APwire ~ Affiliated Press News Agency

[Frescania]

Frescanian Supplies Arrive in Ulriken
AP Zulia

Despite the call for non-intervention by various nations, the Frescanian government has used its commercial ties with the Agderike Navy to channel supplies to the non-Frederickian groups in the Nordic country. The move comes as the Sylvanian government took similar steps days ago and Great Engellex showed support for the Frescanian quarantine.

After Thursday’s announcement that the Agderike Navy would side with the people’s cause, Frescanian forces in the region have been providing intelligence reports against Frederickian targets within Agderike. Similarly, the strong commercial ties between the Nordic navy and the Frescanian Navy have led to an informal lend lease between the two sides.

Confidential sources have told us that AB 210, also known as Republican Shield, has been secretly activated by President Manuel Rodriguez. The law authorizes the government to finance through any means the expansion of republicanism. Although republicans are members of the anti-Frederickian side, it is well known Frescania is willing to support the case against the Danish claim, even supporting Queen Lovisa's supporters. Sources also informed us that Frescanian aircrafts are arming the republican stronghold of Fey.

When asked whether said sources were corrected, Miraflores stated that Frescania wants the people of Agderike to decide their faith without interference by foreign monarchs. However, the Presidency refuses to acknowledge or deny the accusation.

 

[Danmark]

Grand fleets sail to deliver protection for King and Queen as they leave Arendaal
AP Christiansborg

The First Jutish Fleet has disembarked from Fredrikshavn towards Arendaal as the Danish King Frederik III and Queen Consort Clara are about to sail south towards on a series of state visits to Underside of the globe.

The fleet, composed of 93 vessels, set sail yesterday towards Arendaal as a precautionary measure in case of assaults from the blockade around Agder and Fey with full orders to strike if attacked as the Danish heads of state commence with a 25-strong naval escort as well as the First Jutish Fleet - a total of 118 vessels - to leave the homeland of the Queen of Danmark following a pre-coronation state visit to the Nordic kingdom.

The fleet including the aircraft carrier, the immense Kong Christian, is due to land in Arendaal in order to escort the monarch and consort on a long journey to the other side of the world due to take four or five weeks but the fleet is expected to return to homewaters once it reaches the south of Eiffelland on the journey to the Implarian Ocean.

The state visits are to take a series of countries and overseas Danish territories in a good-will globetrotting round visit that will see the Danish monarchs also visit the Danish dominion country of Gladsheim, Danish Implaria, Sikandara, Parthia, Jurzan, Eiffelland and The See upon their return. There is a likely visit to Cantignia.

"This is the first time that the King and Queen pay visit to the Underside with the first visit to the territories of Danish Implaria" said Danish Prime Minister Schneider-Krogsgaard.

He is also expected to join the royal party on board the royal yacht Dannebrog upon an expected brief stop in Ny Aabenraa, one of the isles of the archipelago of Danish Implaria via a governmental flight there.

The term yacht is technically a misnomer as the Dannebrog is in effect a ship with luxurious quarters, plush surrounds and expansive rooms including a ball-room, an orchestra, library, cinema, tennis and basketball courts, billiard tables and exquisite bars, as well as liveried footmen and state trumpeters. Truly a home from home upon the high seas.

 

[Serenierre]

Organisation between major oil producers formalised
AP Shahdara

The Council of Diplomatic Affairs of the Sikandari state has announced that negotiations between the governments of major oil producers and exporters has resulted in an agreement being reached between the states of Jurzan, Parthava, Sikandara and the Mezhist Union to form an organisation aiming to band together these countries and their oil and petroleum industries. The organisation, which will see its headquarters based in a neutral, as of now, undecided venue, aims to consolidate the member states' hold on the international oil market. Though the agreement has been reached in Shahdara, the treaty has to be ratified by the member states' government or legislature, depending on the political procedure.

Though the mood in Shahdara is triumphant and the various delegations from the memberstates have been enjoying their time in the imperial citadel and its historical surroundings, there are grave concerns being noted by analysts of international affairs who have been pointing out that the absence of the Talemantric Empire would ruffle feathers in Talemankini, which is the only top five oil producer absent from the organisation.

The Grand Councillor Azam S. Khan, the Sikandari foreign minister, who is said to be the main individual behind the Sikandari push to establish such an association, has recently been engaged in a series of diplomatic tours across Gallia, Himyar and Sarmatia, is being commended in the imperial citadel for his conduct and is expected to be granted greater honours by the Sikandari Emperor, who is said to be planning on ordering a major reshuffle of Chancellor Jhangvi's cabinet.

 

[Hanseatic Republics]

Constitution for Østwegian Kingdom leaked
AP Jorvik

The Constitutional Convention between the Queen of Østveg, Her Royal Majesty Inger Lise, and Republican leaders from Ulriken have culminated in a rather unique Constitution that focuses on a bicameral legislature that respects tradition, and a new chamber for the popular representation of the people. The Queen's own office maintains a great deal of power, much to the disappointment of many Republican Leaders, yet the compromise was felt to be wise and the Chancellor is expected to take the role of playing out many of the powers elaborated. The only portions received by the AP are published below:

With the sponsorship of Her Royal Majesty Inger Lise the Queen of Østveg, together the people in order to constitute a Kingdom of the perpetual Union of Nords, the establishment of Justice, domestic Equilibrium, the provision of the Union's defense, assure the general Welfare, and guarantee the common Liberty for ourselves and our Posterity, collectively institute and establish this Constitution for the Kingdom of Østveg.

Section A. Form of Government and Religion
Article I. (1)
The Kingdom of Østveg is a free, independent, indivisible and inalienable Realm. Its form of government is a limited and hereditary monarchy that derives its power from the people.

Article II. (2)
All inhabitants of the realm shall have the right to free exercise of their religion. The Tiburian-Catholic religion shall constitute and remain the official religion of the State. The inhabitants professing it are bound to bring up their children in the same.

Section B. The Executive Power, The King, and the Royal Family
Article III. (3)
The Executive Power is vested in the Queen, or in the King if they have succeeded to the Crown pursuant to the provisions of Article VI or Article VII or Article XLVIII of this Constitution. When the Executive Power is vested in the Queen, she has all the rights and obligations which pursuant to this Constitution and the Law of the Land are possessed by a King. This equal application of gender in the law shall be perpetuated to all citizens of the Realm.

Article IV. (4)
The Queen shall at all times profess the Tiburian-Catholic religion, and uphold and protect the same. The Queen does not fall subordinate to the international leadership of the Church, and holds the responsibility to place the liberties and freedoms of the Østwegian people ahead of the proceedings and demands of the Tiburian-Catholic religion.

Article V. (5)
The Queen's person is sacred; she cannot be censured or accused. The responsibility rests with the Riksforsamlinga (Realm's Assembly —Førstetinget og Folktinget).

Article VI. (6)
Section I.
The order of succession is lineal, so that only a child born in lawful wedlock of the Queen or King, or of one who is herself of himself entitled to the succession, may succeed, and so that the nearest line shall take precedence over the more remote and the elder in the line over the younger. An unborn child shall also be included among those entitled to the succession and shall immediately take her or his proper place in the line of succession as soon as she or he is born into the world.

Section II.
The right of succession shall not, however, belong to any person who is not born in the direct line of descent from the last reigning Queen or King or a sister or brother thereof, or is not herself or himself a sister or brother thereof.

Section III.
When a Princess or Prince entitled to succeed to the Crown of Østveg is born, her or his name and time of birth shall be notified to the first Folkting in session and be entered in the record of its proceedings.

Article VII. (7)
If there is no Princess or Prince entitled to the succession, the Queen may propose her successor to the Folkting, which has the right to make the choice if the Queen's proposal is accepted. Without proper succession, the Folkting reserves the right to implement the foundation of a Republic, with the popularly elected seat of a President to replace the Queen.

Article VIII. (8)
The age of majority of the Queen shall be laid down by law. As soon as the Queen has attained the age prescribed by law, she shall make a public declaration that she is of age.

Article IX. (9)
As soon as the Queen, being of age, accedes to the Government, she shall take the following oath before the Folkting: "I promise and swear that I will govern the Kingdom of Østveg in accordance with its Constitution and Laws, so help me God, the Almighty and Omniscient." If the Folkting is not in session at the time, the oath shall be made in writing in the Council of State and be repeated solemnly by the Queen at the first subsequent Folkting.

Article X. (10)
The Queen shall reside in the Realm and may not, without the consent of the Folkting, remain outside the Realm for more than six months at a time, otherwise she shall have forfeited, for her person, the right to the Crown, pending majority recognition of the Folkting. The Queen may not accept any other crown or government without the consent of the Folkting, for which two-thirds of the votes are required.

Article XI. (11)
Section I.
The Queen herself chooses a Council from among Østwegian citizens who are entitled to vote. This Council shall consist of a Chancellor and at least seven other Members. More than half the number of the Members of the Statsrådet (Council of State) shall profess the official religion of the State.

Section II.
The Queen apportions the business among the Members of the Council of State as she deems appropriate. Under extraordinary circumstances, besides the ordinary Members of the Council of State, the Queen may summon other Østwegian citizens, although no Members of the Riksforsamlinga, to take a seat in the Council of State. The Council of State appointments may be refused by the Chancellor.

Section III.
Husband and wife, parent and child, or two siblings may never sit at the same time in the Council of State.

Article XII. (12)
Section I.
During her travels within the Realm, the Queen may delegate the administration of the Realm to the Council of State. The Council of State shall conduct the government in the Queen's name and on her behalf. It shall scrupulously observe the provisions of this Constitution, as well as such particular directives in conformity therewith as the Queen may instruct. The matters of business shall be decided by voting, where in the event of the votes being equal, the highest-ranking Member of the Council of State who is present, shall have two votes. The Council of State shall make a report to the Queen on all matters of business which it thus decides. The Queen may veto such decisions with the support of the Folkting, which would symbolize an automatic vote of no confidence.

Section II.
An Order of precedence or seniority shall be established as the Chancellor, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. Further orders of precedence may be clarified by the Queen, or the Folkting by law.

Article XIII. (13)
The Queen may appoint State Secretaries to assist Members of the Council of State with their duties outside the Council of State. Each State Secretary shall act on behalf of the Member of the Council of State to whom he is attached to the extent determined by that Member.

Article XIV. (14)
Any person who holds a seat in the Council of State has the duty to submit his application to resign once the Folkting has passed a vote of no confidence against that Member of the Council of State or against the Council of State as a whole. The Queen is bound to grant such an application to resign. Once the Folkting has passed a vote of no confidence, only such business may be conducted as is required for the proper discharge of duties.

Article XV. (15)
The Queen ordains all public church services and public worship and all meetings and assemblies dealing with religious matters, and ensures that public teachers of religion follow the norms prescribed for them.

Article XVI. (16)
The Queen may issue and repeal ordinances relating to commerce, customs, all livelihoods and the police, although these must not conflict with the Constitution or with the laws passed by the Folkting.

Article XVII. (17)
As a general rule the Queen shall provide for the collection of the taxes and duties imposed by the Folkting.

Article XVIII. (18)
The Queen shall ensure that the properties and regalia of the State are utilized and administered in the manner determined by the Folkting and in the best interests of the general public.

Article XIX. (19)
The Queen shall have the right in the Council of State to pardon criminals after sentence has been passed. The criminal shall have the choice of accepting the Queen's pardon and terms or submitting to the penalty imposed. In proceedings which the Folkting causes to be brought before the Court of Impeachment, no pardon other than deliverance from the death penalty may be granted, unless the Folkting has given its consent thereto.

Article XX. (20)
The Queen shall choose and appoint, after consultation with her Council of State, all senior civil, ecclesiastical and military officials. Before the appointment is made, such officials shall swear or, if by law exempted from taking the oath, solemnly declare obediences and allegiance to the Constitution and the Queen, although senior officials who are not Østwegian nationals may by law be exempted from this duty. The Royal Family and its immediate extensions may not hold senior civil offices.

Article XXI. (21)
The Chancellor and the other Members of the Council of State, together with the State Secretaries, may be dismissed by the Queen without any prior court judgment, after she has heard the opinion of the Council of State on the subject. The same applies to senior officials employed in government ministries or in the diplomatic or consular services, to the highest-ranking civil and ecclesiastical officials, commanders of regiments and other military formations, commandants of forts and officers commanding warships. Whether pensions should be granted to senior officials thus dismissed shall be determined by the next Folkting. In the interval they shall receive two thirds of their previous pay. Other senior officials may only be suspended by the Queen, and must then without delay be charged before the Courts, but they may not, except by court judgment, be dismissed nor, against their will, transferred. All senior officials may, without a prior court judgment, be discharged from office upon attaining the statutory age limit. It may be determined by law that certain senior officials who are not judges may be appointed for a term of years.

Article XXII. (22)
The Queen may bestow orders upon whomever she pleases as a reward for distinguished services, and such orders must be publicly announced, but no rank or title other than that attached to any office. The order exempts no one from the common duties and burdens of citizens, nor does it cary with it any preferential admission to senior official posts in the State. Senior officials honorably discharged from office retain the title and rank of their office. This does not apply, however, to Members of the Council of State or the State Secretaries.

Article XXIII. (23)
The Queen chooses and dismisses, at her own discretions, her Royal Household and Court Officials. The Folkting must confirm all incoming Supreme Court officials.

Article XXIV. (24)
The Queen is the Commander-in-Chief of the land and the naval forces of the Realm. These forces may not be increased or reduced without the consent of the Folkting. They may not be transferred to the service of foreign powers, nor may the military forces of any foreign power, except auxiliary forces assisting against hostile attack, be brought into the Realm without the consent of the Folkting. The territorial army and the other troops which cannot be classed as troops of the line must never, without the consent of the Folkting, be employed outside the borders of the Realm.

Article XXV. (25)
The Queen has the right to call up troops, to engage in war in defense of the Realm and to make peace, to conclude and denounce treaties, to send and receive diplomatic envoys. Treaties on matters of special importance, and, in all cases, treaties whose implementation, according to the Constitution, necessitates a new law or decision by the Folkting, are not binding until the Folkting has given its consent thereto.

Article XXVI. (26)
All Members of the Council of State shall, unless lawfully absent, attend the Council of State, and no decision may be adopted there unless more than half the number of Members are present. A Member of the Council of State who does not profess the official religion of the State shall not take part in proceedings on matters which which concern the Tiburian-Catholic religion. Council of State members can be summoned by the Folkting or the Chancellor and must report at their earliest convenience.

Article XXVII. (27)
Proposals regarding appointments to senior official posts and other matters of importance shall be presented in the Council of State by the Member within whose competence they fall, and such matters shall be dealt with by them in accordance with the decision adopted in the Council of State. However, matters strictly relating to military command may, to the extend determined by the Queen, be exempted from proceedings in the Council of State. If a member of the Council of State is prevented due to lawful absence from attending the meeting and from presenting the matters that falling within their competence, these shall be presented by another Member temporarily appointed by the Queen for the purpose. If so many Members are prevented due to lawful absence form attending that not more than half of the stipulated number are present, the requisite number of other men or women shall be temporarily appointed to take a seat in the Council of State.

Article XXVIII. (28)
All the proceedings of the Council of State shall be entered in its records. Diplomatic matters which the Council of State decides to keep secret shall be entered in a special record. The same applies to military command matters which the Council of State decides to keep secret. Everyone who has a seat in the Council of State has the duty frankly to express his or her opinion, to which the Queen is bound to listen. However it rests with the Queen to make a decision according to her own judgment. If any Member of the Council of State is of the opinion that the Queen's decision conflicts with the form of government or the laws of the Realm, it is his or her duty to make strong remonstrances against it, as well as to enter his opinion in the records. A Member who has no thus protested is deemed to have been in agreement with the Queen, and shall be answerable in such manner as may be subsequently decided, and may be impeached by the Folkting before the Court of Impeachment.

Article XXIX. (29)
All decisions drawn up by the Queen shall, in order to become valid, be countersigned. Decisions relating to military command are countersigned by the person who has presented the matter, while other decisions are countersigned by the Chancellor or, if he has not been present, by the highest-ranking Member of the Council of State present.

Article XXX. (30)
The decisions adopted by the Government during the Queen's absence shall be drawn up in the Queen's name and be signed by the Council of State.

Article XXXI. (31)
The Queen shall make provisions concerning the titles for those who are entitled to succeed to the Crown.

Article XXXII. (32)
As soon as the Heir to the Throne has completed her or his eighteenth year, she or he is entitled to take a seat in the Council of State, although without a vote or responsibility.

Article XXXIII. (33)
A Princess or Prince entitled to succeed to the Crown of Østveg may not marry without the consent of the Queen. Nor may she or he accept any other crown or government without the consent of both the Queen and the Folkting; for the consent of the Folkting two-thirds of the votes are required. If she or he acts contrary to this rule, they and their descendants forfeit their right to the Throne of Østveg.

Article XXXIV. (34)
The Royal Princes and Princesses shall not personally be answerable to anyone other than the Queen, or whomever she decrees to sit in judgement on them.

Article XXXV. (35)
If the Queen dies and the Heir to the Throne is still under age, the Council of State shall immediately summon the Folkting.

Article XXXVI. (36)
Until the Folkting has assembled and made provisions for the government during the minority of the King or Queen, the Council of State shall be responsible for the administration of the Realm in accordance with the Constitution.

Article XXXVII. (37)
If the Queen is absent from the Realm unless commanding in the field, or if she is so ill that she cannot attend to the government, the person next entitled to succeed to the Throne shall, provided that he or she has attained the age stipulated for the Queen's majority, conduct the government as the temporary executor of the Royal Powers. If this is not the case, the Council of State will conduct the administration of the Realm. As soon as their conduct of the government ceases, they shall submit to the Queen and the Folkting an account of the same.

Article XXXVIII. (38)
The choice of trustees to conduct the government on behalf of the Queen or King during her or his minority shall be undertaken by the Chancellor, who shall be held responsible to the Folkting.

Article XXXIX. (39)
The Princess or Prince who, in the cases mentioned in Article XXXVII, conducts the government shall make the following oath in writing before the Folkting: "I promise and swear that I will conduct the government in accordance with the Constitution and the Laws, so help me God, the Almighty and Omniscient." If the Folkting is not in session at the time, the oath shall be made in the Council of State and later be presented to the next Folkting. The Princess or Prince who has once made the oath shall not repeat it later.

Article XXXX. (40)
If the persons concerned fail to summon the Folkting immediately in accordance with Article XXXV, it becomes the unconditional duty of the Supreme Court, as soon as four weeks have elapsed, to arrange for the Folkting to be summoned.

Article XXXXI. (41)
The supervision of the education of the Queen or King during her or his minority should, if both of his parents are dead and neither of them has left any written directions thereon, be determined by the Folkting.

Article XXXXII. (42)
If the Royal Line has died out, and no successor to the Throne has been designated, then a new Queen or King shall be chosen by the Folkting, or shall fall under the terms of Article VII. Meanwhile, the Executive Power shall be exercised in accordance with Article XXXVI.

C. RIGHTS OF THE CITIZENS AND THE LEGISLATIVE POWER
Article XXXXIII. (43)
Legislative Power is exercised via the Riksforsamlinga (Realm's Assembly) and divided into two houses. The Upper house is seated by a caucus system which represents traditional means of Nord legislation in the Førsteting (First Thing). The people and citizenry of the Realm exercise their Legislative Power through the Folkting (People's Thing).

Article XXXXIV. (44)
Those entitled to vote in elections to the Folkting are Østwegian citizens, men and women, who, at the latest in the year and on the day when the election is held, have completed their eighteenth year. The extent, however, to which Østwegian citizens who on Election Day are resident outside the Realm but who satisfy the aforementioned conditions are entitled to vote shall be determined by law. Rules may be laid down by law concerning the right to vote of persons otherwise entitled to vote who on Election Day are manifestly suffering from a seriously weakened mental state or reduced level of consciousness. The Royal Family may not take part in elections.

Article XXXXV. (45)
The rules on the keeping of the electoral register and on the registration in the register of person entitled to vote shall be determined by law.

Article XXXXVI. (46)
The right to vote is lost by persons:
a,) sentenced for criminal offenses, in accordance with the relevant provisions laid down by law;
b,) entering the service of a foreign power without the consent of the Government.

Article XXXXVII. (47)
Elections shall be held at the latest every fourth year in the Folkting and every eighth year in the Førsteting. They shall be concluded by the end of September, but not before the end of June.

Article XXXXVIII. (48)
The elections shall be conducted in the manner prescribed by law. Disputes regarding the right to vote shall be settled by the Electoral Committee, whose decision may be appealed to the Folkting.

Article XXXXIX. (49)
Section I.
The number of representatives to be elected to the Førsteting shall be at maximum, forty. The Realm is divided according to traditional parish boundaries as settled in the year 1098. Each parish is allowed a male member who is decided via a caucus, who if is married may also bring along is wife who will be afforded equal rights in representation and voting in the Førsteting.

Section II.
The number of representatives to be elected to the Folkting shall be at minimum sixty. The Realm is divided into twenty constituencies. Forty of the representatives to the Folkting are elected as representatives of constituencies and the remaining twenty are elected as members at large. This ratio must be maintained. Each constituency is afforded two representatives, and as such each voter has two votes to allocate to different candidates. Specific provisions on the division of the Realm into constituencies and on the allotment of seats in the Folkting to the constituencies shall be determined by law. Constituencies are to represent equal numbers in population, according to the last census conducted by the Folkting. At large seats are contested throughout the Realm, giving those who received the most votes in their respected constituency, but unable to win a seat in the Folkting an at large seat. Ties are broken by a vote of the next sitting Førsteting.

Section III.
The Folkting must conduct a census every tenth year.

Article XXXXX. (50)
Polls shall be held separately for each constituency and parish. At the polls votes shall be cast directly for representatives to the Folkting, together with their proxies, to represent the entire constituency.

Article XXXXXI. (51)
Whether and in what manner those entitled to vote may deliver their ballot papers without personal attendance at the polls shall be determined by law.

Article XXXXXII. (52)
No one may be elected as a representative unless he or she is entitled to vote.

Article XXXXXIII. (53)
Officials who are employed in government ministries, except however State Secretaries and political advisers, may not be elected as representatives. The same applies to Members of the Supreme Court and officials employed in the diplomatic or consular services. Members of the Council of State may not attend meetings of the Folkting as representatives while holding their appointments, and political advisers in government ministries many not attend meetings of the Folkting as long as they hold their positions. The exception is the Chancellor, who is a Member of the Folkting and the most Senior Member of the Council of State.

Article XXXXXIV. (54)
It is the duty of anyone who is elected as a representative to accept such election unless he or she is elected outside of the constituency in which he or she is entitled to vote.

Article XXXXXV. (55)
The representatives elected shall be furnished with credentials, the validity of which shall be adjudged by the Folkting.

Article XXXXXVI. (56)
Section I.
The Folkting shall remain in session as long as it deems it necessary and shall terminate its proceedings when it has concluded its business. The Folkting shall meet in open session, and its proceedings shall be published in print, except in those cases where a majority decides to the contrary.

Section II.
Førsteting sessions last no longer than the day's sunlight. The Førsteting shall only meet in open session.

Article XXXXXVII. (57)
In accordance with the rules of procedure adopted by the Folkting and Førsteting, the proceedings may be resumed, but they shall terminate not later than the last weekday in the month of September.

Article XXXXXVIII. (58)
Every representative and proxy called to the Riksforsamlinga shall be entitled to receive from the Treasury such reimbursement as is prescribed by law for traveling expenses to and from the Riksforsamlinga, and from the Riksforsamlinga to his or her home and back again during vacations lasting at least fourteen days. He or she shall be entitled to remuneration, likewise prescribed by law, for attending the Riksforsamlinga.

Article XXXXXIX. (59)
Representatives on their way to and from the Riksforsamlinga, as well as during their attendance there, shall be exempt from personal arrest, unless they are apprehended in public crimes, nor may they be called to account outside the meetings of the Riksforsamlinga for opinions expressed there. Every representatives shall be bound to confirm to the rules of procedure therein adopted.

Article XXXXXX. (60)
The Riksforsamlinga, in a joint session, shall as a rule assemble on the first weekday of October every year in the capital of the Realm, unless the Queen, by reason of extraordinary circumstances, such as hostile invasion or infectious disease, designates another town in the Realm for the purpose. Such a decision must be publicly announced in good time.

Article XXXXXXI. (61)
When the Riksforsamlinga is not assembled, it may be summoned by the Queen if she finds it necessary.

Article XXXXXXII. (62)
The Folkting nominates a Speaker, five Vice-Presidents and two Secretaries. The Folkting may not hold a meeting unless at least half of its Members are present. However, measures concerning amendments to the Constitution may not be dealt with unless at least two-thirds of the Members of the Folkting are present.

Article XXXXXXIII. (63)
Section I.
As soon as the Folkting is constituted, the Queen, or whoever she appoints for the purpose shall open its proceedings with a speech, in which she shall inform it of the state of the Realm and of the issues to which she particularly desires to call the attention of the Folkting. No deliberations may take place in the presence of the Queen.

Section II.
When the proceedings of the Folkting have been opened, the Chancellor and the Members of the Council of State have the right to attend the Folkting and, like its Members, although without voting, to take part in any proceedings conducted in open session, while in matters discussed in closed session only insofar as permitted by the Folkting.

Article XXXXXXIV. (64)
It devolves upon the Folkting:
a,) to enact and repeal laws; to impose taxes, duties, customs, and other public charges, which shall not, however, remain operative beyond 31 December of the succeeding year, unless they are expressly renewed by a new Folkting;
b,) to raise loans in the name of the Realm;
c,) to supervise the economic affairs of the Realm;
d,) to appropriate the moneys necessary to meet government expenditure;
e,) to decide how much shall be paid annually to the Queen for the Royal Household, and to determine the Royal Family's appanage, which may not, however, consist of real property;
f,) to have submitted to it the records of the Council of State, and all public reports and documents;
g,) to have communicated to it the treaties which the Queen, on behalf of the State, has concluded with foreign powers;
h,) to have the right to require anyone, the Queen and the Royal Family excepted, to appear before it on matters of State; the exception does not, however, apply to the Royal Family if they hold any public office;
i,) to review the provisional lists of salaries and pensions and to make therein such alterations as it deems necessary;
k,) to appoint five auditors, who shall annually examine the State Accounts and publish extracts of the same print, for which purpose the Accounts shall be submitted to the auditors within six months of the end of the year for which the appropriations of the Folkting have been made, and to adopt provisions concerning the procedure for authorizing the accounts of the government accounting officials;
l,) to appoint a person, not a member of the Folkting, in a manner prescribed by law, to supervise the public administration and all who work in its service, to assure that no injustice is done against the individual citizen;
m,) to naturalise aliens.

Article XXXXXXIV. (64)
Every bill or law, shall first be proposed in the Folkting, either by one of its own Members or by the Government through a Member of the Council of State. Once the Bill is passed there, a new deliberation is to take place in the Folkting, which either approves of rejects it. In the later case the Bill, with comments appended by the Folkting, shall again by taken into consideration by the Folkting, which either shelves the Bill or approves it with the said comments. Between each such deliberation there shall be an interval of at least three days.

Article XXXXXXV. (65)
Section I.
When a Bill has been approved by the Folkting in two consecutive meetings, it is sent to the Førsteting for their consent. After their consent is given by a majority vote, it is then sent to the Queen with a request that it may receive the Royal Assent.

Section II.
Should the Førsteting not consent to a law agreed to in the Folkting, the Bill can then be sent to the Queen by the Folkting. The Queen then reserves the right to not review the questioned law. Førsteting consent is not required for the Queen to sign a law.

Section III.
If the Queen assents to the Bill, she appends her signature, whereby it becomes law. If she does not assent to it, she returns it to the Folkting with a statement that she does not for the time being find it expedient to give her assent. In that case the Bill must not again be submitted to the Queen by the Folkting then assembled.

Section IV.
Bills that did not receive consent from the Førsteting, and were forwarded to the Queen for approval, yet did not receive a response from the Queen may not be re-submitted to the Queen or the Førsteting until a response is given.

Section V.
The Queen with regard to bills that have not been decided by recess, may be act by confirming or rejecting them. All of those which she does not expressly accept are deemed to have been rejected by her.

Article XXXXXXVI. (66)
If a Bill has been pass unaltered by two sessions of the Folkting, constituted after two separate successive elections and separated from each other by at least two intervening sessions of the Folkting, without a divergent Bill having been passed by any Folkting in the period between the first and last adoption, and it is then submitted to the Queen with a petition that Her Majesty shall not refuse her assent to a Bill which, after the most mature deliberation, the Folkting considers to be beneficial, it shall become law even if the Royal Assent is not accorded before the Folkting goes into recess.

Article XXXXXXVII. (67)
All Acts (with the exception of those mentioned in Article 66) are drawn up in the name of the Queen, under the Seal of the Realm of Østveg, and in the following terms: "We, 'X', make it publicly known: that the decision of the Folkting of the date stated has been laid before Us: (here follows the decision). In consequence whereof We have assented to and confirmed, as We hereby do assent to and confirm the same Law under Our Hand and the Seal of the Realm."

Article XXXXXXVIII. (68)
The Government is to provide the Folkting with all information that is necessary for the proceedings on the matters it submits. No Member of the Council of State may submit incorrect or misleading information to the Folkting or its bodies. The Folkting may obtain the opinion of the Supreme Court on points of law.

Article XXXXXXIX. (69)
Any person who obeys an order the purpose of which is to disturb the liberty and security of the Folkting is thereby guilty of treason against the Country.

 

[Potenza]

Incident on Parthian Border
AP Talemaniki

A brief clash erupted between Talemantine and Danic forces that resulted in the withdrawal of forces that might have been poised to invade the Parthian Union. Elements of the Imperial Legions were leading reconnaissance missions along the border when it encountered what it believed were Parthian troops launching an attack. Gunfire broke out, and nearby Talemantine units rushed to the battle. Soon after, calls came from the Danish embassy in Taleminiki demanding why Talemantine troops were attacking Danic troops. Ironically, the Talemantine detachment had been attempting to find a way around the Danic troops, but had encountered them instead. Legion commanders ordered an immediate withdrawal and a ceasefire, and apologies have been given to the Danic government.

At least ten Talemantine forces were killed in the skirmish, and an unknown number wounded. At the moment, it has not been released what Danic casualties were. It appears that Danish forces, which are in the Parthian Union at the auspices of the local government, appear to be along the border between the two nations. With their presence, the only way to the besieged Zamosk region is by sea and by air. The emperor has pledged that the region would not be lost and the troops there not abandoned.

It is uncertain at this moment who fired the first shot between the Talemantine and Danic forces. The imperial offices could not be reached for questions.

 

[Clarenthia]

STATEMENT OF THE DIWAN OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
CLASSIFICATION: Unclassified

The Jurzani Government treats the recent skirmish between Talemantine and Danish Forces with the upmost seriousness. The Jurzani Government will not tolerate any offensive action taken on the Danish Forces by the Talemantine Empire.

The Jurzani Government will refrain from further accusations and statements until such a time that all the information is gathered so that the situation can be handled with the upmost delicacy.

Signed,
حکيم کريمي
Dhaki Faizan
Vizier of Foreign Affairs
Diwan of Foreign Affairs
The Islamic Republic of the Jurzan

 

[Danmark]

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​

We can confirm that altercations ensued between members of the Crown Forces resident in Partherriget with an onward assault from the lands of the Talemantine Empire by forces of the Imperial Legions intent upon an invasion of the nation.

A breach of the cordon sanitaire that Danish forces have been tasked to uphold did occur leading to trespass upon the sovereign territory of the Parthian nation. Nontheless, actions of vigilance ensured that the incursion was rebuffed with the Imperial Legion withdrawing back into Talemantine territory followed by members of the elite Royal Stormtroop regiment which led to the deaths of ten Talemantine soldiers.

It is with regret that I have to announce that three members of the regular army were killed, and two injured, in cross fire between Talemantine and Danish forces close to the border with Talemantros in a operation to force the invasionary forces back, though no members of the Royal Stormtroops are believed to have been injured.

My colleague the Minister for War, Hr Axel-Fogh, has, I understand, sought a full report from the High Command in Partherriget in order to assess the events with possible measures to beef up border security.

The Minister for War has, however, initiated a response to the incursion by ordering the dispatch of members of the Kongelige Danske Marine, the Royal Danish Navy, from the port of Dara in the east to the environs of the isle of Cara which is divided between Partherriget and the illegal occupying forces of the Talemantine Empire.

I can state with equivocalness that any further attempts at incursion shall be deemed an act of war and measures including cauterisation of Talemantine operations in the east of that nation will be considered, including invasion and the creation of a demilitarised zone in the east by Danish forces and a land, air and sea assault upon the oblast of Zamosk.


UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE KING

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HR. HENRIK JOACHIM WESTERVELD

FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE GREAT DANISH IMPERIUM

 

[Potenza]

From the Royal Envoy to the Kingdom of Danmark
Under the Direction of the Talemantine Empire

While the incursion against Danish forces was a sheer and unfortunate accident for which the Empire has apologized, we will not tolerate any actions by foreign forces against our sovereign right to defend ourselves against foreign invasion that violates previous treaty agreements and the right of nations such as Zamosk to have their needed independence. We will treat all Danish forces in the navy as neutral forces, but if they attempt to act aggressive against Imperial forces reacting to Parthian aggression, we will respond accordingly. The Cala Island was Zamosk territory before the Parthian Union landed forces, and therefore cannot count as an "incursion." We are defending the right of Zamosk to have sovereignty and independence. Again, we ask that the Kingdom of Danmark remember previous agreements and relations between our nations and take this into account as they proceed.

 

[Clarenthia]

Union Soldiers pour into Akhaltsikhe
AP Tetri Tsqaro

Numerous reports are coming in that Union troops are pouring into Akhaltsikhe in numbers that have not been seen before. It’s nothing uncommon for continuous troop movements in the Islamic Union, but the waves of troops coming into Akhaltsikhe in the past weeks have been particularly alarming. Sharjah has been very tight lipped on the whole thing, refusing to give a single comment on the troop movements into Akhaltsikhe.

It doesn’t take much to hypothesize that the increased violence between Parthia and the Talemantine Empire has alarmed the Islamic Union into preparing for whatever may come to happen. Journalists in the past have uncovered documents being sent between lower ranking government officials addressing the situation in Akhaltsikhe and determining just how much influence the Talemantine Empire can exert on the province.

It’s hard to estimate how many soldiers are arriving, but they are mainly taking point along military installations along the border built after the Jurzani-Talemantine War. Numerous soldiers have shown up in Abasha, Senaki, and Tetri Tsqaro. There’s also a heavy increased amount of traffic in the Union Building in Tetri Tsqaro.

 

[Serenierre]

Council for Diplomatic Affairs

Tensions in Himyar are a very serious matter and the Imperial State takes notice of it and shall continue to monitor the situation. We urge our allies in Sharjah to remain cautious in these turbulent times, but to temper that caution with wisdom and restraint.

 

[Ivernia]

Bomb stockpile found in Bervenia City
AP Bervenia City, Bervenia


Over 30KG of explosives was found in Bervenia City today by the Gardaí force in Bervenia. After a call of strange smells coming from the house from neighbours the Gardaí Siochana Bervenia, acting on previous intelligence of bomb making activities in the area, stormed the house, arresting 4 men and 1 women. The bomb making material and explosives were found in a hidden sub-basement. The Garda Siochana Bervenia stated ''we believe it was the poor ventilation system the neighbours were noticing.''

''The 4 four men are all known as Bervenian Seperatists and all five have been found with crosses of the Church of Glabados on their persons.''

''Seperatism will never fully go away so long as the Cult of Glabados continues to corrupt from hedges and back-alleys.''

 

[Vangala]

Concerns raised over artefacts and monuments in Vangala
AP International

A number of the world's leading historians and archaeologists have written an open letter to the new Communist government of the emergent People's Republic of Vangala asking them to show "proper respect" to the country's vast number of internationally recognised historical treasures. Reports from inside the country have described incredible damage being done to several cultural monuments, including ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim temples, as well colonial buildings. The letter did not lay blame on any particular party for the destruction, with both Communist and rebel forces thought to be responsible.

Abdul Qamaruzzaman, the newly-appointed Vangalan External Minister, has replied to the letter, and his response has been seen by Associated Press. In his reply, Minister Qamaruzzaman denied any involvement of Communist units in the damage, and accused the previous government of 'scorched earth' tactics in order to make Communist-led reconstruction efforts harder. Qamaruzzaman also raised the status of Vangalan relics in Franconian and other museums, calling for their immediate return.

Further vandalism looks likely. Fighting is continuing throughout Vangala, as the new Communist regime attempts to assert its authority and quash rebellions by ethnic separatists and thosestill loyal to the old government. Widespread looting has already taken place, and there are rumours of illegally-obtained Vangalan artefacts making their way to Danziger auction markets. In his reply, Qamaruzzaman further made clear the protection of historic sites was not a main priority, with the Communist authorities more focused on economic and security concerns.

 

[Havenshire]

Exile Prince enters Himyar Jumpers Derby
AP International

The 1953 Himyar Jumpers Derby is shaping up to be a truly historic and memorable one, as the news that this ancient and revered contest of equine mastery will be televised has been surpassed by the number and quality of top-rank jockeys who will be entering the competition. Foremost amongst these in rank if not skill is Prince Edwin Garland, the youngest son of now-deceased High Prince Adam Garland, former ruler of Havenshire, now a communist republic. Whilst the title of High Prince has been formally passed to his brother, William Garland, Edwin is still a person of note in European aristocratic circles, and has spoken often of his love for sport and the preservation of traditions.

Whilst no Havenite has entered the Himyar Jumpers Derby since 1934, Edwin will be resurrecting- he would argue preserving- the tradition of Havenite Equestrianism by competing with his top Show Hunter, Wild Rose, who is rumoured to have come from the long-thought vanished Royal Garland breed, a careful mix of native Havenite ponies and select Ivernian, Engellexic and even Franken breeds which over the centuries has won much glory for the Garland royal family in various Equestrian events. This will be the first time in many years, however, that such a prestigious event has been entered by a member of the Havenite exilic royal family.

Two other Havenites have also independently entered, namely the eccentrically tomboyish (gossip rags would claim sapphic) Lady Sarah-Jane Parker, competing with her racing stallion Goodspeed, and also the independently wealthy half-Carnish millionaire Owen Beck, who whilst a citizen of Ivernia wishes to enter independently in order to highlight his Havenite roots. Both are skilled equestrians in their own right, but it is certain that their star will likely be eclipsed by the presence of a Prince in the event.

Carentanian communist jockeys will also be present, and it is likely they will be competing all the more fiercely with a scion of the deposed royalty of their close ideological ally to contest with. Whatever the outcome of this year's Derby, it will likely be a deeply memorable one.

 

[Potenza]

Talemantine Aircraft Carrier Sunk
AP Talemaniki

Sources inside the Empire's capitol have reported that the TIS Horace I, one of the prized aircraft carriers of the Talemantine fleet, was sunk off the coast of the Cala Island. The fleet had sailed out to gain naval superiority around Cala Island in the hopes of an eventual relief of the island's defenders. In addition to the carrier, four destroyers and two cruisers contributed to the force. Initial details are sketchy about the fate of the carrier and how it was sunk. Parthian sources claim that it was sunk by Union planes, while Talemantine sources say that a "malfunction" contributed to the carrier's sinking.

Of the 2200 personnel, about 500 were picked up by nearby vessels, with Admiral Tancredo Ulleri among them. In addition to the carrier, three of the destroyers and one cruiser were likewise lost at sea. Total casualties are still unconfirmed.

 

[Vangala]

Vangalan Communist Party paper denounces homosexuality

The growing international debate on homosexuality and society has spread to the People's Republic of Vangala, with an article in this week's People's Voice, an official publication of the Vangalan Workers and Peasants Party, denouncing homosexuality as a 'western cultural import' and a 'bourgeois, decadent practise'. The article, seen by Associated Press, further claims homosexuality originates in ancient Tibur, and denies the existence of a homosexual community in Vangala.

Current discussions on the place of homosexuality in society started after a wave of violent protests across Solaren against the liberal policies of the Eiffellander and Carentanian occupation authorities towards homosexuals. The previous clerical regime of Solaren under Pope Urban had criminalised and persecuted homosexuals, with Solaris Catholic teaching only recognising love and sexual activity as legitimate when between a married man and woman.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Statements by Royal Eiffellandian Physicians Association "Very Irritating" Finds Carentanian Government, Expects Rectification
AP Rijeka

A series of statements about Carentanian medical efforts during the war in Solaren, made by the Royal Eiffellandian Physicians Association to a Solaren news agency, have caused severe irritation in Rijeka. The open letter, stating that the inclusion of antibiotics in first aid packages handed out to the civilian population was ineffective and harmful, went to great lengths to scrutinize the Carentanian efforts and highlight the actions of their counterparts from Eiffelland. Amongst others, the letter seemed to imply that the Carentanian military left the suffering population to itself once the aid packages were distributed:

"(...) as soon as you can spread aid packages on the groud, which both we and the Carentanians did, you can also set up a fied hospital. Something that we did."

The words are likely to be seen in the context of the competition for the future of Solaren between the two countries and domestic factions ideologically close to the respective countries. Lately, the Social-Liberal Party - generally believed to enjoy extensive backing from Eiffelland - had to suffer several setbacks, as public debate is dominated largely by the topics of homosexuality and land reform. While the Social-Liberals have, for the most part, managed to repel the attempts to stigmatize their leader as practicing homosexual, each mentioning of the issue is likely to cost them votes, as they risk to alienate either the general populace, which resents homosexuality, or their most dedicated members, who desire a legalization of homosexuality. Meanwhile, land reform has traditionally been a topic to benefit the radical left, in most countries.

The Carentanian government, however, has called the statements "irritating" and "inflammatory", stating that it expects Eiffellands government to rectify the public debate with its own words on the matter. "A war is not an Eiffelländer hospital," Carentanias Commissar for Foreign Affairs rejected the criticism from Eiffelland. "However, implying that Carentanian efforts have actually harmed the Solaren populace, that our own efforts were dominated by carelessness, sloth and disregard for the wellbeing of Solarens citizen is a grave insult on our national honor as socialist state."

It is unlikely that Fritz Kaufmann, chairman of Eiffellands Royal Physician Association will withdraw his statements, but whether his opinion reflects the official stance of the Eiffelländer government remains to be seen.

 

[Potenza]

Potenzan Forces Accused of Committing Torture
AP Torrenza

Lieutenant General Giorgio Battisti, commander of Potenzan forces in northern Solaren, met with a group of journalists from both Potenza and Solaren earlier today to discuss the moves being made against the Party of God, a militant group aimed at removing foreign and non-Solaris Catholic forces from Solaren territory. Part of this was to discuss the arrests of several key members of the Northern Council, carried out last night. At least eleven members who were deemed "Part of God affiliates" were arrested and sent to makeshift containment centers under Potenzan guard. Battisti explained to journalists that these were done at night in an effort to maintain a level of surprise against the Party of God, as well as to prevent any possibility of mistake. Evidence for the collaboration between the members of the Northern Council - the Potenzan-sponsored representative body of northern Solaren - and the Party of God were presented to the journalists.

During the later question and answer session, a Solaren journalist asked if it was true that Potenzan troops were committing torture on suspected Party of God members. At this, General Battisti tersely replied: "The word torture is not written on any of our orders." When pressed to clarify his answer, Battisti assured journalists that no one among the Folgore (the Potenzan airborne) or the Scipio's Own division were carrying out torture. He added, "My men are not monsters, they are soldiers - and their duty is to win."

Some journalists, however, are not satisfied with this response, and believe it may be a semantic game: while no one within the Folgore and Scipio's Own may be committing torture, it is believed that the intelligence wing of the Potenzan Ministry of Defense is active in northern Solaren, and is committing torture against Solaris prisoners suspected to have information regarding the Party of God.

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We discussed the matter with Fritz Kaufmann, the chairman of the Royal Eiffellandian Physicians Association. He agreed with us that he was too quick with assuming things, but also that he reacted in the heat of the debate. Just like the Carentanian physicians have their honour, the Eiffellandian physicians have their honour as well.
Both Mr. Kaufmann and the Eiffellandian government are convinced of the fact that the Carentanian government and the Carentanian physicians acted in a sound way in Solaren and provided good health care there given the circumstances. Mr. Kaufmann apologises for his suggestion that the Carentanian authorities and physicians did not set up field hospitals in Solaren and rectifies that part of his statement.
For the addition of antibiotics to the Carentanian aid packages, we see the arguments in favour of that and consider them valid. However, our decision to not add antibiotics to our aid packages was based on valid arguments as well. We will not repeat those arguments.
We also have the impression that the Carentanian authorities were too quick with assuming that we thought that it would be possible to build up a health care system at the level of a modern country in a war zone. That is a notion that needs to be rectified according to us. We never presumed that we could setup a health care system at the level of a modern country in a war zone. This means that also we had to cope with the circumstances, something that also we did very well.
Regarding the land reforms in Solaren, our stance towards that is known. We are not blind to the reasons behind the wishes for land reforms, but we fear disadvantageous side-effects of the land reforms proposed by the SNC. Therefore, we consider it better to introduce a flexible system in which it is easy to correct mistakes.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Serbovia]

No Fennian recognition of Ostveg forthcoming
AP Kalevala

Months after the Agder succession crisis came to a head and concluded in the declaration of a new Kingdom of Ostveg in place of old Agderike, its neighboring Fennian Union has still not officially recognized the successor state.

The Northern Häyhist regime maintained relative quiet during much of the Agder civil war, though events in Fennia's closest neighbor were closely monitored by Kalevala and its military forces. Analysts familiar with Fennian politics have cited the quiet to Kalevala's cordial relations with the Danish monarchy, however shadowed by a worry of Fennian strongman Joakim Häyhä that the Agder succession might have made Danmark too powerful and put it in a position to exert pressure on Fennia as well. Consequently, the Fennians adopted a policy of neutrality in regards to Agderike and Ostveg, even if the Fennian-Agder border was bolstered by Civil Guardsmen and military reservists at the outbreak of internal turmoil in the Norse state.

Months after the ending of the crisis and the stabilization of Queen Inger Lise's throne - with only a token claim to the Agder throne being forwarded by the Danish crown - the Fennians have continued their policy of nonrecognition. The former Fennian embassy to Agderike reopened as an interests office ostensibly for the purposes of assisting Fennian citizens in Ostveg, and the Foreign Office has indicated that the Fennian Union continues to recognize the passage of the crown of Agder and Fey to King Fredrik of Danmark.

The Fennians are expected to avoid formally recognizing Ostveg in order to maintain their relationship with the Danes. Sources in Kalevala say that Inger Lise's relations with the Frescanian and Sylvanian governments are a source of unease for Joakim Häyhä and his subordinates who are worried over the possibility of the liberal bloc attempting to act against the Häyhist junta. Additionally, Fennian observers have noted a lack of Ostvegian commentary over the Fennian territory of Malminmaa, termed Kvenland by the Norse and a source of territorial dispute between the two nations. How Inger Lise and her household view the matter of Malminmaa is believed to be a key point in determining how Kalevala will view the transitional government to its north.

 

[Serenierre]

Sikandari radio announces arrest of 15 spies
AP Shahdara

State radio in Sikandara has just announced that the nation's premier intelligence agency, the Imperial Security and Intelligence Service (ISIS) has arrested 15 spies in various cities across the breadth of the country. The arrest of these spies, in the official statement it said, had ensured that a very dangerous espionage ring was broken up and its goals had been foiled just in the nick of time. It is believed that these spies were engaged in attempts to sabotage Sikandari infrastructure and help establish militant groups in the Sikandari countryside. The Sikandari Government has refused to identify which country it believes is behind those arrested, pending further investigations to come to a firm conclusion.

The arrests comes just a few days after the ISIS issued a statement in which it categorically stated that militant communism is a grave threat to the national security of Sikandara, and while the government has not confirmed it, there are strong implications that the spy ring broken up has a connection with communists. Following terror attacks in Boganheim and with anxiety reigning in Shahdara, warnings have been issued across the country alerting the police to ensure that no untoward incidents occur by elements belonging to the spy ring who have not been identified as yet.

It has been reported that the Imperial Palace and the government quarter of Shahdara have been sealed off, while security around the Diplomatic Enclave, where all the embassies in Shahdara are based, has been considerably beefed up, with heavy contingents of police deployed as pre-emptive measures.