La Croix de Lorraine

[Lorraine]

Editor's response to the letter from the Belmontian Foreign Office

As a news story is subject to interpretation of events, it is our interpretation that 180 has taken place, but as the Foreign Office says otherwise, we can only interpret that as the Belmont Foreign Office will continue along it same old irratic and confrontaional path. In addition, La Croix de Lorraine is a publically own publication and not a messenger service, if the Foreign Office wishes to contact the Secretariate of State for Foreign Affairs, I am sure there are official channels one may go through.

G. Forquet
Managing Editor
La Croix de Lorraine

 

[Lorraine]

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MAYBE THINGS HAVEN'T CHANGED AFTER ALL?​

While the Belmontian's have put a new foreign relations face on in the form of Alexandre Renaudière, it seems that the same playbook is still being used. In a press conferrence, the Belmontians once again blame everyone else for their own failures rather than themselves. When asked about the string of failures the Foreign Office had accumulated, the usual answer was given; it wasn't an important matter; it was their fault; they over reacted.

Francophone Union Not Important To Belmont
The Belmontian have always considered themselves the center of Frankish culture and will remind their Frankish neighbors of the fact every chance they get. Foreign Secretary Vavasseur said, "we have never given any Francophone alliance too much importance", but then when responding to the news of the King of Marquette's plan of creating such a union without Belmont, Vavasseur said that "the Francophone union that was proposed can not work without Belmont". Vavasseur then went on and boasted, "we are, let us not forget, the center of the Francophone world" then quickly qualified the boast, "geographically speaking." Which is it M. Vassasseur, is a Francophone Union unimportant to the Martinique government? If it is, why would you care if one is created? Is it that Belmont might be left out that make it now important?

EDF At Fault For Belmont Resignation
M. Vavasseur said that "we [Belmont] have not resigned [from the EDF]... we have merely asked for Belmont to be restored to PfS status." Technically that is true, but Belmont did resign its Associate Membership seat on the EDF council and is now asking the Council reenstate Belmont's PfS status. Though Belmont did not resign from EDF, technically, it did resign from being any kind of influence with in Alliamce itself.

M. Vavasseur admits that it was only in Belmont's own economic interests that was the reason for it to join the EDF as an Associate Member and this may explain the reasons for the falling out. While the members of the EDF have long worked together to form a working economic bloc with a economic policy that fit with the alliance's goals, Belmont, as a late joiner, attempted to change those policies to fit its own goals rather than modify it own policies to be more harmonious with those of the EDF. It was the long established EDF political/military/economic structure that Belmont failed to adapt to and not the EDF that was truely to blame. It was Belmont's inability to work within the alliance structure, and its unwillingness to modify its own agenda, an agenda that more than once worked counter to the established agenda of the EDF, perhaps it was best that Belmont left the organization, but why blame them for Belmont's own failings?

Was Cakistan At Fault For The Failure Of SEEDTO/Belmont Comference?
"The SEEDTO matter was blown out of proportion by Cakistan's delegation" was M. Vavasseur's response to the failure of Belmont's meeting with the members of SEEDTO. Was this actually the case or is it another example of the Belmontian Foreign Office blaming someone else for its own diplomatic shortcomings, in this instance Cakistan, for the failure of another Belmontian hosted diplomatic conference.

Though the transcipts of the conference are not available, Belmont's Foreign Secretary claims it an over reaction of the Cakistan delegation that ended the meeting on a sour note while in the Cakistan press, backed up by other SEEDTO members media outlets, claim it was Belmont's neo-Imperialist attitude that was the reason for the failure. Though the Paris-Knows-Best diplomacy has been the cause of much resentment towards Belmont in the past and is likely again to be the case in the SEEDTO debacle.

Paris-Knows-Best Behind Gallia Mess
Could it be, like is was in the SEEDTO debacle, that Paris' idea that is knows best just might be the center of the latest in Belmont's string of diplomatic headaches. Though there has been bigger diplomatic faux pas by Paris in the past, this latest one just may be the one that broke the camel's back. When this publication gave Belmont the benefit of the doubt and actually gave the Foreign Office credit in trying to reverse the trend that was taking the Lorraine/Belmont relations down a dark path, this is the letter the Editor received;

Foreign Office

We would like to correct the Lorrainese publication. No 180 degree turn has taken place. We still would like a solid answer to the original request placed by FM Villevan.

This letter only makes what M. Vavasseur said, "Perhaps we should have kept Mr. Villevan on" not so much a joke after all. Though Paris may have replaced Villevan, his policies seem to have remained in place as if he had not gone anywhere at all and the lack of any kind of response from Metz speaks volumes to the latest request from Paris on how HM government feels about the lack of change. Could it be that His Majesty and his government doesn't take kindly to ultimatums and that Paris, to make up for it should be a little less demanding and a little more conciliatory with its future dealing with Metz.

 

[Lorraine]

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Lorraine To Look Into Increased Trade With Danmark
LFS factor may create some hurdles.

Belmont Increases Troops Strength In Abruzicstan
Could this be a case of Neo-Colonialism In Southern Himyar?

Sinhai Defense Forces Capture Sayan Jaa
Could end of war be at hand?

Charges Brought Against 30 Members Of Christian Brotherhood Of Cakistan
Though charges stem from the violence on Danisor-Ursontona border, it is unclear if any charges will be brought against islamic malitias involved in same incident.

 

[Lorraine]

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BELMONT MANUFACTURES BORDER DISPUTE​

Though the motives behind it has not been determined, it seems the latest diplomatic incident between Paris and Metz is the a government supplied news story appearing in the Belmont press implying an increase of Lorrainian border guards along certain stretches of the Lorraine/Belmont border. Though normally, such concern would have been relayed through diplomatic channels and the matter laid to rest, but in this case it seems to have created quite a row as it turns out the report was false and no diplomatic communication was received in Metz prior to the news story appearing in the Belmontian press.

Though government officials in Metz refuse to speculate on the reasons behind the false report by Paris and why no official communiques were made prior to the release of the story, which is contrary to the to what the news report indicated, some in the acedemic world that study government of Belmont such as Dr. Laura Chantille, Professor of International Studies, University of Metz have come to the conclusion that Paris is following its old playbook of garnering favor, not form its neighbors as would be expected, but from those from places like Nokanawa and Stary Hrodino and is willing to burn bridges in the process. It is quite clear that Paris values its new friendships of far capitals than they do historical in capitals such as Metz or Valmy.

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

The news item in question only pointed out that the Lorrainese troops were spread unevenly along 25km of the border. The news item brought to light the uneven distribution not an increase. Now the Lorrainese media is showing that it is truly an arm of the Metz government.

 

[Großlausitz]

Das Auswärtige Amt

His Majesty's Government is concerned about the increase in bilateral tensions. In the interest of Franco-Germanian stability both sides ought to return to a normal level of political exchange. While we haven't had any reason to doubt the good intentions of our ally Lorraine, they might pursue their too fiercly, which is understandable considering the particular geographic situation of Lorraine.

 

[Lorraine]

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WAR ERUPTS IN SOUTHERN GALLIA​

Though the details are sketchy, reports from contacts within the Socialist Republic of Coronado tell us that military target in northwest Coronado have been attacked by air force of the Kingdom of Belmont. This attack come soon after the Paris named the Coronado government of sponsoring the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Martinique and just hours after severing diplomatic ties with Toledo. His Majesty's government upon hearing the report has declared a state of emergency along Lorraine's borders with both nations, especially the Duchy of Auvergne where the military has been placed on alert and the borders have been ordered closed until further notice.

 

[Lorraine]

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:!: LORRAINE DECLARES NEUTRALITY IN GALLIAN WAR
Borders with both antagonist nations will be closed to travel and commerce for the duration of the conflict.

:!: METZ DECLARES FRESCANIAN BLOCKADE ILLEGAL
After much deliberation, His Majesty's government has declared that the Frescanian blockade is illegal as it targets the ports of just one side in the Gallian conflict, but more importantly, targets neutral shipping bound for neutral ports.

:!: LORRAINIAN NAVY WILL PATROL LONG SEA
Royal Navy ordered to come to aid of neutral shipping in distress.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

We inform the nation of Lorraine that the sectio of the Long Sea between Coronados and Carentanias coast is the zoe of operation of the Revolutionary Navy and, to avoid accidental confrontation, we advise all uninvolved military vessels to stay outside of this zone. Carentania will fire upo any ship that interferes with its military operations.

The Workers' Republic understands and respects the wish of neutral nations like Lorraine to ensure the safety of free trade within the Long Sea, but it is best protected by keeping the Long Sea free from military engagements of any kind. Any military presence by neutral nations will only serve as invitation to more nations to send a fleet as it becomes a matter of prestige to be present at this part of the world - which in turn increases the risk of a dagerous escalatio of the conflict through accidents and mistakes from either side. Carentania guarantuees the safety and freedom of all neutral shipping in the Long Sea and there are enough ways for neutral nations to control that Carentania stays true to its promise without having to dispatch an ever increasing armada of ships to this volatile region.

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

The stance of neutrality undertaken by the Kingdom of Lorraine is one that we welcome.

 

[Coronado]

Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores
Ministry of External Affairs

Unlike Belmont, the Socialist Republic of Coronado has respected the sovergnty of its neighbors and will recognize the neutrality of Lorraine.

Carlos Mendez
Ministro de Asuntos Exteriores
República Socialista de Coronado

 

[Lorraine]

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UNIONISTS AND SEPARATISTS CLASH IN VICHY​

VICHY - During a sanctioned Union Day celebration, the 72 anniversary of the union between the Duchy of Auvergne and the Kingdom of Lorraine, on the commons area at University of Auvergne, a group of what appeared to be students, began to disrupt the festivities when they started chanting "Freedom for Auvergne" and "Death to the Monarchy" and proceeded to drench a flag of Lorraine in gasoline and was only prevented from igniting the flag by a young man, who's name has not been released, who ran over and snatched flag away. The young man was then chased down by the group who began beating him, which in turn brought more of the students as well as security to the young man's aid, but what was thought to be a small group of aggitators turned out to be part of a much larger well organized group of nearly hundred that had been stationed around the commons and who rushed in and engaged the Union celebrants. It took over an hour and nearly two hundred security, municipal police and gendarmes to bring the riot under control.

Thirty two people were hospitalized including the young man that saved the flag, and twenty arrests were made. Police have told reporters that those arrested have been identified as members of both the separist group Auvergne Solidaire and the Faucons Rouges, a militant faction of the Jeune Ligue de Socialistes (Young Socialist League). If this is true, this would be the first known time the two groups have worked together.

 

[Lorraine]

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TERRORIST BOMBINGS IN NICOSIA RAISES LORRAINIAN SECURITY ALERT LEVEL
Solaren CoN Ambassador Hints That Lorraine May Be In Danger Of Same​

METZ - With the pictures of the Nicosian hospital and resort bombings fresh in the minds of Lorrainians, the Secretary of State of the Royal Household has ordered the Kingdom's Security Threat to be raised to 'Level 3'. Though the government has indicated this increase is due primarily in response to those terrorist attacks in Nicosia, a cryptic warning by the Solaren ambassador to the Council of Nation may also have some bearing. When it was suggested in a discussion in the Council of Nations that the 4000 Nicosians being held in Solaren be allowed safe passage to Lorraine, the Solaren ambassador, Bishop Avali, responded "Lorraine, being an ally of the reckless Nicosian regime is no safe haven, rather it might pose an even greater threat that Nicosia itself" indicating to many that Lorraine is in great danger of similar attacks of those in Nicosia.

 

[Lorraine]

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NICOSIAN KING ISSUES APOLOGY; PAYS RANSOM TO URBAN
Many World Capitals Disappointed In Decision​

With the apology and payment issued, the world awaits for 3800 Nicosians that have been held in Solaren to arrive safely in Lorraine. Though the news came as a surprise here in Metz, as it did in did undoubtable to many, and while most understand the reasoning of King Alexander's decision, many nations have already voiced their concerns that his capitulation has just made the world that much more dangerous.

 

[Lorraine]

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INCREASED SOLAREN MILITARY PRESENCE ON BORDER WITH LORRAINE
King Orders Additional Forces To Border To Compensate​

Though the Solarens have kept their promise to release their hostage, those that hadn't executed that is, they have failed to stand down their forces along the border with Lorraine, this in turn has caused the threat level to be raised, now at Level 4, with ground and air forces along the border being reenforced and with additional air and ground patrols and round the clock AEW flights. Knowing the unpredictability and volatility of the Torrance regime, Metz is understandably not taking any chances.

 

[Serenierre]

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The People's Republic is gravely concerned over the regional tensions being seen in Gallia. We urge all parties to be calm and refrain from actions that may further harm the delicate situation.

Jean-Jacques Rogére
State Councilor for Foreign Affairs
​

 

[Lorraine]

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FOREIGN MILITARY PRESENCE CAUSES MIXED FELLING AMOUNG LOCALS​

BRIANÇON - Briançon is not one of those places that tourists will find in a travel brochure. A fortified town built in the 17th century to defend the region from invasions from the south and as it did then, it still does today, rely on the military for its livelihood. Due to the town's proximity to Solaren, the 12,000 inhabitants of this southern Lorrainian town are accustom to the the sight of military personnel and equipment in and around their community, but lately they have been experiencing a bit of culture shock as the town seems to have been invaded by a large number of foreign troops, and non-french speaking ones at that. Though many towns in Southern Lorraine that are near military bases are hearing more and more german and anglysh, and even some Montelimarian accented french, Briançon may best exemplify the increased militarization of the region as the Franconian army has made the the town and the nearby base their home away from home.

If you ask anyone living in Briançon, you will find that, though they appreciate the Franconians coming to help defend them from the 'Mad Pope', the language gap and differing customs have caused quite a few 'misunderstandings' with some involving local police and even the gendarmerie. It is likely that it is more to do with anxiety of the locals of a possible invasion from Solaren that have nerves on edge and it is the Franconian that are the constant reminder that things may become deadly at any time. Though town officials believe these incidents will die down as the local get used to the Franconians and vice versa, all will be much happier when things do get back to normal.

 

[Lorraine]

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>RESERVISTS ACTIVATED
With the Solaren government remaining strangely quiet, and with regular army as well as foreign units reinforcing Lorrainian troops along the southern border, the Secretary of State for War has obtained permission to activate reservists. Though at this time these reservists are mainly medical, logistics and other support personnel, rumors have it that combat troops might also be activated.

>LORRAINIANS CALL BATAVIAN PM ANTI-CHRISTIAN COMMENT OFFENSIVE
The decidedly anti-Christian comment made by the Batavian Prime Minister has been labeled offensive by many Lorrainians, with some using words much more critical. Though no official comment has come from the government, some political and religous leaders have suggested a boycott Batavian products.

 

[Lorraine]

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>SOLAREN UNCOMFORTABLY SILENT. MILITARY READIES FOR ANY CONTINGENT
Because of Torrance's unusual silence, a silence that is ironically far louder than any of the usual rantings that comes out of the theocracy's capital, Lorraine and several of her allies have built-up a substantial combat force along Lorraine's border with Solaren. Though the force is one that is to defend Lorraine from attack by Solaren forces, it also one that is designed to take the offensive to end the Solaren threat once and for all if Urban IV is insane enough to attack.

>ENGELLEX DEMANDS DEMOCRACY IN ANGLYSH TERRITORIES
While there has been a great deal of discusion over the future of Anglyn's overseas territories, it would appear that Engellex, a country with just as much if not more overseas colonies, has chirpped in demanding the same of the Anglysh territories, in fact expanding it beyond the Implarian. Whan is the most interesting in the whole discusion is that it is Engellex and her allies that are speaking the loudest concerning Anglysh territories demanding democracy in those territories, but they are at the same time suspiciously silent concerning Engellex's own colonial holdings, colonies in which studies show are far less democratic than the Anglysh they are verbally attacking.

It would appear that what is at really at work here is not 'democracy', but rather something in line with 'hypocracy'.

 

[Thaumantica]

Office for Foreign Affairs

Studies have shown that a verbal attack on one European Defence Federation nation will set off a worldwide propaganda campaign, suspiciously unified around a copy and paste mantra, that painfully fails to address the actual issue: Tangaloa for Tangaloans. There is no discussion because the Kingdom of Anglyn has refused to hold summit or session with other Oceanic Nations concerning Oceania, least of which Cantigny: Tangaloa's largest regional neighbor. If we could begin a dialogue as equals, nation to nation, not empire to colony, then the recurring melody of this movement would change completely.

We call upon Lorraine to advocate true peace through real dialogue between Oceanic Nations.