Commonwealth Media

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Kovač: Another war in the Gothic would be desaster for Commonwealth
Rijeka Times

Another war in the Gothic sea would badly affect the Commonwealth, too, according to Commissar for Foreign Affairs Ana Kovač. The Commissar stated that the Commonwealth should reassess its past policy of complete neutrality in the region, given the fallout from the repeated crises in the aftermath of the collapse of the Scanlaw.

Pointing to the importance of the Hanseatic States as an export thoroughfare, in particular for products from the state of Tarján, as well as the role oil imports from the Gothic Sea play for the economy of the Commonwealth, Commissar Kovač said that she would prioritize support for a diplomatic solution of the ongoing series of conflicts in the North.

"The last war in the Hanseatic states had drastic effects on Commonwealth exports. Combined with ongoing piracy in the Gothic Sea driving oil prices and shipping costs upwards, we have experienced sustained damage to our export balance, which has severely impacted our economic planning."

Commissar Kovač went on to remind us all that "the Commonwealth had paid the price whenever it had entertained notions of economic autarky in the past" and that "our foreign policy needs to match our economic need of involvement in foreign affairs."

However, while the Commissars words note a distinct shift away from the pronounced neutrality the Commonwealth had observed in the past years of conflict in the North, she has thusfar made little in terms of concrete announcements. While the Commonwealth now seems headed towards involvement in the affairs of its northern neighbours, it remains to be seen what this means in practice, especially as debates in the All-Workers Congress are far from finished just yet.

 

[Thaumantica]

Presented Publicly for the People:

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The Thaumantic Communal Order:
​

Well rested and reserved in both body and spirit the Commonwealth can return upon this stage from obscurity in presentation grace or ignorance. We would thus invite Ana Kovač, great Commissar for Foreign Affairs from the south and central, to fair dialogue with our Communal Order which is well engaged in the northern Gothic sea region at question for a year now.

Join with us in dialogue about this issue at a venue of your choosing.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

The Commonwealth of Socialist Council Republics would be honored to welcome a representative of the Thaumantic Communal Order in our capital city of Svetograd*.

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs
Commissar Ana Kovač

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

First details of defense reform plan unveiled
New Times

The Commissariate for Defense has presented first concrete details of its anticipated reform proposal to the All-Workers Congress. One of the centerpieces of the current administrations policy changes, the perceived need for reform had been announced all the way back when the Socialist Renaissance Platform was still campaigning for endorsements in the councils. However, critics had long been outspoken against the vagueness of the Platforms position, something the Commissariate for Defense now seemingly wants to adress by unveiling first centerpieces of the reform package in advance of its full presentation.

According to the plans the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth will establish a core of "guards" divisions separate from the usual divisional system which is heavily reliant on conscripted and reserve soldiers. In its presentation, the Commissariate stresses the need for a "dual system" in which the Commonwealth remains prepared for large-scale attritional warfare across multiple fronts, but notes that the lack of a number of standing professional forces that are kept at all-time readiness has severely limited the Commonwealths political options in the past.

"This isn't about whether we plan to use an interventional force to actually intervene in any regional conflicts," Commissar for Defense Athanasiou explained his administrations stance. "The mere fact that we couldn't do so right now, even if we wanted, without a mobilization process first and even then only with at least some reliance on conscripts, with all the constitutional limitations that entails, has meant that other regional powers could readily dismiss that as a possibility within their diplomatic calculations, which in turn has impacted the Commonwealths influence in regional diplomacy."

Commissar for Foreign Affairs Kovač put it even more succinctly. "The Commonwealth wants a big stick to carry around, just in case. It doesn't plan to actually whack anyone with it."

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commonwealth won't meet 5-year sustainability plan. Ironically, oil prices are to blame.
New Times

The Commissariate for Economic Planning has stated that the Commonwealth will not be able to meet its planned expansion of sustainable power generation by the end of 2025. Having initially envisioned a comprehensive plan to shift the majority of electricity production to wind, solar and hydroelectric power plants, the Commissariate has now officially abandoned its 5-year plan after struggling to meet significant milestones throughout the last year.

During a press conference, Commissar Csere said that "we have to admit defeat" and elaborated on a restructuring of the plan which well see an extension of the deadline by two years, with extended runtimes for several coal power plants in particular. "This is bad news for our level of carbon emissions, for the quality of our air and the health of our citizens and, of course, also for our pride. Realities on the ground, however, are such as they are."

Csere further elaborated that the oil price hikes during the Tarusan invasion of the Hanseatic States was to blame, significantly impacting Commonwealth trade balance. With import prices for crucial ressources as well as the operation of heavy machinery in the planned infrastructure projects having been significantly higher than initially anticipated, the Commonwealth's economy was unable to meet its planned and projected output.

The ironic result is that, as fossil fuels have become more expensive even in the face of recent Tarusan efforts to bring prices down again, the increased prices have prolonged the Commonwealth's dependence on fossil fuels.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Foreign Affairs Commissariate urges release of national arrested in Pelasgia
Rijeka Times

After officials of the embassy in Propontis have met with the Commonwealth citizen recently arrested in Pelasgia, the Commissariate for Foreign Affairs has divulged more information about the case. In an official press release the Commissariate stated that the individual in question is a young man, a student from northern Carentania who is involved in environmental activism and had been travelling several European countries following the invitation of several NGO's to attend academic conferences on the issue of climate change.

During a most recent visit to the country of the Rheinbund, which directly preceded his travel to Pelasgia, he had been gifted a copy of "Anarchy and the land", a notable piece of radical environmentalist literature, for reasons of intellectual curiosity. The book is part of a long list of censored literature in Pelasgia and its possession was cited as reason for the arrest.

The Commissariate noted that, even within the bounds of the "dubious" Pelasgian law, the imprisonment of the Commonwealth's citizen appears excessive. "Pelasgian authorities have so far been unable to show any evidence that would suggest the man in question was involved in or has been planning acts of violence against the Pelasgian state or its people and if the state attorney insists on persecuting the mere possession of a piece of literature, they can do so by summoning our national to a regular court. Arrest and imprisonment are excessive measures wholly unaligned with the charges being brought forward."

In its press release the Commissariate furthermore elaborated that the environmentalist activist in question was arrested during a large sweeping police search that involved the emergency stopping of a travelling train. In a private comment the Commissar for Foreign Affairs said: "It might be fair to speculate that Pelasgian police, unable to find real terrorists, is now trying to justify excessive police measures by painting a young man naive of the Pelasgian censorship laws as a seasoned criminal and dangerous extremist."


Government speaks out against actions in the Gothic Sea, urges restraint
Global Observer

Following the seizure of oil platforms in the Gothic Sea and the declaration of a no fly-zone by the Federation of Westernesse and its allies, targeting the territory of West Jysken, the Commonwealth government has issued a formal note of protest against the Federation of Westernesse. Noting the already volatile situation in the Gothic Sea and the high tensions in the territories of former Jydsken-Ostveg, the Commissariate for Foreign Affairs has stated that "the unilateral police actions of the Federation risk escalation of the crisis into a war with ramifications far beyond the region."

In its official diplomatic note, the Commissariate urged the Federation to step down before a likely Tarusan challenge of the declared no-fly zone would cause a regional escalation. "The actions of the Federation are illegal and aggressive. No matter what noble intentions they may have, they set yet another dangerous precedent that risk initiating a new era of gunboat diplomacy." The Commissariate also issued a public statement, urging the Tarusan empire to delay any potentially planned military responses to give time for a diplomatic solution of the crisis.

With the Gothic Sea once again on the brink of war and the Jysken-crisis spiralling further out of control, the Commonwealth has proposed a diplomatic meeting between representatives of East and West Jysken, as well as the Federation and Tarusa, to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Arrest in Pelasgia - brother speaks out
New Times

Following the charges levied against a Carentanian citizen in the Pelasgian Empire, the brother of the arrested student now spoke up, contradicting some of the explanations given by the Pelasgian authorities. While the Pelasgians contradicted earlier reports that the young man had been arrested over possession of a book, rather claiming illegal participation in a protest that would result in a riot, his brother has accused the Pelasgians of peddling duplicitious falsehoods about the case.

"Fact is, possession of a book is very much one of the charges on which Luka was arrested." He further elaborated that "The supposed protest he participated in was an academic conference pertaining to his studies in environmental technology. It was the Pelasgian authorities who have decided to label it a protest afterwards, because that allowed them to crack down on scientific results that their ruling class has deemed uncomfortable to their own interests. It's the behaviour of a police state and it's shameful how many of Europes so called democracies see no issue with this."

The Commissariate for Foreign Affairs has been in direct contact with the arrested student and already effected his release from jail, conditional on not leaving Propontis and awaiting trial. In its latest statement on the case, the Commissariate expressed similar criticism, albeit in more cautious wording, stating that "the charges, as they stand, are possession of a banned book, participation in a conference that the authorities declared a protest illegal for foreigners to participate in only a posteriori, as well as vague geographic proximity to a violent riot. We are confident that these charges will not hold up in front of a judge, but welcome the international declarations of support that have been expressed thusfar."

 

[Pelasgia]

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Α/Σ 2024-02-12/001 | Χαρακτηρισμός:
Δημόσιον: ■ │ Ἐμπιστευτικόν: □ │ Ἀπόρρητον: □

To whom it may concern,

The statements made by the arrested Carentanian's brother are both false and erroneous.

First, the scientific conference the defendant attended is distinct event from the later unauthorised protest, which turned into a riot. It is the latter event that the defendant is being charged under, not the conference.

Second, while possession of literature advocating terroristic actions is indeed an illegal offence, it would not, on its own, justify pre-trial detention, so the defendant would not have been held for that.

Such inaccurate statements help no one and only serve to confuse and to complicate matters.

Signed,

Theophrastos Phokas
Secretary of the Exterior
Senator ex officio​

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commonwealth evacuates citizens from Ebria
CPB Online

Several transport planes of the Army Aviation forces have departed overnight to airports in Ebria in an attempt to evacuate Commonwealth nationals stranded in the country of Ebria. The Commissariate for Foreign Affairs has advised all citizens to make their way to the cities of Amerida and Algeciras, where evacuation efforts will be concentrated.

The efforts have reportedly been coordinated and approved with both local authorities and the acting government of the Ebrian nation and will involve the evacuation of diplomatic staff for the duration of the unfolding civil war in the Meridian. A travel warning issued by the Commissariate for Foreign Affairs strongly warns against any further travels to the region, including not just Ebria, but also neighbouring nations like Ebria and Csengia due to the risk of regional escalation of the war.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Breaking: war in the Meridian
CPB Online

19:20 Two Commonwealth citizens missing after Villareal massacre in nation of Ebria, families and officials fearing worst.

17:59 Workhour donations to Ebria and Radilo enabled by Commissariate for Economic Planning. Volunteers can work overhours in respective industries to produce material aid for war refugees and humanitarian organizations.

17:21 Commissariates considering plea by International Workers' Federation for enabling volunteer formations in Ebria. Plan foresees equipping and dispatching volunteers with previous military experience to the frontline.

16:50 Heightened troop readiness across length of Csengian border, confirms army spokesperson, Commonwealth military prepared in case of further regional escalation.

15:15 Massacre in Villareal, Ebria, worst episode of reactionary violence since massacres in Zara, similarities pointing to Tarusan accompliceship, says head of oppositional Communist Party of Carentania.

14:49 War in Meridian may endanger civilian shipping, warns Sea Marshal of the Free People's Navy. Navy currently considering different plans to ensure protection.

12:55 Svetograd condemns Pelasgian invasion of Aresura. Attack called "unprovoked act of sheer opportunistic greed" by government.

12:14 Commonwealth "firmly on Republican side", will back legitimate government of Ebria says Commissar for Foreign Affairs.

Read more

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Breaking: war in the Meridian
CPB Online

19:20 Queen of Csengia severs diplomatic relations, sends ambassador home. "Sign of willful escalation", says Commissariate for Foreign Affairs, calls upon Pressburg Pact to return to diplomatic measures to solve global disputes.

17:30 Republican forces in Ebria advancing, Fascist attack on capital stalls out. Result of civil war "foregone conclusion" if no outside intervention, say experts.

15:37 Public asked to conserve petrol. "Global security situation bound to limit supply," states Commissariate for Economic Planning.

15:30 Commonwealth military pilots reportedly scheduling extra flight hours in coming days, increased activity around airbases. "We are increasing our level of preparedness in face of increasing global tension and escalation," comments army.

13:44 Pelasgian victory in Aresura "all but assured", claims Commonwealth general. Reports of widespread warcrimes in wake of Pelasgian invasion.

12:55 Video surfaces showing Pressburg Pact "humanitarian aid" in Ebrian city of Ávila as armed soldiers.

12:12 Protests in major cities as government threatens intervention against Pressburg Pact. "Not our wars," say Social Democratic opposition.

Read more

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Interview with Julia Caraianni, General Secretary of the International Workers' Federation
Commonwealth Public Radio

The Internationale has taken an unusually active interest in the civil war in Ebria. Why is this the one conflict in recent years you are so invested in?

JC: It may seem surprising at first. We haven't seen the need to take that clear a stance during the dissolution of the Northlaw or the invasion of the Hansa. We also aren't as invested in the war over Aresura. However, upon closer look, one will quickly notice the absolute importance of the labor union movement in the Ebrian struggle, which is something missing in other wars or civil conflicts in recent history. The Ebrian unions are some of our largest member-organizations, so of course their interests take a center stage in our strategic considerations.

Still, calling upon the Commonwealth to intervene by forming and arming a volunteer formation is an entirely new quality.

JC: Well, first of all, let us acknowledge the fact that we have not called for Commonwealth soldiers to intervene. We have called upon volunteers from all over the world to join with our organization. We merely asked the Commonwealth to provide the means to arm and equip these volunteers. A request that, thusfar, the Commonwealth has been hesitant to fulfill, out of fear of further regional escalation. You could also say that we took our lessons from the events in Zara a few years back. There are limits to diplomacy and compromise. Sometimes, we just have to be ready to pick up arms for a just cause.

The Ebrian Republic isn't a socialist state. Why should socialists feel compelled to fight in its defense?

JC: This is a good question and one that has been answered, in practice, by the millions of good socialists in Ebria who have sided with the Republic, many of which are currently risking their lifes in its defense. This isn't just a question of fighting for the Republic, but against Mezhism. If the Republic wins, it can only win with the participation of the unions in its defense and afterwards, the unions can effect many changes, perhaps even revolutionary change, in the Republic from a position of strength. If the unions were to split the struggle now, abandon the Republic, then this only serves to strengthen the Mezhists and in their victory, the labor movement in Ebria will be set back by decades, perhaps even violently extinguished.

Would a return of Queen Maria not be just as likely?

JC: Maria was a popular royal and in different times, she could have served as figure to rally public opinion behind to save the reactionary structure that was the monarchy. Times have changed and the Ebrian people have had a rough wakeup call. Monarchies are violent. Monarchies are unstable. We are seeing this across the world, where monarchic power struggles have plunged countries into civil war, whether it be Jysken or Tarusa.

Even if it can't end the civil war, couldn't her image help her effect a return to monarchy once the civil war is over?

JC: I think Maria just ruined that chance by calling upon the regions of Nuoria and Hamrun to rise up in separatist violence. This runs counter to hopes some held in her as a unifying figure. She has become divisive instead. Worse, she is trying to split the Republican camp at a time that unity is needed more than ever to defeat a greater threat. I think even those who may hold separatist ambitions realize that these ambitions will end in a bloodbath if Alfonos wins and General Durran, the butcher of Villareal, is unleashed upon their states. If the Republicans win, there is room to strive for greater autonomy, maybe even independence, through democratic and peaceful measures.

There have been those who found it ironic that, after the breakup in the north, Maria now wants to be involved in another national dissolution.

JC: It is indeed very ironic. One may be tempted to ask if Maria thinks of the dissolution with all the war and bloodshed as a good thing. If she thinks it served the people under her rule well. If perhaps, the death of her partner at the hands of her military wasn't entirely contrary to her interests. Ebrians, of course, see the results of Marias politics. They may have loved her for the compassion she has shown during the devastating earthquake that hit Ebria in recent history. They do not share her defective political visions. Maria has proven she has a heart, but no brain.

One last question: can the Republic win this?

JC: I believe they already are. Durrans forces are struggling to break through the defenses of Valls, all the while is northeastern flank seems to be collapsing. This is why I believe we should be giving Ebria aid now, not later. The Republic can win this civil war quickly and decisively, as long as they can keep their offensive up all the way to Valls and Calatrava. Let's give them all the materiel and manpower they need to do this.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Headlines 20.4.2024
CPB Online

Sailor goes missing during return of blockade fleet from Ebria. Navy assumes him "sole casualty of the operation".

Federal engineering corps to offer reconstruction efforts to Ebria, aiming to build "model district" in war-ravaged capital.

Tanks are obsolete, says citizens initiative after observations in Ebrian civil war, lobbying for military to disinvest from tank force.

14-year old damages historical site of the Acropolis in Nikopole.

Commonwealth volunteer killed in action in Ebria during ongoing campaign against fascist guerillas.