Jounalio Nicosia - News from Nicosia and the World

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Police arrest 30 in drug smuggling ring
Zaros


On Thursday, the Constabulary concluded a 2 year long investigation into drug smuggling. Over the course of the investigation, police tracked the movement of millions of Scudi and eventually narrowed in their investigation. According to Captain Alfons Luna, police had a scope of 10 suspects. The arrests occurred as nearly 20,000 pills were being brought into Nicosia. "We expect this to be a bust which will subdue the trade for only a short time. These designer drugs are going to be an epidemic in a fragile ecosystem unless we continue heavy enforcement" said Captain Luna.

Nicosia suspended the death penalty for drug smuggling in 1997 but still retains what is known as "Enmarque Penal Labor" which allows for forced labor until the death of the inmate.

 

[Serenierre]

Commissariat for External Relations
The barbaric practices of the Nicosian legal system are most abhorrent and unsuitable for the modern world.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

National Assembly brings major issues to debate
Salema

The non-voting National Assembly convened for the first time since late January. The Assembly will be addressing major issues it tabled in December of last year. Among the issues are the crumbling sewer system, the over-budget airport renovation, and the heated topic of abortion. Abortion remains illegal in cases of rape or incest despite public opinion showing approval of such a legalization. However, the Order remains firmly against any legalization except in the case of the mother's life being threatened.

The most pressing topic is the overhaul of the country's sewer system which received its last major upgrade in 1986. The system was only intended to handle a population of around 350,000. The proposed project by the Grandmaster will see the system receiving a temporary fix. However, many in the National Assembly are calling for a full review of the system and replacing the oldest segments. Finally, the Grandmaster is expected to receive much criticism for the over-budget airport renovation which exceeded its budget by 241 Million Scudi.

Nicosia to replace aging aircraft
Zaros

The Army Air Contingent will replace 4 of its oldest aircraft with 4 leased aircraft. The current inventory is comprised of 4 light jets, first purchased in 1977. The aircraft have been continuously updated. The Defence Ministry has noted that the operating costs are high despite the 80 hours/year flight time given to the aircraft. The Ministry notes that this is due to very aged air frames. Last year, the Ministry replaced 4 of the jets with 4 turboprop, light attack aircraft (which it purchased outright). The Ministry noted that the aircraft's primary role is to police Nicosia's airspace. Currently, Nicosia has only 2 aircraft on duty per day but the Ministry says it may be down to 1 aircraft until the lease is active.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Nicosian Maritime Service deploys to protect shipping
Zaros

The Maritime Service has been deployed to protect shipping around Nicosian waters and nearby sea lanes. The small Nicosian fleet is acting in response to ongoing piracy actions in the Long Sea. In a press conference, a spokesman noted that the operation was relatively routine when compared to similar drills. The naval presence is set to be in place for some time as aircraft will continue to also patrol. Nicosian diplomats have been fast at work attempting to ascertain Long Sea intentions as the corridor near Nicosia may become heavily militarized. Nicosia's long-term neutrality has resulted in the nation sending about 250 peacekeepers around the world annually. "Besides these deployments, Nicosia has not fired a shot in anger since 1911" said the spokesman. The spokesman declined to comment on the long-term plans for Long Sea security. "We have no vision of an exact future for our ships in the Long Sea. It is necessary for us as an island nation to safeguard our interests. The high number of cruise ships and merchant vessels either coming to or passing by Nicosia is astounding. If we fail to protect the innocent, the Order does not keep its pledge to Christ".

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland-Retalien

We applaud the fact that the Order of St Basil feels the urge to keep the Long Sea secure. The Long Sea is an important trade route, which has to remain secure. We completely understand the actions against drug smuggling, given the menace of certain substances. We offer our cooperation with the Order of St Basil in the fight against drug smuggling.

Julia Leverkühn, Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Concerns over piracy grow as security costs soar
Salema

The Armed Forces have expressed concern over the security situation of the Long Sea. "We are nearing a point where this piracy is becoming a serious burden to our defence budget" said a spokesman. According to the Armed Forces of Nicosia, the aviation costs alone are now passing the amount set to be spent by the end of June as Nicosian aircraft are now routinely conducting intensive patrols near Nicosian waters and nearby trade routes. "April will mark the beginning of our serious tourist season- vital to our economy. It is without question that protecting cruise ships is not only of Christian interests, but national ones as well" said the AFN spokesman. A new cruise ship will arrive in Zaros, on average, every 10-13 hours between the months of April and August. The Grand Harbor at Zaros remains an important stop-over for ships headed from the Hamar to Thaumantic. The Maritime Security Force is also under strain financially. Since the incidents began, the MSF has expended its operating budget through May. "Our small fleet is doing the best it can to be a deterrent to terroristic actions in the Long Sea. Protecting travelers is a keystone of our faith and mission" said the Grandmaster's office this afternoon.

 

[Imimoya]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Grand Duchy of Lars

The Grand Duchy of Lars congratulates the state of Nicolosia for the enormous sustained in commitment to the safety of the sea and their users. Nicosia's men have shown incredible abilities in guaranteeing security in their territorial waters with limited finances and means.
Lars in better circumstances would undoubtedly be happy to assist the navy of your beautiful island with its own vessels, but the situation is quite different and the presence of our ships so far from their ports could be seen as unwelcome.
For this reason, we invite Nicosia to look for regional partners to share the maritime safety mission.

Francesco Greco​

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Human rights group attacks Nicosia's criminal justice policy
Zaros

"An abominable mess and a draconian methodology" says the Human Rights Fund in reference to Nicosia's correctional system. "The use of forced labor and the conditions in which the inmates are kept is inexcusable. Inmates are kept in gulag-like conditions and are forced to work to the point of death" says the Fund. Bureau of Police, which maintains oversight on the Department of Prisons, disputes the allegation. A statement released by the Police Bureau reads that "while prisoners are kept under harsh conditions, they are hardly dying of starvation, disease, or exposure. Their basic human rights are fully provided for. They, as criminals, have voluntarily surrendered their rights". The Bureau of Police declined to return messages sent by Jounalio. The lengthy statement in turn attacked the Human Rights Fund for "short-sighted behavior which is aimed at a conservative government. It is a shameful display and most un-Christian". Foreign reports state that about 1000 die per year from forced labor in Nicosia. The government maintains that its punishment for crimes is totally legal so long as basic human rights are observed to the fullest.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Citing budget concerns, Nicosian Armed Forces to "drastically reduce" Long Sea operations
Salema

Citing budget concerns, the Nicosian military has announced it will "drastically reduce Long Sea anti-piracy measures immediately". The release made by the Armed Forces of Nicosia stated that despite the tourist season beginning, it will be forced to reduce its actions in the Long Sea. Since the emergence of pirate incidents, the government has committed to maritime patrols. According to the statement, aerial patrols over the Long Sea will continue until further notice. Some in the National Assembly have criticized the decision, saying that the area around Nicosia is among the most highly active maritime regions in the world. The Assembly also cited the number of cruise ships beginning to arrive and that Zaros is among the 30 most active ports in the world. "We will endeavor to provide the security necessary to the Long Sea. However, the budget is not endless and we retain our commitment to the people of Nicosia in terms of our budget" said the release. A government spokesman clarified and stated that the Nicosian government would continue to work in partnership on Long Sea security.

 

[Furlanìe]

You must be registered for see images

Defence Ministry______________________
In an effort to ensure the safety of the Retalian and Long seas, the Friulian Navy will soon be deployed to prevent pirate and non-state aggressions. considering the number of Friulian tourists and religious personalities that will visit the Principality, the Ministry has decided to offer our humble support in the defense of the sea traffic around Nicosa, in exchange for a safe port where our ships and assigned submarine will be able to refuel and occasionally resupply.

_____________________________________​

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Office of the Grandmaster

We thank the Friulian Navy for their offer. However, we must decline. Our neutrality prevents us from allowing foreign warships to use Zaros or other ports as a base. While foreign warships (with proper notification) are welcome to visit our ports, we cannot allow them to to turn Nicosia as their defacto operational port.

Deus beneficia

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Nicosia continues aerial patrols as Grandmaster awaits response on investigation. Cautions against war
Salema

The Grandmaster cautioned against what he called "irreversible steps of destabilization which may lead to war". The Grandmaster spoke during a press conference in which he updated the Nicosian press on developments. "The Order of St. Basil has offered its services as a neutral party to conduct the investigation into the sinking of the FNS Espoo. Despite several positive responses, we have yet to hear from Pohjanmaa's government. We have also received responses in clear opposition to a neutral party being involved. The delicate nature of the subject is expected to draw such responses- no matter if they are mistaken ones" he said in response to a question from the Zaros Spectator newspaper. "There is a lot to unpack in this sinking. The only way to determine the truth is to thoroughly, and objectively, investigate it" he concluded on the subject. The Grandmaster also had stated that Nicosia would continue to conduct aerial patrols of both Nicosian waters and nearby shipping lanes in international waters. "We maintain our obligation. Though a neutral nation, Nicosia and the Order of St. Basil remains committed to the protection of civilian shipping".

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grandmaster says road project must go through
Salema

The Grandmaster says that funds allocated to the 2019 Infrastructure Project are not sufficient and he will apply formal pressure to ensure that other areas of government help carry the cost. The Grandmaster has noted that interior roads have been mismanaged for some time and a thorough overhaul must be completed. The project will provide for complete overhauls and repairs on most regional roads and will give funding to regional agencies to ensure roads are well kept. The National Assembly issued a protest to the actions, which was downplayed by a government spokesman. The national infrastructure has been a primary focus of the government since 2015.


Aircraft intercept not responding to hails

2 Nicosian military aircraft intercepted a fishing boat early Sunday after a cruise ship issued a call in which it stated that the vessel was not answering any of her hails or seemed to be deviating course. A military statement noted that the cruise ship was operating in international waters and followed a sensible path of decisions considering the situation in the Long Sea. The statement made clear that "after a low pass by one of our aircraft, the fishing vessel apparently realized it had its communications equipment powered down. The vessel immediately contacted the very near cruise ship to advise it of the situation and to apologize". Nicosian aircraft stayed on station for some time. The statement declined to note which country the fishing vessel was from.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Nicosia says it will not bar foreign warships from its ports
Salema

Following recent questions regarding what the protocol is for Nicosia's neutrality, the government has released a statement noting that it would not bar foreign warships from its ports. The statement further noted that "Nicosia will follow the traditions and customs of neutral ports. Failure of nations to adhere to the customs and traditions of neutral ports will have ships expelled from Nicosian waters and ports barred to ships of that nation or nations for the foreseeable future". The statement appears to reference various treaties signed by Nicosia between 1807 and 1920. However, it does not directly cite these treaties- instead relying on traditions and customs for the source of its decision. The government statement warned against the presence of "large forces" utilizing Nicosian ports.

 

[Serenierre]

Commissariat for External Relations
"The neutrality doctrine espoused by the litany of international treaties and conventions of that grand island nation has been a fundamentally important stabilising factor in the Long Sea for a long time. The responsible and measured approach of the Order provides an example for the rest of the world. Nicosia, more often than not, provides the voice of conscience in the geopolitics of our times."

— Bernard Lavosnier|| COMMISSAR

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland-Retalien

We have much respect for the way Nicosia acts on the international stage. We respect the neutrality of Nicosia, and will act according to the expecations of The Order when in their territory.

Julia Leverkühn, Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Heightened Long Sea security operations to cease. Tourism returning?
Zaros

Over the previous months, Nicosian aircraft have invested nearly 1000 hours of flight time patrolling nearby shipping lanes and Nicosian waters. The Nicosian maritime forces were on their highest alert since 1997. Now it appears this will come to an end as the Nicosian military will be receiving orders to resume normal operations. "There will still be patrols at sea. However, this will not be nearly at the same level as before" read a government statement. The Long Sea terror had deep effects on the Nicosian economy as one of its chief economic sectors has been tourism. 30% fewer cruise ships arrived at the beginning of the tourist season, putting many Nicosians in a state of worry. "The shop was empty. Even my local customers didn't have money to spend" said a mini mart owner. Now, ships are coming back and commercial flights are more full. The numbers are still well below the yearly average, but Nicosians remain hopeful that the security situation will remain stable.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Nicosian government to no longer censor internet usage
Salema

While illegal sites such as torrents, gambling, and generally criminal websites (suspected child porn, stolen content, terrorist), Nicosia's internet will now be open. Social media, blocked until 2009, will face no further barriers. The move comes as the government is expected to announce a major drive to attract tech companies in order to diversify the economy. Around 1000 websites will remain on the block list but experts say that the move is a huge improvement for Nicosian freedom. About 500 websites will be unblocked in the first week with thousands following over the next several months.

 

[Gunnland]

Officium Legati + Regnum Marpesiae
​

We fear that Nicosia's decision to open internet access will massively damage the moral fabric of the country. Many states continue to recognize the dangers of addiction and misinformation, and restrict access to the world wide web accordingly.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Office of the Grandmaster

The Government of Nicosia has weighed its options carefully and has seen fit that the Nicosian people must have access to an increasingly global world. The moral fabric of the country is within its citizens and will be undeterred by access to UsYube and other sites. The recent decision was made with Nicosia's best interests at heart.