like today, it doesn't matter what name you call god - We're mourning a titan of a man."

In the capital, it was spotted that the national flag and royal coat of arms above the Golden Palace had lowered to half-mast. Isn Deslen Police reported that a small demonstration had been quelled for not having the appropriate licenses, with spokesmen reporting that "The demonstration was predominantly anti-Rodarion in nature. They failed to attain the proper credentials for such a demonstration and were detained until ceremonies around the country had finished."

News article by Albert Worthson.
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© Belfrasian News Network 2014

by **Belfras** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 3:26 am

BNN Domestic
2014 Elections

Belfras decides
Voting begins at 06:00 until 22:00.
^{22/SEP/2014 | Nathaniel Ridgewood (@RidgewoodNate) (BNN)}

.

Isn Deslen, Belfras - Voting stations have formally opened and voting for the next (or third-term) leader is underway. Incumbent Prime Minister Ian Davies is reported to have completed packing his families items away and is staying at his private Estate in Kunar after casting his ballot in Isn Deslen. When asked by reporters, Davies appeared cheerful and responded "Oh, that Davies guy seems a bit dodgy. I'll put my vote behind him, though!"
Top Candidates
* Ian Davies - Conservatives
* Theodore Lechance - Unionist Party
* Samantha Beckinhurst - Belfras United
* Toby Marshall-Stewart - Deslen Reborn
* Sebastian Lauer - New Tories
* Aaron Sentar - Unitary Democrats Party
For more, read here.
It's believed that Davies' cabinet faces a serious reshuffle if he is elected for a third term, with rumors surrounding a new Foreign Minister after an intense argument between the two several weeks ago. Under Ian Davies' two terms as Prime Minister, the country has seen it's military shrink as more focus is placed upon individual skillsets, improved equipment, and "Selective engagements that are ideal for the twenty-first century military." Davies himself boasts that having led the country for two terms, he believes that he knows what must be done in order to achieve a pro-Belfrasian victory with today's political climate.

"Under Conservative rule, we faced down the Rodarions when they tried to take our nautical border upon the Draganesti. Under a Conservative Government, we will do so again!" Davies vowed in last night's rally in Nos Kenwadi, after attending a service for the funeral of Pope Pius the Third. Davies had previously been a staunch opponent to Pope Pius, singularly blaming the Pope for both the cold relations between their two countries and the crisis that almost led to war only last year. It was revealed in March that the Draganesti Fleet had been fully mobilized and was preparing to sail for the disputed waters when the Rodarion Government relented, something Davies hails as a Conservative-borne victory.

"Under the Conservatives, we've shown the world that Belfras is a country not to be trifled with. We are fair, but we are just. We are the birth-place of modern Pardesi society, we are the pace-setter for progress." Davies also said during his rally, which at times sounded like a mixture of desperation and a direct attempt to rally the more radical voters who have yet to decide on a party. The Conservatives have been decisively mild-mannered during their two terms of leadership. While they've paid attention to events happening throughout the region, they've failed to respond to situations when they directly threaten either Belfrasian interest or Belfrasian lives.

The Conservatives have focused their campaigning on early rallies but left the main bulk of campaigning to local MP's to orchestrate in an effort to be more 'homey'. This failed to raise as much support as they imagined and left Ian Davies in a scramble for national support mere days prior to the polls opening.
Ian Davies - Conservatives
* Focusing the Military on more special operations
* Cutting budget to divert to cultural programs
* Tougher stance on illegal immigration
* War on terrorism
* A more united stance with Rodarion against Radical Catholics in Callis
For more, read here.
With the polls being open for four hours, exit polls are indicating a potentially strong Unionist Party lead with several Kunar tribes urging it's citizens to vote for Theodore Lechance. Lechance, leader of the Unionists, is apparently in the capital of Isn Deslen with vehicles ready to move his furniture into the Prime Minister's Residence - A sure sign of his confidence. Theodore Lechance currently sits as the second largest party, but with exit polls indicating a potentially strong lead, he may well be right in his confidence. The Unionists are starch nationalists and vow to make the safety of the country their only priority.
Theodore Lechance - Uionist Party
* Larger budget for the Military
* Bonuses to businesses for hiring Belfrasian-born workers
* More aggressive stance against enemies of Belfras
* Improved school programs to teach Belfrasian
For more, read here.

Political pundits offer a varying mixture of responses when asked who might win the Election. While some favor the Conservatives and some the Unionists, others are favoring lesser known parties for big gains. Doctor Hans Prestonn of the Isn Deslen University noted that the Unitary Democrats were a new, up and coming party. He noted that despite only having been founded five years ago, they've gained a huge support base for what is described as the "Belfrasian spirit" of politics.

Aaron Sentar, the parties leader, said that while he hopes for good gains, he is skeptic on being able to gain the top seat. In a rally on Friday, he vowed to "Bring the best of what it means to be Belfrasian to the world. Our fairness, our nobility, our sense of justice and our ability to fight for what is right. People herald us as a free nation, a nation where man and woman are on equal footing and where all are welcome with open arms!" Most political pundits, however, are skeptic on the parties chances along with Sentar.

"With our best guesses, we figure around ten percent, at best." a doctor who did not want to be named said in confidence. "The Unionists have lost a lot of support, but might still have enough to get over that imaginary line for the top seat. They've got some strong policies and, frankly, I feel the country has had enough of sitting back and just watching events unfold around the world."

Sentar, being the only candidate with military experience, may be able to attain a large voting base from the Armed Forces. He vowed to focus on what was right for the Armed Forces, not what "politics thinks is right." insisting that anything worth standing up for was "always risky, always difficult, but always worth it."

Polls are expected to close at 22:00 with a result announced at 04:00 on Tuesday, the 23rd of September. With the election usually occurring the January, it's believed that future elections will now occur in September to be in line with this unusually late election. The Government confirmed that it's overseas territories are following the same time table, with their results expected two hours prior to the official announcement. Members of the Armed Forces are also attending votes, either from their stationed facilities or from their military, air force, or naval bases.

Nathaniel Ridgewood reported on this from Isn Deslen with the assistance of his junior correspondence team.
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by **Hellenic Eagleland** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 12:06 pm

BREAKING: More Forces Dispatched to New Pontus.
Ministry of National Defence: "The time to negotiate is almost gone; we need to prepare ourselves."
^{22 September 2014 | By Ioanna Vlassi (@jeannevlassi) (ENT)}

ES Megas Konstantinos on exercise.

Constantinople, Konstantineian Capital Territory — Today, the Federal Government have announced that a total of ten thousand personnel from the Presidential Guard, as well as several air defence and mountain infantry units have been mobilised and prepared to be sent to New Pontus over short time frame. The forces will be transported with a number of destroyer and frigates with anti-submarine capability and then sent to New Pontus.

In a press conference, President Theodoropoulos affirmed that: "We must send a clear message to the Ankaran Government that any more terrorist attacks, speeches of hatred, or military aggression, will not be tolerated. We still offer a diplomatic solution to this problem, but we will not subside our efforts. We will punish the Ankaran Union severely if we are attacked in any shape or form. We will defend ourselves."

The Ministry of National Defence stated: "We sense that the [New Pontus] situation has reached breaking point. The time to negotiate is almost gone; we need to defend ourselves. We note that should anyone attack our ships we will retaliate with deadly force, as deemed necessary, and we do not apologise if we are forced to neutralise any enemy force to this end."

The New Pontus State Government could not be reached but do respond positively to the deployment of forces. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have declined an interview with ENT. We will cover more as the situation develops.

Ioanna Vlassi reported from Constantinople, KCT. Konstantinos Irakeides contributed to the article from Constantinople, KCT.

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by **Ankaran Union** » Mon Sep 22, 2014 4:43 pm

Admiral Serdar Bostanoğlu warns Eagleland not to militarise New Pontus further

Adm. Bostanoğlu gave the warning with the Ambassador to Eagleland, Bülent Akar.

September 22, 2014| 20.00 PM PCT |Sertifikalı| By: Akın Yörük

The commander of the Ankaran National Navy has warned the Eaglelander government that its planned deployment of 10,000 soldiers to the occupied territory of Erdine will be viewed as a provocative act aimed at enforcing racialist tyranny upon the Ankaran minority. Speaking to reporters in Canakkle, Admiral Serdar Bostanoğlu stated that the Ankaran Union maintains the right to ensure the safety and protection of an endangered Ankaran population wherever they be within Akkadiya. The admiral was joined by the former ambassador to Eagleland, Bülent Akar, who returned home this morning after the government formally cut ties with the Eaglelander government as the press conference took place. Deputy Kılavuz Tarık Peynirci denounced the moves by the Eaglelander government at a rally in Naghadeh in Khorramasan Province.

At 19.50pm, the Union officially severed diplomatic ties with the Federation of Eagleland. The Ambassador boarded a chartered flight along with his Ankaran staff and flew back home, he stood beside the Admiral throughout the conference, ensuring Pardes knew that the Union would not be in contact or legitimise a government that enforced an illegal occupation of Ankaran land through military force. At 19.55pm, Admiral Bostanoğlu made his statement.

"The Ankaran Union is horrified by the Eaglelander decision to further militarise the situation in Erdine, which has already left 104 people dead. We urge the Eaglelander government to use common sense and turn its warships around and turn away from hostile action, to turn away from the inevitable path of further confrontration and violence. I will also remind the Eaglelander government that the Union reserves the right to protect Ankaran peoples wherever they be in Akkadiya, including the 850,334 ethnic Ankarans currently living in occupied Erdine. Should the Eaglelander government refuse to heed our concerns and maintains their decision to deploy 10,000 soldiers to Erdine, the Union will take action necessary to preserve the lives of its brothers and sisters beyond its borders.

I ask Pardes not to look at Erdine as if it is a unique situation, across Pardes, people are denied the right to self determination and denied the right to live their lives free of foreign occupation, I beg you look at Drakkar and return your gaze to Erdine, the situation is identical and the victims are identical. However, this Union will not wait for peace, for there cannot be peace as long as the Eaglelander government is dedicated to escalation through careless provocation. Should those military forces continue their journey to Erdine, the Ankaran National Navy may take action upon its reserved right to enforce a naval blockade of Erdine, to stop any militaristic deployments. The Eaglelander government must change course."

Whilst visiting the city of Naghadeh, Deputy Kılavuz Tarık Peynirci denounced the news, before a cheering crowd of over 300,000 patriotic citizens. He said, "they do not listen, nor do they care for the lives of any human being. If they continue to disregard our warnings of militarisation, we will be forced to take unilateral action, we will be forced to take immediate action to protect the lives of 850,000 innocent Ankaran brothers and sisters trapped in occupied Erdine, let the Eaglelanders underestimate our resolve, let their arrogance blind and deafen them, let the Eaglelanders come, we will drive them and the rest of them into the sea and out of Erdine once and for all!" The crowd supported the Deputy Kılavuz with cheers, applause and regular roars of 'God is the Greatest', 'Death to Eagleland' and 'End the Occupation'.

Several weeks ago, the Ankaran National Navy (ANN for short), recieved executive orders from Kılavuz Kenan Evren, granting the Navy's commanders to initiate a blockade of New Pontus, with the task of blocking entry to any Eaglelander military vessel or vessel carrying troops or equipment. Several submarines have been spotted leaving various ports across the Union's western coastline, six were spotted leaving the small submarine penn at the port of Karaburun. Turatepe also witnessed several submarines and 'fast attack craft' leave its small military harbour in the late hours of this afternoon. There has also been an increased sighting of military planes over the western coastline, with several large warplanes being seen numerous times today, in which appears to be a patrol route.

Speaking on, Admiral Bostanoğlu said, "I understand Eagleland's position, it believes it is the stronger party, it believes it is the righteous party, however this position is incorrect and Eagleland's delusion will surely bring it into conflict with the Ankaran people of New Pontus, and surely result in her plans and schemes coming to naught. The Union will ensure such an event is likely and we shall ensure that the people of Erdine, shall be soon free from violence and racialist oppression. I again urge Eagleland to change its decision to militarise the situation in Erdine, do not deploy those soldiers, turn those ships around, as soon as possible, or the inevitable will happen."

The recent Eaglelander decision to increase its military presence in Erdine has resulted in the Army deploying a further 85,000 soldiers to the border with the territory of New Pontus. Currently, 21,500 soldiers have been deployed to the border in response to the breaches in Ankaran sovereign airspace and the threat of violence erupting against the Ankaran minority, with fascist groups like the Eaglelander Golden Dawn representing a truly dangerous threat of genocide. The Ankaran National Armed Forces are at their highest alert.

ARTN's Hamad Jalani contributed to this report.

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