European Press Association

[Touzen]

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Ministry of Revolutionary Defense and Foreign Affairs
_________________________________________________________
"Servants to Citizens!"
​

Nokanawa 25 December, 62


​

The Constitutional State welcomes the release of prisoners of consciousness and others unrightfully idetained by the People's Republic of Vangala as an important step towards a rapprochement with the international community. With this step the Vangalan leadership has signalized its willingness to return to a dialog with the democratic powers of the world. Yet, while we appreciate the actions now taken as a positive signal, they can only be a first step in a series of reforms that will will fully recognize the democratic aspirations of the Vangalan people and ensure their peaceful co-existence in mutual respect with the other nations in Touyou. To this end, the Vangalan state must also open up its nuclear facilities to independent inspections and give verifiable proof to the international community that it is not developing the capacity to construct nuclear weapons.

Forever Free,
Nakamoto Shigeru
Minister of Revolutionary Defense and Foreign Affairs

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of External Affairs

The People's Republic of Vangala has released prisoners detained for attending unauthorised gatherings in illegally constructed places of worship or deliberately and repeatedly spreading misinformation, judging the action to be in the people's interest and a positive engagement with the international community, while posing no threat to national security. Full freedoms are guaranteed under the constitution of the People's Republic and there are no so-called 'prisoners of conscience'. The Vangalan people fully participate in the governing process alongside the Communist Party and affiliated organisations of the United Motherland Front.

Attempts to impose capitalist interpretations of democracy on Vangala and demand the surrender of sovereignty with unwanted international inspection of peaceful nuclear energy facilities are disappointing and will be entirely resisted. The People's Republic has made its stance on nuclear weapons clearly and widely known.

Vangala strives for constructive relations with neighbouring and nearby nations, as well as the wider world. However, we will not tolerate injustice or aggression, which has been displayed repeatedly towards us by various countries.

 

[Großlausitz]

Das Auswärtige Amt

His Majesty's Goverment commends the People's Republic's gesture of goodwill and its thereby demonstrated good intentions. While there is many an issue Franken and Vangala agree to disagree, there are also several topics where both our nations are willing and able to cooperate: For example, we would be eager to act as neutral third-party mediator in the nuclear disputes, ensuring that each side gets what it deserves.

 

[Havenshire]

Havenshire Vessels sighted in the Long Sea

WESTHAVEN (Reuters) - Havenite naval authorities have confirmed that they have authorised a limited number of surface vessels to enter the Long Sea, in preperation for possible RDTO intervention in the ongoing conflicts in Himyar. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the Central Congress had formally approved this decision, and that co-operation with the RDTO in ensuring that humanitarian efforts went ahead was a top priority.

Whilst the seasonal ceasefire by Talemantros is being acknowledge, the People's Navy of Havenshire is making full use of this lull in hostilities to be prepared to assist in whatever humanitarian capacity they may be called upon in the New Year. "We confirm that no threat is being made or implied against the Talemantrine Empire. However, we are moving to be prepared to act in whatever capacity the RDTO deems necessary."

Rumours of a limited mobilisation of Havenite troops have not been acknowledged at this time by the Ministry of Defence. However, it is traditional for People's Army forces to have the whole of the last week of December off, with only a limited number retained for vital defensive purposes. This tradition has been quietly dropped in recent years, and it is believed that a strong reservist contigent is being kept on standby.

 

[Taley]

Altaic Representatives Meet With State Officials

TALEMANIKI (Reuters) Today many watched as the Altaic Ambassador along with Altiac representatives met with high ranking officials at the State Secretariat. Neither the State Secretariat nor the Altaic Embassy would comment on the nature of the visit, but many insiders in the diplomatic circles of Talemaniki say that the meeting is about the war and efforts to broker a peace during the Armistice. This will be the fourth attempt at finding a peace deal between the two warring states after two attempts by the diplomatic missions in Nicosia and a third mediated by Kyiv that failed after the Altaic Massacre of Malin. A close associate to one of the state secretariat officials that are meeting with the Altaics said on condition of anonymity that there is only one issue that remains to be resolved. Whether or not the Talemantine and Altaic governments will be able to overcome this issue remains to be seen, but many are hoping that the issue can be settled before the armistice ends.

 

[Wieserreich]

"Increased caution" recommended to travel and trade in Gallia, Himyar, Sarmatia by Wiese

AUGSBURG (Reuters) - Wiese's foreign minister Graf von und zu Babelfisch officially recommended "increased caution" concerning travel and trade in war-struck Gallia and Himyar, as well as -to the surprise of many- the geographic region of Sarmatia. According to Wiese's foreign ministry the cause for the warning is the "international failure and lack of will to put international war to an end" despite hopes for a Christmas peace treaty on several fronts. With the world in fear of recession and the forces of Talemantros, Engellex and their allies and enemies continuing in a path of conquest, it seems that 2012 will arrive in an international climate of hostility.

"The prologing of the war is most unfortunate" commented Mr. Babelfisch. "It was this nation's humble and honest hope that a peace treaty would have taken force before Christmas or, latest, by New Year's. Unfortunately we are gravely disappointed as we notice that there is no international climate promoting a firm and fair peace in Gallia or elsewhere." The foreign minister went on to advice "increased caution to Wieser nationals and businesses who are travelling or trading in the areas of Gallia, Himyar and the Sarmatian nations, due to this hostile international climate." The foreign ministry was not available for further comments.

 

[Havenshire]

People's Navy reservists called up as Tensions Mount

WESTHAVEN (Reuters) Thousands of families had their winter holidays cut short early Friday morning by the news that a General Muster has been called for the People's Navy and the Navy Air Arm, a move that has caused alarm throughout the nation.

With tensions running high between Havenshire's RDTO partners and the Talemantine Empire over the issue of the peace in Altai, many have expressed concern online about the possibility of a trade embargo or even a millitary naval blockade. Whilst if such drastic action were to occur it would mostly be the purview of Carentania's superior Navy, with even Vangala fielding more ships and resources in the Long Sea at present, the comparitively minor presence of Havenshire patrol vessels is nonetheless deeply significant, as the notoriously reluctant Communist nation has avoided conflict for well over 40 years, its last naval encounter being over Fishing Rights, and ending after a few short tense exchanges of fire.

Despite this, and growing rumours of a General Muster being called for more defence reservists in other branches of the millitary, many remain confident that, if Havenshire is compelled to stand by its allies, it will do so without hesitation and with vigour. The controversial and traditionally isolationist Communist Power is one that remains largely ignored by Europe and Himyar, but its presence as a less than junior partner in the RDTO's forces may well prove to be deeply significant in the long run.

"In my opinion, what we are seeing is a policy shift reflective of deep domestic uncertainty in the People's Republic." stated Professor Mycroft, an expert on Havenshire politics. "The naval muster is most likely an effort to distract from the growing weakness of the Council-Communist party at home, aswell as bolster the influence of millitary warhawks and arms manufacturers who have become increasingly prominent in shaping Havenshire's fiscal policies."

Whatever the cause, the possibility that even an isolationist power like Havenshire may soon be drawn into a wider conflict with an Old World Empire bodes ill for the chances of a lasting peace in Altai, as the RDTO and its supporters seem keen to assert themselves and fill the diplomatic and political vacuum still vigorously contested by the wounded EDF and the awakening giants of Engellex, Wiese, Kyiv and Cantigny, all of whom have expressed some degree of concern or contempt for the RDTO and its efforts.

 

[Thaumantica]

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​

: : TRANSMITTED on THURSDAY, JANUARY the 5th, 2012 ::
PUBLIC & UNCLASSIFIED TELEGRAM
INTENDED FOR : : REUTERS INTERNATIONAL NEWS AGENCY ; THE EUROPEAN PRESS
​

THE COVENANT restates its persisting policy of neutrality towards the Revolutionary Defence Treaty Organization, and at this time denies any "concern or contempt" for the Communist entities; disputes with potential member-state Europaland, and lesser leaders like Coronado or Vangala notwithstanding. We remain generally open to communication and cooperation with Havenshire, Carentania, and most specifically the budding Solaris State rising from the ashes. It is thus concluded that conflict or contempt between this Covenant and the RDTO would originate from the RDTO, and not from Cantigny as Reuters has insinuated.

FORWARD CANTIGNY!
TRANSMITTED BY BENJAMIN STOKES,
CHIEF OFFICER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
​

 

[Polesia]

Vangala allows Islamic banking

KILKILA (Reuters) - Islamic banks will be allowed to operate in the People's Republic of Vangala for the first time following a decision by the National Development and Prosperity Commission, the supreme economic governance body of Vangala, after repeated requests by banks from Hajr and the Jurzan, who are hoping to cater for Vangala's Muslim population, an estimated 124 million people. The Vangalan Communist Party had previously banned Islamic banks on ideological and security banks, with religion suppressed in Vangalan public life and the Vangalan authorities accusing various banks of involvement with Islamic extremism.

Muslims are an estimated 40% of the population, although official statistics report a much lower percentage, and following the near two decades of high growth of the Vangalan economy, the use of personal banking has increased massively. Social surveys also suggest Vangalans are becoming more religious. Analysts expect Vangala to be one of the biggest markets in the future, with a youthful and growing total population of 310-million. However, economists are sceptical about the potential for success of Islamic banking in Vangala. The banking sector remains strictly regulated and dominated by state-owned banks. Many also expect Islamic banks to face extra harassment, which may deter customers.

Some remain confident. One businessman in Vangala told Reuters International News Agency said he was considering setting up a domestic Islamic bank, although had yet to contact the authorities.

 

[Khemia]

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Yujin Arrests Political Opponents, 23 Executed

The Yujin government has initiated mass executions of political prisoners in response to the fall of the Boliaturan regime and shift of Yujin politics towards facing what that country views as an intrinsic threat to stability. Among the 23 executed, 16 Boliaturan nationals were included, and many critics feel that the executions are a response to suspicious murders of Yujin citizens in Boliatur. The government has stated that all those executed were arrested on grounds of conspiring to incite rebellion against the Republic. Sedition and espionage are the leading reasons behind executions in Yujin.

The Yujin government has not made any statements regarding the murder of students studying abroad, but all foreign study programs have been ceased and all students and foreign workers have been recalled indefinitely. Travel advisories are in place for Yujiner citizens travelling to Boliatur, and visa's for Boliaturan citizens residing in Yujin have been revoked, leaving many of those Boliaturans travelling abroad at the time of the revolution stranded.

Relations between Boliatur and Yujin continue to deteriorate, and the Yujin military has been placed on high alert, with large quantities of reservists being activated or being placed on alert.

 

[Taley]

Danmark and Talemantros Come to an Agreement Over Sindh Crisis

TALEMANIKI (Reuters) Today the Danish and Talemantine leaders announced a resolution to the crisis that had been building over the past few days. The Talemantine Secretary of State, Carmine Gavallo, traveled to the Danish capital of Christianborg to reach a consensus on how to solve the problem between the two states. In a press conference with the Danish foreign Minister, Henrik Westerveld, they announced a compromise to resolve the problem. The Danish fleet would be broken into smaller groups that would successively dock at the Altaic port in Dara, so that the entire fleet would not be in the Altaic port at once, something that the Talemantine government repeatedly considered a threat to its national security and that of Talemantine ally of Zamosca. Following the docking at Dara the Danish fleets would also then visit Talemantine ports.

The announcement also began the begining of building a cooperative between the powers of the Sindh to work together to ensure Maritime Security in the Sindh until an international comprehensive agreement on the seas. In celebration of reaching this compromise the Secretariat of State later announced that is was upgrading the the Talemantine Legation to an embassy, which will be headed by Prince Gavino, Duke of Reate, the Emperor's nephew.

 

[Thaumantica]

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________________________________
THE FOREIGN OFFICE
VESPER, SUNDAY, 22nd APRIL 2012
​

THE Oceanic Realms joins in marking this weekend as a celebration of peace and understanding for all Rightful Powers of the Sindh. A compromise sealed in a time of global uncertainty has showcased the grace of all Empire's involved, and inspired the friendly confines to seek righteous paths in its own dealings with international adversaries.

​

Forward

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!
Harriet Fauconberg,
Chief Officer​

 

[Liege]

Tragedy at Verdun, thousands slaughtered

VERDUN (Reuters) A scene from a current news broadcast:

"Hello all this is Jean Theuriau, reporting live from the streets of Verdun. The smoke you see behind me is from the barricades that were constructed late last night after the results of the election were in. We have with us now a man that was in the mayhem that ensued last night. Sir, if you could please, recount to the viewers back home what happened."

A man limps into view full of the camera. His clothes are disheveled, bloodstains adorn his attire, a bandage that was once white covers an obvious wound that was sustained to his head.

"My name is Marius, I am a student member of the LDL, and I have been here for days, waiting for the good news, and then last night happened. Me and many friends and others from the city were amassed not just in the square but throughout the citadel that is our capital. On tv.s and through radio messages, and what form of media I am sure, the news went out; that the LDL lost...lost by a majority...and the crowd that a few seconds before had the air of a festival quickly turned into a mob out for blood. We are not unknown to not getting our way, in fact in was a way of life, but Rousseau, he gave us hope; so many turned out to vote for him, every poll showed him the winner and the LDL taking most of the seats in Parliament, even independent parties from outside our Republic said the same."

He takes a drag from his cigarette.

"I was there on one of the barricades the lot of us made, from whatever we could find; cars, tables, chairs, random things from nearby stores, I even think I at one time saw some stuffed toys plugging gaps. Anyway, I right near Eponine, she was the one that rallied us, our student leader; it was she that was waving the flag of our party when the first round was fired. I entered her left breast and exploded out of her back. there was panic in the streets. Our own leaders sent the Red Guard, all
Englishmen of at least six foot in height, to not just break us up, but kill us. I saw babies torn from their mothers, pregnant women bayoneted, men shot down like dogs. Some us ran, others fought back, all of it was to no avail, they shut the gates, we were unable to leave the city, we were trapped like rats. I thought I was going to die, die huddled in a small loft I somehow found myself in, over looking the city. I could see everything."

Jean places a hand on Marius' shoulder, "And then what happened son?"

Tears well in the young man's face, "I saw the army, well tanks and cars and men on the ground marching to the city, and above them was our flag. I had no idea how that happened, I knew it was them, the sun had already come over the horizon a few long hours prior. I did not know if I was dead or not, all I knew was that I did not want to stay were I was. I rushed down the flights of stairs, three at a time. Right as I made it out to the main street I saw him, well them."

Jean, "Who are 'them'?"

Marius throws down his now spent cigarette and his chest swells, "Enjolras Rousseau and General Jean Maximilien Lamarque."

Jean again, "Lamarque, the Minister of War, Larmarque?"

"Yes, the very same. We all though he betrayed us, the only French Minister, we thought he too was in on it, turns out that that was far from the truth. I ran alongside the rode, many of us did. We also helped take down the barricades we put up not long ago. In the city square I saw what seemed to be the last of the EG, they were all bloody and their uniforms torn. I looked away when the volley happened. When I looked again, all of them were dead; I guess that is the priced paid for the wholesale slaughter of civilians."

"And what happened then?"

"Enjolras, no, Chancellor Enjolras Rousseau, gave a long speech to us and nation. I'm sure you know that, just as I am sure that that footage will be played for years to come. The short of it was; that the General upon that order being deliver to him, he commanded all the military to back the LDL and retake our country, from what I have heard many were fine with that order, in some cases that was bloodshed, but by the time the General and the Chancellor came to Verdun we had all of the military. Anyway, after that order he also sent word to now Chancellor Rousseau what was happening and to come to Verdun, with that, he left and the two of them, along with what LDL and military members took back not only the capital, but the nation."

"That is some story Marius, thank you."

"Sure, it's not problem."

"Now that this is over for now, what will you do?"

"I'm sure people will be celebrating for some time, but after that, I'm going back to my University, and from there, I'm not sure yet."

"Well alright Marius, thank you again. Well, you heard it here first folks, from someone that was actually here, where history is made. I am sure that there will be many more happenings in this nation of ours. Stay tuned, you will know as soon as we do. From all of us at News Channel 8; thank you and long live our new Chancellor."

 

[Taley]

Patriarchs Visit Orthodox Communities in Jurzan Ahead of Islamic Vote

ABASHA (Reuters) Today the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Patriarch Joscelin of Opsikioch were in Northern Jurzan holding several rallies around the Akhaltsikhe commonwealth in a concerted effort to raise awareness and defeat the Islamic Republic Amendment as it goes forward with a ratification vote of the people. The church of Talemaniki has been the most vocal against the Islamicization of the Republic of Jurzan, and has been a powerful voice as the leader of the majority of Jurzani Christians as the nation continues down the current path. Patriarch Joscelin, the Patriarch of Opsikioch, which has been in exile from his see since the Carentanians conquered the city and drove the Patriarchate into exile in Talemaniki, was also with Bartholomew as the nominal leader of the church in Carentania and Jurzan. Thousands came out in Abasha to see the two Patriarchs as it was the first visit by the Patriarch of Opsikioch since the lost of Northern Jurzan to the then state of Akhaltsikhe in the Talemantine-Akhaltsikhe war during the 1930s. His Beatitude Patriarch Joscelin joined his Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in blessing the crowd of faithful Orthodox Christians outside Abasha's main cathedral.

His holiness gave strong words encouraging the Christians to "stay strong in the face to this encroaching persecution. Centuries ago the armies of Islam marched through the holy lands of Christiandom and the Christians from all around the world rose to fight and liberate our holy sites from the invaders. Now again here in Akhaltsikhe, the forces of persecution with to dominate and destroy our faith and now again good Christians both Orthodox and Catholics must combat the encroaching menace. You must never yield your faith to them and God and our Savior will stand with you and protect you, and together we must stand to protect him ti which we owe our lives."

The Patriarchs are expected to continue to travel to the Christian communities around Akhaltsikhe and Adrar urging them to condemn and vote against the Islamic Amendments. Carmine Gavallo, Talemantine Secretary of State, announced that the borders of the Talemantine Empire would be open to any Christian Jurzanis wishing to escape as the Islamic Amendment is expected to pass in Jurzan. Also asylum will be given to any Jurzani fleeing religious persecution that is expected to follow in the Jurzan.

 

[Clarenthia]

Secretariat of State
Carmine Gavallo, Secretary of State
The Talemantine Empire

Dear Secretary Gavallo,

The Jurzani Government is deeply concerned that the recent rallies being held in Akhaltsikhe by the Ecumenical Patriarch will incite disunity among the Jurzani People and cause violence that is inherently wrong and unnecessary for this nation. In order to maintain peace, serenity, and security, we ask that the Talemantine Government understand the issues that the Ecumenical Patriarch will likely create and recall him immediately.

We request this in the interest of both our nations.

Signed,
حکيم کريمي
Hakim Tohki
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Second Jurzani Republic

 

[Taley]

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Minister Tohki,

His Holiness and the Orthodox Catholic Church, while be revered as the state church, is not a part of the government of the Talemantine Empire. Even his Most August and Imperial Majesty cannot command God's servant to do opposite of the orders of the Living God. The imperial government has no command of his holiness or of the most holy mother church in how it decides to conduct its business.

His Majesty cannot order His Holiness to do other than his holiness's conscience compels him to do.

Carmine Gavallo
Vice Chancellor
Secretary of State​

 

[Liege]

Exclusive with the Minister of War, of the Republic of Liege, General Lamarque

VERDUN (Reuters) "Today we have with us a man, that has been the subject of some controversy as of late; General Lamarque. General, I believe that you are here to tell us what happened in your country, if that is correct?"

"It is. Why else would I not be where I am truly needed? In my home, in my nation."

"Right...Well, in your own words, please, tell us what happened."

"Alright, just don't expect me to pretty anything up for you. First, some back story. As with any other Frenchman in my country we are drafted into our military either right out of college, or high school, for a period of no less than 6 years. I fell in love with the Army, since I graduated from college I was able to choose my branch, instead of assigned where there was the most need. So, that is where I decided to stay. After years of being a colonel, the Parliament finally voted in my favor, and I became the first Frenchman to hold a general rank since the times before our country was unified. Anyway the Hughes regime, the man was president long before I started having stars on my shoulders, saw the benefit in having me as a minister; the people have long chanted for change, and at least having some real representation on the highest levels of government. 'So, why not give them a minister that has to follow our orders already,' I heard that from Hughes' mouth not long before I became Minister of War.

The old man was right, I had to do what he said, he has final say over the military, and despite being a minister, I still had my position as a general. I followed orders as any good soldier would, and I was the best. I always have been, not be cocky or anything, I just always received the top marks, I was always the one getting the praise, I found my talent, and my calling. And well, skip ahead, skip ahead; we find ourselves at what happened at my beloved city of Verdun. Hughes, who had always had a deep distrust for the French, why else did you think he tried to pass that legislation about only the french citizens only having one child? Well, he knew that his time was up. So, he ordered me to bring up the military against the civilians. These people could not have really done anything, I mean barricades, please what is this, the June Rebellion of over two centuries back, no they could never have done any real harm. But, Hughes would hear done of my council, instead he listened to all those others that encouraged him; those sick old men, sure I'm no spring chicken anymore, but...no matter. I retired to my office, and the news soon came in that I was to order the English Guard, which is our shock force...shock force, only because they are tall, they never saw any real battles, just marched down the street from time to time. He wanted them to start butchering the French that were in the streets. How could I give that command? I am not alien to giving commands that would cost lives, I have seen blood, I have spilt mine, and spilled other's myself, but this...this was inhuman.

There was no way I could order for the deaths of the very people I swore to protect, from any and all enemies foreign and domestic. I saw my very president as a domestic enemy. How could he be president, if he is not only willing, but eager to kill the very citizens that he is supposed to protect and car for. So, I let every base commander know what was going on. I spared no detail. In no time at all I was getting reports that they too saw things as I did, that Hughes was a dictator, that needed to be stopped. After I was sure that I had the military on my side, I left in secret to meet up with Rousseau. He is a younger man than myself, and I never had the pleasure of commanding him, but I knew of him from my friends. I knew why he left the Army. I saw in him a hope for our future. A Frenchman to lead a truly Frech nation. And a civilian at that. I thought that with the people's love, the fact the he was no longer in uniform, and with my clout, the day could be ours, and things would be right again. That is why I 'defected'. Though, one could say that I never did. I was, and am loyal to my people. I saw what Hughes was doing, and did nothing for too long. That was the time I could try to redeem myself and my people, so I took that opportunity. If given the chance, I would again. I stand by my actions. I can only hope that the international community can see what I did, what we did, was right.

Together along with what forces I could muster, that was close to the capital, Enjolras and myself led the forces to the main gate. Once there ,I saw it was still locked, meaning that Hughes was still having civilians killed. Once the gate was opened, due to some well planted C4, we rode in. I had every able bodied infantryman charge in to save what civilians they could. Our purpose was to save the civilians and our nation, remember it was the English that were doing the butchering of the French civilians, I only wanted to stop this madness, which included killing those murders that Hughes sent upon the populace. I remember the site all too well. There were all these englishmen shooting into, and stabbing civilians; civilians that just hours before calmly amassed on the streets just waiting to know that democracy finally served them. Now I had to use force to put down those mindless brutes; all because Hughes was afraid of the French having some real power in their own country. Lucky there were doctors and vehicles to transport out, and to help the wounded. Hopefully some of them could be saved, I only wished we could have arrived sooner. I saw the English piling up dead French bodies, to set on fire, some of those bodies were still moving. Within a few hours we managed to take back the citadel. Those English that surrendered, were brought to the main square, I know they were 'just following orders', they continually tried to play that card, but I too could have just followed orders, instead I did not. They chose their path, and with what few were still live, I had executed, for crimes against humanity. Sure some may say I was harsh, but if they were in my position if they saw what I saw, they would then say that I acted to mercifully."


"My...well...thank you for your words and time General. Those are certainly some interesting things that you brought up. I know that I am keen to see how things develop, and I wish the, best."

 

[Khemia]

Exclusive: Danish Hostage Speaks Out On Liaojiang "Massacre"

FREDRIKSHAVN (Reuters) - Eleven days ago the Empire of Yujin was gripped by sudden strikes by railroad workers who, after many died during a bridge collapse, complained of poor working conditions and took several Danish citizens hostage. The Empire's media wing known as the Imperial Daily has suggested that the hostage taking was an attempt to sabotage the Empire's commitments to industrialization and attack the West, but of the three Danish nationals who survived the event and returned to their homeland, Kaspar Møller recounts a different series of events.

Kaspar Møller, 23, was recently assigned to the Liaojiang Railway project as an overseer after recently graduating from a Danish University, where he studied engineering.

Executed

"The Empire of Yujin was a difficult government to work with. They would not assign our railroad with quality materials and impeded progress, and were constantly trying to renegotiate the terms upon which the construction took place. While many of the project managers were in Zhenjing, the bridge collapsed. Some of my colleagues said that this was because the steel was poorly made, but I am unsure," Mr. Møller told Reuters in an interview shortly after arriving back in Danmark. "The workers were furious. Many of them had died, and even more were injured. We tried to do what we could, but the company told us not to. They planned to use the incident to leverage the Imperial government."

"After that, the workers took us hostage," Mr. Møller said while puffing on a cigarette, his hands shaking enough to spill the ashes. "We were treated well, they fed us and allowed us breaks to exercise. They tried to explain to us their issues. That night, the leader of the group, a gentleman named Mr. Jie, stayed awake with us and played mahjong. When the Imperial police police entered the camp, he went out to see what was going wrong. After that - all I heard was gunshots."

"Everyone was screaming and running. Some of the workers tried to free us, but the Yujin police entered the tent and shot them. None of them were armed. The police dragged us out of the tent and I saw rows of men lined up and slumped over. They had been executed."

Tragic

Mr. Møller's colleagues refused to elaborate on the events, with one man simply stating that the events were simply tragic. "I can't believe what I saw. And then they told us that the workers had executed my friends," he said, "it's just tragic. Simply tragic."

The Imperial media has argued that the protesters initiated the attack against the Danes by executing hostages, after which Imperial police chose to intervene. Mr. Møller's account contradicts this view, detailing a systematic attack by Imperial Police on Yujiner workers in an attack that radical Communist leader Wu Jindiao said by telephone was nothing less than a massacre.

"The Imperial government needs to be held accountable for its actions against its own people. A government's purpose is not to attack its people, but to defend their rights," Wu, aged forty three, argued.

The Imperial government refused to comment on the allegations made by Mr. Møller, simply stating that an investigation into the events was unfolding and that seditious workers had been responsible for the deaths of numerous police officers, including several deaths by gunshot.

 

[Khemia]

Exclusive: Massacre at Nianxu

Protests outside the Nianxu Imperial Courthouse were unremarkable prior to the tenth of September, when former Danish hostage Kaspar Møller spoke out against the Empire of Yujin's actions at Liaojiang Railway. In remarks that suggest an intentional massacre of union workers which resulted in the execution of Danish nationals, Kaspar Møller infuriated many Yujiner's in Yujin who felt that the trial of Chuan Mengde was little more than a show trial designed to weaken the power of unions and strengthen the powers of foreign businesses.

Chuan Mengde was found guilty late Monday, and sentenced to death by beheading. The Emperor Xiong Qirui further decreed the ban of the United Rail Workers Association, inciting passions within a protesting crowd outside of the Imperial Court. Protesters, numbering over 1,000, attempted to breach defenses hastily erected around the courthouse and were met with gunfire by New Imperial Army soldiers.

An eyewitness, speaking on conditions of anonymity, told Reuters by telephone that the protesters were attempting to climb over the fences and storm the Courthouse, but were unarmed. They had not yet push over the fences when the soldiers began firing weapons, and the gunfire did not stop until the crowd had completely dispersed. The source stated that they believed more than eighty of the protesters were killed, but this claim cannot be independently verified.

Tensions are high between workers and government officials, with many Unions announcing their intent to peacefully strike outside factories and railways in coastal cities across Yujin. Most notably, port workers in Liangang announced their intent to stage a three day strike against the verdict before they will return to work on Friday.

 

[Telora]

Senate delays naval bill; future of coastal defence battleships in doubt

TELOR CITY (Reuters). The future of the Teloran Republican Navy's pair of coastal defence battleships - RTS Odin and RTS Thor is under doubt tonight as the Senate continues to delay voting on the naval appropriations bill. The two ships, who are now over 15 years each, must either be replaced or retired entirely from the fleet sometime over the next 3 years. President Strand has pledged to veto any bill that does not contain either his preferred solution for the vessels - replacement with new hulls - or a fully costed retirement programme that does not significantly reduce the TRN's capacity to defend Teloran waters and shipping.

Speaking to news reporters this morning, before the Senate voted to extend the debate window by a further 3 days, the President's Press Secretary said that he hoped for a swift resolution to the naval appropriations budget crisis; urging members of the Socialist and National Parties to break ranks and vote with the President's own Centre Party members in passing the bill to grant time to move onto other legislative projects. In response, after the vote to extend was passed by a narrow margin of 2, Senator Johann Friedrich (Soc) said that they had voted for more time to allow them to "study all the options in this matter more closely [...] we are not convinced that the President has drawn the proper balance between the security of Telora and the need to allocate precious financial resources to domestic issues."

With the President's much-vaunted industrial policy still awaiting the beginning of a Senate debate, never mind a vote, the pressure is growing from the Executive on Senators to clear the legislative timetable before the Christmas break. Further delays to the naval spending bill will push back debates and votes on the two other forces' spending bills, as well as a lengthy land reform bill brought forwards by the Socialist Minority Leader over the summer. Experts on parliamentary procedure say such a delay may well force the President to hold off his industrial policy legislation until the spring, giving precious little time to clear all the hurdles before he has to present his second budget next April.