The Western Wire [Regional News]

[Knootoss]

The Best Source for news about the Western Atlantic Region

OOC: Sometimes, time is short, and you need to get information across quickly and to the point. Some players want to involve their countries in a conflict or negotiation but don't want to write character dialog or plot development every time they post. Some players just want to keep their countries involved in what's going on.

Use this thread to post short plot points to move more in-depth RP and storylines along or as a substitute for RP altogether. Anything from fragments and sentences to a couple paragraphs is okay. When plot points do develop into a roleplaying thread or a full-blown story, please include a link to relevant posts and NSwiki articles! This will help to keep other players better appraised of what's going on.

This thread is open for all players in the Western Atlantic region as well people who regularly roleplay with the Western Atlantic, as long as the news items are relevant to the region.

This idea has been shamelessly stolen from Lavinium.

[Knootoss]

• Rumours of merger between Bonifatius and Lavinian 'Dew Drug' company
  
  HARTSTAD- Markets were rocked by violent movements in the value of medical stocks, as a rumour broke that Bonifatius Recreational Drugs NV could merge with Abgar Health Solutions, the Lavinian subsidiary of the Yorta Corporation. The new company would be able to introduce household Urgenchi brands such as Aureon™. and Argention™ in Knootoss and other Western Atlantic nations. These drugs extend life and prevent human diseases, including cancer, most degenerative diseases, auto-immune conditions, and inherited conditions. The immune systems of patients using Dew drugs are radically enhanced and augmented, making humans immune to most viral and bacterial pathogens.
  
  Laurë Sáralondët, the green Minister for Health, Happiness and Nature has expressed concerns about the high morbidity associated with withdrawal from the drugs, as well as questioning the sustainability of known existing mineral resources in ensuring the indefinite provision of the drug to a much larger demographic. In response, Jeremy Bastaard of the Freedom Party twatted: "Elves want to keep long lives for themselves. Get Dew Drugs now."

[Knootoss]

• Knootoss to support Iesus Restoration?
  
  HARTSTAD - The Vologdov Administration debates support for the restoration of the monarchy in Iesus Christi, as a petition by Iesus exiles living in Knootoss has proved popular among lawmakers. Supporters of the petition believe that reviving the monarchy would bolster Iesus’ historical ties with the Western Atlantic region. More importantly, reviving the monarchy goes hand in hand with the rejection of the National Socialist revolution, which led to sixty years of totalitarian dictatorship. The restoration of the constitution of the Kingdom of Iesus Christi would, supporters say, give Iesus Christi a moderate, home-grown, democratic constitutional framework for the creation of a unified nation.
  
  Sixty years of anti-monarchist propaganda have rendered the concept of a restoration deeply unpopular amongst ordinary Iesuians. Opponents point out that the revolution also paved the way for the expropriation of wealthy noble landholders in Iesus Christi. Revanchists in the exile community could use the policy to revive territorial claims on parts of the former Kingdom. One exile humorist opposed to the idea quipped recently that the “new Iesuians,” surely the aristocrats of their age, “want to restore the monarchy only in order to restore serfdom.”

[Knootian Colombia]

• Colombian President Makes Human Rights Speech
  
  President Alvito Delgado
  
  
  BOGOTA - During a high profile address to the House of Assembly, President Alvito Delgado of the Protectorate of Colombia has condemned human rights abuses in foreign countries. During a speech that lasted 90 minutes and was broadcast on state television, the President railed against apartheid in South Epheron, the crackdown on human rights in Zamimbia, and restrictions in much of the Western Atlantic on the traditional consumption of coca. The president remained largely silent on the state of human rights in Colombia, stressing that liberties must always be tempered by prudence: "Colombia has struck the right balance between personal liberty and moral rectitude".

[Snefaldia]

• "Separatists arrested for assault in Sargedain"
  Courier-Sarge
  
  In Sargedain, a group of seventeen Bajeong Separatists who had set up camp in Ministry Circle to "draw attention to the domination of the Bajeong people and oppose the false government of Snefaldia" have been arrested after a violent encounter with several Guard Cuirassiers, the Chancellor's bodyguard. According to the report from the Sargedain Gendarmerie, the protesters, who had been camping in Ministry Circle (in front of the Minsitry of Agriculture) for nearly a week, shouted jeers at the Guard Cuirassiers as they performed a weekly parade, and became violent when one protester dislodged paving bricks and began throwing them at the officers. The report states that the officers broke rank after one of the bricks struck an officer in the thigh, charged the encampment, and arrested the protesters. The Gendarmerie report indicated the protesters recieved bruises and broken limbs during "transportation to the police precinct."
  
• "State Ministry announces new outreach programs for disapora Snefaldians"
  Snefaldia Herald
  
  The Ministry of State has announced a new round of programs designed to foster the relationship between the Snefaldian government and ethnic groups termed "diaspora Snefaldians" living in foreign countries. Reflecting a growing desire to connect with overseas groups that have been "separated from the birthplace of their people," the new intiative, spearheaded by a new Bureau of Overseas Ethnic Groups, will work in conjunction with embassies and consulates to form Snefaldian cultural associations and encourage ethnic Snefaldians to invest in homeland businesses. There are nearly six million ethnic Snefaldians living abroad, and many of these communities were established before the formation of the Republic in 1895. The State Ministry has promised to work closely with foreign partners to ensure local laws and cultural practices are respected, but soome critics have called this "thinly veiled imperialism" and "coercion of people who do not consider themselves Snefaldian at all." The Ministry has dismissed these criticisms by stating that "Snefaldia is the homeland of all Snefaldian people wherever they live, it is our duty to provide them with economic opportunities and support for their cultural practices."

[Balthorvia]

• Al-Saif Commandant Killed in Upper Kajabi
  
  The Balthorvian Minister of Defense made a statement to the press today announcing that Sharif bin'Wafi, leader of the Haddite terrorist organization 'a-Saif', was killed in today along with five of his closest advisers. The government claims they used unencrypted internet and cell-phone conversations to track bin'Wafi to a heavily fortified safe-house in the province of Upper Kajabi, over one-hundred miles north of his previously suspected location. Officials say the man and his entourage were killed by a pair of strikes from an unmanned drone as they were walking from the safe-house to an awaiting convoy. The Minister of Defense said he expected this to be a huge blow to al-Saif, which depends heavily on the leadership and imagination of its executive members. al-Saif did little to acknowledge bin'Wafi's death, other than to reiterate their continual refusal to put a freeze on their activities, which has been traditionally cited by the Balthorvian government as a necessary prerequisite for peace negotiations. To date al-Saif has collectively claimed or been charged with responsibility for over two-hundred acts of violence in al-Hadid and the greater Balthorvian Empire.

[Knootoss]

• Knootoss joins 'Great Sanction of Hippostania'.
  
  HARTSTAD- Following a recommendation by the government, Grand Pensionary Jan Willem Daatman signed the ''Great Sanction of Hippostania'' today. The declaration condemns the ponyist and fiercely anti-communist nation for it's increasingly authoritarian policies, including a crackdown on civil and political liberties.
  
  The 'Great Sanction', an initiative of High Chancellor Maven Auryn of Crystal Spires, calls for travel blacklists, trade blacklists, and other international sanctions against Hippostania. The new sanctions compound with sanctions which had already been imposed on Hippostania by Knootoss following their pro-ponyist military coup. Knootoss froze financial assets, suspended trade and suspended diplomatic representation in response to those events.
  
  Policy analysts have noted that Hippostania remains an ally of the United States of Allanea, the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar and the Necrontyr Empire of the C'tan, further complicating the relationship between the Vologdov Administration and these nations.

[Aerion]

• Empress grants Imperial Charters to Imperial Organization for Aerionian Glory
  
  IMPERIAL CITY - HIM Pādshah Empress Ameria Wasterin officially granted Imperial Charters to the organizations under the umbrella of the Imperial Organization for Aerionian Glory. Announced with much fanfare, the Imperial Organization for Aerionian Glory is a way for loyal Imperial Subjects to be part of the new vision for a glorious new Aerion announced by the Empress. Constituent organizations granted Imperial Charters include the Imperial Association of Loyal Aerionians, the Imperial Aerionian Teachers' League, the Imperial Youth Corps, HIM's Imperial Academies for Glorious Generations,the Imperial Youth Leadership Initiative, and Imperial Fellows Program. Various smaller programs will be run under the umbrella of IOAG, and several new organizations may also launch. Hundreds of millions of Aerionians are flooding onto the rolls of these organizations, and many had waited on special waiting lists.

• Four Imperial Towns Complete. Ribbon Cutting Held.
  Imperial City Chronicle
  
  IMPERIAL CITY - Four Imperial Towns with Imperial Charters have been completed. The Imperial Archchancellor, HIH Prince Farvindad were present for the ribbon cuttings in each town with the Imperially appointed Mayors. The towns were blessed by the Archpriests and Archpriestesses of the ancient Aerionian religion, and special ceremonies conducted for the foundation stones of the major buildings. The four towns are named for major deities of the ancient Aerionian religion, and large temples have been built centrally in each city named for them. Abesharathstān to the west, Abeshalastān to south, Mesharelstān to the east, and Melandarstān to the north. The four towns are located twenty five miles outside of the outer district of Imperial City in each cardinal direction. Each town is anticipated to house fifty to one hundred thousand persons. Two of the towns near the two major military bases have been claimed for housing exclusively of Imperial Government & Imperial Aerionian Military personnel. One of these, Mesharelstān to the east will be home to the new Imperial Aerionian Naval Academy, and is anticipated to house several thousand Imperial Naval personnel. The towns are designed in the new Imperial Aerionian style combining the Aerionian Republic style with the new style of buildings inspired by the Imperial Architect. Four smaller towns in the ordinal directions to the southwest, southeast, northeast, northwest are near completion.

[Sabaristan]

• National shock and grief at announcement of Sobornoyan's unexpected death
  
  A spokesman for the royal household has announced that His Royal Highness Nuruumtash the Sobornoyan, has passed away. It is believed Nuruumtash died of respiratory failure during the night, the causes of which are unclear.
  
  A period of national mourning has been announced, and His Royal Highness' funeral is to be held in three days time when the funeral cortege will begin the journey to the Jianghai mountains, the traditional burial place of the House of Soyoongol. Her Imperial Highness, Princess Tserengetsal of Turan-Sibir (the late noyan's wife) will lead the ceremonies.
  
  The Divan has let it be known that in light of the fact that Nuruumtash died without heir it intends to refer the matter of the succession to the Quiriltai of the Confederated Sublime Khanate of Urgench. First Minister Baarhongol's press secretary said "Sabaristan cannot afford a succession crisis. It is both sensible and in line with ancient custom to refer this matter to His Divine Majesty the Emperor.".
  
  There are several likely claimants to the throne of Sabaristan, including a number of Urgenchi nobles. Deputy Nuridem Delgit of the Vaasu (extreme conservative) party has already decried the possibility of a foreign ruler inheriting Sabaristan- "We do not need, nor want an absentee landlord who will use Sabaristan in the power politics of foreign lands." he said.

[Knootoss]

• World Assembly Defence Rankings raise Alarm
  
  HARTSTAD - The Knootian government has raised the alarm about the levels of defence spending revealed by the latest World Assembly survey. In a letter circulated amongst Western Atlantic diplomats, the Vologdov Administration called on members of the Atlantic International Organisation to increase their spending on defence. Insiders have revealed that Knootoss is particularly concerned about defence shortfalls in Pantocratoria, Excalbia, Xirnium and the Resurgent Dream, casting doubts on the ability of the Western Atlantic region to defend itself in the event of a hostile invasion by outside forces.
  
  Knootoss remains the largest spender on national defence in the Atlantic International Organisation, according to a study amongst Atlantic International Organisation States that also includes the Abt Republic, the Fiefdom of Leagran and the States-Federation of Snefaldia. Western Atlantic nations are typically very large, facing little threat from any of the younger nations in the world. However, the region fares poorly when compared to some of the more authoritarian Empires that it has interacted with in the past, a study that includes nations involved with the Iesus Christi war shows..

[Aerion]

• Pink Bunny Cola to be sold in Aerion, Distribution Contract with GAPC Consumer Products
  The Imperial Business Times
  IMPERIAL CITY - The Ministry of Commerce & Industry announced today an approval of a deal between General Aerionian Production Corporation Consumer Products and Pink Bunny Cola Inc. to distribute Pink Bunny Cola Light across Aerion. Pink Bunny Cola will be carried in grocery stores and supermarkets, especially those chains owned by GAPC Consumer Products. Contracts with schools and universities are also underway with GAPC Consumer Products. Pink Bunny Cola Light will be the most distributed product line. The Imperial Crown owns 60% of the stock of GAPC after the recent demise of Amkarethz Holdings due to treasonous activities. A large pink bunny was on hand at the press conference held at GAPC Consumer Products' new headquarters in Imperial City. The Ministry of Commerce & Industry expressed that it is open to further approval of deals with Knootian corporations.

[Snefaldia]

• Income Equality rankings alarm civil groups, politicians
  Courier-Sarge
  TAXILHA- The recent release of a series of political maps[/url] of the Western Atlantic region ranking nations on civil rights, political freedoms, and income equality have caused some civil rights groups and political organizations concern, as the States-Federation nears the top of the list for income inequality in the region. Kuweena Yll, the chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party, expressed her alarm at the equality ranking. "It's amazing to see our citizens are so free, have so many rights protections... but to see this yawning gap, this divide... it's probably the worst margin we've seen since the fifties. Is this the price of our opening market? Is this the price of free trade?" she said in a press conference with representatives of the Progressive and Cooperative Union parties. Snefaldia has concluded trade agreements with Knootoss allowing free trade in certain areas, and has also been a part of the Antarctic Oasis free trade region for several years. Neither the Chancellery nor any Ministries offered substantive comments; when asked for a response the Chancellor's spokesman indicated the "numbers provided an interesting look at Snefaldian society, but still need to be analyzed further."

[Excalbia]

• New Imperial Chamberlain to Head Powerful Imperial Household Agency
  The Citadel Daily Post
  Citadel Excalbia – The Imperial Household Agency announced today that Lord Johannes Corman is retiring from his post as Imperial Chamberlain at the end of the month. Imperial Steward Lord Alfred Landis has been named by His Imperial Majesty, David IV, as the new Imperial Chamberlain.
  
  Lord Johannes was first named Imperial Chamberlain in 1985 by Emperor David III. His 26-year tenure in the position made him the longest serving Imperial Chamberlain in Excalbian history. Lord Johannes is expected to return to his ancestral estate in Jaunaldheim. His son, Frederick Corman, has been managing the affairs of the Fief of Jaunaldheim for over a decade and is expected to continue to do so.
  
  As the new Imperial Chamberlain, Lord Alfred becomes the head of the wealthiest and most powerful organization in the Excalbian Isles. The Imperial Household Agency manages all of the Imperial Family’s property holdings, which are extensive, as well as its investment portfolio. The Agency does not release the total worth of the Imperial Family’s assets, but its holding constitute one of the largest fortunes in the Western Atlantic. The agency, which operates with minimal government supervision, is also responsible for the security of the Imperial Family and commands its own military force, the Imperial Guard.

[Excalbia]

• Will the New Year Bring a New Government?
  The Citadel Daily Post
  
  On the Island, by Bill Ozols
  
  Today the Imperial Senate adjourned for the Christmas holiday without passing a budget for the New Year. While a temporary spending measure signed earlier today by the Emperor will see the government through until the end of January, the corridors of power are buzzing over the fact it is the Liberal Party’s own left wing that is derailing passage of the new budget. According to sources within the party, Left wing leaders believe that the budget proposed by the government cuts back too much on social spending gains made by the party over the last seven years. Following recent tax cuts and reductions in business regulation, the left believes that party leaders are going too far to the right to maintain the centrist coalition.
  
  Observers believe that fractures within the Liberal Party, which became evident in 2010 when several members bolted from the party and established the New Liberal Party, have been exacerbated by the party’s seven years in power as part of a coalition with a number of center-right parties. Reportedly, left leaders within the party want the leadership to reconcile with the New Liberal Party and bring them into the coalition to replace the Progressive Conservatives and the New Era Party. However, New Liberal leaders are insisting that the price for their support for the government would be drastic cuts in military spending and a new foreign policy that would bring an end to Excalbian interventions in Iesus Christi and Zamimbia.
  
  A Liberal Party caucus, according to sources in the meeting, came to a crashing halt when the normally quiet and reserved Liberal leader, Imperial Chancellor Sterling Wentworth, went on a tirade, castigating left leaders for putting party interests and the narrow interests of the Liberal base over the greater national interest. Since then, left leaders have met alone and with New Liberal Party leaders, while the Liberal Party Caucus has not reconvened.
  
  Some experts believe that either the government or the left opposition will move to make the next vote on a new budget a vote of confidence in the government. If the measure were to fail three times, the government would fall and the Emperor could either appoint a new government, which would then have to seek a majority in the Imperial Senate, or call new elections.
  
  Sources close to the government, however, believe that a more momentous shift could be in store. These sources claim that since regaining a seat in the Senate as a Progressive Conservative, Lady Christina Freedman has become a close friend and ally of Chancellor Wentworth and that the two have been discussing a merger between the Liberal Party and the Progressive Conservatives, which saw its own split in 2010 as several of its members bolted to form the Conservative Coalition. Rumors also claim that New Era Party Technology Minister Jon Lundgren has also been included in the talks and that New Era may join the merged party. Such a merger would likely drive some Liberal Senators to the New Liberal Party and some Progressive Conservatives to the Conservative Coalition. Whether or not the new party would be able to sustain a coalition will be a significant question, if the merger goes forward.

[Excalbia]

• Star to Leave Career for Lovely Minister of Defence?
  Popular People Magazine
  
  Citadel Excalbia – One of the hottest rumours going around political circles in the capital and among the beautiful people in the Landing film industry is that movie star Niles Brougham, 39, will marry Minister of Defence Lady Christina Freedman, 45, in the New Year. Brougham and Lady Christina have been seen together with increasing frequency over the last year. Word among movie industry insiders is that Brougham, who has long been an activist for special needs children, has turned down two starring roles to “devote more time to charitable pursuits.” Some speculate that turning from movie-making to do-gooding is clearing the way for Brougham to transition from leading man to political spouse. Brougham has long been one of the nation’s most eligible bachelors and Lady Christina, herself a former TV news anchor, has long been considered one of the Empire’s most eligible ladies.

[Sabaristan]

• Claimants appear before Quiriltai in Urgench
  
  In total nine claimants to the throne of Sabaristan have pressed their suits today before the preliminary hearings of the supreme court of the Confederated Sublime Khanate of Urgench. Of these only four are considered to have any serious chance of actually inheriting the crown, these are-
  
  The Khan of Turan-Sibir, a nephew of his Divine Majesty the Emperor of Urgench and the current princess of Sabaristan's brother. The Khan of Turan-Sibir is one of the CSKU's most powerful and wealthy noblemen and has served as Urgench's ambassador to the Oriental League of Lavinium for several years.
  
  Also in the running is the Baibarnoyan, the late Sobornoyan's second cousin. The Baibarnoyan is one of Sabaristan's most influential nobles and head of the powerful Baibar-Konchuk clan.
  
  The remaining two likely candidates are both female; the Princess of Xunmalin and the Princess of Chimgi-Tura. Both are Urgenchi noblewomen of considerable might, and are the sisters of the princess of Sabaristan.
  
  Fourteen judges have been appointed to the case which will decide the succession and today's hearings were to establish the number of claimants and to give the judges an indication of the nature of the claims. Further hearings will take place over the next week with the expectation that the court will make its determination in eight days time.

[Sabaristan]

• Firebrand deputy whips up storm over Daytanistan
  
  There were angry scenes today at the State Diet as Boyor deputy Guluundorj Hodom gave a speech addressed to the Minister of Defence in which he claimed that "the greatest threat to our national security sits like a wild dog outside the sheep pen". Deputy Hodom went on to say that "Daytanistan, filled as it is with communist zealots, has armed itself to the teeth, while we remain a second rate power at best.". Hodom then asked "How can our sacred institutions, our freedoms, our way of life, indeed our very lives themselves, be considered safe while a wicked and oppressive ideology menaces our western borders?". The mongol conservative party deputy went on to ask how the Divan could continue to fail to address what he described as "the insane and monstrous enemy whose every policy must be bent on overthrowing the natural order in the Sabaristani steppe".
  
  He ended his speech by imploring the Urgenchi Quiriltai to "send us a mighty prince of the Blood of Tengri Khaghan, and with him a mighty horde and arms fit to destroy the enemies of Sabaristan!". Deputies from a number of parties (including coalition members) had to be restrained as the Hall of the Diet erupted with outrage. Progressive deputies decried Hodom's bellicose stance while Conservatives angrily supported it. The Minister of Defence avoided having to actually respond to the speech as the President of the Diet intervened to dismiss the Diet for the day in order to allow tempers to cool. The Divan has refused to comment on the substance of the opposition deputy's speech.

[Aerion]

• Winterfest Celebrations Commence. Imperial Aerionian Court issues special commemorative ornaments
  Imperial City Chronicle
  
  IMPERIAL CITY - Winterfest celebrations have commenced across the Grand Empire, and the Winterfest Imperial Ball will be the grandest event of the season. This year special commemorative ornaments were produced marking the first official Winterfest under the rule of Her Imperial Majesty following the coronation. White gold Yule tree ornaments in the shape of a White Wolf with diamond eyes, and embellished with precious jewels with a small portrait of the Empress's countenance on the body were sent to the heads of state across the Western Atlantic and to nations with close relations to the Grand Empire. The Great Officers of State, Imperial Advisors, and members of the Imperial Family also received such ornaments. Various silver ornaments in the same style though with ruby eyes were sent commemorating the occasion to cities, and towns across the Empire for their official Winterfest Yule tree as well as to Ministers, and high officials. There were ornaments in the shape of the Crown, the White Wolf, and a likeness of the Empress's face. Every school in the Grand Empire received a White Wolf pewter ornament.
  
  Outside of the Imperial Palace in Imperial City a twelve story high produced white Yule tree was placed in the Imperial Plaza. The tree sparkled with thousands of lights, and the tree topper was studded in diamonds. Golden portrait ornaments of members of the Imperial Family, past Monarchs, and other notables of Aerionian history decorated the tree. Within the Imperial Palace in the Imperial State Rooms one tree known as the "Diamond Tree" is decorated with real diamond ornaments twinkling across the tree. Trees were placed in each of the major forums of Imperial City, and the Imperial Forum in the Central District featured a ten story tree.
  
  Officials and citizens across the Grand Empire have awaited the special privilege of receiving the Imperial Winterfest Card. The card this year features a portrait of Her Imperial Majesty wearing blue Winterfest robes trimmed in ermine, and the Imperial State Crown before a fireplace with a glorious White Wolf with blue eyes laying at her feet. Many of those receiving the card outside of the Imperial Government and high families seem to be members of the Imperial Organization for Aerionian Glory. One schoolteacher who is the President of the regional branch of the Imperial Aerionian Teachers' League wept after receiving the card, and her local newspaper exclaimed "Loyal Imperial schoolteacher receives Imperial Winterfest Card. Says it is highlight of her life."

[Daytanistan]

Sabaristan simultaneously admits weakness and aggressive ambitions

In another humiliation for the decadent Urgenchi colony of Sabaristan, the imperialist politician Guluundorj Hodom admitted that the Sabari military was pitiful and weak when compared to the Daytan People's Army. The corrupt Hodom, a Boyor petit-bourgeois capitalist known internationally as a slothful enemy of the workers and peasants, made this admission whilst pleading with the Sabari War Minister to increase military spending as part of the Sabari plan to invade Daytanistan. Reportedly with the smell of alcohol on his breath, in the Sabari State Diet, Hodom went on to demand military support from Urgench in an unlawful and ill-advised invasion of the glorious motherland of the Daytan people.

Comrade Farrokh Nugat, General Secretary of the Daytan Communist Workers Party and member of the Supreme Daytan People's Council, responded by reassuring the workers and peasants of Daytanistan that the Daytan People's Army was the most powerful defence force in the Western Atlantic, and that its soldiers, missiles, and guns outnumbered and outmatched the perfidious forces of Sabari capital, imperialism, and impotent rage. Further, even if their Urgenchi overlords were to come to Sabari assistance, as the vile Hodom demanded, Comrade Nugat assured the workers and peasants of the glorious Daytan motherland that Daytan tanks and missiles would smash the imperialist forces of the Urgenchi aggressor, although he hoped that such a display of the overwhelming force of the Daytan People's Army would prove unnecessary.

Comrade Nugat, beloved ideological father of the people, internationally renowned humanitarian and man of peace, called upon the Sabari Divan to expel the warmongering Guluundorj Hodom from the Sabari State Diet, for his manifest crimes against peace and international stability. Comrade Nugat said that, in the interest of peace and friendship between Daytanistan and Sabaristan, he would graciously accept, on behalf of the Supreme Daytan People's Council and the workers and peasants of Daytanistan, the apology of Guluundorj Hodom, and the assurance of the Sabari Divan that it has abandoned all warlike plans and intentions against the Daytan people and motherland, and that he expected to receive both in short order.

[Sabaristan]

• Silence of Officialdom in response to Daytan dictator's demands
  
  There has been no official response to General Secretary Nugat's demands for apologies for deputy Hodom's speech to the State Diet last week. However analysts and experts have derided Nugat's claims on behalf of Daytanistan's military; they point out that levels of corruption and inefficiency in Daytanistan are extremely high making its high military spending a necessity which does not equate to actual military superiority. Economists also point out that Daytanistan's industrial sector and level of development is such that the strains of conflict with any more advanced nation would quickly cripple its economy and that besides it could not support its own war effort. Experts are unsure exactly how Daytan self-assurance is maintained in the face of figures which show that despite its enormous (and surely wasteful) spending on its army that Daytanistan's arms industry is risible and totally unable to meet the demands of any serious conflagration. Professor Naidar Tatsalgom of the Gul-Bekhtargatai Institute for Advanced Research asked "What on earth does Daytanistan spend so much on? Uniforms? Bayonets? Trench digging tools? Because apparently it's not on an advanced, efficient, and well armed fighting force. Perhaps the accounts held in foreign banks by its premier Generals (indeed by General Secretary Nugat!) should be investigated to see where so much of the Daytan people's hard earned wealth has been squandered".

[Snefaldia]

---

VOL. CLXII .. Num. 59,169

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2011

---

NEW YEAR'S CURRENCY CHANGES

TAXILHA- Chancellor Ren Dirh's program of international commerce continues apace with an announcement from the Treasury Minister confirming that on January 3rd, the me-wak will be pegged according to the newly-created Atlantic Ducat to be introduced across the Knootian Federation and Pantocratoria come January 1. The Western Atlantic Currency Area, announced to include a customs and currency union, will be formed without the support of the regional heavyweights in the Caldan Union after Prime Minister Amber Trinh refused to support bringing the Resurgent Dream into the agreement. Chancellor Dirh's soundings for Snefaldian involvement in the WACA have, according to parliamentary insiders, been poo-pooed by some heavyweights in his centre-left bloc in the Assembly.

The announcement from Minister Ambalinggu's officer, however, takes negotiations in a more definite path with the creation of the Shahd Special Economic Zone in Taxilha and its administrative districts, where the Atlantic Ducat itself will be accepted as legal currency alongside the me-wak. This arrangement was reached with tenative agreement with the Regents and, surprisingly, center-right Deputies looking to curry favor with Dirh's administration, now looking stronger than ever with low taxes, an expanding private sector, and increasing trade with the region.

Whatever the outcome, it seems Ren Dirh can notch another victory in his belt for his campaign to orient Snefaldia more closely to the western states in the region and cash in on their economic stability; with increased military spending and restive neighbors to the north, it seems none too soon.

[Snefaldia]

credits to format go to Kelssek

[Pantocratoria]

Imperial Monitor

Sound and Fury Signifying Nothing?
Atlantic Ducat introduced with fanfare, but little impact felt on Demetrius Avenue
Currency traders may be the only people to actually notice the 1 January adoption of the Atlantic Ducat, with most Pantocratorians reporting that the currency swap had "Little or no impact" in an online MonitorPoll on the topic.

As yet there are no Atlantic Ducat coins or notes in general circulation, with the familiar Pantocratorian Ducat currency still legal tender throughout Pantocratoria indefinitely, at a rate of one-to-one with the new, still entirely virtual, currency.

While little impact was felt in the retailers on Demetrius Avenue, two city blocks away in the Government Precinct, politicians and public servants were abuzz with activity uncharacterstic of this time of year.

The initial Western Atlantic Currency Area (WACA), which consists of Pantocratoria, Pantocratorian Ambara, the Low Countries (both Knootoss and the South), Knootian Colombia, and the Knootian colonial possessions in the Gulf of Vasconia, is now entering its second stage of implementation, with politicians in New Rome and Hartstad alike hoping to include other Atlantic nations in the WACA.

Some states, such as Snefaldia, have already announced a peg of their currency to the Atlantic Ducat, such that a fixed rate of exchange will exist between the two.

It remains to be seen whether Snefaldia and other nations who have announced interest in such a pegging arrangement will actually join the WACA, or whether they will exist outside the WACA but simply trade with its members at a fixed rate of exchange.

Treasurer and Deputy Chancellor, Sir Isaac Comnenus KOP MP, has told the Monitor that Pantocratoria and Knootoss will be hosting a Special Summit of Finance Ministers in Andrium this month to discuss expansion of the WACA.

The finance ministers of the Abt Republic, Excalbia, Leagran, Confederation of Sovereign States, Snefaldia and Upper Virginia have all been invited, according to Sir Isaac, and the door is not closed on other states which have thus far not indicated an interest in the currency.

Opposition Leader Isabelle Folquet has again criticised the Government's decision making, claiming that the currency union provides no obvious benefit to Pantocratoria as a whole.

"Despite strong economic growth, thanks largely to efforts of past governments," Folquet said, "Pantocratoria's industrial sector remains undersized when compared to Knootoss, and Knootian trade barriers are next to non-existant, such that this arrangement effectively does little but further open Pantocratoria's markets to Knootoss and, indeed, Knootian trading partners, while providing no benefit to our own struggling exporters."

Despite this, the Socialist leader said that it would be "extremely difficult" for Pantocratoria to withdraw from the WACA in the future, and that any future Coalition Government would retain the Atlantic Ducat.

Further, Mme Folquet confirmed that both opposition parties would participate in the bipartisan Special Parliamentary Standing Committee on WACA Harmonisation, the formation of which the Government announced on New Year's Eve.

The Special Parliamentary Standing Committee on WACA Harmonisation will oversee the gradual reform of legislation and regulation in Pantocratoria, and advise the Government as to changes which should be made in Knootoss and other WACA member states, in order to bring about as much uniformity as possible in economic and trade policies in the WACA.

The Imperial Chancellor will appoint 13 members of the 24 member Special Parliamentary Standing Committee, Mme Folquet will appoint 7 members, and Constantinople Party Leader Spiro Bolkus will appoint 4 members.

By informal arrangement and Parliamentary tradition, one of the Government Committee members will serve as Chairman.

[Sabaristan]

• Sabaristan celebrates the appointment of new Sobornoyan (the Yangikent Times)
  
  After having taken longer than expected to do so the Urgenchi Quiriltai has granted the claim to the throne of Sabaristan of his Imperial Highness the Khan of Turan-Sibir. In addition the Imperial Household Bureaucracy of the Sublime Khanate has announced that in future the bearer of the title of Sobornoyan shall be styled Imperial Prince and Imperial Highness in light of the fact that the Noble Khan of Turan-Sibir is a member of the imperial clan of Urgench. It is not known if this move is intended as part of a process which might see Sabaristan elevated from the status of Principality to that of Imperial Khanate.
  
  Mass public celebrations took place all over Sabaristan in response to the news and it is widely believed that the new Sobornoyan's reign will usher in a period of growth and increased prosperity. The Divan of Sabaristan has warmly greeted the news also and has proclaimed a week long period of national holiday and a second national holiday will accompany the new Sobornoyan's coronation.
  
  With news in the Western Atlantic of the birth of a new supranational currency it was also announced that the Sabaristani Darang will now be floated on the internal currency market of the CSKU, it will join 32 other currencies in that market and will enter into a fixed exchange rate relationship with the Urgenchi Imperial Darang. It is thought that this is the first in a significant package of economic, social and political processes which are aimed at closer integration with the CSKU.
  
  The Khan of Turan-Sibir will take the regnal name Tayisung Golgatai Bunyashiri Timur (Tayisung I) of the House of Borjigin-Ingizd-Soyoongol and is expected to arrive in the capital in the next 24 hours, and preparations for his coronation are now under way.

[Knootoss]

((OOC: Cross-posted from here.))

From the January 1st edition of 'Trouw':

The logo of the new SIN cards and chips will soon become ubiquitous
in the wallets of all Knootian citizens.

"Queue to end all Queues" as Knootoss goes Digital

HARTSTAD - As the new year arrives in Knootoss, several banks remain open to allow people to get their very own 'SIN-chip', free of charge. Taking advantage of the opportunity to get something for nothing, thrifty Knootians queue in front of participating banks. The early volunteers, most of them young and adventurous, used the Social Identification Number (SIN) which they had received on Boxing Day to get their very own SIN-chip implanted into their wrists.

Jessica van Buren, who works for a Utrecht tattoo parlour, has been hired by a local bank to help set chips. She was one of the first to get the implant herself: “It's just convenient, you know. No more fussing around with small change or different plastic cards, just one hand-wave for everything,” she enthuses. “I haven't seen the new coins yet. The paper money looks a little strange... but I'll be using my SIN-chip for everything. There's great discounts too. Everyone that's chipped up gets a free nose piercing back at Blood, Sweat and Roses.”

Many businesses are also enthusiastic about SIN-certified devices, which promise to have different applications. “We'll be requiring tenants to log in using their SIN chip” explains a spokesperson for 'Het Huis', a private provider of Public housing. “This way, we can keep out unwanted visitors and increase quality of life.”

The 'Occupy Knootoss' movement sounded a note of opposition, protesting in front of an Amsterdam bank while wearing ironic cattle-style eartags in the shape of the SIN logo. Civil Rights Organisations have objected to the deterioration of privacy that results a result from the near-universal nature of the SIN-chip. Others, such as the "FF Sociaal" online movement for social justice, are sceptical. “Crime will increase as a result”, Drs. Hendrik van der Meer of the movement asserts, while his supporters ring the large cow bells around their necks.

The young privacy and social justice activists are joined by the Dutch Reformed Voting League, a minor political party which calls for a Calvinist theocracy and the restoration of the House of Chamaven. “This is the Mark of the Beast, as prophesied by the Holy Bible”, one protester told Trouw. “None should take this unholy number! Repent instead, and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour!”

The fuss surrounding the introduction of the SIN-number has mostly drowned out the official celebrations surrounding the introduction of the Atlantic Ducat. Even as Grand Pensionary Jan Willem Daatman received the first official box with Knootian-minted "Dukaten", KNN showed footage of prominent Knootians making payments using their newly-implanted SIN-chips.