APwire ~ Affiliated Press News Agency

[Tarusa]

David versus Goliath, Angliarique versus Tianlong
AP Kremlyov

The Empire of Angliarique versus the Republic of Tianlong, a true story of Davis versus Goliath has unfolded pitting the worlds global powers potentially against one another once more in a great contest. Following the sinking of the museum fleet by the Republic of Tianlong many in the world would have guessed that the Anglian Empire would be incapable of launching a counter-strike given the vast differences in hard and soft power between the two states. Instead it was innovation and willpower of the brave men and women of the Anglian nation that had devised a way to quickly convert some of their merchant vessels from the merchant marine into warships and deliver a blow far greater against its enemy which had struck first.

The Republic of Tianlong a nation with over seventy-five times the population of the Angliarique Empire, an economy that dwarves the small nation, and a naval power that has more warships in a single fleet than the entire Anglian nation has under its command, now knows the consequences of its actions have come full circle. A museum fleet destroyed in a harbor of Frescania was avenged by 3 makeshift warships which delivered a critical blow to a Tianese carrier group in the Bonaventura Bay. Billions of euromarks in damage and countless lives were taken, questionably more than the Anglians themselves have so far lost in this moment.

Instead of taking the situation serious, and realizing the need to solve the crisis started by their own government it has resulted in an embarrassing tragedy followed by demands of unconditional surrender. If anything should have been learned in this moment it is currently the resolve of the Anglian people, and a desire by their government to stand for their principles following the hostile acts by the leading power in the Central European Treaty Organization.

Officials from within the halls of the Kremlin have murmured that the Empire will be standing strong alongside its Pressburg Pact ally and will not tolerate the demands of the Republic of Tianlong. One official quote, "The tyranny of the Republic must be brought to an end. The world must finally realize the Tianese Republic must be removed once and for all from Gallo-Germanian affairs."

 

[Ostmark]

OSTMARK AND TARUSA FORGE NON-AGGRESSION PACT, TRADE AGREEMENT.
AP Wien

WIEN (Ostmark) - In a historic meeting that unfolded in the halls of the Palast der Republik in Wien, Chancellor Karina Berger of the Republic of Ostmark and Prime Minister Bakhmeteff of the Tarusan Tsardom achieved what many deemed improbable — the signing of a Non-Aggression Pact between their nations. The diplomatic breakthrough comes at a crucial juncture, offering a glimmer of hope for stability in the tumultuous Gothic Sea region.

The Non-Aggression Pact, an outcome of meticulous negotiations and a series of collaborative discussions, represents a monumental shift in the geopolitical landscape of Germania. Ostmark, a nation that only recently emerged from the shadows of an economic catastrophe and a totalitarian dictatorship, and @Tarusa , an empire navigating through political transitions, have opted for a path of cooperation and mutual understanding. The agreement addresses key concerns that have historically strained relations between the two nations. Chancellor Berger and Prime Minister Bakhmeteff have not only pledged to reduce tariff rates, fostering economic cooperation, but have also committed to cultural exchange programs, encouraging people-to-people connections. Such initiatives are poised to create a foundation of understanding that extends beyond political boundaries.

The timing of this accord is particularly significant. Germania has long been a region marked by historical animosities and power struggles. The Ostmark-Tarusa Non-Aggression Pact, therefore, serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the possibility of peaceful coexistence. It defuses tensions and hostilities that have lingered the Ostmarkian and the Tarusan peoples for centuries and generations of politicians. The impact of this agreement is not confined to the signatories alone. Germania, a region characterized by its complex network of alliances and rivalries, will inevitably witness a recalibration of dynamics. The Gothic Sea, once a theater of conflicts, might now evolve into a space for economic collaboration and shared prosperity. Karl Albrecht, the President of the Republic of Ostmark, has expressed optimism, hailing the Ostmark-Tarusa Non-Aggression Pact as a model for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

As the dust settles on this historic meeting, one cannot overlook the symbolism encapsulated in the handshake between Chancellor Berger and Prime Minister Bakhmeteff. It is a gesture that transcends political rhetoric, signifying a commitment to peace and stability. The people of Ostmark and Tarusa, who have endured the shadows of past animosities, can now look forward to a future built on cooperation and understanding. In the ever-shifting tapestry of international relations, the Ostmark-Tarusa Non-Aggression Pact represents a new chapter in forging a path towards a more harmonious Germania.

 

[Vrijpoort]

Explosions at Weekend Shuk in Mtata; Many Feared Dead
AP Zandhaven

Reports are coming in of a large explosion at the weekend shuk (market) in Mtata, Dune Sea. The shuk is a bustling place on Saturdays where city dwellers come to buy the goods of nomadic traders and farmers (camel milk is especially in high demand). A shockwave reportedly destroyed every window in a one kilometer radius of the shuk, located in the city centre, and a large fireball could be seen from kilometers away. Fire brigade and Outback Police have been dispatched to the scene and the RVEF (Royal Vrijpoort Expeditionary Force) has begun cordoning off the area and closing checkpoints around the city to prevent anyone from leaving.

Fighter jets and helicopters of the Royal Vrijpoort Skyforce can be seen flying above and around the city. As is typical in this years-long terrorist insurgency in the Dune Sea, the Skyforce usually retaliates with a series of airstrikes.

The N1 road between Mtata and Zandhaven remains open, but the checkpoints every 50km are apparently stopping all vehicles heading south. KLM Airways has suspended flights between Mtata, Bloemfontein and Zandhaven.

Viceroy of the Dune Sea, Linda Mbonambi, is meeting the RVEF Southern Command at its underground headquarters in the green zone of Zandhaven. Senior Minister of Vrijpoort, Melinda Weldaad, said that she will 'expedite' Southern Command's request for an additional armoured division for the Dune Sea.

While no numbers have come in yet, Outback Police have warned that the casualty figures will be 'very high'. Mtata General Hospital has activated its emergency response plan. RVEF Southern Command has raised the alert level for Zandhaven and Bloemfontein to its highest. Grensvoort has been at the highest alert level for over a year.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commonwealth offers independent investigation in alleged shootdown of Tarusan plane
AP Svetograd

Adressing the recent tensions between the Tarusan empire and the Thaumantic communes over the crash of a Tarusan military plane in the Thaumantic Sea, the Commonwealth of Socialist Council Republics has offered to conduct an independent investigation. With Tarusan authorities having alleged a shootdown of the plane they say was conducting a training exercise and Thaumantica insisting on an accidental crash without their involvement, the competing narratives of what happened have the potential to exacerbate tensions in the already volatile region.

Svetograd has pointed to its past neutrality in the conflicts in Gallo-Germania as underscoring its willingness and ability to remain unbiased and independent. "We hope an independent fact-finding mission can help to dissolve regional tensions and enable cooler heads to prevail," Commissar for Foreign Affairs Kovač stated.

Officials in Thaumantica and Tarusa have yet to respond to the offer.

 

[The Federation]

Teenager arrested after threatening President Langley
AP Charleroi

The National Police Force Headquarters in Charleroi announced the arrest of a sixteen year old boy from Dyersport (name withheld), he has been charged with issuing threats against President Walter Langley. The threats were posted as videos on the popular social networking site Twatter. In the video, AI recreations of the likenesses of several Westerman celebrities voices were created by the teenager using a popular internet AI program called AIChat, created by the Westernesse software company CypherSoft, the videos were quickly taken down. In the videos created by the teenager were threats to blow up Cairnwood House and kill the first family. The NPF has stated that checks of areas frequented by the president have found no explosive devices. The charges have sparked a debate about the growing dangers of AI software and how it should be regulated. CypherSoft has not yet released a statement about the misuse of it's software.

 

[Angliarique]

30-Year Investigation Finds No Link Between Climate Change, Economic Activities
AP Darkford

A major climate research group known as E16 or ‘Europe-16’ led by world-renowned climate scientist, Dr Lydria Bordmanne, with cooperation from various other prominent climate scientists, has published its findings in a voluminous 120,000-paged scientific report from a major 30-year investigation into potential links between economic activities and climate change. Dr Bordmanne stated to the press, “After 30 years, we have found no conclusive evidence to support the hypothesis that climate change is linked with the sustained growth and presence of economic activities. However, few in the scientific community have expressed their belief that there is some evidence to support it. Therefore, there is unfortunately no consensus in the community regarding this matter. And, the current mounting and increasing evidence that we have suggests the possibility of such links, to be extremely unlikely. Maybe even negligible.” ​

 

[The Federation]

Federation military intervenes in Jysken crisis with no fly zone, calls for peace talks.
AP Ulrikasborg

The Federation Navy and Airforce has declared a no fly zone over over the Islands of East and West Jysken. Using units stationed in Gutarike and Metsamaa, the Federation seeks to stop a war from further developing between the Two Kingdoms and the breakaway region of East Jysken. Several destroyers and cruisers have left port in Ulrikasborg to set up an air defense line to prevent missiles from both combatants from hitting each other. A spokesman from the Federation military has stated that they will put themselves in the line of fire if it means that peace might be preserved in the long embattled Gothic Sea region.

@Jydsken-Østveg

 

[Ebria]

Austwegian Crisis shows deep rifts within Ebrian society
AP Valls

The Crisis in Jysken-Ostveg, the military revolt against the government of Queen Marie de Sánchez, might be a multinational crisis too, as it shows the deep rifts that have been formed within the past years within the United Kingdom. While the separatists in Hamrun seem to have calmed down by the federalisation ordered by King Manuel III as the old viceroyalties of Hamrun and Nuoria have been elevated to kingdom status and thus authority and administration devolved to the newly formed regional governments, they were only one of the many complex issued that affected Ebria in the last years.

Probably the most important issue was the Institutional Crisis, which led to the month long proclamation of the Ebrian Republic, in the aftermath of an election that led to a landslide victory of the Republican Union, a now defunct party whose many members have moved to the current party in power, the Social Liberal Party. The issues of the Republic stemmed from the fact that its rushed proclamation could not win the support of many of the state institutions for the change too, especially as it wasn't done truly constitutionally, but rather as a revolutionary movement in the aftermath of the elections, led by the trade unions CNT and UGT, both based in Amerida. The lack of institutional support, many independents and moderates turning away from it, soured by the un-constitutional way it was proclaimed and the fear that the army might just move in to kill it through a coup, brought forth moderates like the current PM (President of Government in Ebria), Ana Isabel Gallego, to negotiate the Avila Accords, which would give a referendum and forced parties to respect it. In the referendum that followed, the people voted to keep the monarchy, but at a very little difference. That shadow still stands by the government today and Amerida still is a hotbed of activism.

Then came the Valls Pact, where a lot of hope was put on Ebria organising it, but the quick dissolution of the alliance in the aftermath of the Gutnish war, was an important stain on the image of Ebrian diplomacy, which was also worsened by the inactivity during the Frescanian Crisis and the lack of response of Ebria towards the Csengian Dissidents and the Avila action organised by the Thaumanticans. While the government of Dario Rios was stating that it does everything possible to keep the nation neutral, many have seen the country getting more and more isolated, rejecting old allies and going as far as to even ignore their kin, namely the Frescanians.

There has been a growing rage within many in Valls that the nation is getting systematically humiliated by the positions the government of Dario Rios, something seen by the investigation into the Catholic and Royal Army after some soldiers were arrested for planning an uprising, or others using the image of politicians as targets in shooting practice. Also many have stated that the election of Ana Isabel Gallego hasn't as much been a great support for her Social Liberal policies, but rather a rejection of the Traditionalist Communion, the party that mainly offered support to the technocratic government of Dario Rios. A lot stands on the back of the Gallego government, because should the government turn its back on the royal family by abandoning Jysken-Ostveg and Queen Marie, or Tía Maria, as the Ebrians call her, it might be a final nail to a wave of extremely unpopular policies, all while more and more, the trade unions in Amerida start to feel that their chance might come again.​

 

[Pelasgia]

Pelasgian prosecutors address Commonwealth citizen's arrest
AP Propontis

The head prosecutor for the Propontis Prefectural Procuratorate has addressed international concerns raised by the arrest of a citizen of the @Socialist Commonwealth in a statement made to the media. According to the statement, the man in question (whose precise identity the prosecutor refused to reveal due to Pelasgian laws on defendants' privacy) is a Carentanian university student who is actively involved in the radical environmentalist movement, and who had come to Pelasgia to participate in activities against the construction of the Inova-Nauplia Transit Corridor (INTC) with @Remuria .

According to evidence that the prosecution says has been shared with the Commonwealth's diplomats in Propontis, the defendant participated in a political conference of activists seeking to organise against the INTC, despite the fact that it is illegal for non-resident foreign nationals to participate in political activities in Pelasgia without prior police permission. The defendant then went on to participate in a march that was illegal, which eventually turned into a violent riot and required the intervention of riot police to disperse the rioters. The march had been illegal ab initio, as the organizers failed to obtain the necessary permissions from local authorities to close down a busy street, since they could not meet the necessary health and safety criteria for a gathering of that size. These activities, in addition to the participation of the defendant in various radical environmentalist groups the world over, led authorities to suspect that the defendant might be secretely associated with proscribed terror groups in Pelasgia or that he might have been a foreign agent seeking to derail the INTC.

"The defendant was not arrested for owning a book," the prosecutor explained. "The book merely alerted the constables of the Imperial Politarchy to his identity, as they had been told to be on the lookout for a foreign national associated with the radical environmentalist movement." The prosecutor went on to explain that the defendant has been cooperating with the authorities and has since been released pending trial. In the meantime, he will remain under police surveillance and will not be allowed to leave Pelasgia for now. When asked about certain publications from @Radilo commenting on the affair, the prosecutor only commented that, "Certain people who despise our way of life and our culture will always seek to slander Pelasgia in order to further their own political agenda. It is irrelevant to my duties what those clearly partial and partisan actors have to say."

 

[Tarusa]

Protests Dispersed, Border tightened
AP Kispest

Peaceful protests that had been largely allowed in Kispest as a rallying call in support of the government against the Communal Orders shootdown of a Tarusan patrol aircraft, continued occupation of Gutarike with lack of initiatives to re-establish a government, and the most recent Federation endeavor of getting involved in the political crisis in Jydsk-Ostveg, have been dispersed by local law agencies.

The protests had been allowed to occur with tacit approval of the government so long as they had remained peaceful and small with proper authorization. The Authoritarian regime of the Queen largely does not allow protests in the nation with the reminder of the history of the last series of protests that had occurred in the lead up to the Pannonian Crisis and the civil war. The protests in Kispest showing support for the Queen, her husband, and their allies had been approved by the mayors office in Kispest for a weekly gathering of a couple hundred to protest down Embassy Row as it has been labeled since reconstruction.

The recent events in the neighboring Kingdom of Ebria along with the current state of the worlds affairs continuing to show signs of deterioration, has led to the city of Kispest to revoke the permits for the weekly protest down embassy row and law enforcement to disperse any whom unlawfully assemble to protest. This comes on the eve of the Queen announcing that the Ebrian border on the Isthmus will have its security tightened by the deployment of a mechanized brigade to support the border guards and prepare for the worst. In her own words, We have seen how a small event can unravel into more in our own nation. Its better to be prepared than to be caught off-guard. We support the rightful government of the Kingdom and its King and pray they can solve this issue rapidly.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Death threats against priest in Tyskebryggen
AP

Just hours after news broke that Queen Maria of Austweg has been allowed to convert back to Catholicism in order to enable her to take the crown of Ebria, several death threats have been made against the priest in Tyskebryggen that enabled this reversion. The threats originate from a growing section of radicalized Catholics who are unhappy about the liberalizing course of the church under the current pope. Cardinal Taft, one of the leading figures of this subsection of the church, had previously and strongly spoken out against allowing Maria to revert to Catholicism on the grounds that her reversion wasn't a sincere expression of faith, but rather out of political considerations. In doing so he was channeling a growing discontent amongst conservative Catholics who feel the leadership of their church was making a mockery out of their faith and the church subservient to the interests of secular governments. More moderate conservatives have also called the Pope to step in an overturn the ruling, but with his recent and rash siding with Republican forces in the Ebrian conflict, observers see little hope for this to occur.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Excommunication of Infante Alfonso lifted prior to coronation
AP Calatrava

The excommunication of Infante Alfonso, pretender to the Ebrian crown, has reportedly been lifted by Cardinal Louis Benedict Taft prior to his coronation as new king of Ebria. The excommunication had been issued by Pope John Joseph after the assassination of the previous King of Ebria, in which Infante Alfonso had been implicated. This decision had sat uneasy with many more conservative members of the church, as the accusation remained ultimately unproven and the excommunication was seen as a rash one, taking sides in the ongoing civil war in Ebria.

With the pope currently incapacipated following an attempt on his life by a radical Aresuran nationalist, Cardinal Taft, known as conservative radical, apparently has now taken it upon himself to resolve the decision and acting "on behalf of the pope", as a spokesperson for the Royalist government of Ebria noted. According to this source, Infante Alfonso has confessed all his sins and received absolution, welcoming him back into the church and clearing a major obstacle to his coronation.

 

[Angliarique]

Warm Relations by Leaving Pressburg, Regency Council Told
AP S.O.L.

Former Angliarique Chancellor, the 3rd Earl Briutine (predecessor to the Banker Government), has urged the Angliarisian Regency Council to reconsider its participation in, and any further involvement with the Pressburg economic and military alliance (aka the Pressburg Pact).

The Earl warned that the Council risks endangering Angliarique by staying on with the alliance, as the arrangement has been said to enable and even encourage intense international scrutiny against the country, which a growing number of Angliarisians believe is the sole cause of heavy economic and political sanctions being brought down against the country.

Earl Briutine also hopes that the Council would consider arranging for the cessation of hostilities domestically with the Carpathia-Darkford Resistance Movement (CDR), and on the international level with the Republic of Tianlong. The former Chancellor also encouraged the Foreign Cabinet to consider pursuing a détente policy with the countries, whose diplomats were expelled in the previous year by the now-collapsed Banker Government.​