News Thread [Kylaris|Canon|IC]

by **Estmere** » Sun Aug 18, 2019 1:03 pm

Marilyn Albridge - 18 August 2019

Home · Estmere · Euclea · International· Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather

IN INTERVIEW, EDWARDS CLAIMS TO HAVE 'TOLD THE TRUTH BASED ON THE INFORMATION MADE AVAILABLE'

The ex-Defense Secretary has claimed information was "withheld" from him.

Ashcombe, Estmere - In an interview with NTV's Sunday morning news programme, ex-Defense Secretary Henry Edwards has defended his previous comments regarding the Estmerish violation of Zorasani waters, claiming that he had told the truth per "information made available" to him by the prime minister and the navy.

In the tell-all interview, Edwards said he felt that information was "deliberately withheld" from him.

"I told the truth based on the information made available to me in the aftermath of the [naval incident] with Zorasan. To my understanding, and that of the cabinet at large, Estmerish vessels had never violated Zorasani waters. In fact, I was under the impression that ships were under strict orders to dock at Lalgat".

Previously, Edwards had stated that the alleged naval incursion "never took place" and said the claims were "simply fabricated". He went further. accusing the Zorasani government of launching a smear campaign against Estmere over the Kennford Incident. The claims of a territorial violation were a part of such efforts, the ex-secretary claimed.

However, evidence published soon after by the Zorasani foreign ministry released camera footage from one of its own ships that reportedly intercepted the three Valor-class frigates. An analysis of the footage published by the Zorasani navy clearly shows one of the Valor-class frigates which was identified by its wide cabin and naval jack. Zorasan took Estmere to the Community of Nations over the issue, where a resolution condemning the alleged violation was defeated amid a strong show of support for Estmere by many international governments.

The issue has dogged the government for months, with opposition parliamentarians regularly calling for a legal inquiry into whether or not Edwards knowing mislead the public and international community in his claims and if there was any legal wrongdoing. With parliament in recess until 16 September, there is little opposition parties have been able to do.

Previously, a spokesperson for the Justice Secretariat said no such investigation was needed as Edwards had "done the proper thing by resigning".

However, Edwards has broken his silence over the issue, further stating in the interview that he felt as though he was "forced out" by the prime minister. When asked if it was a set up, Edward said "only [Prime Minister] Wilton-Smyth can answer that question".

Allies within his own party, the Progressives, were agitated that he was put in a position that required his resignation. Edwards is a close partner of Foreign Secretary and Deputy PM Anne Buckett, who is reportedly said to have been frustrated by the naval incident and voiced her concerns to Wilton-Smyth directly.

Opposition leader Robert Spencers (DLP) said it had "become exceeding clear" that a "full, independent" investigation was needed.

"We have a government secretary publicly saying he was misled by the prime minister over something that could have started a war with a foreign power" Spencers said in a statement released to the press. He said that if an independent review was not opened into the incident, that he would lead an effort in parliament to establish a parliamentary inquiry into the matter.

The governing coalition holds a clear majority in the lower house, however disgruntled backbenchers from the Progressives could vote in favor of such a motion in defense of Edwards. One senior Progressives backbencher said he felt as though the ex-defense secretary was "scapegoated by the prime minister". He had received private backing of many backbenchers, sources familiar with the developments say.

The prime minister's office has declined to comment on Edwards' interview.

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by **Union of Akoren** » Sun Aug 18, 2019 3:24 pm

The Assad Erekat Crisis: Is it playing into the hands of his killers?
Zorasan's military has a history of using crises to its advantage over pro-democracy figures at home, does a harsh response play into their hands this time?

General Alireza Fadavi (center) is the head of the Zorasani armed forces, Minister of Defence and the real
power behind the throne.

As the world balks at the rapidly escalating crisis in the Solarian Sea stemming from the brutal murder of Assad Erekat, behind the scenes in Zorasan, a decades-long struggle is witnessing its turning point. Using international pressure, the ideological Sattarist hardliners are regaining control and may come to threaten the flawed but brave democratic holdouts within its governing system. If the hardliners succeed, Zorasan will only become a greater threat.

The murder of Assad Erekat, a seemingly decent human being dedicated to aiding asylum seekers, is equally monstrous as it is consequential. If one thing his murder brought to light, was the true evil that lurks within the regime that tyrannically rules the Union of Zorasani Irfanic Republics. It is a regime surrounded by smoke and mirrors, one that relies on misconceptions and misunderstandings to truly avoid international accountability. Zorasan is a not a unique non-partisan democracy, it is a militaristic-theocratic police state, where democracy is managed, if not strangled by constitutionally protected, yet unelected and unaccountable bodies. The military and Irfanic clergy vet candidates for public office, veto legislation that doesn’t fit with their worldview or endangers their interests – doing so without input or say by the general population.

Although Zorasan for a period was a democratic bright spot, during a period known as the Saffron Era (1990-2005), today it is undoubtedly one of the worst human rights abusers anywhere in the world. Its military, murders and disappears critics and dissidents at home with impunity and without oversight, while it also murders dissidents abroad. The Erekat killing revealed that the Zorasan may have murdered eight others from the 90s onward in Estmere alone. That’s on top of the three known killings in Etruria, between 1985 and 1995. It’s a country that shuts down media outlets for nebulous violations such as “endangering social harmony” or “endangering public solidarity.” It’s a country that tortures people for graffitiing, vandalising or damaging state property, let alone tortures as a form as genuine punishment. Its also a country a that operates “state security facilities”, that are essentially work camps.

Zorasan is also an authoritarian country that faces major domestic threats. The biggest and most existential is the lack of available drinking water. The water shortages of the south is a real profound crisis, that endangers not just political stability, but public health and the economy in totality. While the Akbari-Isfandiar government has responded swiftly and competently; according to experts, they recognise that the water crisis risks becoming a rallying cry for all other issues to coalesce around. Then Erekat was murdered. It is possible, that he was murdered in a public manner to distract the populace from the water crisis, by creating the very diplomatic powder keg that threatens the Solarian basin. We’ve already seen the state violently crush the water protests, claiming they risk “social harmony at a time of great pressure.” They’ve responded to the reformists in parliament, who sought to investigate the Erekat murder by accusing them of “abandoning the Union for the enemy.” Now, the hardliners seek to diminish the free press further, one MP has proposed the banning and blocking of social media and the nominally independent Ministry of State Security is expected to be placed permanently under military control, ensuring RESAT, the agency that murdered Erekat, is the sole enforcer of state authority.

The idea that the regime murdered Erekat to orchestrate a distraction is not the work of fantasy or a creative imagination, its rooted in precedent. In 2008, the southern state of Samrin saw its drinking water shut-off because a vital pipeline collapsed, rather than face the criticism for poor maintenance, the state government claimed it was destroyed by Duljunese terrorists, aided by the federal government, a massive media campaign whipped up anti-Duljunese sentiment, leading to the 2008 Saravan Riots, in which 33 Duljunese were murdered. The current water crisis has seen the government blame both Duljunese terrorists, but also Estmerish spies and saboteurs.

Putting the distraction thesis aside, the regime’s use of the Erekat murder to pushback on democratic rights and liberties also fits perfectly with those who currently hold office. Today, Zorasan is dominated by what many there called Principilists – hardliner adherents to Sattarism, in its original form or its so-called Neo-Irfanic form. What they seek, is an end to the so-called Jahandar Reforms, and restore the single-party state that ruled from 1946 until 1979. This period saw unification, the expulsion of imperialists and the creation of a true Irfanic-Revolutionary state. What they seek is to merge the economic mercantilism of today with the authoritarian politics of the past. Sparking a crisis which threatens conflict is the surest way to do so in the name of national security. With this in mind, it is right to say that the responses of the EC and its allies in COMSED, very much risk giving the regime exactly what it wants – the crisis necessary to cover their demolishing of a nascent democracy, as flawed as it is. The Zorasani people are inherently nationalist and view foreign interference or opposition as a threat of returning colonialism, pushing too hard and they will embrace the regime’s nefarious plot.

This is presentable through the raft of moves conducted by the military in wake of the international community’s response to the Erekat murder. Among the first moves was the quiet shutting down of numerous websites, newspapers and magazines linked to Euclean organisations or businesses. Two days after the backlash began, the government shut down Extension, an online newspaper dedicated to covering the diaspora in Euclea, this was followed by increased bot activity on social media, while, WeChat, a popular messenger service was blocked. The military also reported plans to increase surveillance around dual-nationals, an immediate halt to student exchanges (without notifying Estmere) and a federal diktat prohibiting parliamentary visits to Euclean nations. The naval standoff has led to the deployment of further vessels to the Solarian Sea, three warships to the Gulf of Assionaire and deployment of air defences and anti-ship shore batteries. The most ardently pro-reform, pro-democracy and pro-Euclea MPs have been repeatedly harassed on social media, sent death threats and even been placed under surveillance. All of this has been done by the government at the behest of the military.

Conversely, I do not suggest the international community go soft on Zorasan for fear of an authoritarian regime becoming more authoritarian or domineering over its populace. I cannot in good conscience suggest such, when it murdered a humanitarian for writing that the water crisis is correctly, a perfect image of the country’s suffocating regime. But I do urge restraint, for this is a regime that will both, surely use the crisis to achieve its aims, but also, it’s a regime that fears no conflict nor confrontation. Zorasan is a major military power, it’s armed forces are larger than the EC combined in sheer numbers and possesses advanced systems that place parts of Euclea directly under threat. What is suggested however, is a calmed and steady approach. Much like the nationalist-populists in Etruria, too much confrontation, can only empower the very people that are to be weakened. The situation is not aided by the fact that Estmere’s government is bogged down in scandal over lying to parliament and the public over the naval standoff, which has now resulted in the deployment of Zorasani military units. We’re now witnessing a full-scale propaganda war as the Zorasani military seizes steady control while proclaiming the country faces a coordinate plot by “Irfanophobics” and “racists.”

In conclusion, we must recognise two facts if we are to proceed cleanly. The first, is that we are indeed in a major crisis, one fraught with risk of serious escalation and danger, but also one that could evolve into a greater division of the international community into a quasi-cold war between those of a liberal democratic disposition and those of an authoritarian one. Second, we must recognise that one side, Zorasan, is an authoritarian military regime backed up by Irfanic clerics and the head of the Irfanic faith itself, yet one that is yet to assume total control. If the liberal democracies intend to protect innocents and the international order from the Zorasani military and its allies in Rongzhuo, a response based on cool assessment and steady democratically inspired responses is needed – it cannot rush hot-headedly into a crisis that will only empower the very generals they seek to weaken.

Author: This article was written by Fuad Ali, a resident researcher and a prominent academic on Coian Affairs at the l'Université d'Économie de Quesnay.

Related articles

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Mon Aug 19, 2019 6:22 pm

SOCIAL DEMOCRATS RETURN TO GOVERNANCE AS COALITION DEAL WITH GREENS IS REACHED.
Surprising many who suspected another SD/CLU coalition, the Greens have come to power for the first time in history as successful coalition has been made.

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Antoinette Giroud
^{August 21st, 2019|Verlois, Gaullica.}

Marie-Justine Tiquet has successfully negotiated herself and the Greens into governance, ushering in a new age of political newcomers.
Photo Courtesy of Tiquet2019.com

Verlois, Gaullica.

A weekend of back-to-back negotiations between the Social Democrats and the Greens and the Social Democrats and the CLU have come to fruition. Whilst many political pundits expected Augustine De Troumpe to buckle under the promise of power again, the real 'traditional coalition' has failed to materialise this time around.

Mr. De Troump told Le Monde that this was due to "a lot of soul searching, OK?" He would add: "sometimes, we need to find ourselves, and supporting another Social Democratic government doesn't do us well -- we work together, and they win and we lose and we need to sit back and re-evaluate. If those lovely people do something good, of course we'll vote for it -- but we can't be bound to it. Not right now."

Instead, the Social Democrats have found their coalition partner in Marie-Justine Tiquet's 'Les Verts'. The two share a fair bit more politically than the CLU, including a support for social and economic justice and liberal social policies. Where they differ comes to energy production and disagreements on sustainability and economic reform.

Yet despite this both senatorial party leaders, Monique Degar-Abdulrashid (SD) and Marie-Justine Tiquet (LV) announced that they had "reached a suitable compromise in the name of the national interest." At a joint press conference the two revealed that they had 'agreed upon the distribution of ministries' and the Social Democrats promised they would "uphold the values they shared". Abdulrashid announced that she would "take the issue of agricultural reform to heart" in exchange for some 'concessions' on the nuclear power plants in Gaullica. However, they did their best in attempting to dissuade press attempts at division and instead focused on what united them. Tiquet declared a "passion for the economic justice the SDs promote".

In addition, the two declared a 'commitment to women's issues', highlighting an attempt to 'bring justice' for those affected during 'AbortionGate.' The Greens, who vehemently opposed the issue, find common ground with the majority of the SDs in their policy to 'remove a stigma to women's health.' They also promised to 'overhaul the position of women' in politics, arguing that they were intending to 'normalise the position of women in power' and how it should be normal for there to be 'female majority cabinets' as it would be for male dominated ones.

In numerous other fields such as Foreign Policy, the Euclean Community and the ongoing issues with international law, both affirmed a 'no-nonsense but by the book' approach to international crises. Tiquet mentioned she wanted to 'build faith in international institutions again', as she believed only an 'international allegiance' could save the world from climate change.

Unlike in the previous election, where the President and Governing Coalition were from different parties, in this election they were one and the same. In this regard Le Monde does not feel the need to distinguish between those specifically appointed by the President - because the likelihood is it was a party decision.

As part of the coalition agreement, the Greens were given numerous cabinet positions:

Marie-Justine Tiquet will serve as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Energy and Environmental Sustainability.
Meriadoc Guernion will serve as Minister of Justice
Georges Berengar will serve as the Minister of Agriculture, Agrifood and Forestry
Lucrèce Ballesdens will serve as the Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure.

One final position has been appointed to a non-Social Democrat, the ministry of defence has been given to Independent Boniface Lahaye. A Gaullican Admiral, Lahaye's appointment comes at approval from across the political aisles.

President Vallette is expected to swear in the new government and re-open the senate this Wednesday, after an address to the nation from the senate itself.

Who's in the Cabinet?

Monique Degar-Abdulrashid (SD) - Prime Minister
Monique-Degar Abdulrashid served as Minister of Health from 2008 - 2018 under two different SD Prime Ministers, before she herself became PM following the ousting of Antoine Duquesne in 2016 for tax-evasion. Often seen as 'Vallette's Successor', Degar-Abdulrashid returns to the position of Prime Minister due to her position as senatorial leader of the Social Democrats. Her staunch opposition to the Traditional Coalition has seen her rise to the ranks of a fire-brand defender of progress, women's rights and the civil servants of Gaullica. Her rapport with the members of the Communal Coalition has seen them, often-times, back the SDs in important votes and issues - despite their historic distaste for one another. She was instrumental in the formation of the coalition with the Greens and was able to build a cohesive manifesto with her counterpart Tiquet over the weekend, dubbed the 'Purple/Green Paper.'

Marie-Justine Tiquet (LV) - Deputy PM and Minister of the Environment
Entering the political limelight on the backs of two immense heatwaves, Marie-Justine Tiquet has become a sort of mythical heroine to some Gaullicans. Her passionate and empowering speeches promised on radical change, a commitment to save the planet and chasing big-business, energy and oil in the plan to have them pay for their crimes to the planet. Whilst detracted as 'doom and gloom' by many on the right, highlighting her 'negativity about everything', she proved this to not be the case when she unveiled ambitious and progressive city-building plans. She has brought the Greens into government, something never thought possible before, secured them their greatest electoral victory, and has served as a Senator in the First Chamber since 1997.

Sylvaine Lambert (SD) - Minister of Foreign Affairs
Serving as Minister of Euclean Affairs under the Vallette Presidency from 2010 - 2018, Lambert has also served as the junior diplomat to the Community of Nations on behalf of Gaullica, the ambassador to Werania from 1999-2003 and as the acting-Prime Minister from July to mid-August of 2019. Her tenure as acting PM saw her exercise control and authority that many did not expect her to have, being viewed as a 'quiet paper-pusher in the foreign ministry.' Her exploits included a condemnation of Zoroasan, authorising two 'emergency bills' during the absence of an elected government on the matter of the Chervolesian Economic Exclusion Zone and setting up the 'Verlois Summit.' Strongly critical of authoritarianism, she came under fire for her apparent hypocrisy when dealing with Carcaterra. She has openly criticised what she called 'Estmero-Weranian Attempts' at 'stalling the progress of the Euclean Community.'

Nicola Sarkozy (SD) - Minister of the Interior.
Nicola Sarkozy, a previously unknown member of the socialist party, served as interim Foreign Minister during the past month. Under her tenure the Foreign Minister pursued an aggressive policy in favour of international law against Chervolesia. She also attempted to build up Asterian resistance against the EEZ, calling on the historic ties of Satucin and Cassier to reign in 'a rogue nation on the Lumine Ocean.' Despite her successes in foreign policy, the cabinet reshuffle undergone by Mrs Abdulrashid saw her shifted to the ministry of the interior. Here she said she would 'give her best attempt' at 'police-reform and re-evaluation', including adding training courses on dealing with sensitive issues. She further added she wanted to make it easier to make those seeking asylum in Gaullica to apply for it and wished to 'lax' the assimilation requirements for migrants in an 'acceptance of foreign cultures.'

Meriadoc Guernion (LV) - Minister of Justice.
An Amañeihiz politician, Meriadoc Guernion has served as a senator since 1982. Seen as the 'elder statesman' of the greens, he was never-the-less adamant in his political positions on the environment and immensely critical of all governments when it came to their treatment of minorities in Gaullica. He once gave a six hour speech on the senate floor on how the 'Governments of Gaullica remain united on one thing and one thing alone: the mistreatment of the Amañeihiz and Gordes minorities for their own attempts as assimilation and cultural destruction." He has said his administration of the ministry of justice would see the implementation of more laws on environmental sustainability and security, including declaring more national parks across Gaullica. He also added that he would make it his 'mission' to safeguard the traditions and customs of Gaullica's minorities, as 'that is just.' Likely the most unpopular of all politicians currently in the cabinet, his appointment has been rumoured to have been a source of contention between Abdulrashid and Tiquet -- but a non-negotiable point for the latter.

Want to know more? Keep reading...

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by **Estmere** » Tue Aug 20, 2019 8:24 pm

Adeline FitzWarren - 21 August 2019

Home · Estmere · Euclea · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather

BUCKETT'S SILENT WAR AGAINST NEOCONS AND THE FIGHT FOR DE-ESCALATION

The Foreign Secretary has worked behind the scenes to ensure traditional policy wins out.

Ashcombe, Estmere - The fall of Rupert Richardson this May saw a major change not just within the National Union Party, but the Estmerish government. Despite the criticism he faced, Richardson was the standard Estmerish foreign policy flag-bearer. In times of trouble, he worked to build a consensus, bring adversaries to the table, and reach a compromise.

It is important to note this does not mean he was successful per say, but his efforts were in line with the traditional approach taken by Estmerish governments. Richardson's middle-of-the-road approach to the EC's feud with Etruria last summer demonstrates this. However, his ousting saw the rise of a new prime minister, one from the NUP's right-wing. The signs that Wilton-Smyth would steer away from traditional approaches to international affairs came earlier, and his decisions have pitted him against his own deputy prime minister: Foreign Secretary Anne Buckett.

Buckett is perhaps the strongest voice in the Estmerish government for maintaining the traditional multilateral approach. International institutions and multinational coalitions are central to that, and of Wilton-Smyth's major foreign policy test these methods have been scarce. However, when they have been deployed it is by Buckett. She led the effort to rally the international community against Zorasan at the International Assembly, successfully passing a resolution that was co-authored by the foreign secretary. Just days later, she cobbled together another multinational group to vote down a retaliatory measure tabled by Zorasan against Estmere for the July 17 naval incident.

This was her work, not Wilton-Smyth's, and several prominent officials who are familiar with the process have spoken out against her work behind the scenes to quietly take the CN resolution away from the prime minister and into her own hands.

"[Buckett] was desperately afraid diplomatic efforts to bring justice in the Erekat killing would be completely derailed in the wake of the naval incident. She took it upon herself to lead the charge, and she won out big at the CN" one source said on the record in an interview with the Warminster Inquirer several weeks ago.

The entire affair had little fanfare, but ultimately it was a major victory in Buckett's fight to keep Estmere on its traditional diplomatic path. Signalling from two cabinet secretaries indicate that Buckett essentially told the prime minister she would resign if he used military force without cabinet approval again, sending a stark warning to Wilton-Smyth not to repeat 17 July. Any new military activities have been conducted in cooperation with a number of other states, including a re-embrace of Etruria. Her ability so successfully stifle any new attempts by Wilton-Smyth, who is openly a neo-conservative, to deploy the military in response to the crisis.

She was also able to bring about a sense of reproach with Florena, after comments from the Floren premier evoked a strong response from Wilton-Smyth. Buckett flew to Demora to meet with her counter-part, Darios Xamena, who appears to be a favorite to replace the outgoing Escudero. Estmere has had a rocky relationship with Florena since tensions began to flare with Etruria last summer. In the past, Buckett has come out hard against Floren rhetoric surrounding Etruria, however she appears to once again be employing the traditional Estmerish method of reproach with adversaries.

However, her fight has not come without its causalities. Henry Edwards was essentially forced out of office after it was revealed he had lied about the nature of the 17 July naval incursion. Edwards claims he told the truth based on what the prime minister had told him, signalling that Wilton-Smyth very possibly set him up to fall. The ex-secretary was a close ally of Buckett, and the scandal surrounding him has angered many within the party. What looks to be a clear attempt to retaliate against Buckett for her fight against the prime minister could back-fire against him, as parliamentarians look to open an inquiry into Edwards' downfall.

As Buckett continues her fight to combat the rise of neo-conservatism in Estmerish policy-making, it is likely she may take more hits. Edwards presents a real challenge to her largely behind the scenes approach. A parliamentary inquiry would bring it all before the public and it could pose significant challenges for Buckett, going beyond the obvious ones for Wilton-Smyth. Yet, despite all of this, one thing is clear: Buckett is a traditional Estmerish diplomat and she is keen on ensuring foreign policy remains consistent.

Written by Adeline FitzWarren, a professor of foreign policy at the University of Catherby and a senior fellow at the Wolfgar Godfredson Global Institute. An author of several works surrounding Estmere's foreign policy, she focuses on the way the country has promoted international institutions since the close of the Great War Previously, she served as a diplomat for over a decade, ending with her tenure as ambassador to Tsabara from 2012 to 2016.

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Thousands arrested in Zorasani crackdown on water protests. [ 12,847 ]

by **Ordennya** » Wed Aug 21, 2019 11:53 am

Joint sitting of both houses of Parliament narrowly passes constitutional amendment formally separating roles of President & Prime Minister.
Johan Olsson to be appointed Acting President as government narrowly avoids having to hold a referendum on the amendment, after garnering 735 votes of MPs and Senators, one vote above the two-thirds majority threshold of 734.

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Christer Bergman (@chrisbergman)
^{21st August 2019|Vastdal}

Vastdal - The government scored a major victory in Parliament today, after it managed to pass a constitutional amendment formally separating the offices of President and Chairperson of the Council of Ministers into two offices; a non-executive, ceremonial and elected office of President, and an executive office of Prime Minister. Since the 1851 revolution, both positions had been held jointly.

The government managed to avoid having to hold a referendum on the amendment after the votes of 52 Conservative Party Senators pushed them one vote over the two-thirds majority required in a joint sitting to pass amendments without a referendum. The last time this has happened was when the Constitution was amended in 1998 to change the voting system from First-Past-the-Post to Mixed-Member Proportional. The last amendment to the Consitutition, which reorganised Ordennya from a unitary republic with devolved state governments into a Federation had to be put to a referendum, which was held in 2015.

Speaking in the Grand Federal Chamber at the Palace of Havenedge, the old Parliamentary building, Clas Markuson applauded those who had voted in favour, saying "You have assured our country's continued journey down the path to more accountable government."

As detailed in the amendment, written by the Secretary of State for Justice & Constitutional Affairs Karl Simoneau, the new position of President would be directly elected by the people of Ordennya every five years. Rather than having an executive role, however, the Ordennyan Presidency would fill a purely ceremonial role, with executive authority expressly vested in the government (cabinet). The government will be obliged, however, to keep the president generally informed on matters of domestic and foreign policy. Most of the functions of the president may be carried out only in accordance with the strict instructions of the Constitution, or the binding "advice" of the government. The president will, however, possess certain personal powers that may be exercised at his or her discretion.

Strandvägen announced that Clas Markuson would sign the amendment into the Constitution at 10 o'clock tonight, and would immediately afterwards appoint Senate President and former executive President of Ordennya Johan Olsson as acting President, until an election is held next May. Clas Markuson will then be invited by the new President to form a government as Prime Minister.

Commenting after the announcement of his appointment as acting President, Senator Olsson said "I will be honoured to serve once again as this country's head of state, but also relieved that it won't carry the stressful functions of Head of Government with it this time." He also announced that he would be stepping down as Senator for Oured and as President of the Senate as soon as his appointment takes effect, to dedicate his full attention to the new role. When asked if he would run in next May's election, Senator Olsson declined to comment.

by **Etruria2** » Wed Aug 21, 2019 12:34 pm

OPPOSITION PARTIES CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO STAND UP FOR HENNEHOUWE AGAINST ESTMERE.
Leaders of the three main right-wing opposition parties have called on the government to protect the Hennish economy from the crisis in Zorasan.

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Jan Aartsen
^{21 August 2019|s'Holle, Hennehouwe}

Patriot's March leader, Hendrik Heinsbroek reportedly organised the letter by the three leaders
File photo

s'Holle, Hennehouwe. Leaders from three opposition parties have demanded the government ensure “Hennish economic stability” and “restrain Estmere” over concerns around tensions in the Solarian Sea between Estmere and Zorasan.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Rupert Van Bleiswijk, the leaders of the National People’s Party, Patriot’s March and Party of Values wrote, urged the government to not become “blinded by notions of friendship and virtue, the republic’s economy is endangered and we are being driven toward a collective confrontation that bares Hennehouwe no benefit.” The letter comes as Caldia indicated its own concerns over the EC’s role within the crisis, with officials in the Caldian government fearing a “troubling domination of the larger powers over EC foreign policy.”

The letter from the three largest right-wing parties in Hennehouwe also read, “while all three parties stand in solidarity with Estmere in wake of the brutal murder of Assad Erekat, as parties of patriotism and the national interest, we share concerns over the dangerous potential of escalation pushed by the Estmerish government. Our economic position is reliant upon energy exported through the Solarian Sea and Estmere dragging the EC by proxy into conflict is not in the interest of the Hennish people.”

Although Hennehouwe expelled four diplomats from the Zorasani embassy in s’Holle, the three parties argued in their letter that no further action should be taken.

“While we praise the government’s response in solidarity with Estmere, we do not believe any further action will be necessary nor advisable. Owing to our economic situation, any further escalation by the government or even indirectly through Estmere can come to endanger the economy and the wellbeing of the Hennish people. We therefore urge the Prime Minister to pursue means with allies in the EC to ensure restraint on the larger powers in this regard” the letter read.

The letter has not yet received a response from the Prime Minister, however, a government spokesman, said “the prime minister and the coalition government will take the recommendations on board. Though, the government is committed to standing with Estmere in confronting gross violations of not only liberty but sovereignty. We cannot allow dictatorships to murder Euclean citizens on Euclean soil.”

Some figures in the government have also expressed concern, one minister speaking anonymously told this paper, “we are worried. The expulsions were enough to for most of the States-General, but the smaller states are at danger of being lumped in with Estmere, should their neo-con government escalate.”

Another from the Progressive Democrats, the partner of the Socialist Labour Party in government said, “we need to fix things. We, Kesselbourg, Caldia, Varienland, Buckland and Azmara need to come together and make sure we’re not dragged into something that endangers is disproportionately.”

There are unconfirmed reports that Prime Minister Van Bleiswijk sought to deploy several Hennish warships to the Solarian Sea to join the naval war games conducted by Estmere, Etruria, Gaullica and Werania, only to be blocked by the PD cabinet members.

The letter has also sparked rumours of a possible new electoral bloc, involving the three parties.

In recent months cooperation between the right-wing populist Patriot’s March and the Kasperist fundamentalist Party of Values has increased. Last month the two parties united in the County of Tergracht to form an electoral alliance. With the county’s SLP government facing a possible snap election over misuse of donations, the new partnership is currently polling top place.

The centre-right National People’s Party indicated last week that it would be open to aligning with the PM and others to build a possible future government. This would imply an end to the NVP’s tied with Catholic Action, a right-wing party based south of the Blackwater Line. The CA has seen its support slide steadily since the 2014 election, mostly to the Patriot’s March and National People’s Party.

Last week at a faith event, PV leader, Johannes Van Aken indicated he would be open to working with the NVP, “we need to recognise that faced with the choice of five more years of leftist and secularist government or working with a party that has matured toward the values of the Hennish people, this would be good for God’s work.

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by **Ordennya** » Wed Aug 21, 2019 2:38 pm

by **Nuvania** » Fri Aug 23, 2019 1:16 am

Environment Ministry Loses Civil Action Case

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Mieke Plaatjes (@MPlaatjes)
23 August (12:15pm)|KLEMMSDORP

The District Court in Klemmsdorp, Steynland, has ruled in favour of a group of widows who had launched civil action against the Ministry of the Environment, holding them responsible for the sickness and deaths of their husbands.

In what is being hailed as a landmark ruling, District Court Judge Justice Hendrik Swanpoel said during his ruling that there was a "litany of lies" and a "culture of coverups" within the Ministry of the Environment which had resulted in the deaths of the six men.
"What has been established is that for whatever reason or another, the Ministry of the Enviroment that is responsible for the safeguarding of our nation's environment, including its drinking water, has deliberately mislead the public in regard to the safety of drinking water in the Klemmsdorp area," he said. "As a result of this negligence, six men have lost their lives, and many people have lost cherished loved ones."

Justice Swanpoel reiterated that the ruling did not imply any malice on the part of the Ministry of the Environment, but rather a culture in which public safety was neglected in favour of peace of mind.
"It is an archaic culture that needs to change, and change soon," he said. "Otherwise more lives could be lost."

The ruling means that the Ministry of the Environment must pay a sum of ₲110 million ($13.3 million) to the six families represented in the case, with provisions for the compensation to be divided evenly. This means each widow will recieve a lump sum of ₲18.3 million ($2.2 million).

The payout is the largest paid by a government ministry in Nuvanian history.

In addition to the payout, Justice Swanpoel also awarded the widows an additional one million goudë ($127,450) in court costs to be paid by the Ministry of the Environment.

Head counsel for the widows, Drees Reutenbach, said that he was "ecstatic" with the result. He said that "a lot of hard work" had gone into the case.
"There's been a lot of hours and sleepless nights that have gone into this, but a result like today's makes it worthwhile," he said. "I'm proud to have helped make a positive change in Nuvania." Reutenbach said that he was surprised at the ruling, as he had assumed that the court would rule in favour of the environment ministry.
"I never expected a result like this so to get one is a huge surprise and very significant."

The case was brought before the District Court in Klemmsdorp after the deaths of six men in the local district who had regularly consumed drinking water that was contaminated with with the toxic mineral arsenic.

The case outlined that the six men were lead to believe that their drinking water was safe despite the arsenic present within it. All of them died from acute arsenic poisoning attributed to contaminated drinking water. They had also consumed drinking water collected from water bores on their properties.

Concerns with the levels of arsenic in the drinking water in other areas around the district had been raised with the Ministry of the Environment as early as 2006, with the ministry ignoring initial reports. A more recent report released by two independent researchers was alleged to have been suppressed by the ministry, although the ruling did not take this into consideration nor did Justice Swanpoel comment on it.

Government solicitor Ariana Van Der Byl said that she was disappointed with the ruling, stating that there were concerns for future litigation against government ministries.
"This sets a precedent through which anyone can claim harm due to government negligence," she said. "This now means that government departments will now be seen as cash cows from which millions in public money can be given to anyone willy-nilly". Van Der Byl said that there was no limit to what the public could claim.

Environment minister Robert Van Thys was unavailable for comment, but a statement given to Die Vrystaat stated that the minister stood by his account of events and that the ministry "has faith in the information and report processes established within the ministry."

In a related move, the Klemmsdorp District Council issued a warning about the potential for contaminated drinking water in residential and commercial bores, and encouraged residents who collect their drinking water from bores to consumed bottled water until their bores could be tested.

Justice Swanpoel said that all government ministries were on notice after this ruling.
"This culture of lying to the public must stop now."

by **Liecthenbourg** » Tue Sep 03, 2019 2:11 pm

TSABARA - TENSIONS RISE AMID APPARENT MILITARY INFIGHTING.
Claims by the Transtsabaran government that a 'rebellious force' was repulsed are farcical, as exclusive sources indicate sections of the military are in mutiny.

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Jaad al-Obeid
3 September | Westbrücken, Werania

Women of the First Recon Battalion in the hills of 'Les dents du diable', a highly contested area on the border of Zorasan.
Photo courtesy of Benjamin Shapiro.

WESTBRÜCKEN, WERANIA - Two days ago, the Tughluq Despotism announced that an assault on the highly strategic Sfira military base was repulsed by the Bedjene National Guard and its Federal Garrison. Sfira, a large military installation south of Qaa -- the largest city in Tsabara that isn't on the coast -- defends highly lucrative oil fields and pipelines, in addition to providing an ideal testing ground for military hardware and tactics in the rough desert that it is near.

Atwan Al-Tughluq pointed his finger at 'The Lions' led by El'azar ben-Ya'ir. Whilst considered a terrorist organisation by the Tsabaran government and her allies, many in Euclea and Asteria take the view of 'freedom fighters'. Many hold their actions to be in defence of the true principles that the Federation was founded on, and the only acting body that seems to be fighting for a free Tsabara. I am not writing to defend their actions.

Sources and friends of mine who remained in Tsabara and did not flee from persecution and likely imprisonment -- for journalism -- recently provided me with healthy pieces of information. Whilst the government had claimed that El'azar ben-Ya'ir''s Lions had assaulted Sfira and had been repulsed, which he tied in to their recent attacks on pipelines in the region, this is not the case.

Whilst El'azar ben-Ya'ir has fanatically denied his involvement in any attack, the government maintains that one has occurred. In this regard a far worse outcome has occurred for the Tsabaran government. Atwan Al-Tughluq's campaign for a reformed society within the Federation saw him dissolve several units within the Federal Army. His reforms earlier this year brought about the operation of what are, by all accounts, sectarian and segregated units. Whilst this was expected to tilt the army in his favour, numerous sources cite that it actually increased the recruitment from amongst Atudite communities.

His actions, I am told, have not gone unnoticed by his opponents. Nor have they been forgotten. Recent attempts to score political points in a mandated constitutional rewrite caused mass outrage amongst the major coastal cities. The Sotirian Democratic Party, which officially is an 'eternal partner' of the APP, was criticised as 'inciting revolt from coastal elites' when it encouraged the protests to see 'the people's voice heard.'

It is precisely because of his dogmatism and tyranny that Sfira was not only attacked, but occupied. And not by 'terrorists' or 'freedom fighters', but by sections of the Atudite portions of the Federal Army. Portions of the Federation who wish to preserve it for what it was. Portions who are tired of waiting for Tughluq to be voted out, or to be brought to heel. He has done this to himself.

Sfira, which is located in the Irfanic majority Bedjene region, was regarded as a 'bulwark' of Irfanic identity in the region. It hosted a fairly potent garrison, though official numbers are scarce, and was the central administrative location of the Bedjene Guard, the conscripted soldiery used by regions to maintain their own security.

Sfira falling to Atudite forces in open rebellion is a hallmark for just how far things have fallen under Tughluq, and just how far sections of society are willing to go to protest his rule. With Sfira under their belt, rebellious portions of the Tsabaran military have secured themselves a strategic position, munitions, fuel supplies, armour and access to numerous key airfields.

Tughluq can rant and rave about terrorists. Tughluq can scream into the void about how this is the plot of the international community to subvert his democratic mandate. Yet what he cannot silence, no matter how hard he tries, is the truth from arising out of the cracks he has made in society.

by **Union of Akoren** » Wed Sep 04, 2019 3:01 pm

Laith Abu Zeyad - Chaharshanbeh: 13. Shahrivar 1398 /04 September 2019

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Police crush violent protests in the North as the South returns to peace

Protesters torched a police station in a violent outburst of unrest.

Zahedan, Union Capital Territory- Police have responded swiftly to protests that have broken out in Zahedan, Borazjan and Mazdavand. An estimated 30,000 people took to the streets in total, reportedly in solidarity with protesters in the south who have been mostly cleared off the streets after a two-weeks long crackdown.

The protests in Zahedan were mostly peaceful, but with the union-government’s warning that unrest invited “foreign interference”, police were deployed in high numbers and cleared the streets using water cannon and tear gas. 48 people were arrested.

However, the protests in Mazdavand and Borazjan turned violent overnight with criminals setting fire to a police station and vandalising private property. Police in both cities used tear gas, rubber gullets and water cannon to counter the blatant criminal acts. The Pardaran state government has implemented the federal diktat, making it illegal for protesters to wear masks, carry items that could be used for criminality or attacks on police. Both cities saw social media and instant messaging apps disabled for several hours.

Borazjan saw one fatality when locals of the Zardeh district attacked protesters when they set fire to a grocery store. Police reported that a protester was struck by a local citizen and suffered a fatal head wound when they landed on the floor. They have arrested one suspect and warned against vigilantism.

This morning, the three cities were awash with furious citizens who condemned the riots on social media once it was restored. Sameena Sayeedi, the chairwoman for the United Citizens of Borazjan group, told Mondavarid News, “I can’t believe this. I understand we want to stand in solidarity with the south over the water issue. We all do and UCB has raised money for the mass purchase of bottled water. But burning down businesses and police stations is not the way to do it.”

Ghassan Khazinejad, the director of the Zahedan Citizens Association also condemned the protests in the capital, saying, “the southern protests were hijacked by radicals and now these people seek to turn Zahedan into chaos. The city’s 18 million people reject this.”

State President Isfandiar said in a radio statement, “with calm and stability returned to the south, we will not tolerate chaos or division in the north. Violent protests will be met with the iron fist of the union government.”

RESAT, the military intelligence service has revealed that evidence from instant messages sent by detained activists “indicates worrying trends of oversized organisation and coordination.” The service also further hinted that it was investigating foreign involvement, “through communications intercepted and analysed post arrest, we will be investigating possible foreign involvement in criminal riots.”

Senior clerics have also come out to denounce the violence. Custodian of Ardakan, Amoozgar Hassan Pourchang-Zaidi told seminarians, “this discord and anger is propagated by individuals outside the light of God. May the merciful lord of all creation return them to the path of righteousness and salvation.”

Leader of Friday Prayers in Zahedan, Amoozgar Farouk Karawi also said, “none of the three acts of intercession can make right their wrongs. Only confession and penance can make right, they must cease this madness.” Referencing Khosrow 7:88 he said, “be loyal and be brave in service to your sovereign, for as a nation and land, can salvation from the End be achieved.”

The south had been wracked by protests over the water shortages for a month, before police were deployed to clear the streets. The move came after several groups hijacked the protests to politicise and pursue anti-government agendas. Over 2,500 people were arrested, and 300 injured. The Union-government has described reports of 65 fatalities as “baseless lies spread by traitors within our midst.”
However, the National Police Command has reported a significant fall in protests across the southern regions of the Union.

Anger over the unrest has reach parliament where several principilist MPs denounced reformist MPs for “giving criminals the ideological and political backing to destroy businesses.”

Mahdi Ali Karoubi, a prominent reformist MP was targeted specifically after news spread that he had met protest leaders in Borazjan, an hour before they torched a police station.

Principilist grandee, Colonel Vahid Namdar attacked Karoubi in this morning’s session saying, “we do not know what Mahdi Ali said, but it worked. You [Ali Karoubi] are a danger to peace and I demand you be investigated for collaborating with criminals and foreign enemies.”

The government has warned that planned motions by reformists to investigate both the police’s response and RESAT’s activities will be “confronted and crushed.” A government spokesman said, “the union-government has a responsibility to protect the social integrity of our country and its seven republics. We will not tolerate theatrics that will be used to undermine our national unity.”

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by **Union of Akoren** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 3:19 pm

Camille Chamoun - Elul 5, 5779 / Panjshanbeh: 14. Shahrivar 1398 /05 September 2019

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President Al-Tughluq vows to "free Sfira and crush terrorist filth"

The president made the remarks in a televised address from the Presidential Garden

Adunis, Adunis Province - President Atwan Al-Tughluq has vowed to “crush the terrorist filth” in wake of the violent seizure of the Sfira military base in Bedjene Province. Addressing the nation from the Presidential Garden, he said, “every one of those Atudite women who have spilt national blood will be punished, no longer will the government tolerate the bloodlust of Ben Ya’ir.” It comes as soldiers and tanks are reportedly being mobilised around the Sfira base.

Details around the takeover of Sfira by soldiers of the First Recon Battalion, an Atudite-dominated unit, remain sketchy. The Ministry of Defence and National Security has been restrictive with the information that it has released. A spokesman earlier today confirmed that the base had been “taken.” Telling reporters, “yesterday, mutinous soldiers of the First Recon Battalion attacked and captured the Sfira military installation in Bedjene Province. Entering in uniform, they attacked and killed the installation’s command and seized the garrison at gunpoint. They are holding base personnel hostage.” Asked how many had been killed or injured, the spokesman refused to comment.

The President this morning, chaired a meeting of the Federal Security Council where he discussed a response with commanding officers and ministers.

At midday, General Elyahu Dadon, the commanding officer of the Special Recon Group, the umbrella unit that commands the First Recon Battalion had been arrested and stripped of his command. He has been replaced by Brigadier General Aziz Ali; an officer close to the president. Dadon is accused of “collaborating with terrorist elements” according to a statement released by the Federal Army.

Request by members of the National Assembly for an emergency session were rejected by Prime Minister Yahya Al-Aboud, who tweeted, “this emergency cannot be deepened by the distraction of the government. The assembly will be addressed once this assault upon the Federation’s unity is confronted and crushed.”

Eager to reassure the nation, President Atwan Al-Tughluq took to the airwaves with a televised address from the Presidential Garden.

“These are dark times we face, where our nation and union of peoples is endangered by the bloodlust, violence and hatred of an Atudite minority. Today, sons and brave soldiers of Tsabara are being held hostage by soldiers-turned-terrorists, former comrades, now enemies” he said.

“For months now we have been barraged by vicious rhetoric, designed to divide and cause strife among our peoples. El’azar-Ben Ya’ir may wish to destroy our country, but he will fail. It is sad and criminal, that this man directed these women to attack and murder their comrades. But just like him, they will fail” he said further.

“We do not know how many of our sons and daughters are being held hostage by these terrorists. But what I do know is this. We will respond with absolute fury; we will destroy these terrorist filths and we will free our sons and daughters. These Lions will prove to be hyenas before our wrath. We will free Sfira and then we will destroy the Lions, this I promise you in God’s name” he vowed.

The Federal Government has officially issued an arrest warrant for El’ezar-Ben Ya’ir’s associates, while the government is expected to conduct a widely anticipated purge of Atudites with suspected sympathies for the Lions, from law-enforcement and the intelligence services.

Social media users in areas around the Sfira base have shared images and videos of army troops and tanks being deployed. Several users in Qaa reported hearing and seeing fighter-jets flying overhead.

Minister for Defence and National Security, Saad Jadid told reporters after the president’s address, “we’re going to retake Sfira, free our soldiers and obliterate those terrorists. No mercy, no quarter. No one attacks the nation in this way and escapes justice.”

The government’s response has come with opposition within its own ranks. The ruling Irfanic Coalition has responded with concern and with pleas for caution. Interior Minister Nazim al-Qutayni, a moderate force within the administration is reeling from his apparent isolation in regard to the planned purge of Atudites from security bodies. Officials close to the minister are reporting that the president’s decision was made without consulting with Al-Qutayni or even informing him. The move is reportedly being pushed by General Ziad Salah, the head of the Federal Army.

Six Assembly Members belonging to the president’s party have published a letter urging him to “be calm and negotiate.” The letter said further, “a tough bloody response may only enflame tensions and give Ya’ir the proof he needs to further divide and spread hate.”

Saqid al-Sadawi AM, tweeted, “If the president purges and storms Sfira, we will face a disaster. I urge the government to show restrain and negotiate.”

Yechiel Lasri, the leader of Cherut, wrote on social media, “if Sfira is stormed, if Atudites are purged from the security services, the gulf between the President and the Atudite population will erupt. The choice is his.”

We will bring updates on the situation as we receive them.

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by **Estmere** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 6:25 pm

Marilyn Albridge - 5 September 2019

Home · Estmere · Euclea · International· Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather

SENIOR GOVERNMENT AIDE SAYS EDWARDS 'VOLUNTEERED' TO MAKE UZIR COMMENTS WITHOUT PROPER BRIEFING

Matthew Balls (r) said ex-Secretary Edwards spoke without being briefed on the plans to send the ships.

Ashcombe, Estmere - A senior government aide has said that the ex-Defense Secretary spoke on the Zorasani naval incident "before receiving a proper briefing" from the navy. Henry Edwards, who resigned after the revelation that he mislead the public over an Estmerish violation of the UZIR's territorial waters, "volunteered to address the press" without having "all of the accurate information".

Matthew Balls, who serves as a special adviser to Prime Minister Reginald Wilton-Smyth, said it was a "huge oversight" on the part of the government to allow a government secretary to speak before a briefing.

"Obviously this was a misstep on our part, but what must be understood is it was a hectic time. Zorasani agents murdered a man in the middle of a major city with a chemical agent. So much was going on, unfortunately some things were lost".

Balls spoke to the Daily Telegram, a tabloid newspaper that tends to report favorably on the National Union Party. The interview comes at a time of increased scrutiny for the government, with backbenchers from the Progressives rallying around Edwards.

He also said that the government "accepted responsibility" for the lack of communication, but said a parliamentary inquiry was "without merit" and motivated by "revenge politics".

"If the coalition is to continue, one member cannot seek to crucify the other. That is no partnership".

The scandal worsened after Edwards did In the tell-all interview last month, in which he said he felt that information was "deliberately withheld" from him.

"I told the truth based on the information made available to me in the aftermath of the [naval incident] with Zorasan. To my understanding, and that of the cabinet at large, Estmerish vessels had never violated Zorasani waters. In fact, I was under the impression that ships were under strict orders to dock at Lalgat".

Balls insists that information was not withheld from Edwards, but rather he spoke before it was given to him.

"He volunteered to speak to the press before we could ensure he had been briefed" Balls told the Daily Telegram.

The scandal began after evidence emerged showing Edwards had falsely stated that the alleged naval incursion "never took place" and said the claims were "simply fabricated". He went further. accusing the Zorasani government of launching a smear campaign against Estmere over the Kennford Incident. The claims of a territorial violation were a part of such efforts, the ex-secretary claimed.

Evidence published soon after by the Zorasani foreign ministry released camera footage from one of its own ships that reportedly intercepted the three Valor-class frigates. An analysis of the footage published by the Zorasani navy clearly shows one of the Valor-class frigates which was identified by its wide cabin and naval jack. Zorasan took Estmere to the Community of Nations over the issue, where a resolution condemning the alleged violation was defeated amid a strong show of support for Estmere by many international governments.

He resigned, but that did not end the issue. He was a close ally of the deputy prime minister, Foreign Secretary Anne Buckett. Sources close to Buckett indicate she was not pleased with the Edwards scandal and has used frustration from within her ranks as a way to apply pressure to Wilton-Smyth to change course and de-escalate the crisis with Zorasan.

Opposition leader Robert Spencers (DLP) is planning an attempt to launch a parliamentary inquiry into the matter after parliament returns from its summer recess later this month. Several backbenchers from the Progressives have now publicly backed an inquiry. Buckett has declined to comment on an inquiry or support for it from her backbenches.

For his part, Balls said he hoped Buckett would "put the issue to bed" in the interest of "ensuring the partnership between the NUP and Progressives continued".

Public outcry over the naval incident and Edwards scandal has prevented the government from responding more strongly, forcing the prime minister to adopt the diplomatic approach favored by his deputy. In his interview, Balls did add that a "major" announcement was coming regarding the crisis with Zorasan, but he declined to elaborate.

Tensions between Estmere and the UZIR remain high, but domestic backlash in both nations has forced a break. Major protests have taken place throughout Zorasan over the course of several weeks, which have often been met with violence by a government looking to end public dissent.

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by **Xiaodong** » Thu Sep 05, 2019 10:26 pm

Jindanese AAT Chief Executive meets Vice-Premier to "discuss political developments in the region"
06 September, 2019 | By Jiang Huliang

Jindanese AAT Chief Executive Guo Zhenya meeting with Vice-Premier Jiang Shaohong

LUNKENG - Meeting in Lunkeng today the Chief Executive of the Jindao Autonomous Administrative Territory Guo Zhenya and Vice-Premier Jiang Shaohong have initiated a cross-bay discussion regarding recent political developments both in the Honghai Sea and in Jindao itself.

In a pre-prepared press statement Vice-Premier Jiang has stated that the Xiaodongese government aims to "support the government of the Jindao Autonomous Administrative Territory in maintaining law and order in order to facilitate a stable business and political environment."

"We also reaffirm the Xiaodongese government's support and confidence for the administration of Guo Zhenya and resolutely oppose the actions foreign-backed saboteurs, wreckers and rioters who attempt to undermine the AAT government".

The meeting between the Chief Executive and Vice-Premier comes after month long protests in Jindao following a controversial court ruling that saw several Mathran citizens facing extradition to Mathrabumi for defacing the Mathran consulate. Many protesters allege that an extradition to Mathrabumi will result in death for the suspects.

Vice-Premier Jiang has confirmed prior to the meeting that the Xiaodongese government is aiming to prevent an extradition to Mathrabumi over concerns of the Mathran judicial system.

"Mathrabumi's legal system is largely based on Gaullican functionalism doctrines imported from Euclean imperialists. The central government is not convinced that extradition to a state with a weak legal system is recommended and are working with the AAT government to formulate an elegant solution to this legal question".

The meeting comes as protests surrounding the extradition have begun to die down, although the Xiaodongese government has confirmed that it will still support the AAT government in uncovering foreign subversion within such protests.

"The Xiaodongese government is continuing to allow the Jindao Autonomous Administrative Territory the autonomy to deal with the protests in a way that respects the legal and spiritual equilibrium between the central government and Jindao" Jiang further declared.

by **Union of Akoren** » Sun Sep 08, 2019 2:18 pm

Issa Mubarak - Yekshanbeh: 17. Shahrivar 1398 / 08 September 2019

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Union-Government pledges support for Tsabara as Al-Tughluq visits Zahedan

File photo: Irvadi UR governor, Kazim Sadr has announced new measures to protect northern Zorasan from Atudite terrorism

Zahedan, Union Capital Territory- Tsabaran President, Atwan al-Tughluq has completed his rapid visit to Zahedan, after discussing the security situation in his country, as well as the crisis around Assad Erekat with State President Vahid Isfandiar. The Tsabaran president was offered Zorasan’s “unconditional support” in face of “vicious Atudite terrorism and hate.”

President Al-Tughluq arrived in the federal capital early this morning where he immediately travelled to the Savaran Palace for extensive talks with State President Vahid Isfandiar.

The two leaders discussed the security situation in Tsabara, which has deteriorated significantly in wake of Atudite terrorism. The sudden mutinous attack on the Sfira military base in central Tsabara by an elite Atudite unit has sent shockwaves throughout Zorasan’s northern neighbour. According to Tsabaran media, the Atudites mutineers killed several soldiers and officers and took the remaining personnel hostage. In response, the Tsabaran government has deployed up to 3,000 soldiers around the base and announced the intention to purge Atudites from security services, who are believed to share sympathies for the terrorist group known as the “Lions.”

Following the news of the base seizure, the Zorasani foreign ministry issued a statement proclaiming Zorasan’s “stern condemnation of violence and terrorism.” The statement also guaranteed the Tsabaran government Zorasan’s assistance, “the Zorasani government and nation stands shoulder to shoulder with our Tsabaran friends in face of this dark evil.”

Both leaders spoke at length for four hours before attending a non-televised press event. There, State President Vahid Isfandiar acknowledged that the situation in Tsabara was tense, “having spoken at length to my friend and colleague, it is clearer to me than ever before, the tense and dangerous point our Tsabaran neighbour now stands. There is real danger for escalation by the Atudite terrorist movement.” He also confirmed that Zorasani assistance was offered, “in our discussions, I, as the head of state of Zorasan and with the agreement of First Minister Akbari, offered any assistance Tsabara may need in confronting this malignant force.”

Attempts by reporters to have the State President confirm the nature of this assistance failed, with the State President saying, “I will not comment on the assistance offered, to do so, may well be twisted by the criminal El’azar-Ben Ya’ir. But we will provide what we must to bring peace and stability back to Tsabara.”

President Al-Tughluq told reporters, “It is reassuring to know that in Zorasan we have a steadfast ally and friend. Zorasan too has an Atudite population, where there may well be sympathies for the Lions and the terrorist Ben Ya’ir. Together we can overcome this new threat to Irfan.”

The two leaders also discussed the vicious plot against Zorasan, perpetrated by Estmere. President Al-Tughluq made clear that the Erekat situation would have no bearing on relations, “No matter what the critical governments of Euclea say, we will stand with Zorasan. We share too much in commonality, in trade and through God to be torn apart.”

Following his meeting with the State President, President Al-Tughluq held a private meeting with Supreme Custodian Ali Reyshari. The two prayed and the Supreme Custodian offered him and Tsabara’s blessing to survive the Atudite attacks.

In relation to the visit, the union-government has ordered increased surveillance of the Tsabaran border regions, where the Khusaydi Atudite community is mostly found. The northern Irvadi community has been present since 30 BH.

Governor of Irvadistan, Kazim Sadr met with the Council of State yesterday to discuss new measures aimed at deterring links forming between the Khusaydi community of the so-called “Lions of Asafiyah.” Today, the governor announced increased police patrols in the north and formally requested deployment of soldiers from the Zorasani Irfanic Revolutionary Army.

In a radio interview, the governor said, “I am committed to ensuring not only the security of the Irvadi Union Republic, but also the Union as a whole. It is the duty of Irvadistan to protect the Union from northern threats, both within and without. We want our Atudites to be loyal citizens of the Union.”

More as the story develops.

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by **Kisinger** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 11:37 am

Philomène De Saint-Pierre - 9 September 2019

Home · Euclea · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Sports · Weather · Opinion

THE SITUATION IN VEDMED

Protest in downtown Tsivebi on February 21st 2018.

Tsivebi, Vedmed -

Vedmed a nation stuck firmly between the Euclean Community and Narozalica has always faced extreme pressure from Narozalica since Vedmed achieved its independence in 1861 adopting a mindful approach towards international politics keeping in mind not to overly displease Narozalica and so has remained relatively neutral throughout much of the second half of the 19th century and early 20th century until the beginning of the Great War where Vedmed would soon join Narozalica in fighting against the Entente. Following the Great War and the later invasion of Kansasto during the Solarian War caused a rapid shift in Vedmedi politics.

With the greater federalization of the Euclean Community caused a break in the practice of taking in Narozalica concerns for both foreign and domestic policy for Vedmed, this is especially since during the tenure of Prime Minister Giorgi Glonti in the 1960s and 1970s. This break in the norm for Vedmed has strained relations with Narozalica and caused a major domestic split within Vedmed that has increasingly become pronounced especially now in the modern day.

While the escalating domestic situation in Vedmed may appear to be centered on, at face value, a religious conflict between Episimialism and those of the native Vedmedi beliefs, the true underlying conflict stems from the break in the policy now known as 'Vedmedization' and Vedmed pursuing a true independent foreign policy from that of Narozalica. The idea of it being a purely religious conflict stems from it becoming a major focal point during the 1970s when Prime Minister forced through a bill ending state sponsored Episimialist Education both public schooling and removing accreditation for private schools who provided it while still providing Vedmedi Religious education Education. It soon after became a major point of contention between the two major parties in Vedmed, the Episimialist Conservative Party, and the National Alliance of Vedmedi Brotherhood.

This original sole point of contention has spilled over into many other domestic issues and caused the redrawing of the political landscape within Vedmed which we still see today. This new political landscape has over time become increasingly volatile and has led to the direct undermining of many republican and democratic values within Vedmed especially in regards to the representation of the Episimialist population most notably during the 1980s with the passing of the 'Dato Laws' named after the fervently religious Prime Minister Dato Balavadze these laws severely limited the political participation of many Epismialist Voters and politicians and were not repealed until the late 1990s under Prime Minister Pavle Garsevanishvili the first Episimialist Prime Minister in thirty years. This was soon followed by a brief period of a warming of relations between Narozalica and Vedmed's withdrawal from the Defense Agreement that it had maintained with many other Central Euclean since the formation of the ACES.

Despite the repealing of the 'Dato Laws' and the greater political freedoms restored to the Episimialists, much of the same political tension remains within the nation due to the persecution and it has been escalated by both sides. Extreme political violence is considered much a common sight in Vedmed, while there is no true threat of civil war this continuing destabilization of the political process within Vedmed will eventually lead to one or even worse to a collapse of a central authority within the nation. However, due to this extreme political violence there has been an emergence of several other parties now coming to the forefront of Vedmedi politics most notably the Union of Vedmedi who is a driving force for stability, attempting to end the political violence that now plagues Vedmed and bring true ties closer to the Euclean Community rather than attempting to use the EC as a shield of which to hide behind from Narozalica.

The upcoming election next year is important not just for Vedmed but for Euclea as a whole, the destabilization of one nation especially in the heart of Euclea itself will have grave consequences for the rest of Euclea, while it may not seem important in the suburbs of Ashcombe or the plains of Northern Werania, the need to support the Union of Vedmedi from both you and to urge your local politicians to support them is dire just as the situation in Vedmed is becoming while the rest of Euclea waits to pick up the pieces.

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 2:20 pm

POLICE ARREST ZORASANI NATIONAL IN SUSPECTED CONNECTION WITH EKARAT KILLING.
Gaullican police have arrest a Zorasani national in the town of Pomerol due to their suspected connection with the Assad Ekarat killing in Estmere.

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Antoinette Giroud
^{September 9th, 2019|Pomerol, Gaullica}

The Interior Minister praised the efficiency and conduct of the police force's arrest of the Zorasani national, which was carried out in conjunction with Estmerish intelligence.
Photo Courtesy of my incredible desire to shitpost at every conceivable opportunity.

Pomerol, Gaullica

The early hours of this morning saw national gendarmerie conduct a raid at an apartment complex in Pomerol, Outremer. The raid is the culmination of cooperation between Estmerish and Gaullican intelligence services and police forces through Euclean Police.

The national gendarmerie stormed a yet as of unnamed apartment complex in the southern side of the city. They arrested an inhabitant, confirmed to be a male Zorasani possessing a Tsabaran passport, and quickly extracted him from the area. He is speculated to have been involved in the assassination of Assad Ekarat. Ekarat, who was killed on the streets of Kennford for his political activism, was a long-lasting critic of the authoritarian Zorasani regime. As succinctly put by Devereaux, the former Prime Minister, "Ekarat lived and died in the oppression of Zorasan."

The details surrounding the arrested individual are as of yet unknown. The government has only said that they are a Zorasani national in possession of a Tsabaran passport, and confirmed that intelligence had verified their belief that this man had arrived in Pomerol from Estmere via Hennehouwe.

The Interior Minister, Nicola Sarkozy, praised the conduct and efficiency of the gendarmerie. She highlighted their bloodless success as a "hallmark for good policing". In addition, she expressed the satisfaction in which "E-Pol" had facilitated the intense cooperation between Gaullica and Estmere. When asked if the Zorasani national would be sent to Estmere, the Interior Minister confirmed that

"whilst we are utterly convinced there is a concrete connection with the assassination to Assad Ekarat, given the timeline of their entering Gaullica and numerous other pieces of evidence we are in possession of, we will be undergoing due process before any extradition to Estmere will occur."

When asked on the validity of the Tsabaran passport, the government refused to comment. Relating to the tensions in Tsabara at the moment, could President Atwan al-Tughluq have voluntarily assisted in his ally's calculated murder of Ekarat?

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by **Yij** » Mon Sep 09, 2019 3:34 pm

About me · by **Luziyca** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 2:23 pm

PORT OF FANGSU OPENS TO GREAT FANFARE
City's namesake Wu Fang-Su, and Mambo presiding over the ceremonies

Port of Fangsu

Gondo Chikwava | 10 SEPTEMBER, 2019 14:51 | FANGSU, RWIZIKURU

Today, the port of the city of Fangsu, located thirty kilometers west of Port Fitzhubert has finally opened to cargo traffic to great fanfare, with both Mambo Kupakwashe Ngonidzashe, and Jindanese philanthropist Wu Fang-su present on the site, as they cut the ribbon to formally receive the first containers.

"The opening of the port at Fangsu will vastly increase our capacities to export our natural resources to other countries, and to import goods from other countries," Kupakwashe said. "With increasing congestion at the ports in Port Fitzhubert and Port Graham, among many others up and down the coast of the Banfura Sea, this new port will greatly relieve congestion in the ports of Port Fitzhubert and of Port Graham."

Wu Fang-su gave a short speech, saying that "we are looking forward to the immeasurable opportunities that the opening of this port will bring to the people of Rwizikuru, as more Rwizikurans have access to jobs," before declaring the port open for trade.

After the port was formally opened by Wu, Kupakwashe made Wu Fang-su a Murwi (knight) of the Kurongeka kweNzou, due to his "extensive service to the Rwizikuran nation," and for his "selfless efforts to improve our country and our standards of life."

As of 2018, Port Fitzhubert received 24.3 million tonnes of cargo, and employs around 2,500 people in an area of 2.73 square kilometers, while Port Graham has received around 15.4 million tonnes of cargo, and employs 1,750 people in an area of 1.89 square kilometers. In contrast, the Port of Fangsu is designed to accommodate over fifty million tonnes of cargo, and employ 3,000 people, which would help relieve congestion, especially as the port will have an area of 4.71 square kilometers, easily making it the largest harbour in the country.

The harbour is one of the key parts of the planned city of Fangsu, with another being the nearly complete Hushamwari Avenue, running through the central district of the city of Fangsu, and connecting to the Mugwagwa which can take travellers and goods to either Port Fitzhubert, or to Port Graham.

May Fangsu become a beacon of prosperity and hope to the people of Bahia.

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by **Mihi Mai Ra** » Tue Sep 10, 2019 2:41 pm

Pirima Alain D'Isigny Announces Plans to Step Down
An End to Political Leadership Spanning Over a Decade

Pirima D'Isigny (The Free Party/Parti Libre/Roopu Koreutu) announced his plans to step down
in an extravagant show leaving to the sound of thunderous applause.

Pirima D'Isigny has served as the head of state of Mihi Mai Ra ever since his unexpected appointment into the office in 2008. Following talks between the Pirima and the Kaunihera O Te Ratinga (Council of Chieftians), Pirima D'Isigny revealed their intentions of stepping down and choosing another Pirima to succeed him sometime after elections to the Kohikohi claiming that it is time for the political leadership of Mihi Mai Ra to be updated.

Although assuming office in turbulent times in 2008, D'Isigny has become one of the most controversial and yet popular heads of state in contemporary Mihi Mai Ra thanks to his charisma and unique political strategy. His political rallies were more similar to concerts and his political speeches to stand-up comedy routines. This 'delinquent politician' as his opponents called him has turned the political scene of Mihi Mai Ra upsidedown taring down the walls of traditional politics.

A Gaullophone Capitalist, D'Isigny is almost a mirror image of his own party the 'Free Party' (Parti Libre) and has unapologetically used every tool at his disposal to ensure the continued existence of the Mihite tax havens, to protect large corporations in Mihi Mai Ra especially through striking down banking reform, and to promote the Gaullican language.

Being a politician of Gaullican descent promoting the Gaullican language, he has used pragmatism to defend his positions famously saying: 'I'm a pragmatist, and Gaullican is the most pragmatic language.'

The coming absence of a Pirima offers a chance for the governing coalition in the Kohikohi to appoint a person of their choosing to the position, however, holding onto the position through the coming elections is seen a slight to the current Red-Hand coalition between the Communists Group and Ringaringa Pohatu (Stone Hand) Party. D'Isigny and his party are hoping that the current coalition will not make it through the elections thus avoiding a red or a stone Pirima from being chosen.

Atuhuniana III is the current Te Tumuaki o Te Kawanatanga (Head of Government)
and leader of the Ringaringa Pohatu.

The Current Governing coalition between the Communists Group and Ringaringa Pohatu, called the Red Hand Coalition, has decried the decision to hold onto the position all the way until the elections as undemocratic and going against the will of the Kohikohi, yet neither party has called brought the notion to the Kaunihera to be reviewed. Te Tumuaki o Te Kawanatanga Atuhuniana III was the one who originally brought the request to have the Pirima step down to the Kaunihera.

The Communists Group and Ringaringa Pohatu won big in the 2015 elections enough so that the two were able to form a governing majority fairly easily. Despite this, a significant number of bills and propositions made and passed by the Kohikohi under the Red-Hand coalition have been blocked by Pirima D'Isigny. Because of these circumstances, great tension has existed between the Kohikohi and Pirima which is why D'Isigny stepping down is seen as a victory for the coalition.

As the government, Kohikohi, Pirima and the Kaunihera begin the preparations to decide on the details of coming elections, the Ringaringa Pohatu and Communists Group have already set up bipartisan talks in hoped to continue the coalition. It is expected that the two parties will lose a significant number of seats due to them being the parties previously in power. It is thereby possible that the two might look to the Greens for support in a worst-case scenario.

Although D'Isigny himself will be out of the political picture as according to law, a former Pirima is not allowed to participate in political activity without the permission of the Kaunihera which is rarely granted, he isn't wasting any time in trying to gather up support for his party. As it stands the Parti Libre is co-operating with the Estmerish Coalition in order to possibly persuade the Greens to join them instead to prevent another Kohikohi under the Red-Hands. But before the actual elections take place, nothing can be said for sure.

by **Etruria2** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 2:28 pm

BREAKING CSS agents arrest suspected Erekat cell member
Zorasani spy arrested at an Aventine hotel this morning by Civil Security Service agents.
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^{9 September 2018 13.00pm | Vicalvi, Etruria}

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Civil Security Service officers have detained a Zorasani national, following her arrest at a hotel on the border Gaullica. The CSS has confirmed that she is a suspected member of a Zorasani spy ring responsible for the murder of exiled Zorasani MP Assad Erekat. She’s expected to be extradited to Estmere by the end of the week.

The woman, who is yet to be named was arrested at the Santa Maria Hotel in the Aventine town of San Sicario Alta.

The woman in her 40s was under surveillance by the CSS the moment she crossed the border from Gaullica, the domestic intelligence agency explained in a statement.

“A woman was arrested this morning at a hotel in the vicinity of San Sicario Alta following intelligence shared by E-Pol and colleagues from Gaullica and Estmere. She’s been arrested in connection to the assassination of Assad Erekat, it is our shared belief that this woman was a member of the cell responsible” the statement said further.

The spokesman also said, “in her possession was a large quantity of Etrurian Florin, a Kituki passport, several pay-as-you go phones and a plane ticket from Eugenio Volterra Airport to Adunis. We understand that she sought to return to Zahedan through Etruria, after driving from Estmere through Gaullica to Etruria.”

The CSS also confirmed that she would be extradited to Estmere, with the process reportedly fast-tracked by the Federal Prosecution Office. The Foreign Ministry also confirmed that it had arranged her immediate extradition to Estmere, citing the 1997 International Terrorism Act, which states extraditions under the Etrurian definition of terrorism would be fast-tracked if the second party was a member state of the EC.

The CSS has stepped up its activities, leading many to suggest that more members of the Erekat cell may be at large or seeking to flee Euclea through Etruria.

Guests and staff alike described how a “Badawiyan looking woman” was dragged out of her room after uniformed officers were let in by cleaning staff. She was handcuffed and escorted outside into a blacked out van and driven away.

A hotel maid said, “I couldn’t believe it. You never see this here, there’s no crime here. But to have a guest taken away by a the CSS is another thing altogether.”

A guest told this paper, “it was like something out of a spy film, they took her away and then towed what I assume was her car.”

The arrest in northern Etruria follows an earlier arrest in Gaullica. There, Gaullican police raided an apartment in the town of Pomerol, arresting another suspected cell member.

The arrest on San Sicario has been heralded as a “breakthrough in multilateral Euclean law enforcement” by the government. The CSS as well as the National Security Service have reaffirmed their commitment and willingness to work with Euclean partners in face of the “real Zorasani intelligence and terrorist threat.”

The arrests, however, have also brought to the public light, the General Intelligence Directorate, commonly known in Zorasan as RESAT. The group is the dreaded military intelligence agency, that in recent decades has taken to repressing critics in Zorasan and conducting operations abroad, including the murder of Assad Erekat.

They’ve also drawn numerous comments by intelligence officials and experts, one intelligence expert noted to us under the condition of anonymity, “the quality of their false identities and documents points very much to a dramatic improvement in RESAT’s abilities and professionalism. With perhaps, and I stress perhaps, the exception of Xiaodong’s services, Zorasani intelligence may well be the most significant foe or rival for any Euclean agency.”

The arrests of the Erekat cell will likely see a return of tensions between Zorasan and Estmere in coming days.

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by **Estmere** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 3:45 pm

Marilyn Albridge - 10 September 2019

Home · Estmere · Euclea · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather

ESTMERISH GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS ARRESTS OF 'MULTIPLE' SUSPECTS ABROAD

The Prime Minister hailed the arrests as a "huge step" toward justice.

Ashcombe, Estmere - The government has confirmed that multiple arrests have been made in conjunction with their investigation into the assassination of Zorasani dissident Assad Ekarat. Law enforcement in Gaullica and Etruria conducted a series of raids yesterday, successfully arresting suspects involved in Ekarat's killing. Prime Minister Reginald WIlton-Smyth said the arrests "solidified" the UZIR's role in the killing.

"With multiple arrests made, we have made a huge step towards ensuring justice for the Ekarat family after the heinous murder of Assad Ekarat at the hands of the Zorasani regime" he told reporters at a press conference this afternoon.

He thanked the Gaullican and Etrurian governments for their cooperating, hailing them as "crucial friends and allies" and "defenders of our Euclean way of life".

"Together we ensure that justice and the rule of law prevails. Those who assail our most sacred principles of freedom of speech and expression will not win. Not today, not ever".

Raids were carried out by national police in Gaullica and Etruria, WITH Estmerish federal police officers present AS the arrests were made.

In Gaullica, police conducted a raid on an apartment complex in the city of Pomerol. Gaullican police have declined to go into specifics about the suspect arrested, but they have confirmed he entered Gaullica through Hennehouwe after leaving Estmere several weeks ago.

Speaking on the arrest, Gaullican Interior Minister Nicola Sarkozy said "whilst we are utterly convinced there is a concrete connection with the assassination to Assad Ekarat, given the timeline of their entering Gaullica and numerous other pieces of evidence we are in possession of, we will be undergoing due process before any extradition to Estmere will occur."

A spokeswoman for the Justice Secretariat confirmed Estmere would allow for due process to occur before moving for extradition.

"Unlike Zorasan, we support the rule of law and stand by our agreements with other states. Of course we will allow for due process" a she told reporters.

National police in Etruria arrested a female spy at a hotel in the city of San Sicario Alta. A female in her 40s, she is believed to have driven to Etruria from Estmere, passing through Hennehouwe and Gaullica. Police found a a Kituki passport in her possession, in addition to several burner phones and and a plane ticket to Adunis. Etrurian authorities confirmed she is suspected to be a member of the cell that assisted in the killing of Ekarat. This was confirmed by the Estmerish government.

Secretary for Justice Êdouard Aveline-Duquesne offered some clarity on the identities of those detained, but was careful not to reveal much. "Those arrested are not believed to be directly responsible for the killing [of Assad Ekarat]. While involved, they are not the two responsible for carrying out the attack".

The Estmerish government has accused Fahrid Asadi and Peyman Husseini of being Zorasani intelligence agents responsible for Ekarat's murder. Evidence previously published supports the government's claims.

"For now, they remain at large, but they will never escape justice" Aveline-Duquesne said of Asadi and Husseini.

He also commented on the faked Tsabaran passport found on those arrested.

"This is an authentic, government issued documents. While fraudulent, they are official passports with falsified information".

Similar documents were used by Asadi and Husseini to enter Estmere in early July. As instability in Tsabara grows and relations with the UZIR continue to grow closer, some Euclean officials have begun to raise concerns.

The justice secretary said the government would be "reviewing" travel and passport agreements with Tsabara and expressed concerned about the faked Kitkuki passport, but said it was a "less pressing matter".

"We cannot, in good faith, allow another government to issue passports to assassins and terrorists".

The issue is expected to be brought before the Euclean Community by the government in coming days and the prime minister has promised "additional action" in regards to the Ekarat killing. Tensions between Estmere and the UZIR remain high despite a recent break as both governments face domestic opposition.

However, Wilton-Smyth has indicated that is set to change. "Governments of the free world stand behind us, and as it becomes more and more apparent that [Zorasan] had Ekarat murdered, we will continue to stand together".

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by **Krugmar** » Wed Sep 11, 2019 3:56 pm

David Rouzet - 11/09/2019

PM announces end to negotiations with Chervolesia; Arucian Straits to be "closed off" to Chervolesian shipping

CS Pärla, an Eldmarkian ship headed for Chervolesia, was seized temporarily before being turned back

Gatôn, Anniane - 12 Dumont Rue has today confirmed that negotiations with Chervolesia for the release and repatriation of Captain Henry Souchon and First Mate Emmanuel Carrell of the Mistral have ended unsuccessfully.

The Mistral was seized along with its crew two months ago, with the ship’s captain and firstmate being charged with conspiracy to act against Chervolesia, after allegedly straying into Chervolesian waters. The Chervolesian government also alleged that the freighter acted as a spy ship, which has been denied by the Government.

Chervolesia later released the crew of the ship after the first round of negotiations ended successfully, but announced its intent to still charge the captain and first mate. Weeks of tense negotiation ended in failure for the Government. The Chervolesian government reportedly refused to accept the idea of an immediate release, and insisted upon a Satucine admission that the ship was a spy vessel.

With the failure of the negotiations, 12 Dumont Rue has announced that it will be fully implementing the terms of the Defence of the Straits Act (2001) in regards to Chervolesia. Two weeks ago the Government implemented a partial block on Chervolesian ships heading through the Straits, but it will now block all ships headed for or from Chervolesia.

In Parliament the Prime Minister has stated that he believes the full implementation of the Act will only be a "temporary and extraordinary measure" aimed at "bringing the Chervolesian government back to the negotiating table."

A spokesperson for the Government has stated that the "blockade will majorly disrupt the Chervolesian economy, weakening the regime's grip on power, and force them to realise the illegality of their actions."

The CS Pärla, an Eldmarkian cargo ship headed for Chervolesia, was today temporarily seized and rerouted after the Act came into force while it was making the crossing. The Arucian Straits are a busy highway for shipping, and it is not currently known what effect the Act will have on the shipping, nor how other countries reliant upon trade through the Straits will react to the blockade.

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by **Nuvania** » Thu Sep 12, 2019 12:50 am

Navy Vessels, Aircraft to Patrol Arucian Straits

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Johan Van Den Heever (@JVDHeever)
12 September (12:00pm)|PIETERSBURG

Defence Minister Martinus Hulsenaar speaks to media at a press conference.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed this morning that naval vessels from the Nuvanian Navy will be conducting patrols to prevent civilian shipping reaching Chervolesia after Satucin announced that it would close the Arucian Straits to Chervolesian vessels, or those heading to the rogue state.

Martinus Hulsenaar, the Minister for Defence, said that Nuvania would be deploying one Helde-class frigate for the patrols, which would be conducted around the central and western Arucian Sea. The specific frigate has yet to be named. Hulsenaar also said that two R-99 maritime patrol aircraft would be made available.

Hulsenaar said that Nuvania would be committed to protecting the integrity of international maritime law, and said that this closure of the straits to Chervolesian shipping was part of that protection.
"What this does is send a message to Volosovo that it cannot act unilaterally and not expect some form of action in return," he said. "While this is not an ideal situation, it is nonetheless a proportional response to the actions which have seriously undermined international maritime law."

The Satucine announcement was made yesterday by the Prime Minister's office, where it also announced that negotiations for the release of the captain and first mate of the Mistral, the Satucine freighter seized in international waters two months ago, ended unsuccessfully. The Satucine Prime Minister stated to the Satucine Parliament that the implementation of a complete ban on ships heading to or from Chervolesia was a temporary measure intended to bring Volosovo back to the negotiating table.

Hulsenaar said that naval patrols would be conducted with the cooperation of the Satucine navy. However, naval aircraft would operate independently, and track potential vessels in the western straits. He said that while Nuvania did not have any legislation pertaining to interning ships and crews outside of direct violations of international or domestic law, it was considering making amendments to existing laws.
"We would be willing to ensure that our own maritime legislation has enough flexibility to be able to respond to crises such as this," he said. "It would only be used in times of exceptional circumstances."

The decision to commit navy vessels and aircraft has sparked criticism from opposition parties who said that diplomatic and economic measures against Chervolesia weren't considered, and that the Satucine decision to close the Arucian Straits to Chervolesian shipping was hypocritical. The Leader of the Opposition, Stefaan van Langevelde, said that Nuvania shouldn't commit naval assets and personnel to a "tit-for-tat" confrontation with Chervolesia.
"While their actions were illegal, it does not sit right with me for us to commit to acting in a matter that is essentially no different to the Chervolesian declaration," van Langevelde said. "What Satucin has decided to do is not that different from what Chervolesia did, and that doesn't make them any better than the Chervolesians, or make us any better for supporting Satucin." van Langevelde said that the government should be committed towards making a viable diplomatic solution.

Satucin's announcement saw the Pietersburg Aandelebeurs (PAB) decline sharply after it opened this morning, losing 3.7% by midday. While stocks have since stabilised, a number of commentators have been concerned that the crisis will lead to a recession through lack of investor confidence in the stock market and continued short term economic uncertainty. Shipping companies were harded hit, with TransAsterian OBM losing 7.5% of its share value in six hours.

The Prime Minister's Office released a statement saying that it supported Satucin's response to "Chervolesian aggression" and wished for a swift resolution to the crisis.

by **The Kingdom of Glitter** » Fri Sep 13, 2019 1:42 pm

GOVERNMENT UNVEILS PLAN TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE, WILL RE-NATIONALIZE MAJOR RAIL LINES
A re-nationalized railway service, major infrastructure projects, and sea-walls are all major components of the SDs' climate plan

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Mícheál Mac Raghnaill (@mmraggbf)
^{13 September 2019 | Spálgleann, Caldia}

The Mac Suibhne government has made re-nationalizing the railways a major part of its climate strategy.

SPÁLGLEANN – The Caldish government has unveiled its road-map to combat climate change and planned response to changing global conditions in the wake of global warming and climate change related weather phenomenon. The plan, which calls for heavy state investment in the national infrastructure system, is being billed as a "comprehensive" way to fight climate change and "reinvigorate" the economy.

At a press conference held at Loveland this morning, Taoiseach Stiofán Mac Suibhne said his government had come up with a "thorough and comprehensive" way to ensure Caldia is able to not only reduce its carbon emissions, but to "ensure we are ready and able to respond to consequences of a global climate catastrophe".

Joined by several senior ministers, the Taoiseach said it was "essential" to ensure "everything [that] could possibly be done" to respond to changing weather patterns was being put in place.

"As we continue our fight to reduce our own emissions and remain on track, something our nation has a proud history of, reality must not be lost on us. We cannot stop climate change alone, which is why our international partnerships and commitments are crucial to our shared mission. While we take the word of other nations in good faith, we must be prepared for drastic weather conditions brought on by climate change".

There are three major components to the government's spending in the new Climate Action Plan: the re-nationalization of passenger rail services, new infrastructure projects, and coastal sea-walls to combat rising sea levels as the icecaps melt.

Finance Minister Pádraigín Níc Aodhagain has been a major advocate for the re-nationalization of public transportation services, and successfully lobbied the cabinet to see Córas Iompair Glítteann (CIG; literally Transport System Caldia) come under government control.

Ms. Níc Aodhagain, who holds a dual portfolio of Minister of Finance and Minister of Pensions and Welfare,

Re-nationalization is the most ambitious of the government’s goals, but the popularity of the current SDs government combined with their electorate mandate allows them to push ahead with the plan.

The national government sold off its public transportation assets under the government of Patricia Flowers. Her privatization scheme saw the state railway service, Royal Caldish Railways, broken up and ownership to private companies. Ownership of the bulk of the state’s passenger rail services were transferred to CIG, of which the government is a significant shareholder.

Most passenger trains operated by CIG fall under Iarnród Ríoga (IR - Royal Rail). The railway, which generally receives positive ratings, is primarily what the government is looking to re-nationalize. A number of other services are also operated by CIG, including local and commuter rail services for a number of counties.

However, the Finance Minister also indicated the government would bring all of these ventures under state ownership.

“It simply makes sense that public transportation services are owned by and accountable to the public, the people that use them” she said.

Transportation Minister Seán Mac Murchadha has pledged that the government would work to ensure that all of its trains were carbon neutral by 2025.

“While this goal is ambitious, the resources are available to us. Unlike a private corporation, this government is not looking to deliver sweeping dividends to shareholders. We can deliever quality and climate friendly services while keeping costs low for riders and taxpayers alike”.

The government is also looking to spend billions of euclos on new infrastructure projects alongside massive upgrades to existing infrastructure. The Finance Minister has indicated that up to €75 billion could be added to the preliminary budget this December.

An official list of new projects will be published by the government after a joint review is conducted by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transportation and Communication.

Likely projects include an expansion of the high speed rail service, additional commuter rail lines, and new light rail services in major cities. An expansion of the Spálgleann metro system is also a possibility.

Fergus Kyne, the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, said that such actions were “necessary to prevent the worsening effects of climate change”.

“At a baseline, we need to get people off the roads and onto public transportation”.

As part of its climate action plan, the government will also be looking at ways to reduce automobile traffic and phase out vehicles that are major polluters. Working with local governments would be crucial for such a plan to work, Mr. Kyne said.

All buses will have to be replaced with ones that are electronically powered within the next decade under the climate action plan. This includes bus services from both public and private operators.

A conversation has already begun between the national government and Spálgleann’s Laird Mayor, who is a Social Democrat, on ways to reduce auto usage in the capital. According to sources familiar with that dialogue, a vehicle ban in the city’s oldest neighborhoods is likely.

A spokesperson for Laird Mayor Dorotea Fuertes i Lluís-Malloy said she was "committed to securing the future for generations to come" through "comprehensive and collaborative means" to fight climate change.

"As the capital and nation's largest city, the Laird Mayor believes we have a special commitment to this cause".

The government's plan also calls for a new Euclean Community wide effort to fight climate change and talks with the Northern Forum to prepare for the repercussions of climate change. The government has called on EC President Walker to host a Euclean Climate Summit to ensure nations are able to meet their goals for emissions reductions and to find "new and innovative" ways to do so.

Ms. Walker has a strong record on climate change, making it an issue during her almost ten-year stint as Taoiseach of Caldia from 2007-2017. She began to direct the State Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund responsible for international investment, to finance green energy initiatives in developing countries. The Walker government also expanded wind and hydro-power in Caldia and oversaw a steady decline in emissions. Following the recent electoral successes of the Greens in the Euclean Parliament and their rise in several member states, Ms. Walker has publicly declared her support for a Euclean effort to fight climate change, saying it was a crucial component of the "next stage of the Euclean Project".

Despite the government's wide-reaching climate action plan, it has come under criticism from the Greens. Co-leader Ciara Nic Innes said that the plan did not go far enough, arguing the government did not do enough to combat Caldia's contribution to climate change as a major oil exporter.

"If this government was serious about fighting climate extinction, we'd see a concerted effort to scale back and eventually end oil extraction and export".

The government has separately announced it is still looking to build a third pipeline to mainland Euclea and Caldia is a major oil exporting nation. She also criticized the government for refusing to direct the nation's three sovereign wealth funds to disinvest from the petroleum industry.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach downplayed criticism from the Greens as "extreme" and said it was "not in the national interest to kill jobs".

The SDs have grappled over the issue of climate change, with environmentalists within the party at odds with the unions over the issue of oil and industrial emissions. However, Mr. Mac Suibhne has united his party around his plan and has won praises from the unions, which are eager to capitalize on the re-nationalize of the railways and new infrastructure spending.

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Sat Sep 14, 2019 2:38 pm

Camille Chamoun - Elul 14, 5779 / Panjshanbeh: 23. Shahrivar 1398 /14 September 2019

Home · Tsabara · Bahia · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather

Party for Irfanic Democracy leaves MNR, following government overreach.

The interior minister and leader of the Party for Irfanic Democracy, called the president 'irresponsible and destructive'

Adunis, Adunis Province - The government's Minister of the Interior, Nazim al-Qutayni, has resigned over 'inescapable differences' between himself and the president. Al-Qutayni, leader of the Party for Irfanic Democracy, has always been regarded as an instrumental -- and early -- ally of the President, but he became increasingly disillusioned with the MNR in recent years.

Al-Qutayni told the Fédéraliste that he had been 'sidelined' by the government and the military, and had been able to 'delay the orders of General Salah' once he had learned of them. Yet increasing pressure from the President and the MNR had seen him outmaneuvered, he claimed.

Following the occupation of the Sfira military base in the Bedjene province, the government -- under the influence and direction of General Zaid Salah -- announced a systematic purge of Atudites from positions within the intelligence service and upper-echelons of the police force. Nazim al-Qutayni announced that he was "completely and totally circumvented" in this decision. He lambasted the President within the House of Representatives, arguing that he was "irresponsible and destructive". He further added that Tughluq was "inconsiderate to the issues of the minorities of the Federation" and that he had spat on the foundations of the cosocial nature of the nation. He ended his tirade within the legislature by resigning and pulling his party of roughly 43 seats strong out of the government.

During a session within the House of Representatives today, as Prime Minister Yahya Al-Aboud was delivering a speech on the 'successes of government policy on removing terrorist sympathisers from the government', the Interior Minister stood up from the Front Bench and walked across the hemicycle seating and sat within the rows of staunch opposition members such as Aryeh Kahlon - the leader of the Popular Front. This was met with immense booing and heckling from the parties still within the MNR, but in effect has left them a minority government with the loss of the seats provided to them by the PID.

Social media users within Tsabara, particularly concentrated within the coast, tweeted rigorously about the event. It was called the 'greatest showing of defiance against Tughluq possible'. Others have criticised al-Qutayni as a 'traitor' to his ethnicity and religion, arguing that he is merely playing into the hands of the Lions and their allies within the military to 'bring about an Atudite dominated state again.'

The President originally aimed on keeping this as cordial as possible, quickly announcing on the air that he understood the "differences between the interior minister and [himself] could only be kept together for so long", but quickly became more hostile once Nazim insulted his capability to govern and insinuated that he did not wish to "govern a Federation, but rule a tinpot dictatorship backed by Zahedan."

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