European Press Association

[Serenierre]

Public opinion turning against Raigestani refugees

AKBARIYEH (Reuters): At a meeting between Chancellor Jhangvi of Sikandara and officials from the city of Akbariyeh, the closest Sikandari city to Raigestan, the Chancellor was informed of the burden being placed on the city by the presence of thousands of refugees and the city population's opposition to their presence due to the increase in crime occurring throughout the city. At Akbariyeh's Municipal Headquarters, as the meeting was progressing, around 3,000 people demonstrated against the soft approach on refugees being taken by the government and refused to vacate the premises till the Chancellor did not speak to them.

Upon hearing their requests, the Chancellor did speak to the protesters and agreed that there needed to be some limit imposed on the numbers of refugees in Sikandara and the coast guard had to stop allowing Raigestani vessels crossing into Sikandara, unless they were sponsored by the Sikandari government. The current situation in Raigestan continues to worsen as the war drags on. But the Sikandari government's official spokesperson has said that "...the Imperial State is neutral in all conflicts currently occurring in the region and is pleased to note that all combatants have respected our neutrality."

 

[Khemia]

Yujin government struggles to contain protests

NOKANAWA | Wed Jan 30, 1953 3:29pm

(Reuters) - Demonstrations continue throughout Yujin's coastal cities as discontent protesters demand concessions from a government struggling to grapple an array of problems.

Demonstrations have continued for the fifth straight day in Liangang, with other protests popping up throughout Yujin's coastal cities, closing down entire districts of the countries main trade hubs and forcing the government to mobilize military units to ensure the protests do not become violent. The Empire of Yujin is struggling to grasp with a wide array of problems, ranging from low yield crops that have resulted in rationed stocks of food and famine in several parts of the nation, to resentment over the treatment of the workers union URWA. Many businessmen have also announced their support for the protests, upset over a systemic government policy known as the "Four Occupations" that discriminates against businesses.

The government has yet to meet with the protesters to discuss possible options, and expressed its concern earlier that it believed elements of the radical Communist terrorist organization known as Hongmenghui, Red Oath Society, was responsible for organizing the mass protests. The Empire of Yujin has made a policy against negotiating with Hongmenghui, and continues to offer a sizable ransom for the capture or death of its ringleader, Wu Jindiao.

Independent analysts believe that the protests were initiated over dissatisfaction with the governments handling of the protest at Liangjiang earlier this year. Other sources suggest that the government has been actively cracking down on protests within Liangang, and that protests have increased in volatility in response to this. This claim is, however, not verifiable. Leading economists believe that the timing of the protests may inhibit Yujin tax collection, which would inhibit the nations capacity to purchase grains to offset the famine. Experts believe that taxes on businesses and business owners account for 40% of the governments revenue.

 

[Khemia]

Reports of massacres in Nianxu

NOKANAWA | Tue Mar 12, 1953 8:22am

(Reuters) - Massacres reported in Yujin city of Nianxu said to have claimed the lives of over 10,000 amid violent repressions throughout eastern Yujin.

Reports coming from within Yujin allege that as many as twenty thousand civilians may have been systematically rounded up and executed in a campaign by the government to cleanse the city of Nianxu, home of the Republican revolution of 1923, of dissidents opposed to Imperial rule. The process of rounding up civilians and executing them in the streets, sources claim, has been ongoing for the past two weeks, putting the death toll at over 1,000 civilians killed daily in a conflict which has largely been overshadowed by violent clashes in the northern port of Liangang. Other reports suggest that as many as fifty thousand civilians have been dislocated by the violence within the city.

The Empire of Yujin has strictly forbidden access to foreign journalists who are unable to verify the reports, but if true these claims could amount to some of the largest attacks against a civilian population to occur in Toyou in decades. Representatives from the Imperial Ministry of Foreign Affairs were not immediately available for response.

"Republican Yujiners are increasingly becoming a footnote in the history of monarchist aggression," incumbent President Sander Rygaard of the Republic of Sylvania was quoted as saying in a debate, in a reference to the ongoing conflict in Yujin. "We should not have to witness such tragedies." President Sander Rygaard is one of the few foreign officials who has publicly noted the violent suppression of what many claim has been a largely peaceful demonstration by the Republicans within Liangang against the Empire of Yujin.

Meanwhile, communist insurgents continue to battle against Imperial forces within Liangang, with allegations of Carentanian air strikes in the area unable to be verified. The Imperial military numerically outnumbers the insurgents, but has initiated a conflict against the People's Republic of Vangala, a government which the Empire of Yujin has not recognized. The Imperial military numbers into the millions, but many analysts believe that the large majority of these soldiers are poorly trained and equipped conscripts. Regardless, the opening of hostilities between these two Toyou states has global investors concerned that the conflict may pull other world powers into it.

 

[Polesia]

Cathiopa urges Danmark to exercise restraint in foreign policy

EL SALVADOR/MPUNGU-NKANKA (Reuters) - Cathiopa's Head of State Deogracias Cabello has urged Danmark to exercise caution and restraint in its foreign policy dealings, following separate incidents involving Danish spy planes in Cantignia and Sylvania, and the announcement of increased deployments to Danish colonies.

Cabello's comments, made at a press conference earlier today, follow a chorus of condemnations of Danmark's plans to bolster existing bases in its colonies in the Thaumantic and Implarian Oceans with reinforcements from home, with many governments suspecting an ulterior motive behind the new deployments. Cantignia and Sylvania, which shot down a Danish spy plane only a couple of days ago, have been the most vociferous critics of the plans. Frescania, Cathiopa's former colonial power and now close ally, has also been critical.

Frescania's displeasure with recent Danish actions are unlikely to be the sole motivation behind Cathiopa's entrance into the debate on Danmark's conduct on the international stage. Danmark has been a significant investor in Cathiopa's economy, jointly owning and operating a number of mines across the country. Indeed, Cathiopa is Danmark's primary supplier of gold. Such arrangements date back to when Frescania and Danmark were enjoying a rapprochement, resulting from a convergence on foreign policy aims. In spite of a cooling of ties between Christiansborg and Fortaleza Real following a number of disagreements, like the most recent, Cathiopa and Danmark have maintained cordial relations. Cabello's intervention into the brewing crisis can be understood as an attempt to avoid angering either Frescania or Danmark, and shore up Cathiopa's ailing export-led economy, which has been battered by near-continual warfare, depressing demand for Cathiopan goods.

The Danish Ambassador to Cathiopa was also invited to private talks with Cabello.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Leaked Carentanian Documents: War Would See Major Eiffelländer Cities on Fire

RIJEKA (Reuters): Secret documents leaked by an unknown member of the Commissariate for Defense detail plans for an eventual war between Eiffelland and Carentania. While the documents - their leaked version apparently lacking an extensive preface that belongs to the original - make only brief mentioning of the possible causes of such a conflict, they reference older statements by the government of Eiffelland hinting to a possible division of Solaren territory.

More peculiarily, the leaked documents contain detailed plans for aerial warfare against Eiffelland, with the Carentanian Commissariate for Defense confident that aerial superiority can be won and Eiffelländer wartime production be dealt a crippling blow through strategic bombing. The warplans foresee the formation of several additional bomber squadrons by the Revolutionary Guards Corps in the eventuality of a conflict and the organization of a large-scale campaign against major Eiffelländer cities, including incidiary bombing of industrial and government districts.

A single such an attack would be devastating on the city hit by it, while a prolonged, succesful campaign could be thoroughly exhausting on the Eiffelländer nation as a whole.

The Carentanian government was visibly embarassed by the leak and stated that it does not harbor aggressive sentiments against Eiffelland, but that it wishes to be prepared against any possible foe. "This is a standard procedure by militaries around the globe," Commissar for Defense Matija Dracar commented. Meanwhile, Carentanian military intelligence is reportedly seeking for the leak, who may face a trial for treason.

 

[Potenza]

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The Grand Duchy greatly desires that any potential for war be avoided in Solaren, and that all parties work together to resolve any disagreements that may arise between the three major powers involved.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister​

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We are very alarmed by these Carentanian war plans, despite the reassurements by the Carentanian government that it does not have agressive sentiments against us. We consider it urgently needed to open talkings.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Grand Master invites the concerned parties to Syracuse in order to help avoid war. The Grand Master's hospitality will remain in place should the parties decline.

Nico Dorisio
Servant-At-Arms
Office of the Grand Master

 

[Rheinbund]

OOC: Carentania and I are currently discussing things out. The RP in Solaren, where this evolves from, has been suspended until everything has been sorted out. Therefore, also this issue has been suspended until then.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

We see no need for a meeting and feel that this would only serve to delay solutions to more important issues. Carentania has stressed that these warplans are not expressions of an impending hostile act upon the nation of Eiffelland, but rather a standard military procedure. As such, we do not see what exactly could be achieved through a meeting.

 

[Danmark]

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I think it is appropriate for all sides involved in Solaren to maintain level heads and not ferment unnecessary conflict beyond what already exists as the beleaguered Solari have already suffered enough but are very slowly inching towards a restoration of normality, even if it is still some way off to be called 'genuine peace'.​

We have reached the conclusion that the statements issued by Rijeka must be given some dose of faith and it will be a testament to them if they mean what they say in public and that this course is maintained.

However, this does not mean that other nations, specifically Eiffelland, should not prepare for an eventuality that may see actions diverge from the pronouncements of Rijeka. Not that we expect this to happen, but it would be unwise not to place into operation contingency plans. This would be natural and normal.

We shall, for ourselves, continue to remain cautiously distant with regard to the Tripartite arrangement governing Solaren as we place trust upon the nations there, specifically the Grand Duchy and Eiffelland, as working as responsible powers, and those people do not need yet more fingers thrust into the pie that is Solaren.


UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE KING

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HR. HENRIK JOACHIM WESTERVELD

FOREIGN MINISTER OF THE GREAT DANISH IMPERIUM

 

[Saaremaa]

Failed bombing attempt in Kuressaare

Reports are coming in from the capital of the Kingdom of Saaremaa presenting an intervention of the police in defusing a bomb in the Queen Leena Boulevard. From an agent posited within the National Salvation League, the police discovered that members of the party, directed upon the orders of Prince Ott Andrus, set up a car bomb. The situation ended without victims on the streets, while the police stormed the headquarters of the party arresting the Prince and members who are are suspected of being behind the failed terrorist attack.


Shocked by the actions of his brother, the Queen Dowager Eha issued a statement: "I know that my brother wasn't very keen on my actions after the succession scandal. But it is now clear to me that I made the best choice when I decided not to surrender the throne and the fate of our nation into his hands. I never thought of him being a terrorist and a criminal thinking of taking the throne with the risk of hurting the people."


Alexander Koppel, the leader of the National Salvation League immediately disassociated himself from the machinations of the other main leader of his party: "This is against everything the National Salvation League stands against. Our main objectives are to defend the people from destruction, either social or moral, but we can't believe that a leader of our party can do something like that, threatening the people of Saaremaa."


The police arrested Prince Ott Andrus and another 22 members of the party which are suspected of working alongside the prince in destabilizing the country.

 

[Vangala]

Experts warn of famine in Vangala

SHAHDARA (Reuters) - The International Relief Commission, a charity formed by elder statesmen, celebrities and other notable persons after the Great War to respond to humanitarian crises, has warned of potential famine in the People's Republic of Vangala, worsening an already dire situation caused by internal unrest and war with Yujin. The report by the Commission, published on the eve of traditional Vangalan New Year (14th/15th April), primarily blamed poor weather, with strong rains resulting in severe flooding and damage to most crops. However the document also held the new Communist regime responsible, criticising its response to the natural disasters as well as its radical land reform policies, describing them as 'chaotic' and 'counter-productive'.

Since taking power, the Vangalan Workers and Peasants Party has initiated a campaign of compulsory collectivisation, dismantling large estates previously owned by local noble families or amalgamating small-holder farms. Hoarding and speculating has also been prohibited. Opponents to these policies are reportedly imprisoned or executed. The IRC Report claimed many peasants were too unskilled to properly manage collective agriculture, and the burden is falling mostly on women and children, with most able-bodied men having been conscripted since the outbreak of war with Yujin. The majority of fighting between Vangala and Yujin is also taking place near the Emerald River Delta, one of the most fertile regions in the world, and responsible for a significant amount of Vangala's food supply. The report further alleges foodstuffs are being prioritised for soldiers or export to Carentania and Havenshire in exchange for military aid.

The government of Vangala has rejected the report, claiming the land reform process to be successful and blaming any potential shortages in the disruption caused by the invasion of Yujin and recent weather events. External Affairs Minister Qamaruzzaman released a statement further claiming Vangala had enough to both feed its own people and export abroad. It is difficult to verify the situation in Vangala, as the People's Republic has closed its borders to journalists, and has turned away emergency relief workers provided by charities.

The International Relief Commission plans to organise several fundraising and awareness events over the next weeks to formulate a co-ordinated response to the challenges facing Vangala.

 

[Serenierre]

Political crisis in danger of derailing democracy

SHAHDARA (Reuters): The current political crisis in Sikandara has all the implications of derailing the Sikandari democracy, as opposition parties begin infighting and the ruling power bloc is desperately formulating plans to bloc attempts by some in the opposition to introduce a constitutional reform agenda which would seriously curb the power of the Sikandari emperor and reduce the level of state funds to the imperial household. Some in Sikandara have felt that the political crisis, which is occurring at a time when the region is involved in serious conflicts, could possibly allow the military to move against the opposition parties, something which it has done in the past when other groups have made similar demands. However, the fact that a party which is represented in Parliament might be targeted by the military has caused constitutional experts to term the next few days vital for the fate of democracy in Sikandara.

With the regional rise in the influence of communism, Sikandara's security establishment has become increasingly paranoid about communist infiltration and maintains a well regulated system making sure that left-leaning influences are monitored and kept within limits. But the relations of the Government of Sikandara and its communist neighbours is a very complex and delicate relationship, which sees Sikandara maintain full diplomatic relations, while distrust on both sides remains high when dealing with each other.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Nejc Mrac Appointed Marshal of the Army

RIJEKA (Reuters): General Nejc Mrac, currently the commanding officer of the third army group of the Carentanian Revolutionary Army Corps, is to succeed Marshal Marko Krajnc who was killed in a terrorist attack last week. While Marshal Krajnc is to receive a formal state burial on the Rijeka Military Cemetary next wednesday, General Nejc Mrac will be inaugurated at the end of the week in a smaller ceremony. As a Marshal, Mrac will be a member of Carentanian High Command and supreme commander of the Revolutionary Army Corps, the largest branch of the Carentanian military.

Mrac is considered a hardliner within the military command. While as Marshal he will not possess direct political power, High Command serves as important advisory council to the Carentanian Commissar for Defense. It is expected that, with Mrac appointed Marshal of the Army, the Carentanian military will more often push for "hard power" solutions in regional or even global conflicts. Alongside Mrac, Revolutionary Guards Marshal Cvetko Bizjak, as well as the People's Coast Guard Marshal are counted as hardliners. Both the Marshal of the Navy and the People's Militia Marshal are moderates, just as Marshal Krajnc was. This means that the balance in High Command has swung in favour of the hardliners.

Furthermore, Mrac is an outspoken opponent of female service. Women can serve in all roles, including combat, within the Carentanian military. However, his stance is unlikely to affect the Carentanian policy, as officials have repeatedly reinforced their stance that they see the possibility for females to serve as important, "strengthening our national defense and introducing the principle of female suffrage which socialists worldwide have fought for to the area of national defense," as Commissar for Defense, Matija Dracar, has recently stated during a public speech.

 

[Serenierre]

Communist Party denied access to Supreme Court

SHAHDARA (Reuters): The Communist Party had announced on the 4th of April that it would be giving the government a period of ten days to release members of its party, all of whom are allegedly unjustly arrested, according to the party's own information wing. And as that deadline expired, the Communist Party officially began a process which would allow it to file legal papers against the government in the Supreme Court, by claiming that the government was abrogating the constitution by arresting political workers. If the court ruled in favour of the Communist Party, it is very likely a cause for the dismissal of the government. Though the government maintains that the arrests were made due to the threat that the individuals pose to security in the city of Osmaniye.

But despite those assurances by the government, the day before lawyers from the Communist Party were expected to file the papers in the Supreme Court, the Council for the Interior has cordoned off the area around the Supreme Court, bulked up its police security and deployed riot police, in preparation for possible Communist Party protests in the areas around the Supreme Court building. A Government spokesman has said that the actions being taken by the Communist Party are malicious and that the party was using the arrests as an opportunity to damage or topple the government at the time when it is facing tough economic problems at home.

 

[Vangala]

Vangala declares support for Communists in Sikandara political crisis

SHAHDARA (Reuters): In a new development in the unfolding political crisis in Sikandara, the People's Republic of Vangala has declared open support for the Sikandari Communist Party, and condemned the actions of the Sikandari government. The ruling Cerulean Coalition has blocked access to the Supreme Court, preventing the Communists from initiating legal action that could potentially result in the Coalition's dismissal and new elections.

An official statement issued by Vangalan External Affairs Minister Abdul Qamaruzzaman expressed moral and political support for the Sikandari Communist Party's cause, describing the Communists as 'revolutionary brethren', and demanded the Sikandari government allow proper access to the Supreme Court. The statement is likely to deepen suspicions of close ties between the Vangalan Workers and Peasants Party and the Sikandari Communist Party. Both sides have previously been coy about the extent of relations, to prevent extra scrutiny from the Sikandari authorities.

Vangala's announcement will likely do further damage to the relationship between the two countries. Sikandara has not officially recognised the new revolutionary government in Vangala, and there are rumours the Vangalan government-in-exile is considering relocating from Nuernberg, Franconia to Shahdara. Several diplomats have privately told Reuters they believed with the Yujiner invasion and greater internal pressure the new Communist regime will soon fall, despite support from Carentania and Havenshire.

 

[Saaremaa]

Police intervenes as protests go bad

Kuressaare (Reuters): After the signing of the Acceptance Bill, members of the National Salvation League staged a series of protests called by them "Marches of Normality" in which they called the society to return to the traditional values of Christianity. The movement saw many supporters from the religious groups and the Saaremaan Catholic Church.

The latest "March of Normality", transformed into a street battle after hardliners from the League started fighting with members of the Worker's Party, who were also organizing a march "against the influences the fascist party has in fighting against the development of the civil society in Saaremaa". As the two groups started fighting, the Police appeared on the scene trying to stop the street battle. For this situation, the most blamed man is the mayor of Kuressaare, Jaak Sepp who didn't take the precautions for avoiding this. The Chief of Police commented that even if the police was in the street at the moment of the marches, it wouldn't matter, as the two camp would have also start a fight. Besides blaming the police for their inaction, many activists also blamed the mayor that he allowed such marches take place in the same day. The marches and the following battle ended in 5 deaths and 34 wounded.

The fast approaching elections are a reason for such actions, comments a political analyst, as it is expected that in the next weeks, the main battle for the government to be fought mostly by the extremist parties, the National Salvation League and the Worker's Party.

 

[Serenierre]

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Sikandari Communist Party Directorate for Public Affairs

The Sikandari Communist Party urges the Vangalan Worker's and Peasant's Party to refrain from involving itself in the domestic concerns of Sikandara.

Ahmed Raza
Public affairs secretary
​

 

[Rheinbund]

New banknotes and coins in September

The Nationalbank Eiffellands announced that a new series of banknotes and coins will be issued in September this year. A spokesperson indicated that the new banknotes and coins will be made according to the newest techniques available to prevent them from falsification. "The current banknotes and coins are still safe, but it is always better to stay ahead of counterfeit coiners," he said. The Nationalbank Eiffellands usually renews the banknotes and coins once every 10 years, but the current series, which was introduced in 1946, is renewed earlier. The spokesperson of the National Bank indicated that "the availability of new techniques makes it possible to make our banknotes and coins even safer against falsification than the previous series was". Another reason for introducing the new series is the abdication of King Heinrich 3 years ago: "All coins striken since 1950 already carry the image of King Albrecht, but it is also tradition in Eiffelland to design new coins and banknotes with the accession to the throne of a new King." The designs of the new banknotes and coins have not been made public yet.


Armed forces exercise announced

The Ministry for Defence indicated that a large exercise of the armed forces will be held in May. Many war scenarios, mainly focused on the defence of Eiffelland against an attack from abroad, will be exercised. Special attention will be paid to aerial defence, terrorist attacks and the collapse of bridges and valleybridges. Minister for Defence Daniel Wolzow indicated that this exercise will be carried out "to be prepared for the worst". "The focus of these exercises will be on the defence of Eiffelland against attacks from abroad. We don't have any agressive plans, and we don't expect anything, but to be prepared is always better," he also said.