le Soleil- News from Bourgogne and the World

[Holy Frankish Empire]

In the Headlines


*Elections confirmed in Green Peninsula for early January. Date to be determined. Many colonists expected to remain and a fair amount expected to return to Burgundian soil.

*Student protest against military expansion at Ouistreham Polytechnic University turns violent as students assault staff. Police overwhelmed by student numbers.

*National car firm may seek to relocate.

*Train disaster in Eiffelland leaves over 130 dead. Burgundian rail officials urged to review safety protocols.

*Bourgogne will launch new satellite next month as it pursues aggressive space program.

 

[Rheinbund]

Unterrichts- und Kulturministerium
Wirtschaftsministerium
Rathenau Gruppe
Trier, Eiffelland

We would be very much interested in cooperating with Burgundy regarding our space programs. Would that be possible?

Dr. Friedrich Merz, Minister for Scientific Research Stimulation
Dr. Stephan Röpke, Minister for Economic Affairs
Walther Rathenau, Chairman of the Rathenau Gruppe

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Unterrichts- und Kulturministerium
Wirtschaftsministerium
Rathenau Gruppe
Trier, Eiffelland

We would be very much interested in cooperating with Burgundy regarding our space programs. Would that be possible?

Dr. Friedrich Merz, Minister for Scientific Research Stimulation
Dr. Stephan Röpke, Minister for Economic Affairs
Walther Rathenau, Chairman of the Rathenau Gruppe

We would be pleased if you join our endeavors to explore the unexplored and to harvest the fruits of knowledge.

 

[Rheinbund]

Unterrichts- und Kulturministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We look forward to combining our mutual space programs. At this moment, the universities of Eiffelland are developing our space program together with the Rathenau Gruppe (rocketry and computers) and Karl Seiff GmbH. (lens techniques and telescopes). We are currently grounding a scientific institution so that we can organise that cooperation better. We suggest that that scientific institution will take part in your space program as well.

Dr. Friedrich Merz, Minister for Scientific Research Stimulation

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Burgundian space program is currently a growing priority for the Burgundian government and people. We hope to put a Burgundian in orbit by 1960.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke sets goal for elections despite opposition

Chagny

Grand Duke Maximilien announced his intention to continue support for elections in the Green Peninsula and has set a goal of January 7 of next year with independence occurring sometime in March or April after a transition period and creation of a foundational constitution. However, this has been met with stiff opposition from some conservatives who believe that the original 1960 timeline for independence should be maintained. Some conservatives accuse the Grand Duke of acting without forethought and claim that thousands of colonists will be "marooned" by the hastened schedule.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke gives interview. Comments on Sikandara, Ivernia, Democracy, and Communism

Chagny

Yesterday, the Grand Duke joined le Soleil Radio for an interview at the Ducal Residence. The Grand Duke offered to discuss any subject. We have provided the transcript below.

GD- Grand Duke Maximilien
LSR- le Soleil Radio journalist Chantrall

LSR- Thank you for joining us your Grace and providing the people an opportunity to hear how the country is being lead.

GD- My utter pleasure.

LSR- Let us begin with Sikandara. The nation has been utterly anti-communist and has been accused by some nations as violating human rights as a result of their position. So, are they an ally?
GD- sighs This is a terribly complicated issue. Sikandara and Bourgogne have common interests. We have no formal alliance and approach communism and socialism differently.
LSR- How?
GD- For one, we are tolerant of socialist ideals if they are democratically pursued. Sikandara may not view it the same way. Communism however is a danger which threatens the fabric of Bourgogne.
LSR- So if communists are elected in the Green Peninsula, you will support them?
GD- The Green Peninsula will no longer be Bourgogne. They have the right to pursue whatever avenue they wish.

LSR- Speaking of elections, when will they return to Bourgogne?
GD- This nation needs stability. It must learn to walk again before it can run and...
LSR- But your Grace has cancelled national elections and has seen...
GD- That is false. I have postponed them under the legal statutes created by an elected legislature. I furthermore, legally, dissolved the legislature at their request until new elections. You forget I returned to foster freedom here. The Republic was nothing more than a brutally oppressive regime. The Burgundian people must recover.

LSR- Moving onto events in Ivernia. What do you see as the best course...or rather, how do you respond?
GD- I have personally spoken to Imperial Ivernish leadership. I believe they will follow the best course for them. It is still a rapidly changing situation. We are following it closely.

LSR- Bourgogne has maintained a close relationship with Eiffelland for around 175 years.
GD- Indeed.
LSR- What does the future hold?
GD- As of now, our two nations are working closely to develop technology and liquid knowledge. By liquid knowledge I mean knowledge which can flow between our two countries. We are working together to put men into space. A Burgundian will enter space by 1960. We are working on so much more. Our two peoples, though vastly different, share a vision for our people and the political region. This has been anchored by over a century of friendship.

LSR- Where do you see Bourgogne in the world?
GD- To say we are a leader is wrong. We are a potentially strong teammate for those willing to put aside many facets of ideology and work together. The operative word is potential. I cannot say we are the strongest or the wealthiest, though we strive to improve the lives of our citizens. Bourgogne's days as an imperial power are ending. It is time we focus on ourselves and that future.

LSR-Thank you for your time
GD- My absolute pleasure. God save Bourgogne.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke denies direct Burgundian involvement in Ivernish Civil War

Chagny

Facing harsh accusations, the Grand Duke responded in his weekly press conference. The accusations among Burgundian pundits and local politicians include that Bourgogne is directly putting troops into the war against the rebellion. The Grand Duke responded by stating that "the Ducal government has had no direct hand in influencing the war. While there are Burgundian volunteers involved in the fighting, all have been discharged from Burgundian service and have no ties to our government". Estimates range from 1500-6000 soldiers being sent to fight. "We have no laws which bar citizens from serving in a foreign military" he said.


Colonists return to Bourgogne

Several thousand colonists returned to home soil following the announcement of early elections and independence in the Green Peninsula. The Ducal Government has pledged to aid those who wish to return to home soil and has created a program for housing and jobs.


National Hockey Team begins Fall tour


The National Burgundian team will open its fall tour against Twente with Eiffelland, Ulstland, and Caledonia to follow. Several matches are slated for late October prior to club play beginning in early November.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke says Bourgogne will rebuild religious relationships

Chagny

The Grand Duke announced a policy of 'religious bridging'. Yesterday, the Grand Duke hosted leaders from the Protestant and Jewish communities for a dinner at the Ducal Residence. According to Jean Trublois, the dinner was relaxed and a dialogue was opened 'about the role of religion in our lives and how we are guided by it'. With the country overwhelmingly Catholic, the Grand Duke has noted the division between Tiburan and Twentish Catholics. "It is something that was historically an issue but now we must work with both churches to ensure that their adherents flourish in Bourgogne. The Grand Duke will host Orthodox Christians and Muslims on Thursday and will host another delegation on Sunday.

Chagny Airport closes after fire

Chagny


A fire tore through the newest terminal of the airport on Sunday, killing one person and injuring two firefighters. The fire quickly shut down the airport, Bourgogne's second largest airport. The airport shut down for 18 hours, causing havoc among international travelers and domestic ones. It reopened at limited capacity. "We took every measure but we believe that there were mistakes in its construction which allowed the fire to rage so horribly" said a Fire Division spokesman. The airport is expected to return to an 85% operating level tomorrow.

 

[Hanseatic Republics]

Det kongelige Utenriksdepartement​ Stiftet 7. februar 1953​ Viktoria terrase, Kristiania, Sørlandet landsdel Kongeriket Østveg​ LOV OM FOREBYGGENDE SIKKERHETSTJENESTE[SUP]a[/SUP]: DET ER FEM GRADER I SYNKENDE REKKEFØLGE. SIKKERHETSLOVEN FOR DETTE DOKUMENTET ER SKREVET SOM: STRENGT HEMMELIG (top secret) HEMMELIG (secret) KONFIDENSIELT (confidential) BEGRENSET (restricted) UKLASSIFISERT (unclassified) Her Majesty's Government applauds the religious cohesion and attempts at peace between faiths in Bourgogne. While, Austwegians prove mostly homogeneous, we've profoundly disapproved of the bloodshed in many other nations for trivial reasons in which we cannot comprehend. It only takes a short spark, as the world has now seen in previously beautiful Ivernia. Med Vennlig Hilsen, Kristin Ragnhild Haavi Kristin Ragnhild Haavi Østvegs utenriksminister Austwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs [SUP]a.[/SUP] - Sikkerhetsloven regulerer adgang til opplysninger som kan skade Østvegs eller dets alliertes sikkerhet, forholdet til fremmede makter, eller andre vitale sikkerhetsinteresser.

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[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We commend the Grand-Duke of Bourgogne with the Religious Bridging policy and with the way he gets into contact with the various religions present in Bourgogne. We all must realise that there are multiple ways to worship God. In this way, the Duke of Bourgogne brings religions together.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Grand Duke authorizes limited involvement in Ivernish Civil War

Chagny


Today the Grand Duke announced that Burgundian forces had slowly increased their role in the conflict and stated that the matrix of events is "much to my regret". The Grand Duke says that operations are to be extremely limited and will be restricted to "naval and air assistance". Many are cautious of involvement and have already been critical of the decision, citing previous promises to keep Burgundian involvement from escalation. In defense of the decision, many have pointed out that Bourgogne has already had involvement in the conflict and that suspected Burgundian servicemen are under siege in Lowport.

Fire destroys suburb of Brienne

An entire suburb was largely destroyed by an out of control blaze which resulted in fire brigades requesting military assistance. It is estimated that over 400 have been killed or severely injured in the blaze which originated in a garment factory. Firefighters are reportedly still fighting fires throughout the suburb of Auntansz. Fire officials have repeatedly refused to comment aside from promising a formal press conference in the next 24 hours.











[MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION]

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Burgundian aircraft pound rebel positions as fleet begins naval patrol operations

Chagny


Over the past 24 hours, Ducal military officials have confirmed that Burgundian air forces have been conducting around the clock air operations against rebel forces, primarily around Lowport. While losses were confirmed, officials would not comment on exact details aside from the fact that the first day of strikes involved almost 800,000 pounds of explosives being dropped on the enemy. Reports are that at present the engaged forces in Lowport are receiving airdrops from both Ivernish Imperial and Burgundian air forces. It has not been made clear the exact intentions of the Burgundian naval presence but the Grand Duke commented that Bourgogne would do all possible before committing any significant ground force.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Green Peninsula braces for change to independence

Dahloa

At midnight, the Green Peninsula will transform into the Peninsular Commonwealth and will see independence. Per the Dahloa Accords, Burgundian officials will remain in place until after the December 20th elections. Additionally, Burgundian police will remain as an advisory body until sometime in January. Per the invite under the Dahloa Accords, a Burgundian military presence will be maintained with a small naval installation in order to provide security for the new state. Jean Aurrienne, a locally elected representative for Dahloa and candidate for the High Court of the Commonwealth, said that "independence comes this evening. It has been a long process; much paved with blood and tears. We can only hope for a smooth transition into the new future". The Peninsular Commonwealth will abandon the Livre sometime in February under the Accords and will see the Peninsular Livre come as the new currency.

Bombers continue to hit Ivernish rebels

Operating from bases in Ivernia, Burgundian aircraft have been conducting daily raids on enemy positions. So far 4 Burgundian airmen have lost their lives according to the military. Grand Duke Maximilien said that he hopes the conflict will end soon and peace returns to the region. When asked if he planned to escalate the Burgundian commitment he was firm, saying: "we will not commit anymore than necessary. We feel we have already committed more than necessary in some ways. We will not add to the number of Burgundian lives in harm's way".

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Peninsular Commonwealth replaces colony of the Green Peninsula

Dahloa

A smooth transition occurred as the Grand Duke signed a formal recognition of independence and Peninsular representatives assumed large responsibilities. Police and Burgundian military forces were in force in the major cities to provide security. Under the Dahloa Accords, Burgundian officials will administer government services until after the December 20th elections. Only one major protest occurred but no violence was reported.

 

[Remuria]

Foreign Ministry

The Grand Duchy of Nichtstein follows with attention the evolution of home rule arrangements in the Green Cape and welcomes the continued commitment of the Burgundian Government to the devolution of powers to the local authorities.

 

[Serenierre]

Commissariat for External Affairs
GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF SERENIERRE

We welcome the efforts of the Burgundian Government to reverse the tide of colonialism in Himyar. The endeavour should give other powers food for thought in ensuring the flames of freedom and self-determination can be re-lit across the expanse of that dark continent.

Marie-Claudette Lausanne
First Commissar for External Affairs

 

[Saaremaa]

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[/URL]
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Välisministeerium

​

The government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Saaremaa is ambivalent regarding the events unfolding in the territories administered by the Duchy of Bourgogne and the country's foreign policies. While we congratulate the Duchy for awarding independence to the Green Peninsula and organizing the creation of the Peninsular Commonwealth, we cannot but hope that in the political climate of the country, the presence of the Burgundian bureaucrats will not have an effect on the outcome of the elections and the political wing of the freedom movement will have the same chances as the established political factions in the Peninsula.

In Saare people are also alarmed that the Burgundian presence in Ivernia and thus the Council of Ministers, headed by Chancellor Riina Lepp has decided to raise the alarm level of the 3rd White Army.

Signed,
Kristijan Olev Mark
Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We recognise the Peninsular Commonwealth as an independent nation and wish to exchange ambassadors. We also congratulate the people of the Peninsular Commonwealth with this important event in their history.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

You must be registered for see links

[/URL]
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Välisministeerium

​

The government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Saaremaa is ambivalent regarding the events unfolding in the territories administered by the Duchy of Bourgogne and the country's foreign policies. While we congratulate the Duchy for awarding independence to the Green Peninsula and organizing the creation of the Peninsular Commonwealth, we cannot but hope that in the political climate of the country, the presence of the Burgundian bureaucrats will not have an effect on the outcome of the elections and the political wing of the freedom movement will have the same chances as the established political factions in the Peninsula.

In Saare people are also alarmed that the Burgundian presence in Ivernia and thus the Council of Ministers, headed by Chancellor Riina Lepp has decided to raise the alarm level of the 3rd White Army.

Signed,
Kristijan Olev Mark
Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Dahloa Accords, which Bourgogne had no hand in creating aside from signing them, requested the presence of Burgundian administrators to help the transitional process. This is done at the request of the native population. We have already done our part to ensure that fair elections will take place by defeating an attempted communist Coup which represented a fraction of the population. We cannot make any invitation but we are sure that election leadership will welcome any international observation.

Furthermore, we are unaware of any significant official Burgundian presence in Ivernia. We have dispatched a small naval and air contingent at Imperial Ivernish request. Finally, we wish to remind our friends in Saarema that Bourgogne is a Grand Duchy and not merely a Duchy.