APwire ~ Affiliated Press News Agency

[Confederal Republics]

Opposition activists warn of misguided aims in anti-corrruption plans
AP Phezzan

After the Anbati government announced that among its economic policies for the year 2010 would be to crack down on corruption and financial crime in the Anbati society, opposition groups in the country have voiced concerns that Phezzan might be ignoring real corruption.

Treasury Minister Yusef al-Yasa, who has been pushing for a stricter approach on corruption, recently proposed the creation of a dedicated anti-corruption agency. While his proposal was struck down due to what rumors say was opposition on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, the 2010 budget will see additional funds being issued to the Chief Prosecutor's Bureau for the purpose of cracking down on corruption and economic crime. In addition, the Anbati government has announced that it plans to legistlate stricter punishments for financial crime.

However, critics state that these measures neglect real corruption. Among these critics is Deputy Maryam Duwayri, the chairman of the Anbati Social Workers' Party who during a discussion in the Anbati legistlature criticized the anti-corruption legistlation on unnecessarily cracking down on the common citizen as well as Anbati microbusiness.

As Anbati opposition members rarely attack the government in their own name, anonymous commentators have been more curt. One member of the Assembly of Deputies interviewed by the Associated Press points out that President Zureiq himself as well as his family members and other members of the National Progress Party's inner circle control a significant portion of Anbati economy. "It is unlikely that any anti-corruption official would aim to prosecute them or those in cahoots with them", says the AP source in question, and points out that "as long as the Anbati government itself facilitates much of the corruption, these measures will do nothing but harm the common citizen and act as political trump cards for Zureiq". The anti-corruption measures are thus described as distractions from "the real corruption of Anbati society".

President Zureiq alone is a significant owner in the Anbati National Airlines and a number of other companies, and it is claimed by the Anbati opposition that beyond his publicly acknowledged ownerships he possesses other assets through various shell companies and proxies.

 

[Austurland]

Carrier Battle Group deploys to Batavie
AP Jokkmokk

The carrier AAS Hakkon I and its battle group left today to head into the Great Sea on its way to Batavie. The Defense Ministry stated the mission for the Hakkon I, will be to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Batavie. "The Oikawan delays in the Security Council over their opposition to the Franken resolution, will only bring detriment and harm to the people of Batavie. Therefore, Austurland will act to ease the suffering while the SC debate goes on."

The Hakkon I will be carrying food and medical supplies to the rebellion wretched state. However, many say this isn't the primary mission of the Hakkon I. Many outside and inside the ministry state the main mission will be to counter the Oikawan presence in the region. "The deployment of the AAS Hakkon battle group will be to deny the Oikawans free range in what many consider AGE territory." Stated and anonymous defense ministry source.

The Defense Ministry also stated it will further deploy the rest of the First Fleet to accompany the Hakkon I within the week.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Anbati Ministry of Defense to construct a separation barrier along the border with Kediri
AP Phezzan

Among the budgetary requests of the Anbati military approved for 2010 is the construction of a separation barrier along the Anbati-Kediri border, revealed today officials of the Anbati Republican Army. According to Anbati Minister of Defense General Yahya al-Khoraish, the purpose of the barrier is to deter smuggling, espionage and foreign infiltration among the border Anbati-Kediri border.

Officially titled the Northwestern Joint Border Security Fence, the barrier will consist of layers of concrete and electrified fencing accompanied by regular guard posts run primarily by the Republican Border Police. In addition, the barrier area will feature extensive surveillance by ground surveillance radars and acoustic, seismic and electro-optical systems. Though the Border Police in cooperation with the volunteer Bedouin Militia will bear the primary responsibility of maintaining the fence, the Anbati Republican Army will be involved in maintaining surveillance equipment and in carrying out aerial patrols by helicopters and counter-insurgency and surveillance aircraft. In addition, the construction of the fence will be supervised by Army engineers.

As part of an overall effort to improve border security, the Ministry of Defense is also expected to acquire additional unmanned aerial vehicles for the Republican Army.

The border fence will be located in the Subay Governorate, which is one of the two main Anbati areas affected by Islamic insurgents. Concerns over possible Kediri and Wazi backing to the insurgent groups are among the reasons mentioned by the Anbati government for the construction of the barrier, even if insurgent activity in Subay is largely centered in the Eastern portions of the Governorate.

The barrier project has drawn some criticism from local Bedouin tribes, which say that plans to erect a fence to the border hamper their traditional livelihoods. However, some areas affected by the border fence are largely uninhabited.

 

[Tyvia]

Carrier Battle Group deploys to Batavie
AP Jokkmokk

OFFICIAL DECLARATION BY THE COMMONWEALTH
DECLARACION OFICIAL DE LA COMUNIDAD
All statements enclosed herein adhere to declaration 12S2/10; High Commissariat of State Affairs

The High Commissariat, the sub-legislative authority within the most serene Commonwealth of Coronado and Ferèzanno, in co-operation with the Presidium of the Commonwealth tabulate the following findings following extensive deliberation within the inner legislative branch. All findings correspond accordingly with the will of the unified Conarron people and their eternal republic.

The Presidium finds the latest attempt by the as-labeled Kingdom of 'Austerland' to serve as a policing force within an area of little geo-political concern to them a purely imperialistic endeavor, and an abrogation of the most basic principles of international diplomacy. There is no standard nor precedent for the requirement of an entire battle-group to serve as the ferry of humanitarian supplies, especially not to a relatively self-sufficient entity as Batavia has proven to be, non-withstanding the tremendous internal dissent that the state current ails from. It cannot be denied the great need which the masses of Batavia find themselves in, with the current civil strife plaguing the nation taking a toll upon the hearts and minds of all parties associated with the trauma; and the Presidium acknowledges the requirement for international aid in such hardship.

The Presidium further condemns the actions made by the security forces of the Kingdom of Austerland, they being wanton displays of aggression and irrationality against the Oikawan internationally sanctioned observer fleets. It is an abhorrent violation of the sanctified tenants of peace and stability, there being no necessity for the deployment of an entire carrier group. No matter what concerns the Kingdom's security forces may have for the sanctity of any ships bearing humanitarian aide to Batavia, it is regardless almost moronic to presume that any party within the nation would decline or not be privy to aid. There is no evidence to suggest that civilian ships are not fitting for the task.

The High Commissariat decries the act henceforth in accordance with the declaration provided amiably through the collegiate of the Presidium and associated institutions within the most serene Commonwealth.

The High Commissariat condemns the action as one of baleful intentions, and beckons the assorted nations of Europe and the Council of Nations to acknowledge it as such. Actions such as those undertaken by the Kingdom are more de-stabilizing to Europe rather then the peace-keeping endeavor they are purported to be.

All statements herein validated by the Committee of State Security; Sub-Captaincy of the High Commissariat,
In accordance with the wills of the people and the eternal Republic,
Sincerely yours, Agustino Farojua-di Lorzi, Presidator of the High Commissariat of the most serene Commonwealth of Coronado and Ferèzanno.

Any complaints may be cordially forwarded to the State Office of International Affairs located in Tempestad.

 

[Austurland]

Ministry of External Affairs

Firstly the Oikawans are not internationally sanctioned to be there. Secondly the area does concern Austurland as our ally is in bordering Batavie. Thirdly it is the Archduchy of Austurland not Kingdom. The republic of Coronado continues to further provoke countries. Oikawa has no business in the region simular to Coronado. We request Coronado to stop spewing such aggressive saber-rattling rhetoric.

 

[Touzen]

Imperial Ministry of War and Foreign Affairs

The Empire condemns the belligerent, imperialist and escalatory deployment of military assets by the Archduchy of Austurland in the general area of operation of Imperial troops, which only serves to further destabilize the area in question and provoke hostilities at the expense of civilians in the area. The Empire will not tolerate the Austurlandian attempt at power politics that is abusing the life and liberty of innocent civilians in the progress.

The Empire has therefor resolved to send an additional carrier battle group to the area to counterbalance the belligerent intentions of the Austurlandian government.

Yours sincerely,
Kihara Itsuki
Imperial Minister of War and Foreign Affairs

 

[Éireann]

Aireacht Gnóthaí Eachtracha
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Though His Majesty's government will support a CoN peacekeeping operation in Batavië, until a resolution is passed by the Security Council, the Kingdom of Éireann will not recognize the naval assets of either Oikawa or Austurland as CoN sanctioned force and will not allow them to conduct operations within Éireann controlled waters. Furthermore, His Majesty suggests that until such time that the governments of Oikawa and Austruland receives authorization from the Security Council, they do not conduct any operations in Batavië.

Angus O'Donell
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Éireann

 

[Batavië]

Batavian Air Force Runs Sorties Over Great Sea
AP, Emyr Arnen

With carrier groups and other naval assets steaming towards the southern Batavian coast from all other Europe, the People's Air Force and Navy have begun running regular sorties over nearby waters to monitor and ensure foreign naval flotillas are staying well outside the sovereign water boundaries.

Su30 aircraft and smaller aircraft based from Batavië's small aircraft carrier are tracking foreign naval movements and sending a clear message: the communist country will not tolerate a breach of sovereignty.

Meanwhile the CN Security Council continues to debate a resolution to authorise a peacekeeping operation in the country. The Oikawan delegation seems to be supporting a mission headed jointly between them and Franken while the Batavian delegation recently said that it will only accept a mission run directly by the CN, not by possibly biased powers.

The ceasefire between the BRA and the government has been extended but the peace remains fragile. While the densely populated south of the country has remain largely untouched from violence, apart from a few riots last month, the sparsely populated North and the city of Spa remain firmly in the control of the BRA insurgency. Under a CN peacekeeping operation a pre-determined separation line will be established as the border to be watched by the CN until final decisions can be made.

 

[Wazistan]

Wazistan opposition leader throws support behind national strike
AP International

Wazi opposition leader Jamal Bishara told a visiting group of reformist MPs that he supports calls by the country's main opposition party for nationwide strike on Wednesday, a MP taking part in the meeting has told the Associated Press. The remarks, if confirmed, would end speculation on the stance of the opposition's most prominent figure and could spell trouble for Wazistan's ruling hardline Islamic establishment, and its figurehead Ayatollah Mahmoud Esfandiari. The regime has warned it will deal forcefully with any "foreign-sponsored plot" to damage the country's economy.

Early Tuesday, the Revolutionary Democratic Party issued it's first statement on the opposition's plans, calling on security forces to use "all means necessary" to stamp out "counterrevolutionary forces."Analysts say the RDP is deeply split between moderates led by President Hamid Najibullah and a more conservative wing under the party's March presidential candidate Abdul Ali Jatani, on the upcoming strike.

There has been much speculation on whether Bishara would endorse the move by the Arab-dominated Wazistan Islamic National Movement party, the largest party in the opposition movement. The opposition leader has long sought to avoid direct confrontation with the regime, which has often led to friction with more radical opposition groups, including the WINM.

Anwar Fahmy, a representative of the WINM in the opposition Wazi People's Democratic Organization, told the AP in a phone interview he was "deeply satisfied with Bishara's remarks and predicted tomorrow would be an "defining moment" in the history of Wazistan.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Marquen government quiet over leaked intelligence document
AP Fond du Loc

With the Olympic torch passing through Belmont and Lorraine today and the opening ceremonies on Friday only hours away, the Marquen government has been deathly quiet over a document leaked today. Around 6am, local news channels in Sault Ste. Marie reported that they received copies of an intelligence report from the Royal Navy Intelligence Service. While confirmed by the Royal Navy as authentic, the government has remained silent.

The report, dated February 1, 2010, indicates a socialist separatist movement may be arming. The report indicates several communist factions are also working with the movement. The movement is known as Avant Politique de Marquette (APM) has nearly 55,000 members and 80,000 supporters.

According to the report, 63 different operations in the past year have captured 91 members believed to advocate violence.

The report appears to suggest that violence is not imminent. However, the report appears to suggest the APM is in posession of both Marquen and foreign surplus military hardware.

Royal Petitioners were instructed today that by Royal Order, no petitioner was to speak to the press until a Royal Statement could be issued.

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

The presence of a communist insurgency in Marquette is most worrying to Paris.

 

[Serenierre]

Belmontien Naval Task Force deploys to Anglia as that country invokes Mutual Defense Treaty
AP London

Yesterday, the Grosvenor House, the residence & office of the Belmontien Prime Minister received a statement from the Prime Minister of Anglia, Mr. Henry Galveston, in which he announced the following:

Due to the uncertain and precarious times haunting our region, I feel it is my duty, in the interests of my people, to invoke Article 5(b) of the treaty between our two kingdoms. ​

The treaty, which PM Galveston is referring to, is the Anglo-Belmontien Treaty for Mutual Defense and Cooperation, signed in 1893, and the section, he has referred to, binds Belmont to come to the defense of Anglia in "cases of extreme tension and importance". Soon after, Shahrazad Martinique, Premier of Belmont, issued directives to the navy to send a Task Force to Anglia immediately. In the early hours of the morning, 15 vessels of the Belmontien Navy's Marseilles Fleet embarked for Anglia. The 15 ships have been classified as the 156th Task Force and is scheduled to arrive at the Northumber Naval Installation later today.

The invocation of the defense treaty comes at a time when, both, Anglia and Belmont have increased their defense readiness levels and have increased their patrols of the region. According to our sources, the Belmontien Strategic Forces also have increased their vigilance and the defense establishment of Belmont is looking to get in touch with other regional powers to determine the security threats shared by nations in the region.

 

[Anglia]

Office of the Prime-Minister

I gladly thank our Belmontien brothers for honoring the treaty our forefathers signed so long ago. This only goes to show the solidarity of our relationships, and proves how relevant our friendship is in the 21st Century World. Anglian Command has currently come in contact with Belmontien forces, and we are coordinating our efforts.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of Anbat

The Anbati government expresses its concern over this apparent and developing unrest in Marquette, but is confident that any developing internal conflicts will be firmly dealt with by the legitimate Marquetten government.

Regards,
Mikheil Khoury,
Minister of External Affairs

 

[Wazistan]

Wazi opposition leaders call for nationwide protests
AP International

Wazistan's top opposition leaders have called on their supporters to rally in the capital and cities across the country on Thursday, hoping to maintain momentum following a series of successful challenges to the Islamic establishment. In a joint statement posted on the opposition Nawaz website, Jamal Bishara, Payan Kasravi, and Elias Lahoud accused Wazistan's top religious leader Ayatollah Mahmoud Esfandiari and clergy of "using religion to justify tyranny" and called on supporters "to join them and air their frustration" tomorrow afternoon.

Security officials have warned in the past that they will no tolerate any new protests in the capital.

Much of the country has grinned to halt after a general strike called by the opposition reportedly saw millions skip work, prompting numerous businesses the close. While government officials have strongly disputed the figures offered by opposition sources, analysts say it does appear that strike was "extremely successful."

Today's calls by opposition leaders come following a meeting between the three a Kasravi's north Ijad home to discuss their next move. Analysts given the momentum that they have built in the last month, opposition must now decided whether it is simply enough to push for their original goal, which was democratic reform within the current system, or whether it is time to push for an overhaul of the entire foundation of the Islamic Republic.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Anbati Minister of Defense attends IMEX in Hajr
AP Phezzan

Sources in the Anbati Ministry of External Affairs have told the Associated Press that General Yahya al-Khoraish, the Anbati Minister of Defense, is presently in Hajr attending the International Military Exhibition as a head of the delegation of the Anbati government. The visit comes as unannounced to the public and to other IMEX attendants, though sources say that the Hajri government was made aware well before the meeting.

Several high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Defense and the Anbati General Staff are also attending the exhibition, but with the purpose of reviewing the contributions of other exhibition participants in connection with the plans by the Republican Army to acquire new equipment. In addition, employees from two Anbati arms companies are taking part in the exhibition.

Phezzan sources report that the purpose of the visit on behalf of General al-Khoraish is to conduct bilateral negotiations with the Hajri government, though it is unknown as to what end. The two Far Himyari Arab states have historically held only occasional co-operation due to political and religious differences, but since the Islamic revolutions in Kediri and Wazistan have increasingly found themselves as uncertain allies against Islamic extremism in the region.

Specialists of Anbati politics say that the surprise visit of al-Khoraish to Hajr is a fairly important one, given that he is considered the third most influential person in the Zureiq administration, right after President Dawud Zureiq and his brother Bashar who heads the country's influential Ministry of Intelligence and National Security.

 

[Polesia]

Aid agencies concerned by refugees' status in Vangala
AP International

In the wake of escalating violence in northern and western Ratomkira, thousands of refugees have crossed the border into the eastern regions of Vangala, flooding already existing small refugee camps run by the Vangalan military. Numerous humanitarian organisations have expressed worry over the situation of these refugees, citing reports of overcrowding, widespread starvation and disease in the camps. Charities claim that the Vangalan authorities have inadequate resources to cope with the refugee problem and has urged Vangala to appeal to the Council of Nations for help, a call that has been rejected by Vangala's central government.

According to a brief statement released by the Ministry of National Defence, which replaced a multi-ministerial taskforce last year, the Revolutionary Armed Forces had the necessary training, manpower and supplies to cope with the refugee problem. Nurul Banerjee, National Defence Minister, told a Communist Party committee the other day that the camps have sufficient room and food and adequate sanitation for all their inhabitants.

Many remain sceptical: aid workers complain of having restricted access to the camps, with soldiers blocking entrance on grounds of safety and security. Journalists remain barred from most of eastern Vangala, with huge swathes of the land belonging to the military. The Vangalan government has been accused of mining tracts of its own territory to deter any potential invaders. One volunteer doctor described seeing injuries on many likely to have been caused by a mine exploding.

It seems unlikely that Kilkila will change its mind, with the controversial Oikawan bombing campaign on the city of Na Treng not only causing a huge influx of displaced people in the area but also a huge influx of troops too. More soldiers and aircraft have been deployed to monitor Oikawan and Ratomkiran military activity near the border. In such a militarily sensitive environment, it is doubtful Vangala will invite the Council of Nations to help administrate the camps.

The most disturbing charge levied is that Ratomkiran rebel groups are using them as a recruitment grounds, with the tacit support of the Revolutionary Armed Forces. Ratomkira has long suspected of the Vangalan intelligence services and Communist Party of having strong ties with the insurgent groups. There is also the worry of sectarian violence between Kambujan and Lanxangese refugees, with many fearing the ethnic conflict could spill over into Vangala.

NGOs are promising to continue their work and in spite of the obstacles facing them are urging the world public to help by donating or volunteering. Yet with the world's focus now firmly on Batavia, many wonder how long it will be before the situation of the refugees finally improves.

 

[Batavië]

Tensions Flare in Northern Batavië; BRA Rebels Face Starving Populace
AP, Emyr Arnen

You must be registered for see images

Batavian Ground Force T-84 tanks patrol the siege line around Spa

After more than a month of the Batavian government siege the civilians of Spa have taken to the streets demanding food and an end to the crisis. AP reporters embedded within the Batavian Republican Army held city have confirmed rumours that violent riots broke out near a grocery store today when a father of a starving family attempted to steal foodstuffs from within the store.

Armed BRA guards attempted to peacefully restrain the man but were soon rushed by a starving crowd of mostly men but women were also present. When rocks were thrown at the guards they began to shoot into the air which only seemed to enrage the crowd further. At least five people were seriously injured including two guards.

Batavian government officials monitoring the riot from the siege line said that 'the BRA doesn't have trained police officers, they don't have riot gear and they have no idea what they are doing. If we were there we would be able to pacify this situation.'

Meanwhile a BRA leader anonymously informed the AP that 'the Council of Nations is taking too long to propose a possible peacekeeping force. They are broken and useless. In the last week foreign armadas have been massing off of our coasts and there is no order.' Other BRA and government officials, all commenting anonymously, have expressed their fears over a spark out in sea which could result in a major regional or global war.

'Batavië will become a proxy war battle ground and the Security Council drags its feat while we starve. Even if it meant the communists in Vlaanderen would have to fend them off it would be better than allowing them to traipse around our waters and lands.' said another BRA member.

The diplomats in Augsburg continue debate but delegations have taken two days off; hopefully in order to draft a resolution fit for the job.

 

[Serenierre]

Belmontien Premier opens up ports for humanitarian aid ships
AP Marseilles

The Belmontien Premier, Shahrazad Martinique, has announced that all Belmontien ports along the country's western coast would be opened for international ships carrying aid to Batavie. Mme. Martinique also said that while the two countries had a history of stormy ties, now was not the time to exact revenge for past issues and Paris was ready to supply aid to the northern country if the government allowed civilian cargo ships of Belmont to take aid to the people of Batavie. The softening of position towards Batavie has occurred after Mme. Martinique, a centre-left politician, took over the government. In an interview with AP journalist, Charles de Ville, she said that Batavie would need the help of the international community to build itself up again and Belmont was ready to aid the country, in the interests of regional peace.

While the Prime Minister of Belmont is supporting detente, many within her party, the PPL/PDSB Bloc, oppose engaging the Bataviens along the terms set out by the PM. Mistrust is rampant between the Belmontien and Batavian governments and attempts at detente have always broken down in the past. The PCB, which attempted the previous detente and is currently the main opposition, has remained quiet on the issue and the Parliament has become highly polarized on the issue.

Among the public of Belmont, the Bataviens are viewed with intense curiosity and many remain indifferent to the issues haunting bilateral ties. In southern Belmont, Batavien music and films are extremely popular and has acquired a unique status in the underground scene of Orleans. Northern Belmont remains cold towards the northern communist state.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of Anbat

The Anbati government wishes to commend its Belmonti friends for their gesture, which will surely help to further the process of rendering international aid to the belaguered Batavian people.

Regards,
Mr. Mikheil Khoury,
Minister of External Affairs