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Remuria

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FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY
GRAND DUCHY OF NICHTSTEIN


The Grand Duchy of Nichtstein is looking forward to closer cooperation with the Kingdom of Geotri on a whole range of issues, not only limited to seldom visits by the Grand Ducal Navy to the Kingdom's ports. Even if such visits will take place with a much increased regularity in the future.

Furthermore, the Admiralty expresses its sincere gratitude to the warm welcome and efficient resupply provided to the Grand Ducal Navy while on visit to the ports of Geotri. The warm welcome by the local populace will be remembered most fondly by Nichtsteiner personnel.
 

Remuria

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HEADLINES

Tephanon papers. Grand Duchy of Nichtstein reiterates allied commitments to the Tiburan Empire over the supposed invasion plans drawn by the Socialist World Republic. However, the Grand Duchy calls for calm and restraint to prevail.

Invasion plans. A source from the Nichtsteiner Ministry of Defence has commented that"[we] have plans to invade pretty much everyone. Even Eiffelland. In fact, Eiffellanders liked our draft, but said an armoured push from the Mainland towards Trier makes more sense than an amphibious assault the length of the western shores to cut the country like a sausage. So we might review that."
 
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Remuria

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NICHTSTEINER RESERVISTS NOT IMPRESSED WITH MUDDY WEEKEND EXERCISES.

The WITZWURST readiness exercises testing the Homeland Defence units on the island of Engelinsel coincided with mild and rainy weather, turning training grounds into mud baths. Reservists were not impressed with the weather conditions.

"I mean, when I was up in Active Service, all this mud stuff was fun. But not in Homeland Defence reserves. Yesterday my wife threatened to put me out the door when I dropped back home. And have you seen the state of my car?" said PFC Antonio Caveira.

On the contrary, Active Service conscripts and career soldiers report much success during WITZWURST.

"You should've seen those thirty five year old farts being all... oooooh, I'm going to have dirt all over my kneepads!" commented Corporal Heinz Trop. "Just top class!"

The Grand Ducal Army will continue holding readiness exercises across various locations and all branches of services until the Christmas period.
 

Remuria

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EXCERPT
PARLIAMENT OF THE GRAND DUCHY OF NICHTSTEIN
DEFENCE COMMITTEE
SESSION DEC 8 2017
PUBLIC HEARING: GEN HANS PETER FRIEDRICH VON UND ZU REGENSBACH-OBER-SONNE, CHAIRMAN JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF
SUBJECT: PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF SERENIERRE - SLBM TESTS


excerpted

HPR: The tests by the People's Republic of Serenierre do not at this point in time present a threat to the Grand Duchy of Nichtstein for factors that shall be discussed behind closed doors at a session of the Grand Ducal Government at the time I may not disclose in public hearings. However, Nichtstein, in concert with her allies, will definetely not be outpaced by PRS in the build ups of weapons arsenals. The general directions Nichtstein can take are twofold. First is the increase of anti-missile capacities of Nichtsteiner stationary, mobile and naval assets. Second is the increase of tactical and strategic missile capacities of Nichtsteiner stationary, mobile, naval and airborne assets. The approach...

KVT: Excuse me, General...

HPR: Yes, Sir.

KVT: So you propose to go to war with Villesen?

HPR: No.

KVT: But... I do not understand... OK. Now, pretend for one second that I am an idiot...

HPR: I'm there, Sir.

???: INDECIPHERABLE LAUGHTER

KVT: Good. So... imagine that Serenierre suddenly has a change of government and Comrade... let's say... Robespierre... comes to power. And decides to launch the missiles at us.

HPR: Go ahead, Sir.

KVT: Good. So... they launch those missiles at us. And then... do you want us to choose whether we can defend ourselves, so that we can shoot those missiles down? Or do you want us to burn, while shooting missiles back?

LPC: Klaus, I do not believe this is what is meant... at all...

KVT: Yes, but let us let the General answer, shall we?

HPR: No, Sir, I do not suggest we do either of that. The Joint Chiefs of Staff's recommendation is to provide a balanced deterrent to a potential agression, all while maintaining a firm and credible defensive potential. There is no point in shooting at Serenierre if our own cities are burning, Sir.

KVT: OK, OK, so you're suggesting we do both?

HPR: In short. Yes, Sir.

KVT: And... but then... and how do we fund all this then?

MWZ: Well, we can let do with the Christmas parties at the Parliament, I guess. I mean, last year was awesome! But unnecessary! But awesome!

LPC: Yes, well, Michael, with all your flaunting, you didn't drink nearly anywhere enough to fund half a missile...

KVT: Gentlemen, Gentlemen, I mean, I want to say... can we get back on track? So, General... you are suggesting that we need to invest in new tanks, am I correct?

HPR: No, Sir. We will be discussing tanks at an open hearing in two weeks time just before the Christmas recess. Here we are discussing Naval and Airborne elements, mostly.

KVT: Yes, but you are a General, shouldn't we be talking to an Admiral to discuss Airborne threats?

HPR: No, Sir. You should not at this moment. At this moment, you should be speaking to me.

end of excerpt
 
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Serenierre

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The ability of the SLAR-3 and SLAR-4 is untested and we urge the Rathenau Militärausrüstung to speak with caution or else face legal proceedings for defaming the technical ability of our technology.
 

Remuria

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RETALIA: NICHTSTEIN TO ADD A NEW NAME

The Grand Ducal Parliament has cleared the way for the official double appellation of the country as the Grand Duchy of Retalia and the Grand Duchy of Nichtstein. The move, in the works for over 10 years, will mark an important step in the transition of the Grand Duchy to a representation more fitting of its cultural composition and of its geographic location on the Retalian Archipelago in the Retalian Sea.

All standing arrangements within the Personal Union of Eiffelland and Nichtstein will remain, as will the constitutional provision that the King of Eiffelland is the Grand Duke of Nichtstein. The Eiffellander Royal Household is yet to advise on whether the formal title of Grand Duke of Nichtstein would be renamed to the Grand Duke of Retalia, but this minor technical point shall not undermine the standing political, economic, social and military arrangements between the two states.

The appellation of Retalia does not replace or supercede the appelation of Nichtstein, and both shall be officially recognised. Retalia shall be promoted and encouraged by the Grand Ducal Government and state agencies, it shall be the preferred form of use in communications with foreign governments. The country will retail the .nhs internet domain and NH, NHS abbreviations used in some administrative codifications world-wide.

Overall practical impact of the transition should be low and state authorities are expect to replace name shields, signs, logos within the regular procurement processes linked to replacement or updating of ageing items. There shall be no drive to spend state resources on an immediate switch of appellations within all government institutions.
 

Remuria

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GRAND DUCAL NAVY OUTLINES STRATEGIC PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR

The Grand Ducal Navy is scheduled for a dramatic increase of its operational capabilities from the Thaumatanic to the Implarian, including an expansion of available naval, aerial and ground assets in Nichtstein and abroad. The country, which has a long naval history, has in the past concentrated her efforts within the Long Sea, discarding from attention the broader waters of the world. With the globalisation of threats, dramatic increase in the capabilities of armed smugglers to project their operations under the nose of the world's navy, improved technologies allowing for striking from a greater distance, the Grand Duchy can no longer be content to a last line of defence within the Retalian and Long Seas.

It is understood that foreign and allied governments will be approached for discussions on docking rights, resupply rights and arrangements, as well as permanent basing rights. The Admiralty has denied to comment further, stating regular foreign policy activities in this area.
 

Serenierre

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The Government is most concerned at the news of an enhanced military presence in the region. The statement coupled with the news reports emerging from Bourgogne have the danger of setting off a regional arms race. The People's Republic is quite concerned at the disconnect between Nichsteiner foreign policy and defence policy. We call for calmer heads to prevail in the region and the wider world.

TRULY
Bernard Lavosnier
Commissar for External Affairs
 

Remuria

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GRAND DUCHY OF NICHTSTEIN
FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY

The Grand Duchy reassures our good partners in the People's Republic that the expansion of naval roles is not aimed at any one nation, and most certainly is not aimed at Serenierre. The capabilities we speak of, moreover, are long range projection capabilities overseas, rather than any build up within the Retalian Sea.
 

Telora

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"As you know, our position with regards to foreign warships seeking docking rights is that, in peacetime they have 96 hours from tie-up to cast-off, in war time 48 hours, that prior notice of at least 24 hours must be given before a vessel enters our waters, and that these rights are available to any nation with whom we enjoy ordinary relations. Further, I'd also note that the Foreign Navies Act of 1961 makes it clear that any extension to those rights offered to one navy must be offered to them all, with exceptions for specific visits by vessels from other states previously agreed. So I can say with confidence, in reply to your question Knut, that there are no discussions about altering this with regards to the Grand Duchy's navy, or any other navy."

~ Teloran Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson at daily press conference
 

Remuria

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[OOC: Assuming PRS goes ahead as dicussed between FMs. If not, post will be deleted and disregarded.]

FINANCE MINISTRY CLEARS SERENIEN INVESTMENT FUND IN LOSENA


The authorities have cleared the way for the government of Serenierre to set up an investment fund in Nichtstein. The fund, to be hosted in Losena, will be used by the governement of the People's Republic of Serenierre to stimulate Nichtsteiner business to set up manufacturing operations in Serenierre.

The move comes amid an increased drive by Serenierre to attract Nichtsteiner companies. The Grand Ducal Government has reiterated that private Nichtsteiner businesses may venture on the global market at their initiative, as long as such activities are lawful.
 
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Rheinbund

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The ability of the SLAR-3 and SLAR-4 is untested and we urge the Rathenau Militärausrüstung to speak with caution or else face legal proceedings for defaming the technical ability of our technology.

Rathenau Militärausrüstung

We notify A&O Industries of the fact that we always test before we claim anything about our products. We stand behind everything we said about the anti-missile capacities of the SLAR-3 and SLAR-4 missiles, also in the case of anti-ship missiles produced by A&O Heavy Industries. We also advice A&O Industries to be very careful with claims about our products. Also we can start legal proceedings.


RETALIA: NICHTSTEIN TO ADD A NEW NAME
The Eiffellander Royal Household is yet to advise on whether the formal title of Grand Duke of Nichtstein would be renamed to the Grand Duke of Retalia, but this minor technical point shall not undermine the standing political, economic, social and military arrangements between the two states.

Trierer Stadtschloss
Trier, Eiffelland


It is nothing else but logical that we will follow the name change of Nichtstein. We will agree with renaming the formal title of Grand=Duke of Nichtstein to Grand-Duke of Retalia.
 

Remuria

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FOREIGN MINISTER TO BE QUESTIONED BY FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Foreign Affairs Minister Ludovico di Fratti will be questioned by the Retalian Parliament's Foreign Affairs Comittee on Wednesday. The extraordinary closed-doors session will be held despite Parliament going on Christmas recess. The agenda has not been made public.

Commentators speculate that Minister di Fratti will be questioned on the status of his Detente policy towards Serenierre and why, despite Nichtsteiner steps in favour of Villesen, the relations are deteriorating at an even faster pace than ever before.

Midnight Palace sources indicate that di Fratti's Detente seems to have been either badly planned from the start, or that his calm approach towards Villesen has been misconstrued by the Martinique Government as weakness. The Minister's suitability for the post might be called into question.

"The made up claims on fishery disputes remind us of the situation fifty years ago, when Villesen was pumping internal propaganda to prop up domestic opinion, arresting foreign nationals and generally being on a war footing," an unnamed source commented. "And Xinhai doesn't help, either, it's a personal slap to di Fratti, that his policy just does not work. That Villesen cannot be reasoned with. Going down the way of appeasement will only make things worse."

Other commentators indicate that Midnight Palace has been abuzz. Prominent hawkish MPs have been seen back in office even over Christmas break, while none of the known doves have been available for comment.
 
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Remuria

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DI FRATTI GRILLED FOR HOURS AT MIDNIGHT PALACE

Foreign Affairs Minister Ludovico di Fratti have gone through a four hours long session at the Foreign Affars Committee of the Retalian Parliament. The session, held behind closed doors, ended with the Minister leaving Midnight Palace without issuing any comments.

The grilling comes as political commentators have taken aggressive stance towards di Fratti's and his perceived incompetence in dealing with the growing communist threat.

News have broken out of secret discussion between Rurikgrad Pact and Serenierre, as well as Kadikistani involvement in Crotobaltislavonia. These do not help di Fratti's case as the Grand Duchy's foreign policy is clearly on the backfoot.

Hawks are openly demanding di Fratti's immediate resignation. Northwind House has declined to comment, but confirmed that Prime Minister Walther Grauholzer will be reviewing thr results of the Parliament's hearing later in th day.
 
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Remuria

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CRISIS AROUND AMSTOV ESCALATES AS ALTBURG STEPS IN

In a strong statement, unseen since the start of di Fratti's tenure in office as Foreign Minister, Altburg has declared that "Retalia shall stand by Trivodnia in the face of unchecked Kadikistani aggression".

The Free State has come under increased pressure from Ivar under allegations that Amstov tried to carry out a coup in nearby Crotobaltislavonia.

The Grand Duchy has condemned any plans by Ivar to move troops into CBS, which would logistically involve crossing the territory or airspace of foreign states.
 
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Polesia

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The Free State thanks Retalia for its words of strength and solidarity. Despite the provocations and heightened threats from Crotobaltislavonia and Kadikistan, we are sure a peaceful, diplomatic outcome will be achieved.
 

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TRUMM'S AND WINTERS' CLAIMS ON LONG SEA LEAVE MANY IN ALTBURG PUZZLED

The claims made by Donna Trumm, presidential candidate in Deliverance, that the Grand Duchy of Retalia has "abolished international waters" in the Long Sea have left many in the Retalian political establishment puzzled about the extent to which the people on the far away southern islands really understand geography.

"The Grand Duchy of Retalia has not abolished international waters in the Long Sea," a Government spokesperson has confirmed. "There is a difference between the Retalian Sea and the Long Sea, if that is what Donna Trumm has been referring to, and the two bodies of water are completely separate."

The Grand Duchy has also reiterated that if any country had any issues with the ages long status quo within the Retalian Sea, then this country could levy its complaints directly with Retalia and come to a common understanding, clarification or agreement on the best way to proceed.

Questioned on the streets of Losena, Retalian citizens, however, did not demonstrate much geographical knowledge of the southern communist republic, either. Only a quarter respondents placed the republic correctly on the map, the rest placing it anywhere from the Northern Constituent Republics of Engellex to the Anti-State.
 
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Remuria

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PRIVATE UNDERWRITING OF INVESTMENTS INTO COMMUNIST COUNTRIES GATHERS PACE

The Ascona Insurance Group, one of the largest insurance and reinsurance companies in the Grand Duchy of Retalia, has reported higher than expected earnings in its reinsurance subdivision, driven in large part by the dynamic business growth of the Ascona External Insurance, a limited liability company set up to conduct reinsurance and underwriting risks for "High Risk" destinations that are usually the communist countries, as well as Engellex.

The Grand Duchy of Retalia provides no state support to Retalian investors setting up business in "High Risk" countries where foreign investment is limited or where the guarantees for private property are low. However, the government does not prevent private actors of investing at their own risk, which generates a lucrative underwriting market within Retalia, but increases the costs of investments abroad. According to analysts, the economic actors seem to find a mutually profitable balance between the interests of investors who wish for easy capital and lenders who do not wish to see debt become toxic by the whim of a foreign government. Private underwriting allows investors to secure funds from reputable Retalian banks, protect their investments and increase their economic outreach throughout the world.

The most dynamic destination for investments so far is Serenierre, which was allowed to set up a Foreign Direct Investments Fund in Losena to promote Retalian private investments into the socialist republic. This is despite the ongoing confrontation between Villesen and Altburg over a wide range of issues.

"The issue is that both Villesen and Altburg are swinging in the winds of politics like, I don't know, bamboo sticks," commented Paulo di Calzone, a foreign investment analyst at the K.F. Weber & CO investment bank. "Villesen is never sure whether it wants to be an outpost of Ivar or whether it wants to play its own game. And Altburg is never sure whether it wants to be an outpost of Trier or play its own game. Mature economic actors have gotten used to this situation, we know that it is not going to change anytime soon. Does it hinder business? Of course it does. Are there ways to resolve it? It will take a lot of political will and effort on the parts of both Villesen and Altburg, and tht will is just not there in both capitals. But we just roll along with the existing situation and grow the seeds of business where they can be grown."

Overall, Retalian private investment continues to flow globally, including into places which are considered as high investment risk. These are remarkably not only communist states, as Engellex is also considered to be a high investment risk due to the geopolitical stances adopted by the Northern and Southern constituent republics and tendency towards isolation.
 
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Remuria

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PARLIAMENT PROLONGS THE AUTHORITY OF THE ORDER OF SAINT LOTHAR OVER THE VACANT CITY

The Retalian Parliament has yet again prolonged the authority of the Order of Saint Lothar over the Vacant City, a complex of buildings and complexes in Tibur historically administered by the Catholic Church in Retalia. Before the era of Migrant Popes, Tibur has been reputed to be the seat of Papal Power, a function lost over the many centuries.

The current Vacant City is not used anywhere to its full potential, with a number of buildings and complexes left vacant and being only cared for so that their structural integrity is upkept. The Order of Saint Lothar is funded through donations by the Catholic community and does not receive Retalian state funding.

In accordance with the compact between the Retalian Parliament and the Order of Saint Lothar, the Order has broad executive, administrative powers within the Vacant City, is not submitted to any tax, enforces the law and order within the territory. Currently law enforcement and security within the Vacant City is being outsourced by the Order to Pro Securitas AG, a leading Retalian private security firm. Historically, militarised militia of the Order was responsible for providing security and law enforcement. However, with dwindling budgets due to lower donations from the catholic communities, as well as a lack of physically fit young volunteers to join the Order's military branch, meant that the units were disbanded many years ago.

The city of Tibur continues to be a major economic and port hub on the continental part of Retalia, having trailed for decades behind the more vibrant and dynamically growing port of Losena. The Vacant City, at the heart of the city and overlooking the Tibrus river, remains an area of lagging economic development, devoid of a large permanent population, safe for clergy and laymen.
 
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