Nouvelles de Belmont

[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

The People's Republic of Vangala remains disconcerted by the fact the members of the old Belmontien government who were responsible for the promotion of terrorism in Europe's socialist states continue to have an important role in Belmontien politics.

 

[Serenierre]

FRANCOPHONE TENSIONS CONTINUE TO SIMMER EVEN AS GOVT TAKES CONTROL OF SITUATION

The past few days have seen the Premier take full control of the situation, since launching a successful offensive against the opposition leadership, the Premier has dismissed Mr. Villevan from the foreign ministry and appointed Alexandre Renaudière to replace him. But even as the Premier has taken charge and softer statements are being dispatched from Paris to the other Francophone capitals, a certain tenseness and hostility bubbles under the surface. What remains worrying, for the people and for the government, that anything could possibly set off the Francophone tensions once again.

In an article published in this blog on the second of this month, it was opined that Francophone unity, something which Francophone nationalists across Gallia have dreamt about is fast becoming a relic of the past. Is it true that Francophone nationalism is at its end? Is it true that the situation has descended to such levels where a risk exists of the Governments and the medias of the four kingdoms to go on an all out war of words, which only serves to destabilize the region?

Comment below:

OOC: International opinions of normal folk would be liked.

 

[Serenierre]

NATIONALISTE PARTY ELECTION CALLED AS NOMINATION PAPERS ARRIVE TO CHALLENGE CURRENT LEADERSHIP

The Nationaliste chairman has announced that a party election was needed due to strong opposition to the current leadership, led by George Bettancourt, and announced that on the 1st of November, the party would hold a ballot to decide who is to lead the party. Several new faces have challenged the Bettancourt camp but it is expected that former Minister of Agriculture, Jacques Rebinaud, will lead the charge against the current leadership.

Comet sightings expected across Belmont, Marquette

Astronomers have announced that Western Gallia will see a majestic display of comet sightings over the coming few days and is the first time since 1564 that any thing of such magnitude is being observed anywhere in Gallia. The University of Paris, the premier institute of learning in the country, has announced that it has sent teams across the country to document the phenomena.

Foreign Minister Renaudière to meet with Ambassadors at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The newly appointed Foreign Minister, Alexandre Renaudière, has invited all the ambassadors in Paris to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an official dinner. The new foreign minister is hoping to meet with ambassadors of friendly nations and sort out outstanding issues with the ambassadors of countries where the Kingdom's ties are tense. Such meetings happen almost every time a new foreign minister is appointed.
​

 

[Serenierre]

Today's Headlines

Ambassador of Sinhai summoned to Foreign Ministry

PARIS: Reports have confirmed that Foreign Minister Renaudière had summoned the Ambassador of Sinhai to the Foreign Ministry and has held a long talk with him over several matters. It is expected that the deteriorating security situation in the country was discussed. Rumors in political circles are urging that the Foreign Minister approached the possibility of Paris hosting as a neutral venue for any peace talks between the militants and the Sinese government, if they ever take place.

Wieser man found guilty by court, but pardoned by Prince Regent

PARIS: The Wieser man attempting to assassinate members of the Royal Family has been found guilty by the High Court of Paris and was sentenced to death. Later the same day, the Prince Regent, upon orders of Her Majesty, issued a formal pardon and asked the Government to begin procedures to deport the man back to his home country. The matter had damaged bilateral ties between Belmont and Wiese slightly. The pardon came as a surprise to many.

Ambassador from Ascalon withdrawn, Ascaloni ambassador to Paris expelled

PARIS: In protest to the move by the Ascaloni government, the Foreign Ministry has pulled its ambassador from Ascalon and has sent for the immediate expulsion of the Ascaloni ambassador. The Foreign Secretary informed members of the press about the decision by the Foreign Minister earlier today. It is said that the Papal States have been pressured to resolve the matter and the Ambassador of Belmont to the Holy See is spearheading Belmontien efforts for Papal involvement in the matter.

Construction, manufacturing industry keen on investing in Freiheit

HRODINO: Arriving in the Sarmatian capital by the planeload, executives from various companies in the construction and manufacturing industries are looking to get permits to invest in rehabilitation efforts in the Sarmatian held Freiheit zones. It is expected that the war torn country might even serve as a locale for cheap labor. The construction industry hopes to be utilized in the reconstruction of the country, which was scene of bloody warfare earlier this year.

Markets remain bumpy as investors cautious

MARSEILLES: Investors were seen to be cautious in investing and were instead waiting out the current bumpiness created by the Ascaloni oil embargo. The Stock Exchange remained volatile overall but saw major boosts in the local oil refining companies stocks. The boost is thought occur due to the first mass shipments of Aren crude oil since the oil treaty was signed between both countries. Belmont has a large oil refining industry and refines all domestic needs itself.

Marine Royale ship stops dispute between two fishing trawlers

BREOTISH CHANNEL: A trawler belonging to local fishing company and one belonging to a Breotish one were stopped from ramming into one and other after a Marine Royale frigate, patrolling the region, stopped what could have become a serious dispute. Fishing disputes are getting increasingly common and has alarmed governments in, both, Belmont and Breotonia.​

 

[Serenierre]

Vangalan immigrants set up radio station
Premier calls on Chief Ministers to explain new tax policies
Royal Agency for Space Exploration launches new satellite for army
Parliament ends session as protest against plan for six day working week unveiled becomes rowdy

 

[Serenierre]

Government satisfied with distance of Marquen drills from border
Premier Martinique to head to Greater Sarmatia later this week
Royal Strategic Forces announce upcoming missile tests
Rifle used in the 1799 Marquen invasion by a Belmontien soldier sells for ƒ125,000

 

[Serenierre]

TREATY OF FRIENDSHIP SIGNED WITH FRESCANIA

In Paris, Foreign Minister Renaudiére and his Frescanian counterpart, met to finalize the final details of the treaty planned since the beginning of the year. Over the past ten months, dozens of meetings have taken place where delegations from both countries have met to discuss and finalize the terms and conditions of the treaty. The process has been arduous and has been tedious for both countries but finally, much to the relief of the junior staff members of both foreign ministries, both countries have agreed upon the treaty.

Officially called, "The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Respect between the Kingdom of BELMONT and the Republic of FRESCANIA", the treaty has upgraded the bilateral ties of both countries and has set in place a number of agreements which will allow for the existing trade and economic links to be enhanced and strengthened and a mutual non-aggression pact. The treaty also provides a section in which Belmont has offered to sell Frescania ₣12 billion ($9.91 billion) worth of arms and ammunition. Details of the offer are classified but are expected to be greatly helpful in boosting their defense capabilities. The economic agreements included in the treaty are, according to analysts, going to raise bilateral trade by at least ₣10 billion in the coming two years.

 

[Frescania]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

We confirm this new Treaty between Belmont and Frescania and the said treaty has been sent to the National Assembly for ratification.

 

[Serenierre]

Premier Martinique embarks on official visit to Empire of Greater Sarmatia

PARIS: PREMIER Martinique, when she came to power, had championed the EDF, pushing for Associate Membership, which she felt was an opportunity to strengthen the economy but now, just ten months into her five year term, she has completely reconsidered her stance, traveling to a country which the EDF considers as one of its primary threats.

In the eight months Belmont was part of the EDF, as one of the two associate members, Belmont's economy, the main reason for the Associate Membership, stood much weaker than it was before joining the alliance. The Marquen double crises of terrorism and debt damaged the economy and the perceived inability of the alliance elders in resolving bilateral tensions among the Kingdom and its Francophone neighbors are said to have been the primary reasons for the Belmontien economy's contraction by 0.3%. Finance Minister Yamaguchi welcomed the break from the alliance.

But as Madame Martinique heads off to the Sarmatian capital of Stary Hrodino, rumors are suggesting that this summit is just giving an official face to a covert relationship that has existed between the two countries for at least thirty years. Sources within the Government have confirmed to us that the Premier is looking to sign a Treaty of Friendship similar to the one signed with Frescania, yesterday. Belmont and Sarmatia already have a FTA in place and recently signed an oil deal, much like the one the Kingdom has with Arendaal.

DefMin: "Recruitment drive registers three times the number expected. A complete success"
Nationaliste leader George Bettancourt pulls out as polls show he will lose party election, scheduled for November 1
Prince Regent and Princess Élise to visit Arendaal for Christmas
Security officials arrest drug dealer trying to enter Belmont from Marquette
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[Serenierre]

A New Millennium, A New Belmont

At the start of the millennium, ten years ago, the policies of our government had remained unchanged , in foreign politics, since the Great War, with great emphasis being made on preserving the brotherhood amongst the Francophone kingdoms - which had existed at that point for 1,186 years, except for the years of the War with Marquette (1799-1810) and a few years after that - maintaining a polite economic relationship with the EDF while maintaining political independence and a strong belief in the Council of Nations and its diplomatic solutions. Now, ten years later, Paris has stepped away from those policies and stands transformed.

Ten years ago, the Nationaliste grip on power was absolute; now the Libéralistes hold the reins of power and with that a complete change of the field.

For much of the past decade, to the vigilant analyst, cracks were beginning to show in the shining exterior of Francophone unity, with small snubs and diplomatic faux pas surfacing here and there. But the issues in Gallia came to international consciousness in 2009 during the failed Francophone bloc conference held by Premier Millerand. Video footage showed the various Gallian delegations remaining weary of one another and using the Aquitanians as intermediaries. Needless to say, the conference ended in failure and set in motion the degradation of ties among the Francophone nations, which came at a head this year.

In 2010, Belmont and the other three Francophone countries of Gallia have seen more rows amongst them than in the past 300 years, all of which were quite public and served as fodder for the insatiable appetites of news media across the globe, an embarrassment for all involved. With the ties weakening amongst the French, Belmont looked west, to its neighbor across the Golfe de Sirrennes, Breotonia, while the Francophone states looked to each other and, by default, to Nürnberg for their support. The move away from Gallia has been noticed even by our more benighted southern neighbor, with their King claiming that a Francophone bloc could be made even without Belmont. What had remained, up till then, a slow, silent, transition away from the French states became the death knell for the continued Belmontien involvement in the Francophone world.

Though Paris has stated categorically that it will not back out of any treaties signed with the other countries, the official policy has become to look for friends elsewhere, with Francophone Gallia being described as a disappointment.

Since assuming power, just little over ten months ago, the Libéralistes have changed that trend of predictability at the world stage plaguing our government. For eight months, 80% of their term so far, they fought hard to bring the country to terms with their decision to join the EDF's Associate Membership program, claiming that the economy would benefit with the association. By the time the country pulled out of the Nürnberg based alliance, its economy had contracted by 0.3%.

Though the foreign policy seemed in a disarray, the Premier dismissed Jean Jacques Villevan as Foreign Minister and installed Alexandre Renaudiére in his place. Since then, we have seen the realization of several important treaties and agreements. The Energy Cooperation and Special Supply Agreement signed with Arendaal and Greater Sarmatia came at a time when Himyari oil sources became unreliable. A Treaty of Friendship with Frescania, allying the two countries after a thirty four year long effort to get the Great War adversaries to build trust between themselves. A similar treaty is rumored to be in the works with Greater Sarmatia, a country which the EDF classifies as its primary threat, more so after the recent war in Freiheit.

In Augsburg, in the wake of the horrendous action of authorizing a mandate of the CoNSC for the Talemantine invasion of the Jurzan, Belmont's opinion about the organization has soured and many have petitioned the Premier to resign from the organization. Premier Martinique has politely shot down such suggestions however she has condemned the CoN for its role during the Jurzan crisis.

As the century enters its second decade, one sees Belmont spreading its wings, shedding the Franco-centric policies and embracing friends and allies in many differing parts of the world. As this new decade begins, after a period of solid economic growth and change in the foreign politics, is Belmont shifting its approach to the world? Is Belmont finally coming into its own? Is Belmont on its way to becoming a major power? Questions such as that rise often in intellectual debates across Belmont and one can only speculate as to what lies ahead for The Kingdom of Belmont and its Realms.​

 

[Serenierre]

Pact signed with Greater Sarmatia

The Foreign Office announced late last night that the Kingdom had signed a treaty of friendship with Stary Hrodino. The text of the treaty has been released to the public. The treaty, the second treaty of friendship this month, is being called a great victory for the Government. Some analysts though have become cautious as to what reaction will come from the Francophone Gallian states, with whom Paris' relationship has soured to an abysmal level. The treaty has already been approved by HM The Queen and the Royal Seal has been attached by HRH The Prince Regent, acting on HM's behalf, Emperor Jozef III has also approved the treaty.

The text of the treaty released by the Foreign Office:

You must be registered for see links

OOC: Its an actual link, so check it out.

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of External Affairs

The Treaty of Friendship and Alliance between Belmont and Greater Samartia is unsettling as both nations have a history of hostility towards the People's Republic of Vangala. Provisions to increase military co-operation between the two cause the greatest concern as Greater Samartia is a leading member of the League of Free States, an alliance with an aggressive and imperialistic foreign policy.

 

[Serenierre]

Premier Martinique in Zivotinje

As part of her tour of the Sarmatian region, Premier Shahrazad Martinique has already signed a groundbreaking treaty with the Imperial Government of Greater Sarmatia and there are hopes that a similar agreement can be signed with Zivotinge - the other great Sarmatian nation - and will build upon the increasing positive ties between the two countries since the joint military operations in Abruzicstan. It has been reported that the Government has asked its new allies in Stary Hrodino to "put in a good word for us with the Blue Republic," as the country is called by some.

This comes as Belmont is moving away from its traditional EDF and Francophone allies, all the while maintaining that Belmont would not pull out of bilateral treaties with the other Francophone states. There is anxiety in capitals across the EDF heartland, from Nürnberg to Augsburg and from Valmy to Fond du Loc, about the situation and undercurrents of tension can be felt on the Belmontien borders with its Francophone-EDF neighbors.

Abruzzi deployment will continue due to "regional disturbances and threats posed to newly stabilized nation"

The Minister of Defense has said that the deployment of 12,000 personnel in Abruzicstan is likely to continue due to disturbances in the region and, according to him, could be increased significantly if the need arose. The Minister of Defense has said that he would confirm the matter with "our allies in the conflict zone" and that all deployment will be done "in an atmosphere of transparency, in hopes of building up trust"

Headlines
Cardinal Vernier, Archbishop of Paris, popularity much higher than that of Pope Stéphane IV
Belmont sheds of PfS membership, Govt. breathes sigh of relief, hopes EDF disaster behind them
Coal mining boom unaffected by tense ties between Belmont and Franken
Ministry for Finance levies tax on cigarettes, on advice from Health Ministry, price to go up from ₣0.5 to ₣2
​

 

[Serenierre]

LE VOIX DE TOULOUSE
EDITION INTERNATIONALE ::::: 30ÉME OCTOBRE 2010​

Abruzicstan operations to receive 8,000 more troops​

Within 24 hours of announcing that the Abruzzi situation had worsened, the Army's commander for the deployment in the country, Lt. General Sant-Pierre, has announced that her office has sent an official request to up the total forces in Abruzicstan, currently 12,000, by an additional 8,000. The current tensions in Abruzicstan have been spurred by the near collapse of the national government and increased hostility among the various factions that make up the Orion Resistance. Only the forceful presence of the Belmont-Zivotinje coalition has stopped the country from becoming a failed state.

Since the situation has worsened, the two armed forces have found themselves increasingly caught in the middle of the fire between the rival factions. The Belmontien operations in Abruzicstan have been subject to much criticism from domestic media as reports show that merciless skirmishes have been waged against the Resistance which has left many millions isolated and scared for their lives and loved ones.

Lt. General Sant-Pierre, although a woman, has established herself as an able commander but has been criticized for her brutal operations, which have killed thousands of Orion Resistance militants and have caused the deaths of 11 Belmontien servicemen.
​

 

[Frescania]

Statement from the Office of the Chancellor

We would like to inform the Government of Belmont that the National Assembly has approved the Treaty signed between our two countries.

 

[Serenierre]

A sea of change at 115ème Rue Champolin
Leadership election brings about departure of Plantard disciples

On the first day of November, just as the first flakes of snow fell over our ancient capital, 5,000 voting members of the Coalition Nationale - a political alliance between the eleven conservative political parties, national and provincial - met at their expansive headquarters in one of Paris' most historic districts; housed inside one of the many mansions in the city, built during the late 1700s, the party headquarters have been situated here since 1989, at a time when the party enjoyed almost unquestioned grip on national power, now the situation is very different. Though still occupying the imposing edifice, the party has seen its power and internal cohesion erode this past year. Many blame the politics of former Premier Plantard (2000-2009) for the situation that has befallen the party, others blame the largeness of the Coalition but regardless what they may believe is the reason, majority of those five thousand men and women voted for the same man to lead their party.

Jacques Rebinaud, former Minister of Agriculture (1984 - 1993), received 80% of the votes cast and his popularity has radiated during the party leadership ballot, destroying the campaigns of former leader George Bettancourt, who ultimately had to pull out, and his nominated replacement candidate, John Callesse. Considered a member of the Old Guard of the party, he is also one of the few remaining members left who were in the legendary Vizellete government which swept to power in 1980 and brought about with it thirty years of Nationaliste rule. Since leaving government almost eighteen years ago, Mr. Rebinaud has been a staunch opponent of former Premier Plantard and faced tough treatment by many in the former Premier's camp for the opposition, which included George Bettancourt - the handpicked disciple of the disgraced Premier.

Though never one of the more prominent members of the Vizellete government, he found himself at an advantage over the other competitors. He was staunchly anti-Plantard and had the shining veneer of the legendary Premier Vizellete on his own name. The leadership race saw Mr. Rebinaud mount a simple campaign; one based on a leader being honest, hardworking and honorable - the three H campaign. On all three he attacked the Plantard disciples, all of whom are known for not being the virtues he ran on. Though the Plantard disiples - George Bettancourt, Lilian Stéphane and Andre Coutette - spent more money, they weren't able to shake down the allegations. The 2010 General Election allowed the nation to be rid of the Plantard government's disasters, the 2010 Nationalistes Leadership Election has allowed the party to move on after the Plantard era.

As victory has been officially announced by the Nationalistes Chairman, Mr. Rebinaud has taken over from Mr. George Bettancourt as Leader of the Nationalistes and by default has also become the Leader of the Opposition. As leader, Mr. Rebinaud has also appointed a new Shadow Cabinet, one devoid Plantardite members. He also announced that the Nationalistes would not maintain their harshly antagonistic relationship with the Government and would work out areas of disagreements in the respective special committees. He also announced that he would resolve to root out the problems caused to the party by Plantard era policies. The month long turbulence in the party seems to have eased as a result, though the Plantard Group has mumbled discontent, they have been marginalized.

On his election, congratulations have come from as far away as Vangala. The communist state has long harbored a deep mistrust of Belmont due to the Plantard era policies and the Eastern nation sent its ambassador to the Nationalistes party headquarters to congratulate the new leader on behalf of the People's Republic.

Reception back at home has been restrained. The Premier has ignored the Nationalistes leadership change and has asked her office to refuse to answer any questions related to the matter. The Coalition Libérale has followed suit. The Prince Regent has, however, sent a message of congratulations to the new leader of the opposition and has asked him and his family to visit him and Princess Élise for a private dinner. But analysts suggest that everyone is taking a sigh of relief that the last remnants of the Plantard era have now finally been swept away from the seats of power.

This change in policy in the Nationalistes has allowed the Libéralistes to retake the reins and dictate policy, something which had become impossible with the Bettancourt led Nationalistes, and Premier Martinique has plans on introducing several legislative bills which will seek to "empower Belmont to stand on its own in a greater way than before," as the official communique said. The sources in Parliament have told us that the new leadership setup has allowed the government to put the documents infront of the opposition in advance and the government is ready to negotiate over the details. There are great hopes that the volatility and animosity between the two blocs which has in the past blocked the legislative process is a thing of the past.

 

[Serenierre]

DEPLOYMENT IN ABRUZICSTAN SEES INCREASE TO 30,000
As situation worsens, Armed Forces call on Govt. to beef up deployments

The situation in Abruzicstan this week worsened when various factions that form the Resistance have broken out in open warfare with one another. The situation has been compounded by the Abruzzi government's failure to untangle itself from corruption, bipartisan bickering and bureaucratic hurdles to handle the situation. This has prompted the International Coalition in Abruzicstan (ICA) to enhance its military operations and already Belmontien forces have engaged in combat operations against the various resistance groups. Orion, the original hub of the militancy, has seen renewed violence which has been crushed in new joint operations mounted by Belmont and Zivotinje against the regional war lords.

Opinion in Belmont over the deployment has remained favorable towards the deployment but opposition politicians have in the past claimed that the Government has not done enough for the people of Abruzicstan and a campaign to win hearts was needed in the southern Himyari state.

Since the operation began, the Government has given ƒ14.4 billion worth of aid to the Government and military and pledged an additional ƒ50 billion for infrastructural projects. The military has stated they will not leave the country till peace has been restored and the militants defeated.​

 

[Serenierre]

FINANCE MINISTER INDICATES WILLINGNESS TO JOIN NORTHERN COUNCIL
Talks planned with Nationalistes to discuss options

In today's Parliamentary proceedings, Finance Minister Ichiro Yamaguchi spoke in favor of integrating Belmont into the Northern Council, when asked by one of the members of the Chambre des Communes. This is the first time that any member of the government has shown willingness to join the Batavië based organization. Sources have indicated in the past that Belmont has sought to join the group but remained weary due to Nürnburg's misgivings about the organization. The Finance Minister has also said that he has scheduled talks with his Shadow counterpart to discuss the details.

The NC's aim of having one currency is contentious for Paris since the Franc has been the main unit of currency since the days of King Philippe the Great and it is expected any such attempt to make Paris give up its Franc will not be received positively. But in the new spirit of cooperation between the Opposition and the Government, there is great hope that the Government will be able to make a well informed and well thought out decision, unlike the time when we joined a certain alliance earlier this year.

At present the Foreign Office has been informed to not contact the NC and to wait for the consensus to be formed between the two power blocs.​

 

[Serenierre]

UNUSUAL MILITARY POSTURING SEEN ON BORDER WITH LORRAINE
Rangers report sightings of increased Lorrainese troops along some sections of border

Rangers of the Frontier Corps stationed along the southern border with Lorraine have reported sighting an increase in the numbers of Lorrainese border guards and have reported the matter to their superiors in Paris. Reports have alleged that the Lorrainese troops were absent for some time and reappeared unevenly along the border zone. With ties already tense, such irregularities along the border tend to frazzle the nerves of highly anxious men and women who must stare down the face of a possible foe. The Government of Belmont has asked the Frontier Corps command to handle the situation and word has been sent to the Government of Lorraine to stabilize border activity.

A similar incident was observed in 2004 when Belmontien border troops were unevenly spread out along a 25km section. The Government of Lorraine was quick to note and the situation was remedied. Along some sections of the shared border, at times, it is hard to discern where exactly one country ends and the other begins. Covered in some of the thickest forestry in Europe the area has been troublesome for many centuries for both countries.

Document leaks reveals Strategic Forces policy of mutually assured destruction still in effect
SME Bank looks to expand in Greater Sarmatia, Paris gives blessing to deal, Stary Hrodino talks planned soon
Government of Sinhai arrests ultranationalist leader, activists in Belmont call for free trial
Vangalan criminal gangs in Orleans "a serious problem", says city mayor
Fishing disputes with Breotonia continues, Paris tries to calm Fishing Unions while maintaining close links with Breotonia
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[Serenierre]

MUTUAL BASE SHARING AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH EMPIRE OF GREATER SARMATIA

The Mutual Base Sharing Agreement with the Empire of Greater Sarmatia is being hailed as a ground breaking agreement with the Empire. According to the text of the agreement, the agreement will be integrated into the Treaty of Friendship signed earlier between the two countries and would greatly increase the defense cooperation the two countries have seen since the late 1990s. The details of the agreement remain classified at present but have been explained to members of the press as allowing Belmont to have military bases in lands administered by the GSE and vice versa without incurring the maintenance costs of the said bases. Since the details of the agreement remain highly classified, we can not say anything else about it.

But, the Shadow Government, led by Mr. Rebinaud, has approved of the agreement and has stated that it is in conformity with the principles espoused by the Nationalistes of preserving national sovereignty. The Shadow Government has been shown the full agreement. Premier Martinique is expected to host a state visit from her counterpart, the Sarmatian Imperial Chancellor, in January 2011.

Parliament moves to block measures to legalize cannabis for recreational use
Youth group petitions Premier to assist less privileged students in government grants​