Greater Díenstad News Feed

by **Abetton** » Sun May 08, 2022 1:06 pm

House of Delegates Votes to End Luxury Tax

Stock Photo: Lower Chamber of Parliament

by: Art Chase

SAUVILLE - The House of Delegates, Abetton's lower chamber of parliament, passed the Goods and Service Tax Review Bill proposed by Delegate Arthur Cressida of the House of Cressida, in April and after debate and discussion finally passed with a vote of 220-203 where it will now go to the upper chamber, House of Lords, where it is expected to pass, for final vote and approval before making way to the King whom is expected to sign it. The bill among other things, reviews the taxation of goods and services of the GST bill of 1877, a bill which placed various taxation on many different luxury goods history which today includes things like personal cars, personal electronics, mobile phones, internet services and other matters and in history, electricity, travel and so on. Each taxation has a various range and each price has been adjusted over the years but Sir Cressida proposed an outright repeal of all luxury taxes to bolster Abetton's economy and empower the consumer to be able to buy more items.

"Our Provence, for example" Mr. Cressida said, "Electricity is often still considered a high luxury as are phones, I think this long dated tax code has held Abetton back from emerging as an economic power."

The bill's co-delegate, Ms. Scarlett Mayne, agrees the bill needed a major reworking. "My co-delegate's concern is economic, mine is more historical justice. The bill was really first made as a means to restrict former slaves and segregated classes from obtaining wealth or a workable lifestyle, continuing a cycle of incertitude and often involuntary slavery. It's a good time for us to rexamine the bill."

The hope of abolishing all luxury taxes seemed to stall the bill's progress, with opponents arguing it would shift the burden further into income taxes and result in a gutting of Social programs. Delegate Arthur Loundsberry of Sauville raised the concern. "I feel my co-delegates are thinking from a good place and the bill has promise but I feel repealing the taxes would cause further economic issues that we weren't ready to handle. Thus I proposed a compromise that would bring the rates down significantly thus we don't have to lose all income and don't have to shift a greater burden onto the income taxes"

Further opposition of the bill erred concerns about the effect this would have on society. Outside the House, Lord Rieden of Sudburry, said he would oppose the bill when it comes up to the House of Lords. "This kingdom is built on hard work and studious duty. Last thing we need is more nonsensical outside ideas to further dilute this fine nation of ours." Lady Annabelle Dowager of Lillah, the home domain of Delegate Cressida, also opposes the bill. "Our area of the nation is very agrarian, it's a lot of smaller farms and homesteads and villages across. Some call this dated and old fashioned but I think it's what retains Abetton's class and culture. Besides that, a reduction of abolition of the luxury taxes will mean higher income burdens on the working farmers across the land, expenses they can ill afford."

By contrast, Lord Ignatius of the same Provence disagrees with his fellow Lady, feeling this will only benefit the working peoples of his Lillah. "The bill is proposed by members of our Lordship family of Lillah, it must be a good mill and I agree with many aspects. I feel we can always iron out newer details as they are needed but this is a great start."

by **Agar-Na** » Sun May 08, 2022 1:42 pm

Palace Dispatch

Foreign Minister, Eitoan Undersecretary to Parley in Agar

Prince Harold has assented to talks between The Principality and The Republic of Eitoan with regards to potential membership in the Northwest Mutual Assistance Agreement. In today's letter to Prime Minister Shapira, Prince Harold commented "Based on your presentation to me of the costs, risks, benefits and opportunities of Agarese participation in the NMAA, I therefore approve of you tasking the Foreign Ministry to engage in talks with representatives of The Republic of Eitoan to that end. This note serves as formal endorsement of talks to both the Royal Council and to the Popular Assembly."

Count Abravanel, the Foreign Minister will meet with the Eitoan Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, Marilyn Stegman in Agar. Talks are planned next week at the Ministry's Villa Alba. Mrs. Stegman is expected to return to Vladarsik for presentation of results to Eitoan Foreign Minister Falkowski. Talks will include discussion of lease conditions for Eitoan bases in Agar-Na, and possible transportation infrastructure improvements for The Prinicipality under NMAA membership. Agar-Na has hosted Eitoan bases since Eitoan forces ousted the Ralkovian invasion here in the First Ralkovian War https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=1402875. It has been noticed at the Royal Council, and mentioned in the Popular Assembly that NMAA membership carries a reduced risk now since the recent armistice demilitarizing Regime Ralkovoia following the conclusion of the recent Alliance initiative.

by **Phibeta** » Tue May 17, 2022 5:13 pm

Former Prime Minister Lord Sir Rodger Heston, the Baronet of Pran

One of Phibeta’s most influential and controversial prime ministers, Lord Sir Rodger Heston died today in his manor home in the city of Pran from heart failure at age 82. Today, he is a baronet of Pran, back in the eighties, he was one of the most active Nationalist politicians that deeply impacted Phibetan politics today and was the first and only Nationalist politician to hold the job of Prime Minister.

Born in 1940, during the height of the Phibetan Empire, Rodger Theodore Heston was born to a well-off middle-class family in Flattenshire. His father Michael Heston was the owner of the automobile company Xanadu, a well-renowned car manufacturer. He attended the local school having an interest in football and played for many youth leagues. In the 1950s, his family moved to Pran during an economic downturn in the country which caused Xanadu to lose more than 20% of its stock price. He was still able to attend the school there and began to show a new interest in politics, earning himself both a seat on the school’s student council and a seat as a member of the youth parliament.

As the 1960s and 1970s rolled around, Phibeta began to shrink as an empire and by 1963, Xanadu filed for bankruptcy, being bought up by Olympia Motors. Mr. Heston was a college student enrolled at the University of Korngold and had to take up odd jobs to not only pay off student loans but to provide for his now impoverished family. He graduated in 1969 with a master's in law and began working as a lawyer. In 1977, at the fall of the Phibetan Empire, he began to run for local offices in his hometown of Pran, getting elected as a Conservative council member, and serving as the Education Minister. He had a way of making speeches that were intelligent and clear-cut which led for him to get his way in council. He put an emphasis on business and sports, particularly on Football and on the new imported sport of Senshadou. It did cost the city of Pran the free school meal program. Many opponents of Mr. Heston’s policies called out that his policies took away milk from the students' hands and empty brains in classrooms.

In 1980, he took his chance to run as a constituent for Pran under the Conservative party, but that was already led by the incumbent MP William Didelittle. But upon searching through new parties to join, he caught the attention of the newly formed Nationalists Party, which aims to bring glory to Phibeta once more, either through their wit or through force if necessary. He joined the Nationalists and through his speeches and promises replaced Mr. Didelittle as the MP for Pran. These were the earliest years of Phibeta no longer having an empire, so many wanted the glory of the empire once more and that was what the Nationalists stood for. The 1980s started off with only a few Nationalists in parliament. But by 1985, the Nationalists were able to gain a majority of seats in the House of Commons.

Around this time, Rodger Heston rose through the ranks to become the party leader and King Clarence V, the ruling monarch at the time, asked him to form a government. Through his leadership, he began to nationalize various industries including mining, transportation, and farming. He also introduced high tariffs to keep foreign competition out of the homelands. He dropped the free school lunch programs for children over five years old, and began to emphasize the importance of the sport senshadou in schools. He commissioned artists from sculptors, painters, and musicians to create art that glorifies Phibeta as many did back in the 19th century. He began a peacetime conscription act that recruits citizens 16 years of age into the armed forces, the first time a conscription act has passed since 1935.

He also waged a war to keep control of the Gilligan Isles in 1987 from outsiders and was successful. His senshadou policies and conscription act have created a large reserve of military forces to win back control from an invading force, which ultimately won him a second term as prime minister in 1990 with a strong majority in the House of Commons, forming a super coalition government with the Imperialists. But that was not to last, however. High tariffs and unregulated stock trading led to the largest market crash since the Great Depression. Mines and factories were shutting down and a lot of jobs were lost to nationalized industries. Unemployment was at an all-time high, and returning veterans had no way to claim their pensions. That is not also counting for the thousands of citizens being processed to be deported either back to the north countries, Isla Exila, or anywhere else to create a true Phibetan society and the expulsion of many different embassies which hindered Phibeta’s relations significantly.

There was also the fact that leaked documents indicated another war was being planned by the majority government to invade the upper northern countries that left the Phibetan union, Isla Exila, Cartoonia, AHSCA, Abetton, Katase, and a few other nations in Greater Dienstad and former nations of the empire. This could have been a largely devastating war probably not in Phibeta’s favour. The leader of the opposition, Abigail April, Conservative MP for Creeton, asked the house for a Vote of No Confidence amid the protests to kick Heston out of office. The house voted to agree and a snap election was called in 1993. In the end, a hung parliament was declared and a Conservative-Labour coalition was formed, the first time in years as the Nationalists and Imperialists have once again minority parties.

Rodger Heston would continue to be seated as the Nationalist MP for Pran until he was voted out of office in the 1995 General Election. He may have left Phibeta in terrible shape, but entered parliament trying to fix it up during the post-empire years. For that reason alone, in 2001 he was given the peerage as Baronet of Pran by Queen Diane II. In his later years, he was less nationalistic and more conservative in years. From his retirement pension, he continued to fund schools to support the growing senshadou movement and arts programs. His contributions to education were inflatable and was knighted by Queen Diane in the Order of The Phibetan Empire (KPE). This honor was met with controversy, especially with the Democratic-Socialists. This was one win for the right, and a loss for the people one said.

He died in his townhouse in Pran and will be given full death honors in Weston where he will be laid to rest. There has been debate about whether or not he should actually be honored after all that he did in office. “In his later years, he became a philanthropist who helped bolster our education system,” says Milan Griffiths, the Nationalist MP for Wigglestien (and the Nationalist Party co-chair). “His contribution to education is a most memorable one indeed”. His opponents would disagree.

“He ruined our relations, our economy, and divided our parliament,” says Elenor Wilson, Labour MP for Dunwich. “He has polluted our good name in front of the whole world. It is bad enough he got a peerage and was knighted by Her Majesty, why honor this man who almost ruined us?” Whether or not his contributions will be remembered over his controversies remains. But today marks the end of an era of politics only recognized by its older generation.

Richard Boston, head-editor for The Weston Mail

OPINION COLUMN: The Culture of The Proms

Submitted by: Rosaline Holmes, MP for Eberbruck

The PBC Promenade Concerts, or The Proms, is an annual tradition of classical music at the William’s Concert Hall in Weston. For two weeks, orchestras from all over Phibeta perform music of all genres from jazz, to baroque, to something for the children. Then at every last concert of the Proms, a selection of patriotic tunes is selected to be performed as one last hurrah before next year's performances. This includes Sir Matthew Rodgermann’s Coronation March “The Empire’s Might”, Baroque composer, Wolfgang Fortmann’s Prince of Tallyman March, and of course, the march where our national anthem comes from, Sir Henry Weddall’s March No.1 in D Major “Imperial Glory” or The Land of Hope and Glory, there is even an arrangement of Phibetan Sea Songs including James Kardigan’s song from his opera Glory!, Rule Phitannia.

This year, The PBC has announced that they were considering dropping many of these patriotic tunes from their last concert to tone down the nationalistic appeal of the last night. Many, including those in my constituency, have shown great outrage for this disappearance. I for one believe that what the PBC has done was a huge mistake.

By doing this, they are acknowledging that these songs, our National airs belong to only the Nationalists, meaning they are furthering the cause of the Nationalists, to preserve culture, and to kick the foreigners out. Music is the tying point for all people everywhere. It helps build the identity of the people and sprouts patriotic pride. Taking away the music all Phibetans love so dear and making it a rallying cry for the Nationalists will only further their reputation.

Besides, what is the harm in reminiscing on the glory days of Phibeta’s empire, of which the sun never set? Is it wrong to remember well that Phitannia ruled the waves? Are we still the Land of Hope and Glory to which many immigrate every year?

The fact of the matter is that there is nothing wrong with a little patriotism once and a while, PBC would find it very wise if they change their attitudes immediately. They will continue to find the reason why Phibetans forever-ever-ever shall be free!

Mr. Reginald George Davidson, The New Ambassador To AHSCA, And His Family

Her Majesty Appoints New Diplomat To Friendly Post In South Seas Island Nation

Her Majesty appoints Mr. Reginald George Davidson as the new ambassador to AHSCA. Mr. Davidson has a reputable career in politics and in international law, serving as the chair of the House Commission for Central Intelligence in the 1990s. He alongside his family will be placed on Embassy Isle close by to AHSCA proper. Mr. Davidson has been a longtime Labor MP since 1985, during a precarious time when the Nationalists had a majority of the House of Commons. He has served on the chair of the treaty council during the Gilligan Wars and his skills as a diplomat came through in the early 2010s when he served as High Commissioner of The Commonwealth for the Territory of Jabutii.

Before becoming High Commissioner, he was a Member of Parliament for the constituency of Bornet, a member for the Labor Party. Even before then, he served on the Bornet County Council as the commissioner for health and human services. Before that, he was a student at the University of Heroshire in the field of International Politics.

He stands on a proud tradition of ambassadors and consulates that have appeared throughout the island’s history. In the 1870s, in order to bolster influence in the South Seas of Greater Dienstad, Their Majesties appointed the aging and retired Lady Dame Eliza Crimson, the 1st Countess of Fairehaven, as the Phibetan consul in the Auroran Empire with the sole mission to oversea trade and stability of the seas following the Peninsula War of 1861. The Phibetan Consulate has changed hands, even during the persecution of many missionaries, the Phibetan consuls made sure to negotiate for missionaries of the Cardinal faith to pass through.

Of course, this changed in the 1980s, once the empire dissolved and with communist movements, independence crisis and what felt to the consul at the time, Sir Richard Picardilly, trouble brewing in Greater Dienstad’s South Seas, closed the consulate, which was also one of the last remaining symbols of Phibeta’s influence in The South Seas. Likewise, this coincided with the Nationalist agenda in Phibeta of isolationism, with numerous embassies closing left and right. In the 1990s, the AHSCA War for Independence began, and the newly crowned Queen Diane II wished the help this fledgling nation procure its’ right to self-determination. The government granted £25,000,000 worth of military equipment to the different island duchies that were up against Stevid, and when the United Island States were declared, Her Majesty made sure parliament paid attention to financial and military aid to AHSCA, formally recognizing their statehood. In the months following, an envoy and military attache were established on Aurora Island and after the war, were appointed by Her Majesty the title ambassador to the envoy there in 2000, Mr. Louis Wiltcareman, and following the establishment years later, were stationed over in Embassy Isle.

This year also marks the first time an embassy from AHSCA will be established in Phibeta, 29 years since they along with many other embassies were kicked out due to the Nationalist agenda of the 1990s. Mr. Reginald George Davidson will join in the proud tradition of representation of Phibetan culture and pride throughout the world. Millions of people around the world have benefited from free trade, visa programs, and military exercises that Phibetan embassies entail. We wish Mr. Davidson luck for the progress he’ll make to bolster relations with our good friends.

Alexandra Clarke, international editor for The Weston Mail

Other headlines

Nationalist Minority in Beakdale Demand AHSCAian Ambassador’s Home Comply With Phibetan Architecture. City Council Defends Ambassador’s Choice

Her Majesty Receives Abettonese Ambassador, His Excellency, Mr. Thomas Wallace, and His Family, The First Abettonese Ambassador Received Since The 1860s

Prime Minister Douglas Sousa Denounces New Filipino Kingdom in Recent Weapons Test Misfire on The Visayan Confederation. Calls For Emergency Meeting With Cabinet

by **Xuanzhang** » Sat May 21, 2022 12:36 pm

Right Faction Kuomintang Expected to Increase Majority in Legislative Yuan

Nanzhou

While final results are waiting to be tallied, early exit polls indicate that Right Faction candidates from the Kuomintang (KMT) are expected to gain a significant majority in the Legislative Yuan. Of the 361 Members of the Legislative Yuan (MLYs), Right Faction held a narrow majority with 203 to the Left Faction’s 158. Perceptions of corruption and a surge of anti-socialist rhetoric on part of the Right Faction have had notable effect in recent years, along with the industrial modernization campaign championed by President Cao Li. Gross domestic product growth rates reached 17.990% in the previous year, leading to a notable improvement in purchasing power parity among citizens of Xuanzhang and increasing standards of living. The resulting groundswell of enthusiasm for the Right Faction has paid dividends with the Right KMT expected to gain twenty six additional seats in the Yuan. While Right KMT offices and Youth League supporters have been seen celebrating the expected victory, a much more sullen scene has broke out among Left Kuomintang members.
One such individual, Duong Bao, offered this comment, “This has been a deeply disappointing night, not only for the faction, but for the working class of Xuanzhang. The Right Kuomintang wholly ignore one of the founding principles of our organization, that welfare and security for the working class is a crucial component to our national development.”

Left Faction leader Du Zhenging offered this conciliatory message to faction supporters and members, saying, “This is the price of democratic institutions and liberty, that sometimes our honorable opposition gains, or strengthens, their majority. We can only strive to remind the population of why our policies are superior through sound argument and strength of character. We look to the future to grow our following and accept defeat in this election cycle with dignity.”

President Cao Li offered bipartisan congratulations to the winning delegates. Himself a long time member of the Right Kuomintang Faction, his satisfaction was predictably palpable as the strengthened majority would support his legislative agenda in the coming years of his presidency.

by **Abetton** » Sat May 21, 2022 12:39 pm

The Sauville Trumpet
-Since 1700-

Saturday 21 May 2022

HRRH Queen Ophelia to Join House of Lords as Speaker

Her Royal Highness, Queen Ophelia Latimer in her official state portrait

SAUVILLE - The House of Lords, the upper chamber of Abetton's Parliament, is welcoming a new member into the chamber for the high rank of speaker, upon the retirement of Henry Henderson. That new member is none other than Her Royal Highness the Queen of Abetton, Ophelia Latimer, Abetton's one and only Queen. Her Majesty will assume her position at the start of the winter term in June. While unusual, it's not without precedent to have a monarch-consort sitting at the head of the House of Lords, though traditionally this position has been for distinguished nobles of any particular domain (hence the name) seven times in Abetton history has the Consort sat in the chamber as a ranking member. In 1845, Queen Beatrix I assumed the title before becoming Queen in 1855. King Hendri then assumed the role in 1898 after the ascension of Queen Annis. Other consorts include Queen Portia in 1925, Queen Marledia in 1962 and as recently as Queen Miranda in 1986. There are multiple ways a person can become head of the chamber, by consensus agreement among the chamber, by nomination of the ranking Lord, by decree of the Sovereign King or Queen or in the case of the prior sitting consorts, to request the position.

HRH Queen Ophelia asked to take on the position having wanted to since she was younger. "Long before I married, I always expected I'd join The House of Lords," HRH Said to the Trumpet . "My father served long and honorably and I hope to do the same. As Queen, I feel I can wield more influence to move the chamber along to work on legislation for the greatness of Abetton society." The role of Speaker in the Chamber is to set the legislative agenda and commence votes on bills that come up from the House of Delegates. Does the Queen have any high ambitions to how she will run the chamber?

"My ideal would be to go back to the glory days of this high chamber when it was indeed held by the Lords and Ladies of all domains." She said with a small laugh. "Perhaps that's asking a bit much in the modern era, but I do believe our good Lords and Ladies should come to the Chamber a few times a month to really see all the issues facing the country and all our respective domains. The chosen delegates do important work and ideally they do act on behalf of those who appoint them, however I feel it's easy to feel a disconnect. Those in Sauville are different than those in say Lillah but to function as a single kingdom it's important to know for yourself."

Other agenda items for the Queen to take up is organization of the courts, with many sitting Magistrates setting to retire of take on new jobs in government, many new vacancies will have be filled. Greater civil justice and rights bills are expected to be introduced by Her Highness. "Abetton has made great strides to overcome our dark history of slavery and apartheid but there's always more work to be done."

The recent buzz has been about the Luxury Tax reforms in Abetton society, which could grant access to greater goods previously considered prohibitively expensive. "Future legislation is hard to comment on until I see it for myself, I've been hearing about it but I need to see it and discuss it with everyone more before saying how I'll vote on way or the other. I intend to go into it with a fully open mind."

Other Headlines

HRRH Princess Chrysanthe Released from Hospital in Good Health
Abetton to Open Embassy in Phibeta
Luxury Tax Bill Heads to House of Lords
HRRH Princess Peri Travels to South Islands
Heavy Snowfall in Griffin Mountains Cause for Excitement

by **AHSCA** » Sun May 29, 2022 12:26 pm

The Lantern Press, A Signpost in the Dark

The Lanterno Gazetaro is a privately owned news outlet based from Corona Island in the UIS. This story has not been independently verified by UNICIM or any Government agency.

FRONT PAGE
Ĉefpaĝo

Senators Marry!

-A Report from the Lanterno Gazetaro
Signostango en la mallumo -

by: Amiké, Reporter, Editor-in-Chief

Senators Pacifica and Miela pictured

KINO - At long last, dear readers, our two sitting senators whom have been dating for some time have tied to the knot! Senators Miela and Pacifica two noted political rivals in the hallowed halls of Congress but a lovey dovey couple outside of it, announced today the two officially married in a quite private ceremony here on Corona. No press were allowed at the ceremony but it is confirmed both were married in the ordained traditions of Madokamisim, as was expected. The two have only given a brief statement as they've made a quiet retreat to enjoy the time as newlyweds:

To our colleagues and constituents alike,

We thank you for the happy wishes and good tidings to us in the wake of our sudden marriage. In time we will get back to our work in government, for now we're intending to spend time with our families and of course each other.

. In the meantime, their congressional aids will work and act on their behalf as Congress continues business as usual.

Meantime our dear readers, stay dry, stay safe and please remember for those of you in the purity villages, the Lanterno is better for reading than for covering.

News and Politics
Novaĵoj kaj Politiko

Ambassador Home Under Scrutiny

by Ventego, Reporter

The Weston Mail Newspaper out of Phibeta reported a headline on 25 of May: Nationalist Minority in Beakdale Demand AHSCAian Ambassador’s Home Comply With Phibetan Architecture. City Council Defends Ambassador’s Choice, in regards to the new post of AHSCAian Ambassador to Phibeta, Ambassador Admira and her family take up residence in the city of Beakdale in Phibeta.

Ambassador Admira newly appointed to represent AHSCA in Phibeta

Details of the exact complaints remain to be explained as we've reached out but not yet heard back but it's agreed people took issue with the ambassador styling her personal home for her family in the style of traditional Corona hut. The embassy itself is designed as any modern building as likely seen in Phibeta or elsewhere but the Ambassador's residence takes more from home, no doubt to keep a little of that with her in her new mission. Ambassador Admira spoke to the Lanterno in the issue, "I'm saddened not everyone can find the charm in my home, but I'm grateful for the local officials coming to our defense on the issue. My family is far from home, I want to give them a taste of it while here."

As an interesting aside, the Ambassador and her family packed up their belongings and on her husband's fishing boat set sail for Phibeta, without a doubt Madam Ambassador is very much a woman of the island and intends to retain that no matter where she is, thus no wonder she desired to keep her household in the style of home. "Our embassy is a place of business for all governments and nationals to conduct their needs with us, thus I allowed the local government to decide the design, but a home is where my family is, that's most important to retain some sense of normal."

As of now, it seems the issue is moot as no known plans to force the Ambassador to comply will be made from the Foreign Office. A spokesperson with UNIFRO said on the issue, "AHSCA always complies with the host nation's architectural and design requests, along with the appointed ambassador's desires. We've not received any change requests from the Phibetan government and we see this a little more than a singular protest not for immediate concern."

Ambasadoro Hejmo Sub Skrutinio

La Weston Mail Newspaper el Phibeta raportis fraptitolon la 25an de majo: Naciisma Malplimulto en Beakdale Postulu la Hejmon de AHSCAian Ambassador Comply With Phibetan Architecture. Urba Konsilio Defendas la Elekton de Ambasadoro, koncerne la novan postenon de AHSCAiana Ambasadoro al Phibeta, Ambasadoro Admira kaj ŝia familio ekloĝas en la grandurbo de Beakdale en Phibeta.

Ambasadoro Admira lastatempe nomumita por reprezenti AHSCA en Phibeta

Detaloj pri la precizaj plendoj restas klarigitaj dum ni kontaktis sed ankoraŭ ne aŭdis, sed estas interkonsentite, ke homoj maltrankviliĝis pri la ambasadoro stiligante ŝian personan hejmon por ŝia familio en la stilo de tradicia Corona kabano. La ambasado mem estas desegnita kiel ajna moderna konstruaĵo kiel verŝajne vidita en Phibeta aŭ aliloke sed la loĝejo de la Ambasadoro prenas pli de hejme, sendube por konservi iom de tio kun ŝi en ŝia nova misio. Ambasadoro Admira parolis al la Lanterno en la temo, "Mi malĝojas, ke ne ĉiuj povas trovi la ĉarmon en mia hejmo, sed mi dankas la lokajn oficialulojn, kiuj venas al nia defendo pri la afero. Mia familio estas malproksime de hejme, mi. volas doni al ili gustumon de ĝi dum ĉi tie."

Kiel interesa flanken, la Ambasadoro kaj ŝia familio pakis siajn havaĵojn kaj sur la fiŝkaptista boato de ŝia edzo ekveturis al Phibeta, sendube Sinjorino Ambasadoro estas tre multe virino de la insulo kaj intencas reteni tion ne gravas kie ŝi estas, tiel ne mirinde, ke ŝi deziris konservi sian domanaron laŭ la stilo de hejmo. "Nia ambasado estas komerca loko por ĉiuj registaroj kaj ŝtatanoj por fari siajn bezonojn kun ni, tial mi permesis al la loka registaro decidi la dezajnon, sed hejmo estas kie mia familio estas, tio estas plej grava por konservi iom da sento de normalo. "

Ĝis nun, ŝajnas, ke la afero estas nediskutebla ĉar neniuj konataj planoj devigi la Ambasadoron plenumi estos faritaj de la Eksterlanda Oficejo. Proparolanto de UNIFRO diris pri la temo, "AHSCA ĉiam plenumas la arkitekturajn kaj dezajnopetojn de la gastiganta nacio, kune kun la deziroj de la elelektita ambasadoro. Ni ne ricevis ajnajn ŝanĝpetojn de la fibeta registaro kaj ni vidas tion iom pli ol unu. singulara protesto ne pro tuja zorgo."

Culture

Kulturo

Inside The Desert Inn, Kino's Best Kept Secret

by: Zenito, reporter

Off the beaten path in the busy village of Kino, beyond the dozens of rows of stilt houses and huts that line the narrow streets we come to the junction, one road takes you to the harbor, one back to the town, and one to the red light district. But this isn't a report of one of the legal brothels but something a bit unusual in this part of the town, that is the Desert Inn, considered Kino's best secret club. Well maybe not a secret and maybe not really an inn either, but a building that gives the facade of both, curiously enough. You see, it does take a special secret password to enter, which if you know whom to ask, you can find out and every so often they openly tell the password.

You see the Desert Inn, is an entertainment club, a club styled around the handmaiden culture seen in the Sultanate of Kyrenaia. While you probably won't find actual handmaidens here, you will find people who seem to really admire the idea of them. Women and men alike dressed in colorful garb parade about to serve, dance and entertain guests sometimes deadly serious and in-character other times a bit lighthearted. The interior is decorated like many kinds of buildings you might find in Kyrenaia and everyone operates under a stage name, names that'd be native to the desert lands of Kyrenaia.

It all began a year after Kyrenaia set up its military base in AHSCA as apart of a new mutual defense pact, a young spirited woman from here in Kino, Utila (pictured) found herself a wayward traveler in Kyrenaia for the first time as tourists began visiting the country. For Utilia, she found herself enamored by the people, the culture and the aesthetic of the place esepcially hearing how the handmaidens closest to the royal family work.

"I was able to get a small glance of them at work, not much given it's a pretty exclusive organization and hard to really see much of their day-to-day but based on what I saw and people's testimony and with that I themed my business all around that." Utilia practices under the name of Saida in the workplace and it's not uncommon to see her among the other "maidens" as they're called in her employment, serving customers and entertaining in general. The manager and owner of the business she has plenty to do day in and day out with rotating days off for store closures. Why pick this particular area of Kino?

"Honestly it's not a bad place, I know areas like these tend to have seedy reputations but it's probably as well maintained as any place in the village. We are next door to the other kind of businesses so we all really benefit from the clients of all kinds." Why an inn when it's really not an inn, I asked her next.

"At first I was going to offer room and board on top of our showroom, similar to how The Kitan on Aurora, but I decided this was already plenty upkeep but the name stuck." Currently a dozen or so maidens are employed here, as mentioned both men and women work but it's also a certain kind of man, the kind that can get away with cross dressing. One man I spoke with who goes under the name of Fadwa, real name Hans works here with his wife Helena, both transplants from Stillestando who moved to Corona just to work here. "I like it, I like the theming, it's like acting in dinner theater" he chuckled for me. His wife agreed, having visited Kyrenaia before, she feels they're "utter fanatics of the land." She replied.

Characters, Fadwa (left) and his wife Tara (right) lovingly embrace for our camera in costume

As mentioned the club has a bit of secrecy theme also tied with it. To enter the club you have to know a password that changes up every so often, a bit counter intuitive perhaps for a business that openly wants to be a destination for fans of Kyrenaian culture. "Having a bit of a air of secrecy to it adds to the appeal I think. " Utila said "The passwords are simple and easy to come by so it's not like it costs us a lot of foot traffic but we also want people to kind of work for their entrance and to really appreciate the place."

Of course some wonder about the recent chilling of relations between the nations might affect the Desert Inn. "What governments do are what governments do. It's a shame but it doesn't stop us. I think culture and appreciation of goes beyond feuding politicians. I'd like to think maybe in Kyrenaia there's a little AHSCA themed club, perhaps not but I'd like to think they feel as I do in regards to the whole incident."

Two maidens pose in front of a painting to give the feel of Kyrenaia

For now, the little club nestled in the heart of Kino will remain a hidden gem a place for those who might want a taste of Kyrenaia right here at home in AHSCA. Lovely maidens to serve at your beck and call but still in a way that is only that. "Again the other services were considered but it's a whole other issue and set of responsibilities to undertake, so I leave it to the good ladies next door to worry about. We only do your typical services you would find at any establishment outside the red light."

Weather Forecast

Veterprognozo

Sunny skies in the forecast for this week for the greater Corona island area with moderate breezes gusting up to 20 km/h (10 knots) at times, with off days of little to no breezes be prepared for warm stagnent humid air. Next week out, prepare for on-and-off showers, heavy at times with evening thunderstorms.

Hurricane forecast: A weaker tropical storm system is moving across Animalpolis and isn't expected to makelandfall on Corona but for those traveling to the island or fishing nearby should be careful of turbulent waters. A major system has developed out in open waters and is being watched my UNIMO but no immediate information about if a path will take it to AHSCA proper in the coming weeks. UNIMO has been predicting an above-average season for storms this year so people are urged to prepare and go over their emergency plans.

FIshing forecast: For shallow water fisherman, currents remain strong across the greater AHSCA observation area along the coastlines. Northern currents are running swift and erratic and it's advise fishing should be done in the calmer southernly waters around the island. For longhual fisherman, as mentioned with the above hurricane forecast, certian areas are expected to be more prone to sudden changes in weather, please consult with the Fishing Beauru's charts before embarking about areas experieincing turbulent seas.

by **The Macabees** » Wed Jun 01, 2022 12:02 pm

IMPERIAL BUREAUCRACY OPENS LAWSUIT AGAINST VALO'KAP CONSTITUENTS

Destroyed Valo'Kap air defenses in southern Killia, during the 2031 war.

The government of His Imperial Majesty Fedor I has opened a historic lawsuit against the leadership of Valo'Kap's former constituents: Canus Security, Jeh'Ti, Huron Authority, Koman Services, and Finkirk.

The lawsuit is historic because it is the first time that the Imperial Bureaucracy has filed a civil suit against a Tarn-based private military contractor. For over a decade, the free city of Tarn has seemingly lived on the precarious edge of extra-legality to protect and foster a bourgeoning industry centered around security contracting. However, this time, the companies headquartered in the city have gone too far. At least, that's what the Fedala government has said in commentary delivered with its lawsuit documentation.

In the court documentation, the lawsuit's core challenge is that the five constituents of Valo'Kap broke federal anti-monopoly laws. They did so, according to the same documentation, by combining their market powers to garner monopoly privileges in the Killian Republic. What makes this line of argumentation controversial in and of itself is that it is a ruling over actions taken in foreign markets. The Imperial Bureaucracy claims that ultimately the monopolization action in the Killian Republic was meant to leverage acquired power to fundamentally alter markets in Tarn, and therefore that the action is subject to regulation by the Golden Throne. If so, the individual firms that constituted Valo'Kap may be liable for hundreds of billions of ríokmarks in fines and damages. It will also change how companies operate moving forward, now that they know that they can possibly be fined for anti-competitive practices taken in markets not traditionally regulated by the Imperial Bureaucracy.

Equally controversial is that the civil suit is at least partially motivated by the new base agreement with Free Killia. Some see it as a legal case instigated and motivated by a foreign government and, therefore, it's seen as a dangerous overreach that threatens the sovereignty of the empire. While this opinion is relatively muted because of the special situation that exists in Free Killia, that it has surfaced points to significant resistance to the idea of binding the government's domestic policy to foreign policy.

Winning the civil case against the five companies will not be easy. First, they are offered certain protections by their method of incorporation. Because Valo'Kap was organized as a consortium, the chain of liability back to the constituent firms is heavily restricted and, essentially, almost non-existent. If the government were to succeed in this case, it could change the legal rules that bind imperial markets and therefore change the shape of these markets. Second, the firms are offered protections by virtue of their legal incorporation rooting in Tarn, which as aforementioned has enjoyed special rules to allow the PMC industry to thrive in the first place.

The PMC sector is extremely profitable and a source of significant revenue for both the city and the Imperial Bureaucracy. Currently, Tarn PMCs operate in countries like Potthan, Samarasta, Irat, Sorofi, Istoloa, and Krasnova. A satellite PMC sector is now growing in Sofiatsyn and Fedorograd, to better service eastern Greater Díenstadi markets while Tarn can focus its operations on the western half of the region. Because the government hardly has an interest in cutting this source of expansion, many have questioned just how aggressively it will pursue this lawsuit. The criticism and skepticism are especially acute Free Killia, where few people believe that Valo'Kap will be brought to genuine justice. It is understandably a very precarious line that the Golden Throne toes, on one side seeking to protect its markets and its players and on the other side looking to dispense justice for the sake of its society and that of its allies.

Thusly, the lawsuit represents a major watershed moment in imperial history. The Golden Throne has for a long time been known for its relative lack of market regulations and centralized market management, most represented by the lack of a central imperial bank. Fedor's imperial tenure has seen a gradual erosion of this hardline pro-market attitude, with significant growth in the size of the bureaucracy and the role that it plays in society. Much of this has been fueled by imperial expansion and the need to provide basic services to people much poorer than the citizens inherited along with the core provinces. Relatedly, managing and protecting the empire's new place in the region, a geopolitical shift that accelerated after the end of the War of Golden Succession, has come to require great bureaucratic involvement. The lawsuit could be another inflection point in that curve.

Although the individual Valo'Kap constituent firms may be liable for civil damages, they will not be subject to the criminal case against Valo'Kap. The parallel criminal case that is developing will only affect Valo'Kap's corporate leadership specifically. Most of these figureheads were arrested during the war in Killia and have remained incarcerated, with their trials now underway. If found guilty, they all will see minimum prison sentences of 10 years.

The criminal case against Valo'Kap is given substance by the precedent set with the Imperial Bureaucracy's case against Tarn Defense Solutions in 2026, when TDS' corporate leadership was arrested for the assassination of Panooly dictator Dominic Templeton. The government won the case on the basis of an illegal market action taken against the foreign policy interests of the Golden Throne. In that situation, the weakening of the central Panooly government led to the country's south's occupation by the Ordenite Reich, and thus is very similar to the Valo'Kap and Killia case today. As a result, the criminal case is likely to end in a government victory.

While the civil case will be much tougher to win, there is in some sense more at stake in it. Free Killia will be awarded a percentage of the fine leveled by the judge, should the defendants be found liable under the law. This percentage, like the total, is likely to be a significantly large sum. The proceeds have already been guaranteed to flow into a redevelopment fund that distributes capital for community reconstruction and redevelopment projects throughout Free Killia. For a country like the Killian Republic, freshly out of a devastating war that as left it almost penniless, without a military, and in need of drastic reconstruction, this prospective source of additional funding is hugely important. It forms a lot of the pressure behind the Imperial Bureaucracy's decision to file the case, aside from the treaty obligations which holds the source of motivation in common.

The lawsuit promises to continue drawing attention to its implications. How the final decision will determine the future of the Golden Throne remains to be seen and studied, for it will surely impact domestic politics, economics, and foreign relations.

by **Birina** » Sun Jun 05, 2022 11:20 am

"Welcome back to the only blatant propaganda television broadcast that is also legally a children's show, 'Here, in Birina, In These Days, Today'. I'm Jack Zachman, the well-paid host that you like, and I'm joined by Gloria Lightly: the other one."

"Thanks, Jack. We are joined today by Christon Mills, the Vice-Chairman of the Windmill Committee who is most certainly not a body double. He's going to explain the dire economic woes that face Birina and what led to this situation."

Rather than cut to a different camera, the camera that was on Gloria physically swiveled to point at Christon, who was eating caviar out of a bowl with his bare hands like popcorn.

"Yes, well. First of all thank you for allowing me to force you to have me on the show and for dutifully regurgitating all the nonsense we put out. Basically, what happened, is as a society we kind of forgot that poor people were a thing and then we bumped into some and everyone was like 'Woah!' and things spiraled from there."

"The mere existence of poor people caused a recession?"

"Well, yes, in a sense. It's more that we realized we rely on poor people. For instance, they're where food comes from. It doesn't just materialize on grocery store shelves. Poor people literally work with cow shit to produce it."

"I see." Gloria said, nodding as though she actually understood words. "So we need poor people. That's the problem."

"Right, Gloria. Now look. I love the poor. I respect the poor. Some of my best friends have become poor under mysterious circumstances after making my acquaintance. So I would never, under any circumstances, disparage poors. That said, they are disgusting trash goblins whose very presence makes me feel unsettled. So obviously they are behind this recession."

"Did anything else cause the recession?" Jack inquired.

"Yes. People who don't look like us and don't behave like us."

"Yeah, they're always up to something. Well, there you have it folks. If you know someone who's poor and doesn't look like you, you can blame them for our current predicament and take any frustration you may have out on them, their neighborhood, and their way of life. And don't forget to take your opiates."

"Thanks, Jack." Christon said, "Now get out of my house."

by **Eitoan** » Tue Jun 07, 2022 4:55 pm

Eitoan Decides: Presidential Nomination Results
Haan, Curtis Selected for Civic Platform, Socialists
Elear to Carry Rightist Banner

With the conclusion of primaries in Civic Platform and Socialist parties, and the selection of Ghastaker Theresa Elear by the National Democrat Grand National Command, the five parties in contention for the presidency this year have selected their candidates. President Shrdlu, unopposed to run for a second term by the Free Democrats observed the proceedings occasionally. Upon the end of the National Democrat nominating decision process he issued this statement. “I congratulate my worthy opponents on their respective successes, and in the best tradition of this republic’s democracy look forward to a vigorous campaign where the Eitoan people can learn and decide on our positions of all issues of importance.” Vice President Paula Koubek, in the traditional role of partisan spokesman was less sanguine, aiming her vitriol at Kelso Mayor Kenneth Curtis, claiming that “Of course, we welcome all contenders to the fray, but I call on all voters to mark carefully Socialist claims this year. Expenditures for social programs, especially those of dubious value as promoted by Mayor Haan may sound great, and in some limited cases actually produce beneficial results, but when applied on a nationwide basis would easily lead to greater inflation and government meddling in the private sector. I demand, politely yet firmly that Mayor Hann spell out those areas where his health, education and transportation policies differ from the Communists.”

In June 1st’s winner take all primary, Curtis turned back three opponents with an absolute majority of 52% of ballots cast. Following him were the two Dashezniks in the race, Esther Henry with 25% and Jennifer Magormack with 13%. Neophyte Zikmund Magnab received the remaining 10%. Socialist party operatives have noted that in addition to Mayor Curtis’s personal popularity, personal differences between Henry and Magormack prevented a more vigorous opposition to his ascendance. Mayor Haan’s victory indicates a move for the Socialists in a more moderate direction, abandoning some of it’s more doctrinaire approaches to the financial sector and easing up on demands for increase government regulation of social media. It remains to be seen if the Communist candidate will be the beneficiary of leftists disgruntled with this direction of the Socialists this fall. In the Civic Platform primary, also winner take all Ghastak Leader Kenneth Haan, the former Vice President also scored a majority with 57% of the vote. His leading opponent, District Judge Jeffrey S’rev captured 33%. Late in the campaign Mr. Haan gave further attention to Judge
S’rev’s advocacy of greater attention to economic development outside major metropolitan areas, locations that have not traditionally supported Civic Platform. Party officials are urging Mr. Haan to consider Judge S’rev as his running mate, a move that would unify the party. The other challenger in the race, Jonathan Whiteford failed to gin up much support among the party rank and file, and his poor showing at 10% indicates the end of all but the most entrenched old guard within Civic Platform. Brenda Sanders, unopposed for the Communist nomination used the occasion of the presidential primaries to heckle all candidates to her right. Her approbation was harshest against Mayor Haan, who she repeatedly characterized as the “running dog of capitalist exploiters in the financial halls of Kelso”. For the most part, Mayor Haan shrugged off the attacks, and is expected to do so going forward into the fall campaign. The meeting of the National Democrat Grand National Command in North Kelso was contentious as always. Two camera crews were clubbed by members ot the party’s Youth Guard during the opening session as Ghastaker Elear and Mr. Ingersoll railed against recent immigrants and what they termed as “a cabal of transosexuals, dope fiends, girly men and communist agents polluting our nation’s education system”. North Kelso police arrested 42 Youth Guard in several bar fights outside the G’velsh’yn Convention Center, true to form for previous nominating conventions. At the end of the week Elear prevailed with 51 votes to 8 for Ingersoll.

Early Polling and Synopsis

Polling by Eitoan One News immediately after the National Democrat nomination places President Shrdlu ahead with 32% of those surveyed. 16% were reported undecided. He was followed by Curtis at 25%, Haan at 24%, with Sanders and Elear collecting 4 and 3 percent respectively.

Among the undecided the largest group represented are upper middle income voters. Experts cite general satisfaction in that cohort with President Shrdlu’s economic policies, in particular restraining inflationary spending. A factor among that group leading to uncertainty is the traditional favorability of Civic Platform financial policy. President Shrdlu’s greatest strength is found in smaller cities and in towns, residents there viewing his administration as being even handed with regards to big business, entrepreneurs, and labor. Mr. Haan, following, historical trends has traditional religious families as a strong base of support. The Socialist Curtis leads most in the larger cities, with much admiration of his record in Kelso. Sanders languishes behind in almost all demographic, geographic and economic groups, save among the usual university enclaves and unskilled labor.

Overseas: Stegman Returns from Agar
Falkowki and Foreign Affairs to Consider Next Moves With Inland Sea Neighbor

Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs Marilyn Stegman has returned to Vladarsik following discussions with Agar-Na Foreign Minister Count Abravenel. Upon her return Stegman commented “ Our talks with Count Abravenel have been expect that we will formulate a proposal to The Palace soon and there will be a resumption of discussions.” Undersecretary Stegman had been in Agar to test out response to a proposed invitation to the principality to join the Northwest Mutual Assistance Agreement, either as an observer or full fledged member. Although the Agarese Foreign Ministry has been close mouthed, sources close to Prime Minister Shapira say that the administration views such participation favorably, and that there have been informal discussions with Prince Harold.

The issue in Vladarsik now centers around a possible dual proposal for NMAA membership for Agar-Na and Federal Ralkovia. Eitoan diplomats are expected to discuss the best path forward with NMAA members, with Secretary Falkowski likely to lead discussions with The Golden Throne. After analysis of allied response Secretary Falkowski would then take the lead in broaching the subject more directly with Agar.

Frontier Territories: Tressel Collapse Kills 3, Injures 12 in Blue Island
Major Traffic Problems on National Road 1
Rail Traffic Impacted
Delays at Border Checkpoints

A railroad tressel overpass collapse this morning on National Road 1 in Blue Island killed 3 motorists and injured 12. 2 survivors remain in critical condition and 4 have been released from the hospital at this time. The tressel, owned by the Blue Island Outer Belt Railroad had been deemed in poor condition at last inspection 2 years ago, and was a candidate for legal action between the Department of Transportation and the railroad. Transportation Secretary Robert Machruim arrived at 11 AM Blue Island Time to inspect recovery operations. The department’s district engineer, William Germond expects the debris to be cleared in three days. The stretch of highway, 4 miles south of the T’grevnik Bridge across the Jin River has made bridge traffic inoperable, causing the T’grevnik border crossing with the Federal Republic of Czaslyudian Peoples to shut down for the duration, and both Czaslyundian and Eitoan officials have been rerouting international traffic to other border crossing points. Crosstown rail traffic in north Blue Island is bogged down, but cross border rail traffic is reported at normal volumes.

by **Analeuthocosia** » Wed Jun 08, 2022 9:30 pm

x-posted to Scenes from a Revolution

[Excerpted from a MNA broadcast on 21 May 2037 (Kozanian calendar)]

“—but first,” said the news anchor, “this week on the Kozani War Report: Marielena Mendes travelled to Mezhgani Refugee Camp in search of communist paramilitaries. This is what she found.”

There was a brief, five-second transition featuring the ubiquitous dramatic music sting, before the scene settled upon the Kozani War Report. The graphics looked surprisingly retro. 2010s perhaps. The words "Kozani War Report with Marielena Mendes" remained highlighted onscreen for several seconds, before fading in onto the segment.

It began with a recording. The camera was focused on a young woman in dark clothing, ash blonde and round-faced, speaking into a microphone, on a makeshift stage fringed with portable speakers. Her voice was no different from that of many Analeuthians: very close to standard Received Pronunciation, with only a slight half-closing of the vowels to differentiate it from standard English. She was saying:

“...why does any one person—or one class of people—rule over another? The answer is class warfare.” There was a slight murmur from within the crowd. “For generations a war has been waged against us, the working peoples of the world, by kings, noblemen and capitalists alike, a war whose sole purpose is to enrich them at our expense. All that socialist revolution requires from us, is for us to begin to fight back...”

Her tone was not declamatory; it was gentle, almost dreamlike. There was at the same time something clear and compelling about it that made one want to keep listening. Perhaps in another era she might have made a good radio presenter. Towards the end of the excerpt, the image crossfaded into that of another woman, this one more recognisable to an international audience. Photojournalist and occasional TV presenter Marielena Mendes had an almost supernatural ability to report from deep within conflict zones and come out alive. Her English had, as always, a trace of a Mokan accent.

“These are the words,” she said, “of Serafina Nikhaia, a senior party official of AKILA—the Analeuthian-Kozanian International Liberation Army—speaking to a small group of supporters here in Mezhgani Refugee Camp, Kozani.”

The camera panned behind her, a wide shot of a sunny landscape crowded with uncountable mobile homes and prefabricated tiny houses, revealing that Marielena was standing beside a wide brown river and separated from the main body of the refugee camp by a narrow strip of pastureland alongside the river’s edge.

“A far-left militant organisation headquartered in Laurentia—some five hundred kilometres northeast of Y'Skarla—AKILA is a name that’s made international news lately for its military and political successes throughout the Analeuthian Independent States. Here in Mezhgani Camp, population one point one million, inhabited by refugees from the long Kozanian Civil War, it’s the only thing people want to talk about.” The image shifted to a still photograph of an older man, bald-headed and bearded, with spectacles perched on a severe face. “Thirty years ago, a man named Dzhamil Tulqari—today better known as ‘Chairman Bey’—had a vision: a united socialist republic not only encompassing the former Kozanian Republic, but also taking in the states of the western Analeuths. His Democratic Front for the Liberation of Kozani became one of the largest factions in the civil war. Now, with its successor organisation, AKILA, the reclusive Chairman is poised to make his dream a reality.”

The shot cut back to Serafina on the stage, still speaking: “...we have lived in darkness for too long. But between the darkness and the dawn, as someone once said, there rises the Red Star. Now is our time to realise the vision of a society that is truly free from want. There is no reason to settle for less.”

“Serafina Nikhaia herself,” said Marielena, the video cutting back to her, “is typical in some respects of AKILA officials: young—today is, in fact, her twenty-seventh birthday—idealistic, militant, and not particularly ideological. This party is, at its core, a group of socialists and communists that have decided to set aside the sectarian differences that have long plagued such movements. But in other respects, she is exceptional—at least in the eyes of her fellow party members. I was, unfortunately, unable to interview her myself, but I spoke to another senior AKILA official.”

The image cut to a different area of the camp, to an older man, grey of hair and beard but still handsome, with a definite if indefinable charisma and a military bearing. “My name,” he said, “is Khalil Taldan. I’ve been with the Democratic Front for nineteen years, and now AKILA.”

“I asked Khalil,” said Marielena, back by her riverbank, “about AKILA’s successes, and to what he attributed them. I also asked him about Chairman Bey, who, unusually, he knows personally—the reclusive Chairman has been rarely seen in public for over a decade. This is what he told me.”

“The truth is,” said Khalil, “we all do look up to Chairman Bey as a great revolutionary, of course. But increasingly, who we follow is Serafina. It is her leadership that brought us into Kozani, and it’s her leadership that will someday liberate it.”

“So was she handpicked by Chairman Bey to succeed him?” asked the unseen Marielena with the camera. “Or was she elected?”

“To hear Chairman Bey tell it, he just wanted to see what someone with perfect recall for faces and people would do if he put her in charge of ten thousand people,” said Khalil, with a laugh. “But I think he also saw that the movement needed a face; the volunteers, who are mostly young, needed someone like themselves to look up to.”

The scene returned to the riverbank: “And Serafina herself, in her speeches, credits her fellow volunteers above herself.”

The scene now cut once more to Serafina: “I rely, more than anything else, on all of the volunteers that make AKILA what it is, more than a million of us now. All of whom are also exceptional people...”

“Will a million volunteers be enough for AKILA to take over all of Kozani?” Marielena asked rhetorically. “We can’t know, but at the end of my interview with him, I put the question to Khalil.”

“Yes,” said Khalil. “Undoubtedly. Within the next few months, I think.”

“If his optimism proves accurate, within a few months, the world’s socialist states may well find their numbers enriched by one,” said Marielena. “And the long war in Kozani will finally be over. You’re watching the Marshite News Agency. From Kozani, I’m Marielena Mendes.”

by **Phibeta** » Sun Jun 12, 2022 9:38 am

The Seaside Town of Beakdale, The Current Residence of The AHSCAian Ambassador

Following the establishment of the AHSCAian embassy in Beakdale, the Nationalists minority in Beakdale and in Parliament have been very keen to assert their cultural dominance over their neighbors, which in this editor’s opinion is completely ludicrous. The whole thing began when the home of the Ambassador, Mrs. Admira, was asked to be designed to be in the traditional Corona hut of their homelands. The Nationalists in the city began protesting the local City and County Councils to force the ambassador and her family to change the style of home immediately.

“It’s an eyesore to the Grand Phibetan Imperial Style that make our nation the greatest in the world!” says Mr. Arnold Palmerstien, the head of the Nationalists of Beakdale, which controls only one seat in the Beakdale County Council (of which is seated by Mr. Arnold Palmerstien). “If every nation wants their embassy in their certain way, then we would lose our national heritage! We are most proud and would do anything to protect our national identity”. He also points out how “impoverished” it’ll look beside the grand townhomes and apartments that line up the beaches of Beakdale, which is a small seaside town on the east coast.

“The ambassador may choose their own style as they wish, either for residence or for their embassy,” says Mr. Robert Bishop, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. “Not only do we want to reestablish warm relations, we just want to get a taste of their culture and what they have to offer to our citizens. We have to understand the ambassador’s wants and desires to make every ambassador comfortable during their stay here in Phibeta. The Nationalists have a short-minded agenda when it comes to foreign policy I believe, it may be the reason why they have been trailing in elections since the end of Nationalist rule in parliament since the 1990s”. To catch up on readers that have no idea what we are talking about, the Nationalists under Lord Sir Rodger Heston held a majority of the House of Commons only for him to resign as prime minister after the disaster of the Market Crash of 1991 and other failures under his premiership. Many citizens have been weary of Nationalist policies, but there has been a small rise in members once again, but with the upcoming local elections, these kinds of comments would affect the legitimacy of the party.

“I don’t think the Nationalists would gain more seats in parliament or in other local councils,” says Ms. Layla Hughes, MP for Loughcommon and the current Speaker for The House of Commons. “These kinds of insensitive comments are considered PR failures for the party, and that kind of xenophobic attitude to other cultures may hurt our international standing on the world stage. We are a nation that welcomes all cultures within our borders. Besides, I think that our kingdom would be quite boring if there is no cultural differences for each embassy or residency. I believe that once the general elections come around, the Nationalists would become a severely minor party. But one must not be too sure”. The Nationalist Party leader, Clifford Sellers, currently the MP for Mondola had no comment on the issue, except for “If nations want to do business with us, they should comply with Phibeta’s culture. Oh, and I want them to give us parts of their territories too!” Anyway, it is not up to parliament on what an ambassador’s residency should be, it is up to the foreign office and the City Councils to decide if there is any problem with the ambassador’s home, and as long as it meets building safety regulations, then there is no problem. In this editor’s personal opinion (that of a native Beakdalian), it is a wonderful addition to the landscape that is our little seaside town.

Richard Boston, head-editor for The Weston Mail

OPINION COLUMN: Why Nationalism

Submitted by: Clifford Sellers, MP for Mondola

I am the leader of the greatest political party in this Grand Kingdom, the Nationalists! We are a party that supports the continuation of our empire, one that all peoples shall bow down to. Many of you wonderful readers may ask why nationalism? We are a proud people that believe in our supremacy of the empire and our empire alone! It is Phibeta above all as we rule the waves with our naval supremacy. The Liberals have gotten their way in decreasing our naval supremacy (EDITOR’S NOTE: Currently, The Phibetan Navy boasts a very strong navy, with over 24,000 active personnel with 11,000 more in reserve), and sadly our reputation as rulers of the sea has diminished. Nationalism calls for a return for a navy that can challenge all others on the sea as we want to control the world throughout the corners of the world.

The Conservatives talk about commonwealth as if it was still our empire. We know that commonwealth is not our empire. What we want is a return to our proper imperial borders. From Xofrautan to the Cartune Isles. We have been working with the Imperialists to bring even more lands into our glorious empire. I know that the lands in the Southern Seas would look great as a jewel in our empire, and the Cartune Isles should be back in our fold. Lastly, the old lands towards the north of Great Phitannia belong to us. They believe they have self-autonomy, but they are stupid and we are right of our territorial right.

The Democratic Socialists claim that this recent wave of immigration is building our economy, but our empire has no room for non-Phibetans. These damned immigrants are taking our jobs, jobs that belong to good, wholesome Phibetans. We do not want these filthy immigrants ruining the pristine imperial lands. We are seeing a degradation in our architectural structure with a small, impoverished shack in Beakdale ruining our grand, elegant, decadent style. (EDITOR’S NOTE: Please see top article). Phibeta for True Phibetans. And on a further note, the true faith of course is the Cardinal faith. Kick out the heathen lords spiritual in the House of Lords. The Marshite Spiritual lords want to instate a terrible calendar system that messes with the good and honest Cardinal Calander System. Long live those great Cardinal Heroes who protect us from the heathens!

Our nationalistic pride has withered away. Gone are the days of the Land of Hope and Glory, here are the days of compliance and death of our great empire. Join the Nationalists to win back our pride and glory! We are Phitannia, and Phitannia rules the sea! Not Cartoonia, not those pesky islanders in the South Seas, not those we have defeated in the 1800s, not the cults of those Marshites, but us Phibetans, good Cardinal Phibetans. Phibeta who will forever be free!

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The paper wishes to express how much of the values this company is extremely against. The views are not shared with the editors and the sole purpose of this publication is to inform the readers of how disgusting and horrifying the Nationalist’s agenda is.)

The House of Commons in St. Parington’s Palace, the home of Phibeta’s Parliament

The Prorogration of Parliament About To Commence The Summer Recess Season

Madame Speaker, The Lords, and Ladies who are authorized by virtue of Her Majesty's Commission to declare the prorogation of Parliament, desire the presence of this Honourable House, in the House of Peers to hear the Commission read.

On June 10, these words will be spoken by the Gentleman Usher of The Blackrod of Parliament signaling the end of the parliamentary session that took place from February to May of 2022. This is an annual tradition that gives members of Parliament some time to rest and perhaps go around their constituency to survey the well-being of their constituents. It is also time for the House of Lords and Ladies’ commission members to begin the process of scrutinizing bills and past laws. This tradition dates back to the 1810s, and even further back, when the ruling monarch would decide to shut down parliament for a couple of weeks when things got too unruly. Since the Tri-monarchy began in 1814, this tradition now is used to declare a recess for parliament to give politicians a break and to visit the constituency that they represent.

This time, things will be a bit different as these MPs will be on the campaign trail with local politicians to progress their party power in the upcoming local elections which are projected to be in December of 2022. “It is a time to bolster our numbers in terms of support,” says Prime Minister Douglas Sousa, MP for Shiledfried and Party Leader for The Conservatives. “We Always spend our time during the prorogation visiting our people and promising them all kinds of reforms and laws”.

“It is a time to recruit new members into our party,” says Clifford Sellers, MP for Mondola and the Party Leader for the Nationalists. “Nationalism is a part of everyone’s soul and with the upcoming prorogation, we can recruit new members for our cause”. There are many who adore this tradition, but then there are others who believe that this tradition only weakens the democratic force of our kingdom.

“It is an old institution that keeps the power to the few, which is the power to the nobility,” says Mr. Richard Harrison, Democratic Socialist MP for Ridderton. “It may have been a necessity when most of the educated populous belonged to the aristocracy, but now is an old tradition that has no place in our modern democracy”. Others believe that prorogation stalls parliamentarian debate and law-making.

“This bourgeoisie prorogation stalls the proletariat debate we have in parliament,” says Communist MP Lindsay Firth of Killbinshire. “We can not have a great debate or create new laws with these interruptions to the system!”. There have been referendums in the past for the House of Lords to be dissolved in favour of a senate or council.

Keep in mind that those who believe in the good of the prorogation of parliament also are aiming for favourable results in the upcoming local elections. The seats of the House of Commons will remain the same, but the local city council seats will, and it will also determine the outcome of the general elections set for 2025. The Nationalists claim that they will do well, but with the current PR disaster, it is expected for the support for Nationalists will decrease significantly.

Whatever happens, we can be sure that the current tradition will continue, even with the rejectors of this old system.

Hans Eric Wardolf, politics editor for The Weston Mail

Other headlines

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Weston Royal Opera Company Production of The Butcheress of Sauville Opens In Two Weeks

by **Agar-Na** » Sun Jun 12, 2022 2:00 pm

World: Foreign Affairs Awaits Naming of Czaslyudian Supremo

Sources at the Foreign Ministry indicate that the Foreign Minister, Count Abravenel is ready to invite the incoming Principle Chairman of the Federal Republic of Czaslyudian Peoples upon his or her announcement to the office. The Agarese embassy in Sevyich confirms that relations between Agar-Na and it’s neighbor to the north continue on a steady basis, although discussions beyond the normal coordination of trade, river and flood control, and border security are on hiatus pending any change brought my Mr. Bezukhov’s incipient successor. The sudden departure of Principle Chairman Vadim Bezukhov caught the Foreign Ministry unawares, and at this time there is no clear sign of a successor in Sevyich. High level communications between the Palace and Sevyich remain intact, with Prime Minister Shapira updating Prince Harold periodically. Following the announcement of Mr. Bezukhov’s successor Foreign Affairs expect to extend an invitation for the new Principle Chairman to visit Agar, and have an audience with Prince Harold. This has been a mainstay of Agarese diplomacy since independence in 1975. The upcoming summit of Great Inland Sea states in September has not been delayed at this time, and is not expected to be be postponed.

Nation: Massive Drug Bust in Kvecany

An early morning raid by police in the Kvecany neighborhood of Agar netted 56 pounds of raw cocaine and methamphetamine valued at 750 million Credits. Upon a tip by informers at the National Police, 15 squad cars and two SWAT units swooped in on a large equipment shed on a lumberyard on Stare Misto street, largely unattended at 2 AM. Six men guarding the shed were injured in a shootout, with two gunmen on the loose. Kvecany and adjacent neighborhoods have been on lockdown since the raid. Two policemen have been hospitalized with light wounds and are expected to be released from the hospital later today. Agar-Na police spokesman Dominik Sklenár told the Star-Reporter “This looks like the tip of the iceberg for a major operation. We’re hoping that information obtained from records in this action can help resolve a lot of the drug dealing we’ve seen increase throughout the city, especially in the 10th and 11th precincts. My thanks go out to the National Police intelligence unit, without whom this wouldn’t have been possible. We have additional information from the National Police that this transshipment point may be connected to larger foreign cartels, and they may have more to say about that later. Currently we have four suspects in detention, and there will be extensive investigation into their activities by both us and National Pollice intelligence."

Business: SJM Announces This Year’s Crop of Partners

Agar-Na’s leading accounting firm SJM announced twelve new partners, the largest class in five years. Seven partners announced serve in the Agar-Na office, with three in Lorinick and two in Myslava. All partners have attained their new status between the ages of 30 and 35, and have met the requisite 7 million credit sales over the last two years. There are 11 men and one woman in the cohort. Board Chairman Pavol Kollár made the announcement during the monthly directors meeting, saying “we look forward to the addition of these new partners, and congratulate them heartily on their attainment. I would especially like to recognize their contributions in the audit, international business and agricultural business sectors. SJM must continue to keep up with the times, and we think this class can contribute heavily toward that goal.”

The firm indicated that it is sticking it’s toe further into international business, planning to staff an office in Kelso, Eitoan. Chairman Kollár said at the meeting that there are also plans afoot to find affiliates elsewhere on continent, with Ladero being an area of interest in the near term.

by **The Ice States** » Wed Jun 29, 2022 5:58 pm

_{Ooc: Thanks to The Macabees for advice in this! Images are original, created using Blender 2.83.5}

Construction of New Prison at Grassmill

The Duke of Deephedge, Carl Tonge, announced yesterday that a new set of prisons is being planned in Grassmill. His public announcement said the following _

It is unfortunate that the amount of heretics and non-believers is increasing at an alarming rate. For this, we are working to construct a new set of prisons at Grassmill. These new prisons will house 500 prisoners each, and 5000 in total. Cells will allow prisoners to talk to each other through cell bars, and prisoners will have access to eating sessions twice a day, during which they may also access the toilet, but otherwise must stay within their cells. We hope that through stronger discipline systems to compel proper worship of the almighty Klyprer, we can ensure the his divine favour for our great Empire.

The construction project is intended to begin next week, on January 5 1413, and be completed by June 1413. However, any aid from other nations in constructing the prison would be appreciated. When completed, this would be the fourth prison complex of the nation, along with the Deephedge Prison, Frostham Complex, and Fauxworth Prison.

by **Tangatarehua** » Wed Jul 06, 2022 4:38 am

FORMER PRIME MINISTER SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS JAIL FOR CORRUPTION

6th July 2022

TAMAKI
Former Prime Minister Tamati Kahurangi was today sentenced to five years in prison, after being found guilty of multiple charges including embezzlement, abuse of power and fraud.

_{Former Prime Minister Tamati Kahurangi has been sentenced to five years in prison after being found guilty of corruption}

The sentence finally ends a saga that has gripped the nation for nearly two years and is considered a significant fall from grace for a Prime Minister who was first elected in a landslide victory in 2015.

Kahurangi was found guilty in March and unsuccessfully attempted to repeal the verdict in June. He has remained in police custody since then, after being arrested for attempting to flee the country.

The scandal centred around the former Prime Minister's attempt to conceal his ownership of Te Rakau Nui, a forestry company that he personally awarded a 12 billion Kohatu (US$1 billion) government contract to while in office. Commentators have dubbed the saga "the biggest political scandal to hit post-war Tangatarehua".

Kahurangi was first questioned by Roopu Whakatewhatewha [the National Investigations Agency] in June 2020, but denied he held any stake in Te Rakau Nui. He was formally arrested in October, triggering nationwide protests and calls for him to resign.

In February 2021, opposition politicians attempted to impeach him but this was block-voted down by Ropu Mahi [the Labour Party] who held a Parliamentary majority at the time and who denied that Kahurangi was involved in any impropriety.

After losing the election in November, he was also charged with Abuse of Power for having used his political office to stall and delay any attempts to investigate him.

The scandal is widely seen as an eye-opening moment for a still fledgling democracy and has prompted calls for reviews into the sometimes disturbingly close relationships between government and corporations, with most corporations in Tangatarehua still controlled by the old nobility (Toa).

Kahurangi led Ropu Mahi (the Labour Party) to a landslide victory in 2015, promising to reform the finance sector in the wake of the Tangatarehua Financial Crisis of 2014. He led Labour to re-election in 2018 with a smaller but still comfortable majority. He was unable to form a government after the 2021 election resulted in a hung parliament and conceded defeat, later resigning his seat.

Since he left office, Ropu Mahi has been plagued with infighting due to disagreements over who should replace him as party leader as well as the party faithful's reckoning with the scandal.

Last month, Ropu Mahi officially disbanded with the party officially split into two new parties, the Democratic Socialist "Maui Hapori" [Left Socialist] and the Social Democratic "Matau Hapori" [Right Socialist].

by **Czaslyudian Peoples** » Mon Jul 11, 2022 9:12 pm

Korf Enquirer

BEZUKHOV OUT– NOW WHAT?

Vyacheslav Kubiyovych

July 11th, 2022

It happened, for once, without bloodshed. In the early hours of the morning, Principle Chairman Vadimir Antonovych Bezukhov, three times (and largely self-awarded) Hero of the Czaslyudian Peoples, sickly and everlasting political strongman across the Second and Third Federal Republics, resigned his position peacefully to a spontaneously selected successor.

For hours, the cogs of the government seemed to freeze as top officials pondered the constitutionality of it all– as well as the tempting opportunity posed to the more hawkish ones– and eventually found it to be perfectly legal under the newest constitution, drafted last winter. Under this system, the Principle Chairman; upon resignation, dishonor, or expiration of their sixteen-year term limit or worldly troubles; may select their successor and put it down in writing for representatives from the National Assembly, the administration of the Premier, and an anonymous ‘third man’ in the government to ensure the legitimacy of the transfer of power from one leader to the next.

This resignation comes as no shock, certainly, after the prior months of apparent worsening health in the (former) Principle Chairman. Orest Yushchenko, Adjutant Deputy at the Tavriske Medical Center, Central District, claims that the symptoms shown publicly (as well as those inferred from his absences) underline several physical health and mental health challenges that would not befit a world leader. “[The symptoms] are not unique to the condition, but the Bezukhov administration’s tiptoeing around even suggesting such a thing as a schizophrenic Principle Chairman only ensures that, to some degree, Vadimir Bezukhov suffers from schizophrenia.” Yushchenko adds that schizophrenia may not be the only illness from which the former Principle Chairman suffers, “but that information would have to come through his multitudes of doctors, who, of course, will keep their mouths shut.”

Bezukhov leaves behind a troubled legacy. Decriers of his administrations have often construed his actions as despotic and heavy-handed, with his counterinsurgency campaigns in the northeast of the FRCP claiming appalling human death tolls and a whole civil war fought over his reinstallment as Principle Chairman against a usurper whose name has since become unwelcome in every household. Many in academia claim his policies only helped ravage the service markets of the country, allowing WURCo. to snatch up significant niches in the market, only furthering their omnipresent monopoly, and heavily favored defense and heavy industries over anything that could better the quality of life for the common man. However, there are those who look back on his leadership with the slightest bit of respect in keeping the nation free from foreign entrapments, like troublesome and hawkish military pacts and meddling and unfair trade associations, maintaining the independence and sovereignty of our nation. But these types of people are far and few between, and for the most part, Bezukhov’s reign has been observed by the masses with the same indifference as they viewed his predecessor (legitimate or illegitimate).

In the wake of this resignation where confusion and doubt fill the air, one more issue has been added to the mix– what of the man’s successor?

Weeks ago, the analysts our publication consulted claimed that it was assured that one of the military would likely win the office of Principle Chairman should he need replacing. It became apparent at approximately midday during a government address by the office of the Premier that they were dead wrong. While technically a veteran, the successor has had no entanglements with the military for upwards of thirty-three years, spending most of their career in the government offices of the Department of the Interior, eventually heading it for sixteen years. While officials in the Department of War have since made no comment about the successor, it seems as if they aren’t incredibly happy with the choice. In fact, it seems in the government there is no more doubt about the succession itself, but rather, who it involves. All this worry centers around Anzelm Leonidovych Silarz, who though a thoroughly experienced and dedicated public servant, will celebrate their 92nd birthday this August. His health has been questioned, to the point that some consider Bezukhov healthier. During the war, Silarz supposedly helped coordinate the clandestine recruitment effort of the Czaslyudian Federal Opposition Bloc (CFOB), which helped to send experienced officers and much-needed equipment the way of Vadim Bezukhov’s faction, an important factor in the movement’s eventual victory. However, it is said that the nonegenarian’s workload was relatively light, and the man still had several health scares during that time.

Morbid as it may seem, is Anzelm Silarz a ticking time bomb as a leader?

“I hate to sound stubborn, but my point still stands,” returns Yaroslav Onyshchuk, tenured professor at the Berozero Technical Academy. “I don’t expect it to be long before we see the military’s characteristically short fuze run out and poor old Silarz is disposed of.” Onyshchuk explained that Silarz’s appointment certainly was a surprise to military figures as well, and they may very well see the old man’s term as nothing more than a hiccup in their ever-expanding political influence. “Either they wait him out, or they lose their patience and see– forgive me for being so blunt– that he meets an accident, such as at the bottom of some stairs.” The reason for this is simple– Silarz may find himself out of the favor of the Czaslyudian Armed Forces due to his civilian status and lack of indulgence in military spending, the latter which made Bezukhov a favorite for the top brass.

But there are more factors at play, as well. Silarz, as Principle Chairman, has the option to reshuffle the government, as it were. Namely, the appointments in the various offices in the buffer between Assembly and Principle Chairman, including the Premier and their Cabinet. Current Premier and champion for the sovereignty of the Korf Autonomous Republic, Eduard Yurijovych Serhiyenko, could potentially be replaced, along with most of the Bezukhov-picked cabinet. Along with these offices would be the Department of Internal Security, whose intent is to protect the government from collapsing in on itself. Silarz’s careful management of this office could mean the difference between a natural death and one that happened to be an “accident” at the hands of unhappy military leaders.

Many of these considerations rely on Silarz, now in the 99th percentile in the Czaslyudian population for age, to take rapid action. But what is known about Anzelm Silarz is that haste is not one of his attributes. From an interview in 2018 with an anonymous staffer during a sudden hospital visit (held at that time to have material for biographical purposes in case of the subject becoming deceased), it was said that “Tovarysh Silarz would approach a problem his own way, at his own pace . . . Whether it was an abundance [of patience] for himself or a lack of it for us, I don’t know.”

That is not to say that Silarz has been idle during this tricky transitional period. The Department of the Interior released a statement outlining the goals of the administration of the starets’, including slowing the negative economic spiral the FRCP is undergoing as well as pledging to repair crucial infrastructure damaged in the war. Silarz has also made a very bold move of vowing to reinforce the security of the very transfer of power he himself has just undertaken, including allowing for a democratic vote of candidates selected by party. The connections and mutual influence of the Czaslyudian Dominance Front and Silarz are known, but the apparent weakening and delegation of power away from his own position seems like foolishness, considering the threats to his office we have mentioned above.

Nevertheless, it is an interesting position to take in the passing shadow of such a notorious political strongman. Could Silarz, as unassuming a figure as he is, be the gateway toward the increasing democratization Korf sought at the end of the war? If so, the new (and very old) Principle Chairman ought to watch their back.

_{Vyacheslav Kubiyovych is the Head Columnist of the Korf Enquirer, the FRCP’s first private news source and most widely distributed news source in both paper and digital formats in the Korf Autonomous Republic.}

by **The Macabees** » Wed Jul 13, 2022 9:32 am

Treaty of Inter-Frontier Cooperation Signed

MATAGALPA — His Imperial Majesty Fedor I ratified today the Treaty of Cooperation Along the Ice Frontier (TOCAIF), which outlines a series of commitments made by the empires of the Golden Throne and Ice States. It is the first agreement of its kind between the two states and ushers in a period of cooperation between the two imperial governments. In exchange for political protection of Klyprerism in Nicaro, especially in the south, and pledges of security for its worshippers, the Ice States have agreed to take steps to arrest and imprison Nicaroan militants who cross the southern frontier seeking a safe haven from Macabéan military pressure. The treaty also stipulates that the government of His Imperial Majesty Fedor I will help fund the new prison program in the Ice States. Through TOCAIF, the Golden Throne seeks to seal off half of the Nicaroan Frontier and further hem in insurgents, a step toward defeating the ongoing insurgency in the satrapy for good.

The liberation of Nicaro from civil war and growing Nazi Ordenite influence, and the subsequent garrisoning of the country, have come with burdens. Between 2026 and 2030, the Fuermak was involved in a long, challenging struggle against militant forces loyal to the Chinadenga pirates, many of whom had come from Theohuanacu and all of which were involved in the luxury slave trade between Theohuanacu and the Scandinvan Empire. Although these forces have been defeated and whereas the northern sectors of the satrapy now enjoy the so-called Pax Macabea, a militant insurgency continues to rage in the south. Because of large-scale military commitments elsewhere, first in Theohuanacu and Gholgoth, then in the Killian Republic and Krasnova, the Fuermak has not been able to fully pacify the protectorate. Although military operations in the south have been stepped up, especially as conventional ground forces are replaced by the newly formed limitari, porous borders between Nicaro and the two bordering states of Motokata and the Ice States have so far frustrated efforts to permanently extinguish the combat capabilities of the Nicaroan guerrillas.

Although the Ice States are themselves a slave state, the Golden Throne has overlooked this domestic policy choice in exchange for what it hopes to be a major improvement to the strategic situation in the region. First, by signing a formal agreement with a government that upholds the legality of slavery within its borders, Fedor I perhaps intends to send a message of foreign policy stability after many long years of wars and rivalry. This sort of stability may be especially important given ongoing tensions between Fedala and Ordena, especially along the heavily militarized frontiers in Krasnova and Killia. Suggestive of this objective are clauses guaranteeing the protection of Klyprer worshippers in Nicaro, signaling an intent to respect the freedom of worship of a potentially rivalrous imperial cult religion. TOCAIF quelches any question of friction in this sense. Second, and more importantly, by doing so the Imperial Bureaucracy aim to accelerate the conclusion to counterinsurgency operations in the area. The conflict has slowed the rebuilding of wartorn Nicaro in the south, as well as its economic revival via the import of imperial capital and capital assets from the wealthier provinces and territories.

In an effort to downplay any involvement in the domestic Ice States slave trade, the Imperial Bureaucracy issued a public statement on its website explaining the decision to fund the country's new prison building program. It focused on the reciprocal agreement to arrest Nicaroan guerrillas who cross into the country and the Golden Throne's responsibility to pay for the expenses of what is essentially a security program for its benefit. In other words, that aspect of TOCAIF is seen as reimbursement funding for costs associated with the arrest and imprisonment of Nicaroan militant fighters and political enemies, and not as a broader funding measure for the overall prison expansion program currently undertaken by the government of the Ice States. Naturally, the statement has been received with skepticism among some citizens of the Golden Throne.

Protests in Beda Fromm, the capital city, and other Frommian cities broke out soon after the ratification of TOCAIF was announced to the public. The anti-slavery sentiment continues to be an important element leveraged by the Imperial Government in its quest to balance its military engagements, territorial expansion, and an educated, wealthy provincial population that is increasingly hostile to imperialism. TOCAIF is seen to undermine commitment to the expansion and protection of individual liberty in the region, a spiritual and political concept that is important to Fedor's justification for the various overseas expansions and wars conducted during the course of his tenure on the golden throne. Protestors in the western province paint His Imperial Majesty as a hypocrite and call into question his commitment and values. Although civilian security has been increased in these cities, the protests remain peaceful and local police have not taken steps to limit them.

On the other hand, TOCAIF is a major signal of the Imperial Bureaucracy's intent to scale back its international efforts. The wars of the past six years, as well as the costs of ongoing pacification operations throughout the territories and satrapies, have put quite the strain on imperial coffers. Reducing federal outlays, primarily through the limitation of foreign conflicts in which the Golden Throne is involved, is now seen as a priority by the Imperial Bureaucracy. With tensions growing in the far west, around the former Istaloan colonies, it remains to be seen whether the government can successfully do this, TOCAIF is perhaps to be seen as a step in that overall direction.

Further, there are some parallels between TOCAIF and previous agreements with the far western government of Potthan. Potthan is also known for its involvement in a limited sort of slave trade. Past agreements with Potthan saw further reductions in the extent of this trade. Perhaps the Imperial Bureaucracy sees similar possibilities with regards to the Ice States, although nothing of the sort has been stated or hinted at officially. It remains to be seen whether the Golden Throne uses any of its leverage to influence its neighbor along the Nicaroan Frntiers or whether it will simply look the other way.

For the time being, TOCAIF is an important step toward continued stabilization of the geopolitical space in central Greater Díenstad. It not only affords the Fuermak an additional ally in its continued fight against guerrilla terrorism in southern Nicaro, but it also secures the southern flank of an important imperial asset just west of the Nazi Fourth Reich. For the Ice States, the agreement is a recognition of its rights to set its own domestic policy, including the arrest, imprisonment, and possible enslavement of non-believers in its state religion. It also promises the protection of Klyprer worshippers across the border, potentially allowing for the growth in influence of the religion on its continent. As such, TOCAIF is an important agreement for both sides and may be the beginning to a strengthening relationship between neighbors.

by **Greater Ordena** » Thu Jul 14, 2022 10:13 am

ORDENCHE - RUNDFUNK - GESELLSCHAFT

ORDENITE BROADCASTING CORPORATION

REICHS-MINISTRY OF PROPAGANDA AND ENLIGHTENMENT

His Majesty Fedor I now befriending Slavers?
The Treaty of Inter-Frontier Cooperation shines a light on His Majesty's hypocrisy.

BERLINA, ORDENA-

The newly signed 'Treaty of Inter-Frontier Cooperation' between the Golden Throne and the Ice States unveils the utter hypocrisy of an Empire that has in recent years been crowned a "Champion of freedom and liberty". However when the situation benefits His Majesty Fedor I he is more than willing to make deals and befriend Slavers. For what did the countless millions die for in Gholgoth against the mighty Scandinavian Empire who also practiced slavery? It seems to many that the Golden Throne's war in Gholgoth was merely to improve and exaggerate the cult of personality and image of His Majesty Fedor I. The treaty with the Ice States who actively practice slavery and will if those who do not submit to it's religion and customs will either execute or condemn them to slavery. It is now that His Majesty and the Golden Throne as a whole begin to let their true colors show, after all the past several years have been nothing but an elaborate show orchestrated by the Imperial bureaucracy in Fedala to impress the World Assembly. The Reich Chancellery has released an official statement on behalf of the Greater Ordenite Reich on the recent development in the Nicaro Satrapy.

"The Treaty of Inter-Frontier Cooperation is a spit in the face to the countless millions who died in far away battlefields in Gholgoth fighting the Scandinavian Empire. The Ice States despite it having made friends with the Golden Throne will see no kind of friendships and relations made with the rest of Greater Dienstad. It baffles the Reich Chancellery that even after the fall of the Ralkovian Empire, that slaver states still rear their ugly heads on the international stage."

by **The Ice States** » Sat Jul 16, 2022 1:08 pm

Statement on Greater Ordena

A few days ago, a newly-formed alliance with The Macabees, the Treaty of Inter-Frontier Cooperation, was announced, where we would help protect the Golden Throne's sovereignty over the bordering colony Nicaro. Unfortunately, the Reich of Greater Ordena has released a statement condemning The Macabees for this alliance, claiming that the alliance "unveils the utter hypocrisy" of the Golden Throne and that "the Golden Throne's war in Gholgoth was merely to improve and exaggerate the cult of personality and image of His Majesty Fedor I". While attempting to call out the Empire for supposed hypocrisy, it is itself a sign of blatant hypocrisy, as Ordena itself has a history as a long-time slaver nation through the program "Retribution Through Labor". The Empire of The Ice States unambiguously and unequivocally condemns Greater Ordena for this statement.

We are also baffled by the bold and false claim that we "will see no kind of friendships and relations made with the rest of Greater Dienstad". One nation attempting to condemn our ally for entering into a treaty with us will not prevent us from expanding our diplomatic reach.

We are immediately sanctioning all possible direct or indirect future relations with the Reich. We are also sanctioning all future trade with the nation. These sanctions will only be lifted upon the Reich publicly apologising for and withdrawing the statement. While we are not diplomatic or trade partners at the moment, we will not be diplomatic or trade partners with a nation at any time in the future that attempts to condemn our treaty ally for opening relations with us.

Signed _

~Jeramy Vliet,
Duke of Magecastle and WA Ambassador,
The Empire of The Ice States

~Emperor Sotolo II,
Emperor,
The Empire of The Ice States

~Klyprer,
Lord Of The Cosmos,
With behalf of the Chief Scribe,
The Empire of The Ice States

by **Abetton** » Sat Jul 16, 2022 2:22 pm

The Sauville Trumpet
-Since 1785-

Controversial Opera Riles Parliament

Stock Photo: Lower Chamber of Parliament

by: Art Chase

SAUVILLE - The House of Delegates, Abetton's lower chamber of parliament, ended their session on Friday discussing the controversial play, The Butcheress of Sauville a modern revival of an old opera commissioned at the end of the Meridional War (Also known as The Post-Peninsula War Era of 1861), and a caricature of Queen Beatrix I, Queen of Abetton from 1855-1868. This controversial opera was first performed in 1863 and is known to be a pro-Phibeta propaganda following the aftermath of the war. It is a story that follows sailor Johann Pharage (a personification of Phibeta, as he takes an interest in an orphanage run in Sauville, the capitol of Abetton, by a butcher named Bella Reynolds (a stand-in for Queen Beatrix, the monarch of Abetton during that war. First performed by soprano, Darcey Wood) who takes in orphans off the streets and set them to work in her butcher shop. What happens during the opera is horrific and very much unthinkable for its time, but it seemed justified given the previous war. Themes of Cardinal charity, patriotism, human consciousness, and cannibalism are present in this opera that was written by the librettist, Fiorenza Rutolo. Producers of the opera, The Weston Company, stress that this opera provides commentary on the politics of serfdom and slavery that once had a grasp on the region, formally abolished in Abetton after the events of the war.

The recent revival first launched back in February, to little known press outside of Phibeta but a recent run in in July caught more attention from people at home, including members of Parliament. MP Justin Night, Delegate from Jovian (Which includes Sauville) spoke about it on the chamber floor, on Friday.

"Phibeta's nationalists cannot let sleeping dogs lay, they continue to drudge up the past and continue to humiliate Abetton to remind us they were once the victors in a war that occurred 150 years ago." Other members expressed similar disdain, MP Cosmo Hawkins of Nix expressed, "This gross characterization of a Queen of Abetton should not be taken so lightly." MP Sheila Larkin of Lampsea agreed with her fellow Conservatives, saying the play should be banned and called for a Resolution of condemnation. "The legacy of Queen Beatrix will always be one of great complexity but to caste the black and white picture as the with this play-opera-whatever [sic] Phibetans continue to push their Anti-Abetton Agenda."

On the inverse side, others came to defense of the opera or at least in defense of Phibeta in general. Liberal MP, Scarlett Mayne of Lillah, took to the floor to denounce any resolution, "My fellow MPs caste shame against a story they've not read nor seen nor witnessed. A resolution of Condemnation would only hurt our relations with Phibeta." MP, Lily Moore of Ursul's arguments came down to the whole thing being a waste of time. "Does His Majesty's Parliament have nothing more to do than to concern over trivial matters? Forget this nonsense and move along already."

A draft resolution of condemnation was put up for a vote and ultimately failed in a vote of 64-401. A further motion of debate for a banning of the play under the Monarch Disparage Act of 1850 was invoked but also rejected by the Chamber Speaker, and business was concluded for the day.

by **Czaslyudian Peoples** » Sun Jul 17, 2022 9:25 am

Korf Enquirer

FRCP CONDEMNS, SANCTIONS, THE CONDEMNATION OF THE CONDEMNER

Vyacheslav Kubiyovych

July 17th, 2022

The newly formed administration of Principle Chairman Anzelm Silarz this week has issued a disappointed reminder to the Golden Throne and the Empire of the Ice States: “that collaboration with slavers is tantamount to participating in it.” This comes in response to the Ice States’ barrage of sanctions in response to the Reich’s own condemnation, as rhetoric surrounding the controversial Treaty of Cooperation Along the Ice Frontier (TOCAIF) being signed.

Days after the Golden Throne’s agreement with the Empire of the Ice States, the international community remains in contention over the ethical implications of the decision, with some nations, primarily the Ordenites, issuing outright condemnations. The treaty in itself is not outright malignant, merely seeking to better enforce border security with some additional diplomatic fluff and riders. However, the Empire of the Ice States is a slaver state, through and through, and cooperation with such is never truly smiled upon by the morally upright international community.

It is no wonder that the current Silarz administration, seeking to assert themselves within the government as legitimate to both the National Assembly as well as to the people, intervenes in this controversy. Though the Federal Republic and its predecessors have not had the most stainless human rights record, its governments have consistently frowned upon the institution of slavery in its many forms, guaranteeing wages and certain personal provisions to all employed citizens and registered non-citizens. The Empire of the Ice States forms perhaps the last major bastion of slavery in Greater Dienstad after the collapse of Ralkovian Empire, and if anything, should have a target on its back. The statement from the Department of Foreign Relations, penned by Chairman-Minister Pavlo Tarasyuk, goes as follows:

FRCP Official Dispatch

From: FRCP Department of Foreign Relations,
Sevyich, FRCP

To: The Empires of the Golden Throne and Ice States

The Third Federal Republic greets its international colleagues with due respect, but there comes a time when respect is not warranted, in particular this present concern we bring up to your respective Empires. The FRCP, witness for much time to the immorality and depravity of slavery in its institutional or commercial forms in Western Greater Dienstad, can not stand for so-called civilized powers to cooperate and parley with the perpetrators of slavery. The Golden Throne must truly be in decline for it to speak on equal terms, never mind across the negotiating table, to a dime-store criminal enterprise that masquerades as the Ice States. And to the presumed autocratic government of the Ice States, know that your days are limited and the eons of resentment you have cultivated in the masses will come to haunt your government.

The FRCP has seen fit in the past to take measures to deter or directly combat the spread of slavery and human trafficking, and in this instance, it will take the same methods but certainly more proactive to deal with the threat coming from dishonorable state-actors. All maritime vessels from the Ice States discovered in the Northern Vanguat Sea and Great Inland Sea will be stopped and boarded, their vessels and stores seized if evidence of human trafficking exists. Vessels from the Golden Throne will have the same treatment. Vessels resisting search and seizure will be sunk without question. Aircraft incoming or arriving from locations diverted from either of these states will have the same treatment. Should the governments attempt to circumvent this, the FRCP’s Armed Forces would be more than capable of extending this air and sea denial to a few kilometers off your respective waters.

The Treaty of Cooperation Along the Ice Frontier stands as an unfathomable wrong and step backwards in the world’s response against slavery, and even though the agreement does not necessarily touch up on slavery, the Federal Republic finds that collaboration with slavers is tantamount to participating in it. We ask the Golden Throne to withdraw from the agreement immediately and take a less cordial stance against reprobates like the Empire of the Ice States.

Signed,

__Pavlo Tarasyuk_
Chairman-Minister of Foreign Relations, FRCP

_Anzelm___Silarz
Principle Chairman of the Third Federal Republic of Czaslyudian Peoples

. . .

The message takes a rather extreme turn, essentially declaring all involved with the Ice States persona non grata, potentially highlighting the necessity for the new Silarz administration to stand out– and perhaps even sate the warmongering appetites of those in the Department of War. What this means is that sooner or later, the politics of the FRCP and these two states will come to a head, and resolve violently, or more optimistically, peacefully. In these times, we can only hope for the latter.

_{Vyacheslav Kubiyovych is the Head Columnist of the Korf Enquirer, the FRCP’s first private news source and most widely distributed news source in both paper and digital formats in the Korf Autonomous Republic.}

by **The Macabees** » Sun Jul 17, 2022 12:49 pm

BRIEF STATEMENT TO THE CZASLYUDIAN PEOPLES

There is little excuse for such a poor memory and lack of due diligence from the government of the Czaslyudian Peoples. For their benefit, prior to our direct response to their declaration of intent of war-like actions, we will illuminate them of the recent doings of one of Greater Díenstad's powers with the richest history of anti-slavery:

Commendation by the World Assembly for reasons including "The Macabees’ historical track record of combating slavery, such as its military operations against Ralkovia and The Scandinvans in “Titanomachy — GD/Gholgoth”, and thus the International Association of Slave Exporting Nations (IASEN), which was noted as a threat to international order by the World Assembly under SCR#20 “Condemn Greater Tezdrian” in 2010 and SCR#104 “Condemn Ralkovia” in 2012."
Waging a five-year war against the slave trading Gholgothic Scandinvan Empire, including a vast invasion of their home island in that region.
The liberation of South Panooly and its forced labor camps from the Ordenite Reich.
The liberation of Nicaro from the influence of the Reich and slave-trading pirate militias, against which we are still in the process of completely eliminating and thus our agreement to TOCAIF.
The liberation of much of Krasnova and its forced labor camps from the Ordenite Reich.
Our aggressive military response to attempts by Ralkovia to extend its influence beyond its corner of this region.
Ongoing aggressive naval patrols against slave trading states who seek to disturb the peace in Greater Díenstad.
Our ongoing military deployments to protect the state of Samarasta, the only creoloso-governed state among the former Istaloa Empire, from the Ordenite-backed slave-state of Fustera.
Our defeat of the Scandinvan-backed slave-trading pirates in Palenque and Tiwanaku in Theohuanacu.

We also remind you of the positive work that similar treaties have done in the past, including in the case of Potthan. Potthan, a state once under the influence of the Ralkovian Reich, ejected its Ralkovian overlords only after the Golden Throne extended a laurel leaf in the form of a military arms treaty. The Golden Throne is a country that has never shied from war, but it has always understood the power of diplomacy. Thus, TOCAIF.

But most obviously, the government of the Czaslyudian Peoples knows little of either diplomacy or war, because otherwise it would not have rushed its judgement so precariously, with so little foresight, and negligible understanding of this region's and her foremost powers' histories.

Perhaps we should suspect an ulterior motive. After all, the only other countries to condemn TOCAIF so far is the United World Order, a country condemned by the World Assembly for, among other things, "use of mass forced labor based on ideological and racial grounds in Krasnova. Despite a shortlived ejection of United World Order from the country, slavery has been re-instated since Krasnova's reoccupation by the Reich. An estimated 100-200 million Krasnovans are currently held as forced laborers."

In any case, the Golden Throne will not tolerate any seizures and/or searches of imperial commercial ships by the Czaslyudian Peoples. We hereby declare the Czaslyudian Peoples to be sanctioned from all imperial trade, including from the mainland provinces, Guffingford, the Pan-Havenic territories, the Pan-Zarbian territories, Monzark, Theohuanacu, Holy Panooly, Indras, the Krasnovan Likutats, New Empire, and Nicaro.

Any action taken against our commercial ships will be interpreted as a declaration of war and will result in military action.

The actions of the Czaslyudian Peoples can be immediately rectified by a withdrawal of their statement against the Golden Throne.

[signed]

His Imperial Majesty Fedor I & the Kríerlord Kuncil

by **Agar-Na** » Mon Jul 18, 2022 2:14 pm

Palace Orders Maritime Shipping Changes in Response to Recent Foreign Developments

Prime Minister Shapira charged the Royal Inspector of Ports and Maritime Traffic to expand berthing opportunities at major Agarese ports handling larger cargo ships in a missive issued late last night. He also instructed the Royal Inspector to fully staff the Marine Traffic Guidance and Warning System for all cargo ships in Agarese waters and nearby adjacent waters for the purpose of alerting shippers of any impending threats to seagoing commerce, especially in the eastern sectors. The statement made no reference to the friction between The Golden Throne and the FRPC. The statement reads:

From The Palace, Agar, Agar-Na

I have tasked The Royal Inspector of Ports and Maritime Traffic to offer safe berthing, and attendant cargo hadling services to vessels traversing Agarese and adjacent international waters that may be impacted by recent actions regarding safe passage in The Great Inland Sea. Such provision shall be made for docking facilities both private and Crown. If necessary, the Royal Inspector shall arbitrate rates for transportation, unloading and warehousing with private providers. The Palace will not be party to reimbursement of such arrangements in a direct manner, but those concerns that show proof of such support will be looked upon favorably by The Palace. Royal Inspector audits of maritime shipping insurers will be conducted periodically to insure compliance with anti-price gouging regulations, with penalties assessed according to Schedule B. All land, satellite and airborne guidance shifts are to be fully staffed at Ports and Maritime Traffic until further notice, including backup and emergency recovery teams. All pilots and cargo ship captains and navigational crews are ordered to give priority to vessels of the Royal Inspector and to the Royal Agarese Coastal Patrol and Rescue until further notice.

In the name of His Highness Prince Harold

Leos Shapira, Prime MInister, The Principality of Agar-Na

In Monday’s Open Mic Session at The Popular Assembly, Prime Minister Shapira’s statement received no comments. Early in the session, Liberal Party Assemblyman William H’ly broached the subject of recent tensions between The FRPC and The Golden Throne in light of upcoming discussions at The Foreign Ministry. Mr. H’ly’s notes were the first voiced by a member of The Popular Assembly since the Czaslyudian declaration and Emperor Fedor’s response. In his remarks, Mr. H’ly said “I think all can agree with Prime Minister Shapira’s prudent order regarding shipping that could possibly be subject to seizure upon access or egress from Agarese waters. This only makes sense, from both a commercial and safety viewpoint. I also understand the sensitive nature of diplomacy at the current time, given the rapid sequence of events triggered by an apparently innocuous treaty inked between two states far from the continent. At this time, proceeding cautiously, my opinion is that Foreign Minister Abravanel should proceed with the traditional invitation to recently installed Chairman Silarz to visit Agar. Hostilities have not broken out, and the window of opportunity for this visit without the appearance of impropriety may be closing fast. Such a visit could offer the opportunity to more fully understand the nature of the Czaslyudian response to the Golden Throne-Ice States agreement. And I hope that Count Abravenel is in contact with Secretary Falkowski in Vladarsik, coordinating any further activities regarding Agarese accession the the Northwest Mutual Assistance Agreement. I recognize the importance of Eitoan trade with Agar-Na, and the welcome presence of their military here since the conclusion of The First Ralkovian War. I also acknowledge the motivation of our military to benefit from equipment and training upgrades that would come with NMAA accession, but perhaps, with Golden Throne membersip in the alliance at the observer level, such open discussions should be postponed until Czaslyudian/Macabbean relations cool.”

by **Czaslyudian Peoples** » Tue Jul 19, 2022 3:09 pm

Korf Enquirer

NEW GOVERNMENT PICKS SOLIDIFIED, ICE STATE TENSION INCREASES

Vyacheslav Kubiyovych

July 19th, 2022

Scarcely had the administration of Bezukhov had time to settle back into their places before the resignation of Bezukhov jeopardized their positions. The past week has seen several changes in the dynamic of the new Federal Republic as the Silarz administration settles in and the Assembly adjusts after the removal of the influence of the Bezukhov cult; among these include the dismissal of Eduard Serhiyenko from office of Premier to be replaced with Captain Ilya Markov, famed commander of the irregular CFOB “Markov’s Mauraders” unit. The choice is known to be a fairly popular one across most of the FRCP, but the city of Korf will be pining for the brief period of representation that Serhiyenko’s appointment represented. Also on Silarz’s agenda was the proposal for the current succession laws for the office of Principle Chairman to be cast away in exchange for a more democratic system– but it has been discovered that planners in Sevyich have found difficulties in properly managing such a vote, given that there are only four districts and rampant gerrymandering for local offices across the board. Add to this the current economic post-war crises, and the looming confrontation with two Empires, to the 92-year-old’s plate.

On Sunday, the office of Premier formerly filled by Eduard Stepanovych Serhiyenko was swiftly vacated and prepared for the arrival of Ilya Afanasovych Markov, the Premier selected by Principle Chairman Silarz and near-unanimously approved by the National Assembly. It is generally understood in the murky weeks before the Civil War that Markov, 46, served as part of the staff of Anzelm Silarz and helped to bring in recruits as well as fire the first shots of the war to overthrow the usurper-despot Smirnov; so it is no wonder that he was a popular pick for both Silarz and the people as a whole. In his relatively nascent and clearly fast-rising political career, he has made himself an ardent advocate for the democratization of the FRCP’s political system and military reform, as well as a significant supporter for Czaslyudian environmentalism. Silarz and Markov will likely cooperate well owing to their past– but what this also does for Silarz is put a pro-military figure in another government position. This, in tandem with the uncharacteristically aggressive business regarding the Ice States and the Golden Throne, looks to be appeasement for the disgruntled Czaslyudian Armed Forces.

But will it work? If anything, to the military Markov’s appointment to Premier is purely a symbolic move, as the Premier does not affect the budget of the Armed Forces; only the Principle Chairman and the National Assembly as a whole. On the other hand, if Markov turns out to be capable at their position, perhaps the bubbling pot of the military can be cooled. Current Department of War Chairman and also a high-ranking officer during the war, General-of-the-Army Valentyn Davydenko, has ‘expressed that the military has no intention to pursue political ambitions’ and ‘welcomes the appointment of veteran Markov’, suggesting that perhaps the military is adjusting to the new leadership.

Leadership, that, so far, seems far too busy to have been done by a geriatric alone. Upon the Principle Chairman’s request, Representative and Special Oversight Committee Member Danylo Chornyj presented Bill 1A25 “Reform of Office of the Principle Chairman”, which seeks to make an alteration to the Czaslyudian constitution whose ink is still wet on the page, specifically regarding how the office of Principle Chairman is passed down.

Silarz took office under the system that had served Principle Chairmen back when they were the unitary source of government power, or the “Selector” process, which entitles the sitting Principle Chairman to have written down in legal format a specific person (or chain of people) who would succeed them should they perish or leave office unexpectedly. The new system, the Enquirer is told, involves breaking up the districts with the assistance of district governors in order to produce voting districts. Political parties represented in the National Assembly (currently the Czaslyudian Dominance Front (FCP) and Czaslyudians for Direct Application of Socialism (CPZS)), upon a vacancy in the office of Principle Chairman, can select a candidate to run for that office. The voting districts would then be called on at a certain date to vote between candidates based on their platforms or histories. This would mean that not only is the National Assembly open to input from the population, but also the Principle Chairman. That is not to say this is without contention, however. Some members of the National Assembly, and indeed some within that very Special Oversight Committee, argue against Silarz’s reforms, stating that opening the process of selecting a new Principle Chairman to democratic vote will weaken the country.

“Silarz seems content to let the authority of the government fall upon not the trust of man, but the dodgy ballot,” says Representative Lyubomyr Korzh, going on to let the interviewer know he thought that Silarz was very unintelligent before adding, “for fifty years Czaslyudiya has needed a strong leader. And now that there is one weak link [in office], it makes no sense for us to see nothing wrong with tearing up the foundations on a whim.”

As Bill 1A25 is deliberated in the National Assembly, the Department of Services has cashed in a B 40 million infrastructure grant authorized by the former Premier Serhiyenko two weeks ago. The grant will primarily repair the main rail networks interconnecting the heart of the country as well as several necessary ones elsewhere. The next priority is the repair of no less than 38 coal and natural gas power plants in the northern and western districts, which rely on their electrical generation for necessary industrial and mining processes as well as for heating homes. Emergency repairs of vital infrastructure are expected to finish well into September, even with engineering elements pulled from ‘C’-division units to help speed the work.

The damage done to infrastructure is only one part of the greater problem, however. The inflation rate of the Czaslyudian Bill (B) currently stands at 43% and is steadily rising, which to economists has been attributed to many factors; the rapid distribution of aid after the war, the increase of employment due to temporary relief organizations, and the depreciation of the Bill on the international stage due over a year of brutal warfare, among other things. As it stands, the Department of Industry is struggling to open the usual places of employment back to their pre-war state and as such has enlisted leagues of out-of-work citizens to work on menial wages to help repair the roads and factories. These employers, whether they abandoned because of safety or lack of services, are now being bought out by the privately-owned conglomerate famously known as WURCo., or the Wassily Universal Rifling Company. The Company, compared to its smaller businesses and state corporations, was left relatively unphased by the war, though its Chief Executive Wassily Kazakov is under investigation for supplying the Smirnov regime with arms during the time the company stated they had taken a pledge of neutrality. This has allowed most of their capital to simply be transferred back within the country, and have spent their time since the conclusion of the war to buy up much of their competitors. The Federal Republic, strapped for cash, has helplessly sold many of its state industries to the conglomerate. As a result, the Wassily Universal Rifling Company has swelled to have an estimated value of 12.37 trillion Czaslyudian Bills in total assets. What this means for a potentially ‘free’ market in Czaslyudiya is clear– there will be a market consisting of the government’s handouts and this emerging conglomerate, and the consumer will be forced to choose between the two.

Unfortunately, this gloomy quickly-approaching future is not yet an immediate concern. Patrol vessels and warships across the western and eastern seaboards have left their berths to join the Czaslyudian Border Patrol and Czaslyudian Navy’s call to enforce Principle Chairman’s declaration on Sunday against the Ice States and Golden Throne.

“It’s a combative move, to be sure,” says Mistastepakh Conservatory policy analyst Nadiya Perepelytsa, “but important insofar as to clearly state [the FRCP’s] stance on the issue [of slavery],” she says. As it is well known, Western Greater Dienstad has annals of human abuse to such a degree that several bodies of water and features on land are named in reference to the human tragedy of slavery. In more modern times, bloody efforts have been taken to counteract the existence of slavery, such that there is no trace of institutionalized human trafficking in Northwestern region. “With the new government, it’s important for our government to assert itself on the issue.” To this extreme, she disclaims, she does not support. “[The Golden Throne] is not our enemy, and butting heads with them is just jingoistic stubborness– if we are to censure slavery, we ought to focus on the Ice States.”

Nevertheless, the Silarz administration continues the exchange of vitriolic rhetoric with its international opponents over this issue. The dispatch publicly released four hours after it was transmitted to its intended recipients is attached below.

FRCP Official Dispatch

From: FRCP Department of Foreign Relations,
Sevyich, FRCP

To: The Empire of the Golden Throne

We hope that it is a pleasant evening, or morning, or afternoon; or whatever time of day it is across the Golden Throne’s gaudy imperialistic holdings; for our colleagues in the Kreírlord Council and our comrade Fedor I.

The Department of Foreign Relations for the Federal Republic recognizes the storied accomplishments of our imperial peers but invites them to look to the present day, just beyond Nicaro, to the lands of the Ice States. Was all the suffering caused by endless years of wars and strife worth it just to have that very evil thrive on your doorstep? How many of the Golden Throne’s citizens have died fighting largescale slavery so that His Majesty and His Pomp and His Delusions of Grandeur can walk over their efforts and shake hands with the enemy? It seems that on our translated reproduction of your message that the Golden Throne, in its infinite acumen, can ‘negotiate’ with these backwater psuedo-nations to give up their ways; but in Potthan the Golden Throne worked with the slaver state to isolate them from their peers before using leverage that the leaders of Potthan had at least enough reason to recognize. The Ice States is already isolated, and His Majesty seeks to help the slavers build prisons while only getting friendlier with them. Do not attempt to deceive us into thinking this is part of gaining leverage– the Federal Republic only sees this as tidying up loose ends for your empire, sweeping guerrillas under the rug. If these are the actions of the same masterful diplomats and heads of state that arranged Potthan, then it is clear they have lost their touch. Our royal comrades also state that we do not know war; but after having our country split in two, while twenty-seven million brave dead now rest in our soil, while there was blood on the threshold of our homes, while our children cowered lest they end up in a shallow grave, while we watched our homeland burn and our homes destroyed and our way of life shattered– we may be much more familiar with war than our imperial peers let on. With the thoughts of our dead, with your legions of dead, on your Majesty’s and his Council’s mind, we ask: was their sacrifice worth anything if there are still slavers, and slaves, among man? Because what they have fought and died for was not, as you call it, peace. Peace will only occur once the slaver is totally defeated worldwide, and until then, we have a status quo. Were twenty-seven million Czaslyudians to die for the conclusion of our Civil War to result in a rump state, would not twenty-seven million more die trying to unify it? Now, how many slaves, treated as subservient, subhuman creatures, are killed or raped under the nose of their masters? Will they see justice? Are there civil courts for them to apply? No, the killing will continue en masse, televised, because the self-righteous royal considers himself a peacemaker while brandishing a treaty he considers to be worth less than the paper it is written on and just barely more than the blood that stains it. The Treaty of Cooperation Along the Ice Frontier, that very piece of paper, is the sole thing that separates our governments from friend and foe.

As for our alleged association with the Reich, know that in Craxx, the United World Order and the Federal Republic nearly came to blows. In fact, we barely averted a nuclear exchange due to the silver tongues of our delegates. The political divide between the UWO and FRCP runs deep– and as one can hopefully tell by now, our government has better reasons to oppose the agenda of His Majesty than for petty political nonsense. And, as you can see with this example, there is a time for diplomacy just as well as there is a time for action. We hope that His Majesty, Fedor I can access his critical faculties to tell what time it is now.

Signed,

__Pavlo Tarasyuk_
Chairman-Minister of Foreign Relations, FRCP

_Anzelm___Silarz
Principle Chairman of the Third Federal Republic of Czaslyudian Peoples

. . .

The above statement is anything but conciliatory, as our readers can tell for themselves. It is unclear whether the Silarz administration wishes to goad the Golden Throne to action, to dismiss them, or to merely insult them. Any way it is taken, it does little to further the FRCP’s hold over the stretch of water as vast as the Greater Vanguat Sea.

Already there have been two interceptions made by patrol vessels, but there is a probable multitude of vessels that have slipped through the fingers of the Czaslyudian navy before it brought its force to bear on the faraway waters. The spokesperson for the Czaslyudian Sea Forces has stated that it has diverted approximately 47 ships from their eastern harbors to enforce the stop-and-search policy against the Ice States and Golden Throne. But even with navigational transponders on, it is still roughly 26,000,000 square kilometers of sea to cover, though maritime patrol aircraft (which can, conceivably, reach the entire Northern Vanguat Sea with tanker support) can help cover the gaps.

However, even with the massive distances involved, these ships can get too close for comfort. Sometime in the evening of July 18th, the Czaslyudian Border Patrol vessel Sulyma, Kosynsky-Class, came into contact with a Macabean trade vessel after being vectored in by a support aircraft. By 00:51 hours CESTZ, the Sulyma came into visual contact with the ship and began to radio orders to reduce speed and prepare for inspection. The Golden Throne vessel refused, and the Sulyma persisted in its request while closing in on the slower vessel. Eventually, the FRCPN Sulyma requested that the foreign vessel change its course to take it out of the patrol vessel’s area of interest, before doing what is known among seamen as ‘bumping’. A rather extreme action taken by maritime authorities, bumping is a form of collision between two vessels where one attempts to nudge the other without causing serious damage (separate from ramming) to force the victim to change course or comply with the orders. The Sulyma impacted on the starboard aft section of the foreign vessel, reigniting the dispute between the two vessels. This occurred once more to little effect, before the commanding officer of the Sulyma was advised by the Sea Forces to withdraw. Both ships sustained no serious damage, and it is said that the bow of the Sulyma will require repair though the ship is otherwise still seaworthy. The transcript of the interaction itself has not yet been declassified, and the occurrence was only revealed this afternoon. This dangerous interaction between a vessel of the FRCP and one of the Golden Throne has not yet yielded an official response from either party.

In other news, the FRCP will be sending Chairman (Foreign Relations) Pavlo Tarasyuk to Agar-Na to foster good relations with the southern neighbors amidst the present international quandary.

“It’s important not to lose sight of our friends when making enemies,” says Tarasyuk on the matter. After the Chairman left the press conference, it was stated by an aide that the Chairman will present a gift to the Agarese Prince Harold from the State Archives in Sevyich, after which no details regarding the gift were given. Gifts, uncommon in Czaslyudian diplomacy, will hopefully warm relations between the FRCP and its neighbors, the aide states.

_{Vyacheslav Kubiyovych is the Head Columnist of the Korf Enquirer, the FRCP’s first private news source and most widely distributed news source in both paper and digital formats in the Korf Autonomous Republic.}

by **The Macabees** » Wed Jul 20, 2022 7:58 pm

KRÍERGRUP 'SAMARASTA' WILL DOUBLE KRÍERMADA PRESENCE IN WESTERN REGION
The fleet group will first tour the North Vanguat Sea before eventually passing on Fustera's western coast to Samarasta.

With the bulk of Kríermak 'Gholgoth' now returned to the region, its vessels are being leveraged to replace war losses and to bolster the navy's more tenuous presences. One of 'Gholgoth's' newer fleet groups, or Kríergrup, has been renamed 'Samarasta' and will replace the impromptu force composed by splitting Kríergrup Potthan at its new home ports in Samarasta. Rather than sail directly to its destination, 'Samarasta' is ordered to first sail north around Nicaro and to the North Vanguat Sea. Then it will take a roundabout passage through the Jeshoada Channel with a known intent of stopping at the mouth of the River Dykk, near Kríerstatón Potthan, before sailing not far off the coast of Fustera until reaching its home ports in Samarasta. The Imperial Bureaucracy remains tight-lipped on the motivations of the kríergrup's journey, however it is known that some of its eskúadras — squadrons — will make courtesy visits at friendly ports along the way.

The initial splitting of Kríergrup Potthan's duties between its home port, the colossal Kríerstatón 'Potthan,' and the in-construction Kríerstatón Tongolosi was temporary was a product of the times. At the time, the Second Macabéan-Ordenite War was in full force and the bulk of the Kríermada's regional naval forces was needed to enforce the blockade of the Ordenite mainland and defeat the Kriegsmarine's attempt to open supply lines to Krasnova. These forces suffered heavily during the ensuing battle, especially Kríergrups 'Indras' and 'Berliston,' to the point that the battle's outcome was in doubt, and their reconstitution to war readiness was the immediate priority.

With the Kríermada now at ease with the progress of its health and readiness program for naval contingents in the central area of the region — including new fleet groupings in Free Killia, Guffingford, and Holy Panooly and the returning to full-strength of fleet groupings in Theohuanacu and Indras — it has seen fit to finally dispatch the force promised to protect Samarasta from a potential Istoloan, Fusteran, or Ordenite attack. Before reaching its destination, however, 'Samarasta' is going on an interesting world tour.

'Samarasta' currently sits at various harbors in southeastern Theohuanacu, where the harbors of Palenque and Tiwanaku are being rebuilt and expanded. A different, more direct route, may have been to take the southern passage to Samarasta, with a courtesy call at Philotas Island. Instead, the fleet group will sale around Safehaven, head north and stop for some days outside of Targul Frumos before continuing on to Nicaro. From Nicaro it will move toward the North Vanguat Sea, entering only after resupplying two 'floating' Kríerstatón's on that sea's edge. It will then cut northwest, where a smaller element will make a courtesy visit to Eitoan before the entire fleet group proceeds south and then southwest through the Jesheoda Channel on its way to Kríerstatón Potthan at the mouth of the River Dykk. From there, it will continue its voyage south between Potthan and Fustera, until finally reaching Samarasta. Although the deployment has been a long time coming, some wonder whether the journey is a more recent invention in response to the recent spat between TGT and FRCP. Events have certainly warranted it.

Tensions have risen in the North Vanguat Sea and further west after the signing of TOCAIF was announced. TOCAIF is a treaty that exchanges funding for the Ice State's prison program for this country's cooperation in capturing and imprisoning Nicaroan guerrillas who cross the border escaping Macabéan military pressure during one of its many 'cordon-and-search' operations. The Ice States is a religious empire most well known for its practice of slavery. The treaty caught international attention as a result, with both the Nazi Ordenite Reich — a state known for its use of forced labor — and the Federal Republic of Czaslyudian Peoples issuing condemnations against the Golden Throne. The latter has gone as far as to threaten the seizure and boarding of imperial commercial ships to register their wares in case of carrying human cargo, even though the Golden Throne has no history of practicing in the slave trade and, as the response issued by the Imperial Bureaucracy made clear, plenty of history of restricting said trade. Now the FRCP, and its war-torn economy, has been economically sanctioned by the Golden Throne. And although an imperial commercial cargo ship has yet to be seized and searched, at least one has been the victim of "bumping." This is despite the Golden Throne's warning that any seizure and search of a ship flying its flag or that of its federal constituents would result in military action. The FRCP has certainly been playing its game close to the wire.

Although the Golden Throne seems willing to be patient as it observes the FRCP and limited its formal response to, "it expects even tinpot states to respect the freedom of navigation in international waters," perhaps Kríergrup 'Samarasta's' extended voyage is intended as a reminder that it could certainly enforce its freedom of navigation in international waters if it was so inclined to. How the fleet group will interact with any FRCP patrol vessel close or threatening to enter within a certain radius of the fleet group's, and its constituent fleets and squadrons, is also unknown. The Kríermada has been known for its harassment of unfriendly warships, including against those of the Ordenite Reich and, in its day, the Stevidian Royal Navy. These incidents included flyovers, shadowings, the surfacing of submarines in the middle of carrier fleets, and terrifying close gunfire under the pretense of "exercises." Much will depend on the FRCP and the actions of her patrol vessels.

The Kríermada has also clarified that the voyage of 'Samarasta' "will not alter in any sense the normal patrolling of the North Vanguat Sea and beyond by our submarine assets." This patrolling intensified after the signing of a mutual defense agreement with Eitoan and Relica a number of years ago. Originally, the patrols were intended to bolster defenses against possible Ralkovian incursions into central Greater Díenstad, but with the demise of the Ralkovian threat and the growth in Macabéan commercial activity in northwestern Greater Díenstad, the patrols now take on a much broader role of commercial sea route defense. Perhaps the clarification was meant as a reminder of their existence to those threatening imperial trade, which the Imperial Bureaucracy considers sacrosanct.

Commercial shipping related to imperial trade has only increased in the far northwest of the region. The mutual defense agreement between Eitoan, Relica, and the Golden Throne has led to burgeoning trade volumes which grow on an annual basis. This activity has grown further with the liberation of Federal Ralkovia, especially after the most recent war. A reticent Golden Throne has relaxed some of its previous restraints on capital investments made in that country thanks to a positive public relations campaign driven by Eitoan, as well as by the involvement of Triumvirate ally Arceania in the country's security. Macabéan investment has now begun to flow into the country, and with ríokmarks flowing in one direction they tend to flow back in the form of demand for imperial exports. Trade with Potthan also often follows these routes, with cargo ships frequently making several ports of call to economize on energy. With Samarasta's relationship with the Golden Throne becoming tighter, it has begun to serve as another important imperial trade hub in the far west, and its role is only likely to grow as more Macabéan capital flows into its cities. Understandably, the Golden Throne now has more obligations and responsibilities toward the protection of this growing commercial trade. It's likely that its naval patrols, whether conducted by nuclear-powered submarines or surface vessels, will continue to augment in number and size.

All the same, commercial trade requires peace, and confronting a foreign navy with military force could do much harm to the progress attained so far. Trade levels in the Sea of Crowns have only just recently returned to what they were before the Second Ordenite War. The lost profits are calculated to be in the hundreds of billions of ríokmarks, if not more. Likely it is this consideration that tempers the Golden Throne's hand in its responses to things like the 'bumping' incident. A naval war is not necessarily the most attractive solution, despite what the Imperial Bureaucracy sees as a grave insult.

It is probable that the Imperial Bureaucracy is instead searching its diplomatic levers, especially through the government it considers the foremost leader in the far northwest: Eitoan. Fleet Group 'Samarasta's' courtesy visit to Eitoan may be related to the specific situation regarding the FRCP, but it also may related to the change in the overall strategic picture since the demise of Ralkovia and the primacy, and importance, of upholding the freedom of commercial navigation for all neutrals, not just the Golden Throne.

And, ultimately, the Golden Throne keeps its eyes trained on the state it considers its true and most important enemy: the Ordenite Reich. In Fustera, the Reich is building a far western fortress, in all likelihood soon to become more subordinate than a protectorate. From there, the Ordenites may intend to extend their tendrils elsewhere in the far west. As such, the most important destination of Kríergrup 'Samarasta' is Samarasta herself, a country plagued by guerrilla war, poachers, and an ineffective military in the process of being retrained and rearmed by the Golden Throne. Another reason to keep the peace in the northwest, rather than seek new enemies where there might not have to be any at all. These are all factors that must surely be brooding within the mind trusts of His Imperial Majesty Fedor's political and war kuncil.

by **Greater Ordena** » Thu Jul 21, 2022 3:54 pm

STATEMENT FROM THE ORDENITE REICH CHANCELLERY

Due to recent developments regarding the Treaty of Inter Frontier Cooperation between the Golden Throne and The Ice States. The Greater Ordenite Reich with full approval from the Reichsfuhrer Kristian Richtofen, we hereby submit a declaration of intent regarding The Ice States and it's current use of chattel slavery. We intend to utilize elements of the Ordenite Kriegsmarine to enforce a blockade of all commercial sea traffic coming in and out of The Ice States territorial waters. We do not intend on violating the sovereignty of The Ice States and Kriegsmarine vessels will not be entering into TIS waters. However all commercial vessels attempting to enter or leave TIS waters will be turned away by naval vessels of the Ordenite Kriegsmarine. This blockade will be in effect until slavery within The Ice States is halted and any and all slaves be freed immediately. If the TIS Navy or any foreign navy attempts to interfere in the Blockade then this will be met with deadly force.

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