News Thread [Kylaris|Canon|IC]

by **Cassier** » Sat Jun 20, 2020 9:09 pm

AHL · ALBERT CUP FINAL

"Beware the Bear", Belleview defeats Rakovnica 4-1 in Albert Cup Finals

Belleview's victory brings the Albert Cup back to Cassier at the end of the 100th season of AHL hockey, arriving in the wake of a disappointing bronze finish at the 2020 Winter Invictus Games in Ulan Khol.

Abelone Genest · SRC Sports · Posted: June 19, 2020 | Last Updated: June 20

The Ours celebrate after beating the Yastreby 4-2 for a Game 5 finish at Angisooqnuna Stadium, Rakovnica.

The Belleview Ours (Bears) clinched their final game in the Albert Cup Finals, winning the cup for the seventh time in franchise history on Friday evening and bringing the it back to its native Cassier at the conclusion of the Asterian Hockey League's 100th season.

The Bears secured a convincing 4-2 win over the defending AHL champions Rakovnica Yastreby (Hawks) in Game 5 at Angisooqnuna Stadium in George Ruset Land, Narozalica.

The Hawks were generally considered to be on the back foot for much of the series, suffering three straight losses to the Bears, but the prospect of a comeback was not entirely out of the realm of possibility. Even with the difficult challenge of overcoming their deficit to Belleview commentators, fans and team members alike were hesitant to write Rakovnica off just yet.

"The Hawks still represent one of the best offensive lineups we've had to play against this season," Bears coach Ernest Figuier said. "I've seen crazier things happen on the ice, so we're not going to take any chances on Friday if we can't help it. We are going to go in, play smart, and do what we've got to do."

The puck dropped at 6:00 PM Belleview time.

An intense first period saw the Hawks' first line exploit the absence of the Bear's star goalie Dany Rodier in the net to the fullest, quickly gaining an early two point lead. The Hawks' offense would relentlessly clash against the Bear's defense for the full twenty minutes, making 14 shots on goal and achieving a 2-1 lead.

The Hawks would manage to make a total of 10 shots on the Bears' net in the second period, however Belleview's defense prevented their lead from widening further. With less than three minutes left in the period a surprise breakaway would allow the Bears' forward right-winger Miroslav Klapil to score for the second time and bring the game to a 2-2 tie.

The third and final period would see the Hawks' potent offensive momentum taper off, with the total shots on the Bears' net decreasing drastically to only 5. Meanwhile the Bears' offense was beginning to pick up steam, with centre Werner Destinn scoring another goal to place Belleview in a 3-2 lead.

After the Bears' third goal many Hawks' fans attending the game began to silently stand up and leave, a movement which would only increase in number after forward left-winger Aaron Cormier scored Belleview their fourth and final goal of the evening.

"The writing was on the wall. I didn't need to see any more of it," a Hawks fan who left early commented. "Besides, it's only fair that the Cassiens win something this year. We wouldn't want them to lose too hard, after all."

By the time the final buzzer sounded both the original capacity crowd of over 17,800 and other large gatherings spectating the Finals in Rakovnica had thinned. The Hawks team themselves would also follow suit, returning to their locker room and leaving the Bears' in an unusually empty and quiet stadium as they held up the Albert Cup.

Rakovnica's police department issued a statement thanking both local and visiting hockey fans for dispersing relatively quietly after the game, reporting no major incidents.

In contrast to Rakovnica the scene in preemptively shut down Belleview saw large numbers of fans jubilantly celebrating the team's victory throughout the city, with #BewareTheBear quickly took over the top trending spot on Twitter.

Though a few minor incidents have been reported, Belleview's police chief announced that the gatherings have mostly been peaceful and cooperative with law enforcement.

The Bears' cup win sees Cassier's 2020 hockey fortunes reversed

With both teams hailing from Cassier and Narozalica respectively and featuring a variety of Winter Invictus athletes in their lineups, many hockey fans and media outlets presented the 2020 Albert Cup Finals as a rematch between the two giants of the sport.

A bitter 1-0 defeat to Narozalica at the ice hockey semi-finals and subsequent riots during the 2020 Winter Invictus in February was a source of anger and humiliation to Cassien hockey fans. With the resumption of the AHL's season after the Winter Invictus' conclusion Cassiens turned their focus to winning the arguably more important prize in the Albert Cup for the league's centennial season.

Donated by Gaullican king Albert III back in 1890, it was first awarded to the Sainte-Marie hockey club, making it the oldest professional sports trophy in the Asterias. Upon the AHL's foundation in 1920 the cup was designated as the league's championship trophy, and has since been considered one of hockey's most prestigious awards ever since.

Even with the expansion of AHL from its original eight teams to thirty-two spread across six nations, Cassien teams have collectively won more Albert Cups than any other nation in the league. The record for most AHL championships also remains with a Cassien team; the Sainte-Marie Habitants, with twenty-five season wins.

"...the Albert Cup is perhaps the most important award in all of hockey. Who actually wins it and when carries significant ramifications to the whole of Cassien hockey culture," Hockey Night in Cassier commentator Ange Rochefort said on Thursday. "A Cassien team not earning gold in the Winter Invictus but still clinching the Albert Cup or vice-versa is one thing, but losing both in the same year can symbolize nothing less than a complete failure of Cassien hockey in the minds of fans. Just ask anyone what happened in Barnier after the 1992 season, it's not pretty."

Among fans of the sport the 1991-92 season is widely regarded as an all-time low point in Cassien hockey, seeing the Barnier Oceanic swept 4-0 by the "upstarts" team from Leon, Halland in the Albert Cup right after Team Cassier's defeat in the finals of the Winter Invictus. The ensuing riots caused by angry hockey fans were the worst in Barnier's history, with damages amounting to over 7 million Cassien Deniers and police making 178 arrests.

"While I can only assume that most Cassiens are less than thrilled at the prospect of a different city winning the cup I am willing to wager that most would prefer that over the alternative, especially after what happened in Ulan Khol 2020," sports commentator Dany Duval commented on SRC Sports radio. "The idea of a 1992-esc perfect storm happening again this year is reason enough for a lot of fans to want a Cassien franchise to win the cup."

Unfortunately for doomsday preppers, no such perfect storm would take place.

A total of six Cassien franchises would qualify for the 2020 AHL playoff tournament, the most out of any country in the league, but only half; Bougainville, Sainte-Marie and Belleview, would move forward to the second round.

Only Belleview would progress further after sweeping Sainte-Marie in the second round, going on to beat Avelon 4-2 in the Western Conference Finals, until finally reaching the Albert Cup Finals.

With the Rakovnica Hawks' defeat to the Bears and the Albert Cup in the hands of a Cassien team for its centennial anniversary, the pain of sports fans from Cassier's earlier failings this year have been assuaged.

"Alas, the hockey gods, pleased by the burnt offerings and spray painted effigies offered up by fanatics in February, decided to spare Cassier from further misery in 2020. The Cassiens would receive their cup, but at what cost?" the self-proclaimed sports "memeposter" YourAverageCassien tweeted.

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by **Etruria2** » Mon Jun 22, 2020 10:44 am

by **Etruria2** » Mon Jun 22, 2020 11:22 am

by **Piraea** » Wed Jun 24, 2020 10:04 am

Georgios Vamvakas - 24 June 2020

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

THEOPEFTATOU TO COOPERATE WITH ETRURIA ON COMBATING ORGANIZED CRIME

Premier Maria Theopeftatou reacted positively to the offer of Etrurian cooperation, signalling a change in ties.

Alikianos, Piraea - The Piraean government has indicated it will accept a surprise offer from Etruria to cooperate on issues surrounding organized crime. On Monday, the Etrurian government unexpectedly extended an offer for cooperation to their counterparts in Alikianos. Etrurian officials hoped that cooperated between the two would open the next stage of Operation Gladio, the Etrurian anti-organized crime operations that have disrupted the activities of the Etrurian mafia.

Cooperation with the Trubine government of Franceso Carcaterra is a change in course for Piraea. Decades old disputes over the sovereignty of Tarpeia and other issues have resulted in significant tensions between the two nations. However, a recent thaw resulting in part by the efforts of the Euclean Community has created an opening for cooperation. Shared concerns between Kesselbourg and Povelia over the growing influence of Xiaodong and Zorasan has led to reconciliation, of which Piraea seems to now be a part of.

Premier Maria Theopeftatou accepted the offer of cooperation, which Carcaterra was a leading advocate for. In a statement to the press, she said that "nefarious forces behind organized crime must be stopped" and vowed to step up her efforts to curtail their influence in Piraea.

Since Operation Gladio began, organized crime syndicates in Piraea have been able to grow their influence in neighboring Etruria. This results in the trafficking of goods, drugs, and humans across borders. A problem both governments seem keen on solving, Etruria and Piraea will now look to begin cooperation between national law enforcement agencies. The Etrurians will share intelligence, offer advice, and potentially even offer training to Piraean law enforcement officers. Much of what the Etrurians have to offer was learned during Operation Gladio, which is hailed by Carcaterra as a success. Theopeftatou has hinted a similar operation could be coming in Piraea, sending a bleak warning to organized crime and those with ties to them.

In Piraea, organized crime networks have connections within all levels of government in addition to the business community. Theopeftatou's own predecessor, Ioannis Flambouraris, is accused of having ties to organized crime. A scandal following the murder of a journalist who was investigating his ties with organized crime resulted in his exit from politics. Law enforcement raids similar to Operation Gladio could cast a wide net, entangling many politicians and government officials.

Theopeftatou has been cautious in her fight against organized crime. Ties between many within her own party and organized prime place her in a politically delicate position. In addition, Mafia-related targeting of police and prosecutors has increased significantly since 2019. As organized crime groups in Piraea have gained more influence in Etruria, they have become more brazen at home.

Garyfallia Sotiriou, Minister for Internal Affairs, has indicated he will hold a series of teleconferences with his Etrurian counterpart in the coming weeks. The minister is charged with leading Piraea's national police force and will play a central role in the fight against organized crime.

"We know the risks [organized crime] poses to our society. The lessons we are able to learn from Operation Gladio will ensure that we are able to bring their criminal enterprises to an end and put their leaders in prison" Sotiriou said.

Cooperation on crime could open additional doors for Theopeftatou and Carcaterra, potentially providing a road-map for a total reset of diplomatic relations between their governments.

by **Etruria2** » Thu Jun 25, 2020 1:39 am

DAE leader Pietro Fratoianni sparks crisis with a racist speech calling for a blanket ban on Tsabara's "refuse"
Etruria's struggling centre-right party is facing its greatest crisis since 2016 over an attempt to outflank the Tribunes
Giorgio D'Rossi.
^{24 July 2020}

Leader of Democratic Alternative for Etruria, Pietro Fratoianni has caused an uproar over comments on Tsabaran refugees. In an apparent effort to shift the party rightward, the 33-year old said, “we are calling on the government to ensure that not one single tsabaran reaches our shores. We do not need nor want their refuse.”

DAE leader Pietro Fratoianni giving his speech on Tsabaran refugees.

In an apparent move to outflank the Tribune Movement government, the country’s centre-right party, Democratic Alternative for Etruria has perhaps self-inflicted a serious mortal wound. The wound was inflicted by party leader, Fratoianni who was addressing both DAE senators and reporters at the Palazzo Orsini in Povelia.

“As the crisis in Tsabara becomes ever more hellish, thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands will soon be surging across the sea to Euclea. They will want to storm our shores and no doubt, Emessa and Montecara will be the first to be drowned” he said, visibly stunning and freezing his fellow senators.

“As such, the Democratic Alternative is officially calling on the government to not succumb to the pressures of Emessa and Montecara” he said, before saying further, “we are calling on the government to ensure that not one single tsabaran reaches our shores. We do not need nor want their refuse.”

“We must be strong in the defence of our economy and way of life. A mass wave of migrants will only destabilise our economy, jobs and provoke cultural problems. This is the right thing to do, equally we call on the government to pressure the EC to do what they must. Both Gaullica and Estmere have responsibilities for Tsabara” he said further.

The immediate response was despondent, while even members of his own party denounced Pietro Fratoianni.

Leonardo Volpocelli, the DAE State leader for Peravia tweeted, “what an absolute disgrace. We are not the Tribunes. We are humane and we are certainly not racist.”

Henrietta Aranogreco, a senator from Dinara, who was present in the room, tweeted, “can’t believe what I just heard. This is not what the leadership said would be uttered. I do not agree with this policy.”

Giorgio Andrea Eroclani, Fratoianni’s fiercest critic within the party, was on live radio when he was played the statement. Audibly shocked, he said, “clearly if he wants to go to the right on this issue, he can go alone.”

Gianluca Tozza, the leader of the Citizens’ Alliance tweeted, “just heard PIETRO FRATOIANNI. How transparent can you be? How heartless can you be for political gain?”

Perhaps most devastating for PIETRO FRATOIANNI, was the post by Vice President Vittoria Vasari, “I can confirm that later today, the President will announce before the Chamber of Representatives, the government’s official policy on the Tsabaran refugee question. I can say right now that we won’t be turning away refuse.”

Several Tribune senators have quipped to newspapers that the government is “exploring ways of permitting a select number of refugees.” One senator told us under condition of anonymity, that the government had agreed to open the borders to Sotirian and Atudite Tsabarans. But would not permit Irfanics owing to security concerns.

According to sources inside democratic alternative, the party leader was warned against speaking before the government announced its policy. There was a concern that the government did not have one and would be slap dash, opting to agitate and race bait if it proved prudent. However, Fratoianni was keen to pre-empt the Tribunes, by taking a harder stance before they did.

One source described a “stubborn belief that the refugee issue could be an opening for the party to reclaim lost ground from the Tribunes.” The same source said, numerous party officials argued with the leadership that if we tried out right-wing the Tribunes, we’d be entering very dangerous territory. We can’t beat the Tribunes at their own game without abandoning our liberal conservative ideals. But they wouldn’t listen.”

Democratic Alternative is the legal success to the Etrurian Federalist Party, that dominated Etrurian politics from 1984 until 2016. The EFP’s near collapse followed the outbreak of the Miraviglia Scandal, the loss of the EC referendum, where it led the pro-EC campaign and its landslide defeat to the Tribunes. The party was renamed and fell under the leadership of PIETRO FRATOIANNI, who sought to reform the party toward a more liberal conservative position with a clear agenda. He resigned in 2017 after it was discovered he had bribed several former senators to secure the leadership. His successor was the 33-year old PIETRO FRATOIANNI. He led the party to secure a modest number of seats in the 2018 election but has struggled alongside his party to find adequate space on the right to compete against the Tribunes.

Former President Urbano Onoforio, who led the EFP throughout most of the 2000s, lamented only a few months ago, “the centre-right in this country is in serious trouble. Because the Tribunes effectively consume all the oxygen, there is only one right of centre option for millions and that’s them. DAE cannot go right because it’ll be consumed by the Tribunes and it can’t go left because the Citizen’s sit in the middle. We are perhaps, facing the inevitable demise of moderate and decent conservatism in this country.”

Ever since the 2018 election, the DAE has remained stagnant in polls at around 3.11%, this means if an election was held tomorrow, it would not pass the threshold to gain seats from the PR constituencies and would be decimated in the FPTP seats. This in stark comparison to its erstwhile “establishment” rival, the Social Democratic Party, which has steadily regained ground at the expense of the centrist Citizens.

Chiara Santorini, a former DAE officer told Il Popolo last week, “the party is facing an existential crisis and I think the leadership will try to do something very bold.” We contacted her following Fratoianni’s speech, to which she said, “the crisis gripping the party just got worse. You won’t save the centre right or moderate conservatism by trying to outflank neo-functionalists. Doing so undermines your mission, ethics and ideals.”

Several private donors to the DAE have since tweeted or posted on other sites their intention to end donations. Several key Senators are discussing removing Pietro Fratoianni from the leadership, while others are rumoured to be considering resigning from their seats. Whether they are true or not, indicates that DAE faces a life or death crisis.

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by **Etruria2** » Thu Jun 25, 2020 2:27 am

by **Liecthenbourg** » Thu Jun 25, 2020 4:30 pm

Gaullican Presidential Election 2020: Boulanger denies intention to run.
The FN Senator has denied rumours he is planning a late entry into the presidential race, hinting instead he intends on running 'elsewhere.'

Antoinette Giroud
June 24th, 2020|Verlois, Gaullica

Alfred Boulanger was once called the "most divisive man in Gaullica"
Photo courtesy of Iamnotaracist.com

Verlois, Gaullica

With Patrick Laurent falling in the polls and the Gaullican Conservatives in tatters, many have been expecting an announcement of former Minister of the Interior and leader of the National Front, Alfred Boulanger, to enter the presidential race. Whilst he does not poll as well as other candidates in theoretical match-ups, his presence would provide a destabilising platform for both current alternatives to the Social Democrats: the PRCP and the UCT.

In hypothetical polling, Senator Boulanger enjoyed similar popularity amongst those polled to Senator De Troumpe; if both were running, the polls indicated they'd been neck and neck around 17%, with Barreau remaining a slight lead and Premier Degar-Abdulrashid having a larger margin.

Yet, today, it seems that those who would hope to see the former Interior Minister enter the race are not going to be satisfied. After teasing over the weekend that he would be announcing something on the 24th, Mr Boulanger disappeared from his social media accounts. Pundits and analysts wondered what the man could be planning, speculating a dramatic announcement of his entry into the race. Candidates and campaigns, we assume, began to prepare arsenals of weaponry against the newcomer -- for nought.

Earlier today, Senator Boulanger delivered an announcement to his supporters. He indicated a policy of seeking to change the system at the local level, prioritising his party's efforts in the state of Assonaire. Much of his campaign orients on the looming issue of the Tsabaran crisis and its humanitarian ramifications. The leader of the Front National espoused his interest in keeping the government's "disastrous plans for a horrific scenario" in check, highlighting that the worst affected region in Gaullica from such a crisis would be in Assonaire.

Boulanger would go on to say that "we intend on showing all of Gaullica the problems and concerns of a silent majority in many of its states, best exemplified by Assonaire. It is easy to plot plans that seem good and ethical on paper, but do not take into consideration the desires, wants and mandates of the people of a region. Of course, in the campaign, many of the leading candidates are promising to resettle refugees in temporary shelters if necessary: and it will be the people of Assonaire on whom this burden will fall. I intend on focusing the efforts of myself and my party on campaigning on these issues, and our goals in this state are expansive. I suppose, I am, finally putting to bed the rumours that I am running for president. I am not running for President in 2020."

The announcement, despite being fairly illuminating, has raised further questions. The statement made that speaks of orienting his party to the state of Assonaire could imply the intention is to become the largest party at the state level, but others are also speculating Boulanger intends on running for the mayorship of either Côte Serene or Monroial.

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by **Imagua and the Assimas** » Fri Jun 26, 2020 10:44 pm

MOTION TO TIGHTEN BANKING REGULATIONS FAILS FIRST READING
DLP, Nationals vote against the measure, MNI and Greens vote in favour of the measure

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TYRA HOWARD (@TyraHoward)
26 June, 2020 16:30 IST | CUANSTAD, CITY OF

Dalmazio Pasquarello at the National Assembly

Today, leader of the Movement for a New Imagua, Dalmazio Pasquarello tabled a bill which would have significantly tightened regulations on Imaguan banks and credit unions, saying that "the people have had enough with empty promises and hollow rhetoric! The people want to ensure that our banks can be held accountable for their actions, so we can have a more ethical banking industry!"

This bill would have required Imaguan banks to no longer practice the tight levels of financial secrecy that they have so traditionally practiced, and would require them to cooperate with foreign efforts to ensure money embezzled by corrupt officials returns to the countries where the money originated from, and with demands from police forces to ensure that money stored in Imaguan bank accounts can be paid out to the victims of criminals who possess such accounts.

However, this motion was soundly defeated at the first reading, with the Democratic Labour and Nationals all voting against the measure, while the Greens and Movement for a New Imagua voted in favour of the measure. Thus, when the results were revealed, 18 voted in favour of the motion, 47 voted against the motion, and four legislators were absent.

Prime Minister Douglas Egnell defended the decision today, saying that "the policy of this government is to ensure that we will negotiate with them to ensure that they comply with these demands. Only if all negotiations fail can we consider such measures proposed by my colleague from Ineweyu-Guardia," saying that these measures "can hurt Imagua's economy for little to no gain."

Acting National leader Ed Tagawa issued a brief statement on his Facebook account, saying that "the people today have voted to reject regulations which will destroy our economy. To allow such a bill to pass would only be cutting off our noses to spite our faces!"

Meanwhile, Pasquarello expressed disappointment, saying at a press conference that "this decision by the oligarchic elites to deny even the smallest regulations on our country's banks should be a red flag. They say that they care for us, when in fact, they care more for their corporate cronies than for the Imaguan people!"

As well, Green leader Mystelle Stone said that "we supported Pasquarello's measure because banking transparency is a critical way to shine a spotlight on the climate criminals, and expose how much profit they are stashing away as opposed to investing in new greener energies for all of us."

As of press time, the Bank of the Orient has declined to comment.

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Tue Jun 30, 2020 5:45 pm

To some, Barreau is a feminist and LGBT icon but can she mobilise young LGBT+ people into supporting her candidacy?
With a narrowed race, the overlap for appeals to demographics finds a new battleground: the young voter.

Antoinette Giroud
July 1st, 2020|Verlois, Gaullica

The Pride Parade in Verlois last September was attended by countless, including Senator Barreau.
Photo courtesy of Iamnotahomophobe.com

Verlois, Gaullica

At his victory in September of 2008, Jean Vallette lambasted that he was carried to the presidency by three distinct groups: the workers, the women and the young. To the latter, he called upon them as the "legions of economic and social justice" and heralded that they would decide "every election from here until the end of time." With that President the current oldest elected head of state Gaullica has ever had it was something of a paradox to see the "young president" being a man in his mid 70s.

Twelve years later and the ideals that the youngest voters have it in them to make or break a campaign has come full circle. In a campaign rally for Monique Degar-Abdulrashid, President Vallette echoed those words from 2008. Yet the Social Democrats are not the only ones looking to keep, or even make, a sizeable appeal to the youngest demographics of voters.

When she was forcibly outed and fired, Senator Barreau became a household name who many viewed as mistreated. A snap poll at the time of her firing found her to be the most popular of all ministers in the Devereaux government; noted as "sensible", "sharp" and "good at her job." She became an icon for the LGBT+ community, appearing as a guest speaker in Caldia and even at numerous Pride Parades across Gaullica because of what had happened to her. A year later however and it seems that things have changed in an unfortunate way for the Senator.

The largest LGBT+ Rights Group in Gaullica, the AGL, recently published an article citing that they respected Barreau and the difficulties she has faced because of her sex. However, the article goes on to deconstruct her arguments as a champion for the often-overlooked groups in Gaullica. AGL, for instance, highlights that in their opinion that Senator Barreau has done remarkably little to advanced the rights of the LGBT+ community and notably voted against a bill that would provide better access to mental healthcare for young people ostracised by their families for their sexual orientation. They also accused the Senator of being transphobic, and ended their work with a scorching rebuttal of her seemingly interventionist policies: "you may be LGBT, but that does not entitle you to the votes of those who are: our beliefs are not uniform and they are certainly not yours."

For Barreau's campaign this article is indicative of a larger problem. Ultimately she may be personally popular, especially for the way in which she was treated (which certainly has garnered well-deserved sympathy), but many of her policies are not. The public perceive her to be the most war-hawkish of all candidates, a deeply unpopular stance even with the looming threat of of the Tsbaran crisis. Furthermore, her own stances on trans rights and her staunch disagreement with Premier Abdulrashid over housing refugees have alienated much of the LGBT community. The community is often regarded to be the one of the most inclusive and diverse groups in society.

In retaliation to the AGL article Senator Barreau issued an apology on the failures of her earlier career to advance the rights of the LGBT+ community. She said that her indecisiveness and "confusion" over her sexuality "hampered progress, not only for myself and my lifestyle, but for countless people across the nation." She would then add that she "never once stated or believed that she was entitled to the LGBT+ vote" and argued she was "working tirelessly to gain all of her votes." Her own response ended with a sombre "I apologise for my actions; I did not do them out of malice for one of the people I was hurting was myself. I have changed now."

Polling shows that Barreau has strongest support in women over the age of forty, who are also much more likely to hold the views that are held by Barreau in regards to transsexuals. Barreau, a self-declared feminist, has often highlighted that much of the difficulty in being a woman stems from the experiences one garners as one and that being a woman is more than the sum of biological parts, but these experiences. These words are the basis for the AGL's accusation she is transphobic, but her commentary has been defended by actors, celebrities, some women's rights groups and even -- to an extent -- Premier Abdulrashid. The Premier did indeed agree that being a woman was more than "a sum of biological parts."

If the youth do decide this election, at the moment it seems their favoured candidate is the current Premier; but Barreau's popularity has been rising (though some can argue it could only go up) as she recently breached the mid 20% of support from the 18-29 year old age bracket, up five points from late May. The goal may not even be to win the majority of the votes, but merely to dent an otherwise "safe" demographic for the Social Democratic Party.

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by **The Southern Mountains** » Wed Jul 01, 2020 8:42 am

My Last.fm · by **West Kirkon** » Thu Jul 02, 2020 8:33 pm

Mariya Nazarivna - 2 July 2020

Home · Vinalia · Asteria · International · Politics · Finance · Sports · Entertainment · Health · Travel · Weather · Opinion

New Creek Formation: Vinalia’s Dinosaur Hot Spot

New Creek Formation

Nexina -

In the small town of Nexina of some 800 people in the Juyu Ruwach mountains, the sounds of a helicopter can be heard. Nexina is one of the few places in Vinalia where travel by helicopter is common sight, but the helicopters aren't meant for the town. A couple kilometers to the east lies a camp, a couple tents and a couple trailers in the small camp. To the side four poles fly the flag of Vinalia, and the flag of the University of Orlavo, alongside the flag of Eldmark and the flag of the University of Grönsund. This joint Orlavo-Grönsund Expedition or OGE is entering it’s 5th summer of operation. Their objective? Find dinosaur fossils.

Nexica is closely located to the New Creek Formation, named in relation to the Kusa Creek Formation or Old Creek Formation. A couple kilometers further north, Kusa was discovered by Anel Kusa a geologist from the University of Vevetsia in 1949, Kusa initially studied the formation for whether it could possibly aid in Oil exploitation in the region but the discovery of fossils changed the history of the region. The discovery of Triceratops fossils sparked vast interest in the region and soon institutions began to fund expeditions to the Kusa Creek. New Creek was discovered much later in 1999, by Paleontologists from the University of Catherinsk. About two kilometers down from our OGE camp we find the University of Catherinsk camp.

New Creek raised interest in 2005 when a 90% complete Triceratops Skeleton was unearthed by Orlavo University paleontology student and now professor of the Faculty of Paleontology Radko Lyobenov. The giant skeleton required contact with the Vinalian Armed forces to transport, utilizing 1 helicopter over two days to transport the nicknamed “Radko Jr.” to a town with road access. Radko Jr. is now on display in the Orlavo Museum of Natural History.

We also met Professor of Paleontology Ville Ekström, from the University of Grönsund, he came to New Creek in the summer of 2013 with Radko in what he called his summer vacation, there he discovered an 80% complete Struthiomimus skeleton which he named “Ville Jr.”. Ville Jr. is on display at the National Museum of Eldmark, in Hammarvik. Not too bad of a vacation stated Ville. Ville secured funding from his University and returned in 2015 alongside 4 other paleontologists to work alongside Radko. Today a little over 20 researchers joined Ville in his trip to New Creek.

But what they’re looking to discover this time is the reason they’re all so eagerly searching for, the King Lizard itself Tyrannosaurus Rex. At the Catherinsk camp Petar Lyobomirov, the president of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Catherinsk University, guided us through the camp. Making sure to showcase what they were all looking for, fossils of the King Lizard. In 2009 Petar arrived at New Creek, and discovered a complete skull of the creature; international attention came when he did it again in 2011. Petar attributes such luck to his little Vinalian Heard Dog “Tommy” which he had rescued in 2009 from a shelter before he travelled to New Creek, Tommy had puppies in 2011 all while they were in New Creek. He is my amulet said Petar, petting the dog. Both skulls are now on display at the Catherinsk Museum of History.

As the sun began to set we took our leave to Nexica, where the entry to the town is called “Dinosaur Avenue”, and it’s heliport operator “Dinosaur Helicopters”, which offers single day travel to one of the 2 campsites at Z500 where you can receive a tour for about Z50. Operations will start wrapping up by September as autumn begins to set in at the region, and Paleontology professors will return to their faculties to showcase what they discovered in New Creek, and with what I have received in my email earlier today I can confirm that Radko and Ville will have a great time unearthing and showcasing their own T-Rex skeleton once classes begin for students.

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by **Eskaeba** » Fri Jul 03, 2020 9:28 am

by **Nuvania** » Fri Jul 03, 2020 11:48 pm

Opinion: Dirty Money And Dirty Politics in Paradise

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Martin Steyn (@Martin Steyn)
27 June (6:00pm)|PIETERSBURG

OPINION: Yesterday's defeat of a bill to tighten banking regulations in Imagua and the Assimas did not come as a surprise to many who have been keeping track of Imaguan politics. But as increasing scrutiny comes onto Imaguan banks and banking practices, and the emergence of a significant web of misdeeds and corruption by certain banks, people are wondering why such institutions remain virtually untouchable by Imaguan politicians.

In order to understand why things are as they are, we need to examine how they got there.

Throughout most of its history, Imagua and the Assimas were largely agrarian colonies supplying reasonably cheap cash crops to their Euclean colonial masters. Imagua sold sugar, rum, tobacco, and fruit to Estmere, the Assimas sold the same crops to Etruria. Bankrolling these businesses were a number of banks, the largest being the Bank of Arucia, the Bank of the Orient, and prior to 1967, the Mercantile Bank of Imagua, which primarily financed the intermediaries. In the Assimas, the Banco Coloniale was the sole bank of the Apostles, the Etrurian islands in the Arucian. After the Assimas was absorbed into the Estmerish colony in 1947, the assets of the bank in the Assimas were taken over by the Estmerish colonial authorities and transferred to the new independent Imaguan government in 1948.

Throughout the 1950's and into the early 1960's, the Imaguan economy expanded significantly owing to the post-Solarian War economic boom. The banking sector expanded with the economy, albeit at a slower rate than other economic sectors. Financiers became frustrated at the lack of willingness of the Democratic Labour government under Marguerite Ernman to liberalise the banking and financial sectors to allow them to expand at the same rate as other economic sectors. This frustration lead to the two major banks in Imagua to start funding the Conservative Party in preparation for the 1956 general election.

The Conservatives at the time of the 1956 general election were lead by Martin Ellingham, who spent his time prior to his entry into politics working as a bank teller with the Bank of the Orient. To the banks, his proposals for economic liberalisation, especially that of the banking sector, and his banking experience made him the prime candidate. Imagua retained colonial era laws regarding party finances, meaning that donations over a certain amount had to be declared. In order to get around this, the banks employed the same loopholes as those that existed in Estmere itself at the time. As the colonial elite in Imagua often dined in exclusive dinner clubs, the banks found ready and willing facilitators of their substantial electoral funds.

Ellingham and the Conservatives won the 1956 general election, and with it came a raft of economic liberalisation that gave banks significantly more freedom over loans and bonds, which were issued more freely. Furthermore, investment regulations were liberalised so more money could flow into the Imaguan economy, and corporate taxes were abolished. Imaguan banks exploded in growth, and branched out across the region. By the end of the decade, Imaguan banks were present in every single country in the Arucian, and had expanded further afield into countries like Halland. The Bank of the Orient and Bank of Arucia became not only the largest financial institutions in Imagua, but enjoyed what was seen as roaring economic success.

The defeat of the Conservatives in the 1960 general election did not bring about the end of the expansion of Imaguan banks. Efrem Lacovara, the Democratic Labour leader since 1956, maintained the economic liberalisation that allowed the banks to flourish, and as a result the banks financed his reelection campaign in 1964, despite increasing evidence that all was not well economically. Lacovara won the general election in April, and the price of sugar crashed. Lacovara scrambled to save the Imaguan economy, including preventing the complete collapse of the Mercantile Bank, which unlike either Bank of Arucia or Bank of the Orient, did not expand significantly outside of Imagua. As it had provided significant numbers of loans to businesses in the sugar industry, the loan recall that occurred in December 1964 preempted a massive surge in mortgagee sales for plantations and other associated businesses. Over the course of a year, Imagua's two largest banks came to own nearly 45% of all agricultural land in the country. Crucially though the landed gentry that once owned the land were not forced off it, but rather moved into the financial sector, becoming absentee land owners while their finances were rebuilt in the fast-growing investment banking sector. One of the firms that emerged out of these events was Baigent Powell, the firm that earned the reputation as the "Shark of Imagua".

Baigent Powell would become one of the more influential investment banks in Imagua owing to the fact that it had been secretly established by both Bank of Arucia and Bank of the Orient through their joint ownership of Baigent Powell's owner, Allinghi Holdings Incorporated. Allinghi was nothing more than a shell company, where the main banks could funnel both corporate monies and customer funds into to keep them out of the auspices of Imaguan tax authorities, themselves severely lacking the regulatory power owing to the financial liberalisation undertaken by the Ellingham government in the 1950's. Because significant amounts of money were now flowing into the shell company, Baigent Powell now had the means and the funding to conduct whatever business it so decided.

Their first victim was the Mercantile Bank whose financial situation hadn't improved since the beginning of the Sugar Crash. By 1967 it was in possession of around 24% of all Imaguan sugar plantations but was losing around €12 million a year. With the new Flemming government unwilling and unable to bail out the Mercantile Bank, it filed for bankruptcy on November 17, 1967. Baigent Powell purchased what remained of the bank for €100,000 and divided its assets up. Now in possession of the same sugar industry properties that Mercantile Bank had, Baigent Powell sold all of them in January 1969 to a newly formed company, Imaguan Sugar Limited, itself owned by Allinghi Holdings. The properties began to make a profit, which further increased income for the banks that owned Allinghi Holdings.

The election of Querano Piro in 1972 did little to stem the influence of the Imaguan banks on the country. By now the policy of "hedging", donating significant amounts of money to both main political parties, had become standard practice by the main banks, the funding for the campaigns themselves funneled through Allinghi Holdings. Piro instituted a number of nationalist and protectionist policies which benefitted the banks immensely. The incease in agricultural subsidies meant that the government was paying several million a year to Imaguan Sugar Limited, the profits going to Allinghi Holdings before being split by the banks. Increased penalities for drug trafficking and possession saw the creation of Consolidated Shipping Limited in 1973, the vessels owned by the company were frequently used in illicit narcotics trafficking. The proceeds were also split by the organised criminal rings and the banks.

Piro's reelection campaign in 1976 was heavily financed and backed by Imagua's banking sector and with his reelection came a new wave of liberalisations and deregulation. The Bank of the Assimas, government-owned since 1948, was sold in September 1977 to Baigent Powell. As the economy worsened, Baigent Powell and the banks grew. Successive waves of privatisations by Piro between 1976 and 1980, and then by the Egnell government between 1980 and 1984 saw both main banks controlling almost 40% of Imaguan economic activity. Baigent Powell owned not only the national airline, it also owned the railways, and had significant stakes in broadcasting and the Imaguan Maritime Service. With the economy recovering in the 1980's, so did the economic fortunes of the banks and their investments.

By the mid-1980's it was time for the banks to flex their muscles, and in 1986 they helped install convicted drug trafficker, and one of the leading partners in Consolidated Shipping Limited, Arturo Davino, into the Senate. The scandal, which shook the Privitera government significantly, demonstrated the ability of the banks to even install politicians into the halls of power almost directly. This was proven once again when they virtually shoulder tapped Isaac Egnell to become leader of the Conservatives, as he was viewed as weak and malleable to their interests. Among the small amount of legislation that passed during Egnell's time in power included privacy laws strengthening the protections of customers using Imaguan banks, and liberalising campaign donation laws. Despite spending a combined €15 million on donations in the 1995 general election, Egnell was defeated.

The first challenge to the banks' supremacy came in June 1997 when the current affairs television show Dispatch revealed the kinds of dealings that Imagua's largest banks were enaging in outside of the knowledge of Imaguan tax authorities, but with full knowledge of certain Imaguan politicians. Broken down into four parts, the dealings emerged over the course of one month and promoted massive public backlash against the Bank of Arucia and the Bank of the Orient. This was followed up by an 18 month investigation which concluded in January 1999. The Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) of the Imaguan Revenue Service (IRS) laid charges against 34 staff members and executives, primarily from Baigent Powell as well as some from the banks, on charges ranging from money laundering to obstruction of justice. However, the case was dropped after only two weeks into the trial, the judge citing a lack of sufficient evidence to continue to the trial. Four days after the trial was dropped, Baigent Powell was shut down, and Allinghi Holdings was removed from Imagua's registry of businesses.

Despite public perceptions that the banks had come to an agreement and removed the corrupt influences from their businesses, the reality was that the banks had simply become better at hiding the illicit activities, or at the very least, facilitating said illicit activities. This was revealed when paperwork for a company named Phoenix Incorporated was filed in August 2003. However, Phoenix Incorporated lasted all of two years before another investigation into it was conducted by the FCU. Not only was it revealed to be a shell company, as the address was found to be a derelict soccer field just outside of Cuanstad, but it was directly tied to Bank of the Orient chief financial officer Philip Morrison and chief investment officer Eric Cable. Both were convicted of money laundering and sentenced to 25 years imprisonment on September 7, 2007.

The recent investigations into the Bank of the Orient launched by Nuxica in April this year and Nuvania the following month for alleged illicit activities have highlighted the privileged position in which Imaguan banks conduct business, and how difficult banking reform is. Because banks have continued the hedging policy of providing massive amounts of funding for the mainstream parties, any attempts at regulating the banking sector in Imagua have been crushed by politicians unwilling to lose out on their power and the support from the banking sector. Incumbent Prime Minister Dennis Engell, grandson of former Prime Minister Isaac Egnell, announced restrictions on banks not long after the Nuvanian headquarters of the Bank of the Orient was raided by the Financial Crimes Office (FCO). These came to nothing, the public and the press forgetting these ever happened and moved on, and ultimately the regulations failed to gain traction in Parliament.

Any banking reform that could be tabled to the Imaguan Parliament would have to face the first hurdle of both the Liberals and the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) shooting any proposal down before it could gain any traction, as both parties are heavily funded by the banking sector. If somehow that managed to happen, the next would be a significant public relations campaign from the banks themselves, which would undoubtedly influence public opinion, and ultimately hamper the chances of any incumbents of being reelected. Beyond that, there's all likelihood of legal challenges or other pressure the banks could exert on the government. Few people in the Imaguan Parliament would have the fortitude to take on such a massive challenge.

However, while domestic pressure might be difficult to exact on a sector that is as dominating as it is politically, outside pressures may make the banks more malleable to regulation changes. While direct pressure on the Imaguan government is out of the question, expanding regulations and strictly enforcing existing legislation could send a direct signal to the banks that their practices will not be tolerated, and that in order to do business, they must play ball with foreign governments. If more governments put pressure on the banks and their operations within their own countries, the flow on effects could embolden Imaguan politicians to be successful in reigning in their banks.

Imagua's banking sector may still reign supreme in the island nation, but with consistent pressure on the banks to change their ways, the time of rule by bank will come to an end.

Martin Steyn is part of the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Pietersburg who specialises in Arucian politics.

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 5:44 pm

Presidium presents General Congress with bill to increase scope of mandatory conscription.
Defence Minister Stanislav Yaroshenko, one of the members of the Presidium, proposed the bill to best "prepare the nation" for "renewed hostilities."

Ihor Loboda (@LobodaIhor)
6th July, 2020 | Misto Myru, Chistovodia

Yaroshenko defended the bill from criticism, citing the "devastation in Marirana", "threats against Maracao" and "contention over New Kyrlav" as key shifts in Asterian diplomatic normality.
Photo courtesy of that twat running against Ed Markey irl.

MISTO MYRU, CHISTOVODIA

Defence Minister Yaroshenko presented the General Congress today with a bill that seeks to increase the length of time of the mandatory military conscription at 18 from a year to eighteen months. The Workers' State currently operates mandatory military conscription for a year when an individual turns 18, and the increase in time is expected to increase the number of conscripted individuals at any one time from approximately 700,000 to 1,200,000. The bill also opens up the programme outside of the territorial army and now extends conscription to the navy, elements of the airforce, and Chistovodia's army medical personnel.

Aside from this, numerous further provisions were attached to the bill. At the request of President Martynenko, a war veteran himself, the bill now contains a provision for leaving the programme after the original 12 months as planned in exchange for signing a contract with the government, stating intention to serve in the event of a war or if called upon. In compensation for such an act, these "contractors", are expected to receive priority in numerous elements of Chistovodia's public programmes: including loans, housing, gun ownership and even adoption. If one were to remain for the extra six months, they are not obligated to sign the contract.

Despite its popularity amongst much of the General Congress, the public has had a mixed reaction to the announcement of the bill. A protest against even the consideration of the bill saw 300,000 people descend on Misto Myru over the previous weekend. Countless called for it to be rejected on the basis for "weaponising socialism." In defence against these criticisms, Yaroshenko replied that "socialism requires weaponisation; without it we fall to capitalist class." Building on this point, he cited the "devastation in Marirana" as a prime example of the necessity to train the future generations in "combat, discipline and internationalism."

One notable opponent of the bill in its current form is Premier Cuvillier. She has argued that "mandatory conscription is not a policy that should be extended" in regards to the Workers' State. "At the very least," she would add, "it needs to be a conscription that includes elements outside of the armed forces. Including elements of trade work, civil service and non-combat roles would be a step in a better direction. Furthermore, the citizens of Chistovodia should be free to enjoy the youth that was fought for them to enjoy: the still formative years of the late teens are prime for socialisation of a different form, and the extension of conscription throws a spanner into the life plans of many of our youngest."

However, even though she is opposed to the bill, she has not rejected the conscription bill in its entirety. She herself expressed her "enjoyment" with her own year of service, though understood it was "not for everyone." When asked to give her simplest thoughts on it; she said it was a "net positive" for the nation.

The General Congress has tabled a vote on the bill by next Friday, but already there have been reports of planned protests and demonstrations against the bill. This weekend alone is expected to see over thirty concurrent protests across almost all cities in the nation.

President Martynenko has stressed the "difficulty" in the decision facing the Congress in the near future. In a sentence, he surmised the conditions the nation is facing: "at home, there is peace, but around the world there is not."

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by **Etruria2** » Tue Jul 07, 2020 2:49 pm

by **Liecthenbourg** » Wed Jul 08, 2020 3:01 pm

Camille Chamoun - 16 Tammuz AM 5780 / Chaharshanbeh: 18. Tir 1399 / 8 July 2020

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

Government scores key victories in a string campaign across Bedjene.

Forces from the Tsabaran 3rd Army found themselves pushing Al-Isbah out of Qaa,
beginning a week long advance that has seen the terrorist group pushed from much of the province.

Adunis, Tsabara - As the world watches the Tsabaran Crisis unfold, with daily records of humans fleeing by the Aurean Straits being broken every day, the government has announced a major success in their campaigns against Al-Isbah and Sheik Salah in the hotly contested province of Bedjene.

Qaa, the largest city in Bedjene, has been the forefront of the fighting between both groups since January of this year. Its integral position as a centre of infrastructure, oil and water have made much of the city be fought over for the past six months. Earlier this year, the government was successful in preventing Al-Isbah from taking over the city in its entirety. The fighting became bogged down, with reporters describing the intensity and severity of the fighting over boroughs, streets and housing estates as "wars in and of themselves".

Fighting over Bedjene was deeply influenced by external factors. The availability of the Estmerish pilots assisting in the Tsabaran Airforce's activities over the area guaranteed government air dominance over the region. These were integral in destroying secessionist artillery and missile batteries that were firing on cities that had lost their power in late May and early June.

With oversight from interim-President Nazim al'Qutayni, the Tsabaran Federal Army with the support of numerous of the regional national guards, has been successful in pushing Al-Isbah out of the city of Qaa. A week long campaign involving incredible resources and tactical planning brought about much of the city falling in numerous concurrent offensives, with the government managing to secure key pieces of infrastructure early into the fighting. With these installations of electricity, gas and water under their control much of the city was starved of these resources to support the government's advance.

The successes in Qaa is reflective for the government's successes in the region of Bedjene as a whole. By June, the government controlled roughly 43% of the province, but by today this number has risen to 68%. Within their control are the two largest cities and much of the undamaged infrastructure. The Tsabaran 3rd Army, under the command of General Javed, saw itself capture over 23,000 insurgents and claimed to have killed over 40,000 and wound over 50,000. General Javed told the Fédéraliste that he was "proud and inspired" by the determination of his troops, highlighting the "manifestation of the cosocial state" within them. "In the 3rd? There are all colours, creeds, men and women -- and they fight as one to defend the nation. How people can seek to break this apart, how can you claim to want to live in this nation -- to save it -- and to fight against us?"

In a televised address today, interim-President al'Qutayni praised the "discipline and valour" of the soldiers fighting for the "future of the nation". He assured the population of regions of the intention to have Bedjene repaired and restored, fit for habitability by this time again next year. He stressed further the "futility of fleeing across the Aurean straits". In conjunction with statements from numerous Euclean heads of state, al'Qutayni emphasised the "dangers of travelling the busiest waterways in the world." In an odd show of direct reference to the ongoing internal and external migration, he said that: "I cannot imagine the suffering our people are going through, but I can do all in my power to alleviate it. Unfortunately there are those in this country who are preying on the week and using the chaos as their own opportunities to bring about suffering, such as the resurgence of the Tsabaran Section of the Workers' International. Yet I assure all people that have fled their homes, there are numerous facilities along the coast prepared for you. These facilities have all amenities necessary for living. Please, I beg of you, use these -- do not take your family across more danger, unnecessary danger, in crossing the straits."

In relation to the success of the campaign, the National Unity Government has expressed their "hope for a quick resolution for the conflict". When asked about the TSWI and numerous ethnic insurgencies also fighting against Sheik Salah in the south and north of the country, a government spokesperson in Adunis said: "their 'fighting' does nothing more than further fracture the nation. We are in constant negotiations with these to remind them that by dividing us, they are playing into the hands of the Sheik and the terrorists. If we are to see more successes like this, and stem the suffering of our people, they must rally behind us."

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atuditemilsperger · 1 hour ago
Where are the advanced recon drones and power armour that Tsabara has?

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BoeJiden · 1 hour ago
I can't remember a better military campaign.

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Storm Thurmond · 1 hour ago
Fellas, is it gwirky to be qay or qay to be gwirky?

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My Last.fm · by **West Kirkon** » Sat Jul 11, 2020 11:58 pm

Mariya Nazarivna - 12 July 2020

Home · Vinalia · Asteria · International · Politics · Finance · Sports · Entertainment · Health · Travel · Weather · Opinion

Vinalians Celebrate 33 years of peace

Vinalinsk War Memorial

Vinalinsk -

This Sunday Vinalians took the streets to celebrate Peace Day, a day dedicated to celebrating Peace in Vinalia, along with those that fell victims in the 54 year period of conflict known as the Vinalian Struggle, it’s celebrated for the Treaty of Vina which ended the 12 Day War in 1987. Around 475,000 are estimated to have died in the conflict including some 85,000 civilians, among them 55,000 in the Vinakian Genocide. This year had special significance as the Minister-President inaugurated the Vinalinsk War Memorial, where the remains of 40 unidentified soldiers and civilians can be found, these remains were discovered during the construction of a house. It was determined that a mass grave dating to the First Vinalian Civil War had been found, according to researchers the grave contained the remains of Northern, Southern soldiers and civilians.

The day is mostly known worldwide for it’s 1 minute of silence celebrated countrywide in honor of those fallen during the conflict, where all vehicles are stopped to observe the occasion, the minute is observed at 12:07. Other events are marked by placing images of loved ones lost during the wars outside doors and windows, government buildings this year displayed images from the National Identification for the Missing, which seeks to discover the fates of over 20,000 missing soldiers and civilians alike. It was reported some 15,000 headed for the Monument to the Vinakian Genocide to pay their respects, many bearing the names of 8,000 Vinakians still missing

The doors to the 7 Museums of Peace located in Catherinsk, Chervona, Nazica, Norelinsk, Orlavo, Velkarichka, and Vinalinsk are open to the public free of charge for the entirety of the month, along with the National Registry of Battlefields, which reported large gathering around Mollas, Norelinsk, Voly Na, and Nazica as hundreds paid their respects to fallen soldiers from both sides.

The day is a solemn occasion but many Vinalians take the opportunity to travel in the holiday especially this year as the holiday was moved to the 13th, allowing Vinalians a 3 day long weekend. But many do not worry as they can look forward to another 3 day weekend as Vinalians celebrate Reunification day on the 25th of July, and the official confirmation of Vinalinsk as the new capital of the nation. Police alongside military personnel are expected to descend on the city in the coming days to prepare its security for the historical event.

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by **Lemovicia** » Mon Jul 13, 2020 11:50 am

LEMAVIA TO ANNOUNCE EXPANSION INTO MORE SAMORSPI DESTINATIONS
Lemavia will take advantage of Samorspi's single aviation market, will make Samistopol a secondary hub

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ZIRO ZABALEGUIA (@ZiroZaba)
13 JULY, 2020 05:50 CET | TOPAGUNEA, SOUTH BIDEGURUTZEAN

Managing Director Urban Olszanski at today's press conference

As Narozalicans celebrate their 159th Republic Day, Managing Director Urban Olszanski has announced that "with Lemovicia's accession into the Samistopol Cooperation Organization, and all of her associated institutions," Lemavia will be increasing flights to Samistopol destinations.

"The single aviation market of the Samistopol Cooperation Organization will enable Lemavia to operate more flights to and from the rest of its member states, given that flights between Samorspi members can go directly from one point to another, as opposed to having them fly to Sechia before flying to their destination," Olszanski said. "To this end, we are announcing that over the next five years, we will be expanding our operations in Samorspi states, and will begin flying routes directly between Samorspi states, without having to go through Sechia."

"To facilitate these new changes, Lemavia intends to designate Samistopol International Airport as a secondary hub for these operations, which will ensure that for those connecting onto our trans-continental flights, they will be able to seamlessly transfer from one of these new flights from across Samorspi unto our trans-continental flights, which will save time and money," Olszanski said. "We hope that this venture will help Lemavia grow and prosper over the coming years, and that we will become the airline of choice for budget-minded travellers wishing to experience all the joys that Samorspi has to offer."

When asked if Lemavia has any destinations decided for their expansion into Samorspi, Olszanski said "we are in the process of negotiating with various airports across Samorspi about servicing them, and we hope to begin flights to these destinations as soon as possible. That said, nothing is concrete as of yet."

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by **Nuvania** » Tue Jul 14, 2020 10:32 pm

Sharp Rise In Reported Dengue Fever Cases in Etten

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Mary Stewart (@MaryStewart)
15 July (1:30pm)|NIEKERK

Mosquitoes are the carriers of dengue fever.

Officials within the Etten Provincial Health Board (EPHB) have said that a sharp rise in cases of dengue fever within the province could be evidence of a new outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus.

The province has recorded 167 cases of dengue fever within the last week, with 164 cases recorded within the last 24 hours. Windstrand has the most cases, with 127. Ettensburg has 32 cases, and Vryburg eight cases. Two people are in hospital for treatment for cases with the disease, both of whom are receiving treatment at Windstrand General Hospital.

On average Nuvania sees just under 19,000 recorded cases of dengue fever per year and 53 deaths, although in remote areas and impoverished areas have little testing done, so the recorded cases and deaths are likely much higher. In 2019, approximately 24,263 people were recorded as being infected with the virus. Typically the country sees 365 dengue fever cases recorded on average every week, with Etten recording 109 cases per week on average, the most of any province. Of the nearly 19,000 infections that are recorded annually, nearly 300 require hospitalisation with severe symptoms.

Doctor Sandra Heyns, the Chief Medical Officer of the EPHB's Infectious Diseases Office, said that the numbers were above normal for any time of the year, and the significant spike in cases was evident that an outbreak could be occurring.
"These cases are substantially higher than what we typically record over a similar period of time," she said. "We are concerned about the increased numbers of cases but we have the capacity to care for patients and plans in place to deal with outbreaks like this." Dr Heyns reiterated the same advice for people in the affected cities that was used for all mosquito-borne diseases: put on plenty of insect repellant, wear long sleeves if possible, empty buckets and other containers filled with water, and avoid bodies of standing water like ponds, lakes, and puddles. She said that these were the primary areas where mosquitoes that could carry the virus could breed.

Heyns reiterated for the public to also be vigilant when the wet season arrives as the increase in rainfall and humidity has a possible correlation with the increase in mosquito numbers. She said that if any potential outbreak was not resolved before then, there could be an "explosion in numbers".
"It's very likely that a scenario like this could happen because of the increased risk to people with the greater numbers of mosquitoes during the season," she said. "So it's paramount that we find the source of the infections and eradicate them before we see the increase in mosquito numbers."

Heyns said that the EPHB was coordinating with local authorities to identify and eradicate potential breeding zones as we as fumigate public parks and private gardens, the latter with the consent of homeowners or landlords. She encouraged homeowners with permanent artificial water bodies like pools and fish ponds, or natural bodies of water on their properties within Ettensburg, Vryburg, and Windstrand to contact their local councils to have them inspected and fumigated if necessary. She said that it was important to reduce the number of areas where mosquitoes could breed, which could reduce numbers and reduce the chances of the virus spreading.
"It's important that everyone does their part in limiting the spread of the virus," she said. "If we follow health board advice, we can slow the spread and mitigate the impacts of it on our communities."

This comes after a small outbreak of Cape fever in Kaap province which saw one death and over 40 people hospitalised earlier in the year.

Dengue fever outbreaks are nothing new to Nuvania, and provinces across the country have outbreak plans in place, as well as stockpiles of vaccines, to respond to outbreaks. Previously an outbreak in Etten and Kaap 2015 saw total cases spike to over 27,000, with 172 deaths. An outbreak in coastal Brabantia in 2005 saw 32,000 cases recorded in one month, and over 500 deaths.

Unlike Cape fever, dengue fever is more widespread across the tropics and subtropics of the world, principally in the Asterias in Coius, and like Cape fever and malaria, it is spread through infected mosquitoes. Typical symptoms of the disease include nausea, vomiting, and a rash, the latter being the most common symptom, with confirmation of infection typically confirmed through laboratory testing. Mortality factors include age, body mass, and sex, with children and the eldery the most vulnerable to the virus. Women and those who are overweight are also prone to having higher mortality rates from dengue fever. Vaccinations, in addition to effective treatments would mitigate existing mortality risks, according to Heyns.

Heyns said that there was capacity to increase laboratory testing if cases increased substantially, and said that the EPHB was readying an increased vaccine drive for the coming weeks.
"We're looking to hit the disease fast," she said. "That way we can limit the number of people requiring treatment, as well as hospitalisations and save lives."

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by **Bcharkas** » Wed Jul 15, 2020 5:51 am

by **Liecthenbourg** » Wed Jul 15, 2020 3:18 pm

In controversial new attack ads, De Troumpe goes after Degar-Abuldrashid, Barreau and migration.
The former Foreign Minister launched a barrage of attacks against the two leading candidates as he finds himself slightly in third.

Antoinette Giroud
July 15th, 2020|Verlois, Gaullica

The controversial still from De Troumpe's newest campaign ad read "Where there is one..."
Photo courtesy of Iamnotahomophobe.com

Verlois, Gaullica

With news emerging from Tsabara earlier this week that the government had successfully regained control of much of Bedjene province, the province in which the majority of the fighting has currently taken place, the crisis reemerged into the spotlight of the Gaullican presidential election.

Premier Degar-Abdulrashid praised the government in Adunis for their "successes" in both the military campaign but in securing "homes, schools and essential services" for the Tsabaran people. In a campaign rally in Sartoux, however, she also emphasised that "the crisis was far from over" and explained that in her presidency "Tsabara would not be swept under the rug" and would "remain a paramount issue, like in the current administration."

Gaullica currently has a taskforce in the Aurean Straits, alongside other nations of the Euclean Community and ECDTO, in aiming to deter crossing to and from Emessa. The taskforce is operating in a role that was agreed to be one for the Tsabarans as per an EC/Tsabaran treaty. Yet, given the magnitude of the crisis, it was agreed that ECDTO would patrol the key shipping lanes.

Senator Barreau also praised the conduct of the Tsabaran government, but stressed that she was not incorrect to suggest the military option was always on the table. She said in a recent interview that "of course" she was happy the government was performing well, but added "if it wasn't, my commitment and determination to what I said would be necessary in the presidential role. If the government were the one being ousted from Bedjene -- well, you'd need someone who is committed to the big decisions."

Contrarian to both of these, UCT candidate and former Foreign Minister, Senator Augustin De Troumpe launched an aggressive campaign attack advertisement that focused on the increasing migration across the Aurean, even in the wake of these government victories. The ads criticise the naivety of both his competitors, suggesting that because of this victory that "things will go back to normal."

On 'Late Night with Jacques Pepin' yesterday, Senator De Troumpe claimed that his competitors were "ignoring the real issues." He agreed that a victory for Adunis is a victory for the entire world, he pointedly argued that "the migration isn't stopping. President al'Qutayni is pleading with his people to go to their camps, but this isn't working. The flow is small, but it was smaller a week ago, and will only continue to grow. There's different factions now. Its madness."

The ad focuses one a lone migrant boat, rhetorically posing "Where there is one... will there be more?" before answering with a definitive "Of course." The strong emotive imagery has been criticised by political parties for being offensive and demeaning of the efforts of people to escape from the war. Gaullica's Humanist Society describe the advertisement as evoking sensibilities of an "invasion".

Senator De Troumpe has defended his advertisement, arguing that it is depicting a "truth that Premier Abdulrashid, Senator Barreau and even the current administration is failing to ignore."

"Look at the polls," he said, "taking in too many refugees is not something the Gaullican people want. We can't house the Tsabaran population; we have to help them sort out this mess: and now is a better chance than ever to truly get involved."

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by **Lunas Legion** » Fri Jul 17, 2020 11:46 am

Home · Ajahadya · Coius · International · Politics · Business · Technology and Science · Arts · Education · Health · Sports · Weather

Day 48 of Border Protests: What's Happened So Far?

July 17th, 2020 | By Inder Ajmera

Protestors in the border city of Mardura yesterday prepare to board buses to head to the border to protest.

Despite lasting for almost two months, the protests near the border with Dakata in solidarity with the Mayor of Arslonabad and leader of the Satrian Union political party in Dakata, Sajiv Thakkar, have continued into their 48th day with no action from either federal or Himavantan state authorities on the matter. The protests, which began on May 30th with a rally held in solidarity with another led by Sajiv Thakkar on the other side of the border, comes following a terrorist attack by the Satrian National Front on the 23rd of May and a police surge ordered by the Dakatan federal government in response.

The federal government, on the 1st of June, stated that protests were a 'state matter to deal with' and that the National Border Guard would not interfere with the protests as long as they did not attempt to cross the border into Dakata illegally or otherwise use violence against border guards and customs officials. The Ajahadyan-Dakatan border is one of the most militarised in the world following the Dakatan War from 1977 to 1982 and multiple federal campaigns to end the smuggling of illegal substances from Dakata into Ajahadya.

The state government of Himavanta has, by comparison, stated that the protests 'are not a domestic matter, as they are directed at the federal border, and therefore are not an issue within state jurisdiction'. Neither level of government seems particularly willing to prevent the protests, which have seen protesters peacefully blocking roads towards border crossings and leading marches along the border fences in solidarity with the Himavantans across the border in the so-called 'lost provinces' of Saurashtra and Junagadh against the police surge which protesters believe will lead to martial law following the declarations from numerous northern mayors about intentions to refuse to cooperate with the police forces.

"It's about protecting our countrymen across the border." One protester, who wished to remain anonymous, told me when I visited the protests a few days ago. "Just because lines drawn by imperialists exist on a map doesn't make them any less Himavantan or Satrian than we are."

The federal government has said that it will watch the actions across the Dakatan border with 'great concern', but has refused to say anything concrete about what action it will be taking in response to the situation on the other side of the border.

Inder Ajmera is a local reporter with NavBashurat Times' Himavantan Edition. He has been writing for the paper since 2016, and before then wrote freelance journalism for various local Himavantan newspapers. This is his first article for the national edition of NavBashurat Times

by **Liecthenbourg** » Sat Jul 25, 2020 6:46 am

Camille Chamoun - 4 Av AM 5780 / Shanbeh: 4. Mordad 1399 / 25 July 2020

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

Unity Government and TSWI meet to discuss the fight against Sheik Salah.

Nazim al'Qutayni and Qadir Jabbar met in Adunis today,
aiming to discuss "social reforms and the future of the nation."

Adunis, Tsabara - The government's successful string of victories across Bedjene has restored confidence in its capabilities to battle the storm that currently engulfs the nation.

Before their campaign, many domestic onlookers were fearful for a disintegration of the federal state. A poll we conducted found that al'Qutayni was personally popular amongst much of the west of the country, nearing almost 70%. However, this was also paired with the high belief that he was "the wrong person" to lead Tsabara through this crisis. Almost 60% of those polled viewed him as incapable of leading the nation during this time. Most alarmingly, almost a third of those polled listed a second coup against the Unity Government as a "high likelihood."

Yet with the success in Bedjene, al'Qutayni's domestic fortunes have reversed. His personal popularity amongst a more recent poll has shown him to near the 90s, whilst his handling of the Tsabaran crisis has seen a surge of 30%, as now 70% see him as capable of being the nation's leader. Footage showing the government's swift routing and conquering of forces belonging to Al-Isbah, in addition to a government media campaign in the region focusing on those who have lived under the radical group, has seen a large praise for Qutayni online.

These successes have left the Unity Government in a position of strength in Tsabara's domestic situation. Adunis has re-emerged as the premier force in the nation, especially given the renewed international support that al'Qutayni has received due to the success of his campaign. This strength has led to new negotiations between the Unity Government and the Tsabaran Section of the Workers' International; who have found themselves fighting across Aïn Yagout from their stronghold of the city of Lazrou. Qadir Jabbar, who had recently said that the 'Tsabaran Crisis' is a symptom of the neglect of the workers, also praised the government for their liberation of Bedjene.

The two parties have met in Adunis today in a summit that seeks to "define the future of the nation." There are tensions, however, given that it is known both groups are wanting different things. The TSWI, the last remnant of Tsabara's Communalist Past, seeks to redefine the notion of what it is to be 'Tsabaran' and finds the crisis an excellent time to do so. The Unity Government, however, seeks to restore the "Golden Age" of the Federal era -- the time before President al'Tughluq.

Despite this, the interim-president expressed his "immense pleasure" at the necessity of these talks.

Previously, the government has held that all those who do not fight with the government are against them -- even if they are fighting against Sheik Salah. It is expected that the TSWI will be required to submit its loyalty to the Adunis government, a contentious point amongst its highest ranking members. The TSWI, on the other hand, will seek concessions from the government in relation to workers' rights and the relationship between workers and their businesses, calling it the "bare minimum for their cooperation against the Irfanic secessionists."

The talks are expected to last over the course of the next few days; but their effects have been felt immediately. Oroqic and Suhalan leaders, who are leading their own regionalist movements in the south and north of the country respectively, have asked to be included in talks relating to the future of the nature: which Adunis has expressed its intention will come in due time.

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atuditemilsperger · 1 hour ago
Did you know that Tsabara has ICBMs pointed at Halland?

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I'm not even real on a fake country simulator.

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Inshallah, Caldian investment will see the first Femboy Hooters opened in Yeruham -- mark my words.

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Sat Jul 25, 2020 8:12 am

After a delay in the reading, the 'Conscription Bill' passes despite much protest.
Irrespective of the outcry against the conscription bill, a second reading has led to it passing the General Congress.

Ihor Loboda (@LobodaIhor)
25th July, 2020 | Misto Myru, Chistovodia

Defence Minister Yaroshenko said that the protests were "well-intentioned" but not sufficient to seek to cripple Chistovodia's military capabilities.
Photo courtesy of Taylor Swift.

MISTO MYRU, CHISTOVODIA

The General Congress of Chistovodia has passed Yaroshenko's "Conscription Bill" that increases the time of mandatory military conscription from age 18 from a year to eighteen months. Despite an outcry from the public, particularly the youth who will be affected by the change, the bill passed with a large majority in the General Congress. The increase in time is projected to see the number of conscripted individuals in the military up to 1,200,000 from the current 700,000.

The bill proved to be highly controversial amongst the general public. Claims of the resurgence of imperialism, the weaponisation of socialism and the government's desire to reignite conflicts in Asteria Superior were lobbied against Martynenko's administration. The President replied that the bill was to be read in Congress and it was a matter of the nation's legislature to pass. He did, however, offer his support for its passing. Martynenko echoed Yaroshenko's harsh lamentations from earlier this month: "that the geopolitical situation calls for it." Much of the government's rhetoric on the issue has surrounded the issue of the Mariranan Civil War.

In an attempt to address the criticisms lobbied against them by the public, the government did amend the bill in allowing the conscription to serve in non-combat roles. Whilst the original bill allowed for conscription into the navy, air force and the medical personnel, an amendment from Premier Cuvillier saw that conscripted individuals could also serve in further non-combat roles to achieve necessary skills in engineering and administration occupations.

Of his bill passing today, Yaroshenko praised the Congress for "doing what must be done; irrespective of its unpopularity." He would add that "the skills acquired from conscription, especially now that it is expansive to include non-combat roles, will be integral for the workforce."

The only non-controversial aspect of the bill has come from the attached extra funding to mental health; dealt with to assist the "large influx of personnel". The allocation of funds to better deal with the mental health of all soldiers has been praised; and any potential successes are to become "the model" for the wider mental health services of the population. Since Chistovodia does not discriminate in the application of its soldiery, only requiring the passing of a fitness test in addition to training, it is inclusive towards transwomen and transmen.

Irrespective of the elements of the bill that have been praised; the teachers' union of Chistovodia has planned a general strike to take over the first months of September in protest of the bill as robbing teens of their "adolescence."

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by **Liecthenbourg** » Sat Jul 25, 2020 10:22 am

Monique Degar-Abdulrashid unveils comprehensive "Negative Income Tax" plan.
With a month to go for the first round of voting in the presidential election, the Premier has unveiled a new policy plan.

Antoinette Giroud
July 25th, 2020|Verlois, Gaullica

The Premier announced her plan in a new campaign ad titled "Our Future".
Photo courtesy of Iamnotahomophobe.com

Verlois, Gaullica

With a slight lead ahead of Senators Barreau and De Troumpe, Premier Monique Degar-Abdulrashid has aimed to distance herself from her competitors by unveiling a new plan for a "universal basic income". A progressive policy that has seen adoption from states like Chistovodia and Swetania, it has seen recent adoption in Caldia following the election of the Social Democratic Party there. In December of 2019, the Gaullican government announced it would be researching the proposal as well: as part of a full implementation of a "Fair Green Deal."

Now, the presidential campaign for the Premier has announced a comprehensive plan that would see those under certain monthly incomes be paid by the state, as opposed to have to pay taxes, as part of her policy platform as President. Her plan, orienting itself around a "feasible UBI", would add on to the lack of income tax paid by certain households. The NIT will apply to single adult households who make less than €5,900, two adult households who make less than €11,800, two adults and a child with a family income less than €15,000, two adult and two children households with an income of less than €18,000 and two adult and three children households with an income less than €21,000.

These households would see a baseline of €200 per adult a month, totalling up to a base of €2,400 a year for a single adult. Each child adds to the NIT by giving the household an extra €200 a month. In this scheme the average household of two adults and two children would see an extra €800 a month, or €9,600 a year. These figures are identical to the Caldish plan for UBI, but do not apply for the entirety of the population.

The scheme will be paid for, in the outline of the plan, through the carbon taxes Gaullica has levied on businesses since December of last year -- with its increments taken into account. Furthermore, funds will also be acquired through the recently passed incremental increase in the income and property tax on those earning over €50,000 a year; as well as the diversion of funds from elsewhere.

In explaining her plan, the Premier said that we are "living in an age where there is enough wealth to ensure that everyone is cared for and has the means to have an untouchable source of money that serves as a safety net for them." She would add that "in the developed world, there is no room for poverty." In her announcement she furthered her commitment to this goal of "fighting poverty" by ensuring that the NIT was not to be a "trojan horse" to defund other public schemes and monetary assistance.

However, the Premier has been accused of withholding on a "feasibly achievable scheme" in the hopes of it being delayed would sway voters to her side. Senator Barreau responded to the Premier by asking her why had this plan not been passed yet, and why is its passing conditional on her "ascending to the presidency".

Augustin De Troumpe, meanwhile, questioned her commitment to the working poor by arguing that the "plan gives free money to those who put little effort". He also accused the government of "de-incentivising the need to work" and "rewarding laziness."

The Social Democratic Party has responded to these, arguing that the claims that UBI rewards laziness "is an insult to the people of Gaullica" and "a naive view that ignores the reality of wealth". A spokesperson for the Premier said that "this is not a living wage, but something to ensure all people have a supplanting income that can assist them. Eventually, the goal would be to ensure a larger amount of funds -- but these are the groundworks for a larger UBI plan in the future."

The Premier dismissed the claims the SDs were withholding from passing this legislation as an attempt to "hold" the electorate at ransom. She said that "these plans have been researched for some time, there would be much further necessary planning -- the plan I've presented is the idealised form. There will need to be further refinement and further consulting; it is not ready to pass yet. It has been in our sights since December, when we unveiled the first stages of our 'Fair Green Deal.'"

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