Fränkischer Rundfunk Europa

[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of February 8​

Nachrichten in Kürze
News in brief

Looming civil unrest in Marquette? An intelligence document leaked just before the kick off of the Olympic Games in Franken’s ally claims that there’s a potentially dangerous and growing armed communist insurgency. While an Auswärtiges Amt spokesman expressed doubt over the high membership numbers, - “They’re probably exaggerated by the media.” -, he confirmed that Foreign Minister Robert Beaumont will summon the Marquettian ambassador before Beaumont’s departure to Austurland to explain the status quo. Furthermore, rumours about a Reichssicherheitsrat meeting on Marquette were dismissed by Beaumont’s senior press secretary.

As the Security Council’s session gained momentum with the return of the Levantine States to active participation in international affairs, the Great Sea more and more degenerates into a show stage for the AGE’s and LFS’s carrier groups. In an address to the House of Representatives Ministerpresident Graf Peter Solms told lawmakers His Majesty’s Government was growing increasingly concerned about this parade of vanities, unchecked by any superior authority. “[…] Therefore, Ladies and Gentlemen, after consultations with our allies we have decided to raise the alarm level of our rapid deployment forces. According to the rules of the EDF accords Franconia’s allies have also been granted permission to relocate rapid deployment units to selected bases.” Concluding his statement to the members of parliament, the Ministerpräsident assured them that HM Government prefers a CoN solution to a non-CoN multilateral effort.

In the light of the increasing tensions in Western Central Europe, the consortium that ordered the military transporter aircraft A400M agreed to speed up the deployment process by making additional payments to the contractor Airbus. Priority has been given to the orders by Eiffelland, Wiese and Franken, which will receive their batches in the course of February 2010. The Royal Air Force chief of staff expressed his delight over the faster delivery.

With Radilean alcoholic producer giant JHMC expanding its grasp over the spirits and other alcoholic beverages market, Franken’s alcohol producers discuss possible reactions. Other than Radilo or other countries there is no major national brewery or spirits corporation, only middle-sized ones, which coordinate their export efforts via their national associations. Only three breweries are publicly listed companies, only one is in the Franconian stock index (FAX), the kingdom’s leading index. Among wineries there’s no publicly listed firm at all! While analysts expect a brewery take-over and merger phase to commence soon, the winegrowers of Franken may try a different concept. At a planned extraordinary general meeting of their national association, they intend to establish a central corporation, which oversees the national winegrowing efforts. Via the national winery confederation every winegrower would have a share in the central wine corporation. This idea has worked relatively well for the member-entrepreneurs of EFK, a national supermarket and wholesale corporation.
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[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of February 15​

Nachrichten in Kürze
News in brief

Celebrating 1400 years of Talemantric monarchy: Yesterday the country's so-called Consistory announced the anniversary schedule to commemorate the ascension to the throne by the imperial dynasty's founding father Benjamin I. On a more modest level the small community of Talemantric expats in Franken will partake in the festivities. The Royal Household announced that Their Majesties King Alfred and Queen Margarethe would represent Franken. Compared to the House of Vesci the Knýtlings are a relatively young sovereign house, even if you factor in their parent house of Babenberg (~9th century AD)

Batavia continues to occupy the Central European minds, especially to the dismay of the conflict-ridden North Batavian populace. To a neutral observer it appears the Council of Nations picked a particularly low pace to sort out the technical details of the much-needed CoN mission. Nevertheless, the EDF continues to assemble a sizeable contingent of humanitarian relief staff as well as possible peacekeeping troops. An anonymous member of the Franconian Operational Command (EFK) told FR Europa "Franken and her allies are almost ready to take action, if the political leadership gives us their thumbs-up."

In Southern Europe Wazistan is suffering from internal unrest supposedly caused by Kurdish and related people. According to international news agencies Reuters and AP the Wazi government responds particularly swift and hard. While the Radilean government announced to offer shelter to refugees, His Majesty's Government expressed its concern over the situation. "We hope the Wazi government will able to come up with a decent solution soon.", the Auswärtiges Amt chief spokesman told the press.

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[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

Due to Batavien reservations with Belmontien peacekeepers, Belmont shall supply financial, food & medicine for the EDF humanitarian operations and open all Belmontien ports for the delivery of said efforts.

 

[Khalistan]

Foreign Ministry

The Khalsa Raj will pledge food, medicine and other relief supplies to the EDF's humanitarian efforts in Batavia.

Rasgun Singh Multani
Foreign Minister

 

[Großlausitz]

Das Auswärtige Amt

On behalf of His Majesty's Government we would like to thank you for your generous offers. To allow an efficient coordination of the relief efforts please direct your humanitarian goods to Würzburg's airport and/or its port from where it will be forwarded to Eireann.

 

[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of March 1​

Nachrichten in Kürze
News in brief

Wazistan’s domestic situation is about to deteriorate even more with the pending trial of its opposition’s figurehead leader. To provide additional security loyal militia and military have moved into the Wazi capital. Responding to the CoN General Assembly’s resolution 58/1, the Franconian mission to the CoN has started a debate in the chamber of the Security Council. As a crisis-ridden Wazistan would also affect Franken’s interests in Radilo, Anbat or Hajr, it’s no surprise to foreign policy pundits that the Central European kingdom sees to the matter being dealt with by the august body of the Security Council. “By no means Franken wishes to slander Wazistan by summoning a Security Council debate. We simply feel that conciliation by the Security Council will prevent the situation from getting worse. Furthermore, a third-party panel such as the SC may offer fresh input for the Wazi government.”, Foreign Minister Robert Beaumont explained Franken’s move.

At last the Batavian stand-off seems to be resolved. Much to His Majesty’s Government’s delight there will be a solution within the boundaries of the Council of Nations, Ministerpresident Graf Solms told members of the House of Representative during today’s debate on Batavia. An anonymous source from within the Defence Ministry told FR Europa that Franken, her allies and supposedly even Oikawa had other back-up plans in their collective sleeve. However, the Staatskanzlei denied any non-CoN-plans as to Batavia and called them results of a bored journalist’s fantasy. On account of these accusations, the Greens faction nearly got thrown out of the Representatives’ chambers, when they unrolled banners satirizing Graf Solms being a good fairytale narrator. House Speaker Jakob van Buren can be very stern when it comes to actions violating the honourable house’s dignity.

Together with her EDF allies Franken is looking into expanding its Over the Horizon Radar assets. Ultimately the states of the European Defence Federation and closely aligned states intend to forge a powerful early-warning system. It’s very likely that defence contractors within the realms of the EDF will see an increase in contracts, because not only His Majesty’s Government are about to list where new radars need to be built and where old radars are to be replaced and/or upgraded. Therefore, Defence Minister Graf Otto von der Eulenburg instated a special inter-departmental commission at his ministry this week.

Franconian winegrowers form national umbrella company: To be able to tackle the growing influence of international alcoholic beverage companies such as JHMC, the member wineries of the national winery association (WINF – Winzereien in Franken) agreed to establish a Franconia-wide corporation. The corporation will be called Fränkische Weine AG (FWAG) and its sole stockholder will be WINF, thus its members. One of these members is the [wiki]Knýtling[/wiki]s’ wealth management company , which runs the few wineries owned by the royal house. FWAG’s job will be to coordinate and manage all aspects of national and international marketing of Franconian wines.

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[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
_________________________________________
ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of March 8​

Nachrichten in Kürze
News in brief

Over the Horizon radar system for all EDF-relevant countries may become tricky: The commission installed by the Defence Ministry hinted at a range of possibly upcoming integration issues this week. According to a spokesman for the Defence Minister it is likely that the various employed operating systems will not be easily joined into one smoothly working OTH and air defence system. “Probably Guiana’s and Mayaland’s systems will work well with each other, while Franken’s, Wiese’s and Eiffelland’s ones may do great together. However, integrating these regional systems may be a very tough nut to crack.”

Curing Marquette’s ailing economy: To better coordinate and focus economic help given to their ally Marquette, the EDF’s finance ministers have agreed to establish a recovery fund for Marquette at a meeting in Valmy. Addressing international journalists in Montelimar’s capital Franconian Schatzkanzler Graf Maximilian von Montgelas explained the Marquette Wirtschaftsfond – Marquette Economic Fund. “Thanks to the generosity by all EDF members, the MWF will have 250m Taler as initial capital at its disposal. Generally it will operate independently from the governments of the EDF. Each contributing country will submit one director to the board. MWF head will be a Belmontien candidate. Furthermore, we have asked the Belmontien leadership to act as the MWF’s principal advisor, because we feel they have the best insight as immediate and highly concerned neighbours.”

Notorious Oltremare: Especially Catholics and major Catholic nations declare the south eastern kingdom’s crack down on followers of the Catholic creed an outrageous breach of human rights. This comes after allegedly Catholic conspiracy against the life of King Francesco. Although the dastardly deed was committed by a Belmontien subject, Oltremare’s government holds Catholics collectively responsible and has announced to deport them. In an initial statement Foreign Minister Robert Beaumont expressed his concerns about the “over-eager” Oltremarians and promised to take in some Catholics. Tomorrow the kingdom’s ambassador to Franken will be summoned to the Foreign Office. Furthermore, at the joined request of the CVP and SDP factions the Abgeordnetenhaus will discuss Oltremare at tomorrow’s meeting.​

 

[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of March 15​

AUSWÄRTIGE ANGELEGENHEITEN.FR: Batavias demokratischer Umschwung und warum die EDF vorsichtig sein sollte

Batavia’s democratic turnaround and why the EDF ought to be cautious – an editorial by Robert Beaumont

This week the state of Batavia held its first democratic elections since allegedly throwing off the chains of the communist regime. How come none of the champions of democracy of the Alliance of Greater Europe or at least the pragmatic European Defence Federation have reached out to the new democratic government yet? And why ought the the European Defence Federation be careful when considering deals with the new leaders there?

On the first glance you might be under the impression that Batavia can now be regarded as a member of the club of democracies. Indeed, its government received its mandate by an elected parliament. However, if you take a closer and more accurate look, an astute observer will discover cracks in the shiny surface of republican Batavia.
Thanks to the continued presence of the BRA not everyone willing to vote could actually participate in the national polls. It would be highly naïve to assume that the BRA will give up its positions without concessions by the republican government. If the new leaders declared the BRA was to surrender unconditionally, one actually would have to wonder whether Alex de Jonghe was a nice but most gullible chum or whether he is a blatant liar spreading ill-plotted propaganda. What option would be better for Batavia, I can’t tell.

Furthermore, you have to take another aspect into account: The change procedures from communist junta to democratic rule of law were quite smooth. Suddenly formerly loyal communist middle-rank officials, officers and clerks discovered their democratic conscience! Any average criminal investigator will be able to tell you that there is something awful lurking somewhere, if a suspect’s alibi is too perfect or if a crime scene is too clean. Certainly it is necessary to let certain things behind, to forgive and forget, when a nation starts anew after a radical change of government. In Batavia the scene, the slate is too clean; it’s too good to be true, isn’t it? It is, I’m afraid. It’s in Jonghe’s own interest to embellish the status quo in news bulletins and official statements. How else could he hope to attract investors?

Therefore, the Kingdom of Franken and her allies need to scrutinize Batavia’s very diligently, lest they be deceived by their good faith in the change. As of now you cannot even tell whether the communist junta and their henchmen have been fully removed from power. If the EDF was to help the Batavians financially, we owe our own peoples to demand very firm collaterals, e.g. being handed over the gold reserves. This will give Jonghe and any future successors the proper incentives to stay on the right path. Last but not least Franken and her allies ought to take Nordic-bound expansion into account to provide the alliance with an outpost in this theatre. Which nations among the suitable candidates will receive invitations is still up to the allies’ deliberations.

Robert Beaumont is Franconian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Ministerpresident of His Majesty’s Government.

In this online edition of Auswärtige Angelegenheiten the highlights include an insightful article on the Wazi civil unrest, a reportage disclosing the unique relation between Oikawa and its eastern partner states and a series of articles about Radilo, the EDF’s first full member since the 1970s.

You must be registered for see links

is a cooperation between Fränkischer Rundfunk Europa and Königliches Institut für Außen- und Verteidigungspolitik (1)
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(1) Royal Institue for Foreign and Defence Policy

 

[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of March 15​

Nachrichten in Kürze
News in brief

Batavia on the rise?! At least according to official sources from the new parliamentary legitimized government their country has some remaining potential, but they require foreign help to exploit this potential. While Anbat, Hajr and a couple more nations have re-established diplomatic ties on minor levels, Franken and her allies decided to take some time for deliberating the future approach to Batavia. A major consensus amongst EDF foreign ministers is that they do wish to finance the reconstruction of a state in plight without solid and hard concessions. “The Batavians need to learn the virtues of modesty, I’m afraid. Thanks also to their proud insistence on hand-picking the participants of a peace mission they delayed their country’s recovery. Franken and her friends are willing to help, but first Batavia’s leaders must realize they cannot be as picky as they want to be. Before we can pledge major economic help and encourage our own private enterprises to consider Batavia as a destination, their government ought to present us with a feasible plan how they want to weed out the BRA and all other terrorist elements.”, Foreign Minister Robert Beaumont told the press after a video-conference with his EDF colleagues.

Yesterday Franken’s mission to the Council of Nations introduced a resolution on Wazistan to the Security Council as proposed by a previously enacted GA resolution. Said resolution calls for peaceful negotiations moderated by a team of CoN ambassadors. Compliance by all conflicting Wazi domestic parties is to be ensured by the threat and possible enacting of sanctions and related measures. Whereas the Franconian initiative is likely to be driven by interests in the region, i.e. its close partner states of Hajr, Anbat and Radilo, pundits expect at least implicit resistance by the Oikawans, who are allied to the Wazis.

“Replace the king’s image on Taler coins by heroic women in fields and other national natural icons such as high snowy owls”, republican association chairman Egon Kerz provoked at his association’s annual convention, which took place last Tuesday. The story was reported by local newspapers and finally ended up being addressed by a column in the Erlanger Allgemeine Zeitung (EAZ). The columnist suggested Kerz’ “nonsense proposal” will work against his organisation’s goals, as it will certainly reinforce the monarchy’s popularity. EAZ is Franken’s leading Christian Democratic and royalist newspaper. Egon Kerz is the third leader of a fringe-status organization in four years. Both his immediate predecessors died in office under very mysterious circumstances.​

 

[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of March 29​

Eins zu Eins: Ein Interview mit Seiner Königlichen Hoheit dem Herzog von Schlesnitz
An interview with His Royal Highness the Duke of Schlesnitz

Good evening, Ladies and Gentlemen and welcome to this edition of Eins zu Eins. My name is Christoph Plotz and today I have the extraordinary pleasure of hosting His Royal Highness the Duke of Schlesnitz, Crown Prince Jakob of Franken. Thank you for coming, your royal highness.

Thanks for having me, Mr Plotz.

Our viewers will certainly have noticed this interview isn’t done at our nevertheless fine-looking studio. Today we’re broadcasting from Palais Knýtling, Prince Jakob’s own residence. The sun is shining, we’re sitting on the balcony, I daresay the setting is perfect for a good conversation, isn’t it? So let’s get started: How does it feel to prepare for a job, which you are almost forced to do by virtue of birth? Have you ever wanted to do something else?

Quite straightforward, Mr Plotz. To the second question I can answer with a firm ‘yes, of course’. During your teens the idea of once becoming the figurehead of millions of people just because you were born the oldest child of the king is scary, very scary. Luckily my family has a custom of protecting their children from all dull aspects of being a royal during their childhood and teens. During our quarrels about my future my father always ensured me he wouldn’t force me to take the throne. Indeed, legally any prince or princess can cede their succession rights. As far as I know no crown prince has ever done so. In the course of time my father managed to show me that a crown prince doesn’t have to follow the footsteps of his father or mother. You’d be astonished how everyone of my predecessor left their own mark on the history of the monarchy, for better or for worse. So my reply to your first question in a nutshell: First I was scared and then I realized that my job is the most interesting my country has to offer. At least from my point of view it is.

Is patience a virtue for the heir apparent, my prince? Don’t you spend the better part of your life waiting for the succession?

I beg to differ, Mr Plotz. Patience ought to be everyone’s virtue. The king’s virtue is timeliness. The prince chuckles. For a future king experience is vital and ideally one’s father will gradually hand over more and more duties. My father and I have reached the phase where he will prepare to transfer the title of regent to me. According to our constitution the crown prince can be given the regency if the king wants to effectively retire. In other countries the king would abdicate. As of today I’m attending most of the cabinet meetings as the king’s lieutenant and I’m trusted with certain rights in his stead.

Compared to other parliamentary monarchies, the monarchy of Franken plays a relatively active role. What do you think about it, your royal highness?

First and foremost, all modern kings of Franken have been brought up to observe the credo ‘the king is the state’s first servant’. Parliamentary governments’ rule is limited by the respective period of office. Our kingdom’s constitution tries to merge the best of both worlds: The people’s elected representatives deliberate laws and provide the government, which advises The King, whereas the Sovereign and his designated heirs are the long-term framework of the state. If a party falls short of public favour, it’ll lose the general elections and be gone. The monarch’s duty is to ensure His Loyal Government does not harm His people. After all, upon His coronation the Sovereign pledges to protect His people against any harm. Does that answer your question, Mr Plotz?

Quite, your royal highness. While our viewers are aware of our the most pressing domestic issues your father and you certainly discuss with the government, the anti-EDF and anti-Franken sentiments spread by the Vittorians have dominated foreign affairs discussions this week. Has Vittoria caused you a headache, so to say? What will be done by Franken and her allies, my prince?

Well, neither my father nor I, let alone the members of our cabinet got a headache from it. Vittoria’s campaign isn’t surprising at all, maybe a bit unexpected. Its government is free to criticize all public institutions of Franken, provided the criticism is well-founded. Alas, the Vittorians observe the motto ‘let’s throw some mud, some will stick’. As a member of the leadership of Franken I can live with it, yet it’s a disgrace how the Vittorians imply how the peoples of the EDF states lack sovereignty. Vittoria’s attempt at gaining the general secretariat was frustrated. In a few words: Vittoria sees her political stock tumble and tries to stir up trouble. Having only recently lost a confli with Oikawa they deliberately scheme to provoke the next one. How else could the matriarchic-autocratic government prevail against potential putschists at home?

And what will Franken do?

Take them with grain of salt, i.e. enjoy the holidays, keep a watchful eye over them, but focus on the fine things in life. Look for the eggs the easter rabbit hid.

What a suitable conclusion. Again, thank you for your time, your royal highness.

Eins zu Eins is an interview series broadcast by Fränkischer Rundfunk, where important figures of Franconian politics, economy and culture are invited.
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[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of April 5​

Nachrichten in Kürze
News in brief

The IMEX in Hajr has been concluded and Franken's famous shipbuilders VFS could strike a major contract. They have been commissioned to virtually re-equip Hajr's navy with shiny new vessels. To mark the occasion the VFS CEO held a press conference this morning. The size of the order makes it more likely the Vereinigte Fränkische Schiffswerften will pursue the plan of expanding to Telora. VFS's leader told the press he will talk to the Teloran government to discuss possible venues for acquisition. "On the long run we might even build one or two dockyards in Telora. It's geographical location and political stability makes it a perfect place to open branch offices." Nevertheless, he refused to comment whether VFS would take over a local shipbuilder.

The ongoing diplomatic row between Vittoria and essentially all EDF member-states made it also into parliamentary debate this week. Whereas the Greens and Social-Democrats gave some credits to the Vittorian claims - "One cannot deny the EDF member-states acted very arrogantly, even if it is in their interest", SDP's foreign policy spokesman, the CVP was a bit more assertive. "[...] The prevailing neurotic element in Vittorian politics can unfortunately not be denied. We would love to help the Vittorians out of their dead end, but I doubt they'd accept our aid. Nevertheless, we have to be cautious and not be deluded to engage in silly operations. Franken ought to cling to her ancient virtues, which helped her a lot in the past. Talk gently and keep her sword sharp.", an usually direct Ministerpresident Graf Solms told members of parliament.

Speeding up the building process: Following a unanimous cabinet decision, Defence Minister Graf Eulenburg was authorised to use funding from a special fond of the Schatzamt, if he deems it necessary to get the Over the Horizon project done faster. Following the cabinet meeting, the Minister of Defence explained the measure to journalists. "As any building client can tell from their own experience, even the best laid plans have flaws where you didn't expect them. That's why our laws give banks incentives to facilitate additional financing for private citizens' project. Our own plan for the OTH and anti-air system unfortunately miscalculated the respective time of construction for every component. Therefore, my Ministry is allowed to draw extra funding from the Treasury's special funds to achieve a paramount objective: Ensure the Franconian people's security."

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[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of April 5​

Nachrichten in Kürze
News in brief

The Pan-Sarmatian summit in Vittoria continues. Upon the invitation by the Kaiserreich Vittoria (1), several Sarmatian nations have gathered in its capital to discuss the idea of a pan-ethnical alliance. As of now Vittoria, Oltremare and the other participants are part of the huge non-aligned block, each maintaining some bilateral alliances. To honour the Kingdom of Franken's role as a greater power, Vittoria also asked for an observer mission from Franken. Said mission is led by His Royal Highness the Duke of Abensberg, younger brother of King Alfred, and a seasoned diplomat. Before the actual negotiations started, the Duke, in his capacity as special ambassador, engaged in talks with the Vittorian government to defuse the tensions between the two realms.

Having spent three days with multilateral talks in Nürnberg, Batavia's prime minister de Jonghe has left Franken again. The recently elected leader had been invited to address the Council of the European Defence Federation on the matter of EDF troops to stabilise his still shaky home-country. Following the session - the Council always deliberates behind closed doors - Ministerpresident Graf Peter Solms told journalists "Mr de Jonghe presented us with powerful and well-considered arguments for his case. The Kingdom of Franken and her allies will certainly ponder them carefully."


Franconian mining companies in Southern Belmont might soon get company. Pegnitz Vereinte Bergbau (PVBB) and Fränkische Rohstoffe AG (FRO) are currently exploiting the rich coal mines in the south of the Francophone kingdom. Charbon du Sud, a local company, has indicated its readiness to participate in a joint-venture of some sort. Representatives for both PVBB and FRO have announced they will assess CdS' offer carefully. Observers say it's very likely the two competitors may be encouraged to set up joint-venture by CdS' proposal. As of now they operate separately.

In a very surprising move the state of Greater Sarmatia expelled EDF-based journalists this week. The authorities justification was "it is a well known fact that while these particular news agencies profess policies of unbiased, and open journalism, they are quite often used as tools to advance their home nation's Dominican Catholic, globalist, and ultra-liberal agendas by way of subversive mass-indoctrination.[...]" In response to this the Greater Sarmatian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office, where Foreign Minister Robert Beaumont conveyed the diplomat Franken's grave concerns and protest against the measure. Details of the meeting have not been disclosed, yet there is a persistent rumour the Foreign Minister insinuated Franken would get some journalists into the country by increasing the number of embassy-accredited correspondents, who enjoy diplomatic status. Another rumour is that His Majesty's Government is about to encourage Franconian companies to purchase some of the Greater Sarmatian local news agencies. A spokesman for the Foreign Office dismissed both rumours "as amazing products of fancifulness."


(1) OOC: I know the term is Tsardom and you want to avoid the term empire ICly.

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[Beautancus]

Secretariat of State, Office of Administration and External Affairs

As was explained- at length- to Minister Beaumont in his meeting with the acting Sarmatian ambassador to Franken, Col. Armin Żegota, the recent move to expel journalists from a number of Occidental states was not undertaken lightly, and only after it was ascertained that the presence of such individuals within our nation were clear security risks. In the experience of the Sarmatian people in the past century, foreign intelligence operatives find it entirely too easy to slip on the cloak of a journalist, and have used the willing transparency of our society against us. Those days are now at an end.

The sentiments intimated in the most recent issue of Frankischer Rundfunk Europa are eerily similar to some of the foremost concerns voiced to Minister Beaumont, and if it is discovered that the Frankisch Embassy willfully disregards the wishes of the government of the Most Serene Commonwealth of Greater Sarmatia in this matter by bringing more journalists into our borders, the only recourse that will be left to us to deal with such individuals as agent provocateurs, and outright spies.

The penalty for both offenses against the Greater Sarmatian state are death, without exception.

Such action will likewise force this government to immediately reconsider the overall status of diplomatic relations between our two nations, which, I can assure, will be more to the detriment of the subjects of the Franconian Crown than to the citizens of Greater Sarmatia.

It also seems prudent to point out to those parties that might be interested in purchasing "local news agencies" within Greater Sarmatia that such institutions are subject to an indefinite blackout, and that the only legal, and unbiased source of news currently accredited within the Most Serene Commonwealth is Naradowy Prawda.

The days when bankers and bureaucrats controlled the affairs of the Sarmatian people are over, and the Kingdom of Franken, and the world as a whole would do well to account for this in all future dealings with our proud nation.

Doctor Jozef Kościałkowsky

Secretary of State, Greater Sarmatia

 

[Großlausitz]

Das Auswärtige Amt

The concerns of the Greater Sarmatian government are understandable from our point of view. Neither the Kingdom of Franken nor the state of Greater Sarmatia shall ever be ruled by monetary interests alone. However, the government ought to take mentions of rumours with a huge grain of salt. At no point His Majesty's Government has considered to provoke the Greater Sarmatians. In countries where Franconian journalists are seen in a very critical light, the Kingdom of Franken does employ a selection of four to eight journalists as embassy correspondents - with diplomatic passports - to ensure our people is duly informed about His Majesty's Government's work in the host countries.

Yet be aware that we employ this as a means of last resort against stubborn regime. As of now we trust our news agencies will have appropriate access to reliable information by Greater Saramatian journalists. His Majesty's Government is ready to commit itself to normalise relations and shall not deny Sarmatian journalists access to Franken.

R. Beaumont
Robert Beaumont
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Deputy Ministepresident of His Majesty's Government

 

[Beautancus]

Secretariat of State, Office of Administration and External Affairs

These most recent statements have proven to be the most even-handed yet directed at the new, righteous Promethean Regime of Greater Sarmatia. Though we will not shy away from defending the continued security and sovereignty of the Sarmatian and Khazar peoples, we have no interest in continuing down the entirely counterproductive path of miscommunication and misunderstanding with His Majesty's government.

To avoid any possible future misunderstandings on the policy and inclinations of this government, we feel that it would be prudent for His Majesty's ambassador to Kasjopeja to arrange a meeting with this office within the next week.

Doctor Jozef Kościałkowsky

Secretary of State, Greater Sarmatia

 

[Großlausitz]

Das Auswärtige Amt

We welcome this invitation and are happy to accept it. His Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Greater Sarmatia will get in touch with your office to discuss the details of the meeting.

R. Beaumont
Robert Beaumont
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Deputy Ministepresident of His Majesty's Government

 

[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of April 12​

Nachrichten in Kürze
News in brief

To ease tensions in the aftermath of what has been dubbed "The Sarmatian free speech affair" the Foreign Secretary of Greater Sarmatia received His Majesty's Ambassador this morning. Neither party disclosed details of the polite conversation, but Ambassador Peter Marius told Frankenrundfunk Europa via satellite phone the talks were quite constructive. Future reports from Greater Sarmatia by the Franconian press will be duly acquired from the state press agency.

According to the Over the Horizon Radar and anti-missile shield task force of the Defence Ministry the project to upgrade existing defence facilities and expand where necessary has progressed according to its schedule. Franken, her EDF partners as well as a selection of befriended partners seek to integrate their anti-missile systems. Whereas the expansion and construction is more of a monetary question, the Defence Ministry has admitted the integration of the different systems will be tricky. Nevertheless, the EDF reportedly works on this issue.

Very recently the European Defence Federation saw another addition to its core fold. After years of loose and gradually closer cooperation the Kingdom of Belmont has been admitted into the Council as a second tier member. The kingdom's entry into the alliance was hailed as sensible addition to the EDF among senior EDF leaders, yet pundits suggested that there were some disputes in the Council during the decisive. Eventually the notorious EDF sense for Realpolitik won.

This morning the quarterly gathering of the EDF finance ministers started at the alliance headquarters in Nürnberg. Although the EDF does not include any rules on finance policy in its original treaty and/or the supplementary accords, regular consultations and loose collaboration between the EDF finance ministries are a long-established practise. As usually, the meeting is planned to take two days.

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[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of April 26​

Nachrichten in Kürze
News in brief

In Nürnberg the new international Bank of European Settlements (BEZ), as established by the EDF Ministers of Finance, has kicked off business with solemn opening ceremony. Situated in a modern fancy office park in the outskirts of Nürnberg, the Bank für europäischen Zahlungsausgleich is supposed to coordinate and monitor the financial and monetary affairs of its member states. Furthermore, they will provide monthly reports on the status quo with advice on possible steps to the governments and central banks involved. At the request of His Majesty's Government the BEZ is busy composing a dossier on Batavia, a spokesman for the Schatzamt confirmed FR Europa.

EDF peacekeepers relocated to Batavia after months of political stalemate. Since it was nearly impossible to get to a compromise in the Security Council, the EDF's own Council moved on and finally gave green light to the alliance's mission. A representative for the Batavian mission to Franken expressed relief over the decision. For strategic reasons the Kingdom of Franken will not assume command of the mission. Instead it will provide the senior vice-commander, logistics, communications and intelligence, whereas Montelimar will have the top command.

Big royal wedding exciting Franken and Eiffelland: Prinzessin Laura von und zu Bamberg, scion of the royal house's senior cadet branch, and Kronprinz Friedrich von Eiffelland will get married in a splendid ceremony this month. Due to the complicated marriage preparations, the Duke of Bamberg's own household is temporarily expanded by a flock of Royal Household employees, who will contribute to organisational effort on Franken's side. Naturally the King and Queen will attend the marriage alongside the Duke and Duchess of Schlesnitz, as Friedrich is their (grand) nephew.

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[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of May 10​

Nachrichten in Kürze
News in brief

After almost a year without formal permanent diplomatic ties, the Auswärtiges Amt announced Franken will finally re-open its embassy in Vlaandern end of May. Furthermore, to offer a sufficiently broad consular service to Franconian citizens, two general consulates will be set up as well in two major towns. However, this will depend on the stabilisation process in Northern Batavia, Foreign Minister Robert Beaumont stressed. "As the Republic of Batavia honoured us earlier by sending an ambassador to the Court of Nuremberg, we felt obliged to return the favour in the light of the new situation in Batavia."

The situation in Batavia's north is somewhat calm for the EDF peace-keepers. According to Franconian Oberst Adrian Klein, chief spokesman for the EDF mission, the EDF soldiers are mostly occupied with punctual actions against the BRA. "Im Norden kaum etwas neues. We suspect the core of the BRA is currently busy re-structuring. Whether their readiness to negotiate is frank and whether they want an understanding with civil government is yet to be seen."

On Windhoek Island there's plenty of resources to be collected - this is the report by the exploration teams of Fränkische Rohstoffe and Pegnitz Vereinte Bergbau in a nutshell. The most interesting finds are major supplies of copper and aluminium. Naturally there are also vast exploitation costs to be considered, since acceptable infrastructure doesn't extend beyond Windhoek Town on the island. "We're interested, but we require some government assurance as to the infrastructure to justify an investment there towards our shareholders."

Last night the cultural event "Blaue Nacht", which is hosted by the regional capitals and Nuremberg once a year, attracted almost 2 million visitors in each regional capital. Throughout the night cultural and educational facilities as well as artists show off their skills and assets. Every year there's a different general theme: In 2010 it was 'Deep blue eyes."



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[Großlausitz]

FRÄNKISCHER RUNDFUNK EUROPA
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ÜBER ALLE GRENZEN HINAUS :: Week of May 24​

Nachrichten in Kürze
News in brief

Fränkische Nordöl, one of Franken's two major oil companies, has posted a positive output report pertaining its latest addition, the oil rig in the bay of Würzburg. "We're very satisfied with the present performance and the yield of the oil rig. It will certainly guarantee Franconian jobs for years to come and consolidate our country's energy supply.", FNO's CEO told FR Europa earlier this morning. However, environmentalist activists have raised doubts whether FNO's construction contractors used proper materials for the oil and gas tanks, which serve as temporary storage till ships collect the valuable ressources. Their claims are backed by the statements of three former employees of said contractors. Two Würzburger senators sitting for the Greens in the upper house have subsequently demanded a governmental inquiry. A spokesman for the environment ministry responded by promising a careful re-assessment.

All's well in Batavia? At least on the first glance the EDF forces in Northern Batavia have managed to establish a permanent presence among the people. "It's neither our will nor our task to make politics. We simply execute policies. The idea of an independently acting EDF force is simply preposterous", EDF Batavia Force spokesman Oberst Adrian Klein told the press replying to suggestions the EDF commanders were instructed to use their commander's emergency relief program (CERP) fundings without consulting the civil government. "CERP is the EDF's approach to finance civilian projects. To ensure effiecency the commanders may use the money as they please accoding to our guidelines. These are in turn influenced by the consultations between the Batavian government and the EDF special envoy in Vlaandern.", he added.

"We will go to Windhoek and plan to stay, Ladies and Gentlemen.", FRO and PVBB CEOs obviously proudly announced at an adhoc press conference this midday. The two competitors agreed to form a joint-venture to better profit from synergy effects and were able to secure the support by His Majesty's Government. While the Schatzamt will not invest directly, it will aid the two corporations by debt guarantees and Schatzkanzler Graf Montgelas did not completely rule out some involvement by the state-owned Kreditanstalt für Wirtschaftsförderung (KfW). Pundits suggest the KfW may acquire a stake in the PVBB and FRO joint-venture company.


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