Le Monde-News From Marquette

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Belmontien 'Arrogance Troublesome'​

Fond du Loc


Even families have turmoil. Despite sharing membership in the EDF, the Royal Government appears to be troubled over the over-reactions of the Junior member state and neighbor Belmont. "It is worrisome," began Chancellor Rouve during a Le Monde interview when asked about certain actions taken by Belmont.

"Belmont has continued to imply we are incapable of handling the situation at hand. While the attack which occurred in Belmont is saddening, it is simply not the fault of the Kingdom of Marquette as Belmont's government would have you to believe. Where was their border security? How is the entire people of Marquette responsible for the actions of its enemies?" continued Rouve, appearing agitated.

"Not only has the entire population of Marquette been punished by the closing of the border, but so too is our brittle economy. While we remain on track for our debt repayments, we are still fragile. We have been offered financial grants by Belmont for anti-terrorism operations. To us this seems to be a message that we are both unwilling and unable to go after these terrorists. They offer these grants in order to ease tension on the Marquen economy yet they close the border when a large percentage of our goods must travel by road and rail? What part of this makes sense to anyone?"

"This border closure punishes the Kingdom, at the cost of the economy and people of Marquette, to the benefit of Belmont and the terrorists. Do not get me wrong, the safety of Belmontien citizens is important. However, overreaction is just what these groups want. The actions of Belmont to seek an EDF solution without our input is arrogant and insulting. Marquette will seek the immediate veto of any Belmontien proposed EDF motion regarding this subject."

It was at this point Rouve was called away to tend to other business. for a video of the interview, please visit-
www.lemonde.mq for the Francophone edition
www.lemonde.mq/international for the international edition

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Headlines​

Royal Family will financially aid Marquens in getting home through Lorraine says Queen Charlotte.
Marquens offended. Belmontien L'événement insinuates Marquette would attack Belmont. Chancellor refers to Belmontien press as 'Bullsh*t Artists'.
Literature Institute will award Wazi author Karim Bey for the book of the year- Juniper Wind. A story of 2 men operating a barber shop.
Royal Petitioners unveil new tourism campaign for 2010.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

ooc: Chancellors and people in public office don't talk like that

ooc-

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[Serenierre]

Editor of Le Canard enchaîné

I would like to lodge a public protest with the Le-Monde newspaper. It was our news paper which carried the story mentioned in the headlines and I demand that the name of the correct publication be reported in the future.

Office of the Chairman of Belmont Media Association

This office condemns the language used by Marquette's leaders when describing Belmontien media reporting of the events in Western Gallia. The attitude of the Marquen Chancellor shows that he does not respect freedom of speech of the media and that Marquette is regressing as a society. We question the judgement of the Marquen people for electing a man such as "Chancellor" Rouve to the office he currently holds.

Foreign Office

The Kingdom of Belmont is a nation where the government doesn't dictate what the media can say and what it can't say. Freedom of speech and expression is a critical characteristic of a democracy. Furthermore, we must add that, while we are not pleased with the language used by Marquen officials, we accept their right to self expression, no matter how damaging it is to bilateral ties.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Office of the Chancellor

We wholeheartedly apologize. The Chancellor was unaware the microphone was on. We encourage the Chairman of Belmont Media Association to review the political system of Marquette as a Chancellor is appointed, not elected.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

To: Editor of Le Canard enchaîné
From: Francois Depi, Deputy Editor

We apologize for the mistake and will make a notification in our next publication. As you must know, even in the media, mistakes occur.

-Francois Depi

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Intelligence:Red Clay Funding 'Flowing into Paris Banks'​

Fond du Loc

In a press conference today, Chancellor Jean Rouve announced the 'appearence of irregularities in banking, directly related to Red Clay. These banking irregularities are centered in Paris. The money is literally flowing into Paris banks. We are asking that- 1. Paris freeze the funding. 2. Paris divide frozen assets equally between terror victims on either side of the border, and the remainder be handed over to the Marquen government to pay for the various trials of Red Clay and APM members. 3. Belmontien financial forensic teams join with Marquen teams."

The Chancellor went on to commend Radilan and Marquen intelligence teams. "We look forward to continually crippling the monster of Red Clay" said the Chancellor before concluding the conference.

 

[Serenierre]

[img2]albumid=85&pictureid=1435[/img2]
INSTITUT POUR L'SÉCURITÉ D'ÉTAT
GOVERNMENT OF BELMONT​

Before I begin my statement, I must say this on record that, the intelligence reports of the Marquen government are dangerously outdated and based on unsound facts. The Marquen intelligence community has shown its true self to me that, in my professional opinion, it is ill-prepared to handle the requirements of a viable 21st Century intelligence agency. I also state that failure by the Marquen government to keep this knowledge classified has cost intelligence agencies, Marquen and Belmontien alike, by losing streams of information. With that matter stated and out of the way, I take this statement as an opportunity to inform the Marquen government and the international media about the situation with Marquen based terrorism in Belmont. I also take this statement as an opportunity to correct the mistakes made by the Marquen Chancellor in his press conference.

I begin my statement with reviewing the claims made by the Marquen government.

In his press conference, Chancellor Rouve stated:

appearance of irregularities in banking, directly related to Red Clay.

The ISE's Financial Cell was well aware of these "irregularities" and was aware that there were links between Marquen terrorists and Belmontien bank accounts. The ISE-FC was first made aware of the financial connections back in February of 2010 when the APM first made headlines and after rigorous investigations the ISE-FC traced 7 bank accounts in a number of banks, big and small, and the ISE-FC recovered ₣288,767 from all seven accounts. The accounts were frozen on the 17th of March 2010 and seven people associated with those accounts were picked up by the ISE. All seven were Belmontien nationals who were unaware of any terrorist link and were getting a monthly stipend from anonymous sources for extracting the funds.

These banking irregularities are centered in Paris. The money is literally flowing into Paris banks.

This statement by Chancellor Rouve truly shows that the Marquen intelligence agencies are truly groping in the dark. First and foremost, all seven of the bank accounts that were traced to Marquen terrorist activities were based in and around Orleans - not Paris. Furthermore, ISE-FC has already investigated up to 700 accounts and we can say with full confidence that these seven are the only accounts that were being used in APM terrorist causes. Also, I must state that the money, if you look at the balance sheets, was hardly "flowing into" the banks, its transfer rate could more accurately be described as "trickling into" the banks. Due to the ISE's work, we managed to snip the problem in its bud.

For now, I abandon the statement of Chancellor Rouve and begin recounting the series of events that have transpired in Belmont since February 2010.

From the 10th of February 2010, the ISE has been pursuing the possible links between Marquen terrorists and Belmontien individuals. Much of our information has pointed to the fact that foreign terrorist activity has been confined in the south, the area in and around Orleans and along the border with Marquette. Since our first investigations began, we immediately were able to arrest 275 Marquen nationals who were documented as being terrorists and members of the APM or RC. The arrests and raids severely damaged the terrorist presence in Belmont.

In revenge to our measures against them, the Marquen APM terrorist group bombed the city center of Carcassonne, a southern city known for tourism, bringing 208 lives to an end instantly and injuring some 800. At the time, it was the

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* and Belmont quietly took the trauma and the nation looked ahead and called on Chancellor Rouve to meet with our Premier Martinique for security talks. Clearly the talks have resulted in nothing due to Marquen negligence on the matter.

After the attack, this agency intensified its raids and caught an additional 436 Marquen nationals involved in terrorism and linked with either Red Clay or APM. All these remain in ISE detention facilities and will continue to do so until the reveal all that they know. And the ISE has raided several dozen safe houses along the border and ISE agents have recovered up to F556,000 of counterfeit currency, 150 cheaply assembled assault rifles, 500+ grenades, 340 rifles, 67 RPGs and chemicals and items to make bombs. Additionally my agents found maps of southern Belmont in the safe houses with additional target cities marked in red. This agency's effective handling of the matter has prevented further terrorist attacks in Belmont.

The Belmontien government has maintained a policy of silence over the matter to keep the terrorists in a sense of false security and now, due to the unwise move of the Marquen Chancellor, we have had to state exact details and we have lost streams of information, as I stated earlier. But now, I return to the statements of Chancellor Rouve.

The following is what he has presented forth to the Marquen media:

1. Paris freeze the funding.

The Government and security establishment of Belmont has acted faster than our Marquen counterparts on this matter and we froze the accounts on the 17th of March 2010.

2. Paris divide frozen assets equally between terror victims on either side of the border, and the remainder be handed over to the Marquen government to pay for the various trials of Red Clay and APM members.

A total of ₣288,767 was accounted by ISE-FC. The ISE has decided to keep the funds in its own inventory till the investigations are not fully over. Upon completion, the money shall be handed over to the Marquen ambassador in Paris.

3. Belmontien financial forensic teams join with Marquen teams.

While this is what the Government of Belmont has been wanting from the first day, the ISE has concerns to the safety the Marquen authorities can provide to the Belmontien team. Furthermore, due to increased anti-Belmontien-ism in Marquette these past few days, Belmont will only send its financial team as part of a joint EDF mission.

In closing, I state that if the government of Marquette continues such irresponsible moves, I am sure it will allow the terrorist to think ahead. Furthermore, I advise Chancellor Rouve to be cautious and careful in what he says.

Lt. General Philippe Mazarin
Director-General Institut pour l'Sécurité d'État​

* - Don't you dare delete it. I've screenshot it, so if you do I'll post that.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

His Majesty's Government
Ministère de la Sécurité Publique



First and foremost, the intelligence was not outdated. Belmont states that failure by the Marquen government to keep this knowledge classified has cost intelligence agencies, Marquen and Belmontien alike, by losing streams of information. This is false. While we cannot at this time make a statement as to why it is false (due to sensitive information), we can boldly state this is false. Obviously it had been tracked for sometime. The reports of the Belmontien Government are misleading. According to documentation, funds were indeed 'flowing' into Paris and only some into Orleans. This documentation will be released to the press and published when prudent.

This entire statement appears to be a move with one simple motive-deflection. On the subject of the border. The border closure closed all points which were NOT major arteries (3) and did not close the rail lines. The rail lines are the most vital means of transport for trade. It is the Belmontien Government now closing the border completely. We will continue to move goods and services through Lorraine as needed.


Furthermore, this statement shows how out of touch Belmont is with reality- The Belmontien government has maintained a policy of silence over the matter to keep the terrorists in a sense of false security. It is unwise to believe they do not know they are being hunted. To believe they would have a 'false sense of security' is not an accurate belief.



Lastly, we wish to express our deepest regret to the fact that the Belmontien Government continues to attempt to appear take control of the situation instead of developing a working relationship. We have attempted to bring Belmont to the table full circle by inviting their financial investigative team to work with our team. Instead of working with Marquette, Belmont refuses to unless part of an EDF Mission.

We hope Belmont changes its mind on the situation so we may all work together for a mutual victory.









*Calm yourself

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

King Napoléon Holds Press Conference, Plans Visit To Belmont ​

Fond du Loc

"Despite regrettable decisions and actions which have occurred, our two nations remain close. We are still allies. Listen, even families have disputes and at the end of the day; they are still family" said the King when addressing several questions at the latest press conference.

Le Monde: Are you implying Marquette made regrettable decisions and took regrettable actions?

HRH: I am not implying anything. I am stating both sides acted perhaps too harshly. I will be traveling to Belmont sometime in the near future.

La Tribune: What does the Chancellor feel about this?

HRH: The Chancellor agrees that relations with Belmont are vital for our economy.

Bordeaux Clairon: Given the fact that Belmont virtually attempted to strangle our economy by forcing us to move all goods through Lorraine, how deeply would you estimate this harmed the economy?

HRH: Well...That is a difficult question. Not only did they hurt us but I am almost positive they hurt themselves some. Listen, our economy is yes fragile. However, I feel we are on the brink of a new renaissance. Our technology industry is growing steadily and our energy technology sector is among th4e best in the world. At present, we are still on schedule for all international debt repayment. Yes, the short border closing hurt us. However, it was a pin-prick. I am confident that by following the Christmas Plan, we will achieve a stable and ongoing period of stability.

Sault Ste. Marie Navigateur: Red Clay. Why have we not been informed of developments?

HRH: We are addressing the issue. Currently, all intelligence is being guarded carefully in the interest of security. Rest assured progress is being made. That is all the time I have today ladies and gentlemen, thank you.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Headlines​

School shooting in Chagny leaves four dead.
Francois Lefevre promoted to Field Marshal. Given command of IDF.
Institut Européen d'études de la Criminalité reports alarmingly high increases in use of heroin in parts of eastern Europe.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

'Fat Tax' Law Takes Effect​

Fond du Loc

The Fat Tax bill proposed by Royal Petitioners, with a vote of 37-15, becomes law today following heavy debate. The King approved the bill in January but suspended it until July 6th.

The Responsible Health and Future Costs Law is aimed at placing a J0.10 tax on certain items. The taxes are aimed at the future health costs stemming from obesity.

While several argue that the tax is aimed to punish those who are overweight, the Chancellor maintains "that the Fat Tax is a sin tax. Fatty foods harm people and place a cost on our health system".

The King has asked neighboring nations to follow suit.

Foods To Be Taxed

*All fast food items bought in restaurant.
*All soda drinks bought in cans or bottles. (Does not tax diet or fountain soda).
*Potato chips.
*Full size candies. (Lollipops, bite-size not taxed)
*Pork Bacon
* J0.03 tax per dozen eggs

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

Due to Belmont having one of the lowest obesity rates in the world, we do not see any need to implement such laws within Belmont, though we admire the Marquen government's dedication to combat elements which bring harm to their people.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

ERNST TREMBLAY, REPORTED HEAD OF RED CLAY, ARRESTED​

Le Havre

Marquen Security Forces with assistance from the EDF Commando 'Blue Devils', captured the reported head of Red Clay- Ernst Tremblay. According the the release, the arrest took place this morning and Temblay presented identification uner the name Kurt Fassinbender.

"We have repeatedly been portrayed as impotent against Red Clay by some nations. Today, we silence our critics. Today we continue on the path to justice" said the Chancellor.

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

We are happy to see that the Marquen government has arrested the head of such a brutal organization. We hope from now, ties between our two states continue to improve.

OOC: Will you send your King and Queen to my Crown Prince's wedding, as part of the planned visit your king has planned?

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Marquen Peacekeeper Killed In Batavië​

Bordeaux

With just over 100 hours left in its peacekeeping mission, Medical Detachment 132 lost a soldier today in a vehicle accident.

While an exact location was unavailable, it was announced that Sergeant Arnaud Aco was killed this morning when his vehicle lost control and slammed into a culvert. The incident is under investigation by civilian entities.

Medical Detachment 132 was to be the first Marquen detachment removed from Batavië. Marquette has deployed several medical detachments and a minuscule security detachment as part of the successful EDF peacekeeping effort. All Marquen contingents are to be removed by July,20 according to IDF orders.

"It is a tragic loss and we are all deeply moved. All we can do now is pray for the family and his comrades" said Field Marshal Francois Lefevre, IDF Commander.

Sergeant Aco, 47, was a Royal Army Reservist and full time Bordeaux Police Officer. He is survived by his wife and two children. Sergeant Aco will be posthumously promoted to Sergeant Major.

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We commend the Marquen security forces and the Blue Devils with the capture of the head Red Clay. This is really good news.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Batavië]

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We send our sincere condolences to the family of Sergeant Major Aco, the Marquen military, the peacekeepers and the Marquen people. His role to maintain peace in Batavië is to be commended and honoured. There is no way to properly thank him and those that served with him.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

King Issues Unusual Edict​

Fond du Loc

A month ago, HRH King Napoléon issued an unusual edict to be released Monday, June 12.

The edict calls for the ban of 'Playing plastic and composite horns/trumpets during professional sport matches'. The ban will allow those in attendance to play during breaks in play but not during play. No fines are imposed, but staff may legally remove the fan from the venue, or confiscate said device.

The edict goes on to read:'The infernal racket made by these horns is not only annoying, but are in fact, taking away from the sport at hand. If this person is more concerned with playing an instrument, they should join a band and not be at a sporting event.'

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

This blatant intrusion into the rights to artistic expression is a clear violation of basic human rights and we hope that the law is repealed by Marquettes constitutional court.