Nouvelles de Belmont

[Rheinbund]

Kanzleramt
Trier, Eiffelland

We look forward to welcoming Premier Matinique in Trier. There are many things to discuss, and we think that our discussions will be fruitful. We will prepare for a warm welcome.

Matthias Graf von Seydewitz, Chancellor

 

[Serenierre]

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PREMIER MARTINIQUE REPRIMANDS BOURGOGNE
"How dare you sling mud on our national honour!"

VILLESEN: Speaking earlier today in Parliament, Premier Shahrazad Martinique in her speech has criticised the Government of [MENTION=26]Bourgogne[/MENTION] for alleging that the Government of Belmont was involved in arming the rebellion in their colonial territories. Mme Martinique went on to say, "If the Burgundian Government cannot rule its 'empire' it should not assign blame on Belmont for its own failing." In further statements, the Premier reiterated her stance on foreign politics that Belmont was a nation that respected the sovereignty of nations and did not believe in meddling in internal affairs of another state. While condemning the continued existence of Burgundian imperialism, Madame Martinique said that her government "does not impose its opinions on others." The Premier's speech was received well in the parliament and a unanimous resolution was passed condemning the Burgundian government's statement. Following the failure of Premier Martinique to unite a Francophone bloc, the French nations of Gallia have been uncomfortable with each other and sources close to the Premier state that she is frustrated by the inability of the Francophone nations to band together and was shocked that the Burgundian Government would humiliate the Republic so publicly. Analysts in Villesen have pointed this as being a critical moment in Premier Martinique's foreign policy agenda, as she and her advisors mull over continuing a Francophone centric path or expanding its orientation.​

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[Thaumantica]

IT IS HEREBY DECREED BY

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THE KINGDOM OF VITHRAIS - REGNUM VITHARIUM - KONGIRIKET VITSKE
With True Christian Authority from the Vithraic Royal Order

27 AUGUST, 1954
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REGARDING the JUSTICE and ORDER of EUROPE

In the spirit of justice and European Fraternity, the Kingdom of Vithrais has so decided that it shall intervene in the dispute of Belmont and Bourgogne with the intent of finding the true perpetrators against peace and order. And while our intelligence services have pet theories as to the cause and culprits of these recent terrors, which range from the Occident to Himyar, we wish only to restore productive normalcy to the Civilized World.

The Kingdom of Vithrais hereby declares the deployment of two unarmed detective task forces, one to Belmont and one to Burgundian Peninsula Verte to sort this issue half on behalf of the European Community. Should the diplomatic offices of either country require, I will be available as the Lord Minister of the Ministry to Foreign States to consult and coordinate investigations and if necessary peacekeeping talks should tensions rise further.

SIGNED & SEALED
With Loyalty to GOD, FOLK, & KING,
FRANKLIN P. HUMPHREYS
the Lord Minister to the Foreign States
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[Natal]

IT IS HEREBY DECREED BY
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THE COMMONWEALTH OF CAMDEN - TE HAPORI O CAMDEN​

28 August 1954
REGARDS from the CAMDENITE FOLK AND GOVERNMENT

Colonialism is a grave problem which festers in the western Gallo-Germanian nations. This comes from the fact that the leaders of those so called nations prefer to intervene in the internal administrative affairs of the peoples that didn't yet have the chance to put their mark in the world history. The peoples of Himyar are the worst victims of such disgusting enterprises and for that, Camden officially condemns Asylan, Ivernia and Bourgogne for their colonial possessions in Himyar. The whole rhetoric of savages being civilized and heathens being Christened is just propaganda which tries to hide the truth, being the exploitation of the native peoples, going sometimes even for their destruction.

We must also state that accusations regarding Belmontien so called violations of the Burgundian internal and colonial affairs are very serious and have the potency to literally destroy the diplomatic renown or either Belmont or Bourgogne. We declare that we will stand by the side of the Belmontien Republic and believe that such desperate measures by the Burgundian government to save its collapsing colonial enterprises are outright pathetic as not only puts the duchy in a bad light but it also presents them as a retrograde regime that can't understand that the wind of change from Himyar is sweeping the old world order.

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SIGNED AND SEALED
With Loyalty to God and Folk
The Honorable Bradley Ross
Minister of Foreign Affairs
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GOVERNMENT OF BELMONT Ministry of Foreign Affairs

RE: The Burgundian allegations The Government of Belmont welcomes the stance being adopted by the Governments of [MENTION=2]Vithrais[/MENTION] and [MENTION=7]Camden[/MENTION] in condemning the unwarranted allegations issued by the Military of [MENTION=26]Bourgogne[/MENTION]. Furthermore, we are eager to assist the Vithrais detective taskforce and as such shall encourage them to get in touch with the National Bureau of Security. However, it would be prudent to inform the Embassy of Belmont in Waldyth as to the composition of this taskforce and the names of individuals assigned to oversee the matter, so as to better provide for them during their stay in Belmont.​ 33-009-664B-XX1-03031-B PUBLIC ​

 

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TALKS WITH TWENTE BREAK DOWN
Diplomatic efforts to extradite corrupt politician fail

VILLESEN: During the explosive collapse of the previous government, following an incredible corruption scandal, the Foreign Minister of the time escaped to Twente, citing a pilgrimage, and escaped justice. Following the election of the current Martinique government, there have been extensive efforts to extradite Pierre Plantard back to Belmont to face a judicial inquiry on the issue of corruption. However, these talks between the Governments of Belmont and [MENTION=8]Twente[/MENTION] have failed, leading to a serious downgrading of ties between the two countries. Twente has historically enjoyed a close relationship with Belmont due to religious ties, but recently these have started to fray as that country has used its influence to meddle in the domestic politics of the Republic, through the creation of the Christian Democrats, who openly court the Archbishop of Villesen as their spiritual leader. The breakdown of these talks was welcomed in Villesen with quiet disapproval. Premier Martinique stated that she hoped that the Twentish Government would realise that Mr. Plantard was hiding behind the sanctity of the pilgrimage and was not a true devotee. The Ambassador of Belmont to Twente has been recalled to Villesen for consultation with the Foreign Minister. The Province of Hallenburg, where the minority Germanic Protestant community is found, protested outside the Cathedral of Halsburg (Twentish allegiance) and had to be disbursed by the city police. The Christian Democrats have condemned the incident in Hallenburg as leading to sectarianism but remained quiet on the breakdown. The Nationalists have said that negotiations should continue and the prime connection of Belmont with its spiritual leaders in Twente must not be broken due to the Plantard issue.​

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[Holy Frankish Empire]

Office of the Consulate

While we are deeply aware of the grave situation developing, we note that at no point accused Belmont as a nation nor its government in supplying arms to rebels. Their location of manufacture appears to be from Belmont. We are currently investigating but are more focused on defeated rebels who would hijack the nation. We welcome these offered investigators but do wish to remind any assistance that we are primarily concerned at the moment with the rebels. You, as representative leaders of your people, are surely aware of the long planned 1960 initiative. Of course you are aware of the planned independence and elections set for the Green Peninsula in 1960. These communist rebels are a threat to the democratic future of the peoples and colonists of our current colony. Therefore we are most concerned with certain rhetoric being presented. We again must reiterate that at no point has our government accused Belmont of any nefarious plot.

 

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ISE LAUNCHES DARING OPERATION IN TWENTE!
Agents recover PLANTARD by force from "pilgrimage"

VILLESEN: Early this morning, press officers assigned to the Ministry of the Interior were informed by the Undersecretary to the Minister that the ISE had, over the night, launched an operation to recover former Foreign Minister Pierre Plantard from [MENTION=8]Twente[/MENTION] to face a criminal inquiry into the corruption scandal which brought down the previous government. The Undersecretary informed the press that the operation was authorised by Premier Martinique, following consultation with her coalition partners. At the time of the press conference, the operation had been successfully concluded and Mr. Plantard was in Belmontien "protective custody" awaiting official extradition, at which point he would be officially arrested for absconding and subverting the process of justice. It was said that during the raid on the pilgrimage trail, there were some "unfortunate happenings" but no light was shed on the nature on these events. Relations between Belmont and Twente are bound to suffer following this as the operation by Belmont's premier intelligence agency, the ISE, has violated Twente's sovereignty and the sacred rite of pilgrimage. The breach of sovereignty is a serious issue and will most probably be a point of concern to the international community. Legal advisors for the government have prepared briefs for the government justifying the legal grounds for the operation and have been released to the press and members of the international community. The Government of Belmont maintains that the rite of pilgrimage remains sacred, however it was firm in its belief that Mr. Plantard was not exercising that religious rite but rather hiding from facing up to the crimes he had committed. The brief goes on to state that the raid was conducted only when attempts to negotiate an extradition with the Twentish Government failed. Within Belmont, the Christian Democrats are bound to be incensed by the operation as it has also violated Belmontien law which recognizes the sanctity of the rite of pilgrimage. They are expected to raise the issue in Parliament. Their coalition partners, the Nationalists, have remained silent on the issue. But members of the civil society have welcomed the move and seek a wider inquiry into the corruption of the previous government.​

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[Karolnia]

LITTOVALTION OSAVALTIO TEHTY KARJOLNA
Laitos Ulkopuoli - Department of the Exterior

To the attention of the Republic of Belmont,

This "daring" operation is nothing more than a cowardly affront to the sovereignty and law of the Archbishopric of Twente. While we usually do not position ourselves in foreign affairs we feel that we should adress such a dangerous and agressive move. Today it is Twente, tomorrow it may be Karolnia. We shall consider this in our future talks about cooperation in the North Karolnian Oil Fields, as it raises an important concern about the true nature of the "honesty" and "diplomacy" employed by Belmont when it doesn't get what it wants immediately.

Most sincerely yours,
Edvard Heikkinen - Secretary of the Exterior

- By Order of His Excellency, the Right Honourable Fredrik Salonen, Keeper of Unity and Marshall of the Federal State of Karolnia -

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[Natal]

IT IS HEREBY DECREED BY

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THE COMMONWEALTH OF CAMDEN - TE HAPORI O CAMDEN
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2 September 1954
REGARDS from the CAMDENITE FOLK AND GOVERNMENT

The Folk of Camden watches horrified as this complex scandal ensues in the old world. For this whole problem to be understood, each event must be analysed objectively and understood. The Archbishopric of Twente has given asylum to an ex member of the Belmontien government who was accused of corruption, hiding him behind the excuse of an extended pilgrimage. On the other hand, the extradition request from Belmont was rejected by the Archbishopric. While we understand the need of the Belmontien government to catch someone who can be called a menace for the Belmontien people, but it must also be understood that there is no tolerance to the violation of the sovereignty of foreign nation states and folks.

To try to mend the current crisis, the Commonwealth of Camden wishes to create a platform of dialogue between Twente and Belmont and to offer the two sides with an investigative commission that will provide the world with an objective point of view regarding the whole problem and also with a commission to mediate the relations between the two nations. We hope that peace and friendship can reign in the Old World and that we can lend a hand for it.

SIGNED AND SEALED

With Loyalty to God and Folk​

The Honorable Bradley Ross​

Minister of Foreign Affairs​

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PARLIAMENT STANDS UNITED WITH PREMIER
Resolution passed commending Premier Martinique's tough stance on Plantard

VILLESEN: While the world may be reeling with the effects of the Plantard operation, the Belmontien Parliament has passed a resolution in support of the Premier and her decision to apprehend the absconded former Foreign Minister. The resolution in favour of the Government was tabled by the Leader of the Opposition and passed unanimously. Upon its passage, Premier Martinique thanked the House for its support and said: "The stance of my government remains to be tough on corruption." The general atmosphere of unity in the Parliament currently was also used by the Premier to announce her intention of seeking to normalise relations with [MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION], saying, "The state of our bilateral relationship has been severely neglected during the previous government. Let the corridors of power hear it clearly in Aldersburgh... in me you have someone who will listen... in me you have someone who will rectify the wrongs of the past... in me... you have a partner!" Additional speeches revealed elements of the Premier's nascent foreign policy, she spoke of her intention to court the governments of [MENTION=2]Vithrais[/MENTION] and [MENTION=7]Camden[/MENTION] in the wider world, while consolidating ties with [MENTION=18]Eiffelland[/MENTION], [MENTION=1681]Tiburtina[/MENTION], [MENTION=1717]Ostria[/MENTION]. Outside the Parliament, following the passage of the resolution, members of the Christian Democratic Party protested against the breach of Twentish sovereignty by agents belonging to Belmontien intelligence operatives. Hardline Catholics have been divided in opinion on the issue, while some German nationalists from Hallenburg Province have joined forces with the Christian Democrats (a primarily Francophone and Catholic organisation) to condemn the Martinique government. The Archbishop of Villesen has allegedly retreated into seclusion to "mourn the tyranny which resulted in an attack on the Covenant."​

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[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We seriously doubt whether it was justified to take Mr. Plantard out of Twente in this way. Was this man really a threat to Belmont that he had to be neutralised? How severe were the charges against him to justify the violation of Twente's sovereignty? Was this really the only way?

In any case, Belmont has to take the signals from the international community seriously. It cannot wrap itself in complacency after this action. The sovereignty of Twente was violated in a severe way; a civilised country cannot do so without a very good reason. Belmont's reputation in the world has been damaged seriously; it is crucial that the Government of Belmont explains the rationale behind this action in a more elaborate way than it has done up to now.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

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PREMIER MARTINIQUE SEEKS RESET WITH BOURGOGNE
"Through the doors of diplomacy, let us bridge the gap of trust"

VILLESEN: At a press conference today, Premier Martinique informed reporters that despite recent tensions with [MENTION=26]Bourgogne[/MENTION], her Government was not irrational and was not seeking to allow a situation to fester where two neighbours continue to view each other with mistrust and fail to utilize opportunities to work together. "I admit that our past has been troublesome, but that doesn't really mean that things must remain as they are," she said when asked about the tense relationship between the two countries during the former MD Party Government, which was opposed to the return of the Grand Duke. Some insiders are however suggesting that the sudden magnanimity is being shown by Villesen to endear itself with the Eiffellanders, with whom Belmont is seeking to enhance trade relations. But the Premier quashed such assertions by saying that "We do not mix economic matters with political matters... if anyone else does that, that is not our problem." It is said that the Government of Belmont is on the verge of a highly lucrative trade deal with the Kingdoms of [MENTION=18]Eiffelland[/MENTION] and [MENTION=1681]Tiburtina[/MENTION], which would go a long way in buoying up the economies of the three countries, which are collectively the largest economies in Gallo-Germania IN OTHER NEWS: Hallenburg Culture Festival commences, Premier Martinique to attend Coast Guards seize vessel carrying drugs, 13 arrested, 3 killed Corruption trial of former ministers begins, international observers invited Agricultural exports to Eiffelland set to grow, sources ​

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[Serenierre]

govt. Issues apology to [MENTION=8]Twente[/MENTION]
apology issued to twentish government over plantard operation

fishing community threatens to take [MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION] to court
ivernian government not addressing concerns of unfair fishing practices of their vessels

parliamentary committee to investigate corruption of previous govt
25 million recovered already through seized assets

hallenburg cultural festival unites nation
germanic culture in belmont celebrated

nouvelles de belmont • 1954

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We welcome the wise words of Premier Martinique regarding the relations between Belmont and Bourgogne. Bourgogne and Belmont share a common Gallian history. It is better if both governments look at the many things they have in common than at the things they differ in. Premier Martinique made a positive move towards Bourgogne.

We also welcome the apologies the Belmontien government has made towards Twente. We express our hope that also the relations between Belmont and Twente will improve.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

The Burgundian government welcomes any envoy that Belmont wishes to send to Chagny.

 

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COERLOIS GOVT SET TO OWN BSME
The largest bank in Belmont might become a foreign government's property

MONSERANS: The economic hub of Belmont woke to the news that the Societe General Courleon (SGC), a holdings company owned by the Royal Family of [MENTION=1698]Coeurleon[/MENTION], was about to be taken over by the Government of Courleon, which would then place the largest bank of the country, Banque San Marie-Erique into the hands of a foreign government. The SGC, earlier this year, acquired 60% of the shares of the bank for 200 billion Francs. The BSME, since its controversial sale to the SGC, has been dogged by rumours of unnecessary meddling from the new owners which has made workers nervous, as layoffs and budget cuts are rumoured to be in the pipeline. Further, it is thought that the SGC may divide the bank's operations and reorganise the assets of the bank in such a manner that would place a majority in non-Belmontien hands. The uncertainty regarding the BSME has been a very negative factor for the share price of the institution that has long been regarded as a solid bet on the Monserans Stock Exchange (MSE). Over the past six months, the rumours have led to a drop in share price by several dozen points. It is likely that if the Coerlois Government goes through with its plan of taking over the SGC, the issue of BSME's foreign ownership would become a highly political issue, which would fan the flames of xenophobia already fanned by some extremist fringe political groups. The Independent Commission for the Investigation on Misuse of Public Funds, set up by Premier Martinique, has been urged to investigate claims made by some that the sale of the bank to SGC occurred when members of the previous Mouvement Democratie government were provided with financial awards to facilitate the sale to the Couerlois holding company. It is alleged that former Minister Plantard was a key player in this arrangement and following his arrest from Twente in a daring operation conducted by the ISE, further truths shall emerge about the corruption of the previous government. IN OTHER NEWS: Delegation to visit [MENTION=26]Bourgogne[/MENTION] to build better ties, Foreign Office Premier: "Regional cultures are an asset to our shared heritage" National Conservative Alliance looks to challenge Govt. in Parliament over [MENTION=8]Twente[/MENTION] raid Economic ties with Gallo-Germania a priority, Trade Minister ​

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REVUE NOUVELLES 28éme Septembre 1954 ⧫ Edition Internationale VOLUME XXXIV 0.5 LIVRE - CALONAIS PRINTERS

BSME SALE REVEALS EXTENT OF MD GOVERNMENT'S CORRUPTION
Corruption trial allegations send shivers down market, BSME stocks suffer, while other banks prosper

Earlier this year, Banque San-Marie-Erique, a national institution of great repute, was essentially sold to the Societe Generale Coeurleon (SGC) for the sum of 200 billion francs, when that holdings company acquired a majority stake of 60% in the bank. It occurred very quietly, without much public attention going its way, as the press at the time was obsessed with the emerging details of the corruption scandals that shook and eventually toppled the government of Claude Millerand. At the time, the previous owners of the BSME, the Reverierre Grouppe, had stated that owing to their own financial difficulties, they were having to sell off assets to meet outstanding debts. On the surface, the entire deal seemed to be clear cut. The parent company of the BSME was running into debts and sold their biggest asset to cover those debts.

But, in the proceedings of former minister Bertrand Xavier's trial, he being the minister whose arrest started the entire chain of events which led to the discovery of the massive corruption in the Mouvement Democratie government of Claude Millerand, the disgraced minister during his testimony implicated former foreign minister Pierre Plantard for arranging the sale of BSME by exerting pressure on the Reverierre Grouppe to sell the bank when approached by certain parties. While giving testimony, Mr. Xavier said that he was aware that the SGC had been one of several parties vying for a stake in the Belmontien bank and that he believed their bid was so successful and their takeover so swift due to them having paid off the Foreign Minister, who used his political clout within the party to get the appropriate approvals. Mr. Xavier, further said that, the Government of [MENTION=1698]Coeurleon[/MENTION] was directly a part of the deal between Mr. Plantard in seeking to buy the Belmontien bank.

While there is no proof to ascertain whether these allegations are true, one can only wonder why, if he was innocent, did Mr Plantard use the ruse of pilgrimage to hide from the Belmontien authorities. And a reasonable person can be forgiven for thinking that Mr Plantard was indeed fleeing to escape his connection in this BSME affair from being found out. The Independent Commission for Investigating Corruption Allegations (ICICA) has stated that they had been provided evidence by the lawyers of former ministers, Xavier, Mattias, and Sant-Pierre where different documents were provided containing a number of important documents supporting their story.

The legal team of Pierre Plantard, the minister who was forcibly captured in Twente by members of the Belmontien intelligence community, have stated that all allegations against him are based on untruths. As foreign minister, the statement said, Mr. Plantard was not involved in the financial matters of the government. Although as Foreign Minister, it is to be noted, Mr. Plantard was said to have a close working relationship with his counterparts in Merteuil and was a personal friend of the Ambassador of Coeurleon in Villesen.

Former Premier Claude Millerand, who has remained clear of any corruption allegations and remains as one of just 3 members of the MD in the national parliament, when approached by the press has stated that he was unaware of the scope of corruption in his cabinet and apologized to the people of Belmont for failing to prevent such gross abuse of power. Sources close to the former premier have said that he has become withdrawn from public matters and is hardly seen in Villesen, preferring instead to work in his constituency, where he remains a popular figure.​

CONFERENCE OF CHIEF MINISTERS CALLED BY PREMIER
Annual meeting between Premier and provincial Chief Ministers called earlier

DELEGATION ARRIVES IN BOURGOGNE
Diplomatic efforts charge ahead, under Eiffellander blessings, to normalise ties
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A FRESH START IN GALLIA
Bourgogne & Belmont sign Memorandum of Understanding

VILLESEN: The Government Spokesman has announced that the talks which had been conducted in [MENTION=26]Bourgogne[/MENTION] over the past few days had been successfully concluded with the two governments signing a memorandum of understanding, aimed at creating a positive atmosphere between the two Gallic states. The news comes wrapped with announcement that Belmont, Eifelland and Tiburtina have signed the Trier Concord, a treaty aimed at expanding the scope of trade between the three countries, which is set to greatly enhance the economies of the three parties. Both announcements have been hailed as major victories for the nascent Martinique administration, which had inherited a government plagued by inaction due to the corruption scandal which toppled the Millerand government. However, there is displeasure in certain conservative quarters since it is rumoured that the MoU with the Burgundians was orchestrated due to direct pressure being exerted by Trier, with alleged threats being issued that the Trier Concord would not go through if the Belmontiens did not normalise ties with their western neighbour. This allegation has been countered by statements issued by the government spokesmen from both Eiffelland and Belmont. But the National Conservative Alliance - the opposition coalition - has stated that they were deeply uncomfortable with an agreement which had been made through coercion. The NCA criticised the Kingdom of Eiffelland for their tactics and declared that these were not sound foreign policy decisions. The ruling Liberal Coalition stated that the NCA was being paranoid. The two sides traded barbs in the Parliament, leading the Speaker to ask the select committee for foreign affairs to investigate the matter. IN OTHER NEWS: Fall of Imperial Yujin! Plaid Daric MPs invited to Chateau de l'Republic by President Auguste Fishing dispute with [MENTION=1187]Ivernia[/MENTION] must be resolved, says Premier Monserans Stock Exchange surges due to Trier Concord ​

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[Tir Daraigh]

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IVERNISH FISHING VESSEL SEIZED
Darique Fishermen Arrested Off Sinnelle Isle

The Belmontien-Ivernish fishing dispute was made much more complex today when a fishing vessel flying the Ivernish flag was seized by a coastal patrol vessel off the coast of Sinnelle Isle, Tirderre. The vessel was interdicted and boarded by coastal patrol under suspicion of operating within Belmont's exclusive economic zone, an action which disrupts the prosperity of local fishermen. The crew of the coastal patrol vessel was, however, surprised to discover that the crew of the Ivernish flagged vessel were Belmontien citizens, Darique residents of Sinnelle Isle. The Darique crew were arrested, though the captain of the fishing vessel, Aedan Finley, stated that it was Belmontien fishers who were unwelcome off the coast of Sinnelle Isle before being whisked away to jail. A small gathering of protesters amassed outside of the local police prefecture calling for the release of the fishermen. The local police commissioner announced that an investigation would be launched but, thus far, no charges had been pressed against the fishermen. IN OTHER NEWS: Far East markets disrupted by renewed Yujin instability. Storms hit Belmontien coast, expect to continue to weekend. Police suspect series of murders in Risdelle may be related. ​

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