La Prensa Libre

[Thaumantica]

*CSPN OUTTAKE*

“Everyone is asking today what is the Aurarine secret as the Tauritina Fighters claim a global rugby title?”

“Hell Chip, we all saw a lot of grab ass and pat on the backfield in Jacaranda. I think the answer can be found in the right tight cohesion in the Aurarine lockeroom!”

“Hahahahah!!!”

 

[Oneida]

Today's Headlines - El País
11 Ningemes CXCIX / 26 November 2018​

President Sanabria Signs Finance Plan into Law. Today, before a ceremony that involved the party leaders of the Coalition Government as well as key stakeholders, President Sanabria signed the CXCIX – CC / 2018 – 2019 Finance Plan into Law, ending the debate over the Government’s budget. Of Particular note, an amendment to the Finance Plan allows the Ministry of Defense to begin lending into its future budget today, thus allowing it to expand its programs before the new budget takes effect on 30 Ningemes / 15 December. The Ministry, which is by far the biggest winner in the new plan, will announce its intentions on how to use its additional funds shortly.

Minister of Justice Steps Down. In a rather surprising move, the Minister of Justice, Pasqual Sorolla has stepped down. The aging Minister cited that health reasons prevent him from continuing to effectively execute his position. Deputy Minister, Oscar Chúmez, will take over as Acting-Minister of Justice until such a time that the Government can find a replacement. Consul Varela has issued a statement thanking Minister Sorolla for his unrelenting service to the people and the Republic.

State of Hypocrisy? Recently, President Sanabria has issued a statement against the Kingdom of Elben for their sentencing of a man to death by a public burning at the stake. The President, in a manner of words, called it barbaric and unbecoming of a modern civilization. Interestingly, however, is the silence from Marisela Palace on the recent bombing of the Engellexic Embassy in Vesper by the Engellexic Republic itself. The death toll is continuing to rise as it is recently confirmed that Sylvanian Doctor Sean Roberts is among those killed by the Engellexians. Surely, a country bombing and murdering its own citizens is worthy of drawing Marisela Palace’s condemnation?

First Case of Engellpox Confirmed in Auraria. In what some declared was an inevitability, the Aurarian Ministry of Public Health & Safety has officially confirmed a diagnosed case of Engellpox in Las Palmas. The Ministry stated that the individual was thoroughly interviewed and that the Ministry is taking the necessary steps to backtrack the individual’s movements to contain the spread of the disease. Repeatedly, the Ministry stated that it has plans in place and that there is no reason for panic.

News in Brief…
(International) The CXCIX / 2018 Universal Exposition is promising to display a number of exhibits from a number of countries, putting on display the latest and greatest in technology and science across the planet.
(International) The Justosian Government is repeatedly causing diplomatic tensions as its Foreign Ministry, Prince Julian Francois-Francisco, and the King himself attack foreign governments in random, profane methods.
(Diplomacy) Auraria and Pelasgia reportedly nearing the end of a new trade deal that promises to expand enterprise between the two Long Sea Nations in a way previously believed impossible.
(Weather) Uncharacteristically warm weather hits Auraria this week, bringing a much-welcomed break from the bitter cold that has plagued the country over the last few weeks.

 

[Oneida]

Isabella Mendoza Appointed New Minister of Justice
By Sebastian Vargas
18 Ningemes CXCIX | 3 December 2018

[div] style="border: 1px dotted green;; width: 150px; padding: 5px; float:right" |

You must be registered for see images

Deputy Isabella Mendoza, FNT-Cartagena
[/div]
​

In what is likely a compromise between the Coalition for Change and the FNT to save President Sanabria’s Financial Plan, Consul Varela today announced that FNT Deputy Isabella Mendoza has been appointed as the new Minister of Justice – after the abrupt resignation of Pasqual Sorolla.

The FNT is a unique political organization in Auraria in that it is not a traditional party, per say, but an association of labor unions across the country. The National Federation of Labor (Federacion Nacional del Trabajo) is a national union that seeks to represent the interests of workers in an unprecedented level. Every four years, the FNT holds a National Convention to nominate a field of candidates to run for the National Court. In CXCIII / 2012, Isabella Mendoza first sought political office and has since become a firebrand for the party.

Prior to her entrance to politics, Mendoza was a private lawyer in Cartagena, Tauritania Region. She specialized in civil disputes concerning workers’ rights. She was actually a critical component of landmark decisions that lead to the legalization of collectivization, or at the very least, its acceptance. It was those cases that immediately found her a hero amongst labor unions and propelled her to political office.

Her selection as Minister of Justice is certainly an uneasy one. Even among the Coalition for Change, the FNT is seen as far more concerned with its own political agenda than it is the betterment of the coalition government. Still, such an argument can be made of any of the three parties forming the government. The Republican Left of Tauritania, the second largest party in the Coalition, is open and adamant about its main purpose being to support and lobby for Tauritanian Interests. Minister Mendoza is the first FNT member to join the Council of Ministers, though she has not been granted a coveted – and purely honorary title – of a Minister of State, which has traditionally been granted to the Justice Minister.

As Chief Legal Officer of the Republic, and responsible for administering the wide-ranging Ministry of Justice, Minister Mendoza is uniquely positioned to strongly influence law in the Republic and institute a wide range of reforms. Mendoza herself, on the questions of how she intends to run the office, stated:

“My interest is the law and its fair application to all peoples of the Republic. I will act with integrity and send a powerful message to the people of our Republic that everyday the Ministry of Justice supports them and their rights.”

News in Brief…
(National) National Court authorizes the creation of the “National Works Administration” to administer the $250 Billion infrastructure plan authorized by the Financial Plan. The Government hopes to get the agency running by 2019.

 

[Oneida]

Today's Headlines
4 Glaciemes CXCIX | 19 December 2018​

President Sanabria Signs Avgiros-Ferreiro Accord. In a ceremony open to the press at Marisela Palace, President Sanabria was joined by Minister Ferreiro and Consul Varela as he signed the Avgiros-Ferreiro Accord. The Accord has received mixed support in the National Court, with many believing it does more to enhance Pelasgian business interests and does not do enough to protect domestic workers. In fact, a majority of the FNT voted against the treaty, but such no votes were outweighed by support amongst opposition parties. The Accord now awaits final ratification from the Pelasgian Empire before going into effect.

The Universal Exposition 2018 Opens in Auraria. With 18 exhibits from 11 countries, the Universal Exposition has officially opened its doors to patrons and travelers from across the globe. This year’s exposition’s theme is the “World of Tomorrow” and is supposed to showcase the technologies that will transform human life in the future. Of particular interest this year amongst Aurarians is the Cussian “Finality of Time, Undone” exhibit that has brought back to life an Occidental Mammoth, the Engellexian “Empryean” exhibit that displays the technological marvels of the Thaumantic Domain, and the Bergenheimer “Humanity’s Time” exhibit which offers a beautifully artistic of man’s passage through time in clockwork.

Protests erupt in Palencia over the Santa Maria Wellness Clinic. In an announcement of austerity measures on behalf of the Tiburan Catholic Church, the Santa Maria Wellness Clinic in Palencia was slated to be shut down. This was before operatives of the People’s Health Collective and the Union of Workers’ Solidarity came together and collectivized the facility, ensuring it remains open. The action immediately caught the attention of the Church, which claims the groups have stolen property. The two groups respond by saying the Church cannot claim property it is surrendering. A legal battle is sure to mount up as civil and criminal charges are explored, but in the meantime protestors both in support of the Church and a number of Post-Delegationist groups have arrived to condemn or commend the Clinic. Palencia’s Mayor has asked for calm while the matter is handled through the proper legal avenues.

News in Brief…
(International) Communists in Loago come ever closer to establishing a People’s Republic, ending the territory’s subordinate status and proclaiming a new, independent country. Himyari Nations are coming together to address the situation whereas the Aurarian Republic seems silent on the matter.
(Gallia-Germania) An Aurarian aid Worker in Crotobaltislavonia, on mission with Humanos sin Fronteras, has been arrested and convicted of espionage. The Government has denied any such accusations and is fully prepared to explore every legal option to free the individual.
(Gallia-Germania) New, unprecedented elections in Eiffelland may spell a change in Eiffellander-Aurarian relations, especially in the wake of the Pelasgian Empire’s formal withdrawal from the Trier Concord.

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland-Retalia

We consider it in everybody's interest if countries maintain good relations with as many other countries as possible. The new Government of Eiffelland-Retalia will focus on that.

Rüdiger Zimmermann, Demissionary Minister of Foreign Affairs and Demissionary Vice-Chancellor

 

[Oneida]

Santa Maria Wellness Clinic Violently Reclaimed by Police
By Sebastián Vargas
8 Glaciemes CXCIX | 23 December 2018

[div] style="border: 1px dotted green;; width: 350px; padding: 5px; float:right" |

You must be registered for see images

Palencian Riot Police Arresting Protestors
[/div]
​

Hundreds of protestors were dispersed today in a particularly violent display by the Palencian Riot Police as they reclaimed the Santa Maria Wellness Clinic from Post-Delegationist groups that had occupied it.

The Diocese of Palencia had recently closed the Clinic in response to heavy taxes that the Central Government had imposed on the Church for the first time in history. This closure comes in a long list of other facilities that the Aurarian Tiburan Church has announced would be shut down. The Clinic had been known to serve a large number of Palencia’s poor communities. Therefore, upon the closure, several groups – most notably the People’s Health Collective and the Union of Workers’ Solidarity – descended on the clinic and reclaimed it. As a result, the “People’s Clinic” was formed and it promised to continue to offer health services free of charge.

Palencia Mayor Ignacio Alvarado announced that the proper legal steps needed to be taken in consideration of the Clinic’s ownership. This also came as the Church filed a lawsuit claiming that the facility was illegally occupied and must be returned. Unlike Tauritania, Andaluz’s laws concerning “collectivization” are far less concrete and lends itself to far greater ambiguity.

When word of the lawsuit spread, protestors – namely Post-Delegationists – stormed to the Clinic in droves to offer their support. Mayor Alvarado closed the streets surrounding the Clinic as the protestors just set up camp immediately outside, blocking traffic. Refusing to accept legal recourse, protestors began marching in the streets and attempting to expand the impromptu barricades that law enforcement set up around the area.

“It’s a provocation,” said Oriel Benet, a 24-year old pharmacist who had been working with the People’s Health Collective for three years “We are here to help people.” The heavy police presence almost instantly drew more protestors as young people took the streets chanting “Go away! Go away!”

It is not clear where, or who, started the violence but the moment that a police officer was hit, the domino effect spiraled and the entire force descended onto the Clinic. Riot Police were photographed throwing tear gas, hitting protestors with night clubs, and carrying people away. People were being handcuffed and lined on the streets in droves as police stormed into the Clinic and made further arrests.

It is unclear at this time if any gunshots were fired or how many patients were receiving medical care within the Clinic. In total, 73 arrests were made and around 35 individuals were taken to local hospitals to receive treatment for their injuries during the brawl. Mayor Alvarado called the violence “regrettable” but welcomed a return to normalcy for the streets of Palencia.

 

[Oneida]

OPINION: Former Defense Minister: “No Comprehensive Gallo-Germanian Security Plan can exist without Aurarian-Eiffellander Cooperation.”
By Sebastián Gonzalez
15 Glaciemes CXCIX | 30 December 2018

The recent announcement of the Ferreiro-Avgiros Accords certainly raised eyebrows across Gallo-Germania as a provision of the treaty was to have the Pelasgian Empire withdraw, formally, from the Trier Concord. Such a withdrawal, combined with the silence from Chagny and recent Serenien victory over Eiffelland, means that the Trier Concord is effectively dead and no longer a prominent counter-weight to the Rurikgrad Pact.

Former Aurarian Defense Minister, Mateo Bonastre, who served from 2011 – 2017 under Consul Antonio Ibarra, stated that such a move was a serious mistake against. “No comprehensive Gallo-Germanian Security Plan can exist without Aurarian-Eiffellander Cooperation,” Bonastre stated “We can disagree on the role that Trier should play, but to shun them out dooms the continent to Rurikgrad-domination.”

President Sanabria successfully passed a $445 Billion defense spending plan over the next five years. The Kadikistani spend that much on its military annually. Its in current state, the Aurarians need strategic partners in the continent in order to effectively counter the Rurikgrad Pact.

“Marisela Palace is letting politics get in the way of pragmatism,” Bonastre continued “the only other secular republic in the area is Engellex, which views Gallo-Germania as a separate, lesser world. The time as come for Auraria to stop finding support among likeminded nations and instead build a coalition of the nations currently threatened by Kadikistan regardless of political affiliation.”

Deputy Antonio Ibarra, who served as Consul from 2011-2017 and is now the Opposition Leader in the National Court agreed with Minister Bonastre’s assessment.

“This is exactly what I said would happen,” the Deputy stated “it isn’t that President Sanabria does not want to act, it’s that he’s built far too diverse a coalition together to get any consensus on how Auraria should act. This is the foreign policy of a leftist government that doesn’t know what it believes in.”

“I welcome the Aurarians’ help,” an anonymous source in Trier stated “I would have welcomed it even more when Occitania was being bombed or Trivodnia invaded. Instead they turned a blind eye and then bought out Bergenheimer banks.”

If Auraria is genuinely interested in rebuilding a semblance of a defensive structure, it needs to be able to build and gain the trust of strategic partners in the region. While it is unclear if Auraria would have the same ability to gain an international stature equal to Eiffelland, what is clear is that Solis is not taking the proper steps towards building such a consensus. Gallo-Germania’s only chance against the Kadikistani is readiness and solidarity – both which it currently lacks.

Who will take up the task of building it?

 

[Justosia]

You must be registered for see images

Office of the Foreign Minister
​

We stand in bare faced awe of Aurarine propaganda mastery. What other logical conclusion can be reached when your state feigns opposition to the Red Menance, yet sits & merely wails about it? Justosia has engaged the proxy forces of Rurikgrad, & won. Unlike the rest of Trier that so foolishly denied our Great Southern Kingdom membership. President Sanabria, while he sits in a stolen palace from a murdered family, would do very well to realize this.

Auraria seeks not strategic partners because it tries to spy on them. Auraria seeks not regional peace or unity to effectively counter Rurikgrad because it threatens its neighbors & conspires with Yahweh knows who. Auraria seeks not defence as a military budget that size, which we will consider threatening, is clearly meant for war.

We would however like to extend our warm wishes to Opposition Leader Ibarra. It is indeed some consolation that there are rational people somewhere in the Aurarine government. Also to the author, Mr. Gonzalez. It would appear that the broken clock of La Prensa Libre is right at least a few times a day.

Justosia is the premier rising rightist power in Himyar, shortly Europe. When your government is ready to drop its mask, stop its aggression, & return a real ambassador to Avalon, only then can Himyar begin coalescing a new shield against Rurikgrad. We pray that day comes soon. Viva Justosia.

Fernando Torres
Foreign Minister

 

[Oneida]

You must be registered for see images

The National Court of the Aurarine Republic
Office of the Opposition Leader

17 Glaciemes CXCIX | 1 January 2019
​

The Honorable Fernando Torres
Foreign Minister
Avalon, Justosia
Great Southern Kingdom of Justosia

Dear Minister Torres,

I am writing to you today in response to a formal statement that was issued under your name commenting on a recent article published in La Prensa Libre discussing some of the issues concerning the foreign policy pursued by the current Government.

Firstly, let me state that the opinions expressed by Mr. Gonzales in his article are not representative of positions taken by the Aurarian Government. I must admit that I am not familiar with the laws concerning press in Justosia, considering the propaganda piece that seems to be JNN, but in Auraria - the press is free to publish as they wish.

Secondly, Justosia's victory in Brecosta came only due to the fact that the Rurikgrad Pact was far more concerned with other matters than what occurred on that island. I find it to be perplexing that Justosia continuously brings up helping its ally Occitania in Brecosta while simultaneously ignoring the fact that Serenierre decimated mainland Occitania and divided the country into two. Where was Justosia when the real fight was going on?

Finally, do not offer me "warm wishes" while insulting the country that I have dedicated my life to the service of. The mission of the Aurarine Republic is always to stand in support of the values of Family, Solidarity, and Liberty. We will not be lectured by a country that still finds itself subservient to a King. Justosia can claim whatever status it feels so necessary, but the Aurarine Republic will pay no attention to the far off Justosian King's assessment of the current political situation in Gallo-Germania.

Signed,

Antonio Ibarra
Opposition Leader

 

[Oneida]

You must be registered for see images

THE PARADOX OF DRINKING IN AURARIA
Statistics show the number of drinking establishments decreasing while rates rise.

[DIV] style="border: 1px;; width: 300px; padding: 5px; float:right"|

You must be registered for see images

A typical bar in Solis[/DIV]​

[SOLIS] — It is a common stereotype that Auraria is the "land of bars at every street corner." After all, it is a country famous for a 3 hour break in the middle of the workday where it is commonplace to eat and drink oneself into a food coma and take a siesta for an hour or two before returning to work.

However, statistics are showing that the number of drinking establishments in Auraria seems to be on the decline. In 2017, the number of drinking establishments in Auraria fell to 271,825 for the fifth year in a row. While that is still one bar for every 252 people in the country, one cannot overlook the decline. Overall, this accounts for nearly 22,000 fewer drinking establishments than in 2012. This is perhaps perplexing as studies also show the rate of drinking in Auraria has increased over the same period. So what's happening?

Oriana Ureña, President of the Aurarian Hospitality Foundation, has her own theories. "Years of economic stagflation and a rural exodus have their impacts," Ureña said "Young people are moving to the cities, to new and foreign bar experiences - traditional bars in the rural areas of the countries cannot keep up."

The stats back that up. For the better part of a decade, the Aurarian Economy has seen very little growth. This, coupled with a decent number of austerity measures performed under Consul Ibarra has lead to a bit of a reshuffling of demographics in Auraria as the youth are moving into the cities and abandoning the towns that they grew up in. As such, traditional bars in the rural areas that have increasingly aging populations have been closing up their doors. Conversely, as economic anxiety continues to grow, it would seem that young people are turning to the bottle as a way to escape the woes of their careers.

"New neighborhoods in cities are appearing that are attracting people," Ureña said "Take 'la Natal Pequeña' this relatively new neighborhood in Solis is offering a wide variety of food and drink options you can't find in other parts of the country. Unfortunately, drinking establishments that don't respond to the changing tastes of circumstances of their customs may have a bleak future ahead of them."

Experts are also quick to point out that the rise of franchises, as opposed to independent businesses, seems to be hurting bars in the local areas of the country. ■​

 

[Oneida]

You must be registered for see images

AURARIA DEPLOYS FLEET TO THE HAMAR SEA
First non-training deployment for the Republic Navy in twelve years

[div] style="border: 1px;; width: 300px; padding: 5px; float:right" |

You must be registered for see images

ARA República escorted by two destroyers to rendezvous with FOSMH[/div]​

[SOLIS] - In a press conference hosted by President Sanabria and Defense Minister Elizondo, the President announced that the Aurarine Republic would be deploying a task force comprised of the Long Sea Fleet to the eastern Hamar Sea.

“The Justosian Regime announced the deployment of a small carrier group to the Occitanian colony of Brecosta in an effort to ‘combat communism’ and secure their ally’s safety,” President Sanabria stated “Due to the recent hostilities toward the Republic from the bellicose Justosian king we take this action as a serious threat to the security of the Republic.”

The President spoke of the fact that the Justosians have deployed their Carlos Francisco III carrier, with several escorts, to the island of Brecosta for naval exercises. This is the second time that Justosian military assets have left the South Thaumantic Ocean. This comes after Justosia’s continuous accusations against Pelasgia, Natalia, the NCU and Auraria. Additionally, the Justosians have been vocal in their commitment to ‘fighting communism’ which seems primarily concerned with the politics of Gallo-Germania.

“The current political situation in Gallo-Germania is volatile,” the President stated “The status quo must be maintained at all costs. There is no doubting that the Justosians’ inability to remain rational is cause for serious concern to the security of Gallo-Germania. As such, the Republic, in its unending commitment to ensuring peace in our continent, will be deploying a portion of the Long Sea Fleet to international waters in the Eastern Hamar Sea to monitor Justosia’s military activity in the area.”

This announcement will be the first time that the Republican Navy has been deployed for non-training exercises in over a decade. Defense Minister Elizondo spoke after the president to announce the details of the task force. The task force will be under the command of Rear Admiral Francisco Castaños Urioste. Admiral Castaños was present at the press conference, flanking both the President and the Minister.

“The Task Force, which will be known as the Fuerza Operativa de Seguridad del Mar de Hamar (FOSMH), will ensure that peace in the region is secured,” the Defense Minister stated “It will be comprised of the ARA República, joined by two anti-submarine destroyers, one anti-air destroyer, two general purpose frigates, two submarines, and two supply ships. The mission of FOSMH is to ensure that there is no breach of territorial sovereignty or any hostile actions that could upset the status quo of Gallo-Germania.”

In addition, the Ministry of Defense released rules of engagement that the fleet is to operate under. The rules strictly stated that the fleet is not to engage in any aggressive behavior, unless there is a clear and present danger to the fleet itself. Additionally, the Defense Ministry released a final statement that seemed far more threatening than a policy statement – “At no point will a Justosian Carrier Group be allowed entry into the Long Sea.” ■​

 

[Justosia]

You must be registered for see images

Office of the Defence Minister
​

On behalf of the Great Southern Kingdom of Justosia, the last bit of good to leave your country in 1819, I'd like to thank President Sanabria for at least trying to tone down his propaganda.

We appreciate your acknowledgment of our commitment against the Red Menance of Communism & Socialism. It's frankly about time. Also about time is it that Auraria got up & did something about the aforementioned. Yet alas. Tonight Auraria & its..........old looking ships are engaged in insecure power projection, not defence of Himyar as we are. We've come to expect no less from an arrogant, uppity, erratic, radical republic. We might also suggest Your dear Excellency to sack his 'Information' Minister. As we have only 4 assets deployed to our allied colony. Hardly several.

Naval Group Triunfo, which is smaller than your apparent war force, is stationed currently, firmly in Brecostan/Occitanian waters. We have no intention of going anywhere else but home once our announced & legal defence exercises are completed. By all means. Pull up a chair. Viva Justosia.

Carlos Delgado
Defence Minister

 

[Justosia]

You must be registered for see images

Joint Statement of ministries Defence & Foreign
​

We are most pleased to inform your warmongering state that you, & your invading force, likely bound to conquer Brecosta, have been very tactfully defeated.

Our previously announced & legal defence exercises are complete. It would appear your ships aren't as fast, intimidating, or frankly viable as you had thought. You, in what was likely fear you'd be soundly routed & sunk, sought to ally yourself with Pelasgia. A bold gamble, yet no payout.

Your president would have done very well to heed the warning so generously given by our Crown Sovereign. Now Auraria stands naked in the sea. Exposed as planning to invade & make war with our innocent Occitan allies. Whom we are liasing with at this very second. There will be no war this morning. We understand this disappoints you greatly. Your invasion force is pointless.

As Auraria sought to conspire to invade sovereign Occitan territory, coupled with your recent erratic, hostile actions, deeming of Level One security threat. Standard SOP is now active.

- Seizing of all Aurarine assets within Justosian borders as is legal right internationale.

- The Aurarine government is hereby & henceforth deemed illegitimate by all that is Justosia & our interests.

- Current full on personal sanctions now expanded to every upper echelon member of the Aurarine military.

- Every Aurarine citizen currently within Justosian borders shall be subject to repeated security checks.

We demand you cease your hostilities against our ally at once or face further diplomatic action.

Carlos Delgado
Defence Minister

Fernando Torres
Foreign Minister

 

[Oneida]

You must be registered for see images

AURARIA DECLARES 'DECISIVE VICTORY' IN HAMAR SEA
Justosian Fleet Retreats Before Joint Auro-Pelasgian Fleet Even Arrived

[div] style="border: 1px;; width: 300px; padding: 5px; float:right" |

You must be registered for see images

Aurarian and Pelasgian aircraft carriers sailing in Hamar Sea[/div]​

[SOLIS] – Today, Aurarian President Manuel Sanabria announced in a press release that the Aurarian Task Force deployed to the Hamar Sea in order to monitor the Justosian intrusion has achieved a “decisive victory.”

“The Justosian Government, upon realizing its significant numeric disadvantage, decided to acquiesce to Auro-Pelasgian demands and withdraw from Brecosta before the Joint Fleet even arrived. We applaud the Justosian Government for choosing to be rational and withdraw,” the press release stated.

The Aurarian deployment seemed to end before it even began. The Justosian Fleet, which was vastly out-numbered and out-gunned by the Joint Auro-Pelasgian Task Force withdrew from the Hamar Sea before the Task Force even arrived. The Justosians withdrew from Brecosta less than 24hrs after arriving.

“Either the Justosians were exploring extremely short, targeted war games,” says Dr. Juan Bautista de Anza, an international affairs professor at the University of Solis “or the Justosians clearly intended to retreat from an overwhelming show of force on behalf of the Aurarian and Pelasgian Navies.”

The Crotobaltislavonian Nightline Edition referred to the incident as a “potential showdown” between the Aurarians and the Justosians – two nations whose diplomatic relations have deteriorated significantly after the Justosians have decided to be particularly enraged from a conflict that occurred almost two hundred years ago. Analysts are now wondering, given the considerable success, if brute force is to be the only method to handle the Justosian Government.

“The Justosians certainly seem to cut off countries that disagree with it politically,” Dr. Bautista stated “It’s unclear to what extent diplomacy – especially from the Aurarians – can be considered successful. This stands in stark contrast to amount of political and cultural differences the Pelasgians and Aurarians looked over while joining in their first joint military operation. An Aurarian, Pelasgian alliance could certainly change the dynamics of the region.”

Despite reasons to believe contrary, the Sylvanian President has invited both Justosia and Auraria to their capital city of Charleroi in order to discuss easing the tensions between the two countries. It remains unclear if the Aurarians, or the Justosians, will take the Sylvanians up on the offer. ■​

 

[Justosia]

You must be registered for see images

Milenio Palace de Royale
​

Whilst I personally understand the need for a nation to save face after a sound strategic blunder & defeat such as Auraria suffered last night; I regret to inform you that the bellicose propaganda eminating from your government has become too pointless to respectfully aquire a proverbial audience with my, our Crown Sovereign. My office will handle all Aurarine communiques from now on.

Should you cease your hostile actions & rethoric against the Great Southern Kingdom of Justosia, we would be happy to revisit this issue.

Felipe Alejandro
Royal Palace Foreign Ministry Liaison Department

​

 

[Oneida]

You must be registered for see images

CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT OF ANDALUZ NEARS COLLAPSE
Opposition Leader Antonio Ibarra heads to Palencia to save the Conservative Government

[div] style="border: 1px;; width: 300px; padding: 5px; float:right" |

You must be registered for see images

Leader Ibarra Arriving in Palencia[/div]​

[PALENCIA] - Opposition Leader Antonio Ibarra returned took a trip to Palencia, the capital city of Andaluz, today in order to play a direct hand in negotiations between the People’s Republican Party, the Andaluzi Nationalists, and the Alliance of the Aurarine. The Leader’s trip, considered unusual, comes as the current governing coalition of Andaluz (the last conservative government in Auraria) appears to be crumbling.

Similarly to the Coalition for Change’s concessions to the National Federation of Labor, the Andaluzi Partnership for Prosperity (APP, current government of Andaluz) made similar concessions with the far-right Alliance of the Aurarine to retain leadership of the Region after suffering defeats in the CXCVII (2016) Legislative elections. As a result, in CXCVIII (2017), Andaluz became the only Region to be controlled by a conservative government.

Leader Ibarra handedly carried the Region in CXCVII’s Presidential Election, gathering 68% of the vote over Manuel Sanabria’s 32%. His star power was considered a great help in the negotiations to retain government.

“The Commonwealth of Tauritania through effective lobbying and brash tactics managed to achieve a level of autonomy not granted to any of the other regions,” said Andaluzi Deputy Juan Esteban Chúmez Coronado – leader of the Alliance of the Aurarine “Yet, the so called government of Andaluz has made no attempts to further our political strength and separate Andaluz from the current leftist regime.”

The divide came when Governor Andrés Carranza authorized the National Court’s elimination of tax exemptions for the Church. Granted, President Carranza did not have the authority to not authorize the taxes, but the constitutional limitations of his office proved no boundary for a rebellious Alliance of the Aurarine. Deputy Chúmez immediately threatened to pull out of the APP – creating a minority government that would almost certainly collapse. The following collapse would then cause elections.

“This government capitulates to any struggle, it is not serving the people of Andaluz, it is surrendering to the horrid masses of Tauritania. I will not allow this Region to fall,” the Deputy had to say.

“the fact is we lost an election,” Leader Ibarra commented “We cannot turn on one another now, now is the time that we come together, regroup, and prepare to retake Solis in CCI (2020). I will fight day by day to stop the leftist agenda in Solis, but we must stand united.”

Governor Carranza and Leader Ibarra were said to have had a three hour meeting today that ended with “significant process” toward rebuilding the coalition government. While no statement was released on the content of the meeting, sides seem optimistic to have Ibarra at the negotiating table. ■

News in Brief…
(Auraria) La Presna Libre has fired one of its lead reporters after allegedly losing 15,000 EM. There was no further elaboration on where the money went, but it came as a shock to many in media circles.
(Hamar Sea) Days after the Justosian retreat, the joint Aurarian-Pelasgian Naval Task Force remains deployed. Is there a new mission?
(Weather) Winter weather hammers Gallaecia and northern Catamarca, dumping huge amounts of snow in the area.​

 

[Oneida]

You must be registered for see images

CFC UNVEILS "LEFTIST YOUTH OF AURARIA"
Parties in the Coalition for Change unify their Youth Wings into one, massive Youth Association

[div] style="border: 1px;; width: 200px; padding: 5px; float:right" |

You must be registered for see images

Emblem of the LYA[/div]​

[SOLIS] – In a ceremony at the Coalition for Change’s headquarters in Solis, Consul Abraham Varela announced that the youth wings of the Social Democratic League, Republican Left of Tauritania, and the National Federation of Labor have been dissolved and replaced with a unified – and massive – “Leftist Youth of Auraria.”

“The Youth of Auraria understand that upon the two hundredth anniversary of the Republic, there are a number of values we must strive to reinforce and achieve through meaningful political reform,” Consul Varela stated before bringing Sebstastián Duque de Estrada, the new General Secretary of the Leftist Youth of Auraria, to the stage.

“We have so much more in common than we know. Our solidarity will provide a better access for brining genuine, positive change to the country. Young people in Auraria know that, despite all our progress, there is much left to do. Let’s remember that there is nothing more patriotic than being able to confront the flaws of our society and dedicate our energy to reforming society into one that better fits our morals.”

The Leftist Youth of Auraria founding charter states that the organization is dedicated to reforming society along five separate points:

The first of these should be the strengthening of the Social State and the social rights that are considered fundamental, particularly health, social security, collective bargaining, and the social function of private property.

The second would commit the Aurarian Republic to secularism. The charter states it will respect the religious worship of all, but will repeal any entanglements to the Holy See and eliminating religious references to civic property and convention.

Third would renew commitment to the republican model that has become quintessential to the Aurarian identity. It reinforces that it is conceivable that political or ceremonial power can be inherited and that all sovereignty should rest in the Aurarian people.

The fourth goal was perhaps the most interesting of the five, given that it cemented the Coalition for Change’s interest in decentralizing power from Solis and empowering the Regional Governments in a new bid for federalism. “It is reasonable that, in greater expression of sovereignty, that governments closer to the people should be empowered as opposed to a single, all-powerful entity far removed from the community,” the charter states. Efforts to federalize in the past have been met with staunch resistance, but it is very odd that a policy point this significant would come from the announcement of a new Youth wing and not the formal coalition charter.

The fifth stated goal of the LYA was to reinforce its commitment to equality by recognizing that: “The Leftist Youth of Auraria understand that true division lies on inaccessibility to economic opportunity, not on socially constructed identities used to distract against the solidarity of common humanity.” This comes in yet a long line of CFC politicians identifying class politics in Auraria as more problematic than any other social condition.

The organization will become the largest youth group in Auraria, with a total of more than 750,000 youths. While the Coalition for Change will fund the association’s activities, it will be free to exercise semi-autonomy. The stated mission is to “create solidarity amongst the Aurarian Left and grow the ideals fundamental to our party and country.” ■

News in Brief…
(International Affairs) - In an abrupt change in foreign policy, President Sanabria hosts Serenien Premier Elisabeth Martinique in Solis for talks.
(Gallo-Germania) - The Office of Immigration & Naturalization says it is exploring expediting asylum requests for Jewish individuals in Germania.
(Religion) - Archbishop Velázquez will become the first Aurarian Cardinal in over two decades, galvanizing the religious folk of the country.
​

 

[Oneida]

You must be registered for see images

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE RELEASES DRUG REPORT
Minister Mendoza's Drug Policies Would Drastically Change Current Law

[div] style="border: 1px;; width: 200px; padding: 5px; float:right" |

You must be registered for see images

Minister Mendoza is a member of the National Federation of Labor, notably connected with anarchist and post-delegationist organizations in the country. [/div]​

[SOLIS] – The Ministry of Justice, under the leadership of the FNT-Member Isabella Mendoza, has submitted a comprehensive report to the National Court recommending a significant overall of the nation’s drug policies to “transition from a criminal to a medical problem and remove the government from regulating personal – non-harmful – behavior.”

Leftist elements of the government have long sought an overhaul of drug policies after the Commonwealth of Tauritania’s decriminalization policies caused a readily available supply that was exported to Andaluz, Catamarca, and Gallaecia. While addiction rates in Tauritania have decreased, the black market for narcotics found a new paradise in the country.

In essence, the Ministry of Justice’s report would nationalize Tauritania’s policies. The principle component of the policy recommendations is the decriminalization of all narcotics in the country and instead transfer to counseling and medical services. Under the reforms, the Commission for the Dissuasion of Drug Addiction (CDDA) (Comisión para la Disuasión de la Drogadicción, CDD) would have its services – and budget – greatly expanded to provide counseling services to users of narcotics to ensure that they can either be introduced to the necessary services to break the addiction or how to use responsibly.

Criminal charges for possession could be eliminated, but if an individual has a large supply they could be subjected to “intent to sell without authorization.” This is to cut down on drugs laced with fatal substances and help to produce “safer” drugs. A separate office will be created to process applications for manufacturing rights and the cost of a license will change depending on quantity you wish to produce.

“Opinions on drug use have changed,” Minister Mendoza stated “and it is time that our laws changed with it.”

Delegate* Patricia D’Alessandro, First Deputy Consul, stated that she worked closely with Minister Mendoza on crafting the report and has already begun work on crafting the policy recommendations into meaningful legislation.

“Surely,” Delegate D’Alessandro stated “We have a lot of work to do to translate the report into law, but my team is excited to do so and we believe this will bring significant change and introduce reforms fitting for the 21st century.” ■

News in Brief…
(Auraria) - President Sanabria welcomes representatives of Aurokin Nations in the first summit of the Pan-Aurarian Council.
(Andaluz) - Despite significant efforts, it seems likely that the Andaluzi Parliament will go into snap elections.​

 

[Oneida]

You must be registered for see images

NATIONAL COURT TAKES STEPS TOWARD FEDERALIZATION
Permanent Council Charged with Developing Police Recommendations to Federalization

[div] style="border: 1px;; width: 200px; padding: 5px; float:right" |

You must be registered for see images

Current Political Map of Auraria's Three Regions and Commonwealth of Tauritania [/div]​

[SOLIS] – Media markets across Auraria were surprised to receive an advisory of a joint press conference held by Consul Abraham Varela and Opposition Leader Antonio Ibarra in their e-mail inboxes this morning. Joint Press Conferences are usually only held in moments of national emergency – especially in a seemingly deteriorating relationship between the Government and the Opposition. As a result, the room was rather packed to see what the two most powerful people in the National Court had to say.

Consul Varela and Deputy Ibarra jointly announced that the Government and Opposition had agreed to task the Permanent Council with developing recommendations toward a constitutional amendment in order to federalize the Aurarine Republic. The announcement shocked the country, not just on the display of cooperation between the leaders, but on the topic itself. Federalism in Auraria has always been a contentious issue that elements of the National Court were not able to agree on.

“We can disagree on a number of topics,” Consul Varela stated “but we are united in the philosophy that the closer the government is to the community, the more power to govern it should have. It is time to decentralize political power in Solis and return that to the people.”

“I am optimistic that the Permanent Council will be able to finally develop a true strategy toward a sound path of federalization,” Deputy Ibarra spoke after the Consul “I do not believe anyone in this country disapproves of federalization, but we need to be sure it is done right.”

The Permanent Council is a group of 21 Deputies made up of the political parties who seats in the National Court on proportion to their power. Generally, when the National Court is functional, the Permanent Council is a ceremonial body. It “enacts” the agreed upon Parliamentary rules at the beginning of session and handles disciplinary action against sitting Deputies. The Permanent Council becomes incredibly powerful during times that the Parliament is suspended or dissolved, in those situations it assumes the full legislative power of the National Court in order to ensure the Government’s function. All decisions made by the Permanent Council are voided after 20 days of the new Parliamentary session, unless otherwise enacted by the legitimate National Court.

Presumably, federalization would elevate all Regions to the same political autonomy as Tauritania. Tauritania’s special status in the Republic comes from the days of the Aurarian Kings – Tauritania consistently resisted the Catamarcan Kingdom, joining in a union by choice rather than conquest.

The announcement did not come with praise, however. The Aurarian Communist Party denounced the decision due to the inherent unequal representation in the Permanent Council. They stated that their party controls 35 seats – more than the National Federation of Labor, a member of Government – yet has the same number of seats (1) on the Permanent Council that the far-right Alliance of the Aurarine has, despite the fact they only control 9 seats.

At any rate, this is the closest that the National Court has come to discussing the topic of federalization, so the interest amongst the political science community is profound. As of now, all eyes are on 21 unlikely people who could be responsible for one of the greatest changes to the Aurarine political system since the 1960s. ■​

 

[Oneida]

You must be registered for see images

AURARIA TO EXPAND ASYLUM AND REFUGEE PROGRAM
Minister of Foreign Affairs Restructures Policies to Allow More Refugees

[div] style="border: 1px;; width: 200px; padding: 5px; float:right" |

You must be registered for see images

Minister Rodrigo Ferreiro has served since 2017[/div]​

[SOLIS] – In a significant shift in traditional Aurarian Foreign Policy, today Foreign Minister Rodrigo Ferreiro announced that he will be directing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expedite political asylum applications and expand the conditions for what asylum can be considered.

The new directive would combine a variety of offices into the new “Office for the Entry and Stay of Foreigners and the right of Asylum (OESFRA)”. OESFRA will now be tasked with receiving, processing, and ultimately determining the validity of all refugee or asylum requests for the Republic and issue approvals or rejections based on a variety of factors to be determined by Law. OESFRA will receive branch offices in each of the embassies that the country maintains across the planet and will identify neighboring countries to process applications from a nation where the embassy is closed – the only case of which being Justosia. Additionally, individuals may request asylum at any port of entry in the territory of the Republic.

“This directive comes in response to growing political repression on a number of different characteristics and the express denial of the natural rights granted to humans,” the Foreign Minister stated “The Republic must recognize its responsibility as a truly free society to grant safe refugee to those who cannot find it under the political oppressions of their homelands.”

OESFRA will consider an individual to be either a “convention refugee” or a “person in need of protection.” A Convention Refugee will be someone who is unable to return to their home country as a result of a well-founded fear of persecution based on: race, religion, political opinion, nationality, or membership in a social group (such as women or people of a particular sexual orientation or gender identity). A person in need of protection will be considered anyone who, if returned, would be subject to torture, a risk to their life, or cruel and unusual treatment/punishment.

The Ministry did not comment on any pathway to citizenship but stated that those granted refugee status will be permitted to work in Auraria and receive social benefits as well as the civic obligation of paying taxes – but will not be permitted to vote in Aurarian elections. The Ministry also stated that the length of the asylum will be based upon the individual’s needs. Additionally, the Ministry stated that OESFRA was not given any quota on the number it could accept, feeling that any such number would be counterintuitive to the mission of the agency.

“Auraria is the most liberated society in Europe,” Minister Ferreiro stated “We must do our part to ensure that the oppressed peoples of the world can share in the same values of family, solidarity, and equality that has been the core principles of the Aurarine Republic. The individuals’ right to self-determination cannot be infringed upon by the location of their birth.”

While the Ministry refused to comment on whether or not the new directive is directed at any one particular country, it did state that the treatment of Germanian and Pelasgian Jews were a component of the decision process, stating that it would be focusing on expediting such applications that the country has already received. ■​