Anterra News Feed [Closed, Anterra Only]

by **Tippercommon** » Fri Nov 03, 2017 8:41 pm

Out-of-Character: News Feed Rules
1. All newsposts are to be In-Character (IC).
2. All newsposts are to use proper English language spelling, grammar, syntax, sentence structure, and other conventions.
3. In general, all newsposts should be at least three paragraphs long.
4. Newsposts should normally be written in accordance with the general style and feel of real world news reports produced by professional journalists, news bloggers and so forth.

TIPERYN MILITARY COMPLICIT IN KESH HUMAN TRAFFICKING ACCORDING TO MONITOR
The International Human Trafficking Monitor (IHTM) reports dozens of cases of human trafficking carried out by Tiperyn soldiers
Patrick Sessions (@nothisispatrick) and Donna MacDougal (@DM1982)
^{3 November 2017 8:40 pm | Nasir, Nasiria}

A Tiperyn soldier from the No. 63 Mountaineer Regiment during a public military policing operation in southern Nasiria in March 2017. The 63rd Mountaineers have been stationed in Nasiria since February and were one of the units accused of human trafficking violations in the IHTM's recent report. Courtesy of Raigo Pajula.

NASIR — The Tiperyn Realm Defence has been engaging in human trafficking in Nasiria for the past eight years in collusion with Nasiri Aravan warlords, according to a report recently published by the International Human Trafficking Monitor (IHTM).

The report cites at least 89 specific cases of Tiperyn Realm Defence personnel involved in human trafficking within the Kesh hotspot. In at least 73 of those cases, IHTM reported Tiperyn collusion with several well connected warlords and magnates based in the capital city of Nasir.

Approximately 8,900 people were trafficked through Nasiria in 2016 - a 300 percent increase over the year prior - according to IHTM. International Human Trafficking Monitor Director Adelina Brodeur said the overall upward trend in human trafficking in Nasiria and Kesh overall spiked when current Cardinal of War Georgia Seiter took charge of the Ministry of the Sword in 2009.

"We have seen a 120 percent increase in human trafficking in northern and central Kesh and even greater increases in Nasiria specifically since 2009," Brodeur said. "This coincides with the entry of Ms. Seiter into the upper echelons of Tiperyn government and the surge of Tiperyn troops in Nasiria."

Other than Cardinal Seiter, among those indicted were Colonel Julian Dyer and Colonel General Richard Harper, commanders of the No. 1 Parachute and No. 63 Mountaineer Regiments respectively. According to the report, these two units, accounting for a combined 10,000 military personnel in Nasiria, were heavily involved in the kidnapping, movement and sale of women and children in Nasiria.

No Marine units deployed to Nasiria, which consist of the No. 3 Mechanicalized Strike Brigade and 1st Regimental Group, were indicted in the report.

As of Nov. 3 at 9 p.m., the Ministry of the Sword has declined to comment.

Nasiria, civil war and the troop surge

Nasiria has been a hotbed of ethnic and sectarian tensions since Tiperyn colonized it in the early-18th century. It's been in an on-again, off-again civil war since the end of the Kesh War in 1959, but has there has been a recent resurgence in violence over the past decade.

Since 2006, its Mihrani-dominant southern provinces — allegedly supported in part by the League of Free Nations, the Pan-Artemian Coalition, and Aftarestan according to the Tiperyn government — have actively engaged in armed resistance against the Tiperyn military and Aravan-minority Nasiri territorial troops.

Before then, the Tiperyn military had between 400 and 700 soldiers and sailors stationed in Nasiria to guard its base within the Ar Rutqah Harbor on the country's northern coast. The lion's share of policing and suppression was done by the Nasiri's own dominion regiments. However, this changed when Seiter assumed leadership of Tiperyn's defence ministry.

"When Seiter became Tiperyn's Cardinal of War, we saw a fundamental shift in Tiperyn's policy regarding Nasiria," Republic Academy Professor of International Relations Roger Mackland said. "There was an increase in military spending, a transition of decision making over military matters from the Empress and Archcardinal to the Ministry of the Sword, but most of all there was an exponential increase in the deployment of Tiperyn soldiers to Nasiria."

From 2009 to 2010, Tiperyn's expeditionary force in Nasiria increased from 800 to 15,000. In early 2017, there were 24,500 Tiperyn military personnel in the country, according to data published by the Ministry of the Sword.

This surge of troops in Nasiria not only brought an increase in violence and civilian deaths, but an increase in reports of human trafficking.

On Oct. 18, 2011, Mihrani insurgents ambushed and captured a Nasiri military convoy travelling through southern Nasiria. Although media attention focused heavily on the three Tiperyn and five Nasiri soldiers who survived the ambush and were eventually executed two months later, as many as 20 women were also detained.

According to the commander of the Golden Spear militia Farhad Dalir — the head of the nationalist insurgent group that conducted the ambush — none of the women found with the convoy were Nasiri and they claimed to have been kidnapped months earlier.

"We found them and they were crying to us," Dalir said. "Some were Mihrani from Asharistan, but most were Kodeshian."

This specific case was heavily pressed by the international community at the time, and it would not be the last case of Tiperyn human trafficking becoming public before the release of IHTM's report. A similar case in Feb. 2017, this time involving the Mihrani jihadist group Black Tide, revealed over a dozen Kodeshian sex slaves in Tiperyn custody.

The most recent IHTM report reveals that the Tiperyn military may have been involved in as much as 31 percent of human trafficking in Nasiria between 2011 and 2017. Involvement may have included indirect financial aid to Arab groups guilty of human trafficking, as well as the direct kidnapping, movement, detainment and sale of victims.

Moving forward, IHTM has said that it will continue investigating human trafficking in Nasiria and will look deeper into the route of human trafficking from Kodeshia specifically into Nasiria. The monitor has pleaded for the international community to take action.

"Really, we will only see a change when the international community intervenes and enacts tangible change," Brodeur said. "Our organization feels that international efforts to stem human trafficking in Kesh especially have fallen short. This must change."

MORE FROM RéNua

Airgialla-Tiperyn relations strained with human trafficking allegations [ 97 ]
Tiperyn Realm Defence completes underground ordnance rail network [ 0 ]
Cardinal Humphrey arrested as corruption scandal intensifies. [ 0 ]

Comments

52

E-mail

by **Brigantica** » Thu Nov 16, 2017 3:23 am

The Republic Today
An Poblacht Láthair
La République Maintenant
La República Hoy

Analysis: President Riordan addresses Congress on Immigration Reform
President asserts commitment to social-democratic ideals and pluralism

President Riordan addressing the Sénat, the upper house of Congress (file photo)

Baile Dúin, Anderin - In a publicly-televised address to a joint session of the Federal Congress, President Joe Riordan addressed the need for the United Republic to take a more active global role on refugees facing conflict zones and danger from hostile regimes and to seek out skilled and committed immigrants for Brigantica's economic future, representing the priorities of the Administration going forward. The most notable direct outline of the program's vision with relation to the nation's principles and values was in the middle of the address:

"Ever since the birth of our Republic, our nation has been one of strength from diverse backgrounds and pluralistic open societies for various and new ideas. Our position at a crossroads between different, distinct worlds, peoples and cultures has been a solid foundation for a dynamic republic where anyone can integrate and make the Brigantican identity his own and find safety in it, regardless of the circumstances of their birth. Anyone with a strong commitment to our republic's founding ideals and values and respect for the law can and should be able to find a welcoming home and a safe, prosperous way of life here. To paraphrase one of our nation's greatest Presidents, my favorite guy, really, Mr. Téodóir Roosevelt, 'Any discrimination against migrants is a wrong that should never permeate our democratic institutions, it tends to put the immigrant at a disadvantage and to cause them to feel bitterness and resentment during the very years of preparation for citizenship. We cannot afford to, as many other nations have, use hundreds of thousands of immigrants merely as industrial assets while they remain social outcasts and menaces any more than we could afford to keep the black man merely as an industrial asset and not as a human being. We cannot afford to build a big industrial plant and herd men and women about it without care for their welfare.' This resentment and lack of options, lack of a sense of belonging, would only lead to the growth of a criminal element in shunned communities. To that end, I have suggested to the Taoiseach of the Dáil and the Senate Committee on Immigration to prepare for Congress a legislative package which reduces the naturalization period if the citizenship examination can be completed satisfactorily, reduced work visa requirements for fields in high demand, paired with a requirement of similar pay and treat to citizen workers, easier access to temporary residence and support for those striving for a safe haven from regions of hardship and conflict. Currently immigrants can, after a year of residence, enlist in our armed forces or work in the National Guard or Civilian Conservation Corps to improve our nation's infrastructure and provide disaster relief or medical aid to remote communities, but their path to citizenship is still a complicated one of visas and bureaucracy which encourages a black market. Going forward, there must be a streamlined path to citizenship for foreign nationals willing to serve the Republic without requiring a period of residence or special scrutiny for those men and women who put everything on the line for our safety and our great republic. Reduction of the bureaucracy and the complexity of the visa system is also a priority which will reduce costs to the current financially burdened system, increase our legal immigration and remove unneeded stress during the transition period for residents settling in to a new locale and a new culture, providing for more dedicated, involved and prouder future citizens of our continental Republic."

After the session, the majority of the governing Progressive Party and the Socialist-Labor Party are willing to back the reform plan, with a small dissident group in the protectionist wing of the Progressive Party seeking to scale back some of the changes to work visas. Notably, the immigration reform issue has begun to cause a rift in the Liberal-Republican Party, with the party establishment providing conditional support for the package on the understanding that cost reduction in the bureaucracy would be a priority but opposing the requirements to employers on the private market. A somewhat minor faction on the right of the Liberal-Republican Party, typically from some of the rural constituencies of the midwestern states, were perhaps the staunchest opponent to the immigration plan, arguing that the Continental Republic has been historically too lenient on the quality of migrants it has accepted which has led to a loss of national identity, immigration from cultures incompatible with democratic values, organized criminal elements, and a significant negative impact on working class Americans. Immigration Reform is expected to be a priority for the remainder of the 2017 legislative year and is expected to pass once a consensus is reached between Progressives and Socialists without requiring Republican support.

by **Sordah** » Tue Jan 09, 2018 2:59 pm

Sørdah Ministry of Defense prepares new generation of Wayfinder Positioning Satellites
8 January 2018 – Harald Larsen
Dølvi - The Sørdah Ministry of Defense announced the upcoming launch of two artic global wayfinding satellites this morning. The Arktis Stifinner series of satellites were manufactured by Forsvarvirken Gruppen to enable precision geolocation in the extreme northern latitudes of Anterra. Nicknamed Hansel and Gretel, the pair of satellites will enable GWS receivers to calculate their location when above 60 degrees, latitudes typical GWS have difficulty accurately fixing.

The pair of satellites will be launched in a HEO orbit and provide 8 hours of coverage per day. The SøMOD has already planned an additional 2 satellites next year to increase coverage with the goal of 24 hours by 2025.

The SøMOD posted documents outlining bands and modulation characteristics for civilian class receivers. Expected civilian class accuracy is 10 meters, although several lobbying groups continue to petition the SøMOD to declassify the military bands and open them to commercial applications.

by **Yarova** » Tue Jan 09, 2018 4:28 pm

RIORDAN MEETS WITH GRIGORIEVNA: YAROVA TO BECOME MEMBER OF THE LEAGUE OF FREE NATIONS

Yaroslav Batrutdinov

SHCHYOKHOV — For the first time in eight years, a Brigantican president is carrying out a state visit to the United Federated Districts. President Joseph Robinette Riordan arrived in Shchyokhov in the early hours of this morning and after an eventful itinerary, is expected to depart at midday tomorrow. At a press conference this afternoon, President Konstantina Grigorievna made a statement detailing of future Yarovan participation in the League of Free Nations, an intergovernmental organisation comprised of eight other member states: Airgialla, Akiteiwa, Aukalnia and Sartland, Brigantica, Jinhang, Legantus, Vallis, and South Veikaia.

As was announced in September of this year, Brigantican President Joseph Riordan has met with President Konstantina Grigorievna in Shchyokhov today to discuss issues of bilateral trade and common defence, amid growing concerns of the North-South Concordant. Riordan and Grigorievna held a 40-minute-long press conference in the Lyustra komnata (or Chandelier room) of the Surkov Palace’s Presidential Residence Wing at 2.30 pm. Security has been estimated to cost the Yarovan government around ₲291.6 M ($36 M USD), with land and air patrol scheduled to be on high-alert through the course of Riordan’s 36-hour visit. Earlier this morning, Riordan was hosted by Vice President Isaak Nikishin Svoburg at the Orekhovvy Hotel in Shchyokhov for a talk on combating climate justice issues by internationally-acclaimed life-long naturalist and documentarian Dr. Matvey Tselner. Tselner applauded Riordan for his determination on countering the effects of climate change at government-level and awarded him with the Tselner Prize, which honours high-profile individuals who use their influence to bring climate justice to international attention. Riordan is reportedly “very delighted” with receiving the award. Later on this evening, the president will lay a wreath at the Memorial of the Republican Rebels in Chaykoboksarsk, before attending a partially-televised banquet. The Brigantican Ambassador in Yarova, as well as all ministers of Grigorievna’s cabinet, are expected to be present – including Erik Meselev, who was initially hesitant of showing his face.

Riordan’s state visit has not come without controversy, with thousands gathered on the streets of Shchyokhov, Chayboksarsk and other major cities in the country protesting Yarovan membership of the League of Free Nations. Petrol has only been added to the fire, as Meselev publicly went against Grigorievna’s wishes when he ruled out Yarova being admitted to the League of Free Nations while he was Minister of Defence. Meselev’s alternative of so-called ‘pragmatic pacifism’ would see Yarova practise an independent defence policy and increase military expenditure by 0.33% every year until security threats had been quelled, subject to review. Meselev slammed Riordan just last month when he accused him of “generating endless division across the world” and “dragging Yarova into the moronic board game of bloc-politics.” President Grigorievna was rumoured to have presented Meselev with a formal warning to which he responded with a threat of walking out regardless, although the authenticity of such claims have not yet been confirmed. Sizeable swathes of the Democratic Socialists and Progressives had backed Meselev and at the peak of the feud, it was becoming increasingly likely that the party would see a split and the country would be spiralled into a bitter general election. Thus far, such a prospect has been evaded, due to its undesirability, but it is uncertain how long it will take before the situation deteriorates once again. Of course, the Conservative Party have been lapping up the Left’s worsening factionalism, with Leader of the Opposition Tanas Gruzdev welcoming Grigorievna’s supposed “shift to the Right” – a statement designed to be incendiary.

Standing against this background, Grigorievna undoubtedly has plenty on her plate, while simultaneously keeping up appearances with her allies in Brigantica. The League of Free Nations was founded at the end of the Great War and was based upon a charter known as the Ornans Pact, the city where the Artemia Reconstruction Conference was hosted. Brigantica, Vallis and Legantus have partaken in this military alliance arrangement since its launch, so Yarova’s admittance nine decades later is significant and brings to the table a multitude of questions. Why would a country, which has descended down a path of extensive demilitarisation, suddenly take such a dramatic U-turn? What could be the international community’s response to this, particularly members of the North-South Concordant? Has Yarovan membership of the League come about directly due to untold foreign threats of aggression?

In her speech to the press, the president displayed poise and confidence when she insisted Yarova was not steering towards conflict and that membership would mean defending values of democracy, fairness and human rights. However, even Grigorievna’s artful professionalism and body language could not conceal the air of anxiety and imminent unpredictability.
Provided is a full transcript of Grigorievna’s speech:

Grigorievna & Riordan met in Shchyokhov today.

“I would first like to commence by saying publicly: Mr. President, you are most welcome to the United Federated Districts. The honour is entirely ours to receive you in our capital on this rather frigid January morning. It is our hope that our cordial hospitality will be sufficient in sustaining your body warmth – if all else fails, a ushanka will certainly be on the ready!

Both of our states, the United Federated Districts and the Continental Republic, have an extensive, shared history of warm bilateral relations, be it in terms of diplomacy, trade, commerce or otherwise. Our republican roots run deep and owing to this undying fact, we are brothers and sisters.

The Continental Republic supplied munitions and military strategy expertise to the Republican Front during the Vojiskiy War – a war from which the people emerged victorious for the first instance.

The Briganticans played their part in aiding the Yarovar republican rebels in their fight for freedom; the rest is now history. There exists a special bond between the United Federated Districts and the Continental Republic; for our harmonised aspirations are fuelled by social justice and human rights.

Since our transition from Empire to ballot boxes, there has been a phrase commonly uttered and heard in our state – and I find it most befitting given the circumstances – “Politics is for us, not above us.”

As Head of State of my country, I am not above my fellow citizens, I am their most loyal and faithful servant – as I am sure you would agree, Mr. President. As Heads of States, this is what we are morally obliged to do. For if we do not, we become despots of tyrannies, with free reign to act at the expense of the people and to the detriment of the common good.

Certainly, we should neither celebrate tyrannies nor permit such poison to seep into the borders of other, more vulnerable states, which may typically be found in the developing world.
Both the United Federated Districts and the Continental Republic are tremendously proud of our democratic traditions and ideals of liberty, equality and justice; therefore, it is fundamental that we work towards securing such freedoms for people elsewhere in our world.

The Continental Republic must continue to play its part, as it did in 1924. As must we, because our national experience forbids us to forget or water down the atrocities of the Imperial Era. We must not authorise the repetition of this sinister dimension of history.
Military defence partnership and security co-operation with our allies most committed to global peace and stability is first and foremost on our agenda. Therefore, in the coming weeks, the United Federated Districts will initiate participation in the League of Free Nations.

To whomever is intent on the misuse of power to undermine democracy and threaten what level of international order and goodwill we have fought so strenuously for, on behalf of my government, the Yarovan people and the free world, I tell you this simply: You will not be enabled to sleep upon us any longer, you will not be allowed to wantonly spawn upheaval. Not while so much commendable work has been achieved, such as the accomplishment of physical activist ceasefires, peace processes, new-found common ground between former perceived foes and the facilitation of respectful, respectable dialogue.

This very city from where we stand today has, itself, experienced first-hand the incessant and unsparing consequences of war. The Great War, followed by two civil wars and several terrorist attacks by dissident secessionists have collectively and individually shaken Shchyokhov to its core. Alas, Shchyokhov is far from a solitary case – war has profoundly and negatively impacted all four corners of our globe.

Conflict maims and slaughters, it mentally scars its victims and those their beloved. The damage it does unto the infrastructure and economy of any civilised state is immeasurable. Needless to say, conflict is not anywhere to be found on our agenda. We want nothing more than to see the threat of conflict subdued through consistent and considerate intergovernmental conversation.
As it stands today, we are not edging into the proximity of conflict, but we and our Brigantican allies hold the view that additional effort is required in order to advance the cause of global peace and stability.

Yes, we have reached so very far, but indeed, there is more work to be done. As we journey through a new year, I am hopeful that great progress will be made as we persevere in the pursuit of peace in 2018. Thank you.”

Replying to a question regarding the Meselev controversy, specifically whether or not Meselev would resign, Grignorievna had this to say: “Mr. Meselev and I may not have seen eye-to-eye on this particular issue [Yarova in LoFN] in the past, however, such disagreements have since been reconciled. I am confident my colleague will act, as have I, in the best interests of the people’s government to which he has been appointed to serve.”

Meanwhile, vocal backbenchers such as Yuriy Pechkin have publicly condemned the president and even made calls for her to resign. Asked if the country could be dragged into a premature general election, she said: “I cannot imagine any scenario by which we would be compelled to call for a general election, especially in regard to the United Federated Districts joining the League. If anything, I am optimistic that greater co-operation and engagement will be in the best interests of our nation.”

Grigorievna provided vague answers to questions of future projects within the League, particularly the prospect of League bases in Yarova and its seas. “Our government is completely dedicated to protecting the people of this country and upholding the stability which we enjoy so very much today. I am, by no means, a clairvoyant, but I can assure that no decision will be taken which could contradict our values and undermine our resolve to secure regional and global peace.”

“There exists now a remarkable opportunity for our nation… a stellar opportunity… excuse the pun… to expand the national space programme and collaborate to a greater extent with allies.”

The Conservative Party have largely welcomed the decision, having pushed for it for many years, but have criticised Grigorievna for her “lack of transparency and openness.” Vice President Isaak Nikishin Svoburg was, initially, reported to have been ‘discontented’ with the development, but ultimately granted his approval. In a closed conference with fellow Ecology Party members this evening, he called for “Continued unity and focus on defending the earth;” as well as “Making certain the DSP honour the Yarovan ideal of pacifism and basic human decency.” Yarova Today will deliver additional commentary the moment additional information is received.

by **Tippercommon** » Sat Jan 13, 2018 5:40 pm

Not Canon

TIPERYN RENEWS ITS LEASE OF CHIMCHAG CITY WITH KORYEO
Chimchag City remains under shared management while Koryeo gains significant concessions
Charles McNamara (@charlies_mcn)
^{14 January 2018 12:22 pm | Rosrick, Tiprain}

[/size]

ROSRICK — The Tiperyn Office of Diplomacy announced this morning that its lease of Chimchag City will be renewed for 50 years. The lease was signed by Cardinal of Diplomacy Richard Samson and Koryeo Foreign Secretary Kyeong-Ja Rhee in Sudo last night.

The special administrative region in the southern Koryeo province of Kaya has been under shared management between the Tiperyn and Koryeo governments since 1988. Samson touted the agreement as a sign of the North-South Concordant's cohesion.

"The Concordant is the longest standing international trade and defense alliance in the world," Samson said. "Tiperyn's reach continues to span all four continents, hand in hand with our trusted allies."

The agreement came at the eleventh hour as the original lease on the city was set to expire Jan. 17. In it, significant concessions to the Koryeo were made in order for Tiperyn to maintain its presence in Avalonia.

Tiperyn expanded its preferential treatment of Koryeo in defense trade, with larger quotas being set on munitions imports and firearm exports. Additionally, a number of tariffs on agricultural products and manufactured goods were lifted for Koryeo exports.

Although Koryeo citizens already benefit from a reciprocal work and tourism visa agreement with the Tiperyn government, they will receive additional benefits - including reduced processing times, additionally appointment slots for work visas and an accelerated path to residency - beginning in 2020.

Under the deal, the Koryeo Navy will begin a lease of docks and training grounds at the Eureka Naval Yards across the Strait of Storms in Tiperyn's Hyberian territory in March. Koryeo ships and military personnel were already allowed to make use of certain shared facilities, and Koryeo patrol aircraft have operated out of the Tiperyn Eureka Naval Air Station for some time.

Admiral Adam Bakker of the South Iapetus Fleet has stated that plans to expand the Condordant's military presence in Hyberia is crucial for Tiperyn interests.

"Cooperation with the Koryeo military is imperative to maintain Tiperyn's presence in Hyberia and influence throughout Avalonia," Bakker said. "Continued support from the Koryeo has extended the reach of not only our trade empire, but the capabilities of the High Seas Fleet. Trade throughout the South Iapetus remains unimpeded chiefly because of cooperation."

According to Cardinal of War Georgia Seiter, there are plans to expand Tiperyn's naval infrastructure in the Tiperyn isles and Naseristan. One of the main goals is to provide members of the North-South Concordant - including Koryeo - basing rights.

Koryeo is currently engaged in peacekeeping operations in the Naseri province of Amedi on the Naseristan-Asharistan border. Meanwhile, Tiperyn forces began a new year's offensive against Shia Persian insurgents in central and southern Naseristan.

Although the two nations are not officially cooperating in the conflict zone, the Office of the Sword has stated that Tiperyn ports in northern Naseristan are open to Koryeo vessels.

The agreement saw a negative response from members of the League of Free Nations. Tiprain Prime Minister Nóra Ní Cheallaighe described it as another move of aggressive expansion by Tiperyn in a press conference this morning.

"Within the past decade, Tiperyn's military deployments have doubled around the world," Ní Cheallaighe said. "The spectre of tyranny clawing at the fringes of relevancy. Rest assured, the safety of the free world and the self-determination of south Avalonia has been further put in jeopardy today."

MORE FROM RéNua

Opioid crisis grows as opium production booms in Naseristan [ 97 ]
Tiperyn Realm Defence announced renewed push into southern Naseristan [ 0 ]
Koryeo peacekeepers to remain in Amedi [ 0 ]

Comments

52

E-mail

by **Tippercommon** » Tue May 15, 2018 6:03 pm

Not Canon

TIPERYN SOLIDIFIES PRESENCE IN EURYBIAN AS DEFENSE MINISTER WEIGHS TROOP SURGE
Tiperyn officials have made a record number of diplomatic visits as Naseristan conflict grinds to a stalement
Patrick Sessions (@nothisispatrick)
^{16 May 2018 5:20 pm | Rosrick, Tiprain}

Royal Guard and Marine troops are currently engaged in combat with Persian insurgents in Naseristan. The Naseri Civil War has been the longest
conflict in Tiperyn history.

ROSRICK - Tiperyn officials have made a record number of diplomatic visits in the past two months as its military campaign against Persian insurgents in Naseristan has ground to a halt. In addition to reiterating its commitments to the North-South Concordant, an atypical number of those visits have been with non-Concordant states bordering the Eurybian Sea.

Cardinal of War Georgia Seiter is currently meeting with Quraqi Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Amer Nasser in Bilyad to discuss potential Quraqi support for Tiperyn’s operations in Naseristan. This meeting is taking place concurrently with a joint air and naval exercise off the Qurac’s northern coast, involving at least five warships and 40 military aircraft.

Additionally, in a turn of events, Princess Jorina - third in line to the Tiperyn throne - is making a state visit to Austrasia where she will meet with King Sigenandus II and make an address before the People’s Assembly Friday. This is the first state visit made by a Tiperyn official or noble to a member of the League of Free Nations since 1962, signalling a change in tone towards the organization in the Eurybian.

To round it out, Archcardinal Cain Lowham - chair of the Empress’s cabinet - will be arriving in Chervakia Thursday for a meeting with Prime Minister Alan Volf. The diplomats are expected to discuss a new manufacturing and energy initiative, as well as the possibility for joint military exercises in the Eurybian.

This roundhouse of diplomatic visits have come at a time with Tiperyn embroiled in a stalemate against Persian insurgent groups in southern Naseristan - a continuation of a conflict as old as the Kesh Wars of the 1950s. As the Cardinal of War weighs the possibility of deploying an additional 10 regiments to reinforce the 12 already stationed there, it appears the diplomatic corps is attempting to garner support for its presence in the Eurybian.

Tiperyn’s involvement in Naseristan has not been without significant controversy. In addition to being accused of backing human trafficking operations in Naseristan in Nov. 2017, the League of Free Nations and Sindhustani officials have voiced their disapproval of Tiperyn’s continued military involvement.

"The Union of Sindhustan strongly condemns the increased military presence of Tiperyn in Southern Mihranestan as it does nothing but deprive the Mihranis of their right to self-determination," Sindhustani diplomacy chief Kahraman Rahmatullah said.

Despite criticism, Tiperyn-Sindhustani relations have been cooling since Cardinal of Diplomacy Svantje van Wieren met with Sindhustani officials in Fatihkand in 2014. This was Tiperyn’s first state visit to Sindhustan since losing its imperial-era ports in 1915.

In the past year, Sindhustan has lifted its sanctions on Naseristan, opening up agricultural exports to its northern neighbor. In addition, the Trans-Karatzhan Railroad Line completed in Dec. 2017 has given Naseristan access to the Iapetus and Sindhustan access to the Eurybian, providing both states with billions of dollars in trade opportunities.

Tensions remain high in northern Kesh, however, as the Tiperyn intelligence officers maintain that Sindhustan is supporting Persian insurgents in southern Naseristan and Asharistan.

Naseristan and Asharistan have engaged in limited military cooperation since the start of the modern wave of Persian insurgency within their borders. As allies during the Kesh Wars, the Tiperyn government and Yazidi-minority government in Sulaymaniyah have shared historically friendly relations.

Cardinal of War Seiter met with Ashari Prime Minister Tigran Sargasyan and Defense Minister Talar Sehid Ristem to discuss the proposed troop surge and continued military cooperation. The meeting was a victory of Asharistan, gaining it flyover rights over Naseristan and an increased quota for munitions and arms exports from Tiperyn.

There has been no word on the status of Ashari refugees residing in the northeastern Naseri province of Amedi. The asylum seekers have thus far not received legal recognition from Tiperyn, Asharistan or Naseristan and have been under the protection of Koryeo peacekeepers who were deployed to the province in 2015. The topic remains a quiet topic on the international scene as no regional power wishes to take on that responsibility.

Ristem thanked Tiperyn for its "continued support of Asharistan and its commitment to peace and stability in Kesh." He went on to reference escalating tensions with Sindhustan and the long running Mihrani insurgency.

"Our world is made safer through the sacrifices of our brave soldiers,” Ristem said. “As our two nations move forward with joint efforts to combat terrorism and nefarious actors in the region, it is my hope, and that of His Imperial Majesty, that these additions to our defence capabilities will save civilian and military lives."

Naseristan and Asharistan remain Tiperyn’s last substantial strategic assets in Kesh in the post-imperial age. However, recent actions on the part of Tiperyn point to a fundamental shift in its grand strategy.

That is, Tiperyn is attempting to play with those who have been opposed to its Concordant instead of taking its ball home with it.

MORE FROM RéNua

What does the new Naseristan-Sindhustan rail line mean for Kesh? [ 97 ]
Fires rage in Tiprain's countryside [ 0 ]
The rise and fall of the IPA trend in Rosrick [ 0 ]

Comments

192

E-mail

by **United Sindhustan** » Tue May 15, 2018 10:30 pm

Grand Council Moves to Cancel Karatzhan Deal in Response to Asharistan Summit
Sarojini Singh| May 16, 2018 14:00 | Shahestan, Sindhustan

The Hormazdi-Ravshani village of Deh-i Kuhi near the
Sindhustan-Naseristan Border

SHAHESTAN - The Grand Council of Sindhustan has unanimously voted to cancel the Karatzhan Deal after the Grand House voted to do so yesterday in response to Tiperyn's decision to increase in military involvement in Mihranestan.

The Karatzhan Deal, which went into effect in December 2017, was an agreement between Nasristan and Sindhustan that was drafted in an attempt to mend relations between the two countries. The deal, which was a response to Tiperyn's involvement in Nasristan, provided that Sindhustan lift its economic sanctions on the country and grant Nasri and Tipslansk companies access to Sindhustan's southern seaports. In return, Nasristan was to give Sindhustani companies the right to use its civilian infrastructure (along with its Eurybian ports) for commercial use. It also facilitated the construction of the Trans-Karatzhan Railway as a symbol of regional cooperation, creating a commercial link between Hormazd-Ravshan and Karatzhan. However, the most important part of the deal held that Sindhustan and Nasristan downlplay their military involvement in Mihranestan, grinding the conflict to a halt.

While the Karatzhan Deal raised hopes that the Mihrani Revolution in Nasristan could be resolved through diplomacy, it was only valid as long as both parties significantly reduced their military involvement in the region. While Sindhustan's support of the Nasri Revolutionaries has been relatively restrained, regional tensions flared when Georgia Seiter met with the Ashari Defense Minister Talar Sehid Ristem and Prime Minister Tigran Sargasyan in Sulaymaniyah. The meeting concluded with a declaration of military cooperation between Tiperyn and Asharistan, which was granted Nasri military flyover rights and an increased quote of arms and munitions from Tiperyn. Tensions between Tiperyn and Sindhustan worsened when the Nasri Military, with the backing of Tiperyn, conducted large-scale bombing campaigns against civilian targets in Mihranestan.

"The recent actions of the Nasri Military are in clear violation of the terms of the Karatzhan Deal and only serve to worsen the situation in Mihranestan. We hoped that the Deal would foster regional cooperation and development, paving the way for a diplomatic solution to the Mihrani Revolution but the recent actions of the Nasri government have shown us that they have no intention of holding their end of the deal. If they continue to kill Mihrani civilians and maintain a state-sponsored apartheid system against them then we will have no choice but to repeal the Deal.", Minister of Diplomacy Kahraman Rahmatullah said in a press statement after reports of the Naseri bombing campaign were confirmed. Drawing fire from Sindhustani officials and diplomats, the bombing campaigns also drew heavy criticism from members of the League of Nations.

However, despite mountain pressure from the Sindhustani government, the Nasri military intensified its involvement in Mihranestan as Tiperyn continued to supply the Ashari military with arms and munitions. In response, the Sindhustani Army re-escalated its support of the Mihrani Revolutionaries and its investment in Mihrani communities. Relations further deteriorated when several border skirmishes erupted along the Nasri-Sindhustani Border. By Spring, it became clear that the Karatzhan Deal was no longer salvageable. On May 14 Representative Firuz Amirzadeh [Pashtun Regional Congress; Saifullah District, Pashtunistan] proposed a bill to the Grand House that would repeal the Karatzhan Deal. The Grand House overwhelmingly voted in favor of the bill [664 to 216]. The bill was then unanimously approved by the Grand Council.

While regional polls indicate that public opinion is largely in favor of the vote, some have raised concerns that this could destroy the only chance for peace in the region. "It seems a bit early to scrap the deal, don't you think? I don't see why we shouldn't at least try to salvage the Deal. It wasn't perfect but it was better than nothing.", said Mardon Ravshani, a businessman in the Hormazdi city of Azarshah.

by **Tippercommon** » Wed May 16, 2018 7:17 pm

Not Canon

SEITER ANNOUNCES TROOP SURGE HOT ON THE HEELS OF KARATZHAN DEAL BREAK DOWN
Planned deployments would more than double Tiperyn's fighting force in Naseristan
Karl Mueller (@k_mule)
^{17 May 2018 2:10 pm | Rosrick, Tiprain}

Royal Guard tanks seen loaded on train cars being moved through Ambrosia, Tiperyn towards its port.

ROSRICK - In a joint press conference with the Vice Cardinal of Values, Cardinal of War Georgia Seiter announced this morning that the Ministry of the Sword will be deploying an additional 10 regiments of the Royal Guard to Naseristan. This comes immediately following Sindhustan’s withdrawal from the Karatzhan Deal and speculation of increased tensions along Naseristan’s southern border.

In addition to the Royal Guard deployment - a doubling of Tiperyn’s current combat force in Naseristan - two regiments of Holy Guard conscripts will be stationed in the Naser River Delta region. This is the first deployment of Tiperyn paramilitary forces abroad since the Kesh War.

“Given the hostility of the Sindhustani government and their proclivity towards destabilizing their neighbors by funding Mihrani terrorists, we must attend to the security of our trusted and loyal allies,” Seiter said.

Sindhustani merchants and trains that had been within Naseri borders at the time of Sindhustan’s withdrawal from the deal are being deported under the supervision of Naseri armed forces, according to Seiter.

“Tiperyn is aiding in the deportation procedures past typical security measures and operations in the region,” Seiter said. “Naseristan is protecting their sovereignty; Tiperyn is facilitating that objective.”

An independent monitor has released numbers pointing to a near tripling of air strikes in the Tasmachi region - the most heated province in Naseristan’s ensuing civil conflict. The Ministry of the Sword declined to give specifics on current Tiperyn aerial combat operations.

In a press release issued by Realm Defence Kesh Command this morning, General Todd Wexler stated that the Karatzhan rail line will be integrated into Naseristan’s military logistics network. The Karatzhan Deal had included a stipulation prohibiting parties from transporting military materiel using the rail line.

“In additional to standard commercial applications, Kesh Command will now be utilizing the [Karatzhan] rail line to move troops and armored fighting vehicles through the Karatzhan Range to engage insurgent holdouts in Tasmachi province,” Wexler said.

The release went on to clarify that Tiperyn is not reinforcing the its border with Sindhustan, despite the troop surge and repurpose of the Karatzhan rail line.

“I want to be clear,” Wexler said. “We are here to protect Naseristan and kill terrorists that threaten our interests abroad. We are not interested in escalating our relations with Sindhustan, but we will stand ready to defeat any threat that is posed to our forces.”

MORE FROM RéNua

The story of the Mihrani [ 97 ]
Sindhustan pulls out. What's next? [ 0 ]
Koryeo-occupied province a prison for Ashari refugees [ 0 ]

Comments

72

E-mail

by **United Sindhustan** » Sat May 19, 2018 7:34 pm

Army Steps Up Support of the Mihranis; Doubles Deployment in Hormazdaran-Ravshandaran
Malala Khanzai| May 20, 2018 12:00 | Azadshahr, Hormazdaran-Ravshandaran, Sindhustan

General Rashid Ramazanoğlu in 2016

AZADSHAHR - General Rashid Ramazanoğlu of the Hormazdaran-Ravshandaran Division of the United Army has announced that the Army will step up its support of the Mihranis and double its deployment in Hormazd-Ravshan in a press conference held in Azadshahr.

"Despite our attempts at a diplomatic solution to the Mihrani Revolution, Nasristan has made it clear that they are unwilling to do so and have responded to our efforts with clear acts of aggression. Due to the air strikes in Tasmachi, we will continue to support Mihrani communities in their struggle for self-determination and will double our deployment of troops to Hormazdaran-Ravshandaran to defend our borders from foreign incursions.", Ramazanoğlu said during the press conference.

Since the formation of the Union of Sindhustan in 1960, the United Army has funded and supervised the construction of schools, hospitals, mosques, and roads in Mihrani communities in autonomous regions such as Tasmachi and Karatzhan to gain the support of Mihrani civilians. The Army has also supported groups such as the Mihrani Liberation Army (MLA) and the Revolutionary Front of Mihranestan (RFM), giving them weapons, military advisors, and military training. Sindhustan's support of the Mihrani Revolution became relatively restrained as the Mihrani conflict drew to a standstill after the Karatzhan Deal. However, as Ramazanoğlu's announcements indicate, Sindhustan is expected to step up its support of the Mihranis in the following months in reaction to Nasristan's increased military action in the region.

Ramazanoğlu's announcements also stated that the Army will double its deployment of troops to Hormazd-Ravshan in response to Tiperyn's deployment of troops to the Nile River Delta. While the Tipslansk government has stated that it does not wish to escalate tensions with Sindhustan and that it will not send its troops to the Sindhustan-Nasristan border, there is deep suspicion within the Army that Tiperyn will honor its commitments. "We do not intend to threaten anyone with war with our deployment of troops to Hormazd-Ravshan. This is merely a precautionary measure aimed at strengthening our defenses in case of a foreign incursion.", Ramazanoğlu said.

For many, the conflict in Mihranestan is a painful issue that has afflicted generations of displaced Mihranis. "We have to stand up with our fellow Mihranis. The West has had its way with this region for too long. The violence, the oppression - it's terrible. It has to stop.", said Rasul Firuzi, a student from Azadshanbe. Firuzi is one of the 6,000,000 descendants of over 800,000 Mihrani refugees who fled their homeland during the Wars in Kesh. While it may seem that the Mihrani Revolution will not come to a solution any time soon, many still harbor the hope of returning to their homes. "I hope that one day I'll be able to go back to my parents' home - my home - my country - Mihranestan.", Firuzi said.

by **Jungastia** » Fri Feb 08, 2019 5:44 pm

de Carvalho gives most radical Speech from the Presidium in years

Premier de Carvalho leaving the Finance Ministry this morning heading to the Congress Nacional

The Government today set out its plans for the coming year in the annual Speech from the Presidium. The Bold legislative programme has come as a surprise to many with the governments last few years bringing very little in the form of legislative progress. Rather the enormous eight party coalition being wrangled by both Premier de Carvalho (PT) and Interior Minister Teodoro Rebelo (OV) has spent much of the legislative sessions being set aside to moderate changes, the only large scale sign offs being the expansion of the Eurybian Sea fleet under former Defence Minister Emília Miranda, and the new tax code in 2016.

The Speech from the Presidium
The speech from the Presidium is the annual
statement by the Prime Minister of the
government’s intentions of the legislative
year. It is held on the 8th February each
year to commemorate the day that the
first free parliament was formally conv-
ened in 1982 after the fall of the Ditadura
da Renovação. The Speech consists of the
Premier taking to the chair of the Speaker
of the Congress - the only time he is per-
mitted to - to address the Congress, and
is broadcast on national television.

Those outside the government were rather surprised at quite how progressive and radical the programme is that has emerged. Indeed on Manhã this morning when the first leaks were emerging prior to the 11am speech, many were contemplating the veracity of their sources.

In opening the speech Premier de Carvalho said “What we are seeing here is a consolidation of years of work between the parties to develop a legislative programme for 2019 that moves Jungastia forward, and creates a future-proof society”

It has become clear as they day has gone on that the differences between the parties has held up legislative progress, with no great leaps forward, and whilst it is typical for coalitions to take a year or so to bed in, the almost three and a half years of this government led to many accusations of a lame duck parliament.

RPJ has highlighted the key points to take away from the speech and attempted to explain how these may effect you.

Firstly the government’s Environment Bill is set to provide some of the largest changes to certainly day to day life. The Bill covers numerous aspects, notably the outright ban of all single use carrier bags, the requirement of all petroleum fuel to migrate from standard No. 297 to the new standard No. 285 requiring 15% of all petrol to be made up from bioethanol by the year 2024 and the commitment to build a new generation of nuclear plants, in co-operation with greater investment in renewable energy. The latter sees ten new nuclear facilities being given the green light, and the first plants on a major scale being built to the JDU-VI standards. This section of the bill seeks to remove coal, gas and oil generation from the system by 2030, and develop new technology to deal with spent fuel. Also green-lit are two major hydro power projects in Santaremas and Manteigas.

The Finance Bill sees sweeping changes to the tax code introduced in 2016. Key to this is an introduction of a new tax bracket of 75% on incomes over 500.000₢00 and a reduction of the tax bracket for income under 10.000₢00 from 5% to 0%. We also see massive changes to corporate tax, with a loophole allowing companies to be registered in off-shore tax havens closed, and large fines being introduced for companies violating this new law. The government has also announced the use of funds from the governments wealth fund, to provide loans to companies on-shoring at a low rate. The Inheritance tax rate for estates over under 250.000₢00 will be increased from 25 to 35%, will remain at 40% for estates 250.000₢00 to 500.000₢00 and increase to 55% on estates over 500.000₢00. Tax rates on Cigarettes will increase from 5% to 30%, and Sales Tax is set to drop to 0% on essential goods, and increase to 25% on luxury goods. The composition of which are set to be decided on by a special commission.

The Governance Bill is another major change to many lives. It sees the introduction of Devolution to the Santo André region, the Islands, and a Berber Cultural council, with oversight on cultural issues in the Berber regions in the south. Devolution was an unexpected inclusion, but does match up with RPJs opinion polling following the last election. The two areas will see significant power ceded to the planned regional governments. The details are unclear and will be announced later in the year the government said. It also sees the launch of a consultation on the re-introduction of an upper house - something absent since the First Republic in 1892. de Carvalho has long talked of his desire to see an upper house with a jury style public selection introduced. Quite how this might work, RPJ is not sure, but details will come out in the coming months.

Another key feature of the speech is the government's intention to open dialogue with regional neighbours to establish a community of states, with streamlined economic co-operation, no inter-state tariffs, and a free movement agreement, that allows citizens to travel on only identify cards, and settle and work with a simple registration. Premier de Carvalho said in his speech "We believe that a coming together of nations will create a powerful trading and cultural bloc, free from political interference, and encouraging the co-operation of all nations in the goal of the betterment of humanity."

On Military matters, the government plans to introduce an amendment to the constitution relating to the long existent Neutrality Law, turning the principle of armed neutrality into a core tenet of the state.

The Economy and Employment Bill sees a shake up in the PT’s former blind-eye policy to income disparity. With salary caps introduced to the vast public sector, and an increase in the minimum wage from 8₢50 to 10₢50 by the next tax year. Further, the launch of a new in-work support service utilising more funding from the Sovereign Wealth fund to provide additional support to those in part time or low paid employment. The bill seeks to end that programme as soon as possibly by tradition to what the government is calling a “positive employment” economy. The new agency tasked with regional economic development will also receive significant funding to work with regions to develop new economic activities.

The Policing and Crime Bill sees the government’s re-commitment to the unarmed nature of policing, and reversing the PT-majority governments former policy of introducing side-arms to certain members of the Polícia do Estado, and returning it to the exclusive right of the Força Nacional de Segurança Pública. The Premier also announced the alteration of the judicial process, granting more power and flexibility to judges over sentencing, and reducing the narrow scope of previous sentencing guidelines, as well as introducing new items in the criminal codes relation to sexual assault, plus the expansion of hate crime to cover gender, sexuality and national origin.

The government also plans to convene a constitutional convention of academics to asses the suitability of the current constitution for the future.

The Housing Bill announces the tripling of funding to the construction of social housing, and the nationwide introduction of 2 year tenancies as standard - up for the current 9 months - and the removal of no fault eviction. Also as part of a package of measures to benefit the near 51% of Jungastians who rent property, the National Rental Maximum will enter into force, alongside the Locality Measure. These two long talked about measures limit rents to a percentage of the average income of a locality, town or city, with inflation tagged rent rises, as well as a system for tenants to call for arbitration for perceived unfair rent rises.

Smaller bills the government seek to introduce cover the plan to do away with the 15₢00 prescription charge, and the 25₢00 consultation fee at a doctor’s surgery, making the health programme totally free at the point of use. The government will also launch the new car registration and tax scheme, with a leaked plan to increase vehicle tax on cars emitting over 200g/km of CO2 by 200%, and abolish tax on vehicles emitting less than 70g/km. The Indentity Card Bill will add biometrics to the ID card for the first time, allowing citizens to use they iris, or fingerprint to recall their identity documents, when requested to by a government body, or with approved partners.

The government also plan to nationalise a couple of key private industries, including the 40% of the national oil pipeline not owned by Petrostado, private port operators, and the ferry routes between islands will be taken over by the state railways.

RPJ believes that there may be additional commitments to the Military, with the renewal of the nuclear weapons system a surprising omission. The Armada Real sees a plan to add two new super carriers, to take the total to 5, and the long running program for the new multi-role jets - codenamed F-35 - is set to see the first planes take to the air in a formal capacity this year, after trials completed in November 2018. The Government also announced an inquiry into the massive cost and time over-runs on the project.

The government has set itself an enormous goal to get this completed in time for the next elections in 2021, and it represents one of the most comprehensively evolutionary programmes since the government of national unity following the collapse of the dictatorship.

Its complexity and successful implementation will seek as a reminder of how far Jungastian Democracy has come since its return just 37 years ago.

Premier de Carvalho will be on the Manhã programme on RPJ Uma tomorrow morning.

.

by **Jungastia** » Fri Mar 15, 2019 5:19 pm

de Carvalho announces date for 2019 General election.

Premier de Carvalho announced in Congress this morning, his intention to schedule the election vote to be held on 12th April.

In his speech, he outlined how both the Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) and Os Verdes (OV), as well as the coalition’s smaller partners came to the agreement that, given their recent progressive and almost radical speech from the presidium, it would be in the interest of the nation to seek the support for the programme sooner rather than later.

It wasn’t a surprise that the government was looking to hold the election in the early part of the year, though RPJ had been lead to believe that the election would likely be in late June.

Recent opinion polling has seen the coalition gain further support, and an RPJ poll on 11th March, 52.4% said they believed the large number of parties that make up the coalition has benefited the government.

The last poll before the announcement of the election saw OV edge slightly over their coalition partner and the party of the Premier, the PT. The same Poll saw a rebalancing on the right of the spectrum, Partido Popular (PP) seeing a jump of 4% points, enough to potentially see one of their smaller right wing rivals knocked out of Congress.

Premier de Carvalho gave a long interview will RPJ1 this afternoon where he discussed his hopes for the election, and rallied against the poll. He said “We have launched a hugely ambitious program of government and feel now is the best to take this to the public. We see another term of the PT-OV led government as the right way to implement our long term plans for the country”

On the subject of the last RPJ poll, the Premier drew reflections to the last election, when the PT were ahead in the final polls but actually fell in second place. Gone are the days, he said, of the 200 seat PT results.

He also discussed his intentions for the next parliament should he continue to lead the country.

“We will continue with our plans for government, and over the next four years, we will maintain our program to make Jungastia a fairer nation for working people, ensuring the wealthiest pay their share, and the our development is sustainable, both economically and ecologically”

On the topic of coalitions, both the PT and OV announced their desire to continue in coalition together, and that unlike the last election, neither of them are ruling out any coalition agreements with any parties.

PP leader Emanuel Raimundo Rocha and main opposition leader, said his party fully supported the Premier's timetable for the election - indeed there were only 50 votes agains this dissolution motion this morning - and how he looks forward to taking on other party leaders in the televised debates. He outlined in a statement to the press, the PP’s intention to stand with centre, and centre-right parties, to build a coalition to make Jungastia more competitive economically and reduce the tax burden on citizens. For the first time, the PP has explicitly ruled out a coalition with the right wing, and far right, Frente de Salvação Nacional (FSN) and the Partido da Reedificação (PdRE), something many believe will help the centre-rights electoral chances

RPJs current poll sees OV’s leader Altair Benjamim Sapateiro on target to become the next premier, but with four weeks until the election, it is everything to play for, and with a record 45 parties standing in more than three regions and 28 standing in every region, we could see a more fractured Congress than ever before

.

by **Zahava** » Sun Mar 17, 2019 7:37 pm

Can Coalition deliver on promises or will chaos reign after April Elections ?

Jungastiana Premier de Carvalho has called for elections be held on 12th April setting the stage for the possibility of the current government's 8 party coalition to strengthen its position, or result in a fractured impotent Parliament. Polling numbers conducted by RPJ show a majority of Jungastiana believe having an eight party coalition government has been beneficial. This is surely seen as good news by the Premier, even though polls also show the leader of his coalition ally, Altair Benjamim Sapateiro, as likely to take the Premiership.

There are some indications however that the elections may not go the way Carvalho, or the coalition leadership expects. A conservative party, the Partido Popular saw an increase of four points in a recent RPJ poll, and with the announcement that the Partido Popular will not form a coalition with right wing and far right parties it is predicted that this could lead to the center and center right gaining more votes than in the previous election.

Whether or not the point increase and rejection of the far right will translate into enough votes to knock out smaller rival parties or provide the PP and other center and center-right parties with enough of a boost to rival the OV/PT coalition is anyones guess. If so the coalition could potentially lose seats and face the possibility of being unable to deliver on many of its campaign promises.

The coming weeks will be crucial for all sides with the direction of the country up for grabs.

by **Mero-Curgovina** » Sun Mar 17, 2019 9:09 pm

CORAE PFAC SIGNS FINAL DEAL WITH HOSSLER SCIPFAHRAIN
Edulmad named 'mafioso' over domination of global heavy industry
^{17 March 2019 10:40 am | Silling, Mero-Curgovina}

A liquid natural gas (LNG) carrier of the type manufactured by Hossler.

SILLING - Corae Heavy Industries Concern, better known as the Corae PFaC, concluded a deal with the Iudsbanc on Thursday to purchase area competitor Hossler Scipfahrain in a historic move that could snowball the PFaC into a leading position within the global shipbuilding industry.

Corae PFaC solidified the purchase of Hossler following competitor ARC Maritime Solutions rejecting an offer to bid on the shipbuilder citing financial concerns. Iudsbanc signed an early deal for the sale of its 59 percent stake in Hossler earlier in this month.

In this $1.91 billion marc deal, Iudsbanc will transfer all of its Hossler stocks into Corae's possession and make a purchase of a currently undisclosed number of stocks in Corae Marinafahrain, the child manufacturing wing of the PFaC. Should the deal proceed as intended, this move will solidify Corae as the dominant shipbuilder in Mero-Curgovina- leaving historic competitor ARC and Artemian upstart Mu Heavy Industries outgunned in all fields. Corae PFaC, ARC, and Mu Heavy are labeled the 'Big Three' in Commonwealth shipbuilding.

The takeover offers Corae a foothold in the liquid natural gas carrier market, with the possession of Hossler properties potentially doubling the Concern's carrier building capabilities. The move follows a trend in the Mero-Curgov shipbuilding field towards establishing relationships with the natural gas industry in Gardarike and across eastern Artemia.

The move has left many in the industry concerned regarding the balance of shipbuilding in Artemia. Mu Heavy Industries CEO Adam Kirkshire made visits to his Mero-Curgov facilities from abroad and engaged in what were described as high intensity meetings regarding the future of the relationship between the Big Three.

"You can't blame them for it. Mr. Edulmad- he's a mafioso, and he's think's he's bullying us out of this industry. He and his personnel at the Corae Concern are well aware of the market trends as we all are," offered Kirkshire. "Gas has been growing and doesn't show signs of stopping, and [Mero-Curgovina] is where the maritime infrastructure for it is being established. No one expected it to be anything other than competitive."

Anagast Edulmad, CEO of the Corae PFaC, was unavailable for comment.

Regarding the gas industry, the merger is expected to increase the combined valued of LNG carrier orders to $9.6 billion marcs. According to reports compiled by Iudsbanc, Hossler's orders make up $5.4 billion of that sum, with existing orders at Corae Marinafahrain making up $4.2 billion respectively.

Not all is well in the Commonwealth shipbuilding sector regarding the deal. Up to several hundred unionists at Hossler engaged in a demonstration and peaceful blockade of corporate offices against the purchase that may threaten their careers. The Corae PFaC has ensured those employed by Hossler that their job security will be protected, but a history of job cuts have been established with previous Corae purchases.

"The bosses will make you promises that turn out to be empty gestures. We're established here with Hossler. It's a job you're born into, that you send your kids into once you're out. More mergers will always result in layoffs, and that's dangerous for our families," said Hossler site overseer Jone Pastharn.

Other workers had harsher comments.

"They don't care about us. If it wasn't for the police they've got watching us we'd have broken those doors down. The government says they protect our unions one day and the next we're under their bootheel," said a Hossler employee who chose to remain anonymous. "They let them crush up all our businesses into these mega-conglomerates. It's all gonna be Corae once they're done."

Additional information regarding the Hossler deal is expected within two weeks.

by **Jungastia** » Wed Apr 03, 2019 1:39 pm

Shock Poll Results Upset de Carvalho's Applecart

RPJ’s Poll of Polls, released today, shows a potential for an electoral upheaval to hit the government. Just before the election the Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) were some 5 points ahead of Os Verdes (OV), and some 15 points ahead of the Partido Popular (PP), now Emanuel Raimundo Rocha and the PP have shot up to second place just 3 points behind OV, with the PT trailing behind in third place.

The leadership of the PP have ridden a huge boost owing to their decision to rule out a coalition with the Frente de Salvação Nacional (FSN) and Partido da Reedificação (PdRE).

In areas with significant Berber populations, the União Democratica (UD) has seen their polling fall against the PPB, potentially costing them core support in the election. Whether that is enough to cost them their powerful position in any coalition is yet to be seen.

The PT’s ally in the south the Frente de Libertação do Sul (FSL) has seen its support strengthen after it was credited - despite not being in the governing coalition - with securing cultural devolution to Berber areas. On Manhã this morning, RPJ and A Folha political correspondent Noêmia Álvares, questioned if this was the beginning of the end of national parties in the Berber south, and whether any future government might need to increase the devolution granted from solely cultural issues.

Premier de Carvalho seemed in good spirits this morning on the campaign trail in Santo André, hosting a large rally in front of the National Museum to supporters, before saying northwards to Santa Helena to try and beat off a strong challenge from the Aliança das Ilhas (AdI) across the Eurybian archipelago, the Partido Popular - supporting the AdI in the islands, has been giving strong support to candidates, and using its well oiled party machinery to boost the AdI’s chances.

Elsewhere, the Movimento Democrático (MD) and Partido Solidariedade Nacional (PSN) have gained ground in their urban heartlands, with rumours on the ground saying that all but Centro and the Communists have essentially given up campaigning in the Santo André suburbs.

Countering their big drop nationally, PT has seen its share increase in large provincial towns, and its rural vote has remained stable. The huge drop is thought to come from the huge drop in responses for it in the wealthy coastal regions and the capital.

All in all, the last 10 days is set to be a rapidly changing picture, and the outcome of the election is anyone’s to predict. RPJ will bring you live election coverage starting at 20h00 on 12 April on RPJnoticia and RPJ1.

by **Yarova** » Fri Apr 05, 2019 12:06 pm

TWENTY YEARS ON SINCE SHVEKSHNA BROKE AWAY FROM AUKALNIA, WHAT HAS CHANGED?

Lydia Chuznikova

CHERNYAKHOVSK — In 1995, then-president Vladimir Rodchenko passed his controversial Aukalnia and Sartland Decolonisation and Reconciliation Act, which rendered the principle of consent void and handed over Shvekshna Oblast to the newly-formed United Republics of Aukalnia and Sartland. The government of the former oblast refused to accept the Act’s legitimacy and declared independence as the Yarovan Republic of Shvekshna. The political implications of the parliamentary vote had unprecedented ramifications for the whole of Eastern Artemia and resulted in a three-year bloody conflict between the Aukalnian Armed Forces and the unionist ethnic Yarovar population of the breakaway region. By 2000, the Shvekshnars had pushed the Aukalnians to the outermost territorial fringe and since then, have de facto maintained control over most of the region. The Yarovan Republic of Shvekshna has its own parliament, military, police force, postal system, currency and vehicle registration – is it now time for Yarova to formally recognise its independence?

“The reign of terror our country thrust on a smorgasbord of peoples across this continent in the name of ‘Eastern Domination’ was not inevitable. But the undoing of that terror – decolonisation - is indeed inevitable.” Those were the words of Vladimir Rodchenko in a rare address to the House of Representatives only three months into his radical presidency. The Aukalnia and Sartland Decolonisation and Reconciliation Act, 1995 which he personally championed was arguably the single-most contentious law to ever pass in the Yarovan parliament. Elements of the national media viciously lambasted Rodchenko. Ivan Pasternak, then-Leader of the Opposition and President of the People of Yarova, demanded he be tried for an act of treason. The Act authorised the Aukalnian takeover of the historic Švėkšna region, which was heavily settled, or planted, by ethnic Yarovars and Peremorovkars in the early nineteenth century. To understand the present situation, it is important to reflect on the region's history of violence and mistrust.

By the 1840s, almost 90% of the inhabitants were East Slavic settlers and, in 1853, the Vojiskiy Empire formally annexed the region. In 1926, the Provisional Government declared Shvekshna one of the 23 federated districts of the union. Following the victory of the communists in the Aukalnian Civil War, the People’s Socialist Boreal Republics laid claim to Shvekshna in its constitution, and referred to it as the county (apskritis) of Švėkšna. No diplomatic, commercial or trade relations were fostered during this period. For much of the 20th century, the contested region would dominate the fractured relationship between Yarova and its smaller, north-western neighbour. After three Aukalnian soldiers were purportedly shot dead by the Yarovan Land Forces near the disputed border in 1950, a war was looming ever closer.

Liudvikas Vainikonis, the Aukalnian dictator who was celebrated and vilified by equal measure, issued the Bartninkai Ultimatum to President Slava Novoseltsev. This threat of an Aukalnian invasion resulted in widespread ethno-sectarian attacks against Boreal minorities in Shvekshna’s capital of Chernyakhovsk. It is believed some 80 Aukalnians and Sarts lost their lives in the riots, and hundreds more were injured. Following Vainikonis’ death in 1951, tensions mollified considerably, but it was not until Merunas Kanys’ premiership in 1977 when both states started to engage in formal diplomatic relations. In the 1990s, the Kanys administration, with the endorsement of Yarova and the League of Free Nations, announced plans to transition Aukalnia to a market economy. However, he was promptly ousted from office by the People’s Socialist Party and his successor, Marijus Kerasevicius, rescinded his liberalisation policies. This is when things got ugly.

Any hopes of Aukalnia once more becoming part of a Yarovan Eastern Bloc were seemingly dissipated with Kanys’ removal. However, Pan-Slavist President Sergey Khismatullin was unprepared to allow Aukalnia and Sartland’s steps towards capitalism to flush down the drain. “He saw an open window of opportunity and he dove face-first to effectively alter the national constitution,” asserts Dr. Ilya Usoyev, a political scientist at the University of Chaykoboksarsk. “It is on record that the hypermilitarisation of the UFDY was the raison d'être of the People of Yarova since the party’s creation.” In May 1992, Khismatullin presented to parliament a bill which proposed changing Yarova’s defence policy and extending the Federal Armed Forces’ capabilities to launch military operations off Yarovan sovereign turf. Owing to the dominance of the People of Yarova in the House of Representatives at that time, the major vote managed to narrowly pass 236-225, with a further 29 parliamentarians crucially abstaining. A 250,000-strong pacifist demonstration on the streets of Shchyokhov did little to change Khismatullin's point of view.

Fast-forward one month and the Federal Armed Forces were mopping up the last of Aukalnian resistance in the Boreal metropolis of Ažytėnai. In spite of international condemnation, Yarova invaded its neighbour. Khismatullin accused Kerasevicius of overseeing human rights abuses and, in an official press statement, detailed of alleged intelligence reporting of potential WMDs based in the southern stretches of the country. In reality, there were no such findings. Communist Aukalnia and Sartland was nothing more than a cantankerous, sickly old grandfather, while Khismatullin’s vision of Yarova was a brutish, hypermasculine man pumped up on steroids.

Khismatullin assured critics in Yarova that the operation was simply to democratise Aukalnia and secure the frontier with Shvekshna. However, Gardic spyplanes soon gathered intelligence of surface-to-air ballistic missile sites in five different locations in Aukalnia, believed to be of Yarovan origin. Unsurprisingly, the situation deteriorated into what is now known as the Aukalnian Missile Crisis, between the nuclearised states of Yarova and Gardarike. It took a threat of a Gardic counter-attack in Sartland to eventually bring Khismatullin to the negotiating table, after several push backs and displays of his trademark stubborn character. After a one-year peace process, all Yarovan troops were withdrawn and the Northern Coregnancy supervised the establishment of the United Republics of Aukalnia and Sartland, which would function under a capitalist economy and practise open, multi-party elections. The Ruchava Agreement guaranteed a pact of mutual non-aggression between the two neighbours. However, the Question of Shvekshna was only becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

The Yaro-Aukalnian War did tremendous damage to the reputation of Sergey Khismatullin and the right-wing People of Yarova party. Thus, it was an expected result when Vladimir Rodchenko of the Democratic Socialists and Progressives (DSP) was elected as the thirteenth President of Yarova. Rodchenko was staunchly opposed to the invasion of Aukalnia and had made known his views regarding Shvekshna and its future in the union. In the aftermath of the Act’s implementation, all that was changed, changed utterly.

Rodchenko firmly stood by the view that, because the principle of consent was not codified in any law, it was not an unconstitutional act to “peacefully hand over the reins to Kapcinskas.” He was sorely mistaken, however, if he had truly believed that Shvekshnars would have willingly accepted Aukalnian rule. The day after the Act’s passing, on 21 September 1995, the oblast’s assembly in Chernyakhovsk unanimously voted to declare Shvekshna’s independence. Through the course of 1996, the Yarovan authorities gradually withdrew from the oblast, and thousands of Shvekshnars fled to the nearby Pivnichna Peremorovka Oblast. Those that remained, relentlessly resisted attempted Aukalnian advances into the region, which escalated into the First Shvekshna War of 1997. Initially, Rodchenko offered military support to the handover but by 1998, Shchyokhov abandoned this policy. In the Second Shvekshna War, from 1999-2000, the Aukalnians persisted in its efforts to gain control of the region but only succeeded in acquiring 20% of the territory. The remaining 80% maintained its independence, regardless of what is argued by Ažytėnai, Shchyokhov or even Holmgard.

“We refer to ourselves as the ‘Millennium Republic,” laughs Zina Cherenchikova, a fresh-faced 22-year-old student teacher from the outskirts of Chernyakhovsk. Zina was just three months’ old when the First Shvekshna War ignited. To her, Shvekshna is as much a country as Aukalnia and Sartland or indeed, Yarova. “Our entire livelihoods are here, we have our own government which enacts its own laws, our own police force which enforces those laws, our own hospitals, schools, and we use our own legal tender.” The principle of consent is a term that is widely echoed in the Yarovan Republic of Shvekshna, an area that encompasses the city of Chernyakhovsk and some fifty towns and villages which surround it. “Us Shvekshnars are still angry now, of course. The old country we once felt part of greatly betrayed us, flung us out into the cold of night,” says Boris Emskikh, a 48-year-old butcher who partook in the rebel resistance during the conflict. It is clear a new sense of identity has been cultivated here, and that is certainly no thanks to Yarova.

Given the DSP has been behind the steering wheel of Yarovan governance since 1995, the policy on Shvekshna has remained relatively unchanged. With that said, in 2014, President Nikita Chekudayev showed signs of subtle sympathy, by permitting the opening of a Yarovan pseudo-consulate in Chernyakhovsk. However, the federal government maintains to this day that the activity is merely cultural in nature. The People of Yarova’s official party policy affirms the principle of consent, although in 2019, the context has undoubtedly evolved. The current Leader of the Opposition Tanas Gruzdev recently reiterated that policy by stating that if he became president he would recognise and normalise diplomatic relations with the Yarovan Republic of Shvekshna. Notably, President of the Yarovan Republic of Shvekshna Pavel Kurhepin has said publicly that he is “ready to talk.”

The question is, 20 years on, should President Konstantina Grigorievna and the DSP revise its stance? Some DSP political figures have argued that by doing so, it would be in breach of the terms of the Ruchava Agreement - as recognising Shvekshna's independence would equate showing aggression towards Aukalnia and Sartland. As the People of Yarova are climbing in popularity, with the most recent poll by YTV indicating that 54% of voters would choose them over the DSP, this question has become significantly more relevant. Is the Pan-Slavist argument still an acceptable aspiration?

by **Jungastia** » Fri Apr 12, 2019 6:41 pm

SAPATEIRO NEW PREMIER, OV AND PT CONFIRM PACT

Jungastia sees the governing Os Verdes (OV) and Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) increase their votes, and the two parties have already announced their coalition.

Voters today rejected the right wing of the political spectrum, embracing OV and the PT in greater numbers that the previous election. The Partido Popular (PP) saw a big leap in its vote, up to 97, its highest polling since 1996. The biggest winners were the Conservadores who gains 21 seats to 38 from 17. Arguably voters have returned to the larger parties, with smaller parties dropping their numbers, with those votes clearly going to the big hitters.

Many on the right of the spectrum will be satisfied to see the big push the Frente de Salvação Nacional (FSN) was hoping to make, failed, and they lost five seats from the last election.

The Coalition came together very quickly after the election, and with 429 seats to gain a majority the formal coalition stands at 442 , with the União Democratica (UD) informally giving its support with its fifty-four seats. The coalition is significantly more streamlined, with six parties forming the formal government. Partido Socialista, Partido dos Trabalhadores, Partido Social Democrático, Os Verdes, Partido Liberal-Democrata, Movimento Democrático and the Frente de Libertação do Sul all make up a much more left wing coalition than before

This almost guarantees the policy plan in the Speech from the Presidium outlined by Mr de Carvalho.

Unlike the last election, OV will take the Premiership, with Altair Benjamim Sapateiro taking the country’s highest elected office. The cabinet will also include two former Premiers, the first indigenous Berber senior member, and more women than ever before.

The PSD sees its first cabinet post since 1999, and the FLS finally sees its leader take the Berber Affairs post, something he’s coveted for decades.
The full division of cabinet roles is set to be made final in the coming days, however the coalition has published the following list of key roles;

Premier - Altair Benjamim Sapateiro (OV)
Finance Minister - Nela Rosinha Neves Saldanha (MD)
Interior Minister - Ofélia Hernandes (PT)
Foreign Affairs Minister - Sérgio Ribeiro Miranda de Carvalho (PT)
International Development Minister - Helena Leocádia Saldanha (PSD)
Environment Minister - Filipa Alexandra Leite Varejão (OV)
Justice Minister - Rafaela Martins Pisani (PT)
Defence Minister - Teodoro Rafael Henriques Rebelo (OV)
Berber Affairs Minister - Iken Freitas (FLS)

Os Verdes has kept its control over the enormous Environment, Farming and Food Ministry, with the PT gaining the Interior Ministry. Dr. Pisani has moved to Justice, likely to allow the PSD to have a role in the new cabinet, albeit one of the lesser senior roles. Former Premier de Carvalho takes foreign in affairs, something the Santo excelled at during his Premiership.

RPJ’s Political editor Noêmia Álvares, outlined how voters have retreated to the two main blocs, and that the coalition forming was exceptionally quick, hinting that the parties had already built their desired grouping.

“Voters, whilst backing the larger parties more, have still added more parties to parliament, with now a record 31 parties over the previous legislature’s 25. It has become clear that parties have done many of the deals behind the scenes prior to the election, does this signal the end of the large multi-party groupings? Will parties finally begin to merge themselves for the next election?”

The lack of the UD in the coalition sees the loss of Emília Miranda, the first woman to captain a warship, from the Defence Ministry and the cabinet.

The full election result is shown the the chart to the right, and with the clear indication of their plans, the coalition are likely to person with the policy outlined in the Speech from the Presidium just a few months ago. IT remains to be seen how much of an opposition the PP with its new energy will be, and how the next parliamentary session will play out. Premier Sapateiro will be speaking to RPJ1 tomorrow morning.

.

by **Yarova** » Thu Jun 06, 2019 12:23 pm

END IN SIGHT FOR THE DSP? PEOPLE OF YAROVA PARTY TAKE COUNTRY BY STORM

Alexei Banin

SHCHYOKHOV — In a formidable sweep and a major blow to the ruling-DSP, the People of Yarova party have increased their number of district chancellors from seven to sixteen, making them the largest party in the country for the first time in almost twenty five years. The controversial right-wing party, which supports the reestablishment of Yarova's nuclear weapons program, has vowed to keep the oil rigs in business and its leader Tanas Gruzdev sets his eyes on the federal presidency.

Just three weeks after Tanas Gruzdev topped a popularity poll which, needless to say, served as a major embarrassment to the Grigorievna administration, the People of Yarova have emerged as the overall victors of the district-level elections. Although the right-wing party were forecast to get eleven candidates to the finish line, a favourable increase from 2014’s total of seven districts, they have secured a jaw-dropping sixteen chancellors. For the first time since the presidency of Sergey Khismatullin from 1985 to 1995, more districts are represented by the People of Yarova than any other party – a major blow to the Democratic Socialists and Progressives (DSP). The People of Yarova have maintained majority control over the traditionally-supportive districts of Bochinovka, Buguznogorsk, Khanskoye-Chirbent, Otrada, Pozdnyakovskaya, Roslapeysk and Yelerinsk, successfully putting forward well-known public figures such as Victor Sagadeyev, Jr. and Kristina Kelerova.

In addition to this, the party have impressively gained ground in Kamenka, Khomustatskaya, Kogalma, Leont’yevskaya, Smirnova, Yadryshkina, Yumarapol and, controversially, Borisopol. The free city of Borisopol is commonly regarded in Yarovan popular culture as the ‘swing district,’ that is to say it is believed that the city determines who will be the federal president in an upcoming election by the party it elects in the chancellorship race the preceding year. Borisopol has never strayed from this trend since it was awarded free city status in 1973, and this year’s result has led to a frenzy. But what has brought about such a rapid and significant shift in the voting patterns of the electorate? Oil, or so reckons Dr Sosi Karchagina from the School of Political Science at Shchoykov’s National University of Yarova. “It is clear from analysing trends of public opinion that the federal government’s announcement of ‘phasing out’ the domestic petroleum industry by 2030 has resulted in people turning their backs on the DSP. Of course, the People of Yarova were waiting in the wings to clutch on to that discontent. That’s how populism works.”

The DSP, which have governed the UFDY for almost 25 years, may soon see their democratic socialist project come tumbling down, but perhaps not without a good fight. In a surprisingly honest admission, President Grigorievna has stated that her government “have not heeded the anger of ordinary people whose livelihoods rely on the continuance of the oil industry.” However, Grigorievna fell short by refusing to answer on whether or not she regrets setting government policy on the matter, or even if such policy would be retracted following the election result. Vice President Isaak Nikishin Svoburg, who leads the Ecology Party (EP), has called for the “uniting of the Left” and the “abandonment of all internal disagreements” to ensure the People of Yarova are prevented from getting access to the driver’s seat in Shchyokhov.

For a great number of people in eastern oblasts of the country, like Mr and Mrs Lagransky from Shultaysk in Bochinovka, this year’s election result was a long time coming. Mr Lagransky, aged 78, worked on an oil rig from the age of just twelve years and he shares with us why he wants to see Tanas Gruzdev become the sixteenth president of Yarova. “In this country, we are blessed by God to have so much natural resources. 45 billion barrels of oil! We would not be half the country we are today without it. We could not fuel our vehicles, heat our homes, power our factories, or pave our roads. Jesus Christ, you mean to tell me they want to take all this away from us?” He continues: “Gruzdev gets it, there is no horseshit passing his lips. I have supported him since he has been leader. He knows that it is lunacy to shut the oil rigs.” Mrs Lagransky, aged 74, has a soft spot for newly-elected Otrada chancellor Kristina Kelerova. “I like this young blonde! She reminds me of myself when I was in my youth, a real working girl [she laughs].” The mood changes when they are asked about their feelings towards President Grigorievna. An initially-hesitant Mrs Lagransky ponders: “But how could they put a foreign, coloured woman in office? She does not represent Yarovars, she knows nothing about us.” Mr Lagransky adds: “I think she should be deported to Kesh.”

Unfortunately, such racist views are not rare and the Lagransky’s remarks echo those of Gruzdev’s in the past, which are not limited to the verified video recording in which he says about Grigorievna: “Look at her! Look at her! This woman is disingenuous, she is not a Yarovar!” This time around, however, the People of Yarova have tread carefully on the issue of race and strategically put forward ethnic minority candidates such as Kellerovo’s Areqshu Nashko (who is Adyghe) and Yelerinsk’s Annagül Ibragimov, (who is Trukhmen). Both Nashko and Ibragimov were successful in their respective bids for chancellor and have, in the process, polished the party’s reputation on the matter.

Dr Karchagina is unsurprised by this and offers a personal prediction of what to expect in the presidential race later this year: “Expect to see a far more versed and prepared Gruzdev, who is willing to say the right thing when it comes to race relations and LGBTQ+ rights. I do think that he will select Kelerova as his vice-presidential running mate. She would be a wise choice, given her popularity.” Kelerova, whose great-uncle-in-law was none other than the late Sergey Khismatullin, is a self-proclaimed ‘farmer’s daughter’ and ‘run-of-the-mill Otradan’ who just so happened to study Law and Vallisian in affluent Shchyokhov. She rose to prominence within the party over the past number of years and, yes, she is the woman who gave that cringe-worthy speech about how she isn’t a feminist because the DSP ‘stole’ the term. If Kelerova is chosen, it is unclear why she would contend in the district-level elections, but what is clear is that the People of Yarova have their eyes on the ball and very much want to tear down the DSP establishment.

by **Jungastia** » Sun Jun 09, 2019 3:16 pm

by **Yarova** » Thu Jul 11, 2019 4:37 am

WHEN TANAS MET VIKA: INTERVIEW WITH PEOPLE OF YAROVA PARTY LEADER

Vika Zuyeva

SHCHYOKHOV — With the not-bargained-for victory of his People of Yarova party earlier this month in the district-level elections, Tanas Gruzdev tells Vika what makes him presidential material and why he is hitting the campaign trail early.

Although we have seen each other on numerous occasions since, the last time I interviewed Tanas Gruzdev for Vika was way back in 2009 when he ran for the second time against Nikita Chekudayev. Things were certainly different back then. The Democratic Socialists and Progressives (DSP) were an insurmountable force, against which the People of Yarova (PY) never stood a realistic chance. The Rodchenko years solidified the DSP into Yarovan political life, all the while the PY retreated into the shadows in a desperate attempt to brush off the dust of the tumultuous Khismatullin administration. Much like the Christian Alliance Party (CAP) in Kropokhovo, the PY held on to its traditional vote in the eastern half of the country, typically consisting of those involved in agriculture and the oil industry. This demographic would prove itself essential to winning the party’s first majority in almost 25 years.

Tanas Shaposhnikov Gruzdev was born in the remote town of Oktyashikha in north-eastern Buguznogorsk Oblast on 3 March, 1951. An average academic performer at school, in 1967, at the age of sixteen years, Tanas was enlisted in the Federal Armed Forces and was first stationed at Sosotroitsk, before being transferred to Likhigrad in 1969. In spite of his childhood dream of someday becoming a colonel, his service in the military was over within five months. After getting caught within the range of a deadly KELL bomb detonation, irreparable damage was done to his right leg. Who could have predicted this injury would end up changing the face of Yarovan politics forever?

Tanas did not let his disability hold him back. In fact, his limp has become something of a sensation in popular culture and has resulted in his common nickname Utka, meaning the “duck.” Shortly after returning to his hometown, Tanas dove headfirst into local politics and joined the Republican Party. After the party formally disbanded in 1979, Tanas proved instrumental in the formation of the People of Yarova Party and in 1984, was briefly elected Chancellor of Buguznogorsk. In 1985, he served as Minister for Agriculture and Food Affairs under Sergey Khismatullin, before returning to district chancellorship from 1994 to 2004. A man with a countenance once likened to a “bulldog licking urine off a nettle,” Tanas is, unashamedly, everything westerners portray the eastern stereotype to be. Oddly, maybe that is his charm.

Cut to 2019, and duck memes deluge Yarovan social media. On teenage girl’s bedroom walls, beside posters of drag queens, mumble rappers and pop heartthrobs, is the awkward, crotchety mug of ole Grandad Gruzdev. “Konstantina is shook,” reads one post on trendy Yarovan platform Boltovnya in the immediate aftermath of PY’s success in the elections. This would be harmless, if it were not for the fact Tanas has a questionable political record on weapons of mass destruction, the environment, race relations, gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights. To his critics, Tanas is a very real threat to peace on our continent, but to his supporters, he is a living, breathing example of a changed, unapologetic Yarova.

Vika: Whether one agrees with the sentiment or not, every Yarovar is familiar with the phrase “oil and toil is a feast for the east”. I recall sitting in my office when the news broke of the district election results, seeing the celebrations in places like Borisopol and thinking it will be no time at all before all of the country will be having its feast. No doubt it was a historic outcome.

Tanas: It was a day of absolute jubilation. Finally, we could see with our own eyes that, actually, yes, we can accomplish the goals we were always told were impossible. Communities that have had no reason to celebrate in many, many years were having street parties. Elderly people were up on their feet dancing. Little children had their faces painted white, blue and yellow. To me, this was beautiful.

Vika: Would you consider yourself a patriot?

Tanas: Of course! To be a patriot is to have love for one’s own country. I would not be doing any of this if it were not for the fact I love Yarova and my countrymen. It is patriotic to stand up firmly against the ineptitude of the DSP dynasty and ensure that the cosy consensus they have with the ecosocialists is exposed. It is patriotic to want to see Yarova prosper and that cannot happen with these spineless crooks in charge.

Vika: In that case, do you believe the Democratic Socialists and Progressives are patriots?

Tanas: Only an emotionally-uninvested foreigner from afar could spout such nonsense. The DSP are the antithesis of what it means to be a Yarovan patriot. Clearly, their policies are conceptualised by people with underdeveloped brains. They do this country a great deal of harm and this can never be considered patriotism.

Vika: Do you understand people who find the things you say, and the way you say them, offensive? For instance, when you imply that foreign leaders are incompetent at their jobs or that immigrants are destroying the national economy.

Tanas: Illegal immigration is a very real problem here and it is common knowledge that the DSP have built alliances with fellow crooks mismanaging other countries. This is not unfair to say. Contrary to what the media says, I am not the boogeyman. I can empathise and try to understand why some people feel a particular way about me. However, I reject all of this political correctness crap. We are nurturing the youth of this country to be crybabies who whinge and moan about anything and everything they don’t want to hear. Truth tends to hurt the weak and I think that is the actual issue.

Vika: How do you define good leadership?

Tanas: In order to be a good leader, you must relate to the electorate. To the common, everyday people. You must be able to see things from their perspective. Only by those means can you plausibly represent them. Leadership must be driven by patriotism but also by the ability to make tough calls when difficult situations arise. Take no shit from anyone. None of this is new to me.

Vika: Already, you have been on the road for quite a number of weeks on the campaign trail. Early bird catches the worm? [Vika smiles]

Tanas: Or in this case, early duck catches the worm! [Tanas laughs]

Vika: “An untameable she-wolf”. That is how your running mate Kristina Kelerova has been described by Artem Lagransky at the YTV News Network. Former President Danila Christov referred to her as “iron-willed”. What made her a suitable pick for vice presidential candidate?

Tanas: Kristina is an exceptional negotiator and has a way with people that is unmatched in Yarovan politics. She has served her district of Otrada for a great many years and, most importantly, she loves where she comes from. I personally find that she also has that international dimension, with her ability to speak Vallisian and Jungastian fluently, something which critics falsely accuse our party of lacking.

Vika: Certainly, you have come a long way from questioning President Grigorievna’s ethnic origins in 2015 to appointing an Adygeyan, Dzhokarian and Trukhmen as chancellorship candidates in 2019. Do you regret any of your behaviour in the past and would you admit that you indulged in racist rhetoric?

Tanas: I do not accept that assessment. In 2014 I proudly selected my life-long friend Saidakhmed Khadzhiev to represent the People of Yarova in Pozdnyakovskaya. My own wife of 45 years is half Hay, my father-in-law grew up on the reservation. For decades, I have stood up for the rights of ethnic minorities and I vocally supported the signing of the Abaksamir Agreement in 1970, even though KELL blew off a chunk of my leg less than a year before. It can be assured to you, I am no racist.

Vika: But do you not think that Madam President deserves an apology from you though? The audio recording where you brought her skin colour into question was, in fact, substantiated.

Tanas: It was not substantiated. If we are going to talk about President Grigorievna and apologies, perhaps she should first apologise to the Yarovan people for her pathetic misgovernance. [Tanas shrugs his shoulders]

Vika: Now, nuclear weapons. You have talked extensively at rallies about your intention to put forward an executive order that would authorise the recommissioning of weapons of mass destruction in this country. If, indeed, you are elected president. Are you aware of the severe ramifications such a move could have on international relations?

Tanas: I am aware, I am aware. Yes, Grigorievna has more than her fair share of cohorts in the League of Free Nations who have ‘raised concerns’. There are fears that Gardarike could attempt some kind of a supposed ‘pre-emptive strike’ to stall the redevelopment of our program. Make no mistake, this threat is precisely why we have no choice but to proceed in this direction.

Vika: Following the official announcement of the district elections, President Svidrauskas has stated that Aukalnia will increase its military expenditure two-fold and reports have come in of military exercises near the contested Shvekshna. Can you, Tanas, here and now, explicitly rule out another conflict with our western neighbours?

Tanas: It would be ill-advised to speculate and start making efforts to conflate two unrelated factors. What I will say is this, under my leadership, the United Federated Districts will not antagonise another sovereign state unless indisputably provoked. However, it must be emphasised that we will not be bullied into submission either.

Vika: You mentioned the League of Free Nations. Do you see a future for the United Federated Districts in the organisation if you were elected president?

Tanas: Like I said, unless we are provoked, there should be no problem with us remaining in the League. I welcomed President Grigorievna’s decision. But it must be acknowledged, since our admission as a member state nearly two years ago, we have pumped a substantial amount of money into the organisation. Frankly, they need us more than we need them.

Vika: Are you willing to tone down on some of your policy ideas in order to continue participating in the League?

Tanas: What specific policies are you referring to?

Vika: Well, nuclear proliferation is, of course, the major issue that everybody is talking about. Would you put down some clear red lines and say to the League ‘this far but no further’?

Tanas: No, there will be no red lines or concessions. It is as if there is an epidemic of both mass-amnesia and hypocrisy. The United Federated Districts possessed nuclear capabilities in the past. How is it that President Grigorievna can preach world peace and then increase military expenditure 1.5% in less than four years? Why is she not condemning Brigantica, a leading member of the League, for its arsenal?

Vika: Just last week at a gala event in Cheskovsk, your party’s foreign affairs spokesperson Boris Mekhantyev reaffirmed the People of Yarova’s controversial position on Shvekshna. So, you would be prepared to enter the territory and break the conditions of the Ruchava Treaty? Surely this is antagonising another sovereign state?

Tanas: If there is one piece of legislation in the history of our state that frustrates me the most it is the Aukalnia and Sartland Decolonisation and Reconciliation Act. It should never have been tabled and was a callous act of treachery against our own brothers. Vladimir Rodchenko should be thrown into a jail cell to rot. If I am elected president, or indeed any other People of Yarova candidate, there will be exhaustive talks with President Kurhepin to negotiate the peaceful reunification of All Yarova. Aukalnia may choose to partake in this process, but that will be their decision to make.

Vika: Your party is set on changing the way our country’s economy operates. You are an open advocate of supply side economics. You often admonish the DSP for its record on wide-ranging nationalisation. You don’t believe the government should be solely responsible in handling the healthcare system. You have played with the idea of reintroducing tuition fees and loans. Don’t these policies go against ideals of equal opportunity?

Tanas: Without a shadow of a doubt, equal opportunity is a cornerstone of this federation’s very foundation and it must be protected. The political stances you just referred to are not contradictory. But I must say, even though tuition fees are not high on my list, it would never target low-income citizens. I believe in some form of a safety net and the private sector can offer more opportunities to those with a determination to work and do well.

The DSP have carelessly created a culture of idleness and undue entitlement, where there is no initiative among a significant proportion of our healthy young people. That needs to change, reform in the welfare system will make it much more complicated for these people to become recipients. The success and survival of this country relies on the motivation of all its citizens.

Vika: Your sixteen chancellors have recently signed a pact to ignore federal government orders on phasing out on the extraction of oil. Of course, the Supreme Court are set to make a ruling on this. How can you expect DSP chancellors to listen to you if you are elected to the office of president?

Tanas: This is simply spin, no person in the eastern United Federated Districts is falling for it. Hundreds of thousands of people are employed in the petroleum industry in this country, this is their livelihoods. I don’t care about the shoeless hippies, they can go live in mud dwellings in the Karbykans. Until the DSP present to me a more competent solution, which they are incapable of doing, we will continue to work in the best interests of the normal, everyday people we were elected to represent. This is how a federal democracy works.

Vika: Lastly, since we are short on remaining time. Why should a Yarovar vote for you, Tanas Gruzdev, to be the sixteenth President of the United Federated Districts?

Tanas: I would ask citizens of this country to vote for me next year to be their president because the DSP dynasty needs to be torn down. We have suffered the same torturous humiliation for 25 years. The economy is in decline, unemployment rates and crime rates are on the rise. President Grigorievna has demonstrated, time and time again, that she wants to see our country become a lapdog of the West. If I am granted the opportunity, I will not allow this to happen. I will not shut down the oil rigs. I will not compromise on our national defence plans. I will reunite all Yarovars and I will ensure that we will regain our status as an economic global player.

Vika: Tanas, it has been a pleasure. The best of luck to you. [Tanas and Vika shake hands]

by **Jungastia** » Thu Jul 11, 2019 4:54 pm

Today Premier Sapateiro spoke at the University of Santo André outlining his plan for the establishment of a constitutional convention.

Os Verdes (OV) and the Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) - the two largest parties in the government - both stood with the promise of a re-evaluation of the constitution in the current parliament. Indeed Premier Sapateiro outlines in his speech (RPJ has included this in full later on) the plan to launch the convention from the end of this month, ideally on the anniversary of the Martyr’s Revolution, with the goal to have the convention complete in 2022, in time for the 40th anniversary of the first democratic constitution following on fro the FSN era.

Jungastia’s constitution has undergone numerous changes since its introduction in late 1982. Most of these adaptations have been focussed on smoothing out areas of confusion, or increasing practicality of the somewhat enormous document.

Luís Guimarães Albuquerque one of the drafters of the original constitution - when asked for comment today - gave a clear statement in support of the government’s move. “A constitution is a living document, a fabric binding us together, not a rigid board pinning us to a wall” He said in an interview on Manhã earlier today. Adding that nothing could be better to celebrate 40 years of democracy than the completion of an enormous exercise to improve the bedrock of that democracy.

Amongst the opposition parties, the Partido Popular (PP), Conservadores and even the far right PdRE have all announced their support for the convention. The FSN, PN and CDs have all decried the governments intentions as a power grab. Outspoken PN leader Ulisses Saldanha said in the Congress today that the government is riding roughshod over the will of patriots to keep the constitution strong, to not meddle in the foundations of our state, and to disrespect the blood of the martyrs’ of the revolution.

How the convention plays out over the next few years, and the outcome remains to be seen. Keep with RPJ for updates, and Boa Noite will have in-depth analysis at 23h.

Premier Sapateiro’s speech in full

Today I want to open a new door to the future of our great nation. Today, we take a step towards tomorrow.

Our constitution is not an immovable obelisk, it is like the trunk of a Santa Helena Palm; Strong but flexible. It cannot be rigid, for it will break.

I remember as a young man the Convention for the New Millennium. I remember the pride in seeing LGBT rights enshrined in our constitution as a human right. I remember the thrill in hearing the convention support our sixteen year old citizens getting the right to vote in elections. I remember feeling so overjoyed that I lived in a land where we said things weren’t perfect, and then we changed them.

For decades Jungastia was immovable, inflexible and rigid. For decades changes to our laws were on the whim of an authoritarian government. Then came Amílcar, then the red flags, then we breathed for the first time as a people who could control their own destiny.

The government parties all stood with the intention of launching a constitutional convention before the year end. Today we deliver on this promise. Today we move into tomorrow.

The convention will not just be technocrats, it will be for you, your family, your communities, to have a voice, to make a difference. We will begin with experts form across the nation, who will design the three year plan. Then it is open to you. Together, we will ensure we have a strong foundation for the next 40 years of democracy. Together and only together, we will shape tomorrow.

This is our chance to make the changes we want to see, our chance to open new doors, to secure the freedoms we enjoy, to ensure nobody is left behind, and no past is forgotten.
We have the chance to build a society that is compassionate from the ground up, a society where nobody can fall behind, where nobody can trample on others to make himself more comfortable. A Society where we grow together, where tomorrow is a joy to come, and today is am safe and happy place.

To those who sit opposite us in congress, join us, build our tomorrow. Join us to build a future where our lush environment is protected at the core of or society. Where we make a commitment to protect every centimetre of this land. Join us to make a promise to the young people here today, that we never sit still, we are always moving forward.

To those naysayers, I open my heart to you. I give you my honesty, and more, I give you my time, and the time of the convention. No door is not to be opened, and sometimes we have it just right. The more we can talk, the more we can all be part of this exciting journey together, the more we grow, as a people, as a collective soul. Friends, let’s run up to tomorrow, and make sure it is always even better than today.

.

by **Agrana and Griegro** » Thu Jul 11, 2019 7:36 pm

by **Yarova** » Thu Jul 18, 2019 11:52 am

WHEN VIKA MET KONSTANTINA: INTERVIEW WITH PRESIDENT OF YAROVA

Vika Zuyeva

SHCHYOKHOV — Following last week's interview with the Leader of the Opposition Tanas Gruzdev, I met with President Konstantina Grigorievna at the Surkov Palace to discuss a range of topics, from federal policy-making decisions to the rise in support of the PY.

Just last week, a long-awaited interview I conducted with People of Yarova (PY) party leader Tanas Gruzdev was published to a global readership on my website. The enigma that is Tanas has garnered a cult following across the eastern United Federated Districts and, with fresh electoral strides in the swing district of Borisopol, along with traditionally-DSP Yadryshkina, Smirnova and Yumarapol, political scientists are placing their bets on his victory in the presidential election in less than twelve months. In the interview (which you may find here: viewtopic.php?p=35925168#p35925168), Tanas reasserts his resolve, if elected, to proceed with controversial policies such as renuclearisation, the expansion of the petroleum industry and the reacquisition of the Shvekshna disputed territory. It is these said brazen stances that have skyrocketed public support of Tanas and his PY party, helping illuminate to the understanding the sheer level of frustration felt by tens of millions of Yarovars towards the current administration. However, for the sake of healthy, balanced political discourse, it is important to also gain an insight into the perspective of the personnel operating within the federal government itself. Who better to touch base with, I thought, than the Head of State and Government, President Konstantina Grigorievna?

Konstantina Jiraiya Payaimar Grigorievna was born in Yarova’s second city of Minerinsk-Belgorod on 3 April, 1969. She was born to a black Yarovar mother and a father of Mahdi and Hay heritage. The president was raised in a family of devout Eastern Orthodox Catholics and attended St. Magda’s Primary School, an Orthodox educational establishment in the ward of Slaksa in south-east Minerinsk. She studied at a public school for her secondary level education, the Sarolma Hill Secondary School. In her youth, Grigorievna was a keen gymnast, horse rider and debater. She joined the Democratic Socialists and Progressives (DSP) at the age of just 16 years in 1985. After graduation, in 1987, Grigorievna earned a scholarship and studied at the National University of the United Federated Districts in Shchyokhov. She went on to study at the E.K. Lemenev School of Law in Shchyokhov, which she attended from 1992 to 1995. During her time in the education system, Grigorievna stirred up controversy for her radical social views, such as her advocacy for same-sex marriage, cannabis legalisation and the decriminalisation of sex work. This would pose itself as a trend for the rest of her high-profile political career, as she steadily climbed the ladder from a district representative for Minerinsk’s 22nd Ward in 1996 to federal president in 2015.

A moderate socialist, it is widely known that the president became politically-motivated directly owing to her contempt of the then-ruling PY party under presidents Danila Christov and Sergey Khismatullin. It is mildly amusing then, if not simply indicative of our country’s polarised political atmosphere, that the PY party has observed an explosion in membership due to much of the public’s negative perceptions of President Grigorievna. Since her inauguration four years ago, the president has, among other things: renationalised Air Yarova and Yarovan Railways, raised the minimum wage from 10 USD to 15 USD, implemented the Altekst Policy (go-ahead for federal funding of nonprofit environmentalist NGOs), and rescinded marijuana from the federal list of prohibited substances.

However, most significantly, the Grigorievna administration has overseen the United Federated Districts’ admittance to the League of Free Nations, a major global bloc of states which promotes military and economic co-operation between its members. This contentious decision required the carrying out of a plebiscite in May 2018 which altered the national constitution and has subsequently authorised the Yarovan Armed Forces to engage in military exercises outside of domestic territory, after 51.8% voted in favour. Since Grigorievna’s ascension to office in 2015, federal military expenditure has increased from 0.48% to the current total of 2.0%. In January 2018, the Minister of National Security and Defence, the United Federated Districts’ third in command, Erik Meselev, resigned in protest and accused President Grigorievna of “dragging Yarova into the moronic board game of bloc-politics”. The dust has never quite settled since then and, although the Yarovan Armed Forces are currently participating in League drills in Western Artemia, the likelihood of the United Federated Districts remaining in the organisation is shrinking by the day.

Naturally, not unlike any of its preceding counterparts, the Grigorievna presidency has experienced the highs and lows that come with governance. Nevertheless, with her administration’s expressed commitment to ‘phase out’ from all fossil fuels by 2040 and, especially, the petroleum industry by 2030, for the first time in 25 years, the DSP are polling behind the PY party. A poll released last Monday, conducted for TV Pyat’s Politika, has indicated that President Grigorievna’s approval ratings stand at an unimpressive 39%. The lowest ever being 36% in February, following the release of the renewable energy transition targets. Of course, people have cause for concern. Unemployment is on the rise across all 29 federated districts, and has increased from 3.6% to 4.9% in the past four years alone.

PY representatives have argued that the increasing of the national minimum wage has taken its toll on small, rural businesses. While some economists have pinned the blame on new, stringent environmental regulations suffocating the chemical, pharmaceutical and automobile sectors, coupled with the sharp elevation of the corporate tax in recent years. Inner-city crime is also a growing problem in districts such as Yumarapol and Cheskovsk. The training and competence of personnel in law enforcement agencies and their use of routine excessive force have been raised into question, but have seemingly fallen upon deaf ears in Shchyokhov. How does Madam President reckon with these damning statistics? Does she see herself realistically securing a second term in government? I visited the Surkov Palace to find out.

Vika: Kicking down a dead-end, brick wall of classism and inequality. Promoting the needs of everyone rather than produce massive profits for a small handful of this country’s people. Combatting the ever-looming threat of climate change and ensuring that future generations of Yarovars will get to see the light of day. Bringing an end to the gluttony of corporate capitalism.These are just some of the things you were quoted as saying in your historic presidential address in 2015. Firstly, my question to you would be: Do you think you have been successful in achieving these things?

President Grigorievna: Well, let’s hope you’ve started off with the toughest questions and you’ll ease down a little as we go on! [President Grigorievna laughs]

I don’t think it was ever on my agenda to achieve all of these things within five years or, indeed, within ten years. With that said, that is not to suggest we haven’t made progress and I think that is the key word here, actually. The democratic socialist project in this country was launched by former President Rodchenko almost 25 years ago, it was never his intention to see it finalised overnight. In a federated state like ours, where private corporations still wield an insane amount of power due to the vested interests of right-wing politicians and other public figures, we cannot expect to see a rapid and smooth transition. I believe we have gotten closer to our goals, with tougher action on corporations with higher taxation and environmental regulation. But, as we have seen in recent times, our opponents, who benefit from this inequality, are definitely not taking this lying down.

Vika: We hear that a lot from DSP representatives and, I mean, with the greatest of respect, President Chekudayev was prone to this explanation of a “gradual project.” But to people on the outside, to a great number of ordinary Yarovars, it can feel like an excuse. As if you are paying lip service to grassroots activists while effectively not doing what you were elected to do. Do you grasp that increasingly common interpretation?

President Grigorievna: I would, unreservedly, call that a misinterpretation. However, I would be evading the truth if I led you to believe I never, myself, encountered those views by citizens who were concerned. It’s understandable why they would be. I will tell you the very same thing I say to them each and every time.

Our aim as democratic socialists is to end our society’s subservience to the financial market. We have already taken steps to realise this, such as the establishment of universal healthcare in 2000 and the abolition of third-level tuition fees in 2011. But we need to keep working to eventually replace the private ownership of the means of production with a collective, democratic ownership. In the short term, we can’t eliminate private corporations, but we can bring them under greater democratic control. It will be no walk in the park, but that is the ultimate plan.

Vika: So what you are saying is, the DSP someday plan to seize all private property in this country. How would this make you any different to the Communist Party in Teutonenland? Which, of course, the League of Free Nations frothingly opposes.

President Grigorievna: The DSP have been among the harshest critics of authoritarian communist states, like Teutonenland, as you mention. Just because their bureaucratic elites call them “socialist” does not make it so; they also call their regimes “democratic.” The DSP have always opposed the ruling party-states of those societies, just as we oppose the ruling classes of capitalist societies. However, the improvement of people’s lives requires real democracy without ethnic rivalries or new guises of authoritarianism. Most importantly, we cannot allow all radicalism to be dismissed as “communist.” That suppression of dissent and diversity undermines Yarova’s ability to live up to its promise of equality of opportunity, not to mention the freedoms of speech and assembly.

Vika: Would you not agree that there is, at the very least, a semblance of contradiction in a self-identified socialist president proceeding full-throttle to participate in a bloc of liberal capitalist states?

President Grigorievna: Upon our full entry into the League eighteen months ago, our government prepared a formal bulletin which was issued to the general public outlining our rationale for engaging in the organisation. As set out in the statement, among other things, our primary objectives include the preservation and advancement of human rights, the promotion of sustainable economic and social development, and the initiation of stable international diplomacy. Our membership has granted us access to a valuable avenue in which the United Federated Districts can carry out positive diplomatic dialogue with the government of the Gardic Realm. These objectives do not contradict our values as a political party whatsoever, in fact, they are very much compatible.

Vika: In acknowledgement of your election promise to tackle the soaring crime rates in some of our country’s major urban centres. The crime rate has only exacerbated through the course of your tenure. The Chancellor of Yumarapol Jivan Kurdin made headlines last week for accusing your government of being “scared shitless of the Sem’ya”, also known as the Yarovan mafia. Why has your government refused to recognise and counteract the explosion in organised criminal activities?

President Grigorievna: The federal government have treated Mr. Kurdin’s words as nothing but smear tactics to aid his party leader in getting into power. This is the kind of rhetoric from district governments we expect to hear a lot of now that the majority are presided over by opportunists in the PY party. The fact is, the Department for Domestic Cohesion and Protection is in the process of addressing organised crime by adopting new control approaches such as improving police efficiency by emphasising greater coordination between law enforcement agencies. In the House of Representatives, DSP representatives are currently drawing up a tougher antigambling bill and in government, we intend to establish a standing committee to attend to police corruption and isolation. We are not scared of any criminal organisation in this country, myself and my cabinet simply refuse to give any legitimacy to these thugs by using the titles they want us to use.

Vika: But these ‘opportunists’ that you refer to must be doing something right, Madam President. Considering the fact the PY leader Tanas Gruzdev is consistently polling 10 points ahead of you. If these polls are not an indication of who will be President of Yarova next year, then certainly the last district elections were. How do you come to terms with this? Is the fight really over?

President Grigorievna: No, the fight will never be over. Gruzdev and the PY party have been lurking in the shadows for quite some time, waiting for the appropriate moment to latch on to any form of public discontent and run with it for political gain. That is what has happened over the past few months, and that is why he is faring more positively in the polls than I am at the moment. Even if I were trailing twenty, thirty or forty points behind him, I would not hold my hands up and throw in the towel.

Vika: Do you see yourself winning a second term in office?

President Grigorievna: Look, there is undoubtedly a fight on our hands come the next election. I know that the fight I am leading is one of equality, justice and fairness, and as the saying goes, I will ‘keep fighting the good fight’. If the Left can mobilise and come together constructively, I truly believe we will still be in with a credible chance of getting into government again. It will take a massive amount of grafting by a hell of a lot of people but it’s a challenge worth taking.

Vika: Why should my readers, in your view, not vote for Tanas Gruzdev?

President Grigorievna: I had hoped for easier questions but this is just a no-brainer! [President Grigorievna laughs]

The very concept of Mr. Gruzdev as President of the United Federated Districts would be a defilement of the office. He is an unrepentant racist. A man who has questioned my Yarovan-ness due to the colour of my skin. A man who was responsible for lifting the racial discrimination laws in Buguznogorsk Oblast in the 1990s. He is openly anti-LGBTQ. A man who once referred to two men kissing as “against the natural order”. A man who still thinks transgender people are “deluded” and do not deserve access to hormone treatment. He is an unashamed jingoist. A man who wants to bring back weapons of mass destruction to this country. A man who, during Khismatullin’s War, bragged about wanting to “reduce Gardarike and Aukalnia to rats and cockroaches”. Surely this is not the person we want representing our union on the international stage. With Mr. Gruzdev, we have some very serious national security risks and I suspect many millions of people will feel compelled to resist if he is elected.

Vika: In hindsight, if you had known how negatively the general public would react to your cabinet’s renewable energy transition targets, would you have done things differently?

President Grigorievna: … [President Grigorievna hesitates for a moment]

I do not believe that the proposals and targets laid out in the strategy were cause for such a widespread level of opposition. It is excusable why some people, especially those directly involved in the energy sector, may be unsettled at the idea of complete termination of petroleum works within such a short timeframe. However, we have a great team of climate change and energy experts advising us on policy-making and determining which targets are realistic and which are actually not. An alternative employment plan is covered across the length of eighty pages in the report. I continue to stand by the paper and am mostly frustrated at how the PY have managed to contort the situation in their favour.

Vika: Since I have asked you why my readers should not vote for Tanas Gruzdev. Why should my readers vote for you, Madam President?

President Grigorievna: We are rapidly approaching a major crossroads in the history of the United Federated Districts. Which person is elected President of Yarova in 2020 will decide the future of our country and what direction we go in; not just politically, but also economically and socially. Globally, tensions are running high. In a collective manner, the League of Free Nations is working tirelessly to uphold stability in our region and beyond. Now is the time to branch out to our neighbours and present ourselves as a true beacon of liberty. We cannot afford to see a ‘Gruzdev’s War’ with Aukalnia over who should administer a post-colonial war zone. We cannot risk our hard-fought, fragile peace with Gardarike over who has the most rockets, this is not about boys and their toys.

Instead, we need to persist in the twenty-five-year-long fight for democracy at home and abroad. We need to advance the democratic socialist project into the next decade. We need to combat climate change. Only the DSP can deliver the practical and pragmatic policies necessary to accomplish all of these things. That is why I am asking for the citizens of this proud country to vote for me in the upcoming election. The work is not done! [President raises her fist]

Vika: And with that, I am afraid we are out of time. I want to thank you sincerely for your time, Madam President. The best of luck to you in the coming months. [President Grigorievna and Vika shake hands]

by **Yarova** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 6:23 am

BREAKING: 16 KILLED IN BORISOPOL BOMB EXPLOSION

Yaroslav Batrutdinov

BORISOPOL — The Borisopol Police Department are treating a bomb explosion on the city's eastside, which has killed 16 civilians, as an 'act of domestic terrorism'.

At least 16 people were killed and more than two dozen injured in a car bomb explosion Monday at the headquarters of Christian pressure group Zashchita Very (ZV) in Borisopol’s eastside borough of Andreykovo. Two 26-year-old males of Yarovan nationality have been identified as potential suspects and have been apprehended by the Borisopol Police Department. Among the dead include prominent anti-LGBT rights activist and qualified psychiatrist Yaroslava Abakumova who, notably, recently endorsed Tanas Gruzdev in the upcoming federal presidential elections. The attack comes as tensions are rising between left and right. It is believed that the suspects are linked to militant anti-facism. Severny Lane, Sibrayt Street and Polina Street have all been cordoned off by the authorities. Both pedestrians and drivers have been asked to fully cooperate with this undertaking until the criminal investigation reaches its next phase.

According to a Surkov Palace press release, President Grigorievna is set to make an appearance in Borisopol tomorrow in an act of solidarity with the victims and their families. However, reports have come in that a government request to meet the director of ZV has been denied. In the official statement, the president has described the attack as an “unthinkable evil” and “unrepresentative of Yarovan socialism”. Meanwhile, Gruzdev, presently on the campaign trail in Maugorod, has engaged in a conference call with a handful of ZV members as they were being hosted by the district Chancellor Edik Savasin. Both Gruzdev and Savasin have pinpointed the Democratic Socialists and Progressives (DSP) as the suspects’ source of inspiration in carrying out the bombing. On the People of Yarova (PY) website, Savasin claims: “For my entire political career, I have talked about how dangerous the DSP pursuit of an anti-faith agenda is on our society. Do not be deceived into thinking otherwise ... the socialists are responsible for this tragedy”. While Gruzdev goes further by noting that Grigorievna has already “incited an insurrection” in the event he makes it to the presidency.

Nonsensical alarmism? Or perhaps we should expect to see more incidents like this, as Yarovan politics continues to become increasingly polarised. The motivations of the culprits behind the bombing have not yet been confirmed in what was the worst domestic terror attack seen since the Steppe conflict of the 1960s and 1970s. The team here at Yarova Today will continue to update on this story as more developments unfold.

by **Yarova** » Thu Aug 22, 2019 8:06 am

KELEROVA: GRIGORIEVNA HAS BLOOD ON HER HANDS

Yaroslav Batrutdinov

MAUGOROD — In her possibly harshest and most personal criticism yet, deputy leader of the People of Yarova (PY) party and vice-presidential candidate Kristina Kelerova has shockingly accused President Grigorievna of being directly responsible for the terrorist attack in Borisopol on Monday.

In spite of requests from law enforcement and district government officials for members of the general public to remain at a safe distance from the cordoned-off area in southern Andreykovo, Borisopol, thousands gathered last night for a candlelight vigil that endured through to the early hours of this morning. On Tuesday, the Borisopol Police Commissioner Oleg D. Noskov issued a public statement in which he disclosed the names of the two 26-year-old male suspects, Matvei Preobrazhensky and Peter Kushnir. An additional, third suspect has also been named and shamed by Noskov, in a move reportedly deemed controversial by others within the police department. A 24-year-old woman, Dominika Petrossian, believed to be romantically-connected to Preobrazhensky, has also been apprehended.

The suspects have been linked to a 341-page compendium entitled Rastvoryayushchiy Yad (‘Dissolving the Poison’) which advocates militant anti-facism and largely propounds principles of antireligion. Kushnir’s maternal uncle Ilya Svyatoslavovich works as a policy advisor for the Alternative Socialist Movement (ASD), a party with one seat in the House of Representatives, which has yet to condemn or even comment on the explosion. Noskov has estimated that up to 100 kg of fertilisers containing nitrates were stored in the back of a white Litvin transit van which was detonated at 9.23 am (East Artemian Time) outside the head office of conservative Christian advocacy group Zaschita Very (ZV) (‘Defence of Faith’).

The explosion has now claimed a total of nineteen lives, as three more victims have died in hospital due to injuries sustained from the blast. The youngest, a boy, only seven years of age, was walking along the pavement beside the building with his mother who, herself, is said to be in critical condition. The Director of ZV, Sergey Kirillin, was absent from the city when the bombing took place. He has cited scripture in his denouncement of the attack, saying: “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you”. Kirillin, himself an Orthodox priest, offered a Divine Liturgy in St. Mikhail’s Cathedral in remembrance of the deceased victims and those who have survived the attack.

The Surkov Palace initially announced President Grigorievna’s scheduled arrival to the city as being Tuesday, however, this date was later postponed to Thursday owing to purported “security risks”. In an unexpected move, the president briefly met with the Chancellor of Borisopol, Edik Savasin, who strongly criticised the government and its socialist ideology, which he believes was the driving force behind the attack. Grigorievna and Savasin joined in prayer with members of the public who were gathered beside the bouquet-adorned barricade, which was erected to block pedestrians from entering the crime scene.

Nevertheless, Savasin maintains that the Democratic Socialists and Progressives (DSP) influenced the mindset of the perpetrators and that “Grigorievna has got to go”. The Chancellor is not alone in his pointing the finger of blame on the president and the greater DSP party, PY deputy leader and vice presidential candidate Kristina Kelerova addressed an audience in Maugorod in which she confidently asserted that “Grigorievna has Abakumova’s blood on her hands”. Yaroslava Abakumova, a Gruzdev advocate who dedicated most of her adult life to anti-LGBT activism, lost her life in the explosion. Kelerova outrageously claimed that she thinks it was an “inside job” and part of a “terrorist plot to extinguish conservative Yarova”.

“We must pay very close attention to Kristina Kelerova’s comments,'' stresses Yuriy Dzeghaschte, Yarova Today’s political correspondent. “Not solely for the substance, but also the time and place in which she has said this. She is on the campaign trail with Tanas Gruzdev, arguably this could not have come at a better time for the PY. In their typical fashion, they seem to be stirring up this intense anti-DSP sentiment and, scarily, its working”. Although the population of the Maugorod Islands is less than 50,000, the visit to the archipelago by Gruzdev and Kelerova is significant, as it marks the first time ever that a federal presidential candidate has campaigned there. In a rare case of intervention, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Andreya Davydkina, has asked Kelerova to retract her accusations and apologise to the president, who has yet to respond.

In the address, Kelerova was seemingly determined to make the headlines one way or another, by controversially concluding her speech: “The People of Yarova will work for the betterment and success of All-Yarova, from Maugorod to Shvekshna. To those who want middle ground, we give them the middle finger”. The irredentist term ‘All-Yarova’ dates back to the Vojiskiy imperial age and corresponds to all territorial acquisitions made by the Yarovan Empire during its exercise of manifest destiny, known as Vostochnoye Gospodstvo (‘Eastern Domination’). The PY’s frequent usage of this term has been regarded by numerous political pundits as intentionally-inflammatory, but who can argue that Kelerova’s remarks are not sincere? Either way, by simply mentioning the disputed territory of Shvekshna once again, the PY are sure to further test the patience of Aukalnia and other Northern Coregnancy states.

by **Yarova** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 7:39 am

BREAKING: FAR-RIGHT RIOTS BREAK OUT IN SHCHYOKHOV

Lydia Chuznikova

SHCHYOKHOV — More than 2,000 far-right demonstrators have taken to the streets of the Yarovan capital, Shchyokhov, to partake in anti-government riots. Video footage has been uploaded to social media, showing widespread theft and vandalism - with additional reports of stabbings. The civil disorder comes following Kristina Kelerova’s comments in Maugorod yesterday, alleging that the Borisopol bombing was an “inside job”.

Usually, the atmosphere in Shchyokhov’s political district surrounding the imposing Surkov Palace is calm, peaceful and untroubled. However, such a description could not be further from the truth today, as an estimated 2,000 far-right demonstrators continue to clash with law enforcement in what the former are referring to as a “stand against the socialist regime”. Eyewitness footage has shown rioters looting businesses and pushing back at police officers who were originally only employing baton charge tactics. The Shchyokhov Police Department have since been reduced to using tear gas and rubber bullets following reports of multiple civilian stabbings. It is believed People of Yarova (PY) party deputy leader and vice presidential candidate Kristina Kelerova could be a source of encouragement for the violent demonstrations, as just yesterday she accused the federal government of being behind Monday’s bombing in Borisopol which claimed the lives of nineteen people. Government officials did not have time to respond to the accusations, it seems, before masses of people deluged into the city centre this morning in what appears to be an attempt to force President Grigorievna to resign.

Among the demonstrators include white supremacists, ultranationalists, fascists and people who identify closely with right-wing parties such as the PY and the Yarovar Defence Front (YDF). Riot control measures taken by law enforcement and security forces have succeeded in holding off demonstrators from reaching Respublikanskaya ulitsa (‘Republican Street’), the immediate vicinity of the Surkov Palace, which houses the Parliament, the Supreme Court and the Presidential Residence. Three armoured tanks have been stationed along the street as a “balanced precaution” and the palace has been placed on temporary lockdown, with fears that the violence could descend into a downward spiral. It is unknown at this current time whether or not President Grigorievna is present in the heavily-guarded building.

In a significant development in the past half an hour, the Surkov Palace Press Secretary Vladimir Kuznetsov has issued a formal statement from President Grigorievna in reaction to today’s riots and the recent spike in violent extremism (see below). Kuznetsov, responding to a query from YTV concerning the increase in political polarisation and related violence, has said each district government is being asked to reform its law enforcement policies in anticipation of more attempted riots and bombings elsewhere in the country in the future. He has described it as a "bleak reality, but a reality all the same" and has rejected suggestions that DSP failings in government may be to blame.

THE SURKOV PALACE
Federal Office of the Press Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 AUGUST, 2019
Statement by the President

In acknowledgement of the civil unrest in our capital city of Shchyokhov, it is essential, first and foremost, that the federal government expresses complete disapproval of all forms of violence and condemns, unreservedly, those individuals who instigate such violence on our streets. Today, those with involvement in the rioting have put self-interest above both our national security and our ability to serve the people of Yarova, through whom we have a legitimate, democratic mandate. As President of the United Federated Districts, I have absolute confidence in my cabinet and we will continue our rightful service to the Yarovan people.

As Yarovars, we take immense pride in our propensity to offer tolerance and mutual respect to those with different beliefs. In incidences where we may find ourselves in disagreement, we seek to always arrive at a resolution. We are all too familiar with conflict and the shattering impact it can have on our everyday lives and on those we love. Above all, we strive to uphold our values of justice, equality and liberty, and hold those to account who recklessly try to deprive us of these values. All individuals found to be partaking in violent and unlawful behaviour will be faced with criminal charges. I commend the personnel operating in the security forces who are courageously keeping us safe at this time.

Finally, I would ask all political parties in the House of Representatives to join the Democratic Socialists and Progressives in condemning the riots and other incidents of extremism. They do not commit these acts of lawlessness in our name.

# # #

Anterra News Feed [Closed, Anterra Only]

Anterra News Feed [Closed, Anterra Only]

#YAROVA

#YAROVA

#YAROVA

#YAROVA

#YAROVA

#YAROVA

#YAROVA

#YAROVA

Who is online