APwire ~ Affiliated Press News Agency

[Ebria]

Major escalations in Loago this week
AP Hartstad

In the last few days, tensions have run high in Loago, as a series of attacks of the League of Communists have left much of the Walalands under the control of the guerrillas, the military government struggles to keep control of the Limestone Coast. Masimba, the supreme commander of the League of Communists have declared that the 'People's War' is approaching a victorious conclusion and he stated that he is ready to soon proclaim the People's Republic of Loago.

There have been reports that the LLC has stopped their offensives as their main leaders might be gathering together in Dano to discuss the proclamation of a government over the territories they occupy. Even with the latest offensives, the LLC still manage to control only about a third of the country, but more than half of it is under threat of guerrilla attacks as currently not even the Limestone Coast it safe.

The arrival of the Caledonian peacekeeping taskforce has been marred by scandals concerning the defection of Seathan Forsaidh and his calls for boycotting the Caledonian "neo-colonial enterprises'. Forsaidh's speech about Caledonian presence in Loago has started a series of protests in the whole of Europe, with demonstrators calling for the independence of the country in front of Caledonian embassies in Propontis, Ajdir, Jugol, Kampheuwel, Solis, Ivar and Trier. Demonstrators have also come together in the main square of Dun Eidyn to protest against what they call a "return to 1950s neo-imperialism".

All those recent scandals have literally made the stocks for the Caledonian Himyari Company worthless and should the Caledonian government back down from their promise of bailing the company out, the CHC will go bankrupt and with it much of the Loagan economy will be at risk. With the pressure coming especially from Natalia and Pelasgia and also internally, Toiseach Olibhia MacAnndra is expected soon to make a statement in which Caledonia just breaks free from its enterprises and promises in Loago and leaves the South-Eastern Cost of Himyar once and forever.

Just yesterday, tensions between the Caledonians and the Maseru government on one side and the Natalians on the other have reached crisis levels, as a Natalian frigate, the FNS Shitty Kitty has collided with a Caledonian transport ship, carrying 2500 Caledonian soldiers and 1500 Elbener volunteers, part of the Peacekeeping taskforce.

Kampheuwel has stated that the collision has been the result of a pure accident and lack of communication, as the Caledonian transport ship hasn't responded to the hails of the Natalian frigate. At the same time, Maseru and Dun Eidyn are condemning the Natalians for trying to disrupt the arrival of the Caledonian peacekeeping force. The FNS Shitty Kitty has reported little to no damage, while the transport ship has been severely damaged, needing to be tugged into the port of Maseru. Some of the Caledonian soldiers have suffered some bruises as the result of the impact, but no casualties have been reported.

The Caledonian presence in Loago and their calls for a National Unity government might have also reached a dead end, as the Fante Tribal Union has decided not to legitimise the Caledonian project of the National Unity Government and to not recognise the authority of Maseru on their own territory. Ndidi Obey, the paramount leader of the Fante Tribal Union stated that he does not believe in the benevolence of the Caledonians as long as the military government is still in power and when Maseru proves to be incompetent in trying to hold the League of Communists at bay.

 

[Azraq]

Wasaarada Arimaha Dibada
الخارجية‎ وزارة
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

There is much to be alarmed about what is happening in Loago. The establishment of a white minority regime, propped up by military, corporate and ultimately foreign power and influence, is unacceptable in modern day Himyar. Meanwhile the ongoing civil war continues to claim the lives of innocents, and judging by recent news, risks broadening into a wider conflict. The Azraqi Empire urges all parties to come to the negotiating table to secure peace, prosperity and stability for Loago.

 

[Northern Cooperative Unions]

Unrest in the Council
AP Rigustad

A source from within the Central Cooperative Press Union recently revealed a "legislative bout" between the dominant Teutonian delegates and several "minority" Northmen of the Council Chambers. After several Teutonian Cooperative Representatives expressed solidarity with the "proletarian government of Ostmark", the minority cooperatives collectively erupted into a "frenzy." Northmen immediately accused the Teutonian Cooperative of harboring class traitors and very closely toeing the line between revisionism between the dominant Marxist-Leninovist doctrine and "third way policy." National-Leninovism, an ideology developed by the controversial Teutonian Kunnibert Rhyland, saw widespread support among the Teutonian "nomenklatura" during the recent era of reform. Developed as a means to unite far-left and far-right elements that support particularly economic parts of their ideologies. Since the political reforms of the Northern Cooperatives began, the wedge between the leftist, radical, and further "conservative" party members has increasingly become apparent. Although the Council as a massive assembly hosts many different groups, the Teutonians represent a majority alongside their brothers-in-law, the Latgalian-Wendish. Traditionally conservative, the Teutonians have had many recurrent issues with the Latgalian-Wends due to their reformation in the wrong direction. They also hold disdain for the thoroughly communistic Northmen, who continue to adhere to the traditional Marxist-Leninovist hardline.

The official position of the Northern government has always been one of consternation and hesitance with reference to the state of Ostmark. Many defectors to the West claim that there is widespread support among the Teutonian Cooperatives for such an ideology to take hold in the Northern Realms. Many defectors claim otherwise - that they simply represent a radical element that surfaced recently due to liberalization. The official positions of the Northern Cooperatives has often been muddled, but for the most part the Premiers have maintained a policy of "public praise" due to the alignment of the state of Ostmark against western nations. However, this may have been purely realpolitik. Defectors have made various claims, but the most valuable occurred in the early 2000s with the defection of UDBA Agent Egon Weiss. Weiss showed documents that revealed the policy was a ruse - the government of the North makes overtures of support publicly, but privately prohibits any economic or military cooperation due to the demands of the minorities in the government and concerns about the priorities of the Ostmark state, with much consternation that their government has ill intentions.

It remains to be seen whether or not this relationship continues, as much rumbling has taken place due to the invitation of the Elbener Royal Family to Ostmark. The public support for war with Elben was high during the conflict between Kadikistan and Elben, albeit the government did not seek to formally commit forces. Rumors still persist that small groups of Northern Special Forces were deployed in supporting roles, but verification has been difficult.

 

[Ebria]

Military Government steps down in Loago
AP Hartstad

After a meeting with the supreme commander of the PACFOR, Eoghan MacPherson, the Toiseach of Loago, General Calum MacMhaoilein has decided to step down and allow the formation of a National Unity Government. The move was applauded by Michael Boid, the CEO of the Caledonian Himyari Company who stated that the Company and the government have done their part, but noted that the Caledonians are failing to deliver, as more pressure is put on them with the recent disclosures coming from the ex-general Seathan Forsaidh.

Problems in Loago are still continuing as neither the League of Communists, led by the third Masimba and the Fante Tribal Union, led by Chief Nididi Obey are not recognising the National Unity Government set up by PACFOR. Many of the supporters come from Wala refugees coming from the regions occupied by the LLC in the central lowlands of the country of from Walas living in the Limestone Coast and the Kusini Mountains.

The new PM of Loago is the Bishop of Maseru, Mosi Kamara. He is heading a new government made of Catholic Walas, Caledonians, Gunns and Engells. He has been born in Maseru in 1950 and has become the catholic bishop of the city in 2005. He has aspired to become the Archbishop of the Limestone Coast or even Cardinal, but the Caledonian influence especially in religious matters in the territory has stopped him as he was a moderate critic of the autonomous status of the country inside the Obsidian Union. It has been noted that both Masimba and Ndidi Obey have forbidden any of their followers to recognise the National Unity Government and to participate in any of its proceedings, as both still criticise it as being a way to "blacken" white minority rule and the colonial status of the country.

Olibhia MacAnndra, the Toiseach of Caledonia stated that the PACFOR mission might end earlier than anticipated, as the current international environment has turned hostile against Caledonia following the disclosures of Seathan Forsaidh, which the Dun Eidyn government calls blatant lies designed to isolate the country. Even so, many of the PACFOR volunteers, especially Elbeners but also Caledonians, who will choose to remain in Loago even if their mission is cancelled will be integrated into the Security Forces, giving a much needed morale boost to the government aligned armed forces.

The lack of support from neither the LLC nor the FTU for the the National Unity Government is really taking a toll on the prices of the shares of the CHC as they have fallen dramatically, especially as Olibhia MacAnndra has stated that it isn't a certainty anymore that Caledonia can respect its promise over bailing the company out and it seems interested on cutting Loago loose as fast as possible.

It has been rumoured that Michael Boid, the CEO of the CHC is already in discussions with ETCOS and the Governor of the Presidency of Damara, Mathelda Ajogo for a takeover of the Caledonian Himyari Company.

 

[Azraq]

Wasaarada Arimaha Dibada
الخارجية‎ وزارة
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The end of white minority rule in Loago should be a welcome step forward towards peace and stability. We urge other parties, the Loagan League of Communists included, to come together in the national unity government. Azraq is more than willing to host necessary talks in the imperial capital Jugol.

Lastly, regardless of the final ownership of the Caledonian Himyari Company, we believe the CHC should play a reduced role in Loagan political life to allow democracy to fully flourish.

 

[Ostmark]

OSTMARK'S EMPOWERED EXTREMISM IS NOT FADING AWAY

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By Angelika Klein

VIENNA (People's Republic Ostmark) - The 2014 financial crisis was devastating to the economy of Ostmark. Just how devastating is something economists still argue over. It is not easy to add up the costs of bank bailouts, a lost decade of economic growth, spiking public debt, hyperinflation, grinding austerity, and surging inequality in terms of absolute poverty and unemployment. But the biggest cost of the crisis might be not economic but political: the ultra-radical wave that has swept over the country in the past year, upending political systems, and empowering extremists.

Historically, financial crises regularly lead to political polarization and populism, but the recent populist surge in Ostmark has literally disintegrated its society and turned one of the once most peaceful and tolerant people of Gallia-Germania into xenophobic, radical extremists. The crash in 2014 and the subsequent default dealt a severe blow to the country's political system. Crisis fighting became the new normal. The Long-standing two-party system dominated since 1957 by the Christian Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party, was swept away.

The ultra-nationalist, ultra-radical, third-position National-Syndicalist People's Party emerged from the fringes, supported by the poorest layers of society, and achieved a major, unprecedented electoral victory. Strong of the support of the overwhelming majority of the population, flambolyant dictator Horst Grasser reshaped the country in his image. His imagine is one of resentment, revenge and fear.

Why are financial crises so disruptive? They are manmade disasters. People blame elites for failing to prevent them. It’s often not hard to find policy failures and cronyism among the rich and powerful, so trust in the political system erodes. This opens the door to political entrepreneurs who try to set “the people” against the "ruling class”. That's what Horst Grasser and his National-Syndicalist People's Party did, and did with astonishing success.

 

[Ebria]

Rival government proclaimed in Loago
AP Hartstad

The leaders of the LLC, headed by Masimba have come together on Christmas to discuss the future of Loago, especially after they have rejected the National Unity Government, headed by Mosi Kamara, the Bishop of Maseru and supported by PACFOR.

The meeting, which was dubbed the 14th Congress of the League of Communists in Loago has taken place from Sunday to Tuesday in the town of Mulume, deep in the LLC dominated parts of the country, south of the Lakes region in central Loago. The conference was led by Masimba and the LLC, but present there were also other representatives of other Wala nationalist groups, like Aron Fanaka, the head of the Loagan Total Independence Font, Beno Moyo, head of the Renaissance Union of Loago and Ikeno Chitundu, of the Loagan Himyari National Union. It has been rumoured that even Commander Georges, the paramount leader of the RANU-PF group from Port Stanley has been present at the meeting, but it hasn't been confirmed by our sources.

During the discussions, Masimba has stated that he wants to push forward the idea that the LLC is not the only faction fighting against colonialism, but it is joined by others, even if its bearing the brunt of the struggle. During the congress, the four groups have decided to come together to form the People's Front for the Liberation of Loago, or the PFLL, as a coming together of the factions that reject the formation of the National Unity Government, calling Mosi Kamara a pawn of the Caledonian government and of the officers leading the PACFOR mission.

At the same time, Masimba has proclaimed the creation of the Democratic Republic of Loago, with the PFLL currently its sole political party. He proclaimed Mulume as being the provisional capital of the Democratic Republic, and called Maseru the traditional capital, but under foreign occupation. Masimba has stated that he is a soldier and will not take part in the civilian government of the Democratic Republic, but will remain the supreme commander of the People's Liberation Army, the armed wing of the LLC and now of the newly proclaimed Democratic Republic. Beno Moyo has been appointed the provisional President of the Democratic Republic and he formed a government in which Commander Christoph, the Eifellandian born LLC member is the Vice-President and Ikeno Chitundu as the minister of foreign affairs.

The new government states that it represents Loago as a "whole, sovereign and independent nation" and that it does not recognise the National Unity Government, not the Commonwealth of Loago, as they feel that they are elements of Caledonian colonialism and are propped by the military presence of the Caledonians and the Elbeners through the PACFOR policing and peacekeeping mission. Masimba has stated that should the Caledonians retreat, the NUG will show its true form, that of a husk, not representing anyone and that it should fall within a week. It is important to notice that the Fante Tribal Union and Chief Ndidi Obey haven't recognised the PFLL and the Democratic Republic, nor the National Unity Government, remaining thus in a devolved/semi-autonomous legal limbo, not being fully independent, but at the same time not recognising neither Loagan government.

 

[Azraq]

Wasaarada Arimaha Dibada
الخارجية‎ وزارة
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Azraqi Empire remains committed to seeing a Loago that is democratic, united and free from foreign influence or control. We believe that is the aspiration of the majority of Loagans too.

Clearly the establishment of a rival government runs contrary to this vision. We urge the so called People's Front for the Liberation of Loago to renounce its claims to the country and join the National Unity Government with a view to holding free and fair elections when the security situation allows.

Similarly, we call on the High Kingdom of Caledonia to withdraw its supposed peacekeeping force from Loago and instead allow the Azraqi Empire, as a Himyari nation, to play a mediating role.

 

[Pelasgia]

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Pelasgian Empire
Ministry of External Affairs​

Public statement - for immediate release.

To whom it may concern,

In the view of the Pelasgian Empire, the so-called "National Unity Government" in Maseru has completely lost all faith and legitimacy in the eyes of the Loagan people; it has curtailed civil liberties to an unimaginable degree, all the while failing to provide for the fundamental welfare and safety of the Loagan populace. Moreover, it has sold out the country's resources and wealth to foreign and shadowy private corporate interests, the two often being one and the same, effectively rendering Loago a fied subject to an even worse form of colonialism and exploitation than direct Caledonian rule. Likewise, it has relied on armies of mercenaries and foreign troops, compeltely alien to the local populace as well as Loago and Himyar in general, to enforce it wholly illegitimate rule. These are but a few of the many and grave offences of the so-called "National Unity Government", a regime which is neither "National" nor instilling or derived from "Unity", and which, at this point, is barely even a "Government".

As such, the Pelasgian Empire cannot, either practically or morally, call this sham of a regime a government, which is deprived both of legitimacy and, perhaps more improtantly in practical terms, of the monopoly of the legitimate use of force within the borders of Loago, as the establishment of the Democratic Republic by the People's Front for Liberation of Loago (PFLL) serves to illustrate. Of course, this is hardly a surprise, given our repeated embargoes and other significant sanctions of the Maseru regime. Therefore, we have no choice but to recognise that polity which seems to represent the vast majority of the Loagan populace, namely the Democratic Republic of Loago. This is neither a question of ideology, nor a question of practical benefit; Lord knows Pelasgia is quite opposed to Marxism and quite far away from Loago, thus disproving either hypothesis. This a question of the fundamental right of all peoples, including Himyari peoples, to self-determination, and of the very idea of National sovereignty.

Once the people of Loago have secured their freedom, hopefully by peaceful means, we would be more than glad to welcome them into the fold of free Himyari nations and to cooperate with them to establish a solidary, free and prosperous Himyar. But for now, we shall have to contend ourselves with congratulating the Loagans on the biggest step towards self-government since the de jure end of Caledonian rule so many years ago. The Empire is prepared to dispatch a provisional diplomatic mission to the Democratic Republic in Mulume, and to accept a corresponding mission of the Democratic Republic in Propontis. Long live Himyari independence!

Signed and sealed,

Emannouil Avgiros
Minister of External Affairs
Government of Pelasgia
Senator by Right of Office

 

[Azraq]

Wasaarada Arimaha Dibada
الخارجية‎ وزارة
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Pelasgian Ambassador in Jugol has been summoned to explain the most recent foreign policy pronouncement by his government, which completely contradicts the position set out by the Azraqi Empire. Such flagrant disrespect undermines pan-Himyari solidarity at a time when it is most needed.

Should we not find his answers satisfactory we shall be withdrawing our own ambassador from Propontis.

 

[Touzen]

The World Zionist Congress feels emboldened by the recent announcement by the Pelasgian Ministry of External Affairs, a communique which was released by its Minister of External Affairs Emannouil Avgiros on December 27th reading, in part, as following:

"(...)This is neither a question of ideology, nor a question of practical benefit; Lord knows Pelasgia is quite opposed to Marxism and quite far away from Loago, thus disproving either hypothesis. This a question of the fundamental right of all peoples, including Himyari peoples, to self-determination, and of the very idea of National sovereignty."

The Pelasgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is rightfully affirming the "fundamental right" of the Jewish people, represented through the World Zionist Congress, to self-determination. The Jewish nation's national ambition being centered around Himyar, the Pelasgian emphasis on that continent is particularly reinforcing of our position. That neither "ideology nor questions of practical benefit" will be taken into account when it comes to determine whether a people have a right to "National sovereignty" continues to strengthen the World Zionist Congress' legitimacy to call for a Jewish homeland centered around the Jewish capital of Jerusalem.

We invite Mr. Avgiros to constructive talks on how we can move forward with realizing these developments in regards to the Jewish nation.

Samuel Goldbaum
President of the World Zionist Congress

 

[Pelasgia]

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Pelasgian Empire
Ministry of External Affairs​

Public statement - for immediate release.

To whom it may concern,

The Pelasgian Empire is in no way obliged to echo the positions of @Azraq or any one matter. Himyari solidarity, though important in principle, does not oblige us to align our foreign policy with any one other country's completely, as long as we are pursuing our common goals. The Azraqi Empire is free to question our ambassador as they see fit, though they shall find that we share the same objectives: Himyari independence and an end to minority and foreign rule. If they never the less choose to withdraw their ambassador, we shall have no choice but to do likewise. Why such a drastic measure would be justified by our choosing to recognise a government in a country that Azraq has no formal control over is quite beyond us, and such a proposition does seem quite absurd indeed, as we believe that the relations between our Empires remain cordial and unstrained. We find no harm to Azraq's legitimate sovereign interests in this move of ours, and only legitimate benefit to all Himyaris. We acknowledge Azraq's concern for Himyari solidarity and therefore call on them to join us in showing solidarity to the majority of the Loagan populace by recognising the Democratic Republic and abandoning once and for all any formal relations with the Maseru regime. Decolonisation must not be stopped now that it has progressed so rapidly.

Signed and sealed,

Emannouil Avgiros
Minister of External Affairs
Government of Pelasgia
Senator by Right of Office

-----

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Pelasgian Empire
Ministry of External Affairs​

Public statement - for immediate release.

To whom it may concern,

The Pelasgian Empire does not recognise the claim of the World Zionist Congress to representing the so-called "Jewish Nation", whatever this concept might represent to whatever body and person. In so far as we are concerned, Philistaea and Hierosolyma belong to the Philistians and the Hierosolymites, including the indigenous Karaites who hold the Jewish faith, none of whom have expressed a desire to separate themselves from the Empire, and none of whom are represented in any way by the Congress.

As always, the Empire rejects the idea that an assortment of Gallo-Germanians and other aliens who simply happen to hold the Jewish faith constitute a nation or that such a group has any claim to the Holy Land. Such neo-colonial claims are antiquated and ridiculous, but have sadly still cost the lives for tens of thousands of innocents. As always, the World Zionist Congress remains a designated terrorist group without any legitimacy in so far as the Pelasgian Empire is concerned. As such, the Empire shall have no relations with the Congress or with anybody associated therewith.

Signed and sealed,

Emannouil Avgiros
Minister of External Affairs
Government of Pelasgia
Senator by Right of Office

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland-Retalien

We uphold our travel warning for Loago, given the complex circumstances in that country. We respect the wish of Hymiari countries to treat the situation in Loago as a Hymiari matter to be solved by Hymiari countries, and refrain from acting in said country. We will not involve ourselves militarily, and we will only send a humanitary mission if all parties involved ask us to do so.
We will not voice an opinion on which of the two governments in Loago is the rightful one; we leave it to the factions involved in the Loagan Crisis to decide upon that. For practical reasons, we will recognise both governments as legitimate and allow both governments to establish a diplomatic representation in Trier. This situation will continue until the Loagan Crisis has been settled.

Rüdiger Zimmermann, Demissionary Minister of Foreign Affairs and Demissionary Chancellor

 

[Ebria]

Die Ministerie van Buitelandse Sake
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Federation of the Natal has seen Eiffelland, in much in its history as being a nation which has left a positive mark on much of its neighbours, and being motivated by solely humanitarian reasons in many of its endeavours. Even so, we have been extremely disappointed and will not forget how in March, when the Security Forces under General Calum MacMhaoilein have taken control of Loago, starting the current crises and the regime he created was recognised by a sole country: Eiffelland. Not even the country where the CHC originates, Caledonia has offered such an open link to it to that insane and racist regime.

We thus do not want to see Eiffellandian presence in the Loagan territory as a good influence and after the foreign policy blunders of the Kingdom that took place this year, we feel that it would be for the best for the country to either conserve its resources to send them to nearby countries that need them more, like Western Occitania, Polesia, CBS or Ostmark, rather than faraway Himyari states.

Signed,
Tiaan Webber
Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[Azraq]

BREAKING: Azraq demands Caledonia leave Loago
AP Jugol

The Azraqi Prime Minister as demanded Caledonian peacekeepers withdraw from Loago and threatened to close the Pillars of Nearchus to Caledonian military traffic, representing a major escalation of Azraq's response to the Loagan civil war.

In a televised statement, Hika Qiltu warned continued Azraqi recognition of the Loagan National Unity Government (NUG) was conditional on Caledonian forces, supported by Elbener volunteers, leaving the Himyari country.

"Let it be known our endorsement of the [NUG] is based on a desire for peace, not support for the colonial status quo," Qitu declared. The head of the Azraqi government also called on other Loagan factions, including the rival communist regime and Fante tribal militia, to enter in negotiations with the NUG, with "free and fair" elections taking place "as soon as possible".

Should Caledonia not comply with Azraqi demands to withdraw, Qiltu vowed to block the Caledonian navy from passing through the Pillars of Nearchus, one of the busiest water ways in the world. Qiltu urged the Pelasgian Empire and Natalian Federation to close the Wadjet Sea "in solidarity" to Caledonian military vessels too.

Such a move would potentially risk naval skirmishes between Azraq, Natalia and Pelasgia and Caledonia, transforming the Loagan internal conflict into a global war.

 

[Pelasgia]

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Pelasgian Empire
Ministry of External Affairs
Public Communiqué​

Propontis, 29 December 2018.
ΑΣ 1456/15/2018 (Δημόσιον)

To whom it may concern,

The Pelasgian Empire would like to congratulate the Azraqi Empire on taking a firm stance against Caledonian colonialism in Loago. In solidarity, and in the spirit of Himyari unity, we shall henceforth close the Wadjet Sea to all Caledonian military traffic and civilian traffic assisting military activities in Loago. We demand the immediate, complete and final withdrawal of all Caledonian forces, and their other foreign supporters, from Loago.

Signed and sealed,

Emannouil Avgiros
Minister of External Affairs
Government of Pelasgia
Senator by Right of Office

 

[Gunnland]

Despite Surprise Election Challenge, Blackthorn Heads for Elben Summit
AP Windhaven

In a show of confidence that his opponents call "cocksure," Leader James B. Blackthorn has departed with Queen Julian for high-level summit talks with King Friedrich Maria in Eschenbach. The Leader's office released a statement that reads: "Elben is Gunnland's oldest ally and most important partner on the international stage. This long-planned summit is vital to the security of the Kingdom of Gunnland."

The editors of the The Ayr Post speculate that Leader Blackthorn did not postpone the summit because he wishes to show his close working relationship with Queen Julian. The popular monarch recently said she was "open" to Liberal proposals for constitutional reform, which was widely interpreted as a pro-Liberal statement. In contrast to the close relationship that her father King Josias had with the Integrity Party, Queen Julian has held the Blackthorn government at a distance. The Ayr Post editorial went on to suggest that Leader Blackthorn's compromised position would put Queen Julian in the driver's seat for the summit. The spokeswoman for the Stone Chair, Madeleine mD. MacNicholls, refused comment.

The two-headed Gunnish delegation will arrive in Eschenbach this afternoon.

Political analyists have questioned Blackthorn's move, which leaves the government's agenda in the Thing in the hands of Prime Minister Maria Plutarska-Huyldrich, an independent royal appointee who has stolidly refused to campaign for the beleaguered Gunnish leader.

The opposition, led by MT Douglas MacLeish (L-Dalmyre), has relentlessly attacked the Blackthorn-led Integrity government for its foreign policy, its handling of an economy heading into recession, its restriction of press freedoms, and its record on women's rights. The Liberals portray Blackthorn as a cavalier socialite, a political tyro out of his depth, since more senior Integrity officials were forced to resign over the still-controversial disappearance of powerful clan leader and businessman Duncan MacLeish.

The Integrity Party has governed Gunnland since 1975. Polls project that the Liberals could pick up as many as 8 seats, which would give them a majority in the Thing of All Gunnishmen.

 

[Gunnland]

In Polarizing Gunnish Politics, Lame-Duck Party Cedes More Powers to Queen
AP Windhaven

Politics used to be a clandestine affair in Gunnland, controlled by backroom deals and close-knit clans. Part of this is due to the country's ninth-century institutions: the national legislature only has 25 seats, 13 of which reflect the power of the kings and the Church, as well as the army, the nation's attorneys, and the nation's university professors. Of the 12 elected seats, many are rural districts controlled by the clans.

But times are changing. Political parties are suddenly much more important, as voters decide between the conservative Integrity Party that has ruled Gunnland for the past forty-three years, and the Liberal Party that has a real chance to take power.

There are signs that the Integrity Party is preparing for defeat. Integrity candidates have dropped out of races. And the Integrity-controlled Thing voted 15-7-2 to give the country's monarch, Queen Julian, sweeping powers to represent the foreign policy agenda of the country. "This was not the move of a party that thinks they are going to remain in power," said MT Catherine mL. Birmingham (L-Ayr).

Integrity politicians deny that they are stripping powers away from the Thing because they believe that the Liberals will control the legislature in 2019. "This is not about us. This is about Queen Julian. She is a proven leader," said Foreign Secretary Stephen G. Larkin (I-Windhaven-East March). He pointed out that Gunnish monarchs have always guided the hands of foreign policy.

Liberals, meanwhile, have not been criticizing the vote publicly. Dun Eidyn's leading Gunnland expert, Ulrike Freudenberger, explains: "After more than forty years of Integrity ruling with the close cooperation of the king and the Church, the Liberals gain a lot of popularity and legitimacy by creating the impression that Queen Julian favors them, and there's probably some truth to the claim that she does." The queen has become quite a popular figure in Gunnland, and publicly criticizing her is still seen as taboo in many circles.

 

[Serenierre]

Serenierre strikes deal with Ostmark to enhance West Occitanian recovery
AP Villesen

The Governments of Serenierre and Ostmark have concluded a high level meeting wherein they agreed to enhance their bilateral relationship and further strengthen their economic ties, particularly in the field of steel, coal, and oil exploration. The Government of Serenierre has also managed to secure the deployment of Ostmarker labour for the purposes of assisting the reconstruction of West Occitania, which is now under the protection of Villesen.

The OSTA agreement is the second major treaty undertaken by the Martinique government designed to bring additional support for its reconstruction efforts of the Protectorate of Occitania, where Serenierre is currently investing heavily to redevelop and to restore order and prosperity to the war ravaged territory.

It is expected that the cheap provision of solid Ostmark steel would greatly reduce reconstruction costs of urban infrastructure in West Occitania and re-establish the transportation infrastructure that was ravaged by the Serenien invasion of the country in the summer of 2018.

 

[Gunnland]

In Rally and Protest, Liberal Party of Gunnland Takes Step Beyond Clan Past
AP Windhaven

Gunnland's quaint medieval capital city has never seen a protest like last night, a candle-lit vigil of tens of thousands of Liberal Party activists and liberals in front of the Freehold. "Change Has Come" and "Three Strikes, You're Out," the banners read, referring to the Liberals' platform that demands 'striking out' censorship, the exploitation of young women domestic workers, and stiff banking laws.

Historically the Liberal Party has its power-base in the Ayr business community, but has moderated its message to accommodate traditionalist supporters from Clan MacLeish and Clan Keith. This election has been different. Though popular among his clan, Liberal leader Douglas MacLeish (MT-Dalmyre) was outmaneuvered and did not become chief. He has steered the party in a more radical, modern direction.

"The Gunns have won the old game; at least for now they hold a dominant position among the other clans. Among their old enemies, only the Keiths stand firm; the new MacLeish chief is pro-Gunn, the MacAllister rank-and-file forced their chief to accept Queen Julian, and the MacLeods have found it is more profitable to move beyond the past," said Gunnland expert Ulrike Freudenberger at the University of Dun Eidyn. "But paradoxically this has opened up a new base of resistance to the way that the Gunns have traditionally ruled Gunnland. The Gunns' historic enemies, who in some cases have given up struggling for control of what is left of the clans, have been reinventing themselves as modern liberal politicians."

Harlan Keith (MT-Isles) was conspicuously absent at the stadium rally and protests in Windhaven. Some Liberals have privately expressed concerns, according to sources close to Douglas MacLeish, that if the Keiths back away from their traditional role protecting the opposition, they will become targets of intimidation and violence from the dominant Gunn-allied clans.