APwire ~ Affiliated Press News Agency

[Serbovia]

Police forces hit Eastern States' "squat capital", emptying nine major squats with over a hundred arrests
AP Freistadt

In a surprise overnight operation several hundred policemen yesterday raided several squats in the Waldheim borough of East Schräderhafen, often called the "squad capital" of the Eastern States. Police spokesmen said that 112 people were arrested as part of the raids, thirty of whom are to be expected to be remanded into investigative custody pending formal charges. The rest were released pending charges or fined for offenses including breach of peace and resisting arrest. Dozens of others were processed at the scene and transported away from the neighborhood before being released.

Officers in riot gear backed by armored vehicles and helicopters entered Waldheim almost as soon as darkness had set in, cutting off the target nine squats maintained by anarchist and council-communist groups before riot officers backed by SWAT teams entered the buildings. Fifteen policemen sustained various types of injuries during the operation and police forces used tasers, tear gas, beanbag rounds and batons to subdue resistance by the squatters, which in turn caused numerous squatter injuries. Police sources said that drugs and improvised weapons including molotov cocktails and clubs were confiscated from the squats and that drug and dangerous items charges will be raised, in addition to breaking and entering and various other offenses.

The emptied squats were then sealed and boarded up under police guard, pending reclamation by their registered owners. The student neighborhood of Waldheim is well-known for housing a large amount of alternative subculture clubs and activities and is often considered to be the center of the squatter movement in the Eastern States. Squatter groups have vowed to continue their actions in spite of law enforcement intervention.

Local Socialist politicians and representatives of extraparliamentary left-wing groups have made allegations of excessive use of force by the police. Bicol Socialist leader Jonah Matthaus, also a member of the state legistlature, claimed that the police had exaggerated reports of drugs found at the squats. Matthaus also said that the police had been "indiscriminate" in their application of force against the squatters, and that persons detained at the scene were held for "several hours" plasticuffed in non-airconditioned and cramped police buses. Schräderhafen Police Commissioner Katherine Theisman did not respond to these claims.

 

[Polesia]

Expansion of controversial mine approved
AP Emancipación

The expansion of a controversial diamond mine in Lagos Gemelos (Twin Lakes) province of Sucrecia has been approved by the High Court of the Free Republic, to the dismay of indigenous rights activists and environmental campaigners. The country's government, led by the liberal conservative New Republic Party, had agreed to the mine's expansion several years ago, claiming it would bring jobs and further investment. It was opposed by a nearby tribe residing in a village only several kilometres from the site. Environmentalists also objected, warning of extensive damage to the surrounding rainforest.

Opponents of the expansion claimed the local tribesmen were not adequately consulted over the mine's development, which is required by law in Sucrecia following changes in 2003. The government disagreed, pointing to the fact it had spoken to the tribes' representatives in the Senior Council, the upper chamber of the Grand Assembly of the Free Republic, Sucrecia's legislature. The ruling would effectively judge the legitimacy of the tribal delegates in the Senior Council.

In approving the expansion, the High Court maintained an important institution in relations between the Sucrecian government and indigenous tribal societies. Tribal representatives were initially in a separate consultative body from the legislature. Following amendments to the Constitution in the 1981, they were integrated into the Senior Council. Following this ruling, further change to their position within Sucrecia's political system is unlikely.

However, the controversy surrounding the Mojamba mine, owned by United Minerals, does end with yesterday's ruling. A new court case, concerning the death of two protesters after allegedly being fired upon by private security workers hired by United Minerals to guard the Mojamba site, begins in the next few weeks.

 

[Potenza]

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Bulgari Jewelers International would like to discuss a possible business agreement with United Minerals and the Sucrecian government over the expansion of the diamond mine. We would offer the assistance with mining materials in return for special deals concerning the purchases of diamonds from the Mojamba mine. If this offer does not sound satisfactory, we are willing to discuss a counteroffer.

 

[Polesia]

Unidos Minerales
United Minerals

United Minerals has already organised the necessary agreements with other business partners concerning the expansion of the Mojamba mine and considering its already delayed expansion, is not willing to re-negotiate. However, we are happy to enter into discussions with Bulgari Jewellers International with regards to other ventures.

 

[Potenza]

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We are certain that we could offer more productive deals with United Minerals than our competitors, and in a way that does not hinder the already delayed expansion.

 

[Polesia]

Albino family found dead in remote village in Sucrecia
AP International

In another case of violence against albinos in Sucrecia this year, a family of albinos were found dead with their bodies supposedly mutilated by Police officers in a remote village deep inside the rainforests on the island nation. Only a few months ago was an albino man murdered in a deprived neighbourhood on the outskirts of the Sucrecian capital Emancipación. His attackers were later identified as members of a black supremacist gang affiliated to a local radical preacher and were successfully prosecuted. They are now serving life sentences in a maximum-security prison on Ascension Island.

However, a report by a number of human rights organisations listed anti-albinism is one of the most widespread forms of discrimination in Sucrecia. The condition is relatively rare, and most only become known to the police and other government services after having been attacked or abused. Albinos are are commonly regarded with suspicion by many Sucrecians, and are associated with bad luck. Some witch doctors use their body parts in traditional medicine, with potions containing parts from an albino reportedly bringing good fortune. The lucrative illegal traditional medicine trade, which also involves endangered animals, is estimated to be worth millions. Body parts from an albino are alleged to be valued at several thousand Frescanian dollars.

Sucrecian national police have commented little on the case, but with the rumoured state of the bodies it is likely they were the unfortunate victims of the illegal practices of nearby witch doctors.

Action has been taken to counter anti-albinism in Sucrecia. The Poder Supremo Deogracias Cabello today spoke out against anti-albino discrimination, and vowed to personally follow the case. The Radical Party, the main opposition party, has promoted a few albinos to top posts within the party. Many, included several corrupt police officers, have been arrested as part of a crackdown on the illegal traditional medicine trade. Yet, with the recent murders, it appears not to be enough.

 

[Clarenthia]

Oil producing nations nearly double prices
AP International

After rumors of an economic conference between the Mezhist Union, Media, and the Jurzan, a press conference held by executives from all three nations confirmed a meeting on oil. Currently, the three nations are among the largest producers of oil in the world. Combined, they produce 1.571 million barrels a day, with the Jurzan leading the group.

These three nations came together today to announce that they will be increasing the price of a barrel of oil. Now, the price will be set to 3.08 Danish Shillings ($4.00) for all three nations. The announcement to practically double the price of oil came as a surprise to many. The representatives stated that with tensions around the world rising, it was necessary to take action.

The Jurzan also announced an embargo against the Soviet Republic of Miroslavl effective immediately. The Jurzani Representative gave no comment on the actual increase itself; however, we were able to get comments from both Media and the Mezhists.

The Median Representative stated that “although the increase in price will be harder on our buyers, with the current situation, there was no other option for us than to raise the prices.” The Mezhist General Executive of the Treasury stated that the nation needed to increase its funds and react to tensions in the world. He also stated that the Union must match the Medians who “are acting quite capitalist for a socialist nation…perhaps there’s hope for them yet.”

 

[The Federation]

BALDWIN-WHITEHALL DRILLING AND REFINERY COMMISSION
DISTRICT OF BALDWIN-WHITEHALL, SYLVANIA

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The BWDRC finds this price increase to be strictly against free market values. Because we have yet to see this demand increase the Big Three have seen, the BWDRC shall continue peg the price to the previous market values that fluctuated between 2.50 and 3.00.


Richard West,
BWDRC Commissioner

 

[Caelia]

Marcher Club of West March Calls for Boliatur Volunteers
AP Cobham

The Marcher Club, a far right activist group in West March, has announced it is seeking volunteers for a 'Khanist' brigade it claims is being formed in Boliatur. According to the Clubs press release: "Men of West March, the Khan needs your aid! His Majesty Khan Dorjsurenkhoroljav has struck a resounding blow against revolutionary anarchists that has been heard from Nonkanawa to Reijika. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the free men of Boliatur his valiant soldiers have cast the PD Tyrants out of Myrsini and looked set to drive them right into the sea! But their overlords in Nonkanawa would have none of this, they've decreed that nothing will stand in the way of the 'world revolution' and that if the Khan doesn't quit they'll drown Boliatur in Jurchen blood! Marchers, this is the hour decision, the Khan is rolling back the anarchist menace and he can't be allowed to fail! Join the 1st 'Great Khan' Regiment and fight them in the Orient. Or do nothing, and fight them in the Occident!"

When approached by AP the Foreign Office disavowed any knowledge of the clubs activities and disavowed any connection with official policy. "Marcher Club is undertaking this publicity campaign as a private organization and it does not represent in any way the position of the Lord Warden and his Privy Council. While the Foreign Office has no information pertaining to the 'Great Khan' Brigade they are allegedly recruiting as long as a Marcher does not take up arms against the Imperial Crown or it's allies it is not unlawful to volunteer in a foreign army, though we strongly council against such activities and cannot guarantee the safety of those who undertake them."

Speaking anonymously however a senior diplomat acknowledged the Privy Council was aware of the Clubs activities and were "keeping their eyes open" to ensure the Club was not acting contrary to the interest of the March or the Empire.

Representatives of the Marcher Club declined to comment, referring our reporters to the press statement.

 

[Barazi]

Barazi
Ismail Gocek: Rebel With A Cause?
AP Kalpkala

With the November 15th election date fast approaching, Barazi is finding itself in a very different place, politically. Prime Minister Ahmet Cosar and the Bektashist Coalition's majority government is at risk of being dismembered - which has come across as a big surprise to political buffs within Barazi and around the globe. According to public opinion polls conducted across the nation, support for the Bektashists has gone significantly down in comparison to last election's polls. Prime Minister Cosar himself now sits with a 43% approval rating and even those results seem to be exagerated or inflated according to some. So what is it that has changed in Barazi in the last ten years? It's no secret that the economy could be doing much better than it is. Barazi has numerous offshore oil operations along its south-eastern coast, but the current government has grown very hesitant to export this oil to certain neighbouring countries as well as countries abroad. "Barazi has always done better on its own - to a degree. Our semi-isolationist stance has made us who we are today: an independent, strong and prosperous country." The Prime Minister once said. But many within the Barazian population tend to disagree with him. There is a large gap between the rich and the poor in this nation and what's even more diserning is that we have the resources at our disposal to fix that. But because of the Bektashists' stern stance on nearly everything, that gap has only been getting wider. With Barazians growing angrier, hungrier in rural areas and some finding themselves without work, it seemed that all hope for a better and more efficient government is lost and we are doomed to see another Bektashist government. All hope seemed lost until 1948 when Ismail Gocek brought his party -- The Reformist Union -- to the status of Official Opposition to directly take on Prime Minister Cosar with a sleek and centrist mandate.

Gocek and the Reformists were able to bump down the Social-Labor Party for the first time in decades to a third-party status in 1948 when Cosar got his fabled majority government. This is believed to be because the Bektashists have been trying everything within their power to peg SLP leader Suleyman Burakgazi as a communist and not simply a liberal. Unfortunately for the SLP, it's working. The Bektashists claim that a vote for the "left" would be "...placing the first nail in Islam's coffin..." as far as Barazi goes. But Gocek, also a devout muslim himself, has a different opinion on the matter. He does not believe in assimilating the population under one law fused with religion. 86.6% of the nation consider themselves to be muslim, while the remaining 13.4% have been relatively ignored since Cosar took power in 1942. Gocek has said if he would come to power as Prime Minister that Barazi "... would see the beginning of a secular nation with a re-written constitution..." Gocek also promised to open trade with the rest of the world in tourism, goods native to Barazi and of course, our nation's oil reserves. After having made his mandate quite clear with a charisma that we haven't seen since His Majesty the Sultan Shanazar IV himself replaced his father as our Leader, Barazi now finds itself in a bi-polar stalemate. The Bektashists vs. the Reformists - or more accurately: Cosar vs. Gocek.

However, after all that has been said and done and with the new polls showing that Gocek individually is more likeable as a leader than Cosar, perhaps the Prime Minister will have to divert his attacks away from the Social-Liberals and aim for the heart of the Reformists instead if he even wishes to acquire at least a minority government come November. With extremist Bektashi supporters already taking to the streets in the nations' metropolis centers, this could prove to be Barazi's game changing election in how we are run as a nation and on how we are, or will further be, percieved around the world.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Carentania Reinforces Military Presence on Iscla, Solaren
AP Rijeka

According to reliable sources amongst the civilian population on the Solaren island of Iscla, as well as from within the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Carentania, the Workers' Republic has begun to reinforce its presence on the northeasternmost island of Solaren. The deployment has at least doubled in size over the course of the last few days, eyewitness suggest, with the bulk of the additional troop presence consisting of jet fighters and bombers. Existing airfields seem to undergo a rapid expansion, despite the considerable size of Carentanian airbases on Iscla ever since the war in Solaren - Iscla was the base for major operations on the northern half of the Solaren mainland.

In addition to the deployment, Carentania seems to be stockpiling supplies on Iscla and expanding fortifications on the island. While Carentanian authorities were unavailable for comment, experts suggest that mounting tensions between Carentania and Danmark over the latter governments actions against Boliatur and Miroslavl and in support of the Mezhist Union are the main reason for the sudden Carentanian deployments. Iscla is located prominently in the naval approach towards Danmark and a strong force on Iscla may theoretically enable Carentania to seal Danmark from any naval trade. Conversely, the Workers' Republic may fear that, given the strategical value of Iscla, escalating Danish warfare may lead to a preemptive attack upon Carentanian forces in Solaren.

 

[Danmark]

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The jiggery-pokery of Carentania knows few bounds it seems though this latest twist of events is hardly unexpected. We have come to expect little less from the neurotic Carentanian state as it seeks to steathily stretch its tentacles in all directions.

Let it be made known, Solaren is a god-forbidden place that the Imperium would sooner not be involved in, but if the test demands we shall do so.

From henceforth, it is the mission of the Kingdom to increase its observational presence in the environs of the island hitherto called Iscla and we shall be conducting immediate discussions with regional partners.

Any attempt to circumscribe this kingdom's legitimate operations will be met in expected resistance and force including increased forces in the Himyar.

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HR. HENRIK JOACHIM WESTERVELD

FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE GREAT DANISH IMPERIUM

 

[Serbovia]

Ulkoasiaintoimisto
Foreign Office

Fennian Unioni
The Fennian Union

The Fennian Union stands in condemnation over what are clear attempts by the Carentanian red junta to generate political instability in what is already a heavily volatile region. Hardly surprised that the Carentanians would seek to attempt to incite conflict - following a typical pattern of communist regimes throughout the Europe - the Union notes with concern the irresponsible manner of this provocation.

Regards,
Mr. Kauko Vannas,
Foreign Minister

 

[Potenza]

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The Grand Duchy is very disgusted that her partner in the Solaris peace-keeping and reconstruction operations would resort to such a measure without first pursuing diplomatic channels. Any attempt to bring conflict in other regions to Solaren will not be tolerated.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister​

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

Perhaps the government of the Archduchy of Potenza should rather direct its advice towards their allies in Danmark, who did not pursue any diplomatic options when it invaded the neutral nation of Rageistan and subjected its peaceful people to the horrors of war. The Workers' Republic takes necessary measures to ensure the safety of its operations from any unwarranted aggression on behalf of the Danish government and the actions of Danmark in the recent past have proven the need for such precaution.
The words of Potenza are henceforth unnecessary, unwarranted and unjustified in their enflaming nature. Carentania is doing its best to prevent that conflict spills over into the Long Sea region and that can only be done, it seems apparent, by signalling a clear limit to Danish imperialism.
We would rather see Potenza cooperate with us in attempts to wrestle the unchained Danish warmachine back to level earth, rather than see the Archduchy pursue its current policy of unweavering support to Danish aggression.

 

[Thaumantica]

IMG]http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z174/StaleyBear/updateforeignoffice.png[/IMG]
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VESPER, SUNDAY, 7th OCTOBER​

THE Grand Covenant heartily re-affirms its outstanding endorsement of the Carentanian mission to bring a respectable peace and stability to the war torn nation of Solaren. As a friend of the Solaris people and their faith: we rest assured that the right men and women are looking over Solaren.

We hope to continue our own efforts to nurture and support the Solaris Faith back to what it once was, before the Mad Pope and the war that brought him down, before the neighbors of traditional Solaren squander its valued Holy Land once again.

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Forward

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!
Harriet Fauconberg,
Chief Officer​

 

[Potenza]

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The Grand Duchy has no interest in either side escalating any conflict into Solaris lands. We say again, with addition, that any attempt, from either side, to bring the war of another region into the Solaren nation will not be tolerated.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister​

 

[Telora]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

This reported escalation in troop deployments to Solaren is troubling to the Teloran government, given our ongoing involvement in the reconstruction process in Solaren. We must seek reassurance from the Carentanian government that our citizens in that country will not be imperilled in anyway by this increase in armaments and whatever developments may follow on from that.

 

[Havenshire]

Another Hard Winter for Hapless Havenshire
AP International

Reports filtering in from backwater socialist island-state Havenshire confirm suspicions that 1952's winter will be another hard one for the industrialised and entirely un-self sufficient state. Although grain and fish shipments from Ivernia, Carentania, Media and Miroslavl have all traditionally helped keep the country from starvation in the modern era, the outbreak of war in Miroslavl and strain with Ivernia threatens to disrupt the flow of food. Furthermore, oil price rises have seen a general drop in the use of tractors and industrialised equipment for farming in a country already woefully underdeveloped agriculturally, and it seems likely that, despite general efforts to conceal the true state of food stocks in the People's Republic, another Famine will likely ensue.

Although the worst Famine in living memory, the Famine of 1925, claimed the lives of well over 10,000 people, there have long been rumours of worse Famines that went unrecorded and unremarked behind the Red Curtain. Certainly during the Civil War between 1934 and 1937 as many as maybe 100,000 people died of hunger alone. Some estimates go still higher, though given the official population figures for the country are only now just reaching 10 million, it is difficult to believe that such a country could sustain so great a series of population losses in such a short period and still maintain a better than average population growth rate.

Whatever the truth, the country's continued insistence on near-autarchy will see its people suffer yet another cold and difficult winter, with no fuel and little food. Indeed, if anything, the People's Republic will once again insist that it should increase its efforts with its puppet company, Aid Co-op, to help those "more" in need, the guise of socialist charity seeing Havenshire's desperately needed grain diverted to bribes for 3rd World Communists.

 

[Telora]

Telora considers options as tensions mount in Europe

AP; Telor City

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The Teloran destroyer RTS "Leirhøi" returns to port after escorting aid ships to Solaren

The Teloran Ministry of Defence has said it is open to "all options" with regards to expanding the Teloran Fleet, as a Carentanian arms embargo on Jurzan threatens to disrupt Teloran trade and even oil supplies. The comments have come after National Party and Christian Union Deputies united to introduce what they are calling an "emergency naval spending bill" which would set aside new money to speed up the design of light cruisers and fleet oilers for the Teloran Fleet. After years of resisting calls for such an expansion of the Teloran military, President Strand appears to be diluting his opposition as the crisis in Europe deepens, as the Office of the President has not commented further on the announcement from the Ministry of Defence.

Reportedly, the President's own Centre Party is considering adopting a motion at its party conference, which begins tomorrow, which will see them call for 2 new Molnet-class destroyers to be built, as well as 2 light cruisers and 3 fleet oilers. This is a smaller proposal than the National Party recently agreed at its conference, and is believed to be also smaller than the Christian Union leadership has agreed. Socialist politicians are believed to be under pressure from trade unions to allow fresh defence spending in order to stimulate shipyard construction and keep associated industries operating; with the recent collapse of a Teloran car company, steel mills and other suppliers are running down overtime and trimming shift arrangements.

Any such expansion would have to be funded through spending cuts or tax rises; Telora's deficit is 1.5% of GDP and reduction it is on the agenda of all the major parties in Congress. The Centre Party is believed to be preparing to propose restructuring the national Social Security programme, the capital gains tax and introducing an Agricultural Savings Bank instead of subsidies as a way to save enough money to both pay for new naval contracts and trim the deficit further. The Socialist Party has spoken of a tax on large houses and investment portfolios, whilst the National Party's conference recently committed it to reducing public spending by 5% in all areas save defence.

Regardless of how it is funded, it now seems inevitable that Telora will see some form of limited naval expansion to enable her to protect her considerable mercantile traffic across Europe. Teloran diplomats have said that they are worried that such a move will jeopardise their country's jealously guarded neutrality, but they equally fear a failure to act will leave their country vulnerable to blackmail and economic sanctions.