le Soleil- News from Bourgogne and the World

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy of Bourgogne

Has Serenierre never updated its military or pursued military reforms in its history or in the last few decades? If updating our military is viewed as posturing, we are indeed apologetic. Unfortunately for Serenierre, security of our nation will not suffer due to rhetoric. If your nation chooses to continually seek confrontation with us on the most pedantic of points, it will continue to harm the relationship.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

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Office of the People's Commissariat for External Affairs
People's Federal Socialist Republics of

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We stand as one behind our friends in the People's Republic of Serenierre. The Grand Duchy of Bourgogne has always found ways to provoke and destabilize while covering themselves in a self-entitled sheet of innocence. It is natural for one to keep its armed forces up to date and indeed it is the sovereign right of every nation to do so, but the timing as well as the way that the military reforms were announced, with much grandeur and a restorative reference to the time when Bourgogne was an imperialist force to be feared by the free people of this world, leads us to believe that Chagny is going down a reactionary path that could only result in bloody conflict at the expense of working class youth. We share the concerns of our friends in Serenierre and urge the Burgundian government to be more careful and pragmatic in the future.

Signed,
Petar Kujundzic
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Socialist Republic of

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[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy of Bourgogne
Kadikistan speaks of imperialism as if it was innocent of such actions. Perhaps, by studying the history of Kadikistan in the 1950's, it would be more careful of whom they point their fingers at. The Grand Duchy has been a beacon of freedom for decades. It is strange that two nations, Serenierre and Kadikistan, continue their ways of creating world tension based on a simple action taken by a government to reinvest in its military. It is as if Serenierre and Kadikistan were stuck in 1950. Such paltry and empty rhetoric from either nation do nothing but to bring tension and reveal the true character of the two nations.

 

[Remuria]

GRAND DUCHY OF NICHTSTEIN
FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY

The Grand Duchy of Nichtstein stands by her allies in the Grand Duchy of Bourgogne and stand fast in the right of nations to protect themselves. But honestly, we do not see much reason to escalate any war of words over anything, as it is crystal clear that Bourgogne, Serenierre, Kadikistan and any other nation in the world can do what it pleases with its military, as long as this military stays within the borders of that nation.

As such, we hope everyone goes back home content and happy and we can all proceed to having a very peaceful region.

 

[Serenierre]

Government of Serenierre | Commissariat for External Relations
We echo the statement issued by our brothers in Kadikistan and our good southern friends in Nichtstein. There is, indeed, no wrong in strengthening the role of a military for the purposes of defence of the territorial integrity of the country in question. However, the point of criticism remains that the Burgundian Military continues to seek expansion and enhancement of strategic assets which are aimed to intimidate the region and restore the days of a perpetual cold war on our fair continent.

Serenierre stands for peace but actions being taken in Chagny give us great cause for alarm. Our statements have not been hostile, simply cautionary, yet the tone of the response which has emerged from our northern neighbour has left us with a sense of concern. We shall be monitoring the situation closely and with great interest.

Truly,
Bernard Lavosnier
Commissar for External Affairs

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Serenierre and Kadikistan resume creating tensions
Chagny

Both state media outlets of Serenierre and Kadikistan launched attacks over the past week on Bourgogne's reform of its military. "It is a sad day when Bourgogne makes no threats towards either country and is accused of the opposite. These two countries could be international partners but instead to continue rhetoric which is detrimental to peace" said Dean of Staff William de Villaret, Villaret continued to say "Bourgogne would be attacked mercilessly by the same media outlets for conducting these reforms in secret. I think....it is pretty clear they are using empty logic if they really believe that Bourgogne is being aggressive in this move. Why announce military reforms if we had nefarious intentions? To Serenierre and Kadikistan, Bourgogne has to be retained as an opponent instead of partner. To them, anything Bourgogne does is a pawn for their rhetoric". de Villaret continued to say the reforms would continue despite Orange Party opposition and foreign critics.

The plan is expected to take several years and was reportedly scaled down from a larger reform. "I hope neither Kadikistan or Serenierre ever pursue any kind of military restructuring. Their own state medias would have to accuse their own nations of aggressive actions" de Villaret joked.

 

[Serenierre]

Government of Serenierre | Commissariat for External Relations
The media in Serenierre is not state-owned and the press chooses to report matters it deems important. Bourgogne's Dean of Staff seems to still regard Serenierre in terms of our history from the 1950s. It is concerning that an individual so close to the Grand Duke is so thoroughly misinformed.

Truly,
Bernard Lavosnier
Commissar for External Affairs

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy of Bourgogne

Perhaps Serenierre would do best to drop the 1950's rhetoric then.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

le Soleil extends interview offer to Martinique

le Soleil media has extended an offer for an interview with Serenierre's leader- Elisabeth Martinique. The format, television or radio, is up to the Premier according to the offer. le Soleil last interviewed a leader of Serenierre in 1991. "It is time we offer an unbiased and journalistic opportunity to the Premier. While our nations share many differences, it is important to be sure dialogue is flowing between the two nations and the people" read the press release. The piece is to be the launch-point for a series of interviews with world leaders. While the format is specifically aimed at le Soleil's TV1 (&Soleil International TV- SITV), a special offer of a radio interview rather than TV was extended to the Premier.

Grand Duke donates 150,000 Livre to animal cruelty prevention charities

The Grand Duke's Office issued a release stating that the Grand Duke would be donating 150,000 Livre to anti-cruelty charities. The Grand Duke, a noted lover of animals, will be donated to 3 different charities in hopes that it will save animal lives and stop cruelty. This comes after an announcement by the Grand Duke that law enforcement would target animal abusers and task forces would be set up to combat this and dog fighting. One of the charities specifically moves to ensure race horses receive humane treatment during and after their race careers. It is speculated that much of the funds comes from the recent sale of Ducal lands. The lands, owned by the de Dreux family since the 1300's, extended over broad parts of Bourgogne. The sale was announced as a measure to reduce crown costs. There is no released figure on the sale but it is reportedly enough to save the government millions over the next decade.

 

[Serenierre]

Office of the Premier

Mme. Elisabeth Martinique is pleased to accept the offer for an interview from Le Soleil. It is, in her opinion, best if the Burgundian interview is conducted on television. The Embassy of Serenierre shall be in touch with the particular journalists involved in this production.

The Premier looks forward to seeing the team from SITV/TV1 in Villesen.

Truly,
Private Secretary

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

"Any violation of Trivodnia's sovereignty would be a grave error" says Grand Duke on Crotobaltislavonia-Trivodnia tensions
Chagny

The Grand Duke addressed the tensions between Crotonaltislavonia and Trivodnia today, noting that he hopes "cooler heads prevail". The Grand Duke went on to say that he would host a summit in Bourgogne if needed. He also stated that he feels the two countries have enough in common to become partners rather than rivals. The Grand Duke declined to answer questions regarding the tensions but did promise that he would speak on the matter in the coming days. Bourgogne remains in a difficult position as it continues to try to avoid regional tensions rising and see to economic interests. Crotobaltislavonia remains a key in Bourgogne's large rail network which sees much trade flow to Trivodnia, Bergenheim, and beyond. The Grand Duke did issue a warning that "Any violation of Trivodnia's sovereignty would be a grave error. This is true in many ways but such a violation would heat tensions to a point that nobody wants".

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

St. Florian University says it will no longer have a dental program

Bourgogne may soon be facing a shortage of dentists after the country's only dental school is slated for closure in 2019. The University stated it was closing the program as a result of low enrollment and rising costs. Since 1984, St. Florian University has been the only dental medicine school in the country. Many are questioning if the government should increase funding in order to preserve the program but recent investigation shows the government stepped in to do that in 2002. The government has not commented on the announcement but many in academia are predicting that another school may step in to fill the void before a crisis occurs.


Bourgogne cancels war games to avoid inflaming tensions

The Burgundian military has reportedly cancelled post-Christmas war games which were scheduled from the 27th-29th. The military issued a statement in which it noted that it had received orders not to conduct war games. The government also stated that the cause of the order was to avoid heightening tensions regionally. Readiness drills would take place instead at a date which was not disclosed. It is expected the Grand Duke will be giving a speech on Christmas in which he will discuss the ongoing tensions.

 

[Serenierre]

Commissariat for External Relations
The Government welcomes the maturity displayed by the Burgundian military establishment in cancelling the war games, owing to the situation in the wider Germanic region.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

An attack on Trivodnia is an attack on us" says Grand Duke on rising tensions
Changy



The Grand Duke urged that calmer heads prevail in a press conference saying that "a conflict would be utterly destabilizing and would not only lead to massive economic fallout but also world war". Grand Duke Charles extended an invitation to those parties to use Chagny as a negotiating site to avoid any armed confrontation. This extension took place despite what some are calling 'mobilization' on either side, Bourgogne's interest in Trivodnia remains rooted in large investments in Trivodnia's business sector as well as infrastructure. Additionally, Trivodnia and Bourgogne have had a defensive agreement since the 1950's- with Bourgogne offering military aid to the small Trivodnian military. "Any attack on Trivodnia is an attack on us. A violation of the nation's sovereignty would be a mistake and an utter tragedy for all involved. We must cooperatively seek an answer of peace which is amicable for all involved. A failure on this issue could be devastating for this and future generations". Since 2010, the Grand Duchy has steadily withdrawn its small permanent military presence in Trivodnia which now numbers fewer than 100 according to 2017 military records. Bourgogne has not yet issued a travel advisory but sources have told le Soleil that one has been drafted. "War would be global. We cannot let this happen" concluded the Grand Duke.

 

[Serenierre]

Commissariat for External Relations
The République Populaire calls for calm and continued efforts to diplomatically resolve the ongoing situation in Germania. Furthermore, in the spirit of ensuring stability within Gallia, Premier Martinique shall be in contact with the Grand Duke to ensure stability within our shared region.

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of External Affairs

The Free State cannot thank Burgundy enough for its continuing support for the Trivodnian people in the face of relentless Kadikistani aggression. The most recent words of the Grand Duke are of great source of comfort and security to the Free State.

We also echo Chagny's call for a peaceful solution to the conflict and Crotobaltislavonia and would be open to attending a conference in the Burgundian capital, involving all interested parties, to meeting that end.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duchy passes largest smoking legislation in 40 years
Chagny

The Grand Duchy adopted new laws against smoking in public places today, surprising many. With one of the world's largest smoking populations, Bourgogne has not changed smoking laws since the 1980's. The last legislation banned smoking in airports, hospitals, and government buildings. The new laws severely restrict smoking in bars and restaurants. Bars may apply for a smoking permit but only a limited number will be available each year. This aspect of the legislation does not come into effect until next year. All smoking in restaurants is banned but restaurants with outdoor dinning will have those outdoor areas exempt from the law. Additionally, the legislation will instill hefty fines on littering of cigarette butts. Part of the legislation, which would have required people be at least 20 years old to purchase tobacco products- was dropped. The Grand Duke signed the legislation into law this afternoon following its adoption this morning by the legislature.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke reportedly rails against Kadikistan's "blatant and aggressive imperialism"

According to sources, the Grand Duke lamented that Kadikistan was on a road to war and was acting with "blatant and aggressive imperialism". The words were supposedly spoken at a meeting with members of the Senate on Monday. The Grand Duke reportedly went on to state that Kadikistan's interests were only for war and that the country was forcing others into limited options. The palace denies that the Grand Duke made the statements and says that no such discussion took place. Over the last several months, Grand Duke Maximilien has pursued a policy to avoid raising tensions, going so far as to cancel regularly scheduled war games. Sources indicate that the Grand Duke is seeking to meet with @Serenierre 's leadership in the next few weeks. The palace acknowledged that there was a possibility for a meeting but will not comment further.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

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Office of the People's Commissariat for External Affairs
People's Federal Socialist Republics of

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​

The Kadikistani Union is baffled upon hearing the alleged statement of the Burgundian Grand Duke Maximilien. This type of conduct, especially coming from an unelected Head of State of one of the leading nations of the world is not only highly unproductive, but also enormously misleading. The Union has refrained from any and all military or political adventurism in the West since the death of Nikolai Leninov in 1957, safe for the defensive measures that were taken earlier this year upon the request of our close friends and allies in Crotobaltislavonia in accordance with our mutual treaties and in defence of the Gallo-Germanian Status Quo. But even in that respect we are already in the process of reducing our military presence in Crotobaltislavonia, contrary to the Grand Duke's claims of 'Kadikistani imperialism' we have shown the world that while not forsaking our Slavonian brothers and sisters we have no ambition towards a large and permanent military presence in Crotobaltislavonia and rather respect the sovereignty of the Free Cantons. This along with the dubious role played by Trier Concordat and its allies in what is known in the West as the 'Christmas Coup' leads us to conclude that it is indeed the Bourgogne-Eiffelland-Trivodnia Axis, backed by Retalia and Pelasgia, that is in search of conflict. Since this news has been published far and wide the factuality behind the Grand Duke's alleged statement has become irrelevant as the Chagny elites have made their propaganda message clear enough.

Regardless of this shameless warmongering by the Burgundian elites, the Kadikistani Union wished to formally state that we are still committed to peace and stability in Gallo-Germania and any other region of the world. Our multiple partnerships with various non-socialist regimes continues to be the best demonstration of this fact. Nevertheless we warn our enemies that this does not entail that we have grown soft or weak. If it is conflict you are after, you will find it in the free East for we do not bow to your intimidations.

Signed,
Petar Kujundzic
People's Commissar for External Affairs
People's Federal Socialist Republics of

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[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

This is one of the very many occasions that the Kadikistani Government tells blatant lies about how the Trier Concord would have started the Christmas coup. And this is one of the very many occasions that we repeat that the Trier Concord never backed any faction active in the Christmas Coup. We are sick of Kadikistani Government officials spreading lies about the Trier Concord while the Government they represent continue to form a threat to the people of Gallo-Germania by sending troops to the western border at any occasion that somebody from Gallo-Germania says "I'm awfully sorry but I don't speak Kadikistani" to a Kadikistani, and by maintaining and promoting the most cruel type of dictatorship since Vlad the Impaler. Furthermore, the fact that the Kadikistani Government places a seal containing a combat rifle above each announcement it makes, and does so with an enormous amount of pride, doesn't generate an image of a Kadikistan with friendly intentions to the countries around it.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor