European Press Association

[Polesia]

Vangalan economy faces sharp slowdown in growth

KILKILA (Reuters) - The Communist Party admitted today the Vangalan economy faces a significant slowdown in growth as statistics reveal a sharp drop in foreign investment, exports and remittances. Economic liberalisation and improved relations with the West led to almost two decades of high economic growth for Vangala, with companies attracted by the cheap, young and growing labour force.

Party officials laid the blame squarely on the current global conflict. The invasion of Solaren and Torrence's policy of unrestricted naval warfare has put the security of commercial traffic in the Long Sea, one of Europe's main shipping routes, under question. As a result, insurance costs have skyrocketed and many businesses have cancelled shipments, with Vangalan exports have suffered massively as a result.

The direct involvement of Franconia, an important trading partner, main aid donor and home to the largest overseas Vangalan community, in the war, which has expanded to two fronts following the Engellexic invasion of Montelimar, is particularly worrying for Vangala.

The Communist Party is expected to deliver new policies soon intended to help the economy. High economic growth has weakened dissent against the authoritarian rule of the Party, and no doubt troubling economic circumstances will lead to unrest.

 

[Khemia]

EDF Air Strikes Hits Infrastructure, Refugees

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Independent sources associated with Yujiner media outlets have verified reports from Solaren sources that EDF fighters have begun indiscriminately targeting civilians and military personnel alike within the Testono region, with air strikes taking out various infrastructures within the region. One confirmed report suggests that Eiffellander aircraft have begun targeting refugee convoys en route to bomb shelters and civilian displacement camps within the urban area, and the death toll in the operation is already claimed to be at 48 and mounting.

Solaren military forces have struggled to contest the skies with EDF forces, with most defenses relying on outdated anti-aircraft batteries which use civilian and military assets alike essentially as bait for firing on EDF fighters. Solaren military forces do not maintain the capacity to ensure the safety of all convoys into Testono, with the majority of assets having been deployed to the Northern front.

Power outages and water shortages to critical locations such as hospitals and humanitarian centers have cut off thousands of refugees from necessary supplies, and aid workers in the Testono region have told Reuters that the situation is becoming dire.

"We have reserves of foodstuffs and medicines capable of sustaining a large population for many months, but the air strikes against roads and refugees destined for Testono is preventing us from assisting people and is threatening to create a humanitarian crisis."

Many critics abroad are already concerned that the Eiffellander campaign may be driven more by paranoia and vengeance than any clear wish to end the conflict, and political scientists have warned that as the EDF gains ground in the South, it will need to begin approaching the conflict with a goal to end the violence. Should it fail, many speculate that an insurgency culd encourage the destabilized country to negatively impact the greater Gallic and Germanic regions.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Office of the Chancellor

The EDF Forces are doing everything possible to minimize Solaris civilian casualties. Unlike Pope Urban; we understand that civilians are in fact, civilians. We question any sources that say otherwise.

 

[Rheinbund]

Kanzleramt
Trier, Eiffelland

It is not the Eiffellandian air force that is targeting civilians, it is the Solaris authorities and armed forces that use civilians as a human shield. Nothing less, nothing more. The Solaris authorities have repeatedly shown that the last thing they care for are their own citizens.

Matthias Graf von Seydewitz, Chancellor

 

[Polesia]

Vangala negotiating deal between Carentania and EDF

KILKILA (Reuters) - The People's Republic of Vangala is reportedly acting as an intermediary between Carentania and the European Defence Federation in negotiations over the future of post-war Solaren, according to a Reuters' source in the Vangalan Ministry of External Affairs. A spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs later refused to answer directly questions about the talks and Vangala's role in them, instead restating Vangala's committment to peace. Neither Carentania or the European Defence Federation have commented.

The terms currently being discussed were not revealed, although our source suggested disagreements already exist, and Vangala is desperately trying to find a compromise. The European Defence Federation, collectively Vangala's largest aid donor and investor, and Carentania, a fellow member of the Revolutionary Defence Treaty Organisaton, are two of Vangala's closest friends. Tensions between the two have flared up recently, with Carentania accusing Eiffelland of moving to block its advance in southern Solaren, while Lorraine protested Carentania's attempted unilateral take-over of Iscla and the planned deportation of civilians from the island. War between them over control of Solaren would place Vangala in an uncomfortable position, forced to choose between allies, or abandon them altogether.

 

[Havenshire]

Where is the Fist of Vengeance?

WESTHAVEN(Reuters) -For two months now, the People's Republic of Havenshire has stood on the far periphery of the growing Great War, ignored by most, its shrill state-paper the Clarion drawing the usual critique from states that have not yet learned to read between its lines. But the socialist border-country, which has long stood in the shadow of the Great Power, Breotonia, has recently taken to flexing its growing naval strength through token acts of mobilisation. The most popular diplomatic tactic developed by the otherwise unimportant state is the use of its Submarine Groups, and more particularly, its SSGNs, to make statements of intent towards other powers.

In the past, the sailing of its "Fist of Vengeance" Cruise missile submarines was done purely as a symbolic gesture, to get Breotonia or some other unfavoured power to negiotiate over a key issue. However, since the outbreak of Europe-wide hostilities in August, Havenshire has been erratic. Although it has contributed aid and made statements of support for its longtime ally, Carentania, it has not made as much capital of its usual "submarine diplomacy" as it might have. Interestingly, no mention has been made of the "Fist of Vengeance" since it sailed almost two months ago. Submarine Groups were ordered to the Gothic Sea, but then recalled, rumoured to be due to a growing split in the Council-Communist Party, the ruling faction in Havenshire.

Another rumour has surfaced on the internet. The PNS Fist of Vengeance last known course heading was the Long Sea. Whilst this is no real suprise, the purpose of these potentially destructive submarines has always been as bargaining chip first, and deterrent second. Havenshire's nuclear capability, long rumoured, is kept uncertain precisely to strengthen the People's Republic's hand in politics. Yet no demands are being made, no clear power is being targeted. Havenshire has stated no desire to intervene in the conflict in Solaren, and if anything seems to be ignoring the escalations.

Why is this periphery state risking one of its most powerful millitary assets, by potentially sending it into a highly volatile warzone? Does it mean to stand firm with Carentania, and use the submarine to pressure the EDF? Does it mean to enter open hostilities against the crumbling Solaren regime? These questions are difficult to anwser, and the anwsers may be tied in another question. If the Submarine does have nuclear cruise missiles, who has their finger on the metaphorical button?

Havenshire may yet be drawn into the Great War, and as a traditionally isolated powers, its erratic actions continue to leave its true priorities and interests unclear.

 

[Taley]

Empire recalls diplomatic corps from Altai

TALEMANIKI (Reuters) - Today we saw the recalling of all Talemantine diplomatic staff from the Altaic state after the order went out from the Secretariat of State. Most of the Talemantine Corps are based in the nation's capital of Altaisk with a large consulate in Rovograd. The order was sent out yesterday and most of the diplomatic corps leaving in the middle of the night. Talemantine Envoy to Altaisk Ezzo di Giovine was one of the last members of the staff to leave Altai. This also comes as Talemaniki issues a travel warning for the nation of Altai and asks that all Talemantine citizens to leave Altai within twenty-four hours.

While many nations commit these actions when another nation involves itself in a war, some are speculating that these orders are a precursor to Talemantine intervention in Altai on the behalf of Engellex. If this is true it will be the first military actions by the Talemantine Empire since the disastrous Jurzani War.

 

[Wieserreich]

Gallia peace settlement may be near, suggest sources

AUGSBURG (Wiese) - Unnamed officials from [wiki]Wiese[/wiki]'s government in Augsburg have hinted that a peaceful settlement of the Gallian war may be nearer than the public realises. The officials, whose statements were reproduced in local media, hinted that Wiese was mediating peace talks among the [wiki]European Defence Federation[/wiki], [wiki]Montelimar[/wiki] and [wiki]Great Engellex[/wiki], and that a final settlement may be "very near".

The Gallian war, which has been raging since August, has consumed much of Montelimar and the Great Sea, as several countries combat each other. Engellexic forces have successfully seized considerable parts of Montelimar, whereas the Gallian kingdom's allies have thus far proven to be rather silent in public. The validity of peace rumours, as well as the terms of any peace settlement in Gallia, remain to be seen.

 

[Taley]

Diplomatic Negotiations Fall Apart

SYRACUSE (Reuters) Private negotiations between the Talemantine and Altaic governments through their missions to Nicosia broke down today after documents of the negotiations were leaked to the public. The documents leaked were those from the early rounds of negotiations and were the first offers made by the Imperial government. A source close to the negotiations spoke to Reuters under condition of anonymity. "The offer published by the Altaic news was the starting point for the Talemantine side and both sides had been working to overcome vital issues for any peace process. I can say that they were close to working out a compromise, but our side has since pulled away since the publishing of the news article."

The Talemantine State Secretariat has accused the Altaic government of deliberately leaking the documents in an effort to discredit and show the Talemantine state in a negative light. While the secretariat has stated that further negotiations are not out of the question, but as long as the Secretariat could not trust the Altaic government it could not continue.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

Gorno-Altai needed to do nothing to show the Talemantine Empire in a negative light. The Talemantines managed to do that all on their own.

 

[Serenierre]

Oil ministers convene in Østfjord to discuss common agenda

ØSTFJORD (Reuters): Oil ministers from a number of major oil producing states have gathered in the Sorlandet capital, a meeting which has already been delayed by three weeks due to the worsening international situation. The Conference is aimed at addressing the concerns of the major producers in regards to possible supply problems and security of oil tankers as they traverse an increasingly unpredictable ocean. The Grand Councillor for Petroleum and Energy of Sorlandeten, Mark Pettersen, said in a statement to the press, "For Sorlandeten, the current situation in the Long Sea is highly concerning... despite the assurances of all parties, the risk posed to oil supply to the east is great and a unified approach is needed to approach this matter." The meeting will also see the proposals of implementing vigorous checks on oil companies to improve their environmental record, as proposed by the Sorlandet delegation.

 

[Serenierre]

Oil summit sidelined by announcement of tripartite oil embargo to force the peace in Scania

ØSTFJORD (Reuters): The following statement has been issued by the delegations of Sorlandeten, Talemantros and Kyiv on the sidelines of the ongoing International Petroleum Producing Nations Summit.

Joint statement issued by:
Secretary of Commerce of Talemantros
Secretary of Energy of Kyiv
Grand Councillor for Petroleum and Energy of Sorlandeten

Citing the current situation in the Northern Great Sea is most concerning and of great alarm to the respective governments of our countries. The failure of talks to bring about a permanent peace in the Scanian region and the overt disinterest in peace demonstrated by the member-states of the Karlskrona Accord – namely the Kingdom of Suionia and the Republic of Frescania – and due to greatly irresponsible actions by the same said states, it has become unbearable for our respective governments to remain silent on the matter at hand.

In the interests of achieving a lasting regional peace, and citing the current situation which continues to worsen, the governments of our respective states have decided to impose, with effect from 12 o'clock midnight of 18th November, to initiate a collective policy of reorienting our supplies to the states mentioned above and denying the routine supply as our protest to the irresponsible and unreasonable behaviour of the above mentioned governments.

But the denial of supply being undertaken by our respective Governments shall not be a permanent policy towards the above mentioned states. It has been decided by common agreement that a number of preconditions be met for the denial of supply to be rescinded. The preconditions are as follows:

• An immediate end at escalation of the conflict currently existing in Scania and retracting threatening statements.
• An immediate cessation of hostilities in form of a ceasefire agreement and agreement to attend internationally mediated peace talks.
• An immediate withdrawal of 65% Frescanian military assets from the North Great Sea region.

The Governments of our respective nations seek to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Scania and restoring stability in this region.

 

[Serbovia]

Foreign Ministry
Republic of Uusimaa

Ulkoministeriö
Uudenmaan Tasavalta

As an oil-producing party the Republic of Uusimaa will not contribute to any arrangements of blockade and embargo that could upset its officially declared neutrality in the ongoing European conflict.

Regards,
Mikael Saarela,
Foreign Minister

 

[Khemia]

Leaks Suggests Yujin Spying on Vangala

A number of articles published on a variety of websites across the world have been collected and republished by news websites based in Carentania. The article itself is an agglomeration of leaked documents which have been taken off the internet by the Yujin internet policing agency, and allege that the Republic of Yujin has been, continues to, and plans to expand covert intelligence gathering operations across the People's Republic of Vangala. The report claims that Yujin has conducted spy operations in the form of covert, high altitude reconnaissance missions, elusive drone missions, and is planning to launch satellites into space capable of collecting data on military sites throughout Vangala.

The source further suggests that the intent of the operations is to acquire targets for potential first-strike capabilities, as well as categorize strategic objectives in the event of the war. The proposed satellite system, if true, could allow Yujin military forces a large advantage over Vangalan forces in aspects of situational awareness and threat response.

The Yujin government has not yet issued a statement on the issue, but has previously stated that it's missile development programme was intended to enhance civilian services and conduct research, and has denied any claims that it intends to make aggressive overtures to its western neighbor.

 

[Thaumantica]

Oceanic Chancellor Surprises Zadar-Istria

Cantignia's Lord Chancellor Felix Ilchester made an unannounced visit to Zadar-Istria on Saturday to meet with local leaders, and to thank Engellexic troops as they return from their short war with Altai. The Foreign Office claimed planning for the Chancellor’s trip was kept secret for security reasons.

While in Zadar-Istria, Ilchester observed a display of Imperial Troops and combined Colonial Guards, met with the local Governor, and shook hands with other political leaders present on the island.

According to the Foreign Office, the visit “lodged a broad and sorely missed message of support for the Establishment” in important policy areas, and the World War as a whole. Ilchester directly acknowledged Engellexic Forces, saying that all Cantigians “intimately value the eternal strength of the Engellexic Gene” present in Imperial Troops.

With the detour safely completed, the Lord Chancellor's entourage is expected to continue its planned visit to the European Midlands, specifically The Empire of Greater Sarmatia, and its southern neighbor Kyiv.

This tour marks the Oceanic Covenant's first foreign excursion in several months, or the first tour since Cantignia assumed the global obligations of a nuclear power.

 

[Cœurléon]

King to visit Motombu

SAINTE-ELISABETH (Reuters) - The Palace announced King Louis X will visit Motombu next month.

The Caribbean nation is a constituent country of Cœurléon.

His Majesty’s seven-day visit will include a speech before the national legislature and a visit to a royal horticulture centre. He will also present royal honours to six individuals for their service to marine biology.

This will be the king’s third visit to the island since the July Restoration. His family lived briefly in the capital, Cailoux, following their evacuation when Disannde took power.

King Louis, his wife Queen Isabelle, and their retinue will stay at the Governor’s House during the royal visit.

 

[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

The Republic of Yujin consistently tries to undermine Vangalan national sovereignty through flagrant disregard for the People's Republic's territorial integrity, violating our airspace with reconnaissance drone flights and maintaining irrendist claims on our soil unfounded in history. Vangala will not be dragged into another damaging regional war but the People's Armed Forces will respond appropriately to further intrusions.

 

[Polesia]

Vangala to release dozens of prisoners

KILKILA (Reuters) - Vangalan authorities have confirmed the planned release of dozens of prisoners over the following weeks, including several high-profile dissidents. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice described the move as a "seasonal humanitarian gesture", with a large part of the world preparing to celebrate Christmas. Many being released are prominent Vangalan Christians detained last year after raids on unregistered Churches across the country during the Christmas period. The spokesperson also confirmed no persons linked to violent crimes are included.

A number of analysts believe the announcement is linked to Vangala's application for full membership of the Revolutionary Defence Treaty Organisation (RDTO) with Carentania allegedly demanding an improvement in Vangala's human rights record. Several dissidents known to be sympathetic to the socialist models of Carentania and Europaland are to also be discharged after years from imprisonment.

The first round of prisoners will be freed tomorrow, with more each day leading up to New Year. On security and privacy grounds, the exact timings of the releases have not been disclosed, although some sceptical commentators believe this is to partly avoid mass media attention.

Multiple Christian organisations and civil liberties activists have welcomed the decision and have issued statements calling for further releases. The Ministry of Justice spokesperson declined to comment on any future releases.

No foreign governments have officially commented.

 

[Europaland]

We welcome this move by Vangala and hope it is only the first of many steps in its development towards being a truly democratic country respectful of the rights and freedoms of all its citizens. A government which imprisons its own people on the basis of their beliefs is a government which clearly lacks any confidence in the strength of its arguments and in the popular appeal of its policies. Socialism, we hope Vangala understands, is not something which can be imposed upon the people from above by some self-appointed elite, it can only be achieved through the struggles of ordinary people fighting to gain control over their own lives. All authoritarian, hierarchical institutions whether these take the form of capitalist corporations or undemocratic states are obvious enemies of this struggle.

Saida Nasri,
Foreign Minister of Europaland

 

[Taley]

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His Holiness welcomes the move by the Vangalan authorities. We condemn the actions the Vangalans have taken against Christians in the past, but this move by Vangala we hope is the government willing to redress the past wrongs of the Socialist state in the East.

Bishop Antioco Poccetti
Spokesman for the Patriarchate​

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