APwire ~ Affiliated Press News Agency

[Polesia]

BREAKING: Shots fired at Trivodnian political rally
AP Amstov

A series of gun shots have been reported in the Trivodnian capital Amstov, where a "unity march" opposing dividing the country into ethnically-based parts was taking place.

Initial reports suggest multiple active shooters on the loose, with local police and the National Watch, Trivodnia's gendarmerie, flooding the streets as soon as the shots were heard.

The rally, whose organisers claim had hundreds of thousands of participants, counted high profile politicians from the ruling Social Democratic Alliance as attendees.

No casualties have been confirmed, although nearby hospitals have reportedly been told to brace themselves for dozens of injured and dead.

The attack comes just days after the Krasnislavian Patriotic Army, a paramilitary group fighting for a united independent Krasnislavia, threatened to end its self-imposed ceasefire.

The KPA has yet to claim responsibility, although social media accounts linked to the Army have welcomed the shootings.

However sources in Trivodnia's security services are concerned a state actor may be behind the violence. "We all know Kadikistan benefits from a divided Trivodnia," said one intelligence official.

 

[Khemia]

Xinhai Missile Test Fails
AP Radagora

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Reports of an alleged failed missile test by the People's Republic of Xinhai, and images of a missile exploding in air, have been provided to the Associated Press. While AP cannot independently verify the claims, the People's Republic has allegedly attempted medium-range missile launches in the past with varying degrees of success.

The People's Republic of Xinhai has previously conducted tests in its remote territories within the Arctic Circle, with trajectories reportedly over the Yurmana Sea. These isolated tests have been difficult to corroborate, and the People's Republic of Xinhai has yet to make a public announcement.

The capabilities and objectives of any missile program within the People's Republic are highly secretive, and it is unlikely that the People's Republic will publicly announce the program until the program has reached certain minimum objectives. The People's Republic has no major regional opponents, but tensions are rising between Yi'an and the Ostrovakian League, and the People's Republic is currently engaged in exercises with Rurikgrad forces in the Kalahari Sea.

Xinhaiese territories in the vicinity of the Yurmana Sea are also critical to oil and gas exploration, and play host to several submarine bases.

 

[Polesia]

Trivodnian Social Democrats widen poll lead
AP Amstov

Trivodnia's ruling Social Democratic Alliance has strengthened its polling lead over rivals, as the return of Krasnislavian terrorism and spat with Crotobaltislavonia push voters towards the governing party.

The last three published surveys put the Social Democrats above 40%, while the Krasnislavian National Party, which is expected to come second place, has slumped to below 25%.

Political commentators say recent events have encouraged voters to back stability over change, even if the Social Democrats' leader Alexander Kahnemann is not well liked.

Kahnemann, who called the snap election to bolster his authority after a number of high profile public disputes with his party's backbenchers, had until recently taken a back seat during the campaign, with the Trivodnian Chancellor being deeply unpopular in the country's Krasnislavian community.

However, the Chancellor last week outlined economic vision for the Free State in a landmark speech, in which he called for trade liberalisation with Trivodnia's immediate neighbours.

Crotobaltislavonia's decision to close its border with Trivodnia after a terrorist attack in Amstov soon undermined that vision, but Kahnemann's fiery response, in which be called the Crotobaltislavonian government "schizophrenic", was widely praised by local media and even opposition politicians.

Revelations that Kahnemann's cousin was involved the drugs trade also nearly ruined the Social Democrats' campaign, but a quick denunciation, in which the Chancellor accused his relative of treason - a capital offence - for fleeing to Kadikistan, helped limit the political fall out.

Kahnemann had intended for the campaign to be focused on his planned infrastructure investment, funded by cheap loans from Bourgogne, Eiffelland, Nichtstein and the South Tiburan Empire. However the focus on constitutional issues, chiefly devolution along ethnic lines, derailed those plans.

The Social Democrats' defence of the status quo, opposing any constitutional reform, seems to have paid off, with warnings federalism would weaken Trivodnia cutting through.

Voting is due to take place next Friday.

 

[Serenierre]

Frustration in Villesen over snags in South Gallian diplomacy
AP Villesen

Sources deep within the Commissariat for External Relations have revealed to us that the Serenien Government finds itself increasingly vexed by the stalling negotiations with the nations of Gallega and Andaluz. The negotiations, which have been ongoing for several years, have rather suddenly ceased to make much progress. This comes as tensions between the historic powers of Gallia started to rise, as Dulwich raised alarm over Villesen's renewed diplomatic push across the region.

Civil servants in the Serenien Government have communicated their alarm following the statement issued by Dulwich, which was seen to be unnecessarily hostile and provocative. One member of the Serenien foreign corps stated that the proposals which were in the pipeline with Gallega and Andaluz were of a strictly economic nature and did not require such a strong position to be adopted.

However, it may turn out that Dulwich's alarm is unfounded, as the two southern states have allegedly withdrawn from the Serenien efforts to negotiate a Treaty of Harmony and Good Neighbourliness with them. The purpose being to discuss the feasibility of a wider Gallian cooperation organisation. It is said that Premier Elisabeth Martinique has been "in touch" with her counterparts in, both, San Agustin and Aonturia, but the personal intervention of the Serenien head of government has yielded no definite response.

Thus, it has led to many in the Commissariat for External Relations to voice concerns as to the workability of a strategic partnership with the southern flank of Gallo-Himyar. Hawks within the Government are expected to use this matter to argue for a final accession into the Ruriksgard Pact - a move which Serenierre has resisted since the 1950s, on account of a desire to retain a semblance of peace in the Gallo-Germanic region.

 

[Polesia]

Violent clashes in cities across Trivodnia
AP Amstov

With campaigning drawing to a close, Trivodnia has seen some of the worst violence in this election cycle yet as rival factions clash in the street.

Following news the Social Democratic Alliance was planning on ending Trivodnia's decades-long constitutional neutrality, pacifist groups across the country organised 'peace marches' in major cities. The largest took place in the capital Amstov and the port of Kretyn, which also some of the worst violence.

The 'peace marches' were met by counter-protests in favour of scrapping the neutrality amendment, as was ultra-nationalists from the Jewish and Krasnislavian communities, who also want the amendment abolished.

Despite the best efforts of local police and the National Watch, Trivodnia's gendarmerie, to separate the different rallies, armed protestors from all sides soon started attacking eachother, law enforcement and nearby property.

Over 100 police officers and National Watchmen have been injured so far, while two rioters have been shot dead and close to two hundred suspects detained.

Curfews have been declared for the rest of the week, and a temporary ban placed on public demonstrations until after voting on Friday.

Politicians from all parties have condemned the clashes, although all blamed their rival's supporters for starting the violence.

Law enforcement have dispersed most of the crowds, although isolated incidents of fighting are still taking place in Trivodnia's highly segregated suburban public housing estates.

 

[Pelasgia]

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Great Secretariat of the Empire
Public Statement​

Unclassified - Public (A.D/1)
Propontis, 19 December 2017
Φ274/2965/13902 - ΑΣ 168/2017

To whom it may concern,

The Empire is most alarmed at the recent developments in the Free State of Trivodnia. Considering that Trivodnia has been a nation of tolerance and pluralism throughout its history, we unequivocally urge all Trivodnians, Jewish, Kranislavian, and otherwise, to return to peaceful means of conflict resolution and redress of grievances, displaying the fortitude and exemplary respect for the rule of law that their ancestors have upheld for so long. The Empire continues to believe that a united Free State is the sole legitimate and possible guarantor for the rights and privileges of all ethnic groups within its lawful, sovereign borders.

That being said, the Empire, ever a committed ally of Trivodnia, cannot help but be somewhat concerned at the prospect of such a radical constitutional change and, more specifically, at what that change might entail. In any case, the Empire shall stand behind and support its friend and partner in Amstov no matter what choice its legitimate organs of constitutional power make. We further urge all countries in the surrounding region to be measured and thoughtful in their response the the developments in the Free State.

Signed and sealed,

Geōrgios Aurēliou Kantakouzēnos

Great Secretary of the Empire
Patrician Nobelissimus

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[Socialist Commonwealth]

Conservative hardliner leading in papal elections
AP Trier

According to an undisclosed source within the ongoing conclave in Herzogenrode in Eiffelland, the most recent round of voting came just one vote short of electing a new pope. The current frontrunner in the election seems to be the Bishop of Westport, Cardinal Taft, who is deemed a conservative hardliner within the church. While the validity of the source can not be assessed, Taft had not been viewed as likely candidate for the holy chair by analysts. Taft is a highly political and controversial figure, who is banned from travelling to the Socialist World Republic, where his official parish lies, and he is known for his radical conservative stances on several issues of dispute concerning the Tiburan Catholic Church.

Electing Taft as next pope would likely cause uproar amongst reformist catholics, as well as deepend the rift between the catholic church and several socialist states. He has furthermore been accused of holding antisemitic views. Even though the papal election is still undecided at this point, the news that a right-wing candidate like Taft can come as close to being elected as it was reported is sure to be seen as an indication for where the church is headed.

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

Also we are deeply concerned about the events unfolding in Trivodnia. We call upon all sides in the conflict to remain calm and try to solve disputes in a peaceful manner. We will follow the events closely.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of the Interior

In light of news reports claiming Cardinal Taft is close to being the next Pope of the Tiburan Catholic Church, the Ministry of the Interior of the Free State of Trivodnia wishes to restate the existence of the entry ban placed on Cardinal Taft for his previous incitement to racial and religious violence and hatred.

 

[Touzen]

Black Navy reacts to Crotobaltislavonian events
AP Amstov

Black Navy ships Fist of the People (DDG) and Democracy (FF) have temporarily suspended their anti-smuggling operations in the Long Sea to stand by as the political situation in Crotobaltislavonia is rapidly deteriorating minute by minute. The news comes as unconfirmed reports from within the country heighten fears that a potentially destabilizing coup event is underway in the Germanian country. Crotobaltislavonia, currently ruled by the self-proclaimed 'President for Life' Raoul Farrago, had in recent weeks been a major area of concern for European diplomats as the strongman had challenged neighboring Trivodnia with escalating rhetoric that some have criticized as 'anti-semitic'.

Now, the forces of the anarcho-combinist bloc seem to have reacted to the unfolding crisis, with a spokesperson for the Black Army stating that the vessels deployed in the area would be monitoring the situation closely, while "urging all involved sides to act with utmost restraint." While landlocked, key strategic locations in Crotobaltislavonia are within range of Fist of the People's cruise missile arsenal. Even though there has been no indication that the Touzen-aligned forces intend to intervene in the unfolding events, regional tensions are bound to increase as local and global actors with diverging interests react to the potential destabilization of a key country in the Germanian security architecture.

 

[Polesia]

BREAKING: Trivodnian president declares martial law; postpones electoral results indefinitely
AP Amstov

The President of Trivodnia has imposed martial law, called up reservists and indefinitely postponed election results in response to the escalating crisis surrounding Trivodnia.

Using national emergency powers granted to him in the Constitution, President Meier Lauterpacht will rule unilaterally unless blocked by the Supreme Court. The Social Democratic Alliance, which had formed the last government and was widely expected to form the next, has already lodged a complaint.

In a public statement, President Lauterpacht promised the state of the emergency would only be "temporary", appealed for "calm" from Crotobaltislavonia and Kadikistan and warned other countries in the region "not to ignore" the situation.

Additional forces from the National Watch, Trivodnia's gendarmerie, can already be seen on the streets, while social media accounts are reporting seeing military convoys heading to the Crotobaltislavonian and Kadikistani borders.

Reservists in the armed forces have received issues of notice, while part-time police offers have also been called up.

President Lauterpacht stressed "Trivodnia does not want war" but the Free State will "not stand by idly" as "hostile states" use "fabrications to justify their threats".

 

[Serenierre]

Serenien Govt. acknowledges meeting with Rurikgrad Pact
AP Villesen

The Villesen Government has confirmed news reports from Kadikistani state news that Premier Martinique and Commissar Lavosnier attended a summit with the members of the Rurikgrad Pact in Nangong, Xinhai. This comes after several days of silence from the Serenien Government. The official spokesman for the Premier stated that the summit concluded in November and resulted in the government agreeing to join two key Rurikgrad projects: first, a multilateral space commission; and second, become a founding member of a economic cooperation organisation, which as of now remains unnamed. In addition to these flagship projects, the summit was said to have finalised an intelligence sharing agreement between the countries. The spokesman stated that the recent Xinhese high speed railway project in Serenierre was part of one of the economic agreements signed by the Government.

The Spokesman also stated that Ruriksgrad member-states would take part in a number of war games, already announced to take place in January - details of which have already been shared with neighbouring countries. The spokesman was adamant to state that Serenierre had not joined the Ruriksgrad Pact and there were no indications of that occurring any time in the near future.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

First Kadikistani regulars arrive in Banja Luka, Farrago promising to 'wipe the city and the country clean of reactionaries'
AP Banja Luka

Reports of a great increase in Kadikistani military assets in the Crotobaltislavonian International Airport of Banja Luka are pouring in while the Kadikistani State remains sparse with information. Several reliable sources have indicated that the Kadikistani elite forces, which have started arriving since the beginning of the alleged Radek Coup, are now being reinforced by regular Kadikistani army units. Heavy equipment and personnel being brought in through constant air traffic, the heavy Kadikistani strategic airlift and cargo transports flying on and off. Reports indicate that these Kadikistani aerial freighters have already started dropping off countless soldiers and military materials. With a head-count of objective observers not at hand, it is impossible at this time to speculate on the actual size of the Kadikistani deployment in the destabilized Crotobaltislavonia, but we can speculate that is is likely that we are talking about a Mechanized Infantry Regiment, possibly even division-sized deployment. Several unconfirmed reports also indicate a minor presence of Xinhaiese military officials.

Meanwhile outside of the airport there are multiple indications of mass arrests taking place, indicating that the Farrago regime is purging his ranks from putchist elements with the help of his Kadikistani allies. Many testimonies indicate that these arrest squads have been infiltrated by highly trained Kadikistani soldiers. There is thus little doubt that the notorious Kadikistani elite Special Purpose Units of the National Directorate are in the country. It is unlikely that these forces will stop their operations at the city borders of Banja Luka, otherwise such vast reinforcements would not be required. It seems as if Kadikistan has been given a mandate to hunt down and destroy the forces of General Radek wherever they may be hiding. The Slavonian General, Kadikistani officials maintain, is still held responsible for the coup against the government of President-for-Life Raoul Farrago despite accusations coming from neighbouring Trivodnia that the coup was in fact a false flag operation orchestrated by Farrago himself to gain sympathy and alliances. Kadikistani officials have denied that they have been tricked into their involvement in Crotobaltislavonia and reiterated their support for the 'legitimate government' without giving any further comment on their military involvement. Nevertheless Farrago-aligned propaganda has already called upon its followers to welcome the 'slavic brothers and sisters of Kadikistan' and 'assist them in every way they can'. Deeming them necessary to retake the country from the 'Yiddish-Trier Conspiracy' and eliminate their puppets under General Aleksandr Radek.

Gunfire is heard sporadically across the capital and it is the fear of our local correspondence that the violence will spread to the rest of the country, especially now that news is coming in that the alleged coup-leader General Radek is mobilizing his supporters on the Polesian near the border with Trivodnia. The latter could be an indicator of Trivodnian support for these armed anti-government forces, responsible for the coup or not.

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of External Affairs

The Free State does not believe Kadikistan would be stupid enough to be duped by a petty dictator like Raoul Farrago into intervening in a conflict beyond its borders. In fact we think the secret defensive alliance agreed and convenient timing of the coup suggests this was a pre-planned conspiracy to give Kadikistan a foothold beyond the Polesian.

 

[Rheinbund]

Kanzleramt
Trier, Eiffelland

We want to make clear that Eiffelland will react when Trivodnia itself comes under attack. We strongly advice the Kadikistani troops to not extend their action to Trivodnia.

Matthias Graf von Seydewitz, Chancellor

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Deliverance 'concerned' about Trier accord position on Long Sea borders
AP Deliverance

President Winters has said his government to be 'concerned' over claims by Long Sea nations that "are in defiance of internationally established standards and settlements". The comment was made in reference to a public diplomatic statement by the Southern Tiburan Empire that claimed the Pelasgians considered their "maritime borders to extend far beyond the 12 nautical mile range, up to the point where the contact the claimed borders of our allies in the region of the

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, naturally touching the Nichtseiner Retalian boundary."

Winters stressed the importance of the waterways for international trade, claiming that the announcement was "an unilateral attempt by the Trier accord to gain control over the Long Sea" and emphasizing Deliverances opposition to any such attempt. He also noted that Pelasgian announcements that this would not result in interference with maritime or even military traffic, if of peaceful nature, can only be considered hollow reassurances, or else the claims would be meaningless in the first place.

"We will not stand by idly, while there is an attempt for an imperialist takeover of international waterways."

 

[Pelasgia]

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Great Secretariat of the Empire
Private Communiqué​

Propontis, 30 December 2017
Unclassified - Normal (Α.-K)
Φ274/2970/13909 - ΑΣ 177/2017

To whom it may concern,

The Southern Tiburan Empire has always claimed and held dominion over its rightful southern portion of the Long Sea, which it inherited from the Imperial Partition of the Tiburan Empire in the beginning of the first millennium after the Birth of Christ. To quote the Imperial Edict in question, "thus, the Southern portion of the Empire [...] shall hold dominion over the part of Our Sea which extends south of the midpoint between Tibur and Anthene." Since it is well known that Mare Nostrum (or Ἡμετέρα Θάλαττα in the Pelasgian version of the document) is another name for the Long Sea, the origin of our claim to antiquity can be well established. Thus, it is rather ridiculous and hypocritical that the Implarian Republic would claim to be shocked at our simply reiterating our claim, as if we had made it for the first time.

That being said, the Empire, as the sole legitimate heir of the Tiburan State, has always promoted and guaranteed free passage and safety to all vessels of all nations in the region, except those of countries with which it is at war. There is neither reason nor indication that Propontis would block the passage of any vessels, as was shown by our statement. If anything, the Empire has served to protect the world's vital waterways, such as the Tephanon Straight and the Long Sea, from international piracy, and to counter illegal slavers and human traffickers passing through its waters.

Finally, we find it rather laughable that a state calling itself the Socialist World Republic would try to lecture us on 'established international conventions' (to which we are not party and therefore whose being established we fail to see) and on going beyond our sovereignty.

Signed and sealed,

Geōrgios Aurēliou Kantakouzēnos

Great Secretary of the Empire
Patrician Nobelissimus

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[Serenierre]

Widespread concern in Villesen over situation in CBS
AP Villesen

With the situation worsening greatly in Crotobaltoslavonia over the past 24 hours, Premier Martinique of Serenierre is said to be increasingly anxious as to what the response will be from the other great powers of the region. The Government is said to have decided to mount an aggressive campaign to bring the parties to the negotiating table in a neutral nation. The policy, which is a brainchild of Premier Martinique, aims to defuse tensions in the wider Gallo-Germanic region, while at the same time bring the explosive situation in the small country in question to a peaceful solution.

While pledging neutrality, a claim which has largely satisfied most nations, it is not a secret that Serenierre and Kadikistan have a history of cooperation, albeit one tainted with the stain of Borovanger - a topic which has on numerous occasions caused great ruptures in diplomatic contacts between the two opposing Marxist blocs. It is largely understood that of the two blocs, the Villesen based Marxist-Sérazinists are the most in favour of a stabilisation of the region and upholding the status quo, a point which has led to great tension between the Rurikgrad Pact and Villesen in the past.

The Premier is said to have been in contact with the Grand Duke of Bourgogne and the Chancellor of Eiffelland in an effort to allay any fears of Serenien involvement in the situation in Crotobaltoslavonia. Rumours in Villesen additionally suggest that Premier Martinique has spoken with Xinhese President Zhao to express her concern about the moves of the Kadikistani Leninovists in CBS. However, both governments have denied this being the case.

 

[Beautancus]

BREAKING: Security Forces Massing for Assault on Arrety Petrol Facility
AP Drugenai

A column of armored heavy and light-wheeled vehicles bearing the markings of the Special Tactical Unit (OTSN) have stormed the perimeter of the sprawling 6500 acre petrol refinery and storage facility just outside of the Arrety Autonomous Okrug capital just after 0300 local time, with reports of "minimal exchange of gunfire." Reports from within the secured press pool from some distance away indicated that "tracer rounds were ricocheting from at least four different directions onto or off of the roof and extensive mezzanines of the primary processing facility and warehouse."

Coming just more than one month and one day after the Drugenai based Arrety Petrol Hostage Crisis began, nearly to the hour, the violent resolution of the hostage crisis was all but assured earlier in the week, when according to OTSN Negotiators, the spokesperson for the now so-called Arrety revolutionaries - having begun as employees on strike and hostage takers - failed to make contact telephone or military-specification radio provided by Special Tactical Unit for more than 72 hours. As per the last round of meaningful talks in attempting to resolve the crisis, the hostage-takers had been warned that failure to abide by the agreements made for conduct during the remainder of situation would result in its"immediate resolution by force of arms."

Insider reports indicate that the President of the 15th Regency Council, Radomer Krutop had been placing increasing amounts of pressure on the 'Crisis Management Command' in Drugenai to settle this matter immediately, reportedly being so clearly stated as [saying] "...it has been two weeks longer than it should have been already, and these...these individuals* have demonstrated time and time again that they are not negotiating in good faith - so we have had enough and it is now time to bring this fiasco** to a resolution as we should have days and weeks ago!"

Crisis Management Command spokesman Lt. Arktisum Baspuraganyan will be going before the press pool within the half hour with an official statement on any intelligence available from within the facility at that time, according to a prepared call sent out from the Drugenai Metropolitan Police Regional Switchboard service, also warning the general public to remain outside of the exclusion zone established by local and Sovereignty security forces, for their own safety.








*"prickless shaved wildmen" in original transcript
**unprintable/untranslatable

 

[Polesia]

BREAKING: Leaked documents suggest Kadikistan preparing to invade Trivodnia
AP Amstov

The Affiliated Press has been handed documents that suggest Kadikistan is preparing to invade the Free State of Trivodnia in retaliation for its alleged involvement in the attempted coup in Crotobaltislavonia

A senior official within a Trivodnian intelligence agency handed over files to the AP Amstov Bureau that they claim were sent to the Trivodnian embassy in Ivar by a high ranking officer within the Kadikistani armed forces.

Included in those documents, which have been uploaded to the AP website to view, is a letter warning of an imminent Kadikistani invasion of the Free State, planned troop movements, attack vectors and post-occupation policies.

Neither the Trivodnian or Kadikistani governments have responded to requests for comment at this stage, however a separate Trivodnian intelligence source suggests they believe the documents to be genuine.

Letter to the Trivodnian embassy in

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Foreign friends,
in writing you I am risking my very life. But I am doing this not for myself, but for my family. I do not want to tell you too much, for fear of this letter falling into the wrong hands. Suffice to say, I am a source from within the Kadikistani military with enough access to secret documents to realize that my country is planning to invade yours. I write you, to warn you of this imminent threat and enable you to take action to prevent it.

I love my country dearly and I am proud of being Kadikistani, so this is a very difficult step for me. But realizing the danger a war would mean for close members of my own family, I have decided to take this step. Enclosed within you will find copies of secret Kadikistani documents that detail troop movements, as well as planned attack vectors. I have also managed to gain access to a document from intelligence services detailing plans for the post-war partitioning of your country and the rooting out of dissent after annexation.

Please act carefully and with wisdom upon the information and thwart the plans of my government before they lead to open war.

Sincerely,
a friend.