Cronaca di Cortona

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

February 28, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

President Capriani hosts Belmont and Abruzicstan​

Today, Sal Capriani welcomed Belmontien Prime Minister Shahrazad and Abruzzi President Loddi to Rossetto Mansion. President Capriani had met with President Loddi earlier, but a meeting between the three nations was considered necessary due to the current situation.

The meeting will discuss the joint military operations in Orion. As we know, Cortona sent 1,200 troops and Belmont sent around 10,000 troops to Abruzicstan. The objective of the mission is to end the rebellion in Abruzicstan and restore peace to the nation. President Capriani, in his address to the Assembly, stated “Abruzicstan’s stability directly affects Cortona. They are a long time ally of this nation and I’d like to claim Cortona is a nation that supports her allies and will do whatever is needed in order to keep our allies stable, I’d expect no less of our allies if we were in a situation of crisis. Abruzicstan is in a crisis situation. I am asking the Assembly to send 1,200 troops to defend the stability of the Abruzzi Nation and secure the safety of her people.”

Cortonan forces have landed in Abruzicstan and are en route to the combat zone under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Vito Moretti. Fighting has already involved Cortonan Forces as air raids are being made. Belmontien Forces landed soon after Cortonan and also began giving air support to Abruzzi Forces in Orion. So far, Cortonan Military Officials report no Cortonan Casualties.

Today’s meeting between the nations involved is to establish a plan that will hopefully bring a quick end to the war and return stability to Abruzicstan.

​

 

[Serenierre]

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Government of Belmont​

The Kingdom of Belmont has seen that there is wide consensus amongst the allies of the Abruzzi nation that the current situation in the Orion region justifies the allies of Abruzicstan coming to their aid. The Kingdom of Belmont commends the Republic of Cortona for their involvement and pledges to stand side by side with its Himyari allies.

Elisabeth Mazarin
Under-Secretary to the Foreign Minister​

​

 

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

March 6, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

Firenze Mafia Branch severely hit​

For the past three years the Crime Boss of the Firenze Mafia had been identified, however no significant evidence could be presented against him. When there finally was evidence, the Crime Boss disappeared. The National Gendarmerie had worked endlessly to find him. The efforts had been made top secret and it hasn’t been until now that details have finally been released.

It was confirmed by law enforcement officials that the Crime Boss, Giovanni Testa, has been apprehended and sent off to Calabria High Security Prison, where he shall remain until a trial can be held. The invasion of Testa’s home allowed the Gendarmerie to find important details of not only the Firenze Branch, but the entire Mafia. Some of the information that has been uncovered is considered top secret, in order to keep the mafia in the dark. The information was sent to Gendarmerie units across the country, as they also begin to mount attacks on the Mafia.

President Capriani himself met the men who apprehended Testa. Capriani stated “The Mafia is still a serious threat in this country. In the past few decades we were capable of ridding their influence over the Government and police forces. It is a difficult and costly task, but one that needed to be done. I think it is imperative that we continue the funding of the Gendarmerie so they may continue to beat back the Mafia, like they have tonight. I can saw a punishing blow will come to the Firenze Branch and they will be pushed out of Firenze.”


​

President Capriani wants to go on World Tour ​

[FONT="Palatino Linotype”] President Capriani, in a press conference today, announced that he wanted to go on a World Tour to visit countries of interest. He wanted to build friendships with new nations, and restore old ones. The President had this to say:

“It is my belief that Cortona is too isolated. We’ve have made little attempts to build friendships with the world at large, to present what Cortona has to offer. I’d like to change that and I see no better way than to go on a diplomatic tour around the world, to the nations that would be pleased to have my company. I believe it is unwise that we did not try to do this earlier and that we are starting so late. Another objective of this world tour is to attempt to introduce foreign culture into Cortona. Nationally sponsored Student Exchange programs for several of our nation’s universities and high schools are a large goal for me. I do not want our youth to be blind to culture outside of our own. I cannot say that this will be the defining moment in Cortonan Diplomacy that changes our lives forever, but I do think it will be beneficial to the nation.”

The Nations on the President’s list are as followed, he also stated that if any other countries find an interest in having him, he will surely go.

• Talemantine Empire
• Levantine States
• Abruzicstan
• Belmont
• Radilo
• Frescania
• Carentania
• Kediri
• Hajr
• Anbat
• Oikawan Empire
• Franken
• Životinje
[/FONT]​

*I don't actually plan to RP any of the meetings, unless you'd want to. The results should be the same for each, a few pictures and words of good will, student exchange programs, eliminating trade barriers, and just being friend

 

[Frescania]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We hope the fight against organize crime is successful in Cortona and that peace can be restored.

Furthermore we will gladly receive President Capriani in Fortaleza Real.

 

[Thaumantica]

Herald for the Union

In consideration of recent turmoil in the south, it would seem that an official meeting between our sovereign nations is overdue. Before too long, we shall divert a representative operating out of Abruzicstan to connect with the foreign offices in Coronado. President Capriani, like any person, is welcome to visit the Blue Union at his own leisure.

I personally pray for safe travel throughout Europe in these conflict ridden times, specifically as the President visits Belmont - where the King of Oltremare was viciously attacked while conducting a visit to the Royal Class of Belmont.

Freedom First,
Bojnik Konavle,
Herald for the Union

 

[Touzen]

Imperial Ministry of War and Foreign Affairs

The government of the Empire will gladly host the esteemed President Capriani for bilateral talks.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Office of the President of the Republic of Anbat

Phezzan and the Anbati people will gladly welcome President Cipriani to our beautiful country.

Regards,
His Excellency Mr. Dawud Zureiq,
President of the Republic of Anbat

 

[Coronado]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Volga Republic

Though some of the states that President Capriani has announced he will visit are questionable, most are understandable due to them being fellow Himyari states, but there is one that we of the Volga Republic feel we must warm the President about, Životinje. That nation, if it can truely be called that, has a government that are full of rogues, theives and and in many cases, murderers. We must, in good conscience urge the President avoid any and all contact with the Životinje government... but if he must travel there, let him be warned to watch his back and hold on tight to his wallet.

Maxim Litvinov
Foreign Affairs Minister
Volga Republic

 

[Großlausitz]

Das Auswärtige Amt

The President of Cortona is welcome to come to the Kingdom of Franken for a working visit.

 

[Sheridan]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We would like to extend our invitaion to host President Capriani for a visit. We seem to have many of the same goals when it comes to spreading culture.

 

[Thaumantica]

Herald for the Union

Životinje, the Blue Union Captaincy wholeheartedly concurs with our estranged friend in the Volga Republic: consideration for President Capriani's safety should be this nations primary focus while hosting Cortona.

Where we must disagree with full intensity however, is the notion that any mans wallet would be in danger when walking the streets or foothills of Životinje. Familiarity with publicly available crime statistics would reveal that robbery and theft are near non-existent, perhaps due to the 'earn your own way' motto of our culture, or firearm laws that permit men to defend themselves from theft.

Volga would in poor conscience chase ghosts from last years tension with the Union. The Republic of Volga would steal directly from the population, with predatory taxation against private institutions who do not follow the marching orders of the Commutard Midget who claims to speak for Volga.

The Union will meet on Cortona's terms, with transparent security arrangements that put control in the President's hands.

Freedom First,
Bojnik Konavle,
Herald for the Union

 

[Coronado]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Volga Republic

Contrary to the statement made by the Životinje mouth piece, it will not be said that the Volga Republic did not try to warn President Capriani when he finds his wallet missing and a Živ knife sticking in his back.

Maxim Litvinov
Foreign Affairs Minister
Volga Republic

 

[Taley]

Secretariat of State

The Cortanan President would be welcomed in Talemaniki.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

The President is welcome in the Workers' Republic of Carentania.

 

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

March 8, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

2010: A defining year? ​

2010 began such a little time ago, but already the year is showing that it might be one to remember. For the first time in history Cortona deployed troops to a foreign nation with the attempts of restoring peace in said nation. For the first time in years Cortonan and Abruzzi Leaders sat down and talked face to face, and for the first time in history, Cortonan and Belmontien Leaders sat down together. Taking that a step further, President Sal Capriani left Cortona to go on a world tour, visiting eight nations, many of which will be the first time Cortonan Leaders have visited. Cortona is said to establish student exchange programs with each of those eight nations. The mafia is suffering severe hits left and right by the Gendarmerie. Despite all of the new firsts, perhaps the most defining move by the Government is its bid for a position in the Council of Nations.

In 1996, several Construction Companies refocused their efforts to home production. These companies began producing “economic housing” which was a huge hit in Cortona. The popular homes were small, but more than efficient for the growing middle class, these homes cost C$60,000. Today, the prices of the homes haven’t changed much, not counting inflation, and different models have been introduced. Because of the cheap homes and growth in college attendees made it so that most people could afford one of these homes, which still exists to this day. Home sales are continuing to remain steady, which is an industry bringing billions to the economy.

On the international level, Cortona’s move to build relations around the world is said to be beneficial to everyone. In fact, much of the nations that President Capriani is visiting will be asked to eliminate all trade barriers with Cortona, so that competition came come from around the world, making our companies look for better and efficient ways to go about the everyday life. Capriani is hoping that joining the Council of Nations will gain the world’s respect of the nation.

Ultimately, 2010 is presenting itself as a good year for the nation. Will the good times continue? No one can say for sure, but let us hope that 2010 does indeed go down in the history books as an important year in Cortona, one that may very well have changed the nation.


​

Elections scheduled for November 12, 2010. ​

The Election Inspection Committee has determined that the date of the Assembly Elections will be on November 12, 2010. 210 of the 630 Representatives are up for reelection, all are being challenged. In all, 930 people are participating in the elections for the Assembly; all 930 have been cleared and confirmed by the Election Inspection Committee.

Elections in the Assembly are a complicated process. There are 630 Representatives in all, they are divided into three groups, Group A, Group B, Group C. These groups only determine when they are up for reelection; it doesn’t represent any rank or power. Currently, Group A is up for reelection, Group B will be up for reelection in 2012, Group C in 2014. Every two years a group is up for reelection, a Representative’s term is 6 years.

To announce one’s candidacy, you must submit an application to the Election Inspection Committee, who will only deny you if you participate in suspicious activity or have a criminal record. If you are approved, then you’re officially a candidate for the election. Once the EIC determines the date of the election and clears the candidates, it is up to the Regions as to how they want their elections to play out.

We wish all our candidates good luck in the November elections.

​

(OOC: throughout my RP, I may of mentioned that there are two bodies of the Assembly, this idea was dropped and now there is only one and a member of the Assembly is called a Representative.)

 

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

March 11, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

15 year old boy killed by Presidential Protection Service ​

Today, President Capriani returned from his world tour, which he called a very successful event. The President went to a high school in the suburbs of Firenze to discuss the importance of education to the students of the school. The President made his speech in the auditorium, and that’s where it happened.

As the President was speaking, a 15 year old boy, a sophomore, named Enrico Colombo pulled out what appeared to be a pistol and pointed it at the President. Within seconds of said action, a PPS Agent revealed his gun and, without hesitation, shot the boy. There was ensuing chaos as the students frantically tried to evacuate the auditorium as other agents, not knowing exactly what happened, went to the training and covering the President and removing him from the auditorium.

After the panic ended and every last news agency was in the High School, the body of the boy was found and it was discovered that the supposed pistol was a realistic looking dart gun that a friend had dared the boy to point at the President. The mistake gained national news almost instantly and a great debate rose over whether or not the PPS Agent was doing his job, or if he should be charged for murder.

President Capriani replied saying “The Agent did as he was trained to do. This event was most regretful, but the boy did something that was a very, very unwise decision. I am not saying he deserved the fate that did come, but the Agent shouldn’t be charged for murder, he had a decision. The gun looked real and he felt he had very few seconds to make a decision that could have either ended or saved my life. This time, it was a mistake, and an innocent life ended. Next time, it could be real, my life could be ended. In their field of work, there can be no hesitation, decisions must be made in split seconds, and that is why I am officially ordering a Presidential Pardon to be placed on the Agent. I personally will pay for the funeral of the boy and I send my condolences to friends and family.”​

 

[Chryse]

Statement from Chieti

It is unfortunate of the situation surrounding the death of the young man at the High School in Firenze, but we believe what was done was necessary in the safety of President Capriani. We are glad no further harm has come to the Cortonian President and the Presidential Protection Service did what it need to do during an event that was a possible threat to Capriani's life.

 

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

March 13, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

A new Healthcare Bill ​

Today, the Workers’ Union and United Democratic Party unveiled their new Healthcare Plan. The two parties, which collectively control 51% of the Assembly, claimed that they have been working on the bill for months and have come to an agreement to help the country’s healthcare problems. Representative Enrico Azuz provided the details on the bill, as he presented before the Assembly.

”Studies show that only 76% of the population has private health insurance, another 14% are covered by the National Health Service, but what of the other 10%? An estimated 6.1 Million people in this nation are not covered by any insurance. Those 6.1 Million are collectively the most impoverished people in the country. They live in rundown towns that have no electricity, no water. These towns are what Firenze wants to pretend don’t exist, we’ve turned our attention to the wealthier people of the country. These poor people are of the highest chance of getting ill, and they don’t have the money to pay for it, so even if they survive, they will live their lives in debt. This bill that we are proposing will fix that. This bill will expand the National Health Service to anyone who is impoverished. How do we determine who is impoverished. Every two years the Ministry of Health and Safety issues a report to determine how much of the population is in the upper class, middle class, lower class, and impoverished. We go by those reports; those who are impoverished will be given the offer to join the NHS. We will also extend it to the lower class, depending on income levels. We are looking for 100% of the population to be covered, and we understand the difficulty of the private sector to do this, so we, as the Government, should step in to assist.”

The Equality Party was shocked by the bill, something they had little interest in. The Equality Party, for a long time, had believed in the private sector handling Healthcare. The Problem now is that the union between the Workers’ Union and the United Democratic Party makes up 51% of the Assembly, though not the filibuster-proof majority of 60%, it’s even to get through, through reconciliation. Debates on the Assembly Floor erupted as the President called for a meeting of the Council of Ministers to discuss the bill.

Because the Bill states that those who qualify will not pay for the coverage, there needs to be a way to pay for it. The Government does have a stockpile of 265 Billion Marks, but that is set aside for National Emergencies, however the Union is requesting that it be used. Estimates said that it would cost the Government, yearly, 67 Billion Marks to cover 14,640,000 people. The plan is to use the Emergency funds to pay for the first year, then impose a tax increase that will affect the Upper and Middle classes, although much of the new burden will fall on the Upper Class.

The Debate continues to rage on.
​

Ministry of Defense believes mafia may be operating overseas.
President Capriani, in an interview, said Cortona has no interest in joining any international alliance, and prefers to remain neutral.
Cortona anxiously awaits the CoN’s vote on Cortona’s admission, Representatives already chosen, positions are being decided on the major issues.
Oltremare’s deportation of Catholics causes anger among Cortona’s Catholic Population, Government has refrained from making an official statement.

 

[Cortona]

Cronaca di Cortona ​

March 15, 2010|| Firenze, Cortona​

1960 Economy Act passed ​

As of date, the Cortonan Economy is moving toward becoming stagnant. The economic boom of the 1960s has slowed, and Firenze is looking to restore foreign investment into the economy, which was a key reason for the boom of the 60s. And so, the 1960 Economy Act was formed and passed. The act does three things: Reduce taxes on corporations, a new Government Loan program, and the establishment of the Cortonan Investment Office.

The Act will cut taxes on corporations, the first bill to do so in nearly twenty-five years. It won’t be a huge or even moderate cut, but it will release some of the financial grip on corporations. More importantly, is the Government Loan Program. This Program for the first time will make the Government act like a bank for corporations. It will allow Corporations to take a loan to do with however they please and the corporations will then go on a monthly payment plan. If a corporation fails to pay the Government back, the same repercussions as that of a bank will play out; the Government will seize whatever they want of the corporation’s property and sell it in order to get their money back. President Capriani, who was a leading designer of the bill, stated “This isn’t a bailout of any corporation. This is a bank for corporations, many banks do not like to loan large sums of money, we will. The money will be paid back or we’ll force it to come back.”

Perhaps the most defining part of this bill is the establishment of the Cortonan Investment Office, which will manage foreign investments in Cortona. President Valentini instituted a similar program in 1962, which was later disbanded the institution as it was claimed “unnecessary.” This new agency will work to bring investments into Cortona.

The Population is indifferent over the bill’s passage. Many say it was a slippery slope to Government interventionism, others say that it will hopefully spark the investments that made Cortona successful in the 60s. The bill passed with a 476 to 154 in the Assembly and President Capriani signed it before an economic committee about thirty minutes later. Due to the predicted passage of the bill, the members of the Cortonan Investment Office have already been selected and went to work 3 hours after the bill’s passage. Also, the Government signed a loan of C$16 Million to Common Appliances, Inc.

The Debate over the healthcare bill continues to rage on, as the main question now is that if the Government should serve the role of providing healthcare. Is that the Government’s responsibility? Assembly Officials said that amendments are constantly being added and dropped, so there is no set date on a vote as the debate is still heated.
​

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

OOC: A fifty year long boom is quite long. Economic growth is cyclic and, as rule of thumb, undergoes growth and recession phases every ten years. A stable third world state can have high growth rates for a longer time if it maintains its stability and attracts foreign investments, but that's all relative because its massive procentual growth depends on its relative weakness etc.
That's just it in a nutshell.