Nyheter fra Sørlandeten

[Serenierre]

DAGSPOSTEN

The most respected and widely circulated newspaper in the country. It focuses on detailed opinion articles and is considered staunchly pro-monarchist. Since releasing its English language edition first in 1989, the publication has fast become a respected publication internationally.
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Finansielle Tidende

A financial publication, it was first printed in 1876 and has been owned by the GN Publications Corporation since 1976.
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[Serenierre]

DAGSPOSTEN​

GOVERNMENT EXTENDS INVITATION OF TALKS TO IVAR IN HOPES OF EASING DOMESTIC ANXIETY OVER RESURGENT KADIKISTAN
Grand Councillor for Foreign Affairs confirms rumours of invitation, declines to comment further
By Jørgen Knudsen

For the better part of a decade, ties between Sorlandeten and Kadikistan have barely existed beyond of the point of cordial displeasure but now as the totalitarian communist regime is starting to exert more of its muscles on the international stage, politicians and diplomats, alike, here in Østfjord, have taken an uneasy decision to engage with the government of Kadikistan, one which has been claimed by various human-rights groups to be among the worst in existence.

Earlier today, as part of her weekly briefings to the media, the State Councillor for Foreign Affairs spoke briefly about the situation and stated that the Government had decided to engage the Ivar regime on issues such as security along the Three Islands Pass which serves as the only location from where Kadikistan can access trade routes – an access which Sørlandeten provides through its waters, an issue which has seen some Members of the Parliament look into getting Kadikistan paying for the access – a policy that has almost always been denied any approval by the Government.

But as Kadikistan emerges from its shell, it recently made an announcement that it would officially support the "Otchi Liberation Organization", an organization which has been deemed a terrorist organization by some most EDF countries and a few others, while officially being called a charity group. The announcement made many in Østfjord concerned about possible terrorist groups being based in the country, which may operate against the Monarchy and the state.

In the eyes of the Government, here in Østfjord, the immediate threat to the delicate balance of peace in the region is the unofficial nature of the agreement which allows Kadikistani ships access to international shipping lanes, in addition to Ivar's support of terrorist groups and what possible effect it could possibly have on countries across Boreas. In any future talks with Ivar, it is expected that the Government will seek to formalize current de-facto arrangements and stem the flow of refugees who cross into the Kingdom illegally, a serious issue for Ivar.
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[Kadikistani Union]

People's Commissariat of External Affairs

We are highly suprised with the offer coming from Østfjord. As a sign of goodwill towards the international community and indeed Sørlandeten we accept this proposal. Let it be known that the Democratic Republic of Kadikistan is committed to stability and harmony in our region.

 

[Serenierre]

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The Government of Sørlandeten is pleased to acknowledge the positive response issued by the Kadikistani Government, earlier today.
It is the opinion of the Government of Sørlandeten that talks occur at the earliest and efforts continue to ensure a smooth and
unproblematic solution to the issue of Kadikistani transit and other outstanding issues.

Christiana S. Knudsen
State Councillor for Foreign Affairs

The statement has been approved by the Office of HM The King
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[Serenierre]

ROYAL RADIO BROADCASTING :: English Service

HM The King announces intention of state visit to Scanian capitals

Coast Guard continues to monitor Kadikistani vessels within Sørlander waters, Govt insists as Opposition toughens

Diplomatic talks sought with Anglyn, Guiana

Defence manufacturers see stocks rise

 

[Anglyn]

Foreign Office

HM government is open to diplomatic talks and will gladly schedule a meeting.

 

[Serenierre]

OPPOSITION PARTIES MEET IN ETENSBERG
Rumours of formation of anti-government coalition prior to election

After boycotting proceedings of the Parliament for more than a week, rumours are circulating across Østfjord that the conservative opposition parties are to hold a meeting in Etensberg to discuss a common agenda and to form a coalition to compete against the Koalisjon Liberalt government in the upcoming elections. According to rumours, the idea for a coalition is being pushed by the Kongelige Demokratiske Parti (KDP) and the Kristelig Folkeparti (KFp) who stand to make gains in the elections against the rural based, leftist Sosialdemokratiske Partiet (SdP) led coalition. The rumours have shed light on an emerging partisan tussle which is set to get deeper and nastier in these few months before the national elections.

His Majesty The King has commented on the supposed coalition by calling it "a genuine need for the democracy in our country". It isn't a secret that His Majesty and the current SdP-led government haven't been on the best of terms since it was voted into power in 2007, unseating the previous KDP government which had ruled for over forty years. The King has refused to grant his assent to numerous SdP legislation such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoptions, increasing taxes on the aristocracy and high-income earners and the removal of the face of the sovereign from banknotes. In response, the government has removed the royal coat of arms from its logo and the SdP removed the Royal Oath of Honour from its own party constitution, a controversial move which resulted in a massive loss in popularity and a public rebuke from His Majesty in form of the dismissal of former-Chancellor Robssen.

Since its election to office in 2007, simply for receiving more votes rather than seats in the Nasjonalforsamling, or the National Assembly, the current government has seen three chancellors hold the reins of a government that has been plagued with allegations of abuse of power and with a series of resignations of key ministers which has left the government, at times, unable to cope with issues adequately.

Regardless of the problems it has faced in Østfjord, the SdP-led coalition has managed to overcome the drop in popularity after its tussle with the Crown and has remained strongly popular in the rural areas and in two of the thirty county palatines of the realm. Though pundits predict a loss for the SdP, we may have yet to see a surprise coming which may return the SdP to power, maybe with slight gains.

 

[Serenierre]

ROYAL RADIO BROADCASTING :: English Service

Government issues travel ban for Montelimar, Engellex, Lorraine and Platte as conflict worsens

Human rights group urges Govt. to repeal plans of deporting Kadikistani refugees

Financial ministry concerned by Northern Council debt crisis

HM The King & Queen Marie-Charlotte to visit Interfaith Community center next week

 

[Serenierre]

DAGSPOSTEN Online

CONSERVATIVE OPPOSITION FORMS KOALISJON MONARKISTISKE
Opposition formally enters election race, launches attack on Sosialdemokratiske government

Confirming earlier rumours, the conservative national political parties issued a joint-statement which announced that they had decided to form a grand coalition after their summit held in Etensberg. Named Koalisjon Monarkistiske (KM) –*Monarchist Coalition in English – the conservative parties of the country have stated that the Sosialdemokratene were against the monarchy and were "pseudo-Republicans", a claim supported by their controversial interactions with His Majesty The King, which included proposals to remove his image from banknotes, postage stamps and remove the Royal Oath to assume public offices. The call has resonated with many people; a recent poll conducted by this publication showed that a majority of people believed that the Sosialdemokratene should leave the monarchy as is and instead work on social issues.

Chancellor Kjell Fosse has been the first the bear the brunt of the attacks launched by the KM, being called a weak and indecisive leader during these uncertain times by the Chairman of the KM. The KM has announced that later in the week it will be holding a rally outside the Parliament to protest the "pseudo-republican", a term that has taken root with KM politicians, agenda which sought to break tradition and destroy the heritage of the Monarch. Prior to the creation of the coalition, opposition parties had begun their attacks on the government and the Sosialdemokratene but the recent move has seen four parties pool their resources and launch an organized effort against the embattled Chancellor.

When questioned by reporters, the man who has become the target of these attacks said, "What the Monarkistene are saying is their opinion – I obviously disagree." His party however has been angered by the defiant and unprovoked attacks on their leadership and policies and has begun their own press relations campaign, tapping into election funds to run a series of ads showing the government in a positive light.

Political tensions between the liberals and the conservatives have been festering for over 15 years after the 1994 elections and the recent consolidation of conservative views shows that a major polarization along the political spectrum is occurring. Though, after the apathy seen throughout the 1990s and 2000s, it is hoped that democracy within the country may receive a much needed boost from the youth.

Same-sex couples petition HM King Frederic III to legalize same-sex marriage, in place of same-sex civil partnerships
Queen Marie-Charlotte visits Østfjord University, speaks with students, 13 arrested for indecency, pending pardon
Lyric Sea oil exports to rise in coming months, says PetroSør
Storrådet presented with evidence of increased Catholic, Solaris sponsored, radicalization

 

[Serenierre]

ROYAL RADIO BROADCASTING :: English Service

ELECTION FEVER: Official Campaigning given go ahead by Kongensrådet

HM The King calls for conference on Long Sea neutrality

A mutually respectful relationship with Kadikistan is our goal, Foreign Ministry

Concerns expressed over Communist role in Southern Gallia/Solaren War
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[Serenierre]

FOREIGN MINISTER LEVEL TALKS WITH CANTIGNY
Concerns lodged at the unsettling history of simmering tensions in Greater Implarian

CHANCELLOR FOSSE BEGINS NATIONWIDE CAMPAIGN
SdP face uphill battle to hold onto power as Opposition strengthens position

WARREIC GOVERNMENT TO BE CONSULTED ON LYRIC SEA FISHING DISPUTES
Lumina invited to help resolve concerns of fishing communities of Hyborea and Romsdal Province

MILITARY TO CONDUCT DRILL ON EASTERN COAST
Military preparedness in face of ever increasing war on Old Continent

 

[Serenierre]

STATE BANK BUYS Kr.30 BILLION* BREOTISH BONDS AS WAR WORSENS IN GALLO-GERMANIA
Investors flood to the security offered by Breotish Pound

KADIKISTANI AMBASSADOR SUMMONED TO KONGENSRÅDET PALACE
Invitations dispatched for Kadikistani cultural troupe to visit Østfjord

GOVERNMENT CONCERNED BY POTENTIAL BLOCKAGES IN LONG SEA
Prices go up as shipping lanes become more dangerous

ANCIENT NORSE VIKING SETTLEMENT FOUND ON NORTHERN COAST
University of Østfjord sends team to excavate

(OOC: $15 billion)

 

[Serenierre]

OPPOSITION CAMPAIGNS SEE INCREASING TROUBLE FOR KOALISJON LIBERALT
Ruling coalition sees popularity drop third week in a row

ELECTION COMMISSION DISPATCHES ABSENTEE BALLOTS
All absentee voters to return ballots immediately upon marking their choice

LARS EDMUNDSEN BLASTS GOVERNMENT'S FINANCIAL RECORD
Leader of Opposition begins tour, speaks first with reporters

CHANCELLOR FOSSE REMAINS "HOPEFUL" OVER ELECTION RESULTS
Chancellor believes "the fight is not over yet"


Follow us online for the latest coverage about the 2011 General Elections

 

[Serenierre]

DAGSPOSTEN Online

THE RISE & FALL OF THE FOSSE GOVERNMENT
An article by Olaf Peterssen

Five years ago, just as the results from the last general elections were rolling in, Kjell Fosse stood to become one of the greatest political leaders Sorlandet democracy has seen in over sixty years, charismatic and popular – he swept aside the establishment and brought in the first left-wing government in thirty years. But now, exactly five years since that historic victory for his Sosial-demokratiske Parti (SdP), Chancellor Fosse stands isolated, his party no-longer strong enough to contest in the elections without having to rely on a broad coalition – drawing on national centrist and centre-left parties – and, after having caved in to opposition pressure, turning down the opportunity to lead his party/coalition again – in essence a de-facto resignation from his office.

Today, five years ago, the SdP seemed unassailable and now it stands to lose its grip on power, as predicted by a number of polls released today. But what started this dramatic decline in popularity for the most enigmatic popular leader in recent history? Was it the heightened tax rates? Was it the alleged financial mismanagement during the 2007 mini-recession? Or was it the alleged anti-monarchist bias and rumours of tensions between him and His Majesty The King?

The correct answer would be to say yes to all those points. The twin economic burdens of the increased tax rates and the mini recession chipped away at the new Chancellor's popularity throughout 2007 to 2009, bringing it down to 67.1% from its earlier high of 83.6%. But even at this point, he could have salvaged his political career, and could have come back as Chancellor – maybe with a smaller majority though.

As many would remember, late last year, Chancellor Fosse's introduced legislation that would remove references to the King in the affairs of the Government, State Bank and from the Constitution. The reaction to that was harsh and immediate. Opposition politicians called for his resignation, his own allies slowly distanced themselves and the King demanded an apology – thus effectively ending his political career. The furore ended only after a solemn apology was issued and the permission obtained from His Majesty to allow Fosse to serve out the remainder of his term. In his place, after a hastily called election, the SdP chose Christina Knudsen – the current Foreign Minister – to lead them in the elections.

But though Ms. Knudsen is a shrewd and able politician there is, as demonstrated by polls, no way possible for even a politician of her calibre to undo the Fosse legacy in the short time allocated to her. And, in this writer's opinion, had the conservatives not been so well organized and rabid in their opposition to the current SdP government, Ms. Knudsen had a good possibility of becoming the next Chancellor.

Olaf Peterssen is a political affairs analyst based in Etensberg. He currently teaches at the Åtanens Institute and is currently writing a biography of Chancellor Kjell Fosse.
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[Serenierre]

SHOCK AROUND THE WORLD AS AUGSBURG BOMBED
Government sends its condolences, flowers being placed in front of Wieser embassy in Østfjord

NATIONAL ALERT LEVEL RAISED TEMPORARILY: MoD
Move comes as politicians anxious over inquiry into Augsburg catastrophe

SUSPICION MOUNTS ON WINNEMARK, SOLAREN AND GALLIAN/HIMYARI COMMUNISTS
Politicians call for calm, say all is conjecture and rumours until proven

AMBASSADOR OF SORLANDETEN TO WIESE INJURED DURING BOMBING AFTERMATH
Embassy staff to be evacuated from Augsburg

 

[Serenierre]

TALKS WITH WARRE AFTER ELECTIONS
Talks postponed by Opposition demand, Government relents

MINISTRY OF THE INTERIOR CRACKDOWN ON "POLITICIZED REFUGEES"
Arrests made due to breach of agreement by asylum-seekers

POLICE ARREST DRUG LORD IN ETENSBERG
Arrest made as drug lord was conducting meeting

MINISTRY OF ENERGY REPORTS DETAIL INCREASING POWER CAPACITY
Government looks to export electricity to neighbours

 

[Serenierre]

DAGSPOSTEN Online

PACT OF STEEL KEY STRATEGIC MOVE IN OCEANIA
An article by Olaf Peterssen

Yesterday, the champagne bottles were cracked open in Kongensrådet Palace – the seat of the government – as the final terms for the agreement between Cantigny and Sørlandeten were reached. Today, the entire Cantigny delegation, along with the Oceanic state's ambassador, has been invited by His Majesty for an official lunch before Østfjord bids farewell to its newest ally. And this marks the beginning of a new era in the Greater Implarian.

What is being hailed as a sound strategic move by Østfjord universally, these sessions were conducted by Grand Councillor Christina Knudsen on our government's behalf and Mr. Benjamin Stokes representing his nation. It is my firm belief, considering the level of involvement being demonstrated by His Majesty throughout the duration of these talks that, the wooing of Cantigny has the fullest of royal blessings, if not completely having been masterminded by His Majesty. It is entirely possible that due to its rising international profile, the Commonwealth serves to play a key role in countering the hegemonic influence of the Frankish Empire and its vassal states in the Greater Implarian –*a key thorn in the side of policy makers in Østfjord for many decades.

Though the details of the agreement remain fuzzy, as rumours suggest that Sorlandeten has imposed a condition upon Cantigny to discuss the agreement without elaborating too much upon the details, small bits and pieces of information have trickled into the hands of journalists, both here and in Vesper, that suggest that this agreement – being called the 'Pact of Steel' by government officials, at least unofficially – stands to enhance the level of strategic cooperation between the two states extensively and covers key grounds such as increased trade quotas for both nations and a common policy on a number of unspecified issues.

Upon being contacted, the Cantigny Embassy refused to discuss the agreement, a similar line of action is being followed by the Government of Sørlandeten. But the policy of maintaining silence is being flouted by the two rival political blocs. The conservative Koalisjon Monarkistiske, which stands to win the upcoming elections, has issued a statement praising the agreement and calling for greater cooperation with Cantigny to "counter negative influences in the region". The KM's leader, Lars Edmundsen praised His Majesty for his careful development of ties with Cantigny and has vowed to uphold the Oceania policy.

The Koalisjon Liberalt, however remained cooler in its words over the agreement, despite its leader leading the negotiations with Vesper, the KL stated that it would be unhelpful for the region to disturb the status quo in the delicate region. Grand Councillor Christina Knudsen has remained silent on the issue, as part of her vow of secrecy to His Majesty.

Several thousand "politicized refugees" deported to Kadikistan for breach of domestic asylum laws
Wieser embassy sees well-wishers leave flowers and donate to assist humanitarian relief efforts
Ministry of Foreign Affairs tries to draw attention to unabated communist expansion throughout Gallia
Kongensrådet Palace announces plan of holding meetings with Warre, Mercia

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

Maybe the attempts of the Sorlandeter Ministry for Foreign Affairs to, as they phrase it, "draw attention to unabated communist expansion throughout Gallia", remains largely unnoticed merely for the fact that it is chasing ghosts. As much as we would wish for such an event, the strength of communist liberation movements in Gallia remains at the same level it has been in recent years and the only kind of "unabated expansion" that is noticeable in Gallia is the expansion of imperialist and reactionary violence. Carentania is doing its part in trying to stop this world war by bringing one of Europes most aggressive and belligerent tyrants, Pope Urban, to justice. We'd appreciate it if the Sorlandeter government would learn to appreciate the sacrifice Carentanian citizens are making for the freedom of the people of Solaren, rather than to continue its attempts at creating a red scare.

 

[Serenierre]

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GENERAL STATEMENT​

The Kingdom of Sørlandeten is an unbiased observer in the carnage that has spread across the Old Continent. The Kingdom recognizes the sacrifices of many nations who are fighting the tyranny of Solaren but there are legitimate concerns being expressed by many, not just in Sørlandeten, that this war is being used by certain players in the region for exerting their will upon another sovereign state.

The Kingdom does not need to create a 'red scare', as we do not view Communists as threats to our own country, proof of this lies in the historic agreements we have signed with our neighbour state of Kadikistan.

The Kingdom is a fair and neutral member of the international community. And the Kingdom has urged for peace since the very beginning of this conflict.

Yours faithfully,
Christiana Knudsen
Grand Councillor for Foreign Affairs
Kingdom of Sørlandeten
​

 

[Serenierre]

KOALISJON MONARKISTISKE DEFEATS KOALISJON LIBERALT IN GENERAL ELECTION
Landslide victory sees Lars Edmundsen emerge as next Chancellor

Earlier today, the Royal Election Commission (REC) released the preliminary results of the election, held yesterday, to members of the media and the political parties to review. As it stands, the Koalisjon Liberalt (KL), which currently is in government, has lost its majority in the Nasjonalforsamling to the Lars Edmundsen led Koalisjon Monarkistiske (KM), though on account of the results being released on an unofficial basis, the party's remain, at least officially so, waiting for the official announcement from the Palace. According to the report, the KM has secured 322 seats, just four short of a complete majority in the Nasjonalforsamling, and its leader has become Chancellor-designate.

As a prominent member of the political right, Mr. Edmundsen has served several times in the governments of conservative Chancellors and has been an active member of the Opposition. Having served as a member of the Nasjonalforsamling Committee for Foreign Affairs, he brings a remarkably different approach to the Chancellery than Mr. Kjell Fosse who he shall replace upon his appointment.

On domestic issues, the Edmundsen cabinet is set to scrap the minimum wage policy and introduce a series of mechanisms that would limit the disruptive influence of trade unions. Discussions will be opened up, it is rumoured, on the privatization of several companies, which remain partially state owned. The Edmundsen cabinet will also be allocating greater funds to the Arts Council, due to Mr. Edmundsen's strong support of Sorlandeten's culture and entertainment industries. In foreign affairs, the Edmundsen cabinet will seek to bring greater cooperation between Sorlandeten and its neighbours, especially Kadikistan with whom the outgoing Fosse government signed a series of agreements and a non-aggression pact.

Looking at his record, Mr. Edmundsen will continue to push for stronger relations with Breotonia, the country's largest trade partner, and with the countries which are usually referred to as the "Traditional Allies"; a term which is used to refer to countries such as Warre, Engellex & Cantigny. In several interviews during the campaign, Mr. Edmundsen also made clear his intention to conduct a series of diplomatic endeavours with the government of Touzen to jump start their cool bilateral relationship. There are also strong indications that despite being conservative in its leanings, for practical purposes, it may engage with other communist states to encourage a greater stability and security for Sorlandet interests and individuals, a goal for which the government may utilize the assistance of Ivar.