Makai Missive

[Havenshire]

CONTROVERSIAL "TOWER OF BABYLON" PROJECT RECIEVES THE GO-AHEAD

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The Kahuna Mile, already one of the world's most lucrative and luxurious strips of commercial development, is set to recieve its greatest, most expensive and most elaborate development yet. After years of debate with the Kahuna Planning Council, the Makai Archipelagos Congress finally voted to allow this $200 billion project to go ahead. Named the "Tower of Babylon", it is planned to be the tallest and most exclusive hotel, with over 50 penthouse suites, ranging from Millionaire to Royal to even 3 totally exclusive Emperor Suites for only the richest and most powerful dignitaries.

"After thirty-five years, it is a suprise to me only that it took so long for this Project to be approved. Tourism is far and away the heart and soul of our economy, and everyone in the Makai Islands is vastly better off for it. More now than ever we need to attract the Heads of State, the Kings, the Tycoons and the Trillionaires, as global warming continues to threaten our pristine beaches." President Ithorangi, who has been President of the Archipelagos Congress for nearly eleven years now, remains committed to making the Makai Islands the most prosperous islands on the Planet, and the ones, as he so frequently says, nearest to Paradise on Earth.

"Recession, Wars, Famine, Let other countries worry about these. This Tower is the biggest advertisement for investment possible, and a clear and umabiguous monument to the success the Makai Islands have enjoyed. I understand the Tower will even have an indoor Ski-Resort and mini-climbing mountain, so that the Makai Islands are the one-stop trip for every kind of Holiday!" he further enthused.

Criticisms of the Kahuna Mile date back almost as long as it has existed, But the Tower has made waves amongst other members of the Mile aswell, who fewer its grandiosity, expense and luxury will overshadow other Mile staples, like the Hofburg Hotel, a Wiesan-themed opulence extravaganza, and the Apocalypse Atrium, a cyberpunk and gothic themed complex of night-clubs, stripclubs and bordellos that attract those with the most...specialised of tastes.

"I don't think anything will put the Apocalypse Atrium out of business, given that our age of consent remains at fifteen years of age, something other countries seem...eager to take advantage of." said one critic who wished to remain anonmyous.

 

[Havenshire]

CRITICISM OF WATER GAMES COMES FROM ENVIROMENTALISTS

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As Tourism Season rapidly approaches, independent enviromentalist groups have begun pressuring the Makai Congress to delay the World Water Sports Games planned to be held in the Archipelagos in two months time, to allow more time for undermanned and underfunded agencies to properly record natural wildlife in the effected areas and provide protection where necessary and possible.

"Every year around this time the Makai Government goes into overdrive to put on a bigger and grander spectacle for the tourists, and every year they give us the same promises about how next year wildlife will be the focus, or enviroment protection. We've had some concessions, but not nearly enough." said John A'kaume, spokesperson for local Green lobby groups. Responding to the criticism, the Makai Congress has declined to comment, but the Water Sports Agency has stated that it will "do all it can to ensure that the planned Games do not spoil the pristine enviroment of the Makai Islands."

In other news....

-Overcrowding in Port St.Joy as over 100,000 Vangalan immigrants complain about lack of housing.

-Makai TV to broadcast last series of Missing, the epic locally-filmed tv series about a plane crash on a deserted island.

-Tower of Babylon stands alone? Foreign investors are deafening with their silence over the grandiose project.

 

[Havenshire]

OVERCROWDING LEADS TO ETHNIC UNREST

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As our population rapidly approaches 4 million, almost all of that growth contributed to by immigration, there is not only growing concern about the impact on our islands demographics, but also our stability. Ethnic protests clashed yesterday in Port St.Joy as movements for both Vangalan and Jizhou nationals, seeking to protest the lack of housing, poor wages and increasingly short food supplies, were disrupted by ethnic tensions between the two dominant groups.

Whilst other ethnicities also have migrated to the Makai Islands in search of jobs, Vangalan and Jizhou expatriates are the two largest groups, and combined make up nearly 30% of the population of the Makai Islands, and are growing all the time.

Whilst some Vangalans have obtained seats on the Makai Archipelago Congress, no Jizhou nationals have as yet been elected to represent their contigency, and this was one of the hotbutton issues that led to the clash yesterday.

"It is disgraceful, we come here for work, for money and to sustain our families. But we live in shacks on the shoreline, and if we talk out of line, we can be fired on the spot, or worse, deported." said one Jizhou protestor who wished to remain anonmyous.

Port St.Joy was built in the late 17th century by Mayaland sailors, and has grown to become the most multicultural of the three cities in the Makai Islands. Whilst Kahuna is the capital and most frequent destination of Tourism, Port St.Joy is the home of the vast majority of immigrants, and also of the Islands workforce.

Police report being overstretched and undernumbered to properly contain the protestors, and many Police have had to be ferried and helicoptered in from neighbouring Islands. "This is a powderkeg situation, and many more sparks like this could lead to ugliness."

President Ithorangi has issued assurances that these clashes were an isolated incident, and that they will not in anyway disrupt plans for the 2010 tourist season.

Other Headlines:
-Violence abroad between Vangala and Jizhou may be cause of protests, say experts.

-Royals of various nations go on tours but neglect paradise of Makai. Ill omens for the Tourist Season?

-Scottish to attend Water Sports Games. Makai Team "confident" of chances at this point.

 

[Keida]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Jizhou

The Republic urges our brothers in Makai to remain peaceful. The communist government in Vangala is the enemy, not all Vangalans, nor the people of the Makai Islands. Rest assured that the Republic of Jizhou will continue to advocate for the needs of her citizens both in the Makai Islands and around the world, both for our prosperity and theirs.

-Republic of Jizhou Ambassador in the Makai Islands, Hao Yinquan

 

[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

The People's Republic of Vangala will campaign for the rights of Vangalans across the world and co-operate with foreign governments to ensure their safety and security. The social unrest and issues currently plaguing the Vangalan community in the Makai Islands are of grave concern and we urge the government of President Ithorangi to take firm action to prevent further violence and provide adequate housing.

 

[Cortona]

Cortonan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Cortona is 45% Muslim and 55% Catholic. For 249 years that fact has caused unrest and social problems in our nation. Sometimes it blows over as peaceful protests, others the military is forced to intervene. The reason we say this is because we understand how difficult it is to appease the majority without oppressing the minorities.

We send our best wishes to the Government of the Makai Islands. We urge the people of the Makai Islands to understand that violence will go no where and goals can only be done through peaceful demonstrations.

Signed,
Cortonan Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Firenze, Cortona

 

[Barazi]

Scottish Ministry of Foreign Affairs

With the increasing unrest among the people of the Makai Islands for the simplest things such as food and shelter, one must wonder why the government of these islands have not stopped production on that tower in order to sustain their population. We sincerely hope and encourage that President Ihorangi reviews his platform.

Malcom MacQuarry
Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

[Havenshire]

ETHNIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE CLAIMS IT WILL CALM UNREST

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In response to concerns that the Ethnic Unrest has been portrayed negatively in foreign media, the Makai Archipelagos Congress has agreed through mediation to the formation of an Ethnic Relations Committee, which will be formed largely of community figureheads from both Jizhou and Vangalan neighbourhoods. Whilst the Vangalan community is reportedly grateful for the body, which has promised to investigate concerns such as lack of food, working water mains, and inadequate housing, Jizhou community figures however have expressed unhappiness at what they see as "another bureaucratic do-nothing measure".

"Real action needs to be made now. The Vangalans get favoured because they have been here longer and look more like the Makai." said one Jizhou representative. In response to these concerns, the Makai Archipelagos Congress has agreed to encourage more Jizhou to stand for represenative seats in government.

"Really I think this whole affair has been blown way out of proportion by the media." said President Ithorangi. "There are a few trouble-makers who want to portray this as a community action in order to get foreign attention, but the overwhelming majority of the affected communities are happy with this new Committee, which will look at each grievance with care, and forward a Report to the Congress by the end of this year."

In other News, the Congress has sent out feelers for official celebrity endorsements of the New Tower, and has claimed that it will name some of the official suites and rooms after any Celebrities or Personnages who are happy to be associated with the Tower of Babylon Project.

Other Headlines:

-Coast Guard to get 2 new stealth corvettes. An extravagant expense or a necessary precaution against the threat of pirates?

-Recent unrest has led to calls amongst the Makai Community for the reinstatement of the Millita Act.

-Opposition Party refuses to comment on current events.

 

[Anglyn]

Office of Dominion Affairs

His Majesty's government is very concerned with the ethnic unrest in Makai and offers whatever aid deemed necessary to find a solution.

 

[Havenshire]

MAYALAND'S PRINCE ROYAL TO TOUR ARCHIPELAGO

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Kahuna Vista Hotel, where the royals will be staying

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has revealed that, after communicating with the Mayaland government, a Tour of the Makai Islands has been planned for the current Prince Royal, His Royal Highness, Cedric, Prince of Anglynd and his wife Stephanie, the Princess Anglynd, who will spend a week conducting an official state tour of the Archipelagos.

Whilst the purpose of the visit is officially to assuage doubts about ethnic unrest, it will also almost certainly, and crucially, boost tourism to the Islands from Mayaland and other former Mayaland colonies. "It has been some time since the Mayaland Royal Family has visited our shores. It is good to see them returning once again, old waters having long since passed." Said President Ithorangi, praising the Mayaland Government for its wisdom and using an old Makai saying to dismiss past grievances.

Historically, the Makai Islands have long been a layby for the Mayaland Royal Navy, and were even subject to preliminary atomic testing in the late 40's. However, since Independence was granted in 1971, the Makai Islands have slowly reconciled their place with our old colonial overseers, and now Mayalanders are among the most common nationalities to visit the Makai Islands on package holidays.

The Royal Couple is known to be staying at the Kahuna Vista, currently the most opulent and prestigious hotel on the Kahuna Mile, and as such in the Archipelagos, and will likely become closed to all currently non-resident guests as both the Makai Police and Mayaland royal security takes over, to ensure privacy and comfort for the Prince and his Consort.

In other News, official invitations have been dispatched by the Ministry for Tourism on behalf of the Makai Islands Sports Athletics Agency, trying to drum up interest in the World Water Sports Games, which historically have often taken a back seat in popularity to games like the Olympics. "We remain optimistic and confident of the success of the Games, and whilst Vangala is currently not available for contact, we have sent feelers out to a number of other governments we believe may find the proposals appealing, though obviously we wish to be as inclusive as possible, and welcome teams from all nations regardless of politics." said a spokesperson for the MISAA.

The Games have previously attracted concern from enviromental pressure groups, and there are additional rumours that facilities and quarters will not be ready in time, given the delays to construction projects caused by ongoing tensions between primarily-immigrant unskilled Labour Unions and their employers.


Other Headlines:
-New Paparazzi Act being considered by Congress, to discourage prying by tabloid journalists and foster a sense of privacy for celebrities visiting the Archipelago.

-Coast Guard eager to demonstrate its professionalism to the Royal Couple, and have applied for new fire-arms and equipment to be purchased from Mayaland.

-Suionian Fashions finally make it to exclusive Makai retail outlets.

 

[Havenshire]

CUNARD ISLAND CRUISES TO ESTABLISH A HOME PORT

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Eager to expand different sectors of the crucial Tourism Sector, and provide a distraction for the thousands of unemployed Butuani, Jizhou and Vangalans who crowd the Waterline Ghettoes, the Ministry of Tourism has arranged to provide a significant chunk of what is currently undeveloped shoreline near Port St.Joy to be expanded into a Harbour capable of recieving Cunard Island Cruise Line ships, and will also provide Offices and a warehouse for their exclusive use. This mandate was greeted with mixed reactions by the immigrant community, many of whom welcome this as an opportunity to obtain jobs and earn enough money to obtain permanent housing further inland. However, others are alarmed at the prospect of this stretch of beach being turned into a construction site, feeling that Port St.Joy already is sufficiently developed to handle Cruise Ships, and this enroachment on its surrounding enviroment is eroding already shrinking "green zones" of natural beauty. More pragmatically, off-season the beaches are popular squatting sites for those without homes, were they can sleep under the palm trees, occupy beach huts, or use tents provided by relief agencies. The removal of this site would force a large number of squatters to move in to already vastly overcrowded inner-city areas, and likely increase the number of beggars and homeless people.

"Whilst there may be a temporary, small increase of this sort, we believe that the revenue generated by this new Home Port will allow us to invest much more substantially in developing existing housing projects, and more than compensate for a slight, and very temporary situation. Plus, more jobs means they are more able to support themselves." said a representative from the Ministry of Labour, which is working closely with the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of the Interior in Port St.Joy.

Elsewhere, preperations for the impending Tours of not just the Mayaland Royal Family but also the President of Cortona are nearly complete, with both expected to be residing in the prestigious Kahuna Vista at different times. Security has been redoubled for this already crime-free hotel and its environs, and President Ithorangi has reminded the Press that only those with designated passes will be allowed in. "We don't want there to be any unfortunate incidents or accidents, so all Press are reminded to have their passes on them at all times."

President Ithorangi refers to an unfortunate accident that occurred in 1998, when a Papparazzi attempting to scale a barbed wire fence to photograph royalty on a closed Beach was accidentally shot by security personnel trying to ward him off. There was a full Inquiry and the Press Photographer later recovered in Kahuna General Hospital, and recieved a full payout from the Makai Government.

Other Headlines:
-Local Liqeur and Rum Businesses fall on hard times as competition from Tortuga Rum increases.

-Ministry of Finance denies new waves of allegations of collaboration with "shady" private banking firms who provide no-questions-asked financial services to foreign businesspeople.

-University of Makai Islands relaxes archaic statutes and allows first All-Homosexual Sorority to be formed.

 

[Fulanistan]

Fulanistan agrees that economic development is crucial for any country, mistreating a countries worst off citizens is not justifiable.

Francisca Van Der Berg
Foreign Affairs Council
Islamic Republic of Fulanistan

 

[Havenshire]

BUSY SEASON LOOMS AS ROYALTY TOURS ISLANDS

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With both Mayaland and Implarian Oceanic Airways gearing up for another hectic season of tourism to the Makai Islands, the one thing everyone is talking about is the iminent arrival of the Mayaland Prince and Princess Royal, who are scheduled to tour the islands privately next week. A Carriage has been airlifted especially to the Islands for a grand procession through the Capital, and local businesses have been contacted especially about manufacturing appropriate souvenirs and appropriate snack and commemorational meals.

Raul Hanaga(38), head of the successful Tiki-Tiki street vending company, has said that they are preparing special dishes of Lualua for the honour of the Royal couple, and that Mayaland recipe books are being plundered for ideas.

Despite this iminent flurry of activity, however, concerns about national security are the topic of the week for the National Congress, with ongoing debates about the planned delivery of 2 state-of-the-art Stealth Corvettes in 2014. These formidable vessels would be more than a match for whatever low-level piracy might threaten Makai fishing and tourist cruises. However, there are concerns that they are too state of the art, and that the vast investment in them is a spectacular waste of money.

Other topics include the security of the islands airspace and shorelines aswell, and extravagant proposals to buy up to 20 state-of-the art SAM sites to provide complete anti-air defence of the islands have been shouted down within the Congress halls. Other proposals, such as the hiring of Wiesan Mercenaries, have gained more favour.

"Given the increasing prominence of the Island for head-of-state visits and holidays by the ultra-wealthy and ultra-famous, the need for security is more pressing than ever. The Coast Guard are well trained and rightly respected, but we cannot rely on private security firms to cover all aspects of security forever. Its time we considered a more permanent solution, such as a Mercenary Guard force, or even a permanent, local Self Defence Force."

The last time a permnanent armed body existed in the Makai Islands was shortly before the 1974 Decleration of Independence, when a Mayaland Garrison existed in Port St.Joy, and a Makai Millita of several hundred people was formed and equipped with SLR rifles in order to defend the interior. However, the Millita was disbanded in 1983, and since that time the Makai Islands have looked either to the Mayaland Royal Navy or its own Coast Guard for all its protection needs.

However, the islands miniscule population, though it has boomed vastly in the last 20 years, does not seem sufficient to warrant the formation of a professional armed body, such as a Self Defence Force, which could easily be turned and used to oppress the population, and is unlikely to be a serious deterrent to any national-level threat anyway.

"The Islands have sufficient stability and prosperity to afford some degree of semi-permanent contracted military security, but it would mean raising taxes on Businesses, and our very low tax-rates have been instrumental in attracting such significant investment in the first place. I do not believe it would be wise or necessary at this time to begin accquiring an army."

This concern regarding national security comes at a time of millitary unease across the globe, as dictatorships flex their muscles and war-games are held, deepening tensions that have existed for some time now between the Great Powers. Only time will tell if these ripples will effect our Islands.


Other Headlines:
-Jihzhou expat Businesses to recieve "special attention" from Makai National Banking to encourage community to escape poverty.

-Tribal Council concerned about lack of support for interior villages in the Archipelagos.

-Wiesan Mercenaries to be hired to provide national security?

 

[Anglyn]

Office of Dominion Affairs

As His Majesty's government remains committed to the security and defence of the Makai Islands, this office would like to discuss the subject with the Makai government.

 

[Havenshire]

MAKAI ISLANDS GET SEAL OF APPROVAL!

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As the World Water Sports Games continue into a dramatic second week, the pressure is really on the Makai Islands Home Team to win a single gold, as national competition has been fierce. The prestigious Swimming events netted the Makai Islands a single Silver, but with the Dragon Boat and Kayaking events looming, competition with the Sinhai and Vangalan teams is expected to be ferocious.

If a Gold is not won, however, the Week has not been a complete wash for Makai Island Pride. The Dauphin, Louis Philip de Vaudémont of Lorraine has agreed to give his Official Seal of Approval to the Islands and its Tourism, as he successfully negiotiated the Purchase and Construction of a private summer estate here on the Islands for his own personal use, into which investment will begin in a few months. The Popularity of the Islands amongst the Royalty of Europe has grown in the last few years, and the enthusiastic reccomendation given it by His Majesty of Lorraine will likely boost the Island's reputation amongst the ultra-rich and aristocratic of Europe, further strengthening a somewhat fragile Tourism Economy.

"The attention of Kings and Princes and other Monarchs is what we have always dreamed of. It is true that in the past we have had a- undeserved i might add- shady reputation in the wider world, but I believe the attention granted by Heads of State demonstrates that Makai has a Place in the Sun now." said Alice Ele'Ele, the bright Minister of Foreign Affairs, who has gained notoriety for her role in facilitating the bold invitation to various Heads of State across the Globe to visit the Makai Islands.
"Politics and History should not be obstacles to forging New Relations with powerful individuals who are capable of bringing ever greater revenue to our islands, which go into improving the quality of life for our small but proud nation."

Other News:

-Unrest in Jizhou as Government responds to alleged Vangalan provocations.

-Zivontije to offer negiotiations to Barazi as pointless violence continues.

-Mayaland Royal Navy Defence Agreement to be renewed for another 15 years?

 

[Havenshire]

MARQUETTE RE-ARMS OUR NATIONAL MILLITA!

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Eager National Millita reservists before heading to the Marquette Academy

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Donated HL34 SeaPhantom to be equipped to the Coast Guard for S&R and Millitary Operations.


A historic and generous Millitary Aid Programme has been negiotiated with the government of Marquette, who, perhaps concerned about the growing number of their own citizens visiting the Makai Islands, have generously elected to donate 9 of their finest Helicopters and 2 Mine-clearer Ships to the Coast Guard, and to train 50 of our finest Millitapeople at their own legendary Officer Academy.

The Congress, who have been debating about how to increase Makai Island Defence prospects, have agreed unanimously to this proposal, and have voted to increase Defence spending from 0.7% to 0.9%, which will increase the amount spent from 500 Million Euros to just over 800 Million Euros. The increased budgeting has not been made publicly available, but there are rumours that a new, dedicated Ministry will be created, in addition to expanding and re-activating the National Millita.

"This Act should not be seen by those coming to our great land that we have any especial reason to fear danger to our National Security. However, given the rise in Popular Terrorism, the possibility of piracy, it would be prudent to invest some of our great prosperity in security." stated the President in a press release this morning. "The welfare of not only the People of the Makai, but those who would be our guests, is paramount."

The Reservists are reportedly "pleased" that they will be spending an unspecified length of time at the St. Cyr Millitary Academy, one of Europe's oldest. There they will undergo a gruelling and extensive course at the hands of the Imperial Guard. Despite the fierce reputation and reputed toughness of this training however, the Millita are "overjoyed" that their years of part-time membership will see the organisation re-activated as a serious, professional volunteer body for the Defence of the Islands, and not just a state-funded excercise club.

Other Headlines:
Tsunami Warning recieved for the Eastern Tribal Archipelagos. Coast Guard put on standby. -Weather

3 Oikawans mysteriously shot dead in an Alley. Apologies presented to Embassy, as National Police investigate links to shady activities. -Domestic

Makai Island Airways recieve international recognition. -Abroad

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Imperial Defence Forces

We are pleased to welcome such fine officers to the halls of St. Cyr. We promise your officers will receive the greatest military education available outside combat.

As for non-commissioned officers and enlisted men, The Lafont Military Institute welcomes them for an extended stay. The Imperial Guard is pleased to have an opportunity to train men with such potential.

We look forward to a pleasant working relationship.



Nicholas Soult,
Field Marshal
Commander, IDF Forces

 

[Havenshire]

TSUNAMI HITS RA'TUI, THREE HUNDRED KILLED!

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A Tsunami of medium strength hit Ra'tui head on, confirming the worst fears of Meterologists in the Implarian Tsunami Watch Stations early yesterday, beginning at 6:50 am eighty miles to the east,hitting at 7:15 am. The wave struck the main coastal highway running east to west, giving those driving along it and the beach little time to move to Higher ground, as their was no observed drawback. Over 300 people are confirmed dead in the wake of this tragic, sudden, massive wave. Ra'tui is the smallest and most Makai of the 3 cities of the Islands, and 90% of those dead were ethnically Makai people either combing the beach or on their way to work.

Despite the speed and ferocity of the sudden deluge, thousands of people were able to survive the wave due to the timely sounding of the Tsunami Alarm, and, despite having less than 20 minutes in which to respond, tens of thousands manage to reach their roofs or high ground in an efficient, orderly manner, remembering well their drills, and mindful that this is Tsunami Season.

"We are regretful for the lives lost, but we are truly thankful that it was so few, and that the Tsunami was only one wave, and not something of greater power." The last Major Tsunami to hit the Makai Islands was the 1989 Tsunami, which devestated all 3 islands and killed over 12,000 people. Although Tusnamis are notoriously hard to predict, the timely actions of the Implarian Tsunami Watch Station saved the City of Ra'tui and dozens of the small tribal villages which encompass the Makai'tui Islands around Ra'tui.

President Ithorangi has pledged to dispatch immediate Government aid, and has asked International Aid services to respond immediately. "We need most of all to get the City working as quickly as possible again. People are alive, but many are stranded, lacking in clean water, electricity or a means of contact. If we act swiftly, this tragedy can be confined to the 300 unfortunates who have already lost their lives, and who will be remembered."

in Other News, many scheduled Yachting Races and Reef Tours have had to be cancelled in the wake of the Tsunami, and thousands of bored yachties and marine-keen tourists are stranded at the Airports, waiting for Flights home over choppy, unsettled seas.

Other Headlines:

Akaitsikhe to implement controversial Apartheid Laws. -Politics

Makai Volleyball Team enters Anglyn leagues. -Sports

4 more Oikawans mysteriously found dead. Racist serial killer suspected. -Domestic

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

His Majesty's Government is offering any aid humanly possible from humanitarian shipments to a fleet to help transport tourists stranded to better locations.

Jean Rouve
Chancellor

 

[Confederal Republics]

Ministry of External Affairs
Commonwealth of Cornavia

The Commonwealth expresses its condolences to the families of those affected by the tsunami in Makai. The Commonwealth Cabinet is to take up the events and the requirement of international aid by the Makai Islands government in its agenda in its next full session.

In addition, I have instructed the embassy in Makai Islands to work to establish contacts with Cornavian citizens in the area affected by the tsunami. Any hospitalized Cornavian citizens can be evacuated by air to the Commonwealth to free up hospital space for Makai Islands residents.

Regards,
Mr. William Fenner,
Minister of External Affairs,
Commonwealth of Cornavia