APwire ~ Affiliated Press News Agency

[Confederal Republics]

Large car bomb defused by the authorities in Farpoint's administrative area
AP Southport-on-Sea

Explosive ordnance disposal experts of the Cornavian Armed Forces have defused an apparent car bomb intended to explode within the administrative center of the Cornavian city of Farpoint, regional capital of the Canton of Farpoint. According to the Farpoint Canton Constabulary, the vehicle housing the explosive device had been parked in the edge of the Ryan Fairmont Square, which is bordered by several administrative buildings including a local representative office of the Commonwealth Cabinet and the Farpoint Canton Hall. In addition, Ryan Fairmont Square is part of a significant route through downtown Farpoint, and would have been potentially filled with civilians if any detonation had occured during the day.

Police officials refused to comment on the composition of the discovered explosive device owing to investigative reasons, but confirmed that it was of a sufficient size and design to cause "significant physical damage to persons at the square at the time of planned detonation, and to the buildings adjacent to the Ryan Fairmont Square. According to Deputy Constable-in-Chief Robin Walker from the Farpoint Anti-Terrorist Branch, the car bomb was discovered when a bystander reported suspicious activity near the vehicle to the regional emergency center. A police patrol sent to the scene observed apparent explosives and called in the explosive disposal unit while additional units that had arrived begun evacuating the square and nearby buildings.

An investigation has been commenced, but the authorities have been tight-lipped as to any clues on the identity of those who might have been responsible for planting the bomb. Minister of Justice David Connington urged calm from Farpoint residents, but refused to comment on rumors that the apparent attempt of a bombing was linked to the Nordic separatist movement Nordisk Frihet. The group has threatened attacks as the Cornavian government prepares to execute one of its members, the 28-year old Einar Stenberg for the terrorism-related assassination of a prosecutor in the Canton.

After the bomb was discovered, Cabinet Chancellor Joanne Wainwright authorized for the first time in three years the increase of the Commonwealth Security Condition to Yellow, the third-highest grade of the system, and increases in security at government buildings and important traffic hubs. In addition, sources in Farpoint say that Cantonal authorities have ordered the Canton Constabulary to step up local security.

 

[Polesia]

Vangalan opposition holds protests in Belmont
AP Orleans

Vangalan opposition groups organised rallies in the Belmontien city of Orleans calling for free and fair multi-party elections in Vangala. The city has a large Vangalan community, who mostly reside in an area known locally as 'Little Kilkila', which has become increasingly important for the Vangalan democracy movement. Recently, Vangalan immigrants set up a radio station broadcasting reports critical of the Communist Party and the Vangalan Muslim League, a prominent opposition party, has also relocated to Orleans.

The Vangalan Communist Party has ruled the country since 1950 after seizing power in a violent Revolution. Other political parties were banned and many of their leaders were imprisoned or executed. A government-in-exile was initially founded in Franconia, although soon collapsed.

Police reports indicate the protests were largely peaceful, although a few were arrested for drugs and firearms offences. A small counter-protest was organised by Communist Party sympathisers.

The Embassy of the People's Republic of Vangala in Paris issued a statement of condemnation and urged the Belmontien authorities to end the demonstrations and prevent future ones.

 

[Serenierre]

Belmontien Opposition starts debate in Parliament over Northern Council membership
AP Paris

The Chambre des Communes, the lower house of the Belmontien Parliament, has seen the opposition begin debate on the Government's announcement that they would seek membership in the Northern Council, a leading economic bloc in the region. The Belmontien opposition in the eleven months kept the Government on its toes but today's debate saw both blocs engage in civilized debate and saw Minister of Finance Ichiro Yamaguchi and the Shadow Minister of Finance speak in a much missed manner in the chamber during the past year.

The Opposition has raised concerns over the NC's plans of having a single currency, so far the only major point of debate, and the Government has stated that the Belmontien submission of membership will clearly state that Belmont would not be involved in the currency union. Some opposition politicians have also said that Parliament should be allowed to speak with officials from the Northern Council and make a list of what can and cannot be included in Belmontien membership into the Batavie based organization.

The Premier's Office has announced that if the Parliament is able to reach a conclusive decision, Premier Martinique will go on a diplomatic tour of the various NC member states, with talks aimed at Belmontien integration into the Northern Council. The Premier's Office has, however, said that the Government would take some time in debating the matter fully in Parliament and sources indicate that the Government isn't looking to face another row with opposition, which it saw earlier this year which made Belmont leave the EDF and saw the Government become shaky.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Cornavian opposition leader's statements stir "racism" controversy
AP Southport-on-Sea

In Cornavia, recent statements made by the opposition Republican Party's chairman Lawrence Anderton in regards to Cornavia's membership in the developing Northern Council have stirred controversy over what have been described by a number of people as "racist" sentiments in Anderton's words.

Anderton, a recently elected chairman of Cornavia's third-largest political party, on Friday introduced "Alternatives for Foreign Policy 2011", a document part of the Republicans' platform in the upcoming 2011 elections of Commonwealth Parliament. A significant portion of the "Alternatives" document focuses on immigration and the "lack of control our continued membership in the Northern Council brings over our immigration and refugee policies", and during the release event of the program Anderton made statements including "in five years we'll start seeing Batavians used to lower pay coming here to flood the job market" and "Northern Council - give freedom, receive immigrants and taxes.

This is not the first time the Republican orator has stirred controversy, but his most recent antics have hit a sore spot in many Cornavians. The country has traditionally been a notable recipient of foreign immigration and has prided itself on its inclusive attitude towards the newcomers, and as such overtly anti-immigration sentiments have not been a commonplace in Cornavian politics. However, Anderton and the Republicans have taken the initiative: Their electoral program for 2011 includes portions such as a reduction in the annual immigrant and refugee intake, calls to allow speedy deportations of asylum seekers without proper grounds and those caught in the country illegally, a greater ability for courts to deport immigrants with criminal background and greater policing resources into resisting illegal immigration.

As a result, the other parties have begun to show some interest in the stances expressed by the Republicans, particularly as there are fears among the reigning Commonwealth Party to that the latter might well be capable of ending the political supremacy which the Commonwealth Party has enjoyed ever since the Great War.

However, political liberals and pro-immigrant activists were still quick to seize his most recent comments. "Cornavia has been built on the foundation of immigrants and the thought that this society is based on the ability of everyone to flee persecution, become a citizen and contribute regardless of ethnic or religious origin", said Corinne Haynes, a Commonwealth Party M.P and also the chairman of the Commonwealth Anti-Defamation Alliance. Pieter van der Sar, chairman of the Cornavia-Batavia Friendship Society, reminded that Batavians have lived in Cornavia "since the 17th century", and that Anderton's statements about Batavian immigrants were offensive to many Cornavian Batavians and Cornavians of Batavian origin, as well as the Batavian people itself.

Meanwhile, the also Commonwealth Party Minister of External Affairs William Fenner and Minister of Immigration Sven Allard both accused Anderton of "deliberate misinformation" in regards to the effects the Northern Council would have upon Cornavia's capability to execute an independent immigrant policy.

Lawrence Anderton has refuted the accusations of racism. "I'm one of the few politicians in this entire country who speaks the truth instead of speaking what everyone wants to hear", Anderton said to an AP reporter in Parliament, "And sure, they hate me for it, but I think that it's worth it."

 

[Khemia]

Violence in North Sinhai simmers but still present
AP Sri Rama

In the weeks following the capture of ultranationalist leader Sayan Jaa, violence in the north has significantly decreased. However, the restoration of some sense of peace may not be a sign of better days to come, as many analysts believe that the lull in violence can be attributed to leaders of the ultranationalist movement going into hiding or attempting to flee abroad, into nations like Minhdao and Taishan. Despite this, other analysts believe that Sai Yok, currently being secured by the Republican Guard, is a balloon waiting to pop. These analysts speculate that members of the traitor 8th Infantry Division not killed in combat have begun fortifying themselves throughout the city in preparation for a long insurgency, integrating with society in preparation for the inevitable manhunt that is expected to be launched by Sinese government forces in the disparate capital of the Northern Military District.

Little progress has been made in the effort to restore normality in the region, however - most utilities are broken: water cleaning facilities have stopped working after the power plants charging the city were destroyed by Sinese bombs; food is rare: most grocery stores have been looted and failing transportation systems are not conducive to the transfer of goods from farms to markets; and services are next to non existent: with the military acting not only as police but also as emergency medical and fire teams.

The Sinese government and media at large have reserved themselves to focusing on "bigger issues" at hand, namely the potential of the new electoral system and the looming political battle building up within the rest of the nation. But such hopes in the South are not representative of the problems of the North, with the government doing little to fix its past mistakes as it has stated it aims to do. The simple and ugly truth is: the people of Sai Yok have fought too hard and lost too much, they are simply at the mercy of their new masters. Many experts are watching the situation closely, hoping for a change of pace in the historically devastated region.

 

[Minhdao]

Bộ Quan hệ đối ngoại

We in Minhdao understand the state in which Sinhai finds itself at this moment - to the north and with the new Republican move. If these rebels do happen to flee to Minhdao, they will be captured and handed back to the Sinese government as previously requested by our neighbours to the south some time ago. However, if these men happen to come into heavy contact with our men and/or civilians with any sort of arm, they will be swiftly dealt with by the Minh Army. With that said, border forces will be slightly increased to avoid any terrorist crossing into Minhdao from the North Military District and we hope to cooperate with the Sinese government on capturing fugitives on our respective border.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Vangalan immigrant to go to court on industrial espionage charges
AP Southport-on-Sea

On Friday, the Cornavian Commonwealth Prosecution Bureau confirmed that it will seek charges of industrial espionage against a Cornavian Vangalan arrested earlier in the year by the Commonwealth Security Service. Amardev Sandhar, a 25-year old ICT student at the Whitehaven University of Technology is accused of attempting to take corporate secrets from a local company where he was conducting his study-related internship with him when he went to visit family members in Vangala.

Because of the political implications of the case, including protestations made by the Vangalan government calling for the release of the man, the Commonwealth government has taken an active interest in following the criminal case. Its interest is multiplied by the fact that the company (unnamed due to security reasons) is defined by the Cornavian Cabinet as a so-called "Category B Security Interest Company", a definition used in Cornavia for companies that deal with government information of sensitivity but which does not directly concern national security. In the company's case, the information dealt with concerned governmental civilian IT infrastructure, which the company had a contract to supply to the Commonwealth government and several Cantonal governments.

Under 1992 amendments to the Treason, Espionage and Alien Act of 1845, the accused man could face a conviction of up to fifteen years in prison for the industrial espionage charges leveled against him. In addition, while there presently is no evidence of the accused's involvement in state-sponsored espionage, such evidence could result in a heavier charge of espionage which carries the maximum penalty of a life without parole.

Vangalan immigrants in Cornavia have protested the charges against Mr. Sandhar, and have launched a "Free Amardev" campaign alongside some Cornavian human rights activists. Activists calling for his release have stated that the charges are "politically motivated" and have accused "elements of the intelligence community" of playing up the whole matter.

Mr. Sandhar intends to plead not guilty once the case goes to the Commonwealth Court in Eastern March, and his defense attorneys are stating that the existence of restricted information on his laptop's hard drive as the man attempted to board a plane to Vangala was a case of forgetfulness.

 

[Serenierre]

Belmont power blocs meet in Marseilles, understanding reached on numerous issues
AP Marseilles

The Belmontien opposition is a potent force in Belmontien politics, even though it controls just 243 of the 650 seats in the Chambre des Communes -the lower house- something which it demonstrated to great effect in 2010 when the Nationalistes managed to force the Libéralistes Government to pull out of the EDF as cracks began to show between Belmont and the other members of the alliance. That left the Government seething and the Opposition jubilant, further damaging the precarious relationship between the two groups.

With a change of leadership in the opposition ranks, the Government has been willing to listen to Mr. Rebinaud, considered a moderate in his party, and his proposals to cooperate in defense and foreign policy. The first demonstration of this was witnessed during the last spat of diplomatic rows plaguing intra-Gallian relationships, when Premier Martinique took the Opposition leader in full confidence in regards to the situation and how best to deal with the situation.

In the meeting held in Marseilles, the splendid pomp and luxury of the Residence of the Governor of Côte de Azur province in the Principality of Montaigne - a constituent realm of Belmont - the Libéralistes and Nationalistes press secretaries sat together and faced the questions of over a hundred journalists, most domestic. In the comprehensive press conference, which was also broadcast live on several Belmontien news websites, they announced that both the blocs had agreed to several amendments to the Parliament Act 1988, the main one being that the Chambre des Noblesse would be given the power to ensure that partisanship didn't obstruct the Communes' working, as it did during the Plantard era (2001 - 2009).

The Nationalistes press secretary also announced that his party was willing to support the Government's agenda to increase the tax rate by 3% if the defense budget would not be slashed, as the Martinique Government had planned to do so in late 2011, and that the current level of Fr. 146.1 billion would be maintained due to the threat posed to Belmont from its eastern and southern borders. The Nationalistes manifesto in the 2010 General Election included a pledge to push the defense budget to Fr. 165.5 billion, as part of their plan to increase the pays of members of the armed forces.

Though the Government has accepted to not touch the defense budget, it has done so only because of the much needed Nationalistes support in passing a series of bills that would increase the quota of funds released to the governments of the four constituent realms of Belmont. The Government also has plans of increasing the powers of the provincial governments and to dilute the control of Paris in provincial matters. The two issues have been thorny and have long kept the two blocs at odds with one another.

The meeting in Marseilles, though now over, shows that the end of the Plantardite ideology from the Nationalistes has brought about a sudden maturity in Belmontien politics and shows that both parties are ready to deal with a very thorny issue over which they have polar views.

The Protectorate of Tréguier, another constituent realm, is the hub of the multi-billion Franc coal mining industry but the Realm's coffers are running dry as it devotes large sums of its annual allotment of the national budget on maintaining the expensive infrastructure required for the mining industry. The matter would not be an issue if the Realm received a share of the government profit, 55% of which heads for Paris and 45% being divided between the four provinces which come under the Realm's administrative region. The issue, over which a former First Minister of Tréguier wrote a series of articles in respected Belmontien journals, remains highly complex and the version presented above is barely shedding light on something which works against the interests of several parties involved.

For many decades, successive governments have ignored the full scope and have given larger disbursements, none of which on an annual basis, and the situation today has reached a situation where the Realm's government has threatened to shut down the mines, something which Paris and the provincial capitals have vehemently opposed.

 

[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

The Cornavian justice system is being manipulated to place diplomatic pressure on the People's Republic of Vangala by falsely accusing a Vangalan national of industrial espionage. Amardev Sandhar is innocent and we shall utilise all resources available to prove this fact.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Ministry of External Affairs
Commonwealth of Cornavia

The Commonwealth government resents the continued disingenuous assertions brought forward by the Vangalan regime in regards to the suggestion of bias and political manipulation within our independent justice system. Indeed, the more than dubious nature of the Vangalan government's relations with the world and rumors of subversive operations cast a shadow of doubt over Kilikia's credibility to act as a critic of Cornavian justice.

Regards,
Mr. William Fenner,
Minister of External Affairs

 

[Polesia]

Vangala rejects trade deal with Belmont
AP Paris

The People's Republic of Vangala has refused to sign a trade deal with the Kingdom of Belmont estimated to be worth billions after a diplomatic row between the two countries. A decision on the trade agreement had been due weeks ago, but was delayed by the Vangalan Minister for Foreign Trade Biswajit Nandi, who many suspected was waiting for the outcome of a vote on a proposed infrastructural aid package for Vangala, although the Minister denied such claims. However, speaking at a press conference today, he explicitly blamed Belmont for the trade deal's failure.

Belmont's Chambre des Communes rejected the aid package by a wide margin, citing concerns of alleged Vangalan support for insurgents in northern Ratomkira. Belmont then asked for Vangala to produce evidence to show the international community it was not sponsoring terrorism and also arranged a meeting with the South Ratomkiran ambassador. According to a Vangalan diplomat, had Belmont not met with the South Ratomkiran Ambassador, the deal may have gone ahead.

The trade agreement would have given Belmontien businesses unprecedented access to Vangala. The Thasisse Agricole Grouppe was set to be given a contract to provide state-run farms with new agricultural equipment while dozens of other Belmontien businesses were planning on opening new factories. For many years, Belmontien companies were prevented from investing in Vangala by an embargo, which was only lifted earlier this year.

As a result of the failed deal with Belmont, Vangala is reportedly looking for investors and aid donors in the European Defence Federation, which will irk Paris as the EDF and Belmont have recently fallen out. However, neither Kilkila nor the EDF Headquarters in Nürnberg have confirmed this.

 

[Batavië]

Batavian President Offers 'Good Offices' & Moderation to Belmontien & Vangalan Governments
AP, Hilversum

Batavian President Joost van Randburg sent letters to the Belmontien and Vangalan embassies in Vlaanderen today offering to moderate a 'conditions-free' meeting between the two governments, currently experiencing poor relations with one another. Many political analysts in Vlaanderen reacted in a non-surprised manner, saying that 'it makes sense' for Batavia to host and assist with a reconciliation accords. Vlaanderen has reasonably good relations with both countries, although relations with Vangala have suffered since March 2010 after the communist regime fell.

'I know that I probably will not be able to make things perfect, but I would like to at least make an honest attempt at getting the Vangalan and Belmontien governments back to the discussion table, instead of bickering with each other and damaging not only business, but the political atmosphere around them.' President Van Randburg was quoted as saying.

As President of Batavia, Van Randburg has many ceremonial roles, however he actively participates in various government actions, relieving Prime Minister De Jonghe of even more work. A hotel in Hilversum, a favourite of norocrats of the NC and visiting NC member-state ministers, was offered as the venue.

The Belmontien and Vangalan governments have not yet responded.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Ministry of External Affairs
Commonwealth of Cornavia

The Commonwealth expects that should the offer of moderation be accepted, its Batavian friends will take into account the rather dubious international record of the Vangalan government, exemplified in widespread accusations of support towards subversive movements and pervasive state-sponsored espionage.

Regards,
Mr. William Fenner,
Minister of External Affairs

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

The decision to cancel the trade deal is slightly dubious in our eyes, just as Belmont has mounted an investigation into claims made against Vangala, that country has pulled out completely. Does this mean that the rumors and claims have some credence to them? We do not know what the exact answer is but we will investigate the matter further. The point isn't to hold conciliatory talks, the point is to finally determine if Vangala hasn't played dirty in its region.

 

[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

The People's Republic of Vangala has been a constant victim of Belmont's duplicitous foreign policy, with Belmont promising greater political and economic co-operation while simultaneously working with our enemies to besmirch Vangala's reputation by encouraging false allegations of Vangalan support for insurgent groups and pursuing exploitative trade agreements. We refuse to participate in the proposed talks until a formal apology is issued and Paris severs its ties with the militarist cliques in Siem Khun and Sai Yok.

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

Considering the Kingdom simply postponed the trade agreement to investigate claims being made on the world stage, it was the People's Republic that pulled out completely and have forced the situation to deteriorate. The international community must be keep in mind that the People's Republic pulled out after it was announced the Parliament was about to launch an investigation into the allegations. Which has led some in Paris to believe that the People's Republic is not being as honest as it claims.

Furthermore, putting demands on the Kingdom to sever ties with two regional powers is not welcome. The Kingdom has long established relations with both of them and we shall strive to improve the relationship between the Kingdom and the two regional powers in Siem Khun and Sai Yok. We are sure that, if the Kingdom were to dictate aspects of their foreign policy, a label of imperialism would be pasted onto us in Vangalan media.

In closing, though the gesture has been appreciated, the Kingdom of Belmont is not interested in talks at this time, considering it is the People's Republic that has closed the door on our offer.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Armed men take hostages in a Farpoint Canton oil refinery
AP Southport-on-Sea

Several heavily armed men have stormed an oil refinery belonging to the energy company All-Cornavian Energy in Colton Ridge, Farpoint Canton. The situation at the refinery is as of yet unconfirmed, but reports suggest that the attackers have taken multiple hostages at the facility after engaging in a shootout with private security contractors hired by the company to provide security at the facility.

At the time of the attack, the Colton Ridge Oil Refinery was hosting a VIP function related to the reopening of the refinery after an extensive modernization carried out by the company. Attendants of the said VIP function are said to include All-Cornavian Energy's Chief Executive Officer Thomas Aldridge, several of his deputies as well as members of the company's Board of Directors and oil industry and Cantonal government representatives. The number and status of any hostages taken by the assailants is as of yet unknown.

The local Colton Ridge Police Department has evacuated the refinery grounds with assistance from the Farpoint Canton Constabulary and the Prefectural Police of Colton. There were several hundred employees in the facility at the time of the attack, but the attack seems to have only focused on the main building which hosted the VIP function. Cantonal tactical units are on site, and the authorities have reportedly requested assistance from undisclosed branches of the Commonwealth security forces.

The Cabinet Security Committee is to hold an emergency meeting in Southport-on-Sea over the incident, and the Commonwealth Security Condition regulating security responses to terrorist incidents has been increased to the highest possible level of Red. Officials have not commented if the apparent hostage seizure underway at Colton Ridge is related to an earlier apparently false bomb threat made in Farpoint against the local Ministry of Defense office.

Cabinet Chancellor Joanne Wainwright is expected to appear before the press today.

 

[Polesia]

Protesters besiege Belmontien embassy
AP International

Activists from the Vangalan Communist Party's youth wing have surrounded the embassy of the Kingdom of Belmont in Kilkila as relations between Belmont and Vangala continue to deteriorate. The People's Republic of Vangala closed its embassy in Paris yesterday as a protest against the decision to grant South Ratomkira, Vangala's hostile neighbour ƒ550 million of military aid. The Young Communist League has been criticised by foreign government for their protest tactics and its leadership consists of known hardliners and radicals.

Belmontien flags have been burnt and missiles were thrown at the embassy building. Placards denouncing Belmont's foreign policy were also commonplace and a few signs supported the attempted assassination of Belmontien Premier Martinique's husband, although they were quickly removed by Police officers.

Embassies have often been the focal point of demonstrations by the Young Communist League. In the past, the embassies of Batavia, Cornavia, Oikawa and Wazistan have been mobbed by demonstraters. The Young Communist League claims it has popular support, although some have alleged only its members have participated in protests, under the direct orders of senior Communist Party officials.

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

The Embassy of Belmont shall remain active in Kilkila and the demonstration did little to no damage to the actual compound. Our decision has been motivated by the desire to maintain channels of communication to prevent any untoward incidents.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

"Every day this war continues, it will take a month longer to recover"
Interview: dr. Hun Matsoeka, PhD Touyoulogy, specialised in Ratomkira

After recent events once again turned the eyes of the international community towards the situation in Ratomkira, a nation torn in two by civil war, we went on a search to find an objective intellectual that could give our readers more insight about the complex situation. We found this man in dr. Hun Matsoeka, born in Siem Khun 1968. Dr. Matsoeka graduated from Sylnarsson University in Arendaal, recently elected Europe's finest university by the 'Capitollium Journal and Review of Books', in 1994 where he achieved his PhD in Touyoulogy specialising in Ratomkiran history and politics. The Doctor is mostly known as the auteur of 'The King and his subjects' and 'Oikawan influence', which have been widely discussed pieces of literature and, together with some of his other work, created some controversy especially in his homeland. He himself is of Kambudjan decent, the main ethnic group in Ratomkira, and is know for his undisputed neutrality in the current conflict, choosing to give the world facts rather then opinions. We meet him at his current residence in Paris, Belmont.

I think the most important question of the day is; who, if anyone, is going to win this conflict?

"Frankly I think there are more important questions that need to be answered. Questions such as "How will the economy of Ratomkira recover?", "How will we be able to help the civilians" et cetera... I can not really answer yours as I, nor anyone else for that matter, can perfectly predict what's going to happen. All we can do is look toward the sources and statistics and see what those teach us. Judging from the latter we can say that both the North and the South are supported by external powers greater then themselves. We can also derive that the transitional, or so they claim, Southern military government has more finances and materials coming in then the North. The regime in Siem Khun is receiving support from not only its LFS allies, most notably Oikawa, but is also getting finances from nations like Belmont. The North on the other hand receives much support from its allies in the RDTO, most notably Vangala. The fact that is even more interesting is that earlier today the first non-far-leftist has recognised the Revolutionary People's Republic known as North Ratomkira."

You are talking about Jurzan. Will the effect of their recognition of North Ratomkira be so important?

"I'm not saying that it will change the situation completely, but it will at least change the course a little. As I said Jurzan is not a communist state, it's government can be placed in the leftist political spectrum but it has far from the state structures of most RDTO countries including the North. Jurzan has without a doubt made it easier for other non-communist countries to recognise the de facto state. We will of course have to wait for the reaction of Europe's leading powers, but a door has been opened. As far as the economy of North Ratomkira is concerned the open door might bring in the oil that it needs for the more conventional part of its military and even in the public life."

You mentioned public life. Is their still some form of public life in either the South or the North?

"The best answer you would most likely find if you visit rural and urban areas in both the North and the South. How terrible the situation might be it is an anthropologist's and sociologist's dream. Sadly I'm no longer allowed to enter my fatherland since even before the military takeover at the start of this year. Except for a short visit two months ago, five days under strict conditions with the authorities watching my every move, when I was allowed too go to my mother's funeral. I haven't been in Ratomkira for about two years. But from what I have gathered public life still exists on both sides but, and this is an understatement, it is highly chaotic and in certain places completely dysfunctional. In the South the military and police forces are having a very hard time getting the cities and sometimes even rural villages under control. Riots and demonstrations are daily business in most cities and the KKP has apparently committed itself to do as many attacks as possible. In both sides of the would-be-country the death rate is higher then ever in civilian areas. Economic recovery in the South is impossible as nearly all the finances and materials go into the very costly war and the attempts at maintaining public order. Even before the war the Ratomkiran economy had collapsed, today it only survives by donations. Although the North had experienced a short economic revival earlier this year all that is now being flushed down the drain. South Ratomkira and its bigger brother Oikawa have been targeting the economic strong points of the North reducing their export capability to nearly nothing. Without a doubt there is a humanitarian disaster going on as we speak and it does not look like it will be getting any better soon."

You paint a very grim picture of the situation. But you can't say that the Southern government has survived purely from donations. There most be some support for Marshall Drith Vannhere's regime, even if only in the military.

"I said they are able to maintain there armies and some sort of economy with the donations. Indeed there is some public support for the Southern government, something you wouldn't really expect from a place known in the foreign media for its massive anti-government/communist protests and insurgency groups. However you have two kinds of supporters. The bulk of the people that stand behind the 'Council for Democracy and Justice' are not necessarily sympathizers of the military uprising, but just anti-communist. These are the children of the anti-communist generation, many of whom lost a family member during the last decades of constant insurgency. These people also stand behind the government because they know that the South is purposely holding back Oikawan troops, who are now only involved in the areal aspect of the conflict. They like this because they, as well as the military government, does not want to be an Oikawan pseudo-colony again and wish to maintain the slight independence they achieved after the coup d'etat. The second group of supporters are less in numbers, but more committed. These are the people who fully support what the Council for Democracy and Justice is doing. They believe among other things that the nation must be re-united and that the promised democratic election will take place eventually."

Then how is the support for the communist government of Hun Mochhai in the North.

"Our sources from the area are very unreliable. Most intelligence we have comes from the communist propaganda machine as no other press agencies are allowed there for 'safety reasons'. According to these propaganda outlets there is massive support for the revolution. When looking at the facts we can agree that a very high percentage of the former nation does support the revolution, otherwise the Revolutionary People's Republic would have been crushed long ago. It is only the question of "how long will ideals suffice for the people to have the courage to keep fighting this terrible war."

Final question. What effects has this already caused for future generation.

"The children of the people in power will be left with either two or one, depending on the outcome, economically ruined nations. This will also depend on how much longer and in which amounts will both sides be receiving donations from their respective power blocs. Furthermore they will have to deal with a lack of intellectual class. Since the fall of Na Treng in 2009 no higher educational institutes have been open. that means that since 2006 no new students managed to graduate in Ratomkira, causing many to try in other countries or stayed and let their talent go to wast. Only the military academics remain open, causing many to wonder if their is a deeper goal hidden under the closing of civilian universities. Infrastructure will have to be rebuild, Ratomkira must make itself attractive again for the foreign markets, the organised crime must be put down, corruption must be successfully fought,... There is still a very long way to go and every day this war continues, it will take a month longer to recover."