APwire ~ Affiliated Press News Agency

[Thaumantica]

Suicide Attack in Vesper Claims 40
AP Vesper

A suicide bomber rammed a semi-truck loaded with explosives into the Chateau de Chancelier in the National Capital of Vesper today, killing at least 40 people and wounding 200 more, including several children.

The attack in the heart of Vesper has shattered claims by the Umbrella Party of Spades that former Chancellor Eustache Bertrand had left Cantigny secure, despite reducing the commonwealth defence budget to levels comparative to 1970s budgets. Sitting Chancellor Felix Ilchester, who survived the attack, has called for an "unprecedented stimulus of colonial manpower and treasure" to bolster defence across the nation.

The bombing was timed to coincide with the Ilchester couples morning departure from their Chateau, which was devastated beyond repair in the blast. Investigators have declared Elsie Ilchester, the Chancellor's wife, is amongst the dead who also include advisers and members of national government.

Chancellor Ilchester reacted by sacking the head of Colonial Intelligence and declaring on state television that “this republican act of terror will have global consequences for the adversaries of this nation”. He has reportedly ordered the Commonwealth Guardian (Defence Secretary), Rich Greenfax, to present proposals for retroaction.

“This was not merely a result of internal predicaments of secessionist or republican origin, but also a vindictive reckoning of our ability to protect and defend the proud people of Cantigny from agents of foreign aggression,” Ilchester said.

Investigators said that a Cannie-made semi-truck casually parked near the Chateau, then charged towards the courtyard when Elsie Ilchester and others began mounting their motorcade. From the extent of damage to the area, investigators believe many details of the deadly events may take days to uncover.

 

[The Federation]

International Affairs
Poblachd na Bantyr

The Republic wishes to convey it's most sincere sorrow in what has transpired today, we hope that these dastardly terrorists will be brought to a swift and vengeful justice of which they no doubt deserve.

Signed,
Thomas Ferguson
Director of International Affairs
Republic of Bantyr

 

[Polesia]

Vangala plans to remove illegal settlements outside major cities
AP International

Authorities in major cities across the People’s Republic of Vangala are preparing for a new campaign to demolish the vast illegal settlements on their outskirts, which collectively are home to several million Vangalans and are infamous for their high crime levels and poor sanitary conditions. The Communist Party approved the plans in its recent National Congress, during which President Moheen Chatterjee described the shanty towns, known locally as ‘bustees’, as a “national shame” and promised adequate housing for all Vangalans by 2020.

Party officials say they have offered residents of the settlements access to the thousands of new homes built in the last decade. Opposition figures claim instead many have been sent letters from the government ordering them to return to their original homes. Reports also suggest the number of new homes constructed has been exaggerated and Party members are given priority.

Some suspect the new campaign is intended to consolidate the Party's rule. The illegal settlements are the site of frequent protests, with riots over inflation, the low standard of living and police brutality occurring often. The last attempt to clear the shanty towns was met with violence, resulting in the deaths of dozens of policemen. Eventually the military suppressed the rioting, wounding and killing hundreds in the process. Thousands more were left homeless.

The Communist Party seems intent on avoiding the same levels of violence this time. Eyewitnesses say the feared paramilitary People's Reserve Police have been deployed in large numbers and the People's Armed Forces are rumoured to be on stand-by. However, at the same time, a Party spokesperson told a press conference today, they were seeking greater co-operation from residents and promised a slow pace to the demolitions. How this will be received, is yet to be known.

 

[Polesia]

Violence in Vangala's slums
AP International

There has been rioting in the slums surrounding the People's Republic of Vangala's main cities after a new campaign to demolish thousands of illegal homes began last night. Police officers began forcibly evicting people late yesterday, with dozens injured or detained in the process. Residents responded by hurling objects at the demolition vehicles and policemen. The Vangalan authorites have yet to comment, with the Ministry of Internal Affairs reporting only "minor disturbances" in a press conference this morning.

Associated Press is banned from operating in Vangala and there are no independent figures for the numbers wounded or imprisoned. However, local sources inform us the scale of violence has been limited by the heavy presence of the paramilitary People's Reserve Police, who have reportedly divided the shanty towns into sections and are restricting movement. Hundreds are said to have fled the turmoil, escaping to family homes in rural areas.

The Vangalan Communist Party launched the campaign to eradicate illegal housing after their recent National Congress. Previous efforts have failed, after meeting widespread resistance. Party officials are determined to finish this campaign, slowing the pace of demolitions and deploying large numbers of the security forces.

Human rights organisations have condemned the demolitions, claiming they will leave thousands homeless and result in extreme violence. Opposition leaders claim they are aimed at securing the Communist Party's rule. The Party has cited concerns over infectious disease and crimes as the main reasons.

 

[Khemia]

"...Libelous accusations of oppression and illegitimate use of force against citizens are lies designed to incite conflict off hearsay and rumors spread by those who are obviously biased. These Machiavellian fools seek to puppeteer the ignorant and lead the blind with their demagoguery. I, for one, can not believe that the true and Socialist state of Vangala could deny it's citizens their essential rights when it's very legitimacy is based upon it's people's freedoms and equalities. This is just more evidence that the Capitalist media is nothing more than a mouthpiece of the sinister imperialist establishment, hellbent at undermining the People and destroying all that the proletariat has worked for!"

Broadcasted by the People's Voice, Thaesan State Radio.

 

[Khemia]

Political Power Struggle in Thaesan
AP Wing Sing

Sources tied to the government in Siraama suggest that a power struggle is looming over the shadowy Communist state in the wake of the death of the Supreme Leader. Rumors hint to the Leader's assassination in lieu of his exemplary medical records, though the government has not confirmed this notion. Factions within the Ratsadon Khana have risen and fallen over the past 27 years, with the late Leader Klahan Chao taking many steps to reduce political transparency, increasing the difficulty in understanding Thaesan political maneuvering. Several prominent figures are believed to hold enough sway to make moves for key positions left vacant by the late Leader, but the Ratsadon Khana is not well known for it's rational or logical actions.

Ex-patriots in Wing Sing and beyond have expressed concern over the future of Thaesan foreign policies, and what reprisals may occur from a state where emigration is illegal and harshly punished. Reports of increased military activity along the contested border with Keida suggest that the People's Guard may be concerned about aggressive maneuvers by it's larger neighbor, which opposes de facto Saan governance of numerous cultural landmarks, most notably Prea Wat. Keidan officials were unavailable for comment on the issue.

 

[Great Engellex]

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_____________________________________________

DULWICH, TUESDAY, 11th MAY 2011
_____________________________________________

The Right Honourable The Secretary of State has received the Command of Her Engellexic Majesty The Queen to make known the following gracious Statement of Her Engellexic Majesty to the Chancellor, Princess Royal, their Lordships and the People of Commonwealth of Cantigny.​

​

Extension of The Queen's Statement in Council.​

TO THE CHANCELLOR, PRINCESS ROYAL, THEIR LORDSHIPS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF CANTIGNY​

I am instructed to express on behalf of Her Engellexic Majesty;

Her Engellexic Majesty is in receipt of information from Army Intelligence revealing that her peaceable and brave Cannie subjects of Vesper have suffered and will continue so from an openly avowed campaign of mass terrorism, with the objective to force upon the people of Cantigny a republican regime with the perverse belief of progressing democracy in the Commonwealth. Hundreds of Cannie subjects have been wounded, and many dead, without a form of trial to find them guilty of crimes which the terrorist bands accuse them of, an action that will bring great revelation to their cause, for these men are not champions of freedom and democracy, they are murderers.

In view of the earnest desire of both her Engellexic Majesty and her subjects of Great Engellex to defend and lend all possible assistance in the struggle to find justice and protect the principles of democracy and freedom, and acting therefore, solely in the interests of the Cannie people themselves, the Cabinet of Queen Charlotte feels that it cannot be silent or refrain from expressing its sorrow at this existing campaign of terrorism.

Furthermore, the Queen, her Engellexic Majesty, believes that in order successfully to check the further increase of the indiscriminate slaughter of Cannie subjects, all civilised nations should register their abhorrence of such barbarism. We will inquire, therefore, whether the Governments to which the suspected terrorist territories are believed to be located will be disposed to take some immediate action, in which we will be entirely diverted from the atmosphere of belligerence and the conduct of war should they choose so, to impress upon the perpetrators of these crimes the aversion with which civilisation regards their present wanton acts.

By the Grace of GOD, of the UNION of GREAT ENGELLEX, CHARLOTTE, the QUEEN, through the Right Honourable the SECRETARY of STATE, ANTHONY PELHAM-HOLLES​

​

 

[Serenierre]

Boreatic nations sign accord, establishing regional security alliance
AP Villesen

Nations attending the SAGA Summit, held in Villesen, have ended their lengthy consultations by signing an agreement, being referred to as the Villesen Pact by Sereniérrese media, which shall establish a regional security alliance by the name of the Northwestern Collective Security Coalition (NCSC). The member-states of the NCSC met originally in Villesen to discuss the situation in Aresura and to deal with the alarming refugee crisis enveloping the region. According to the official statement, the organization's headquarters will be based in Villesen.

The member-states of the newly created NCSC have begun their executing their joint policy executing their joint policy by granting recognition to the provisional government of the Constitution Creation Oligarchy, calling them "the truly elected representatives of the people of Aresura." The joint-statement went on to express severe concerns about the continued presence of Pasilla & Warreic naval task forces in the region, calling for an immediate withdrawal "to show respect for the decision of the Aresuran people." The statement announced that the leadership of the organization would alternate between the four members and at present, the Aquitanian Government would provide the first Chairman of the organization.

 

[Thaumantica]

Militant Republicans capture major Cantigny city
AP Vesper

Senior government officials in the second largest landmass of Cantigny, Adelaide Island, today said National Enforcers have stormed Spade City where militants had taken control of city hall and complete city blocks.

The mayor of Spade City, Mitch Haywood, had declared last evening that all extremist activity had been put down before an additional 43 people, including 28 attackers, perished in the assault on city hall. Chancellor Felix Ilchester told the Cannie news agency The Press today that all hostages have been freed and a number of militants had been killed in the operation, publicly announcing that a search and seizure operation might render Spade City in to total lockdown.

Dozens of self proclaimed militant Republican-Radicals launched a coordinated wave of attacks on Spade City, triggering gun battles after claiming responsibility for the recent suicide bombing in Vesper, the capital, which claimed 58 lives.

The port, energy and telephone networks, airport, and police stations were among government targets attacked by militants in a day of violence that began at 5am. Separatist rebels called upon the people of Cantigny to rise up against the "Colony and her Imperial Master" in videos sent to major news agencies.

These early morning skirmishes could be heard by signature bursts of small arms fire, 5.56 rounds from local police and rebel forces, and finally 7.62 fire from National Enforces who ended fighting by afternoon. The attack was the worst of its kind in several decades for Cantigny, spurring fears that republican militancy once thought to be dead is now both alive and potentially dangerous in Oceania.

Thirty rebels not involved in the fighting have been detained, The Press reports, as Enforcers begin a sweeping search and seizure operation with official orders to shoot any armed resisters. Government officials said that some rebels have tried to escape the city or have gone in to hiding in the suburbs of Spade City.

Members of Felix Ilchester's administration have hinted through anonymous statements that the Chancellor intends to impose raids upon the Cantigny mainland, in addition to the reportedly invasive police actions taking place on Adelaide Island. Mainland Republicans are said to be preparing legal defense for the gross invasion of private property and human privacy.

 

[Polesia]

Vangalan President blames rioting on ‘criminal gangs’
AP International

In a televised speech defending the Communist Party’s decision to begin demolishing thousands of illegal houses on the outskirts of Vangala’s major cities, President Moheen Chatterjee blamed the violent reaction to the demolitions on ‘criminal gangs’, labelling the rioters ‘drug-takers’ and ‘bandits’ and accused them of ‘undermining national economic development’. Vangalan state media has also begun reporting huge quantities of drugs and weapons have been seized and many drug laboratories and brothels had been uncovered by police.

Vangala’s sprawling slums are notorious for their high-crime levels and the country has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Local activists accept crime is a serious problem, although blame the Communist Party’s policies and insist opposition to the large-scale demolitions is widespread and genuine.

The Communist Party had previously tried avoiding discussing the demolitions, codenamed Operation Kaalabaishaakhi after the strong winds common this time of year in Vangala, with little mention in official media. Internet censorship has also tightened with access to many foreign news websites being denied.

However, the President’s speech marks a change of tone and strategy. Analysts suggest the Communist Party fears the riots may become a rallying point for other dissent and hope an openly hard-line stance will deter any potential protesters. Since President Chatterjee’s address, a Communist Party official has warned that homes would be demolished even if the occupants were still inside and vowed the demolitions would continue, regardless of the cost.

The cost for the inhabitants of Vangala’s slums, or bustees, has been extremely high. Scores have been reportedly shot dead by the security forces and hundreds more injured. The violence has delayed the progress of the demolitions, although many have still lost their homes. The inhabitants also have their own name for the demolitions: Aandhi, Vangalan for storm, but also for mental agony and suffering.

 

[Khemia]

General Sunan Lampoon Purges Dissenters
AP International

Reports of political violence are slowly coming from Thaesan, accompanying what is believed to be a move to purge the party by the newly appointed leader of Thaesan's Ratsadon Khana. Sunan Lampoon has advocated a more orthodox version of authoritarian Socialism, and is believed to have used military power to influence his rise to position as Secretary General of the Ratsadon Khana. Experts believe that political violence will ensue once the purges of the upper echelons of government have completed. Critics have also expressed concern over Sunan's anti-traditionalist tones, fearing a technocratic crackdown on the cultural history of Thaesan.

The new Secretary General has not begun to recommit to Thaesan's international obligations and relations, a belated sign which might show strain with it's Communist counterparts in Vangala. Concerns have arisen over whether Thaesan's new leader will seek to continue the tenuous truce with it's larger neighbor Keida, or if the new military leader will permit the relationship to deteriorate, provoking another border war.

Meanwhile, Thaesan has been profiting from lucrative agricultural exports during this quarter. As the world's leading exporter in rice, the skyrocketing prices of wheat across the world have increased demands for other foodstuffs, causing buyers to look into Thaesan's rice. Thaesan's Ministry of Trade has announced that it expects to exceed quarterly goals, though the Ministry has refused to tap stockpiles to diminish the demand for wheat.

 

[Polesia]

Cantigny nationals arrested near Thaesan border
AP International

Four tourists from Cantigny have been apprehended after attempting to illegally enter Thaesan, according to the Vangalan authorities, who announced the arrests after informing the Cantignian Ambassador earlier today. The tourists are currently being held in an unknown detention facility, although rumours suggest they are in the notorious Kilkila Central Prison, which normally houses murderers and terrorists.

A spokesperson for the Vangalan Ministry of External Affairs said the tourists were captured by a patrol of the paramilitary Village Peace Force, which polices remote rural areas in Vangala. Although a few kilometres away from Thaesan, members of the Village Peace Force discovered documents and maps suggesting they intended to enter the country. Thaesan recently ordered all foreign visitors to leave following the declaration of martial law by the new leader General Sunan Lampoon. Vangala has since tightened border security at the request of the Saan government.

The spokesperson said further questioning was required before they could be released, and did not rule out transferring them to Thaesan for more investigation.

The arrests are likely to enflame tensions between Vangala and Cantigny. Vangala has been angered by recent Cantignian calls for greater democracy in Oceania and Toyou and Cantignian involvement in the Bombaim affair. It may also bring Vangala into blows with other members of the PASILA Accord, with Cantigny also a member of the alliance together with Engellex, Serbovia and Touzen.

 

[Thaumantica]

Office for Foreign Affairs

The Associated Press must refrain from speculating and sensationalizing the uncertain climate of relations between the Commonwealth of Cantigny, and our respected counterparts in Kilkila. When an individual, or group of four, departs from the safety of their home to meander about Touyou without respect for local customs or borders, the local Government deserves the right to question their intentions. Naturally, Cantigny respectfully requests that the suspected perpetrators are treated as innocent until proven guilty, and declares our intention to allow the Vangala & Thaesan justice systems their respective due course.

We publicly reiterate our private calls for formal non-aggression with Thaesan, and officially posit a request to establish a new era of peace with Vangala - void of Imperial influence.

Forward Cantigny,
Benjamin Stokes,
Chief Officer

 

[Josepania]

Reformist Led CCO Declares Intent of "Political Amnesty" For All Aresurai
AP International

"It is time to wipe the slate clean. To start over anew, and to bury any and all bad blood between all Aresurai. I hereby declare, on behalf of the near-complete CCO who have voted unanimously for this declaration, the intent of this transitional government and future permanent government, to grant amnesty to all Aresurai on the basis of political crimes. There will be no purges, there will be no men in black suits waiting for you as you step off the plane returning to Aresura. No matter what you have said, done, or planned to do in the past that has anything to do with a political crime, you will be allowed to return to Aresura unscathed and free to begin again."

This declaration, made by de facto leader of the Aresurai CCO Joseph Constantine, apparently comes after much debate within the CCO, and with nations abroad dealing with a growing crisis of Aresurai refugees, most notably Sereniérre. "This is a calculated move." one analyst noted. "Despite the real danger of more easily bringing in potential terrorists, it has apparently been determined that the PR benefits both with the Aresurai people and the international world are far greater. It also shows the ever increasing power Mr. Constantine has within the Reformists, becoming de jure as well as de facto by the day."

It, however, briefly highlights the problem of the CCO: namely that, while it now has an overwhelming majority of Reformist-oriented representatives with no openly Legitimist representatives, a significant fraction of those Reformists were elected unopposed in the outlying islands of Aresura, and a representative from Axiflos, a Legitimist stronghold, is still missing. Currently, apparently, the plan of the CCO is to treat that missing seat as a constant abstaining seat, so as not to bog down the CCO. "It is not a solution we want," one Reformist representative stated, "But it is a solution we must work with, due to the inability of the Legitimists to work with us. We cannot allow them to hold back the one legal solution we both agreed upon in Augsburg."

This declaration was also made in the midst of talks between Mr. Constantine and the Foreign Minister of Touzen, the solely open supporter of the Legitimists in Axiflos, as well as an announcement made by Mr. Constantine that a delegation of Aresurai diplomats "Would answer the call of our neighbors, Sereniérre, to come and discuss the refugee crisis."

 

[Saracia-Polamar]

Presidential Race Stutters To Life As Government Stalls
AP International

The race for the presidency of Polasciana stuttered into life as a potential candidate for the socialists attacked a Prime Minister under pressure. Limping across the finish line might be the best that 59 year old Stepan Michalvich can hope for, if he manages to navigate his way past a ruthless challenger in the shape of Gennadiy Artamova for his party's nomination. A long-standing ally of the controversial Polascianan President, Artamova has been called a "relic of the country's dark past" by observers who fear that the incumbent, Pavel Lukyanov, may be assisting his protégé's rise to power.

While his ruthless streak may be hiding for the time being, Artamova's rival who is governor for the country's largest state fired the opening shots of a race that has hardly set the commentators alight. "The Prime Minister must understand that the Polascianan people need change, we cannot wait any longer", Michalvich said to a meeting of some of the country's richest business owners, "He promised us so much and delivered us so little. We must now seek the future we need, not the past we were once promised." Michalvich decided to focus his attack on the former President turned Prime Minister, Koruin Gruaman, likely to be running for the presidency once again in October's national election.

The governor went on to suggest that a current government constitutional crisis was the "makings of a man who has allowed himself to become the story." Addressing the crowd he made a pitch for "alternative reforms", which he suggested would put "freedom" at the heart of a socialist presidency.

Although bookmakers in the country have placed Michalvich as the early front-runner, many on the international stage fear that the incumbents grip could see Artamova installed as his successor.

 

[Polesia]

Vangala plans alliance for developing nations
AP International

Vangalan External Affairs Minister Ajoy Qamaruzzaman is due to send invitations to the foreign ministers of several states later this week to discuss the possibility of founding a new international organisation dedicated to protecting and pursuing the interests of developing nations. Butuan, Hajr, Keida, Khalistan and Thaesan are rumoured to be the main guests, although the Vangalan Ministry of External Affairs has refused to comment.

In a speech to the Vangalan Communist Party, Minister Qamaruzzaman declared the primary functions of the organisation would be economic and social. He hopes the organisation will reduce dependency on Western aid donors and facilitate a rebalancing of the world economy and international political system.

The People's Republic of Vangala has long considered itself a leader in the developing world, historically aiding national liberation movements and offering assistance to poorer nations. Pundits suspect this latest project is an attempt by Vangala to reassert its position, after being overshadowed by Cantigny in the Bombaim crisis, which Qamaruzzaman instigated after controversial comments at a press conference.

 

[Serenierre]

Government launches crackdown on Red Society members as rumours swirl of radical ideological shift
AP Monseran

Reports are trickling into international media sources that the Government of President Renaudière has begun a serious crackdown against influential leaders of the Communist Party of Sereniérre's ideological hardliners and the CPS has unofficially released a statement, according to preliminary reports, which has informed all party members to remain distant from the Red Society or face immediate expulsion from the party.

Foreign reporters operating within the country have informed us that their sources believe that those arrested are being transferred to Sant-Austerre Fortress, a medium security prison where the CPS may attempt to disqualify them from participating in politics. Speaking to an official within the CPS, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, it was disclosed that the Government is not seeking to keep those arrested in prison for longer than a month.

At the time of publication, the Government of Sereniérre had officially dispatched a statement condemning the rumours but officials, working at one of the embassies in the capital of the Boreatic state, have disclosed to reporters that the Government has indeed launched a crackdown on its political opponents. Key reasons being discussed for the crackdown is the Red Society's strong antagonism for the "economic advancement policies" of the current President and alleged ties to the member states of the RDTO, an organization which was recently condemned by the President.

 

[Free Provinces]

:!:BREAKING NEWS::!: Solaren declares war on EDF
AP International

Pope Urban IV has issued a formal declaration of war on the European Defence Federation, after launching a pre-emptive strike on EDF military units stationed in Lorraine. Solaren claims its ground forces have made considerable advances into Lorraine, although there are no independent reports available. Military bases and civilian population centres have also allegedly been targeted by chemical weapons, with initial accounts suggesting the nerve agent Tabun was used. Casualty figures remain unknown, although further updates on the situation are expected.

Pope Urban IV declared war in a rare, televised address open to selected foreign media at the Papal Palace, and spoke for several hours, condemning the military build-up in Lorraine and blaming the alliance for the outbreak of hostilities. He also alleged Carentania was planning to invade Solaren, and to divide the country with the EDF. The Pope refused to directly mention the use of chemical weapons, although accused the EDF forces of witchcraft and sorcery.

The declaration of war follows the recent imprisonment and execution of Nicosian citizens by Solaren's government, together with attacks on Nicosian fishing vessels. The Solaris Catholic Church, which is banned in many countries for its extreme views, has also been linked to numerous acts of terrorism, including suicide bombings and hijackings.

The European Defence Federation has not yet issued an official statement on the declaration of war or supposed chemical attacks.

 

[Serenierre]

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs​

Issued upon the directives of President Renaudière:

The Central Government is horrified by the announcement of chemical weapons being used upon civilians and we urge the international community to restore order in Gallia at the earliest possible opportunity.


Jean-Jacques Rogére
State Councilor for Foreign Affairs
​

 

[Frescania]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We proclaim neutrality on this conflict between Solaren and the EDF. Nevertheless, our armed forces will be put in alert and we warn both parties that an attack on her Karlskrona Accord allies will be seen as an attack on the Republic.