Le Monde-News From Marquette

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Crown Seeks Justice, Trial of Red Clay Leader Ernst Tremblay to start Monday​

Fond du Loc

Initial proceedings were held in secret but transcripts of the actions were released. According to the document, Tremblay stood mute when asked if he would stand Guilty or Innocent. As a result, the magistrate (name omitted for security reasons) entered a standing of Innocent. Bail was again disallowed and protective custody ordered.

The magistrate has ordered that the trial begin Monday in a special Imperial tribunal. The tribunal has not been specifically named but according the transcript, 2 Provincial Court and 1 Upper Appellate Court Justice will be constitute the committee.

Belmont's "Patriotic Fervor" not an excuse says King​

Fond du Loc

Belmont's ISE Director-General recently described the relatively recent border closure as being "motivated by patriotic fervor". The King quickly responded by calling the statement 'not an excuse or explanation'. The King thickly criticized the statement.

"The closure furthered the terrorist cause. In fact, it is clear to us that this was not even logically thought out. If the closure was committed as a result of fervor, it should be clear that the Belmontien government can be erratic. The exact damage done to Marquette is still being determined. For these reasons, we are encouraging moves to increase the flow of freight through Lorraine. While goods will continue to move through Belmont, we will see a definite decrease in the amount" said the King at an early press conference this morning.

When again questioned about relations with Belmont, the King again made it clear "Marquette and Belmont are allies. Pure and simple. If Belmont wishes to act in such manners we will stick by them; because we are more than allies, our two nations are friends."

The King jokingly finished by saying "Sure Belmont holds a severe and rather odd grudge against us for a war fought 200 years ago, but I am sure that maybe after 300 years they can let it go. We just have to play the waiting game"

 

[Serenierre]

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26th August, 2010​

The closure of the border did not further the terrorist cause. The closure made sure that no further attacks, such the deadly Carcassonne bombings which killed 208 people, occurred in Belmont. The reaction of our government was far from erratic and was in the best interests of the people.

I do agree with HM The King of Marquette that Belmont and Marquette are friends and one must remember that friends also do fight, only to make up later. As Marquette shall stand by Belmont, so shall we, as we have done during the economic crisis.

We encourage the Marquen effort to diversify their supply routes and do hope that tensions will ease slowly.

Jean-Jacques Villevan
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belmont

​

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

State Ministry

His Majesty's Government is quite disturbed by the Belmontien statements. The border closure not only caused worry, but also caused economic terror. Belmont, aware of it or no, became an economic weapon for Red Clay.

We will continue to 'diversify' our land freight routes so that by February 70% of all Marquen goods headed North will flow through Lorraine. This will include any freight traveling across Marquette from the southern continent.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

King Disolves Royal Petitioners, Calls for Elections

Fond du Loc

Following a meeting with party leaders on Wednesday, the King announced today elections would take place on the 30th.

The King made the announcement after petitioners remained deadlocked on numerous bills and had 'failed to represent the people to their King by accomplishing goals set by the people and Crown'. All 52 members face the chopping block unless re-elected. Party leaders requested to serve until Tuesday next week in order to complete work on an education proposal. The King and Chancellor supported the request, noting that the party leaders were acting in good faith.

The King cited the failure on part of the Petitioners to specifically pass a cohesive transportation bill for Royal approval. 19 separate bills were voted on but all failed to pass for Royal approval. Chancellor Rouve, head Petitioner, cited 4 other requests which went unanswered including a request from the Crown to develop a proposal for a new mental health system.

Since 1998, the Royal Petitioners have been dominated by the left despite strong showings from the Conservative Party. The election is suspected to include the expansion by 2 members to accommodate representatives from both Aubagne and Sainte Pierre.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

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Aubagne Elects First Royal Petitioner

St. Antoine


Aubagne has elected its first representative to ever to the Royal Petitioners. In a landslide win, Nicholas Paul Hennepin of the Aubagne Futures Party has been elected to the Royal Petitioners.

The popular 37 year old, affectionately known as NPH, served as Governor from 2007-2009 and was the Mayor of St. Antoine from 2005-2007. Hennepin won a stunning 57% over Conservative Party candidate Henri Bonvalet (29%) and Orange Party candidate Charles Migot (14%). The Aubagne Futures Party is a new party advocating 'fiscal planning with common social sense'. Hennepin's platform primarily focused itself upon economic issues.

Aubagne was incorporated as a Marquen principality in 1721 but formed a Republic in 1911. In 1998 it was peaceably reabsorbed as a Marquen department.

Mainland Marquette and St. Pierre hold their elections on Friday.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

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As elections loom, candidates argue military spending

Fond du Loc

As polls open later this morning, petitioner candidates spent Thursday arguing military spending. Though the economy in general was the focal point of most debates, military spending played a large role in most venues.

"The overall message we are trying to present is that military spending is not only unnecessary, but is purely illogical" says Liberal Federation Party leader Avi Neighbaum. The Liberal Federation has been significantly vocal since 2008 on military spending. Opponents in the Orange and Conservative parties appear to be just as vocal on the issue.

According to a party release by the Orange Party, 'Marquette must continue to be prepared to defend ourselves. Relying on our EDF affiliation is not only wrong, but it is not responsible. As a senior member of the EDF, we have a responsibility not to shrink our military. To shrink our military any further puts pressure on our allies. With the average tank costing Marquen taxpayers J3.8 Million per tank, we must ask what that buys. The safety of its crew, the safety of other soldiers, and most of all the safety of the Marquen people'


Other Headlines
Marquen Jews prepare for Yom Kippur
Royal Family quietly visits Belmont and Montelimar during vacation
Fond du Loc RFC sets new record defeating Metz RFC 164-13

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Marquens Await Election Results

Fond du Loc

Following numerous allegations of voter fraud and miscounts, Chancellor Rouve ordered an immediate 'cessation of vote evaluation'. While details are not being released yet, the Chanclleor announced that teams of judges would investigate accusations, one at a time.

"It is unlikely that this situation will be resolved soon. We will be without Royal Petitioners for some time" said Chancellor Rouve, visibly upset with the situation. "To have the Marquen people without their elected representation is heinous" said the Chancellor.



Headlines
IDF to invite nations to participate in 'Natural Disaster' games.
Marquette Motors may cease sales in Belmont

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Nation waits, Investigation Continues, King makes moves

Fond du Loc

As the investigation begins, many are beginning to express outrage at the possibility of voter fraud and flagrant miscounts. Chancellor Rouve attempted to calm Marquens by assuring that "all allegations will be investigated and all anomalies will be rectified".

Meanwhile, unchecked by Petitioners, the King approved increased payments on the foreign debt by J8 Billion per year. "The debt, though highly under control, must be taken down, it is a loose chain. It is time we start breaking the links" said the King during a press conference. The King also funneled J17.2 Billion into completion of the Over the Horizon Radar and related work programs in conjunction with Eiffelland and other allied countries. Former Conservative Party leader, Pierre Enu, criticized the move- "Yes, we cut military spending. Yes, the King is spending money we shouldnt spend. Stick to the Christmas plan. Do not spend this money".

The King has called for the investigation to move forward and refused to comment on Enu's remarks.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

OP ED: Belmont...


by Celeste Goldberg P.R.

What can be said about our neighbors to the north? Friends, allies, crazies. According to recent statements by Belmontien Radio 1, "the 1799 Marquen invasion, launched by the Marquen king of the time to unite the Francophone world under his rule, succeeded in breaking and dividing Francophone unity that had existed since the creation of the Gallian kingdoms in 814". Belmont remains obsessed with a 200 year old war. 200 hundred bleeping years! A conventional war, not with mass rapes or genocide. No, a conventional war. After 200 years. Can it be that Belmont's people, and by extension, their media have gone off the deep end? What is this about? Is it something deeper? "After the Marquen defeat, the relationship of Belmont and Marquette has never recovered fully to their pre war levels" says Radio One and such is the sentiment of other Belmontien sources. How? Marquette has built and maintained relationships with every other belligerent nation of that long ago war. Belmontiens speak of the war as if it ended ten years ago. For bleep sake! I think it is clear to everybody reading this that the reason the relationship has not turned to normal is because.............You guessed it- BELMONT. Marquette has been quite accommodating to working with every nation to resolve issues. However, the Belmontien way is not conducive to teamwork.

Also, in a recent Belmontien communique obtained by Le Monde, the Belmontien statement claims "It is perfectly acceptable to assume that the sole major media outlet in the country might also be government owned or at least purporting government views". This was said of Lorraine's news source La Croix de Lorraine. One would think with over 1000 media sources that they could use some journalistic abilities and discern if it is owned by the government, let alone somebody in their government picking up a phone and calling La Croix de Lorraine headquarters.

Furthermore, Belmont appears to continue to create problems which do not exist. For example, Belmontiens call for a boycott of Lorrainese media. I would be shocked if Belmontiens actually read outside literature apart from their '1000 media sources'. For instance, in a communique to Lorrainese officials, the message mentions a severely weakened Marquen economy. This is part of the reason nobody in the international community can take Belmont seriously. The nation has no moderation. Clearly, in PUBLIC DATA mentioned in numerous news sources and government documents, the economy is not only stabilized but very very slowly recovering. Belmontien policy seems to be that of a child, explain something and Belmont will shove it's fingers in its ears, loudly stamp her feet, and shake her head from side to side while yelling loudly 'I CANT HEAR YOU I CANT HEAR YOU LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA I CANT HEAR YOU'.

Pretty soon the Belmontien people, media, and government will have to grow up or Belmont will quickly find itself alone amongst a sea of nations, unwilling to let her dip her oar into the waters. And a word of warning to sports teams, play a sports match in Belmont, and Belmont will still gripe about it two centuries later.



Celeste Goldberg is a former Royal Petitioner and part time editor for the Bordeaux Mariner.

 

[Serenierre]

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October 2, 2010​

To see an honorable person, such as a Privy Councillor, use so many expletives and show such unrestrained anti-Belmontienism is truly something that is beyond what is decent. Though all humans are free to express themselves, the freedom of speech should be used in a more mature and thoughtful way, rather than the childish ranting displayed Ms. Celeste Goldberg.

Truly,

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Jean-Jacques Villevan
The Minister of Foreign Affairs,
The Kingdom of Belmont.
​

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

An Open Letter To A Belmontien

By Celeste Goldberg

​

October 2, 2010​

To see an honorable person, such as a Privy Councillor, use so many expletives and show such unrestrained anti-Belmontienism is truly something that is beyond what is decent. Though all humans are free to express themselves, the freedom of speech should be used in a more mature and thoughtful way, rather than the childish ranting displayed Ms. Celeste Goldberg.

Truly,

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Jean-Jacques Villevan
The Minister of Foreign Affairs,
The Kingdom of Belmont.
​

Minister Villevan,

As I, unlike your government am able to do research, I know you are an educated person. The fact you use the term "anti-Belmontienism" is puzzling. This must be either an attempt to create a dramatic peak or represents a clear failure of the Belmontien education system. Anti-Belmontienism no. Criticism yes. In case you, the reader and not necessarily Monsieur Villevan do not understand this concept, I have included the definition:

crit·i·cism noun \ˈkri-tə-ˌsi-zəm\
Definition of CRITICISM

1
a : the act of criticizing usually unfavorably <seeking encouragement rather than criticism>
b : a critical observation or remark <an unfair criticism>
c : critique
2
: the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature; also : writings expressing such evaluation or analysis <an anthology of literary criticism>
3
: the scientific investigation of literary documents (as the Bible) in regard to such matters as origin, text, composition, or history

It is letters like yours in response to the rantings of a retired parliamentary representative and newspaper editor that create this criticism Monsieur Villevan. You point to a fire when there is not even smoke. In fact, it is actions like this that create smoke. The old saying applies, "Where there is smoke, there is fire". Except, there is no fire. This anti-Belmontienism does not exist except in the minds of Belmontien politicians and media outlets. This is why Belmont cannot be taken seriously at times on the international stage.

Actions taken by nations sometimes attract criticism Mr. Villevan. That is how the world works. Finally, you referred to my last piece as "childish ranting". Yes and yes. Sometimes you have to drop down to a child's methods to get your point across to one.

Celeste Goldberg is a former Royal Petitioner and part time editor for the Bordeaux Mariner.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Entertainment
European Film Institute releases '10 Greatest Films Of All Time List'


Though the EFI has been reluctant over the years to release lists, popular demand took hold and the association of 225 film critics from around the world voted and we now present to you this list.

Reviews were added by Le Monde Staff Critics




10. Wizard of Elsinore -Danmark, 1939
Initially confusing to some audiences during its first 2 screenings, Wizard of Elsinore is truly one of the greatest films of all time. Focusing on a farm girl, knocked unconscious while milking a cow, she is swept away to the magical Land of Elsinore, where she sets out on the golden brick road to the Emerald City.

9. Cuckoo- Marquette, 1975

A Breotonian immigrant and a recidivist criminal serving a short sentence on a Marquen prison farm for statutory rape, is transferred to a mental institution in 1963 for evaluation. This is a ploy by McMurphy, the main character, to avoid hard labor and serve the rest of his sentence in a more relaxed environment. He is anti-authoritarian with a history of violence, but he exhibits no signs of mental illness. Cuckoo is a fun, albeit deep film that will make you smirk, laugh, cry and most importantly think. Boy will you hate the nurse at the end.

8. Wind around the Walls- Greater Sarmatia, 1982

A farmer's son is injured and is barely alive. To make matters worse, the child cannot be moved initially. Eventually the child is taken to a hospital where the father spends the time reminiscing about how he thinks he was a poor father. The script, cinematography, and unbelievably convincing acting won this film Best Film of 1982. Wind around the Walls was and is a masterpiece study of interpersonal and family relationships.

7. Silence of the Yaks- Kryobaijan, 1991

What can be said about Silence of the Yaks? A thriller? Yes. A cerebral film? Yes. The best of the unclassifiable films? Yes. Silence of the Yaks is a breakthrough film for Kryobaijani cinema. Filmed in only 7 months, Silence of the Yaks follows a bored detective's seemingly boring days of surveillance that is interrupted by numerous psychopaths, a man in mens clothing, a well, a cannibal and of course a dog named Precious.

6. 5- Republica del Sur, 1954

5 is ironically at #6 on the list. This is not lost on me. The movie tells the story of 5 impecunious swindlers during a fictional time of national peril. Ironically, their bad actions create and unfold a chain of events which inspire the people and effect the government. 5's stunning script, amazing cinematography, and unusual bluntness resulted in some bans and censoring by many countries until even the 1980's. When viewed in its untouched gorgeousness, 5 presents a a visual stunning adaptation of the 'butterfly effect'.

5. 'Manières d'honneur' (Ways of Honor)- Marquette, 1960/1995/2009

Why so many release dates? months after it's release, 'Manières d'honneur' (Ways of Honor) was banned by Royal Edict. The Edict remains one of the most controversial of all time. Despite this, 'Manières d'honneur' won Best Picture in 6 film contests and Best Actor in 4 (1961-1962). It was partially released in 1995 before being completely released in 2009.The fictional story follows a Major Phillipe Dax Arnaud in 1922 . Set in a fictional colony, Arnaud is torn between saving his men, following orders, and war itself. The story continues and the end was and is shocking. 'Manières d'honneur' is a cinematic masterpiece which delves into man's psyche. With acting which cannot be beat, amazing camera work, and a breathtaking story, 'Manières d'honneur' is a movie, like Quiet, which is a benchmark for all psychological war films.



4. Quiet- Eiffelland, 1930

Remarkable. Poignant. Thought provoking. Quiet is considered a realistic and harrowing account of warfare in an unnamed, but brutal conflict. The film follows a group of schoolboys, talked into enlisting. Turning on each other, their superiors, the enemy and at times even themselves. The first true anti--war film.

3. Hur- Marquette, 1959

What can be easily labeled as the greatest of the Epic Period (1930-1970), Hur follows Prince Judah Ben-Hur. Betrayed by his friends, Hur now must go on a journey of revenge AND redemption. Watching the film, at points, you forget that the story is a round about story of Christ.


2. Life, Wonderful- Breotonia, 1946

The film stars Sir James Stewart as George Bailey, a man whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody. Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and the contributions he has made to his community. If you don't at least tear up at the end...well, see for yourselves!


1. The Seven Samurai - Oikawa, 1954

It follows the story of a village of farmers that hire seven masterless samurai (ronin) to combat bandits who will return after the harvest to steal their crops. The film legitimized Oikawan cinema in the views of many and boasted many revolutionary techniques. The film is nearly flawless and should be considered one of a kind.


OOC- I left the last three fairly unchanged as a tribute to their greatness

 

[Keida]

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SIR - in regards to Le Monde's recent article "European Film Institute releases '10 Greatest Films Of All Time List'," I must take issue with several of the reviews added by your critics.

Indeed, I have already made my dissatisfaction with the list itself known to the so-called 'European Film Institute.' In all honestly, the place should be called the 'Occidental Film Institute.' I cannot overstate my disgust with the Institute's ignoring of the rich film histories of, for example, Vangala and Wing Sing. Vangalan masterpieces such as Summer Moon were among the most innovative developments in cinema, changing forever the way the world would see song and dance in film. And that the Institute ignored Singlish contributions to the genres of action and comedy only serve to reinforce their occidental obsessions. Paying lip service to the east with a single Oikawan film degrades the entire industry.

And this is where I must move to my objection to your critics. Calling Cuckoo 'cerebral' I will let slide for now, and I will set aside my urge to vomit at your describing Hur the greatest of anything. But that you would consider anything to have "legitimized Oikawan cinema" is absolutely unforgivable. Any critic who considers any piece of 'art' born from that country in the last century 'legitimate' should certainly cease to be known as such. I grant that The Seven Samurai was indeed a fine film. But at best, it was a pearl in a cesspool, housed in a landfill that was formerly a yak graveyard.

Jean-Pierre Robert
Professor of Media Studies
Lei Hung-san School of Fine Arts
University of Wing Sing

P.S. I have included my DVD set of The Bastiaan LEI Zan-faan Collection. As you clearly need an education in the finer points of Singlish film.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

European Film Institute

Jean-Pierre Robert,

While I cannot comment on the critics due to the fact the EFI and Le Monde are separate entities and their descriptions, please note some things. The European Film Institute has been established for over 70 years and has representatives from most countries. Perhaps you are familiar with our yearly film awards which are amongst the most prestigious in the world?

As for the list, well it is not something that one guy came up with while waiting for his girlfriend to make him a post-coitus sandwich. THAT I can assure you. The list is taken from 72 years of the EFI Film Awards. The 225 critics are given a list with approximately 2300 films that have either won and Effie, been nominated for an Effie, have had significant box office success, or have been generally accepted as an important part of the cinematic world.

Top 10 lists will always have their detractors. Our extended list- 100 Films, will be published soon.

Eugene R. Poussain
EFI Chairmain

 

[Minhdao]

OOC: How do I sumbit films to this thing?

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

King To Seek Economic Union Without Belmont and Results From Investigation

Fond du Loc


In a passionate speech before the Association of Retired Parliament Members, King Napoléon promised to increase efforts without Belmont. The yearly address to the association comprised of former Royal Petitioners is considered to be among the most important modern duties of a King. Yesterday's speech caught many off guard due to the King's quite visible emotions of passion and frustration.

The King also commented on the suspension of election results pending an investigation in a press conference following the speech in which he promised results soon.

Le Monde has provided a transcript:

"Since they days of my ancestor Charlemagne, in all the generations that have passed, the Gallian Francophone world has yearned for a greater connection than just language. In fact, an unwise yet epic war was fought over the very idea of unity and progress. Today, I stand before the Gallian French, asking that we embrace each other for our shared culture, language, and hopefully for our shared bright futures.

Yes, yes, recently our neighbors to the north have been most uncooperative, erratic, and confusing. Without Belmont we must move forward. We can move towards progress and unity with those who are at least willing. This will be no Empire, no death of sovereignty, but a birth. A French Economic Union will not be born tomorrow, next month or even next year. This, if others are truly willing, will be a sign of trust and understanding. We can move forward without Belmont. We can progress. If Belmont chooses to be erratic and live in 1799 that is her choice. We have progressed and will progress. If this takes a lifetime I will do my best to see this through"

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Ernst Tremblay Trial Reaches Standstill

Fond du Loc

On Friday, an open door session of Red Clay leader Ernst Tremblay's trial, defense attorneys alleged that evidence was gathered unethically and illegally. Friday was the first open session of the Imperial Tribunal. Defense attorney's for

Ernst Tremblay claim he was arrested without proper evidence and was basically kidnapped, he was tortured, and was illegally monitored. Jean-Paul Rand, a justice from Auxerre Province ordered a recess as the Chief Justice of the tribunal. Rand insisted that the justices will investigate these claims until Tuesday when court will return.

Rouve Promises Election Results

Fond du Loc

Following accusations of voter fraud and various accounts of misconduct, Chancellor Rouve said Saturday that the investigation was complete. While he would not comment on specifics, Rouve did announce 7 were in custody. When asked when results would be available for all the regions, Rouve said that there is a chance that at least 2 elections would be run over again.

Rouve promised specifics by Thursday saying that 'our investigative team did a brilliant job protecting the people of this Kingdom'. Currently, the Royal Petitioners have only one sitting member aside from the Chancellor.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

WE HAVE A PARLIAMENT....and 29 convictions in Historic Election

Fond du Loc

Following as lengthy investigation, 29 have been charged with voter fraud, vote tampering, crimes against the crown, and several minor charges. 'Most occurrences were centered in the Provinces of Dieppe and Dizier' said the report released to the media along with the announcement.

So where is the house of Royal Petitioners? Tomorrow, 43 will be seated along with the esteemed representative from Aubagne, elected September 14th. Furthermore, Sainte Pierre seated its first Royal Petitioner- Stefan Abbot, a member of the Union Coalition. Re-elections for the remaining 8 seats will occur next month says Chancellor Rouve.

Many were surprised to see the Orange Party win a majority this year, drowning out conservatives and liberals.

Present Royal Petitioners Make-up

Orange Party- 17
Liberal Federation Party- 10
Conservative Party-11
Union Coalition- 4
Aubagne Futures Party-1

King To Honor Foreign Leaders

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Bordeaux

Napoléon III spoke at Bordeaux University yesterday, promising that Marquette's "civil engineer drought" will end because of education programs. The King also attended a University hockey game (Loss to Clervaux Polytechnic 2-3) and reviewed the military science program.

In addition to touring the campus and speaking with students, the King announced that "honor is not something won in battle, gained by sacrifice or gathered from fame. Honor is a standard by which to live, always seeking the noblest route". With that, the King announced that Sultan Huseyn of Hajr, Prime Minister Harcourt Fenton Mudd of Guiana, and King Roderick IV were to be invested in the Legion of Honor with the rank of Grand Officer. The King cited their intense dedication to their work and people.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Imperial Forces Activate 120,000 Reservists

Fond du Loc


Yet another massive drill is taking place amongst IDF personnel to ensure reservists can respond fast enough. This time, the drill is different. "We are training for a massive domestic or overseas disaster, outbreak, or similar situations. The idea is that a military is not just a machine of war today, it can be a machine of peace and aid" said Field Marshal Francois Lefevre, Commander of IDF Forces.

Most forces were activated in the Bordeaux and Clervaux areas. "We have been hampered by the political situation with Belmont" says Chancellor Rouve. "Belmont has proven erratic which is why we have conducted these drills as far south as humanly possible and at the cost of no training to reservists in the north" continued the Chancellor.


The drills, known as Operation Open Hand, continue with the embarkation of several thousand troops onto Royal Navy vessels to continue the training. "The ability to have all of our branches work together is invaluable. Hopefully, other nations will undertake preparations to aid each other in the light of large disasters" said Field Marshal Lefevre.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

Carentania will carefully monitor the Marquetten operations and advise the government of Marquette to stay away from Carentanian national waters.