Nova Srbja Today

[Novo Srbja]

NOVA SRBJA MARKS CIVIL WAR ANNIVERSARY

BANJA LUKA, NOVA SRBJA - Nova Srbjans have marked the 10th anniversary of the outbreak of the civil war in the small rural country, in memory of the tens of thousands who died during the brutal conflict. A long, complex, and ugly conflict that ravaged over the citizens of Nova Srbja for almost a decade. People laid flowers at the spot in the Capital City of Banja Luka where some of the first victims were killed and at the graves of friends and family who died in the almost ten years of fighting. "My memories are bad. It was a time of aggression when many innocent people lost their lives here," said a woman, putting flowers at a friend's grave in a Banja Luka ceremony. Nova Srbja's war, which brought the worst atrocities the region had ever seen, began 10 years ago. It has been over for more 5 months, in which time the country has been more peaceful that even the optimists dared hope. Yet it continues to haunt the blighted country – as a constant excuse for dysfunction, as a bitter memory, a psychic scar and a malaise. At the anniversary of the conflict the armistice between warring factions and peace settlement still holds, but there is little else to celebrate.

Nova Srbja is more divided now than one decade ago. Intermarriage between the three principal political groups – Nationalists, Centrists and Communists – is far less common that it was before the war, and children in Nova Srbja's three autonomous provinces, are now growing up with minimal contact with each other. One of the dwindling number of exceptions, President Filip Vlahovic, a former army general who defied the sectarian logic at the beginning of the conflict to lead the defence of Banja Luka against separatist militias, summed up the prevailing mood. "The hate is worse now than it was just after the war. It's not getting better. It's getting worse," he said despondently.

A few weeks ago, the parliament of Nova Srbja decreed that all soldiers over 35 on all three sides of the war should be pensioned off, but failed to pay them their pensions because squabbles over which political group should control the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security. "Who better than those who were in the trenches, the people who were shooting each other, to lead the way?" said a former Communist sergeant who fought in a besieged enclave during the war, and who led a fundraising drive for the Communist veterans. "If we can do it, why not students, why not governments? And no one can accuse us of disloyalty. No one has more right to do this than the warriors." he added. The economic costs of division in three autonomous provinces are even higher. To give just one example, Nova Srbja cannot export fruit and vegetables to the foreign countries without a national food standards agency, but the Nationalist leadership have obstructed its creation, insisting on three entity-based agencies.

There were few official commemorations of the anniversary but artists organised a day of events, including theatre performances and photo exhibitions in the Capital City to remember what people endured during the city's siege. The scars of war can still be seen in Nova Srbja. The economy remains in disarray, and many have argued that only President Filip Vlahovic has kept the country stitched together after such a long and violent conflict. To this day there remains debate even over the origins of the conflict.

 

[Novo Srbja]

"NOVA SRBJA, A BROKEN COUNTRY" PRESIDENT VLAHOVIC EXHORTS PARLIAMENT TO TAKE ACTION.

BANJA LUKA, NOVA SRBJA - Ten years after the war started, the guns in Nova Srbja are silent but the promise of peace has not been redeemed and the country remains the poorest in the continent. One in 25 families lives above the poverty line. Half the population is unemployed, and those who do have jobs earn an average of 90 Dinars a month, about half of what it takes to feed a family of four. Nova Srbja's future has become so bleak that a recent census found that the country's population has dropped 24% over the last decade.

The National Parliament of the Republic of Nova Srbja has the authority to administer the country, but it rarely takes unilateral action, preferring to work in concert with all the three political parties involved. Unfortunately, most of Nova Srbja's leaders are the same politicians who supported the war and continue to profit from political chaos. Nearly all of Nova Srbja's municipalities are fiefdoms in which politicians, backed by criminal gangs, corrupt judges and lethargic police, have frustrated refugee resettlement, prevented banking reforms and largely halted privatization. "Nova Srbjan crime cartels won't be eradicated until you have the rule of law, trust of the government, an independent judiciary and uncorrupt officials," says President Vlahovic "The crime cartels in this country are not simply crimal organizations. It's the banks, the government and all the layers of society that benefit from corruption." What makes Nova Srbja different from other countries is that its corruption is based on institutionalized political sectarianism. Rubble still covers more than 40% of the Capital City because Nationalist-controlled West Banja Luka refuses to form a unified municipal government with Centrists in the eastern part of the city. Despite constant pressure from the Office the President, efforts to integrate the police and fire departments have failed.

In an effort to reduce political tension, the Office of the President ordered that all offensive words in school textbooks be blacked out. Marked for elimination were the words "grand Communist aggressors" that appeared beneath the picture of an injured civilian. But instead of using black markers, many teachers in West Banja Luka's elementary schools highlighted the words in yellow. "Nova Srbja could be prosperous if its people set their differences aside and joined efforts for a common future," says President Vlahovic in an interview with Nova Srbja Today "But politicians prefer this netherworld existence because they profit from an economy based on black-market liquor, cigarettes and stolen sedans. How long will this peace last?" he added.

 

[Novo Srbja]

NIS, A DESERTED VILLAGE AND AN UNPUNISHED WAR CRIME

NIS, NOVA SRBJA - In the centre of the small village of Nis, still shrouded in the mist of a cold morning, an elderly man points at the ruined homes. “People from all these houses that you see were killed by shelling during the civil war. An entire family from Nis was murdered,” the man said. Only two people now live in Nis, a ghost settlement in south-eastern Nova Srbja. One is Ivan, the other his wife Ludmila. Their neighbours were either killed in the village or escaped from it at the beginning of the civil war in Nova Srbja. Nis is one of the many small villages nestled among south-eastern Nova Srbja's mountain ranges, some 10 kilometres south of the capital city of Banja Luka. Before the war, Nis was populated by citizens affiliated with the Srbjan Communist Party, while the residents of neighbouring villages were supporters of the Srbjan National Front.

Nis is hard to get to even during summer, while in winter it is almost completely cut off from the rest of the world. Nova Srbja Today reporting team arrived there this morning, after a long drive up a narrow dirt track which offered breathtaking views of the mountains. The village looks frozen in time, just as it was left after a devastating attack by Nationalist forces one decade ago. Most of the houses remain as they were, burnt-out or smashed by shellfire. Ivan's home is among the few that have been rebuilt. “The sad thing is that no one has ever been tried for these crimes,” Ivan said. “We know who killed those people and the perpetrators are still free. The prosecution has all the information, but nothing is being done about it.” The state prosecutor’s office told Nova Srbja Today it was aware of the case and was investigating war crimes against committed in the area. But since the investigation was still under way, it could not provide further information.

“We have been submitting requests for a proper road to be built, but nothing has come of it. The power supply is really poor as well,” said Ludmila. “The municipal authorities keep promising to do something, but nothing ever happens. Just look at all the divisions at the highest levels of government in Nova Srbja, and then try to imagine how that impacts on people like us living in rural areas. Every one is playing on political tensions. People are like sheep – where one goes, others follow,” she added. Looking around at the ruined village enveloped in thick fog, Ivan sighed and said, “We’re at least a hundred years behind the rest of the world.”. President Filip Vlahovic exhorted the coalition government to provide move funds for post-war reconstrunction, and warned that any form of political discrimination will be persecuted by the judiciary. Despite his recent call for unity and reciprocal respect between the three main political factions, the country is far from recovering from the deep social and political wounds caused by the civil war.

 

[Novo Srbja]

BANJA LUKA BOMB KILLS PRIME MINISTER DAMJAN STOJANOVIC

BANJA LUKA, NOVA SRBJA - Nova Srbjan Prime Minister Damjan Stojanovic, recently nominated by President Vlahovic as head of the federal government, was killed in a massive bomb blast this morning in Banja Luka. The attack in Banja Luka killed five other people and threw Nova Srbja, which has only recently seen peace after a 10 years civil war, into further turmoil. "This is a terrible loss for Nova Srbja and its people. This attack against the second most important institution of Nova Srbja will not go unpunished. I exhort the Federal Gendarmerie to secure the perpetrators to justice as soon as possible.". The federal parliament of Nova Srbja condemned the bomb attack and expressed its "unequivocal condemnation of any attempt to destabilize Nova Srbja through political assassinations". The explosion destroyed Sojanovic's car, turning it into a heap of twisted metal, and injured another 71 people. It took place not far from the city's center.

Prime Minister Stojanovic, a former aid worker who openly condemned and criticized political sectarianism in the small country, was choosen by President Vlahovic for his neutral stance "and his genuine efforts for the reconciliation between the people of Nova Srbja" said the President. The attack is expected to exhacerbate the political tensions between the three political faction, and analysts argue that this event might aswell put in severe danger the fagile peace reached upon a trilateral agreement 5 months ago. The Federal Gendarmerie stated that "investigation is still ongoing and that no suspects have been identified yet". President Filip Vlahovic declared three days of mourning to pay homage and respect to PM Stojanovic, described as "A true man of peace". Mr Vlahovic has been nominated Interim Prime Minister of Nova Srbja.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

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National Committee for Justice and the Rejuvenation of Socialism
Office of the People's Commissariat for External Affairs​

We hereby wholeheartedly offer our condolences to our Slavic brothers of Nova Srbja, most deeply to the friends and families of the Prime Minister and the five innocent civilians. Meanwhile we remain hopeful, knowing the enormous strength of the Srb people, that the nation of Nova Srbja will eventually overcome this era of instability and grow even stronger as a unified people. Furthermore the nation of Kadikistan hopes to be able to craft better relations between both our fine country's, both economically, politically and culturally.

Signed,
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Novo Srbja]

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National Committee for Justice and the Rejuvenation of Socialism
Office of the People's Commissariat for External Affairs​

We hereby wholeheartedly offer our condolences to our Slavic brothers of Nova Srbja, most deeply to the friends and families of the Prime Minister and the five innocent civilians. Meanwhile we remain hopeful, knowing the enormous strength of the Srb people, that the nation of Nova Srbja will eventually overcome this era of instability and grow even stronger as a unified people. Furthermore the nation of Kadikistan hopes to be able to craft better relations between both our fine country's, both economically, politically and culturally.

Signed,
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

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OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NOVA SRBJA

​

On behalf of the people of Nova Srbja, i express gratitude for the kind words of Col. Dimitri and i will make sure the family of Mr Stojanovic will receive the condolences. Despite the deep wounds and the enormous suffering inflicted upon its people by the corrupted logic of sectarianism and fratricide hatred, the Nation of Nova Srbja, reaffirming its renewed wish to maintain peaceful and friendly diplomatic relations with the Nations of Europe, will be pleased to open diplomatic relations with the nation of Kadikistan.

Signed,
Filip Vlahovic
President of the Federal Republic of Nova Srbja

 

[Novo Srbja]

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SRBJAN PATRIOTIC ALLIANCE CLAIMS BANJA LUKA TERRORIST ATTACK

BANJA LUKA, NOVA SRBJA - The Srbjan Patriotic Alliance (a terrorist group formerly affiliated with the Srbjan National Front and gone rogue since the end of the civil war) claimed credit for the deadly attacks in the Nova Srbjan capital, Banja Luka, indicating that the targeted locations were “accurately chosen,” and threatening that the operation is the “first of the storm”. In a communique published on Nova Srbja Today, and corresponding audios, the Srbjan Patriotic Alliance reported that a bomb successfully killed Prime Minister Stojanovic in the capital city of Banja Luka, or what it called the “capital of prostitution and political obscenity” and the “carrier of the anti-patriotic banner in Europe”. It declared:

“Let Nova Srbja and those who walk in its path know that they will remain on the top of the list of targets of the Srbjan Patriotic Alliance, and that the smell of death will never leave their noses as long as they lead the convoy of reconciliation and are proud of the infamous Banja Luka Agreements, which did not help them at all in the streets of Banja Luka and its rotten alleys. This attack is the first of the storm and a warning to those who wish to learn”.

President Vlahovic released a statement on Nova Srbja, reaffirming the legitimacy of the Banja Luka peace agreements and the will of the Nova Srbjan people to finally live in peace, mutual respect, and cooperation for a future of progress and prosperity "Nova Srbja will not give in to the demands of terrorist groups. As President of the Federal Republic, i will use all my power, and all my strenght, to push the reconciliation progress and have this country stand proud among the civilized and modern nations of Europe. Nova Srbja will never surrender. Peace and freedom will prevail.". Meanwhile, Nova Srbja’s most populous city, Banja Luka, looks deserted after the deadly terrorist attack, a report says. Yesterday's explosion, which left five people dead and caused the death of Prime Minister Stojanovic, has pushed most citizens to stay in. Police forces closed the Federal Parliament square, which leads to the main avenue, to both vehicles and pedestrians in an effort to maintain security following the attack claimed by Srbjan Patriotic Alliance terrorists.

 

[Novo Srbja]

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NOVA SRBJA PARLIAMENT APPROVES AMBITIOUS REFORMS IN RARE SHOW OF UNITY

BANJA LUKA, NOVA SRBJA — Nova Srbja’s federal parliament unanimously approved an ambitious reform plan that would cut spending and eliminate senior posts, following mass protests against corruption and poor services. Lawmakers approved the plan without a debate — a dramatic departure from the heated arguments and delays that have slowed previous efforts to approve important laws. The federal government in Banja Luka faces multiple challenges amid reconstruction and reconciliation efforts. Efforts to reach isolated areas still struggling to receive supplies still continue. Todays’s development came after mass protests across Nova Srbja against corruption and poor governance, focused on frequent power outages which have made the shortage of food and drinking water even more unbearable. After the parliament approved the law, President Vlahovic congratulated Novo Srbjans in a a radio broadcast, promising “to continue in the path of the reform even if it costs me my life with the people’s support. This move will be the first and not the last to continue in the path of reform with the same spirit and without any hesitation.” he said.

The reforms dismantle parts of the top-heavy government created after the Banja Luka peace agreements. The tripartite offices were intended to give equal representation to Nova Srbjas’s three main political parties, each autonomous in the three federal autonomous provinces. The reforms also expand the powers of the President of the Republic, allowing him to sack provincial governors and heads of local councils. President Vlahovic told Nova Srbja Today that the plan will be implemented over the coming week and that further reforms are in the works. The plan would also reduce spending on officials’ personal bodyguards and transfer that responsibility to the interior and defense ministries. In addition, it calls for a review of all corruption cases by a committee of experts, with fresh trials for officials suspected of wrongdoing. It also includes economic reforms aimed at encouraging investment and tax reforms to expand revenue sources beyond the fruit and vegetables production.

Dragan Milutinovic (Srbjan Democratic Union), the Governor of the Novosad Autonomous Province in the north-west, has vehemently opposed the law and threatened to "Physically obstruct the actions of the Federal Parliament", resurrecting the sectarian political rivalries between the autonomous federal provinces and the central government of Nova Srbja. "We will defend our autonomy and our identity with all means necessary" he added.

 

[Novo Srbja]

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TENSIONS RISE IN FRAGILE NOVA SRBJA AS NOVOSAD AUTONOMOUS PROVINCE THREATENS TO SEEK INDEPENDENCE

NOVOSAD, NOVA SRBJA - Novosad Autonomous Province governor, Dragan Milutinovic (Srbjan Democratic Union), has threatened to pull out of state institutions and is pressing anew for independence from Nova Srbja, threatening to throw the fragile, federal country into political crisis once again. Analysts and observers of the region said the situation could unravel the Banja Luka accords signed 5 months ago, which ended a savage war that killed tens of thousands of people, most of them civilians. The pact divided Nova Srbja into three nominally autonomous provinces, presided over by a decentralized political system that reinforced rather than healed political and sectarian divisions.

The crisis comes at a critical time, just yesterday a bomb attack in Banja Luka resulted in the death of Prime Minister Stojanovic, creating what analysts called a potentially dangerous power vacuum. President Vlahovic stressed out that he would continue to hold the position until a new Prime Minister will be elected trought free and fair elections. President Vlahovic warned that the parliament was ignoring trouble signs in Nova Srbja, in its own backyard. “The Federal Parliament must engage, not just for the sake of Nova Srbja but because the people can’t afford to allow what happened the last time,” he said.

Nova Srbja’s security is guaranteed by 3,000 men of the Federal Gendarmerie. But Mr Vlahovic said the force was not strong enough to contain hostilities, should they erupt. Sketching a worst-case possibility, he warned that if the autonomous province of Novosad declared independence, neighboring central Banja Luka would respond by sending in troops, and eastern Istokgrad would take up arms. Novo Srbjan official said the crisis began this morning when the Federal Parliament approve a row of reforms to cut on spending and de facto limit the power and authority of autonomous provincial governments. Novo Srbjan analysts said that Governor Milutinovic had no intention of seceding, at least in the near term, and that he was using the political vacuum in Nova Srbja to cement his control over the province. Beyond the obvious threat of provoking a war, they said, secession was not an attractive option for Mr. Milutinovic, because it would inevitably lead to international isolation.

 

[Novo Srbja]

NOVOSAD'S POWER AUTHORITY CUTS POWER TO WESTERN BANJA LUKA

BANJA LUKA, NOVA SRBJA - Novosad's Power Authority cut electricity to parts of western Banja Luka province, governed by the Srbjan National Front, citing unpaid debts. Five months after the end of the civil war, tensions between Srbjan Democratic Union and Srbjan National Front provincial leaderships in the Federal Republic of Nova Srbja remain high. A spokesperson of the Istokgrad Autonomous Province in the eastern part of the country, controlled by the Srbjan Communist Party said that "The territorial militia will not hesitate to take action, should Novosad extend such measures against the people of Istokgrad".

"This night, the power supply to the central province of Banja Luka was completely halted," said the head of Novosad's Power Authority last night. President Filip Vlahovic vehemently criticised the move as politically motivated. According to analysts, Banja Luka's oil and gas reserves can guarantee a power supply for less than 72 hours. Eastern Banja Luka's residents told Nova Srbja Today by phone that electricity supplies appeared to be working as normal. But in western Banja Luka and several rural areas on the border with the Novosad Autonomous Province, hospitals and government offices have been relying on power generators.

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of External Affairs

The maintenance of peace and stability must be a top priority for all parties in Novo Srbja, and we doubt any want to see a return to the horrific violence of the civil war. The Free State is always willing to host a coming together for the purposes facilitating positive discussions based on mutual respect and a genuine desire for peace.

 

[Novo Srbja]

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FEDERAL GENDARMERIE TROOPS SURROUNDED IN NOVOSAD AS VIOLENT BRAWL ERUPTS IN BANJA LUKA'S PARLIAMENT

NOVOSAD, NOVA SRBJA - Some 350 Nova Srbja's Federal Gendarmerie troops are believed to be surrounded near the local HQ in north-eastern Novosad, as Novosad's Territorial Militia units cut off the only road linking the base to Banja-Luka held territory. The servicemen have been offered the chance to surrender and return to Banja Luka. The forces of the Territorial Militia have stormed and captured the sorrounding structures, a stronghold of the Federal Gendarmerie for communication and supply. The move comes as Banja-Luka's power supply is expected to deplete in less than 24 hours.

Meanwhile, in the Federal Parliament of Banja Luka, a brawl erupted as an MP of the Srbjan National Front physically attacked an MP of the Srbjan Democratic Union who attempted to drag out President Filip Vlahovic during a speech against the separatist aims of Novosad Autonomous Province Governor Milutinovic, who is also the de facto leader with the Srbjan Democratic Union. The security personnel in the Federal Parliament quickly restored order in the room, but the Srbjan Democratic Union announced a withdrawal from the government coalition. Srbjan Democratic Union MPs abandoned the Federal Parliament soon after that.

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against the Federal Parliament's decision to dismantle parts of the top-heavy government created after the Banja Luka peace agreements.

According to unofficial sources, elements of the Territorial Militia of the eastern province of Istokgrad, controlled by the Srbjan Communist Party, were spotted on the shared border with the Novosad Autonomous Province. In an official statement, a spokesperson of the Istokgrad provincial government stated that "Istokgrad will adopt all necessary measures to defend its territory against foreign aggression".

 

[Natal]

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Außenministerium

The People's Republic of Varinia is saddened to see the return of violence in Nova Srbja. Seeing that violence just ended in the southern republic and also looking back at our barely finished war, we understand and look very discontent at the prospective civil war that might erupt again. A war is a crime, but the war in which brother turns against brother is even worse. The world needs no more misery and destruction than it already has.

For that, the People's Republic of Varinia also proclaims it's new foreign policy, that of maintaining the status quo in Europe by promoting pacifism and making efforts to maintain the peace. The People's Republic has no ills to any other nation or people and we hope that there are others feeling the same like us. We condemn the return of violence in Novo Srbja and hope that peace and concord can return to Srbja.

Signed,
On behalf of the Folk,
Sabine Schneider
Minister of External Affairs​

 

[Novo Srbja]

PRESIDENT FILIP VLAHOVIC ADDRESSES THE NATION IN A RADIO BROADCAST

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OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NOVA SRBJA​

"The devastating loss of nearly 200.000 lives and the continued shortage of food, water and public funds have already caused unimaginable suffering upon the people of Nova Srbja. Afer a decade long fratricide war, and only five months of fragile peace, it looks like we are entering a new era marked by deteriorating relations and armed confrontation. This is not the Nova Srbja that any of us envisioned. Already, citizens and economies on either side are dramatically impacted. Our economy is fragile, our infrastructures are in disarray, our public services are inefficient, and our fight against organized crime has been proven a failure. Again, this is not the country that any of us envisioned. As the world has become more and more interconnected, we have an opportunity to advance peaceful solutions that will bring about a better future for all of us Nova Srbjans. As responsible citizens, we must ensure that differences are resolved peacefully, through dialogue and diplomacy, and with respect for both national sovereignty and the right of all human beings to live in peace.

As President of the Federal Republic, i exhort once again our Autonomous Provincial Governments to work together to ensure we do not regress into the civil war misery of the past. We call upon politicians to be bold and brave, so that our people can end the painful suffering caused by war and once again collaborate for the greater good. As Head of State, i appeal to other political leaders everywhere in the nation to open up a dialogue to create ways to resolve the issues peacefully. Conversations, not armed conflict are critical at this juncture. We all have a responsibility to work towards peace in Nova Srbja, so that people can thrive without putting their basic human rights at risk. "

Signed
Filip Vlahovic
President of the Federal Republic of Nova Srbja

 

[Novo Srbja]

NOVOSAD TERRITORIAL MILITIA

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, IS IT WAR?

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BANJA LUKA, NOVA SRBJA - Novosad's Territorial Militia artillery units stationed on the Banja Luka border started to bomb the positions of the Federal Gendarmerie of Nova Srbja last night, following the fauiled negotiation for the surrender of 350 servicemen of the Federal Gendarmerie trapped in a barrack 10 kilometers into Novosad Autonomous Province territory. The fate of the Federal Gendarmerie servicemen is unknown. Their attack comes despite President Vlahovic's appeal for peace and dialogue in Nova Srbja. Nova Srbja's Military sources report that Novosad's Territorial Militia started heavy artillery shelling against western Banja Luka, overrunning eight more villages and approaching as close as 8,3 kilometers to the Capital City. Federal Gendarmerie units are aiming to reoccupy the villages in order to create buffer zone and force Novosad's Territorial Militia to withdraw its long-range artillery pieces and lift the siege. The bombardment targeted the Federal Parliament building located to the west of the Capital City.

Novodad's Governor, Dragan Milutinovic, has reiterated several times that Novosad will not allow the Federal Government to undermine the authority of the Provincial Government, and issued an unilateral declaration of independence of the Republic of Novosad. President Vlahovic exhorted Governor Milutinovic to cease the attack immediatly to prevent another blood-shed in wartorn Nova Srbja. However, it later appeared that Novosad Territorial Militia, far from withdrawing, were resuming their advances west of Banja Luka the same time as elements of the Federal Gendarmerie moved to engage them.

 

[Natal]

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Außenministerium

​

The People's Republic of Varinia condemns the recent sparks of violence and issues an ultimatum to the regional government of the province of Novosad to retreat from Banja Luka and to return to the negotiation tables with the government of Novo Serbia, if not, they will be branded a separatist government and the People's Tribunal in Hartem will declare the Novosad Territorial Militia a terrorist organization and Dragan Milutinovic a warlord.

The sovereignty of the state must be kept at all costs, if not we are returning in the anarchist days of the middle ages when each warlord and non-state actor who had enough money could create an army and wreak havoc, not caring of the laws that keep civilization together. The factions which are taking arms in Nova Srbja must understand that they really must represent the people under their authority, not only use this as a political slogan and really understand that the people living in their territories are dependent and need a responsible governance. We haven't seen that in Nova Srbja and the events are showing us that it may degenerate even more.

To conclude, we repeat the issuing of an ultimatum to Dragan Milutinovic and the regional government of Novosad to end the violence and return to the negotiations table, if not, they will be branded terrorists and Novosad will be declared a rogue regime.

Signed,
on behalf of the Folk,
Sabine Schneider
Minister of External Affairs

 

[Novo Srbja]

180,000 TRAPPED IN SIEGED BANJA LUKA AS SELF-PROCLAIMED NOVOSAD REPUBLIC'S FORCES REJECT VARINIA'S ULTIMATUM

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Servicemen of the Federal Gendarmerie of Nova Srbja in sieged Banja Luka

BANJA LUKA, NOVA SRBJA - As the military forces of the self-proclaimed Republic of Novosad continue the siege of Banja Luka, the people of the once cosmopolitan city have exhausted much of their anger. Now, amid their pain and privations, they seem mostly resigned and astonished - resigned that their city, and their country, seems destined for destruction, astonished that the Federal Government let it happen. Banja Luka is enduring a siege of medieval barbarism mounted by an enemy possessed by nationalist hatreds that most people thought had died with end of the first civil war. From the hills surrounding this old city, capital of the Federal Republic of Nova Srbja, Novosad's artillery guns and tanks have pounded the city, sparing neither hospitals nor homes, neither museums nor theaters nor schools. In a few hours, the civic treasures accumulated over five centuries (the few that survived the fury of the first Nova Srbjan civil war) have been destroyed.

In Banja Luka, where aerial bombing by Novosad's forces has been limited to attacks on the radio transmission tower, most buildings stand intact, but there is hardly one of them that has not been punctured by heavy weapons, and many of the interiors have been gutted by incendiary shells. If the attackers have singled out anything, it has been civilians. Novosad's nationalists have made war in the name of a myth - that Novosad's survival, and that of their political party, the Srbjan Democratic Union, is at mortal risk from federal authorities, and that Novosad will not be safe until the territory they control has been "politically cleansed.".

For 180,000 Banja Lukans, the siege means living with sudden death every hour of every day. Children climbing a cherry tree in an orchard are blasted to oblivion by a tank shell. A young mother falls to the sidewalk, mortally wounded by a sniper, her baby cast from her arms with a leg so severely injured that doctors have to amputate. Mourners grieving over fresh graves in public parks scatter in panic, some falling dead themselves, as Novosad's forces fire on them with antiaircraft shells and mortars. That this is a city where people's first instinct in a period of distress is to pull together is felt in basement bunkers, in hospital wards, on street corners where people pause to get their breath before dashing head-down across intersections turned into death traps by Novosad's snipers. Daily, people rush to the aid of others struck by snipers or mortars even as the firing continues. People with little food of their own share it with families that have none.

Sniper fire is so accurate that surgeons have detected the "personal signature" of individual gunmen in the wounds they inflict - some favoring shots to the head, others to the heart. In their terror, Banja Lukans have developed a code of survival: walk close to buildings on the north side of the street, which provide some protection from heavy guns concentrated on hillsides to the north of the city; don't linger on streets running clear to the hills. All of this would be tolerable, many say, if they knew it would end with the city surviving the siege. But as ammunition stocks dwindle, many fear that the end will come with Novosad's forces overrunning the defenders and engaging in a round of merciless killing.

 

[Kadikistani Union]

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National Committee for Justice and the Rejuvenation of Socialism
Office of the People's Commissariat for External Affairs​

The Democratic Republic of Kadikistan is deeply concerned about the increasingly violent situation in Novo Serbja. We will monitor the situation closely and urge all parties involved in the conflict to return to the negotiation table and spare as many lives a possible. Our brothers in Novo Serbja must know that we will do anything within our power to assist in finding a durable solution for the conflict.

We also applaud the Varinian People's Government for their efforts towards peace in Novo Serbja and assure them of our full support in this matter.

Signed,
Col. Dimitri Leninov
People's Commissar for External Affairs
Democratic Republic of Kadikistan

 

[Novo Srbja]

PRESIDENT VLAHOVIC INJURED IN ATTACK ON GOVERNMENT COMPOUND

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BANJA LUKA, NOVA SRBJA - The president of Federal Republic of Nova Srbja has been hurt in an attack on in his compound in Banja Luka as fighting continues between the Federal Government and armed separatists of the self-proclaimed Republic of Novosad. In an official communique hours later, President Vlahovic said he was well and blamed Novosad's military for the attack "I salute our Federal Gendarmerie for standing up firmly to confront this challenge by an outlaw gang that has nothing to do with the so-called identity of the Novosad Autonomous Province," he said. The speaker of parliament was hurt aswell, and seven people killed. Earlier troops of the Federal Gendarmerie of Nova Serbja returned fire and shelled the entrenched positions of separatist forces on the northern hills of the city.

Thousands meanwhile attended a funeral for 50 people killed in the collapse of a residential building in Western Banja Luka. The city's Fire Brigade tols Nova Srbja Today that the building collapsed after the fragmentation of an artillery shell. In the southern side of the city, at least three members of the security forces and two civilians were killed in clashes with elements of the separatist forces, in a failed attempt to break the encirclement, officials and doctors said. More than 100 people have been killed since the conflict started last week, but at least 60 of them have died in the past 24 hours. “This ferocious bloodshed is a war of extermination,” said a doctor in last running hospital of Banja Luka, who was wounded earlier today presumably by a separatist sniper. “Everything is a target, whether human or tree or rock. Everything is being exterminated.. and the international community is not reacting. They all see and hear, but they will not answer, and they cannot stop this massacre. Banja Luka will be our grave.” he added.

 

[Novo Srbja]

MARKET MASSACRE IN BANJA LUKA

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BANJA LUKA, NOVA SRBJA - A mortar bomb has exploded in the main market square in Banja Luka killing 78 and wounding 150 people. It is the worst single atrocity in the conflict between the Federal Government and Novosad's separatists. Federal Gendarmerie officials are examining the crater left by the bomb to determine where it came from, but it is widely believed the separatist forces besieging the city launched it. The single shell landed on a stall in the packed open-air market just before noon leaving civilians and Federal Gendarmerie troops dead and injured.

"Some people were literally torn apart. Heads and limbs were ripped off bodies," said one eyewitness. The city's hospital was inundated with victims carried by ambulance, car and lorry, some of them wrapped in the canvas used on the market stalls. The Federal Government immediately accused Novosad's separatists of the shelling. This latest attack came after troops of the Federal Gendarmerie have taken a stronger line against separatist aggression, retaliating with artillery and limited air attacks on the positions of Novosad's separatist forces besieging the capital city. Food queues and markets have already been targeted.