Diváka- News from Zahorie and the World

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Divaka, since 1902.
Information. Integrity. Understanding.

Divaka is Zahorie's largest newspaper. In circulation since 1902, Divaka has vested effort to provide a clear view of news and events in Zahorie. In 1997, Divaka started producing an international Sunday newspaper. In 2002, Divaka launched its own TV news network.

 

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PM Bolava says that the 1908 Constitution will not change.



Despite rising tensions due to the Tarusan civil conflict, many are questioning the Zahoran path of unalignment. The 1908 Constitution, officially the 1908 Code, bans Zahorie from joining any "military or defensive alliance". Prime Minister Bolava stated that she would continue to build international partnerships and will not be deterred from exercising diplomacy to the benefit of the Zahoran people. Prime Minister Bolava reiterated the policy of remaining in an unaligned manner as a security measure. "The 1908 Code specifically outlines a future for Zahorie in which no foreign troops will be stationed here and no foreign conflicts will anchor us in conflict". While Zahorie has offered peacekeeping services and has trained with foreign militaries, the majority of Zahorans wish the law to be unchanged. According to a 2017 poll, 68% of Zahorans do not want the code changed to allow for alliance membership. A 2021 poll found that 72% of Zahorans do not want to see the change.



11th hiker rescued this year from the Belianske Mountains

The Royal Border Guard has stated that it has rescued the 11th hiker this year from the Belianske Mountains. The hiker, a 33 year old from Gutarike, became lost after wandering from the trail. The hiker was treated for dehydration and was pronounced medically fit at the local hiking aid station. The Border Guard's search and rescue department has issued a warning to travelers to stick to trails and to be aware of their surroundings. The Zahoran Government has invested in trail signs and offering maps. However, hikers are repeatedly reported missing. The Border Guard has noted that the number of incidents has declined greatly since 2015 and the improvements to maps has been well received by hikers. The government has considered closing the trails during some months to minimize dangers to hikers. A lawsuit against such a measure in 2011 proved to be successful.

 

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Prime Minister Bolava: "If war comes, nothing changes". Plans summit.


Today, the Prime Minister was asked about the alliance gathering against Tarusa. Prime Minister Bolava reiterated her commitment to keeping Zahorie unaligned. "If war comes, nothing changes. We will continue to exercise international partnerships and we will continue to offer our hand in friendship to all. However, if war comes, we will vigorously defend our territory against all". The Prime Minister stated that she will offer all aggrieved parties an opportunity to find peace diplomatically and will invite all to Relenska to discuss potential solutions. "A peace deal will be far more beneficial to all those involved" said Bolava. Despite the rhetoric, it was clear that today the military launched a number of exercises. The Prime Minister declined to comment, stating that it was a "security matter". The Border Guard has noted a slight increase in traffic at the borders and is urging those who choose to enter Zahorie, do so with well prepared documents.


Thirty-three cars stopped and seized at border

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The Border Guard has stepped up its security presence due to external events. As a result, the Border Guard in the last 3 months has seized 33 stolen vehicles. 19 exiting the country, and 14 entering. The Border Guard's investigative office confirmed that the seized vehicles had all been stolen within the past year. The National Police Service has stated that it believes that many of the stolen vehicles were taken by criminal groups within Zahorie. Police have begun to curb vehicle thefts in major cities but do say that some of the more serious criminal groups still pose a significant threat.

 

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A Letter from Prince Frantisek to the Zahoran People


Zahorans. The ongoing disruption in the world has potentially reached epic proportions. As world leaders delegate, debate, and posture, we in Zahorie watch as bystander might watch a car accident. Over the many centuries, Zahorie has stood on its faith, foundation, and brotherhood to see it through the darkest of times. We have allowed the light of democracy to keep us safe and secure. Soon, the world may be a much more difficult place. War is never an easy subject to discuss in philosophical or practical terms. We all must strive to remember our values of faith and friendship, love and steadfastness. Keep faith in God and your elected representatives. Help friends who may be impacted. Show love to your neighbor and others. Remain steadfast in the challenges we may face if a world descends to conflict. In case of war, Zahorie will remain neutral. We will defend our borders and our airspace with courage and honor. Zahorans will not be drawn into a conflict of egos and bluster. We will continue to urge all nations to meet at a table for peace. If this war comes, it will be devastating for all involved. The Zahoran Government will continue to take steps to ensure the security of all Zahorans. It is my sad duty to inform you that the Prime Minister will be issuing an evacuation order for all Zahorans in Gutarike at noon tomorrow. Zahorans are asked to contact the Zahoran embassy. Here, we will continue to pray for peace and work towards a brighter future. May God grant us all peace and bring prosperity to all

 

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1,000 Royal Army reservists called to duty. Prime Minister Bolava: We are monitoring the situation carefully.

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Reservists training, 2019

Prime Minister Bolava's office has activated 1,000 reservists "in light of international tensions". The call-up is the first in modern history for non-disaster reasons. In 2017, 3,000 reservists were called up to deal with flooding in Southern Zahorie. The 1,000 reservists are set to supplement the Royal Border Service. The soldiers are expected to increase patrols and monitor activity on the Zahoran border. The Prime Minister has stated that the borders will be "fiercely protected". The Prime Minister has urged Zahorans to continue about their lives and assured Zahorans that the government has full confidence in their territorial security. "We are monitoring the situation carefully. International events are currently at an new phase. We may only hope that there will be a peaceful resolution and that Zahorans and others can continue to prosper" said Bolava. Prime Minister Bolava has stated that the Sovereign and her are in complete agreement and that Zahorie will remain neutral unless directly attacked.




Royal Courts Uphold ban on lotteries

Following unique court proceedings, the Royal Courts have upheld the national ban on lotteries that has been in place since 1947. The ban, meant to curb gambling and stop illegal lotteries. The case remained unique as several entities including charities and corporations sought a class suit against the government to overturn the ban. The argument made against the government was that there was no formal law banning the practice or formation of a lottery authority. Rather, a royal decree made following the Zahoran Civil War. The Court maintained that decrees under emergency powers hold legal status. While Royal Decrees by themselves have extremely limited standing, Royal Decrees under Emergency Powers do have full standing. The Court maintained that this can be reversed by the legislature or the current monarch. The Prince's office declined to comment.

 

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The Tarusa Problem: Pan-slavism in Zahorie

In 1536, the Ducal House of Turcany began marrying various members of the dynasty to Tarusan nobility and royalty. Thus began a long tradition of the Turcany using marriage as a defense mechanism and insurance towards the dynasy. When Zahorie achieved independence under the House of Matúška in 1757, the Prince František secured the marriage of Stefan I to a Tarusan princess in the 1770s. The ongoing relationships between Zahoran nobility and Tarusan nobility built a strong bond over the span of decades. However, this was shattered with the Tarusan invasion under Alexander. The paltry Zahoran army of the time could barely put up resistance, only winning the Battle of Driekov (in reality, only a minor skirmish). While the invasion of Alexander firmly put the nobility of Zahorie into the anti-Tarusan camp, the population remained divided.

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Stefan I, Prince of Zahorie from 1798-1817.

Historians believe as many as 33% of the population identified with and supported Alexander and many even joined Alexander's infamous legions. With the eventual defeat of Alexander, many in Zahorie would continue to look favorably on Alexander and the idea of Pan-Slavism. According to Relenska University history professor Dr. Andrej Zstavac- "The harsh reality is that pan-Slavism took a hold before Zahorie achieved their own independence. The Zahoran leaders fostered that belief by maintaining strong relations with Tarusa. By the end of Alexander's wars, there was a firm identity to be reckoned with". A 2018 poll cited as many as 34% of Zahorans agreed that they had some level of support for pan-slavist ideals. However, the other 66% of the population stated that they were steadfast in maintaining a Zahoran identity over Slavicism. "Any number over 15-20% is a serious portion of the population. Simply put, it is significant" said Dr. Zstavac. Among those responding positively to Slavic sentiments, 72% stated that religion is a major concern within how a pan-slavic union might function. A 2023 poll showed a rise in Pan-Slavic identity. The poll, conducted this week, asked 200 Zahorans to weigh in. 40% of Zahorans agreed that they had "some to intense" support for Pan-Slavic ideals. But the poll also showed that only 12% supported Tarusan military action despite a total of 34% of respondents claiming a "strong support" for Tarusa in general.

"The numbers remain particularly interesting due to the icy relations between Zahorie and Tarusa which lasted until the 1950's. The identity matrix is skewed by Alexander's invasion, the Zahoran Civil War, and Zahoran economic deficiencies" said Zstavac. The current government, under Prime Minister Bolava, has repeatedly refused to take sides in the conflict and is encouraging that both sides continue to find a diplomatic solution. Despite a new conflict on the horizon, Zahorie will remain neutral but somewhat divided.

 

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New law bans use or possession of flares at football matches

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Following years of attempts, the Zahoran government has finally passed a bill that will criminally ban use of "unauthorized flares or other pyrotechnics" at any professional football matches. The law, signed by Prince František, will ban nearly all use of flares and will carry a very hefty fine. The law was largely created out of concerns of fan safety and player safety. The Zahorie Football Union released a statement on Wednesday. "While we hope fans find many ways to support their clubs, we cannot in good faith oppose the new law that will protect both supporter and player alike" read the statement. Many have criticized the law as unfair and targeting well behaved fans instead of targeting "hooligans". Police will be empowered to remove fans, block entry of fans, confiscate pyrotechnic devices, and if necessary- destroy said devices.


Zahorie stands down reservists despite ongoing threats

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The Royal Army will stand down 875 of its activated reservists says the Defense Ministry. Following the outbreak of hostilities, the Royal Army activated around 1,000 reservists to increase border security and to "provide defensive capabilities if necessary". The remaining 125 activated reservists will continue service until at least December. "The 125 reservists will continue to serve in a support capacity through December. These soldiers will help the border service secure key border crossings and monitor sensitive areas of the border" said the Defense Ministry. The ongoing hostilities has left the Royal Air Force on alert as well as many law enforcement agencies. According to the Prime Minister's office, Zahorie will continue to operate borders and travel normally. However, the Prime Minister warned that the borders are not borders of free passage.