The Western Isles News

by **Covonant** » Tue Oct 10, 2017 2:27 pm

October 10, 2017
Coventry, Covonant

CBC Headlines
Covonant Asylum Programme Updated
Foreign Minister Condemns Violent Attacks in Charbagnia;Covonant to Explore Options
Defense Minister; Troops to Mobilize to Ailis Naval Base on Flores Island, Corindia

Covonant Asylum Programme Updated

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Lydia Abbasca has announced that The Union of Covonant Asylum Programme (UCAP) is now updated. Minister Abbasca made the announcement in the Consul this morning.

We have been silent in the previous weeks concerning our refugee and asylum programmes but within our silence was the Ministry's move of updating our programme that provides refugee status and asylum to foreign nationals fleeing persecution and threats to their lives, whether it being political, social or economical means.

Minister Abbasca expressed that the updating began under the previous administration and continued under the current one with few minor changes.

The process of upgrading our refugee and asylum programme began under the previous administration which we have continued on as we understand the need and importance of a country like Covonant to have a interest for persons who have found themselves in situations that are not of their control. The previous administration had looked to upgrade the system by looking at only housing and employment for such persons who have attained asylum and refuge in Covonant but we have taken it further to also include a systematic approach at making it a top priority of re-socialisation of these individuals and an importance in making the vetting process and acceptance process as well much easier.

Under the new asylum refugee programme, the Union of Covonant Government will give special priority to individuals that can sufficiently prove that their lives are at threats either it being in the form of political, social, or economical. The Minister went further in explaining.

We have invested the powers of granting refugee and asylum status in the hands of the Covonantian Visa Immigration Agency (COVISIA). The mandate is to give priority to those that can adequately and sufficiently prove their lives are in imminent danger. Groups fleeing civil or religious war, political instability, violence as a result of their political association, sexual orientation, abhorrent state of poverty and destitution are criteria which takes precedence and are priority in the agency accepting. We want to make the process as smooth as possible and as such have created a maximum of two years in which such status should be either accepted or denied. I do not want to give the impression that two years is the time at which the individual should be notified of their decision but within that two years a decision must be granted

The CBC spoke with Anastasia, a refugee from New Aapelistan who expressed that she had fled New Aapelistan as a result of grave political instability and threats to her life when she found it hard to express allegiance to the communist regime. She noted that fleeing the country was a challenge physically, emotionally and financially.

I had to leave, I watched my family being persecuted under the regime because they didn't uphold strict communist practices. The government in New Aapelistan gives the impression that all is supportive of the system and everyone is contented but a lot of persons try to flee yearly. When I made the decision to leave I took my son and I had a few money saved up from engaging in the black market. I heard of a boat that was going to Corindia and we could get shelter there but I didn't want to stay there, Covonant or Ipland was my destination. I wanted to be far away from New Aapelistan as best as possible. When I arrived in Corindia I got on another boat which was more crowded with about 300 of us with the destination being to Wellsia. From Wellsia I stayed there for about two years working illegally trying to save up to come to Covonant. My son couldn't attend school for those two years but I had a friend who knew a teacher who would take him to her late classes and would give him lessons. I heard of a boat going to Covonant and I took my son and over $2000 dollars, which was my last and came here.

She expressed that her journey to Covonant did not immediately change her situation. In fact she found it harder to survive in Covonant than in Wellsia or Corindia.

The first place we landed was in an area called Kanaute and once we arrived for two years I did the same thing I was doing in Wellsia the difference is my child was allowed to go to school because I had applied for asylum and while applying anyone under the age of 21 was allowed to go to school and my child at the time was 12. It took me four years before my status was approved.But I don't regret it. Some persons asked why Covonant, why not just settle in Corindia or Wellsia. I had family here and I always heard of how liberal and accepting and nice the people are and even in New Aapelistan I always dreamed of coming here. I don't regret it and if I could I would do it again

She welcomes the news of improvement to the country's asylum programme, where she notes it's long overdue.

Foreign Minister Condemns Violent Attacks in Charbagnia;Covonant to Explore Options

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lydia Abbasca has condemned the violent attacks that took place in Charbagnia over the weekend. She called the attacks barbaric and a stain on democracy. She is calling on the government to take full responsibility and make moves to prevent a recurrence. The Minister was speaking during the Consul weekly session earlier this morning.

Covonant condemns the recent violent attacks in Charbagnia where reports of chemical weapons have been used on civilians. This attack is barbaric and leaves a bad stain on the practicing of democracy. I am calling on the Charbagnian government to take full responsibility and make moves at preventing another attack of such magnitude occurring

Minister Abbasca notes that such attacks must not be tolerated and Covonant and its allies will not hesitate to prevent another occurrence if the government fails to uphold the safeguarding of human rights.

Attack by chemical weapons is a red line which the Union will not tolerate. The Charbagnian government must prove that they respect human rights and it will be hard to convince us following this debacle. Our allies and the Union will not sit idle by and allow this to occur again. We are sending a warning to the Charbagnian government that you have once again made yourselves relevant in the eyes of the international community

Mrs. Abbasca speaking to the CBC outside the Consul is calling for peace talks with the government and local faction groups in the country to end the violence. She also expressed that Covonant will be exploring options.

We don't to see this event becomes an international crisis or to gain an international response. What we are suggesting is the government and the local factions group come to a compromise because innocent lives are at stake and if it continues we fear a human rights crisis worst than the Bhikkustani crisis which was handled terribly on a regional level. We are awaiting to see further developments and we are also looking at the option of bringing home Covonantian nationals in the country working under the Covonantian Corp peace initiative. I have requested information if any Covonantians have been affected by the violence and I am yet to receive that report. Sanctions will be drawn and once finalised and approved will be in place

Defense Minister; Troops to Mobilize to Ailis Naval Base on Flores Island, Corindia

Minister of Defense Crixus Ignacio is announcing the Ministry's plan to increase troops at the Ailis Naval Base on Flores Island in Corindia. The Minister sought to dispel the notion that Covonant is preparing for a war.

We have begun our moves at increasing the number of troops we have at our base on Flores Island in Corindia. Currently we have over 9,000 troops established at our base and we look to see that number increase to well over 15,000 troops. This move is nothing new. Previous administrations have revised troop counts at bases around the region and Ailis Naval base is the largest foreign base for Covonant and we have not reached the cap of the amount of troops housed there.

The Minister is calling for no alarm at the move. He assures it is not to be interpreted as a preparation for war or interventionism. He notes it is a defense procedure that fits the mandate and policy of the Defense Ministry.

We are not at war or looking to be at war. This move is nothing new, in fact it is well in line with the defense policy and defense mandate of Covonant and our interest abroad.

Many are however calling the move suspicious. Political Commentator for the CBC Mikael Stokes notes that this move is linked to regional event.

We are not going to fall for the response given by the Honourable Minister. We know its because of the talks of military conflict with Athara Magarat and Bhikkustan, and the moves by the EUSR to incorporate the Kachee Republic as a territory of the EUSR which by the way was a invasion which the region surprisingly was quiet on including our government. The east is acting up again and the government is making sure that they are always in the affairs of others that explains why our largest base outside the country is in the east, it was not a coincidence. Now we see instability happening in Charbagnia. So when you connect the dots we see clearly that the government has a defined goal and one could sum it down to Covonantian interventionism at its finest. I am somewhat disappointed that this government seems more hellbent on controlling issues than the previous one.

DO REMEMBER YOU ARE WITH THE CBC.

Reporter: Illythia Reid.

by **Balnik** » Tue Oct 10, 2017 5:57 pm

October 10, 2017
Balniki Government News
Balnik

BGN: The News Balnik Needs!

Heroin usage growing in Balnik

After a census was just released concerning the amount of overdoses each year on every specific drug, it seems like Heroin has once again, come out on top. With the drugs like Fentanyl, LSD, Cocaine, and Crack related deaths decreasing by 10% each it would appear that Heroin related deaths have spiked up nearly 20%. This could be attributed to the deep heroin roots that the country has with it's populace and the relatively useless campaign and war that has been attempted to curb usage.

Public Health representative Yosif Braun spoke today regarding this issue regarding heroin and overall drug overdoses. "First and foremost I would like to thank our law enforcement for continuing to protect us from these drugs on the streets that could harm us and our loved ones. Secondly we are very proud of our recent efforts to eliminate the threat of drug overdose in all of the drug types that affect us today, all except for one. Heroin, and that is what my main purpose to address. I'm sure you are all aware of the growing heroin deaths and usage with the country's populace. It is indeed a sad sight but with authorization from Dovesti Chernobog we shall begin a new program to deal with these heroin miscreants once and for all. The "two strike policy" is very straightforward, the first strike being a hefty fine for heroin possession in general, and the second strike being internment or death. Heroin and any other opiod possession will soon be an offense punishable by death by the Balniki government, if you won't kill yourself with heroin, we will."

In other news the three legged dog "sparky" turns 6 today and the Rostov Rangers lost against Zokol Locusts in last night's hockey game with the final score being 5-2.

by **Cantonos** » Wed Oct 11, 2017 5:02 pm

I really messed up, wrote a new article over an old article, my effort is gone :c

by **San Montagna** » Wed Oct 11, 2017 6:58 pm

[size=150]San Montagnan News Network[/b]

San Montagnan Forces Retake Fiumara and Friuli Isle

After Several Days of Vicious fighting, Friuli Isle, as well as the City of Fiumara, have been Retaken.
The Re-taking of Friuli Isle Began Several Days Ago on the Mostly Undefended Coast of Friuli Island, all defenses had been Virtually destroyed following a large number of bombing runs. The Large Portion of the Island had been taken after only a few short days of fighting. While the Battle for Fiumara lasted for 5 days of bloody urban Combat and only ended this morning when Ethnic Militia and SHOCK soldiers retreated from the city, presumably to defend Mario Island.
In these operations 4 000 San montagnan soldiers were killed, while 10 000 were wounded, meanwhile, 20 000 ethnic Militia soldiers were captured, while 10 000 were killed. As for SHOCK soldiers, 300 were killed while 700 were captured.
The Military is now preparing for the invasion of Mario Island.

Benito Franco Addressed this victory, saying: "This is the first of many, many successes of the San montagnan people, Soon we will Take back all our land as well as reign supreme in the Mesder sea."

News · by **Samudera** » Thu Oct 12, 2017 4:03 am

Trade Deal discussion with EUSR opened

KABAR SAHARI - 11/10/2017, 08:48

Kelira Solar Power Plant, built by Mentari Solar Company. The company's solar panel is expected to enter EUSR after the trade deal

BHINNEKA, Kabar Sahari - Despite chilly relations between the EUSR and much of the international community, Samudera is one of the exceptions. The nation is on good terms, particularly in Bhikkustan and they have been trade partners for many years. Samudera’s neutrality and it’s willingness to relations with most nations solidifies this.

Gaharu Ratachandra, Minister of Trade will fly to Dovgorod in the EUSR tonight to discuss further relations between the nation and Samudera. The trade discussion was announced last week and it will be the first trade deal to happen with the newly established EUSR if it succeeds.

This visits to EUSR will be one of the many government efforts to increase the Samuderan trade flows to the neighbouring country, in which Cantonos' President Sangwoo will discuss the trade and economy, and Cantonos prospect in joining the CU, which will benefit Samudera and CU as a whole.

The minister said that this would be a normal trade discussion between important economic partners. They are the third largest non-CU trade partner behind Cantonos and Orsandia. The CEOs of two major Samuderan companies (GoTor and Mentari Solar) will be going to the EUSR to discuss further trade relations. Samudera’s economy is emerging, with the government aiming to reach 6% economic growth by the end of the year. Economic stagnation stalled the economy from 2010 to 2014, with a recovery quickly ushering a new era of prosperity for Samudera.

Writer : Vina Kejora
Editor : Rarasati Harto

Top International News

Cantonos' President Sangwoo visits Samudera

Fiumara was retaken by the San Montagnan forces

Heroin usage and drug overdoses is growing in Balnik

Covonant updated its Asylum Programme

by **Athara Magarat** » Thu Oct 12, 2017 7:27 am

October 10th, 2017

The Prelude to War?

Jrm Hangma denounced the EUSR as social-imperialists.

NEW LIBANG

Despite fewer people now travelling outside of their houses due to the Ticking Flu, the temples, churches and shrines in the Demokratik Kuunsrach of Athara Magarat are more packed than ever. A war with the Eastern Union of Socialist Republics, including former historical-cultural ally Bhikkustan, seems more imminent than ever - particularly after the government of Athara Magarat demanded that the EUSR back off from the Kachee Islamic People's Republic. The hypothetical war, that would pit Athara Magarat and her allies against the EUSR including Kachee and Bhikkustan, is already being seen as the apocalyptic War of the Beasts mentioned in various Khas-Kirati mythologies. Social media users in JEF and C6 nations are abuzz with what beast their nation ought to be represented by in this possibly upcoming conflict.

"On October 6, the EUSR sent 500 soldiers, surface to air missile emplacements and LU-1 fighters to the Kachee Islamic People's Republic." Jrm Hangma began. "On October 9, the EUSR announced that additional 3,000 troops would be stationed in Kachee. This is blatant imperialism. What will they bring next? Missiles? To start a missile crisis? The EUSR is already turning its imperialist gaze to Charbagnia as well. The EUSR is a disgrace to the revolutionary socialist path that great leaders like Ketseluv showed. The EUSR say they are socialists, but their actions so far have been nothing else than imperialism. The fools in Kachee call themselves Ketseluvianists but have given up their nationalist socialism by joining the EUSR. The Demokratik Kuunsrach will stand against such social-imperialism. If the EUSR cares so much for socialist solidarity, they should come to dialogue on Kachee Islamic People's Republic's future - which we are sure will get much more darker than now than when it was in union with the Kuunsrach."

"I ask the socialist nations of the Isles to stand with the Kuunsrach against the imperialism of the EUSR. I request all nations, in particular nations allied to us, to forget their relations with the EUSR." Jrm Hangma said without specifying whom.

"The Kuunsrach also requests the People's Socialist Democratic Party in Charbagnia and other revolutionary parties of the Isles to stop idolizing the EUSR and denounce them. Remember this that the EUSR is an empire with socialist facade. The Kuunsrach, one of the few truly socialist nations of the Isles, which values equality and national welfare above else will be ready to guide you to the true and just socialist path. The White Tigress of the West and her allies are ready to help all parties in the Charbagnian Federation come to peaceful solution. The use of rocket artillery and Sarin is abhorrent and it is very sad to learn that over 300 people died because of this. What is more horrifying is that they targeted places like a hospital, a Buddhist temple and a park! These rascals must be dealt with. Hence all parties in the Charbagnian Federation must come to agreement to fight this new enemy and of course resist the claws of the soulless imperialist Azure Dragon of the East [EUSR; or more specifically Bhikkustan] which has already grasped Kachee that is right next to Charbagnia. If this peaceful solution fails, we may have to resort to the last option, ladies and gentlemen."

by **West Suomi** » Thu Oct 12, 2017 9:06 am

8 October 2017

International Headlines

Samudera opens a trade deal with the EUSR
Athara Magarat vs EUSR War imminent?
Covonant updates asylum programme
Nicholas Alexander claims to be heir of Aprosian throne, wanting dissolution of Communist government of New Aapelistan

Blue Waters, West Suomi

Nate hits Bridlington with force

Typhoon Nate: The Aftermath

Typhoon Nate, the strongest tropical storm to hit West Suomi since Typhoon Kenny in 2000, has shown its wrath in West Suomi, after causing much damage in Port Calta. Nate caused at least 35 deaths, countless injuries, and caused many people to become displaced. The typhoon knocked out power in many large cities, such as Kasu and Bridlington. The hardest hit area was the southern coast, and luckily the typhoon calmed down before it could reach the heavily-populated Blue Waters Metro.

The storm has died down a lot, but is still very strong, so citizens of West Suomi are still expected to on guard. The mayor of Bridlington; Aarav Pal, made the following announcement yesterday:

Typhoon Nate has devastated not only West Suomi, but also Port Calta as well. It flooded cities, caused people to be swept away, knocked out power lines, and caused chaos in general. It was great that we were well-prepared for the storm, otherwise it could’ve been much, much worse. However, many people in West Suomi and Port Calta still need help. Please try to help in any way possible. Thank you.

Thank you Aarav.

Blue Waters
Thundershowers

High: 24C
Low: 14C
Chance of precipitation: 100%
Wind speed: 31 KMH

Kasu
Thundershowers

High: 21C
Low: 12C
Chance of precipitation: 100%
Wind speed: 10 KMH

New Des Moines
Thundershowers

High: 18C
Low: 13C
Chance of precipitation: 100%
Wind speed: 24 KMH

That’s all for the news today, tune in soon for more on West Suomi and The Western Isles.
Enjoy the rest of your day.

Article written by Henry Floyd

by **Atriano** » Sat Oct 14, 2017 1:32 pm

PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NUCLEAR PROGRAM

Atrian National News Network
Neoterio Benetti

^{President Bissente Alessandru Ricci at State of the Confederacy Address}

BELTEMPO -- In a recent State of the Confederacy Address, President Alessandru Ricci announced his intentions to start funding an Atrian Nuclear weapons program. The last time there was a state funded program of this kind was in the 1970's, which was quickly shut down after a negative response from neighboring nations who viewed it as a threat to regional security.

"The time has come!" stated Ricci in his address. "The confederacy will no longer fear threats from communists and fascist nations hoping to hurt our people."

It is unknown to ANNN at the time if the project has made any progress, and if it has been started at all yet. What is known, however, is that President Ricci seems to be serious about his statement. This isn't the first time he has doubled down on a campaign promise many doubted he'd follow through with if he was elected. Opposition politicians fear a potential nuclear Atriano, with Ricci's adversary during the 2016 election, Mayor Isaac Einhorn stating the following:

"We absolutely cannot stand for this behavior. In this modern age we live in, nuclear brinkmanship is not a policy I want to see our great Confederacy taking."

When asked if he'd attempt to get the program voted unconstitutional in the Constitutional Jury, he replied "Of course I will. We have a duty to keep our nation safe, building missiles cannot do what thorough diplomacy can."

Atriano's great mountains have occasionally been found to have uranium in them, but what has been recorded will certainly not be enough. If the Ricci cabinet truly wishes to go through with a nuclear program, they will most likely have to import many of the raw materials needed to produce warheads. If the government does plan to import the materials, they will be going on back on another of Ricci's campaign promises of taking a dominantly "Atrian-only" policy regarding trade.

ANNN's science correspondent, Doctor Antonio Belbia, contacted us with the following statement regarding a nuclear Atriano.

"Does the confederacy have the potential to build a nuclear arsenal? I suppose. What seems to be closer in the realm of possibility, however, is nuclear energy. Clean energy is the first step in restoring our broken environment. Whether the president will consider this is yet to be seen. I and many of my colleagues have been in contact with him and have heard little back."

President Ricci has never spoken about nuclear energy in the past, but it seems likely that he will have to say something regarding the issue now that he is planning to use nuclear power in more hostile ways. As of this moment there are many unknowns regarding this situation, and we here at ANNN will be ready to report every development.

REPLY | LIKE | DISLIKE

93 Comments

By s_hat23 - 17 mins Ago

about time
14 Likes | 17 Dislikes
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By don_keyhotay - 23 mins Ago

The cold war ended a couple of decades ago, idiots
62 Likes | 58 Dislikes
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By Janettefreewater - 3 mins Ago

a nuclear winter sounds refreshing right about now
4 Likes | 2 Dislikes
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by **Eurania** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 12:23 am

10/15/2017
Issue 47

In this issue:
INTERNATIONAL: TENSIONS RISE BETWEEN ATHARA MAGARAT & EUSR
Heavily-armed police patrol Polania’s cities
Fight breaks out in Polania’s legislature
Euranian Defense Forces: Conscription Likely

National Council confirms family as the original royal family of
Shion

ST. PETROKAVIA, NORTH EURANIA, STATE OF EURANIA - The Museum of
the Palace of Shion in St. Petrokavia is being converted from a public exhibition to a private
residence of the royal family of Shion and Eurania as the National Council, in close vote,
established the Levins - a family that had been confirmed by experts as the modern continuation
of the dynasty that ruled the Kingdom of Shion - as the royal family of the State of Eurania.

In August 2015, the Levins made a claim to the Republican government that they were the
legitimate royal family whose patriarch was the heir to the throne of Shion and Eurania. This
was highly disputed by the previous Euranian government, which emphasized economics and
power over appointing a ceremonial royal family. During the Stagnation period, the Levins were
forced to flee as unstable communist revolutionaries quickly tossed aside their claims and
established a gross, weak state. But now, the Levins’ claims have been acknowledged.

Experts assessed the Levins’ ancestry, as well as DNA genealogy, and have determined that
the Levin family indeed was related to the great dynasty that ruled Shion. Following this
assessment result, the National Council, with the Prime Minister’s approval, have established
the Levins as the House of Shion, with the legal surname of Levin.

A plan has been set in place for the new royals. The patriarch of the house, Augustus Levin, will
be crowned as King of Shion and Eurania as soon as possible. Once crowned, he will be
only a figurehead of Eurania, as power will remain with the President, Prime Minister, and the
National Council. Their new residence will be the converted Palace of Shion, which will both be
a private estate as well as a place for the public to tour through, in some sections.

The idea crowning of the new king, and even the basic acknowledgment of the royal family has
been heavily blasted by communists in the already-strained republic of Polania.
“The government has been a total disaster since it took away its glorious ideologies!” Protesters
exclaimed as the region’s government grows stagnant while Eurania’s government has began cracking down on ‘dangerous dissent’ within the region. Curfews have been established and
heavily-armed police squads have began patrolling areas.

Meanwhile, deputies of the National Council have expressed mixed opinions - from enthusiastic
supporters of the new royals to deputies who ‘want to get over and down with it’.

by **Polar Svalbard** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 10:49 am

Consul Bellum Denounces Nuclear Proliferation by Atriano

Today the Consul Bellum Klark Zeltargo has issued a denouncement of the nation of Atriano for their President announcing plans for nuclear proliferation.

Atriano is a small island nation in the Southern Sea to the west of Svalbardian ally Corindia. The nation of one and a half million people has decided that it wishes to rekindle a nuclear program it attempted in the 70s. The program was quickly shut down due to the nation's populace and neighbors railing against it. Luckily though one of our correspondents, who is a nuclear engineer, had this to say on the topic.

It is extremely unlikely that the nation of Atriano will be able to produce nuclear weapons. For one thing they are extremely small in terms of population and are extremely unlikely to be able to put up the amount of funding this kind of project will require. Along with that it seems that they have yet to take steps into nuclear energy which will need to be the creation of nuclear facilities, places to enrich the uranium, and other key steps in the process. It is unlikely that they have the knowledge and engineers and scientists to be able to reallocate to this with such a small population. Such efforts would be detrimental to other industries and would serve little to no economic gain.

Overall there is little to worry about, but the nation should still stop shipments of uranium to the nation. If they had wanted Nuclear Energy they should have went another route.

Such statements are good to hear, and mean that you have little to worry, here or on trips to Corindia. It is unknown why the nation would announce such efforts, or even try. It would be best to have either become allies with a friendly nation for defense, or just try to keep a low profile. Either way though the Consul Bellum has announced that unless Atriano signs a treaty that it will not produce nuclear weapons, Polar Svalbard will take whatever force it deems necessary to defend its allies in the Southern Sea.

Pop Star Veronika Nordholm goes on tour across Polar Svalbard

New Pop-star icon is going on tour across Polar Svalbard after her first ever album Northern Nights topped the music charts both in Polar Svalbard and numerous other countries. She has stated that she is going to hit Alta and every Provincial Capital. Already tickets are sold out or about to be sold out at most venues.

It is unknown when she will make a tour outside of Polar Svalbard but it does depend on if she gets movie deals from this, which is likely to happen. Truly we are seeing the birth of a star.

by **San Montagna** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 11:20 am

Final bombing runs before the Retaking of Mario Island
San Montagnan News Network

This Afternoon, Citizens watched and cheered as hundreds of bombers planes left their bases to bomb Ethnic Militia Positions on Mario Island, This has come after the Retaking of Friuli Isle, Which was taken at the cost of thousands of San Montagnan Lives. The invasion is to take place in the coming week, and is planned to retake Mario Island which has been under oppressive Ethnic Militia control ever since the former Government did not do anything to stop it.

Benito Franco Spoke about this at the Public Execution of SHOCK fighters captured on Friuli Isle: "Do you see those corpses over there, that's what is going to happen to any more we find on Mario Island, any outside force that tries to take rightfully christian land will not be tolerated, When we go on our Crusade to take back our land from those Heretics, there SHOCK supporters will be shot, and the Militia thrown in jail for life. It's the Calm before the storm right now, and the Heretic Militia, SHOCK, and their Socialist supporters will be Raped out of existence when we arrive"

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by **San Jimenez** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 3:10 pm

"A sacred prayer of peace..."

• Chamber of Congress: New bill to lower taxes for low-income families passed.
• House of Confederates: In session.
• Jimenean Catholic Church: Cardinall Colquitt attends national rosary for peace.
• President Canone visits Malaci for rally.
• Tornado strikes Maladium Island damaging some reconstructed areas.

Weather:
Sunday: Max: 11 Min: 9
Monday: Max: 11 Min: 9
Tuesday: Max: 13 Min: 10
Wednesday: Max: 12 Min: 9
Thursday: Max: 14 Min: 9
Friday: Max: 13 Min: 9
Saturday: Max: 12 Min: 10

|Del Agua City, October 15, 2017|
Good morning citizens, today, across the island of San Jimenez, millions gather for what Cardinal Colquitt calls "a sacred prayer of peace". In Del Agua City, an estimated 3 million are in attendance. Another 4 million participate in the prayer in Gran Teran, Abhainn Alainn, Talamh an Aisling, and St. Jimenez. After the Sunday mass was held in Del Agua City the event officially began there and the hours following many other cities began following. Many Regional governments have allowed their workers a period of paid leave in response to this momentous event.

Cardinal Colquitt organized the event a few days ago in response to recent world events unfolding. "As the future of The Western Isles is uncertain, I call upon the Christians everywhere to pray the most sacred rosary for peace in the Isles and for a hopeful, faithful, future". His words were observed by many, more than previously expected. This morning, Mary Canone flew into Del Agua City, the seat of the Jimenean Catholic Church, to attend the mass rosary. Processions from parishes throughout the city took place with statues of Catholic images. Throughout the processions, onlookers prayed the rosary while being led by members of the clergy. Jimenean law enforcement was put on high alert after requests were made by the president to ensure the safety of the participators and any political leaders in attendance also. It is, so far, the largest gathering in Jimenean history and in the Jimenean Church's history. At the moment, bells ring loudly from the nation's cathedrals as millions gather in a prayer of peace. That is all the information we have as of right now so thank you for choosing the Gran Teran Gazette and have a blessed day.

by **Ostehaar** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 4:25 pm

October 16th, 2017
First News Network
Porohare, Ostehaar

PM DORIAS AT LABOR CONFERENCE: WAS NOT AWARE OF THE 'LAND DEAL', ALLEGATIONS SERIOUS

Prime Minister Rikard Vulf Dorias spoke today at the Labor Party conference in Haalban, and responded to the latest accusations against his government regarding the alleged 'land deal' with the Rural Development Foundation. According to the recently reported deal, the RDF was allowed to amass over 4 billion KR (roughly 2.8 billion USD), which were about 40% of its revenues, in tradable securities, while investing only around 30% of its revenues in its stated purpose - the development of rural lands around Ostehaar. RDF managers based the foundation's budget on falsified revenues, much lower than the real ones, and accumulated an average of 500 million KR (roughly 350 million USD) every year. In return, as FNN reported Friday, the RDF used some of its unreported and undocumented surplus to finance several government projects related to base defenses and coastal facilities.

"I was not aware of any such 'deals' with the RDF, but these allegations are serious and should be treated appropriately," the Prime Minister said. "I have instructed Minister Fric to investigate this matter; there will be no corruption in this government." No official comment was received from the RDF or from its managing director, Dehna Khovarin.

Head of the opposition, Mikahel Si Ardner, referred to the reported deal as "a red flag" and called for an overhaul of the RDF. Ardner stated that his party, 'New Ostehaar', has been pushing for that overhaul since 2015. "The RDF has become a corrupted extension of Dorias' government in the past few years," he said. Ardner also criticized what he called the 'Poro-centric' Labor Party conference. "I have heard no prominent southern voice among the speakers in Haalban today, and no doubt it's institutional. In a few years they will be surprised, again, to discover that the majority of voters south of Teser voted against them. I wonder why."

MINISTER BRAHURER ON SAN JIMENEAN PRESIDENTIAL RACE: OSTEHAAR SUPPORTS LPP CANDIDATE QUINN

In a surprising announcement today during her speech at the Labor Party conference in Haalban, Minister of Foreign Affairs Elena Brahurer endorsed John Quinn, the Liberal Progressive Party candidate in the San Jimenean presidential race. Quinn debated President Lucas Canone mid-September, and called for curbing of church influence, legalization of abortions, and increased regional cooperation.

Minister Elena Brahurer in Haalban

"I watched the debate two weeks ago and was delighted to hear Confederate Quinn's responses," Brahurer said. "He brings with him a refreshing agenda. I am sure he would be an excellent leader for San Jimenez and a close partner of Ostehaar." A few months ago Ostehaar protested the admission of San Jimenez into the CU, but the northern country has seen political reforms since then, and Ostehaar-CU relations gradually normalized.

SAMUDERA & EUSR DISCUSS TRADE DEALS AS TENSIONS WITH DKAM RISE

Jrm Hangma of Athara Magarat denounced the EUSR over what she called "blatant imperialism", referring to Bhikkustan's move to incorporate the Kachee Republic as a territory of the EUSR. "The EUSR is a disgrace to the revolutionary socialist path," Jrm Hangma said. "If the EUSR cares so much for socialist solidarity, they should come to dialogue on Kachee Islamic People's Republic's future."

Despite the threats of war, trade discussions were held in Dovgorod between EUSR and Samuderan representatives. Samuderan Minister of Trade, Gaharu Ratachandra, said that it is "a normal trade discussion between important economic partners." The CEOs of GoTor and Mentari Solar are expected to head for the EUSR to discuss further trade relations.

FNN's regional relations commentator, Ari Lohifer, claimed that officials in the Oster government were troubled by the EUSR-Samudera discussions. "Samudera is simply too close," Lohifer explained. "The Ministry of Defense sees it as one of its top missions to 'clean' the Eterna area and Gael of mere hints of Aapelistanian activity, and now Samudera practically grants the EUSR direct access to Gael through trade deals?"

Defense commentator, Dihn Sjehren, pointed out in response that the Ministry of Defense might actually benefit from these trade relations. "Constant movement of merchants and civilians between friendly nations and the EUSR can be used to monitor this communist threat closely, and I would not be surprised if our government would choose to use the Samuderan vector rather than oppose it," Sjehren said.

JEHN PERDAAR TRIBUTE CONCERT MARKS 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SINGER'S DEATH

October 15th marked 20 years since the death of iconic and widely loved singer-songwriter Jehn Perdaar, and the melancholic Rock & Roll performer's legacy was celebrated with an event at Voster Park, Porohare. Jehn's close friend, Linda Morehn, presented and introduced the many artists who came to play their take on some of Jehn's well-known songs.

Jehn Perdaar was killed a few weeks before reaching the age of 27 - a key age in Rock & Roll's mythology of death. A comeback concert of her band, Na Varsejir (The Witches), was planned to take place on October 16th 1997 at the Logus Club in Lindastir, but the day before the concert Jehn veered off course with her car, hit a concrete wall near Teser interchange, and was killed instantly. Her many fans across the country presumably still mourn her loss.

Jehn Perdaar, in the year of her death

During her short lifetime, Jehn had inspired a generation of teenagers and young adults in Ostehaar, and had become a symbol of poetic creativity and individualism on one hand, and melancholy and anguish on the other. She wrote about depression, sexuality, euphoria, faith, and judgment. Her voice was raw, her music sharp, and her words exceptional, and together with her two friends in Na Varsejir she created some of the most well-known and intense tunes of the Oster 90's.

"Beautiful, drunk, unique in the world,
She has a poisoned soul in a perfect body.
She laughs with the sound of a cracked bell,
After years of smoking and stifling nights.
A mortal would not understand this restless dance:
The gods, they're having fun - but Venus, she is crying."
- English translation of the chorus of Jehn's song "Dance of the Gods"

by **Covonant** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 5:17 pm

October 15, 2017
Coventry, Covonant

CBC Headlines
CBC REPORT: Addressing Youth Homelessness. LGBTQI Youths Affected most.
Covonant Outlines Sanctions on San Montagna
Covish Cares Humanitarian Relief to Provide Relief Aid to Port Calta and West Suomi Following Devastating Typhoon Nate

CBC REPORT: Addressing Youth Homelessness. LGBTQI Youths Affected most.

Covonant in the past decade has witnessed an increase in the number of reports of youths (persons between the age of 16-24) becoming homeless after being kicked out from their homes. In 2015 a Commissional report by the Covonantian Youth Council Advisory Board (CYCAB) expressed that many youths have found themselves in a position of being disowned by their families and thus leading them to roam the streets. The report notes

Children and those above the age of 21 who are not yet in a position to sufficiently support themselves and are still very much in need of familial support have found themselves for a variety of reasons, disowned and abandoned by their families. This Council express that such acts must receive a response from the government through the Ministry of Education and Youth, and the Ministry of Local Government and Communities.

The report further outlined that 30% of youths made homeless are those that identify themselves as belonging to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trangender, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQI) Community.

Over 30% of youths that reports to be made homeless are those that are members of the LGBTQI Community. The reason for their predicament results from parents and families inability to accept and support their child/children being gay. This has led to many social implications such as an increase in the number of child abuse reports that have been made, increase in youth on youth violence, and a risk to contracting Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STIs) as well as an increase in the number of youths that have contracted STIs. This Council recommends that a streamlined approach be taken by the government and the wider society to limit this act of child abandonment as well provide more funding to programmes to alleviate the risk pose to children made homeless.

Two years after that report had been made and presented at a Consular hearing, the CBC sought to explore whether improvements have been made and if the recommendations from that Committee had been addressed. Amelia Qilenta, head of Save the Youth Initative express that there has been no changes made to the plights of child homelessness and abandonment. She notes that everyday the numbers are increasing.

We don't see where based on the reports that changes have been made. Instead what we have been witnessing is an exacerbation of the problem. To make matters worst, shelters and youth homeless programmes are complaining of being underfunded to continue operations. For some to survive they have to reduce the numbers of youths they house

She notes that it cost $22,000 yearly to house just one of the 48 youths that are currently under her programme. She expressed that she is operating at a loss.

On average it would take around $22,000 to provide for just one individual for the year. This includes providing food, clothing, education and other basic amenities with health being involved. I have to rely on donors and fundraising to get by for the year, most times I don't meet my benchmark and as a result I am not able to provide what I would want for all individuals.

The CBC spoke with Minister of Youth Titus Honoratus who expressed that the government is looking to increase funding and support for organisations signed under the NFPC (Non For Profit Covonant) with a mandate of serving the nations at risk youths.

The Ministry is exploring a phase by phase basis of providing increase funding to organisations that are under the NFPC that focuses on our youths. We have acquired roughly $1.5 billion dollars that we will be looking to disburse once the Consul has signed off on it.

Amelia however believes that the government has been moving very slow and that it would take more than $1.5 billion to adequately meet the demands of at risk youths nationwide.

We have lobbied with the Covonantian Children's First Organisation, pleading for the government to assist and this was five years ago. The previous administration had promised that it will look into providing more funding and materials such as building materials to expand our space and also bed and a streamlined support of materials such as toiletries, clothing and subsidized food. To date we have received nothing. With the current administration, they seem preoccupied at the moment but we have been told by the Youth Ministry that funding in the region of $1.5 billion will be made available soon. We have voiced our opinion that that is not enough, because they fail to realise it is not an issue that is only happening in Coventry but it's nationwide

Minister of Community and Local Government Metilia Lucia expressed that the Ministry is looking at kickstarting programmes to address the needs of at risk youths particularly those of the LGBTQI community.

The Ministry has been in dialogue with social workers and technocrats from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and also heads of organisations and committees involved in youth issues to see how best we can tackle this issue. The new administration is trying to reach out and assist and play our part. We are looking to kickstart few programmes in the coming year that deals with education and parental advise, this is in collaboration with the Education and Youth Ministry. We are also exploring legislative routes to strengthen our laws that put in place preventative sanctions on parents who carry out the act of child abandonment. This means to prosecute parents who in simple terms kick their kids out before they have reached the legal age of 21. This is an ongoing debate however

The CBC will continue to follow the government's will to address youth homelessness and it's effect on LGBTQI individuals.

Covonant Outlines Sanctions on San Montagna

The Consul approved yesterday to a vote of 266-49, sanctions drafted by the Foreign Ministry towards the fascist regime of San Montagna. In her opening address before the voting had taken place Foreign Minister Lydia Abbasca is calling on the international community not to sit idle by as a ruthless regime is set loose.

I am calling on democratic societies to speak up and be more forthright with their stance on San Montagna. Our silence will lead to more instability. Covonant will lead the charge to let San Montagna know that its approach to issues of terrorism is wrong. This is why the Foreign Ministry has moved to enact strong sanctions against San Montagna and we will not relent to explore other options.

The sanctions outlined includes:

Total embargo on goods from the Union of Covonant towards San Montagna
Total freeze on financial accounts of San Montagna citizens, government officials through the Covish Union Bank and other Covonantian regional financial institutions.
Declaration of San Montagna a rogue state and warrant immediate action from Covonant in the event it is seen a necessity
All applicable sanction excluding sanction three may after consultation be applied to states that engage in trade or financial transaction with San Montagna

The Minister expressed that Covonant will be looking to encourage the CU to take a bold stance against San Montagna. She notes that countries who seek to engage with San Montagna through economic or political means will be seen as contributors to the regimes unstable behaviour.

I have advised the Ambassador to the CU to have the commission explore routes at ensuring that San Montagna fails. We must not allow this regime to last. Diplomacy does not work with fascist states, we however will lead with sanctions and if possible other options. We are adamant that San Montagna must fail and a duly democratic system put in place. We will be extending our sanctions to countries that seeks to engage either politically or economically with San Montagna.

Covish Cares Humanitarian Relief to Provide Relief Aid to Port Calta and West Suomi Following Devastating Typhoon Nate

The Union of Covonant Government has pledge to provide relief aid to both West Suomi and Port Calta following the passage of the devastating Typhoon Nate. The revelation was made by Minister of International Trade and International Development Gaius Bato at the Consul sitting yesterday.

Covonant stands ready to provide relief support to our CU partner and regional partner West Suomi and Port Calta respectively. Covonant knows too well the extent which natural phenomenon can cause and sympathize with the affected citizens.

Minister Bato expressed that the Union has sent the request to both countries government requesting permission to assist and once such request have been approved, the Union will look to send relief supplies to both countries.

The Ministry on behalf of the government has sent the request for permission to assist both states. Once approved the Union through our flagship Covish Cares Humanitarian Relief will look to provide relief efforts to both countries. This will be in the form of sending our hospice ship Gloriana with food and medical supplies along with toiletries and construction materials to assist the country in getting back on their feet.

Minister Bato is calling on Covonantians to donate materials to those affected.

The Covish Cares will be accepting items to donate. I ask the Covonantian people to assist those in need. We cannot tell if one day we will find ourselves in a situation where we may require outside assistance. The Covonantian Government will be also establishing an emergency trust of $100 million to donate to both countries equally.

The Minister express that all are in place to provide relief.

DO REMEMBER THIS IS THE CBC

Reporter: Illythia Reid

by **Covonant** » Sun Oct 15, 2017 10:26 pm

October 15, 2017
Coventry, Covonant

CBC TWI SPECIAL COOPERATIVE UNION REPORT

COOPERATIVE UNION CELEBRATES ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY

In the early days of September 2016 with the Union of Covonant looking to contribute further to the peace and stability of The Western Isles, political representatives from Covonant, Ipland, Keomora and Athara Magarat met in Coventry to decide on a new bold organisation that could usher in a new age of untold peace and cooperation encompassing nations of the region. After intense discussion and planning among government representatives and technocrats from the four states, it was agree that a new organisation that would see members Cooperate on issues for the furtherance of their development and sustenance of peace was devised. On the 9th of October 2016 the Cooperative Union was formed with the four founding member states, Covonant, Ipland, Keomora, and Athara Magarat all in agreement that the Cooperative Union otherwise known simply as the CU must have its headquarters within Covonantian territory but absent from political influence. The Covonantian Government led by former Prime Minister Imperatus Marl at the time decided that Senoica was the best place to house the CU headquarters.

Imperatus Marl (Former Prime Minister of Covonant, Current Opposition Leader of Covonant

When we were looking at the best possible location for this new organisation's headquarter,we immediately knew that Covonant was to be the territory in which it would be located. My government at the time having dealt with political pressures from the opposition and backlash from the public wanted as far away from Coventry as we possibly could. We had contemplated on having the headquarters in Devios which is the country's military zone but representatives still felt that the organisation could easily be influenced by the powerful lobby groups and the Coventry Consensus. We explored greatly a site and Senoica which is least populated with many unused lands was seen as both perfect geographically and in size to house the CU headquarters

-Imperatus Marl (Former Prime Minister 2012-2017, Opposition Leader 2017-)

With eyes on a new location the CU was unstoppable. The Union of Covonant Government in consultation with the other 3 founding memberstates came together to create the most powerful laws of the Cooperative Union, the Treaty of Coventry.

Tilonius Vesa, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs

The creating of the laws was an arduous task for the Foreign Ministry working with the Consul and foreign governments. It took weeks really to create a draft and have that draft approved by all countries government and sanctioned by their highest court. Covonant led the way in that venture and it was so decided that once it had been compiled that all parties would converge back in Coventry where the thought of the CU was formed would affixed their signature in a show of approval, and the treaty bore the name of Coventry, the capital in which it was signed

-Tilonius Vesa (Minister of Foreign Affairs 2012-2017)

With a site approved and construction estimated at $1.5 billion dollars the CU literally started from the ground up. But though countries had affixed their signatures on the Treaty of Coventry, Covonantians were not pleased with being a part of the CU.

It was the worst time, I would say of my tenure as Prime Minister. Everyday there was a riot and I was somewhat skeptical that it was being incited by the opposition as other countries had no problem in having their government and peoples coming to terms with being members of the CU. My administration was however not going to be coerced not to continue with an organisation that was beneficial for us

-Imperatus Marl

The CU was formed some would say because of conflicts between Keomora and Athara Magarat, two allies of Covonant. Covonant making sure both states never bring war to the Mesder again made it their priority to have both countries involved.

Athara Magarat and Keomora had a bloody lengthy war that lasted literally centuries, and in the summer of 2016 that war had exacerbated to levels that brough instability right into Covonant's backyard. The Covonantian government at the time was in a predicament. For one they didn't want to choose any sides. Covonant had a base in Keomora and was hellbent on keeping that base as it assured them easy access into the Central Argus area and a presence in the north Mesder area. On the other hand Covonant has historical ties to Athara Magarat which was once the mother country of its former colony Covonant and Covonant was looking on securing a holding base in the country as well. It was within that time that Covonant turned its back on two of its allies and allowed them to fight it out. The event became too prolonged and the Foreign Minister demanded that both countries explored avenues to peace. Covonant led those talks and it was from that incident that a CU like association began to form in the minds of the country's political elites.

-Mikael Stoke, CBC Political Commentator

The CU didn't start on a easy footing. In fact its first major crisis saw the four founding member states tackling an refugee crisis that developed in the east in Bhikkustan.

Lucretia Silvania

The first issue that we dealt with was the refugee crisis that emerged from Bhikkustan in the east, with Bhikkustanis seeking refuge in rich western countries such as Covonant and Ipland but at the same time many wanted to be in a country culturally similar to them, and that would be Athara Magarat. I don't think at the time we were ready for that. We were a new organisation still trying to figure out what we wanted our organisation to be

-Lucretia Silvania (Former Covonantian Ambassador to the CU 2016-2017, Former Secretary General of the CU 2016-2017)

The refugee crisis would prove the worth of the CU and its pledge to regionalism and cooperation. The worst hit nation of the CU was Athara Magarat that saw over 200,000 refugees seeking refuge there. The CU was quick to respond.

It was the worst refugee crisis in the history of the Isles one could say. Bhikkustan had the same year experienced the worst natural disaster in the country's history and at the same time there was political upheaval that saw a overthrowing of an elected government and a new government taking the helm. It was also at this time we saw democratic government's cutting back from aid to Bhikkustan such as Covonant that cut its aid support of $200 million to the Bhikkustani government. Athara Magarat was understanding of their plights and with our shared history and culture we knew we wanted to assist

-Kyle Gurung (Athara Magarat Ambassador to the CU)

With the refugee crisis somewhat under control the CU gained prominence in the eyes of the international community with countries asking to join. The CU was open to accepting democratic societies only.

Noronica looked at the CU as a regional institution that principles were in the right place. We wanted to be a greater voice in international politics and the government believed the CU as the best route for us to be given that voice. We also held the same belief of the CU in wanting regional peace

-Harold Aentyn(Noronican Ambassador to the CU 2016-present, Secretary General of the CU 2017-present)

With the joining of Noronica as the fifth member state to the CU the organisation saw its economic might grow to becoming the regions economic powerhouse having the largest GDP that to this day is unchallenged. The CU saw a period of relative peace and prosperity with the organisation looking to bring closer their economic gains while maintaining their political closeness. In the early part of 2017 the CU continued its growth in membership with the addition of Ainslie as the 6th member which was quickly followed by Tectonix as the 7th member to the CU.

The CU was seen as an economic benefit to Ainslie as well as that route we could take to become more active in the region. We contemplated whether we wanted to join. Ahnslens are very peculiar with matters of sovereignty and it was the general belief that the CU could erode our sovereignty. We have seen matters that we question CU motives but I believe the CU has become too big and too powerful that it has forgotten its founding mantra to the point that it acts as a state encroaching on the sovereignty of its members.

-Olivia Hughes (Former Anhslen Ambassador to the CU), Current Press Secretary of the Cooperative Union Aerospace Council

With the induction of Tectonix to the CU, the regional alliance saw major changes to its operations having underwent reforms and to creating its first Cooperative Union agency.

Julianus Gannica

It can be said that Tectonix somewhat modernized the CU and made it work but at the same time brought in a period of bureaucracy and questionable reforms. The Ambassador at the time Mrs. Silvania seemed aloft when these resolution came about. I believe with the advent of the Tectonixians the CU progressed but it also changed drastically

-Julianus Gannica (Covonantian Ambassador to the CU)

On the 16th of April 2017, the CU created the Cooperative Union Aerospace Council (CUAC) that was to see the organisation entrance into the space race where the idea was not to compete with individual member states within the CU and outside of it but more to assist and collaborate.

Dr. Hekima Kiyoto

The CU understood that the future is beyond the skies and the members within the Chamber all agreed on that. In fact since Tectonix involvement in the CU we explored the option with our CU counterparts and we found that countries such as Covonant and Athara Magarat wanted such a move. It didn't take long for us to see how best we could pool our resources and focused on areas which countries have the comparative advantage in to create a CU space programme

-Dr. Hekima Kiyoto, Secretary General of Cooperative Union Aerospace Council

The CU has flourished in the short time of its existence with member states making a commitment to its success. The CU is seen as the only institution in the region that has summits regularly more than once yearly, with the most recent one being held in Ainslie. But the summit that led to fundamental change for the CU happened in Noronica.

Our first major summit was held in Noronica, it was from this summit where we all agreed to formalizing our immigration policy with the introduction of the Cooperative Passport. I think from there on we were bound to make more policies of inclusion

-Harold Aentyn

The CU was however not short of controversy and scandal. In April of 2017 the CU was met with regional backlash and scrutiny when the Commission agreed to admitting a theocratic state into the CU. Such embarrassment led to reform in CU laws and admissions.

It was very embarrassing that the CU in that instance forgot its mandate. It was a massive oversight on the part of the members. The only state that had some form of consternation to San Jimenez membership was Ainslie. Most members and I would admit Covonant as well was not bothered by the membership of San Jimenez in anyway and which is why I had to ensure that such events never occur again

-Lucretia Silvania

With the introduction of sweeping reforms and a new admissions protocol the CU was on a path of growth but such growth brought talks of encroachment on sovereignty. Following the admittance of San Jimenez, West Suomi, Samudera, Verona Beach and Dragao do Mar, the CU grew to being the largest alliance after the League of the Western Isles and the most powerful economic bloc in the region with a market valued at over $6.3 trillion dollars and an estimated population of over 237 million Cooperative Citizens.

I don't think we could have imagined the CU being at the height it is now. in less than a year the CU had grown to become a regional powerhouse that had immense influence and power to lead social changes in countries that are members of the CU and countries that aren't members of the CU. I think with such powers and the CU becoming too entangled it created in itself the unspoken right to encroach on its member states national legislatures

-Olivia Hughes

In July 2017, founding member Covonant had elected as its Prime Minister Crassus Gais an unapologetic anti-CU individual. Throughout his campaign he made it open that he will lead Covonant out of the CU.

Crassus Gais, Prime Minister of Covonant

Covonant does not hate the CU. It has its place in the region, it is here and it is growing and I don't see it ending. But we have to speak for our interest and currently the CU doesn't have our interest. We have become too tied up in trade, immigration, laws, and now health how far else will the CU go

-Crassus Gais (Covonantian Prime Minister)

The CU has received criticism within and outside the bloc of becoming to involved in the sovereign affairs of its members. This view was made evident following the immediate passage of the Cooperative Union Trade Board which member states such as Ainslie lambasted and claimed had underlining motives. Ainslie went as far to protest the move with talks of leaving the CU.

I understand why the Ahnslen representative would feel obliged to protest the move and question its reason. I agree that the treaty does speak to harmonizing our trade laws but the CU trade board doesn't seem like a route at harmonizing but more an agency that would seek to dictate to individual memberstates who and what they can trade. If that is not encroachment on sovereignty I don't know what is.

-Julianus Gannica

In the later part of September 2017, a report revealed that CU memberstate Athara Magarat had over 30,000 cases of ticking flu contracted in the country, prompting a CU-wide response. For the first time CU members had closed its borders to CU citizens with Covonant being the first. Such move called for reforms to CU health policies which Covonantian and Ahnslen representatives vehemently rejected.

I could not agree to the CU creating an agency that would dictate to Covonant when she can or cannot close her borders when she is facing a threat regardless if it is from a member state. As long as we are members we want the CU to focus back to its root of maintaining a peaceful region through cooperation not by dictation and encroachment on national sovereignty

-Julianus Gannica

Daniel Entemont

I think CU members need to accept that organisations grow and with growth they change because the issues that we are faced with will get harder and challenging and we have to for the good of the CU respond to them not being individualistic but understanding that what we do is to be for the greater good of the CU

-Daniel Entemont (Tectonixian Ambassador to the CU, Admissions Director to the CU)

This year the CU celebrates one year after its forming and many CU member states from the founding four to the present twelve members can identify and feel the organisation has changed. From being formed as a means to bring about regional peace to growing into the largest economic power in the region, the CU though with its challenges as its achievements as it as in some way or another impacted the nature of its member states and their citizens and as contributed to a more peaceful region, but it also poses its dark side as being too powerful that it might just become the encroaching monster a few CU members face. Despite talks of members wanting out, the CU seems to grow even more. This has been a CBC TWI Special Report on the Cooperative Union, where in celebrating its one year anniversary we took a walk down memory lane exploring the rise of the Cooperative Union. Thanks for joining in and to all Cooperative Citizens whether you believe in the CU or not do remember to always be Lunctus et Cooperantem (Latin)
"United and Cooperative". Pleasant viewing.

Presenter: Gloria Stiles.

by **Albion Invicta** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 1:53 am

16th October, 2017
The Lanercost Times
Albion Invicta

More than just for cooking leftovers - Albionite tech giant reveils 'breakthrough' in data storage technology

More than just for cooking leftovers - Albionite tech giant reveils 'breakthrough' in data storage technology
The Lanercost Times - 16th October 2017
________________________________

Thanks to groundbreaking research, Albion leads the way in data storage technology - unveiling microwave utilising hard drives that can store 40 terabytes of data.

It is an exciting time for Albionite technology industries,

Our fair isle is developing and building the technology to secure our future. From high-speed internet services - to one of the most reliable and secure mobile networks in the region, Conway is leading the way into the 21st century.

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Top Comments

@gimmethetech - 21m ago

whhaaaaaatttt - 40 terabites, dat wud mean more space for ma ... special videos ))))

Reply | Share | View Comments (69)

@conway4life - 9m ago

Argh, they can develop legendary phones and harddrives, but can't keep their gaming servers online for 5 minutes without a DDoS attack! SORT IT OUT!!!!

Reply | Share | View Comments (992)

@prosperousprospector - 18m ago

Albion leads the way ... how long until this tech is 'acquired' by our not-so-friendly rivals?

Reply | Share | View Comments (87)

by **Athara Magarat** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 8:27 am

October 16th, 2017

SHOCK hackers making use of botnets and Kirati Yak

MYAGDI ISLAND

A couple of days ago [details are scant as to when it exactly happened], a botnet made up of 100,000 compromised gadgets knocked a local Internet infrastructure provider in downtown Myagdi Island partially offline. Among other things such as spamming messages on the rights of the Isles natives and removal of African/Asian/European colonizers, the hackers, revealed to be connected to the multinational terrorist organization SHOCK, used the combined computing power of the botnet to launch distributed denial-of-service attacks, which flooded websites in Athara Magarat and some other nations with traffic.

The cyber-attack on the local Internet provider Nadir Net resulted in a cascade of effects that ultimately caused a long list of high-profile websites such as the video-chat Kite, the Magarati National Broadcaster (MNB) website and popular streaming sites for Athara Magarati video game Let's Plays, dramas and movies to temporarily disappear from the Internet. It is known that the hackers are using similar tactics of using botnets to bring down websites in other Isles nations as well but the information has been vague at best.

Computer Emergency Response Team of Athara Magarati Internet Networks (CERTAIN) have stated that the SHOCK hackers used the malware Kirati Yak. CERTAIN and the Athara Magarati government urged calm in the already unstable nation that is suffering from Ticking Flu rampancy, sudden terror attacks and a controversial war on terror and the slowly disappearing refugee crisis as well diplomatic incidents abroad. Particularly in industrial hub of Myagdi Island, where the cyber-attack took place and which is now like a ghost city due to the fact that almost all death casualties of the Ticking Flu are from this city.

"This is not the first time SHOCK have used the cyberspace to do their bidding." A spokesman for CERTAIN said. "It has been a difficult war both on the battlefield and in the cyberspace. The hackers in SHOCK are most likely brilliant students our nation produced [basic programming is a fundamental course even for primary level students in Athara Magarat]. But their radicalism and SHOCK's clutches have made them criminals who commit such acts without any remorse. The best defense against botnets would be for everything online to run only secure software; which is not entirely possible."

SHOCK has been known to recruit newer members in their ranks using social media. The hackers in the terrorist group have time and again, hacked into public screens to release SHOCK-related videos - most of which are of executions against their 'enemies'.

by **Koysala** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 3:41 pm

LEFTIST PROTESTORS MOBILIZE IN THE NORTH, AUTONOMY & CONFLICT AT RISK

लेफ़्तिस्त प्रोतेस्तोर्स श्त दोव्न थ्रेए प्रोविन्चेस इन थे नोर्थ्, हुन्द्रेद्स ओफ़ फ़च्तोरिएस अरे शुत!

| VATRAPATRA NEWS - UJJAIN, AVANTI JANAPĀDA, 13:50 | Centered around Ujjain and the Vindhya Mountains in the north, a large and steady Communist Party calling itself the Sāmyavādipakṣa Samāja (People's Party for the Advancement of the Worker) has called for the worker's unions of Koysala and the other Janapādas to go on strike in response to the Koysalan government's unfriendly policies towards Bhikkustan. Among foreign affairs, many see the Panchayatasamāja (4 party) System to not equally represent the many polities of Koysala. Along with low wages, and the lack of unions in Koysala, many of the workers in Koysala's prolific gold, emerald, and metal mines have gone on strike - paralyzing the three northern Janapādas. The Mining Industry, an essential part of the Koysalan economy, has essentially been paralyzed in the wake of the protests/strikes. |

Miners protest in Ujjain against the monarchy and the Imperial Government

• 3 Janapādarajas move to martial law
• 900 Protestors are injured in Ujjain, while Imperial Army cracks down
• Empress remains silent on the happenings
• Samrajyasabhas move to take away autonomy from Avanti
• Rajyapradhān Vijaytha ends election tour in Kailash

| HASTINAPURA PALACE, AYODHYA, 16:39 |From Hastinpura (alluded to the White House in Washington) the Imperial Intelligence Agency (Sarvābhaumaṣa Adhīkarāya - SAK) found that the Autonomous Janapādas (called Anganupas) of Avanti, Kailash, and Krishnarajya have all been complicit in not responding to the protests, with the thought behind that being that the governments (all of which are governed by majority Leftist parties of coalitions) are supporting the strikes in order to divide the nation. With the publishing of this SAK report, Hastinapur was bound to act with rage against the the three states. The Rajyapradhān has even asked that some Assembly Members in the Samrājyasabha try to (through legal maneuvers) end the autonomous "Anganupa" status of the three northern Janāpadas. Worried that Bhikkustan, a Socialist powerhouse the shares the island, will intervene. |

| AMANTIVYAN, KRISHNARAJYA (BHIKKUSTANI-KOYSALAN BORDER) 18:49 | Following the Imperial Army moving in to the Avanti Janapāda, and the instability in Krishnarajyam, Avanti, and Kailash prompting the moving of 50,000 troops to the Bhikkustani-Koysalan border in order to deter any possibility of conflict between the Empire and the EUSR. The Imperial Northern Command has moved three of its groups into Ujjain in order to prevent any possible ressistance to the Imperial Edicts put out my the Samrājyasabha's moves to end Avanti, Krishnarajya, and Kailash's autonomy |

Imperial Soldiers marching into Ujjain

by **San Montagna** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 7:15 pm

San Montagna News Network

The Beginning of the End, The Invasion of Mario Island has begun

It has begun, the invasion to take back Mario Island has finally went underway this morning when nearly 20 000 San Montagnan Marines and 40 000 San Montagnan Infantrymen, supported by Fire from Destroyers, have begun Amphibious landings on the East cost of Mario Island. The Invasion has been Long anticipated, for the success of this operation would mean the Reunification of San Montagna, with Friuli Island first being reunified earlier this week.

The Landings are taking place in Port Luigi, and Hells Cove. Port Luigi is an important Strategic Locations for numerous reasons, For one it is a Vital Drop-off Point for supplies, and if both invasions are sound and in coordination with each other, a large part of the enemy force can be surrounded into a pocket. As of the Moment of writing this Article, San montagnan Marines have Declared Victory at Port Luigi. Official Reports state that no more than 30% of San Montagnan forces were either Injured or killed in the Amphibious invasion. While Officer Reports state that the Battle itself was quick but Brutal Close quarters Combat, Reported to be over in just over 3 hours. Marines are now resting while an initial Batch of supplies is being sent from San Montagna.

Medics advance through the ruins of Port Luigi

The landings at Hells Cove, However, Did not go Smoothly, as Infantry are Reportedly unable to move past the Strong enemy defenses. Bombers are Currently Dropping Loads on Enemy defenses in the area. The Importance of the invasion was to connect with the other landing and Encircle a large Portion of enemy troops. Those Plans however, may need to be changed if the Breakthrough is not successful, or not successful quick enough. More information will come as this develops.

Benito Condems Covonant Sanctions, imposes his own

Covonant has made headlines in San montagna lately after imposing Sanctions on the country because of the Myth that fascism is evil and their false beliefs that the Militia situation is being mishandled by San Montagna. Benito Franco, our glorious leader, has responded to this is a speech, and by imposing sanctions of their own, Benito announced the following in his speech:

"It seems that Covonant seems to think they are playing super hero, imposing sanctions on us, while ignoring the Real threat of our Region, Communism. Covonant and its Government seems to think that DEmocracy is the good choice, well, as we know they are wrong. Covonant has closed trade with us, well screw them I guess they don't like Oil and Iron that much. Covonant seems to think that imposing Sanctions on us, and not even good sanctions, we won't be affected by this. They think we will be pushed around by this, well, we aren't and we will be imposing our own sanctions to prove it. Frankly, any nation that thinks Fascism will collapse because they stopped trading with us does not deserve the classification as a nation. and I hope that you, the Government of Covonat knows that. (Applause) Thank you (More Applause)"

The sanctions themselves were outlined a few hours later, they are the Following:
- Total embargo on goods from San Montagna towards The Union of Covonant
- Total freeze on financial accounts of Covonantian citizens, government officials through the San Montagnan National Bank and other San Montagnan regional financial institutions.
- The closure of Embassies in the Union of Covonant.
- All San Montagnan Websites are now unable to be viewed in Covonant.
- All San Montagnan Software, apps and Games are unable to be downloaded or purchased in Covonant.
- Travel to and from Covonant is Banned,
- As of October 18th 2017 all unauthorized Covonantian Vessels and Aircraft are Authorised to be Destroyed.
- San Montagna Will cease to recognise Covonant as a legitimate State, and from now on as a Rogue State.

by **Verona Beach** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 8:59 pm

A VB-55A Sky Knight II in flight over the Mesder Sea during recent trials.
Verona Beach Upgrades Strike Bomber Fleet

Verona Beach The Veronite Air Service has undergone one of the most major overhauls in recent memory, overshadowed maybe only by the fighter overhauls of the early 2000s under the Neville administration. This specific spending action by the nation's air force brought the small yet formerly versatile Veronite strike bomber force into the modern era. The backbone of the fleet, the VB-55 Sky Knight, entered service in early 1967 as a deterrent against Wellsian military actions in the area and as a "bargaining chip" in the attempt to gain superiority over Wellsia during the Canolam and Halfway Wars era. New improvements to the VB-55, dubbed the "Sky Knight II," drastically increases the bomber's range and durability by replacing older alloys with stronger, lighter materials and more efficient engines. The new improvements have already begun on the existing fleet in secret, and the project will most likely be finished late next week. The announcement yesterday by the Ministry of the Armed Service of the Air Service's project brought much congratulation from critics from how it allowed Verona Beach to maintain a more modern defense and offense doctrine.

by **Balnik** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 9:01 pm

October 16, 2017
Balniki Government News
Balnik

BGN: The News Balnik Needs!

BREAKING NEWS IN ROSTOV

Onlookers gaze at the Balniki soldiers infront of the Dormill and Stiuran embassy.

It was a relatively normal and brisk afternoon in the Balniki capital of Rostov until fourteen reported armored vehicles carrying uniformed men armed with fully automatic rifles stopped in front of the only embassy for the United Estates in Balnik. The men proceeded to dismount their vehicles and storm the building with rifles raised, an hour later several soldiers later returned, telling the surrounding crowd to disperse from in front of the embassy. Shortly after several high ranking diplomats and officers entered the embassy with no information of the purpose or dialogue being leaked. It wasn't until five hours later where Dovesti Andre Chernobog stood in front of a podium in Victory Plaza and spoke to thousands of people and journalists about the unraveling situation.
"My people and my friends. I'm sure you are all concerned about the Embassy seizure and the purposes behind it. However there is only one word necessary to describe the motivations behind it... compensation. We demand our compensation that the United Estates owes to Balnik Following the unlawful destruction and aggression upon the Hannibal submarine all those years ago. The time is up for the United Estates to pandering with deals and dialogue, The Balniki people demand compensation in either monetary, territory, or trade discussion wise and until we get this compensation we deserve, we will be holding onto the property and staff of the United Estates embassy until further notice.

Following this announcement several Balniki ships have been reactivated and several military assets have been begun to be moved and repositioned. It is unknown what the response of the United Estates will be, However BGN will keep you updated for all your informal needs.

by **Athara Magarat** » Mon Oct 16, 2017 9:51 pm

October 16th, 2017

Jrm Hangma: The Person and Her Diplomacy

Jrm Hangma donating blood from her former residence on the occasion of Voel Puja Ajra.

NEW LIBANG

"Praise be to Allah who brought me to life after giving me death, and to Him is the resurrection. O Allah! Bless whatever You provided for us and save us from the punishment of the Hellfire. Bismillah." Jrm Hangma says in her morning prayer. Then she places crumbs of breads on the balcony in her family's house [which is quite modest in appearance and just two-storied]. A few Mesderi waxwings soon arrive to eat what she had offered.

She then blesses the nation to celebrate the ancient Khas-Kirati festival of Puja Voel Ajra; through the media following her and in social networking websites. She also congratulates the nation of Eserai on becoming the newest member of the Cooperative Union. And she also proceeds to wish (albeit belated) "Happy CU Anniversary" to all Cooperative Union member nations and their citizens.

And after that, Jrm Hangma donates her blood on the auspicious occasion of Puja Voel Ajra. The festival has many local names in various Khas-Kirati languages but the Atishized term is generally used. Voel is Atish for bird and Ajra refers to a specific time period. Meanwhile Puja means worship in almost all Khas-Kirati languages.

"The birds have guided us since the dawn of civilization. Inspiring us, our cultures and generations to be free like them. As the Hangma, it is my duty to guide this nation to the proper path." Jrm Hangma says while her blood is being drawn. She then plays songs by legendary Oster singer-songwriter Jehn Perdaar, rising Svalbardian pop icon Veronika Nordholm of Northern Nights fame, the multinational music group AssemBlaze who are based in New Libang and various Atnaian pop (A-pop) artists for the rest of the time while donating blood.

Like her predecessor Paija Hang, who she is replacing as the interim ruler of Athara Magarat, Jrm Hangma enjoys popular support in her nation as a people's leader. But unlike her predecessor, her image in many foreign countries is far from benevolent while it has barely been a month she has been in the office.

Just the day before, she placed sanctions on Atriano for their nuclear weapons program and then today joined fellow CU member Covonant in placing trade embargo on neighboring dictatorship of San Montagna; whose leader Benito Franco had repeatedly offended both the Demokratik Kuunsrach and the Hangma's religion several times. Rumors are abound in the social media that she persuaded Koysala to cut ties with Bhikkustan and the Eastern Union of Socialist Republics (EUSR). How much of this is true is yet to be seen; but the Koysalan government has already mobilized its Imperial Army to crack down on EUSR-leaning political parties.

And not to forget the spat with Volkegoth over the September 28th 'Grohand incident' which resulted in deaths of around 22 Volkegothic citizens and 31 Athara Magarati servicemen in the retaliation by Volkegothic navy. Though the conflict there seems to have stalled, the Volkegothic government is reportedly still unhappy that Ludo Bahadur Dura is being tried by the ICJ instead of them.

Her image in various allied nations of the CU, the C6, the JEF, the Commonwealth and the ISDP are also not any better. Athara Magarat is now being treated with some suspicion by the Samuderan citizens due to the missile strikes on Kachee in September 21st and the Muslim populations in Samudera, Tumania and Kachee Island were infuriated when she made Islam her second religion - an act they viewed as an affront to their religion by a fake believer. Jrm Hangma and the former Sultan of Kachee Iskander Ali Erkinov [whose whereabouts are unknown] were painted as the 'big bad' by the Ketseluvianists in Kachee during the October 6th coup in the tiny island nation; which has since broken from its union with Athara Magarat and joined the EUSR.

That incident has made long-time ISDP allies Bhikkustan and Athara Magarat become rivals now at each other's throats and the hypothetical War of the Beasts scenario is much probable than ever. The fact that Jrm Hangma called the EUSR a 'bunch of imperialists disguised as socialists' and demanded all socialist nation and parties across the Isles to stand against EUSR's 'social-imperialism' has furthered the rift.

Only time will tell what the ever surprising Jrm Hangma has in store for us all next.

by **Dormill and Stiura** » Tue Oct 17, 2017 5:23 am

The relationship between the United Estates and the "Federation" of Balnik has never been one of great progress. The fascist regime has held its people in an iron grip for as long as the United Estates has existed. Yesterday, around late afternoon, things turned for the worst when the Dormill-Stiuraian Embassy in Rostov was seized by Balniki soldiers. There were no reports of a struggle but the embassy was under guard by members of a security firm that has since refused to reveal their identity to any paper.
At around 8pm local time, Dovesti Andre Chernobog announced the purpose of this illegal seizure. The claim is that the United Estates was responsible for the destruction of the Balniki Submarine, the Hannibal in the ending months of major conflict in the Dormill-Stiuraian Civil War. It remains unknown if it was the United Republics or the United Estates that destroyed the vessel but the Siskind Administration has refused any claim that a United Estate warship brought down the Hannibal. The Dovesti has demanded compensation for the loss, be it monetary,
through the transfer of territory, or a "trade" discussion.

In response to this action, President Richelieu has invoked the powers granted to her by Article 2, Section 16 of the Constitution, declaring that (even if it was not required of her) that this situation demanded the attention of the National Congress to resolve. They returned to New Avillon earlier today and immediately started debates on the resolution of this issue, some calling for a diplomatic solution, others for immediate military action against Balnik. It is presently unknown what decision they will reach, but it is certain that it must be soon so those trapped in the Embassy don't suffer.

by **Albion Invicta** » Tue Oct 17, 2017 12:38 pm

17th October, 2017
The Lanercost Times
Albion Invicta

San Montagna Crisis: Albion warns San Montagna over Covonant sanctions

San Montagna Crisis: Albion warns San Montagna over Covonant sanctions
The Lanercost Times - 17th October 2017
________________________________

Diplomatic, political and economic pressures will be put on San Montagna to send a "clear message" about its actions in the region, Robyn O'Presco has said.

should speak with one voice and send a clear message to San Montagna that its actions against Covonant were completely unacceptable

should that scenario arise

the UC should support trade sanctions or close Albion's financial centres to San Montagna

encourage any discussion of contingency military preparations

costs and consequences

What we want to see is a de-escalation rather than a continuation down the path that San Montagna has taken, violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another country,

So we shall have to bring to bear diplomatic, political, economic and other pressures in order to make this point. That is the very clear message the whole world needs to send to the San Montagna government.

foreign combatants

biggest crisis

However - if push comes to shove - we know where we stand

significant costs

normal way to behave in international affairs

act like a normal country or face a caning from the regional powers

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Top Comments

@burningthemidnightoil - 15m ago

I live just north of some of the air bases here in the south - there are aircraft flying low nearly every hour - the boys in the blue are prepping for something ...

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@greencoatpatriot - 22m ago

If this thing blows up, I think I may just re-enlist ...

Reply | Share | View Comments (22)

@prosperousprospector - 18m ago

Glad to see we're standing by our Covonant allies. They may have their own fan-club - the CU - but if Albion wants to remain relevant, we need to keep this guys on our side.

For now at least.

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by **Belle Ilse en Terre** » Tue Oct 17, 2017 2:07 pm

20 September 2017
Le Île
Fort de Belle Île, Belle Ilse en Terre

Two Ancient Poem Manuscripts Discovered in Ruined Monastery

In the ruined monastery at Naglan, in Giles, a party of young men discovered several ancient manuscripts hidden away in a chest. The first poem is an old Marinir legend, about Gildran, the supposed ancestor of the Mariniri. Both have now been translated, if somewhat roughly, only a week after there discovery. The other poem, or possibly multiple poems, chronicles the recruitment of the Lortiks as mercenaries in the Khas Kirat conquests. It is purported that the poem may have had several contributors, as the style varies. Others argue that there is only one author, pointing out the consistent meter, despite alternating from rhyme and alliteration.

King Announces faithfulness to San Montagna, Condemns Coventry Sanctions

The King has announced that he will be honouring the spirit of DASn, and will continue to trade with San Montagna. Furthermore, statements made by the exchequer hint at the openness to foreign traders seeking the Ilse as a middleman for dealings with San Montagna. The King has also warned other powers of the South Mesder to stand down and refrain from interference in the 'admittedly turbulent political change' San Montagna is undergoing.

The Western Isles News

COMMUNISTS SHUT DOWN THE NATION!

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