Jounalio Nikoşia

[Natal]

Secretariat of Foreign Affairs

The Government believes that this kind of accusations are made only of desperation and believes that honorable country wont use the church to manipulate. We think it is better for the country not to intervene in the ruling of the country, so that frivolous accusations like "which religion is the true one" won't be used as a casus belli.

Secretary of External Affairs
Dusan Filipovic

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

BREAKING NEWS: Explosion rocks shopping center

Syracuse

A popular tourist destination, Ogygia, is Nicosia's largest department store. At 4pm, a large explosion occurred on the third floor. While police and fire services continue to search for survivors, many are speculating that it may have been another terrorist action. The explosion reportedly occurred in the toy department. Police have not yet released any official statements but are expected to issue one shortly.

 

[Matoury]

Ministère des Affaires étrangères
The Republic of Matoury is shocked and saddened to hear of the terrorist attack against the citizens of Nicosia. We hope that who ever is responsible for this heinous crime comes to swift justice.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Ogygia Shopping Center attack leaves 14 dead, 11 wounded
3 tourists among dead

Syracuse

Following a blast that rocked a popular department store, the National Constabulary has issued a statement confirming that 14 have been killed, including 3 tourists. While police will not release the names or nationalities, they did say that it was 2 parents and a young child.

The blast also injured 11 people in varying degrees. Police said that a large number of those killed and injured are children. Police said they would hold a press conference in the next 24 hours. While they refused to comment on details, police further commented that they believed the attack to be "highly planned and carefully carried out".


"As Nicosia pleaded with the world, they stood and watched" says Chancellor Valdez in letter to Platte Confederation

Syracuse

Following statements made by the Platte Government, Chancellor Valdez issued a letter explaining the Nicosian cause. This following a call for 'restraint in the conflict and prevent further escalation' despite the murder of a diplomatic team with a peace offering and state sponsored terrorist attacks.

The Platte Confederation then issued this statement to the government of Lorraine-


Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Kingdom of Lorraine has just as much right to defend its territorial Integrity it is in the view of our Council that the European Defense Federation left Solaren with no other options but to pre-emptively strike upon their assembled forces in the best interest of Defense. You cannot back an animal into a corner and not expect it to just retire away, no when you corner an animal it will look and wait for the best opportunity and way to defeat those whom have cornered it with the looks and intentions of harming it.

We believe that not all diplomatic routes were attempted by the EDF to resolve conflict and instead the use of military force was already thought of and planned to launch an incursion offensively into the Kingdom of Solaren and as such that it was in the Kingdom of Solarens best interest to launch a strategic assault upon the forces opposing it in the idea of defending itself.



With numerous Nicosians stunned at the statements, Chancellor Valdez issued a statement in return. The statement, issued just hours ago, sharply criticized the statements of the Confederate government and went on to criticize the world for not stepping in when asked. In a later interview, Chancellor Valdez expressed the views and feelings of many Nicosians when he stated that "We are simply shocked that there are those who would seek to accept terrorism, piracy, kidnapping, and the murder of diplomats as the legal actions of a state. We are shocked to learn that there are those who would see us attacked again and again and expect us to do nothing about it".

Below, we have included the Chancellor's letter to the Confederate government, unedited.

Office of the Chancellor

The idea and belief that Nicosia or by extension, the EDF, did not exhaust all measures in searching for a solution is flawed and simply incorrect. Following state-sponsored terrorist attacks on Nicosia, we brought the issue to the international community. We asked for the world to aid us in the situation. With the exception of aid offers and condolences, we received little. When the rhetoric from Solaren became one of further threats we again turned to the international community. Nothing.

The Solaris government then interred, or rather kidnapped, over 1400 Nicosian citizens and held them for RANSOM and what did the world do to Solaren after they murdered many while further demanding ransom? They stood by and merely froze a few assets. As Nicosia pleaded with the world, they stood and watched. Next, the rhetoric again became one of further threats. Then Solaris ships began harassing Nicosian fishing ships in international waters. Then they began cutting fishing lines. And the world....did nothing.

Then, in an attempt to preserve a peace, Nicosia issued a protective zone for its fishing vessels. This was brazenly ignored by the Solaris government and Nicosian ships were boarded, their crews beaten. Piracy.

In response, little Nicosia called on her allies to come to her aid after the international community at large failed to lift a finger. Nicosia then sent a diplomatic team to the Solaris leadership. You could ask the diplomatic team we sent to the Solaris leadership if we were doing enough to find a peace but they are dead. George Stassino, Henry Opul, and Adolfo Tomas are now murdered by the Solaris government following a mission to try and find a peace.

This is a war fought on the very morals of international law. The right of a nation to defend itself is one of these morals. Repeatedly, Nicosia was attacked. We did our best to explore international diplomatic avenues of peace and direct avenues of peace. That has failed. Clearly, you must understand the idea of a nation's right to defend itself as you have just cited Solaren as defending itself. Nicosia has called on her allies to do just that against a rabid animal that backed itself into a corner.

Kingdom evacuating museums, universities

Syracuse

Today, Nicosia's legendary museums closed their doors for an indefinite amount of time. While the intensely popular Natural History Museum of Nicosia would not give details, they released a statement that said "The world's treasures will remain safe. For nothing is more sacred than G-d's gift of knowledge".

Reportedly, Nicosia's major universities are also evacuating their massive collections. Original writings, manuscripts, and music are all being moved said one source. Collections ranging from original 10th and 11th century books to letters of Beethoven are being evacuated as far as Talemantros and Breotonia.

During an extremely brief interview, the King stated that 'preserving these treasures is one of the government's top priorities".

 

[Rheinbund]

Kanzleramt
Trier, Eiffelland

We agree with the letter sent to the Government of the Platte Confederation by the Nicosian government. We also sharply condemn the terrorist attack in Nicosia.

Matthias Graf von Seydewitz, Chancellor

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Channel 2 Exclusive, JounalioTV's interview with Chancellor Valdez

The two men sit in Barcelona chairs against a gray backdrop.

Marcus Zampa: Welcome and thank you Chancellor for taking the time to meet with us. I assume you have been quite busy.

Both men smile nervously

Chancellor Carlos Valdez: Yes, I honestly cannot say this is something we were prepared for both politically and militarily.

Zampa: Militarily?

Chancellor Valdez: Yes, well as you know, Nicosia has not been fully mobilized for conflict in 90something odd years so this is not something we have planned for. We never thought we would be forced to fight a full on war so close to home but so far away.

Zampa: So you would say that the war came as a shock to you? I mean, did you ever expect this to happen?

Chancellor Valdez: Shock to me to me? No, I think it was a shock to everyone. We never believed it would come this far.

Zampa: So what do you say to foreign accusations that this war is being waged based on imperialistic ambitions and that Nicosia did not try hard enough to find peace?

Valdez's mood changes and his facial expressions become more intense


Valdez: Well, first of all we did not start this war. They did! We sent a peace mission, they executed them. Look, we tried going down every avenue of peace. We set up exclusionary zones, tried to let tensions ease with time, and we took things to the international community at large rather than our allies. We took things to the world and the world shrugged their shoulders and said 'Gee, that really stinks. I would like to help but I cant'. So when Nicosia continues to be attacked we should stand and take it and do nothing? We should keep pleading with a global community that will do nothing? No. We turned to our allies. They have stood by us and the international community has not. We have still left an open invitation to join the coalition but so far, the rest of the world is too busy to help defend international law and international morals.

Zampa: Would you say that Nicosia's membership in the EDF was a reason for world apathy?

Valdez: I certainly hope not. This is not a case of EDF vs whomever. This is about a larger nation bullying a smaller nation with blatant terrorism, piracy, and kidnapping. Nicosia would consider it her duty to defend the weak. If this had happened a year ago to Solaren, Nicosia would have offered their support. The world should have stepped in and said ' State sponsored terrorism, piracy, and kidnapping of citizens' but instead they condoned it when it does not have an affect on their political landscape.

Zampa: The government seems to be placing a lot of blame for this conflict on the international community. Some are questioning who else is to blame?

Zampa looks coldly towards the camera

Valdez: Well, it is a combination of factors. First you have the socio-political landscape of the Long Sea. Second, you have an international community that hates rocking the boat. Finally, you have a madman at the head of a country and a church. Had the international community acted responsibly though, there would be no war.

Zampa: How do you see the war playing out?

Valdez: First of all, we really do not know. It depends on if other nations opt to join our coalition or not. Frankly, we will not surrender until we get Pope Urban. He will face a trial. As long as justice is served. Should we win, we will have to ensure that A. The Solaris people get the largest say in their future B. We invite the Long Sea nations to take part in shaping the future and C. We capture Urban. Those are the 3 largest post war concerns should we win.

Zampa: So you have doubts?

Valdez: About what?

Zampa: Winning the war?

Valdez: I think it is obvious that Nicosians just want peace. So if a good enough peace deal comes along we would consider it. And I think I should rephrase. Nobody wins a war. When it comes to war, everybody has lost. It is only a matter of how bad is the loss?

Zampa: If I may switch gears; when will we see the change in government

Valdez: We are preparing to publish a 2 year plan to democratization. The plan is 2 years because we will be creating new ministries, developing voter laws, registering voters, and building new facilities. Also, we do not want to force democratization too quickly. The King has approved this plan and would like to implement it sometime next year.

Zampa: What powers will the King maintain?

Valdez: He will have moderately solid veto powers, will still command the military, and will remain an important part of government.

Zampa: Thank you for your time Chancellor.

Valdez: You are most welcome.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

King calls for Long Sea Summit

Syracuse

With the war still shifting into higher gears, King Alexander stated in a press conference that he would like to see the members of the 'Long Sea community' gather to discuss current events.

While he did not state which members specifically, many suspect that it would include all nations with the obvious exception of Solaren. "With Nicosia's economy in limbo, many are looking for progress; something that has not been delivered" said Chancellor Valdez. "The delicate balance in the world is being perceived as being changed when in fact, the balance is being preserved" continued the Chancellor.

2 Killed in Police Raid

Ajaccio

Police raided an apartment in the early morning hours of August 8. According to police, the apartment acted as a safe house for Solaris terrorists. According to the statement, 11 were taken into custody but two were killed after they opened fire on constables. Police announced they will not release names but have stated that all were Solaris citizens. Some had more than one national citizenship.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Kingdom applauds Coronado in move to join "disjointed coalition"

Syracuse

The King publicly supported the move by Coronado to join the war against Solaren. "We fully support our neighbors in this struggle. While understandably, they may not have the same motivations as us or the EDF but what is important is that the Solaris regime be brought to justice for its terrorist actions. We welcome them to our disjointed and pledge full support in aiding them in the cause" said the King during a press conference.

About 2,000 Nicosians appeared in a show of support outside Embassy of Coronado in Syracuse.

Kingdom waits as war decision looms

Syracuse

The mood was tense at the University of Syracuse as a political science classroom erupted in a heated debate. All over the Kingdom, many are divided and are waiting for a decision regarding the unprovoked attack. Both the Chancellor's Office and Royal Office have been quiet regarding their decision and have refused to answer questions on the specifics of the decision.

The Foreign Ministry issued an independent statement condemning the war but did not mention any intentions. Many on the sidelines are referencing the EDF charter which state that Nicosia is bound by the charter to aid its allies and thus Nicosia must declare war.

Internal Report: Nicosia "Totally unprepared" for war

Ajaccio

A leaked report is causing ripples all over the Kingdom as a new government report states that Nicosia was "totally unprepared for a war of this nature". The report stated Nicosia is "extraordinarily strained" by the conflict and stated that the current military structure was not designed for a war overseas.

The report appears to have originated from the Minister of Defence's Office and was intended for the Chancellor's Office. The entire report was not leaked and the Chancellor's Office has ordered an immediate investigation of the reports.

Nicosia maintains 'A' sovereign rating despite war

Syracuse

"Through fierce and hard work, we have maintained stable" said Chancellor Valdez as many nations appear to be downgraded. Franken, Eiffelland, Lorraine, Engellex, Montelimar, and Solaren all received downgrades. The Chancellor promised to work to maintain the rating. "We will return to our AA we maintained in the early 1990's. It will take time and hard work" said the Chancellor. The Chancellor continued to speak and stressed the diversification of the economy.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Only 11% feel war is going well, EDF approval plummets

Syracuse

The lack of action by Nicosia's allies have many questioning whether or not the alliance has the ability to win the war now that others have joined the war. While many question the exact motives of Carentania and Coronado, many more seem to question the willingness of Nicosia's allies to engage in a war. Now that Montelimar has been assaulted, the willingness of Nicosians to help defend them appears to be minimal. In fact, EDF Membership approval has plummeted from 79% to 36%.

The Chancellor has scheduled a press conference for Friday. Many suspect the conference will indeed address the possibility of an additional war.

Read more: Page 2

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Report: Corvette Ajaccio Sunk, all hands lost?

Ajaccio

Jounalio has received unconfirmed reports that the Nicosian Corvette Ajaccio, was sunk by a Solaris vessel with all hands lost. Again, these reports are so far unconfirmed by the Nicosian government.

King reiterates importance of Long Sea Conference

Syracuse


With the Long Sea aflame, many nations have ignored the call for a conference on the region's future. Of those invited, only Polasciana, Eiffelland, and the Holy See even responded. Others invited were Hajr, Carentania, Frescania, Coronado, and Lorraine. All 4 nations completely ignored a summit invitation personally penned by Chancellor Valdez. "It is imperative that the future of the Long Sea region be discussed by nations who make the region" said the King. "The future of Solaren and the Long Sea are at stake. Urban must fall and the people of Solaren must have a say in their own future. By extension, we must share our vision for that future. There are those who do not see our cause as just. There are those who would attack and call the land of the Solaris people as their own. We must set a route to a lasting peace, for that is in the interest of all" said the King.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Confirmed: Corvette Ajaccio Sunk
Bodies of 18 sailors recovered. Government confirms they were executed

Syracuse

"It is with great regret that I must confirm the loss of one of our ships, the Corvette Ajaccio. All hands were lost when the ship was engaged by a Solaris destroyer. I have personally contacted the families to offer my condolences" said the King in an afternoon press conference. "We have recovered the remains of 18 sailors; all of which appear to have been executed. We are all shocked and are deeply disturbed. This can only strengthen our resolve" concluded the King.

The ship engaged a Solaris destroyer approximately 50 miles off of the Nicosian coast. Memorial services are planned to be held in Syracuse.

 

[Serenierre]

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By the Command of His Majesty Frederic III:

The statements of His Majesty The King of Nicosia, in regards to an internationally sanctioned resolution on the most strategic transit point that is the Long Sea, has been appreciated by myself and, bypassing convention, I choose to respond in person to state to my counterpart that the idea is truly a much needed requirement for the times. My Kingdom and My Domains would support this endeavour.

Secondly, the sinking of the Nicosian war vessel Ajaccio has truly saddened us, here in Østfjord, and I offer my condolences on behalf of my subjects. But let us not forget that scenes such as these have occurred from Engellex to Lorraine, as the ravages of war have spread across the Old Continent, mothers have been robbed of their sons, wives of their husbands and children of their fathers. This conflict could have been avoided from spreading had certain quarters responded responsibly yet tensions have been stoked and now have reached the boiling point. I urge for saner heads to come to the fore and sue for peace.

Lastly, I must warn the Nicosian nation. Though the fight against Solaren is justified, to call the Communist Adventures anything but a blatant attempt at a land grab is foolish and to induct such nefarious ideologies into the coalition is furthermore highly concerning and we urge Nicosia and other countries to remain alert in regards to the flexing of communist muscles in the region.

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​

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Office of the Chancellor

We appreciate the kind words and greatly appreciate your support. A conference on the Long Sea is something that we would attend but are frankly, too busy to lead. We have proposed a regional conference to discuss the region, not the Long Sea itself, but received very little interest.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Democracy comes to Nicosia


Syracuse

"War will not stop us from moving forward" said the King during his speech in which he announced that the first ever National Elections would take place next June. While Nicosia has enjoyed elected local and provincial governments since the 1880's. However, June 2012 will feature the first Nationally elected government. This government will be tasked with amending the current Constitution and setting election laws and customs. During this time, it appears the King will remain in power.

In the released plans include new tax protocols and restructuring of the Lire. Nicosia will of course retain its Monarchy due to the public support it receives. The Monarch will retain the right to declare war and call for new elections as well as hold the title of 'Head Diplomat'. The plans also include several other duties as appointing justices who must be approved by the new legislature. New national parties have already begun to form. Meanwhile, the Chancellor appears to have been invited to join the newly formed Center-Left Orange Party. There is now word on his decision as of yet.

"Our little Island Kingdom has endured for centuries. We will endure this conflict and emerge victorious. War will not stop us from moving forward. We cannot possibly continue to say that the Solaris people must have a say in their future a post Urban world when our own people have no say in their future. A monarchy of our nature is becoming an archaic. Our people remain proud of our Monarchy. It is what makes us uniquely Nicosian. However, I and the Nicosian people recognize the future. I have notified all top members of government and have ordered elections for June of 2012. An exact date will be announced soon.

G-d Bless, and good night"

 

[Great Engellex]

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DULWICH, TUESDAY, 31st AUGUST 2011

The Right Honourable The Secretary of State has received the Command of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty The Queen-Empress to make known the following gracious Statement of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty to the King, and Lordships of the Kingdom of Nikosia.​

Extension of The Queen-Empress' Statement in Council.

TO THE KING, AND LORDSHIPS OF THE KINGDOM OF NIKOSIA

I am instructed to EXPRESS on behalf of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty;

The latest dispatches from the island-nation of Nikosia has informed her Imperial and Royal Majesty that the absolutism and tyranny of the Nikosian Crown is now to end quietly from the progression of democratic reforms, through the intervention of the Empire of Great Engellex. That a National Democratic Parliament shall be formed and the Powers of the Crown conditioned to Constitution is a Glorious Day for Preuti-Borussia and Europe as a whole. It has been received with the greatest jubilation within the streets and the palaces of Dulwich that the European Defence Federation should at last concede to the march of democracy, which began in Great Engellex nearly three hundred years ago. This is a great moral triumph and victory for the Queen-Empress Charlotte, whose decision it was that brought the reinforcement to the challengers, the objectors, to the absolutist and aggressive nature of a vast alliance of the most insufferable dynasties that Europe has had to endure.

The European Defence Federation was determined to omit the intolerance and exclusivity of their national systems of power, to press forward and wage war against the democratic and free nations of Europe, and tried the patience and perseverance of a peaceful and tolerating country, Great Engellex; they awoken within us a spirit of national fidelity that has exceeded our borders to unite with the Free and Democratic Europe. In consequence of the proclamations by the King of Nikosia, the efforts of war shall be renewed with a greater determination and sense of achievement for liberty. The splendid victory have given a deathblow to the barbarism, the Ancien Régime of the Federation’s Crowns, which has long desolated Preuti-Borussia.

The Crown of Great Engellex has become a talent of freedom and liberty, for the advancement of Preuti-Borussia.​

By the Grace of GOD, of the EMPIRE of GREAT ENGELLEX, CHARLOTTE, the QUEEN-EMPRESS, through the SECRETARY of STATE, Sir ANTHONY PELHAM-HOLLES​

​

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

King condemns Augsburg attack, criticizes world community

Syracuse

In a press conference today, the King harshly condemned the missile attack on Augsburg. "The attacks on Augsburg are a disgusting event. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been touched by these disgraceful attacks" said the King, citing over 600 dead and over 6000 injured.

"The world should be outraged more than it appears to be. The international community's apathy is appalling. The world cares little when innocents seem to be attacked. Rather than the outrage that should be seen, we see condolences but no reaction. What happened to little Nicosia will happen again and again" said the King visibly upset. "The international community should be more concerned with the targeted deaths of civilians rather than in what alliance their nation belongs too".

The King plans to visit Augsburg to survey the damage and meet with survivors sometime next week.


Headlines


3 Nicosians killed at front.

Chancellor expected to join Orange party

Warships engage each other off Nicosian coast

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

King reinforces war ideals, hunt for Pope Urban

Syracuse

The King gave a nationally televised speech tonight in which he reinforced the goals of the current conflict with Solaren. The King appeared also on radio. The speech touched on several issues including: the future of Solaren, Augsburg, the Long Sea, and Pope Urban.

Many analysts are suggesting that this may be the only King's speech since his coronation that has been written by himself. Support for the war appears to be slowly losing steam as success has been little and the economy is beginning to frost.

"Good evening,

Tonight, Nicosia is at a precipice between the future and the past. Progress and tradition. War and peace. We face a war of mounting issues. We must account for the welfare of not only our own peoples but the people of Solaren. We must strive to not only secure our own future by seeking a future peace but we must also strive to ensure that the Solaris people shape their own future.

The future of all of Gallia and the world is also important. The Long Sea must remain a free corridor for all to travel. This is the very core of trade. The freedom for states to trade ensures the freedom of all. It is for this reason that the freedom of the Long Sea must and will be maintained.

We must also take this time to bow our heads in solidarity with the people of Wiese. They have now also become the victims of terrorism. The people of Augsburg were brutally and purposely attacked in a shameful and cowardly attack. Our prayers are with you. Our minds are with you. We share in your outrage and grief.

Let this terrible and disgusting action remind the world of why this conflict is taking place; for it seems many have forgotten how this war began. Nicosia, enjoying a long term peace, was viciously attacked by Solaris terrorists at the direction of the Solaris government. Our people were held hostage and murdered. We asked the international community for help and none came. We pleaded for aid, but none came. When we offered a peace, our diplomats were murdered. Then, Solaren attacked the EDF.

Then the international community pointed fingers at the EDF rather then themselves. This war never should have been fought. Nicosia pursued every single avenue of peace only to be denied. The international community at large has failed Nicosia and itself.

This war is not being fought for dirt. This war is not being fought over some resource. This war is being fought over ideas and rights. The idea a nation has rights to defend itself and its people. It is also about justice. Pope Urban and his cronies have murder far too many. Their stroke of a pen and words from their mouths acted to slaughter Nicosians who posed to them no threat. We will hunt Pope Urban. He will either die running or face a trial in Nicosia for the crimes that he has committed.

Nicosia will press on. Wickedness, enormous, panoplied, embattled, seemingly triumphant, casts its shadow over Gallia. Nicosia will weather the storm of war. We will succeed, survive, and we will see justice done.

May G-d bless Nicosia, her allies, and the people of Augsburg. Good night"

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

State funeral for 4 killed at front, memorial for Corvette Ajaccio

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Syracuse

By Royal Order, the first 4 Nicosians to be killed at the front received State Funerals today. Lieutenant Marco Camilleri, 48, of Ajaccio; Private Ferdinand Del Piero, 19, of Calesso; Sergeant Anthony Barosso, 32, of Ajaccio; and Private Louise Calous, 25, of Pila.

The State Funeral also was a memorial for the hands lost on the Corvette Ajaccio. The King was on hand for the entire ceremony along with most of the nobility. Thousands lined the route as the caskets slowly went by. The first Casket was for the lost hands of the ship Ajaccio, followed by the other 4 caskets. The mood was somber as Nicosians waved flags on the sidewalks and removed their caps.

Services were held at the National Cathedral with both Orthodox and Catholic prayers. The King took a brief opportunity to speak, saying that "The men and women have given their lives for not only the Kingdom; but for freedom, justice, and for G-d. Their sacrifice, will never be forgotten".

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Nicosians, Coalition make headway

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Nicosian paratroopers guard a captured power station

Northeast Solaren

As the offensive continues, Nicosian and EDF Coalition troops on the Eastern flank have seen some of the heaviest resistance. Nicosian troops today engaged some of Urban's finest troops in what one paratrooper called 'the fiercest firefight thus far'.

So far, Nicosian and EDF forces have faced stiff resistance in the initial phases but are slowly pushing back Solaris forces. General Storace, head of Nicosian Ground Operations (OGN), stated he felt "progress is being made. Slowly but surely".

Today alone saw 14 Nicosians wounded and 3 killed. Storace declined to comment on the casualties. However, the King has stated that he intends to meet with all the families of those killed in combat. Furthermore, he has stated that a new law will prevent the media from releasing names of those killed without family consent.

Read tomorrow for a journal entry from our correspondent embedded with our troops.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Nicosian Special Forces take out top Urban aid

Metz

Today, the Royal Government confirmed reports that top Urban aid Nicoletto 'Paul' Calesteno was gunned down in downtown Torrance. The government reports that Nicosian special operatives in conjunction with Solaris rebel groups killed Calesteno outside the Foreign Ministry in Torrance.

Calesteno was purported to be the chief designer for the kidnapping of Nicosians by the Solaris government; in addition to the execution of numerous Nicosians. Chancellor Valdez claimed it to be "a victory for world justice and a warning for Urban".

Pope Urban has reportedly not been seen in weeks despite radio addresses. Many suspect Urban has moved out of Torrance, although the speculations seem to vary. Chancellor Valdez promised that "Nicosia would not cease until Urban faces judgement".

Report from the front

Antonio Gatt, Jounalio Field Reporter

Northeast Solaren

The Nicosian helicopter moved quickly over my head as I was hustled yet again into the armored personnel carrier. It is old, like most of Nicosia's armored personnel carriers, but it seems to work despite the smell of diesel. Another round bounced off the thin aluminum armor as the small column stopped to search for the source of the sniper fire.

I have been embedded with the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Regiment since the beginning of the offensive. I am subject to the most minor censorship which is why until we have made further progress, I am not allowed to give specific locations. Eventually, an armored fighting vehicle sends several cannon rounds into a small hotel and our small column continues toward the town. The people of Solaren appear to be quite impoverished. I have been told by military engineers that the electrical grid is 'ancient' and that indoor plumbing is still a novel idea in smaller villages.

My armored personnel carrier still has phrases in German written in pen; a clear sign it was bought from Franken secondhand. We sleep often in our armored personnel carrier as does many of the regiment. I ride with one of the regiment's top officers, Captain Lorenzo Tomas, a furniture store owner from Fresni. With the exception of a handful, Tomas is like the rest of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Regiment and is only a reservist. At 57, he appears to know he is getting to old for soldiering. Tomas served for 15 years on active duty before joining the reserves. Now, he is active again, constantly looking through his binoculars or on the radio.

We took possession of a few prisoners later that day. Most looked at us with empty and steel like eyes. After a 30 minute wait, an interpreter showed up and asked them a few questions I was not privy to. I was told by the interpreter that the men had thought we were Lorrainian troops and had been told that Nicosians were executing prisoners of war.

Our armored personnel carrier rumbled along. Solaris roads varied from bad to worse. We approached the town and were suddenly on the receiving end of mortars and artillery.

Follow further reports from the field in upcoming editions of Jounalio