Pelasgian Press Association

[Rheinbund]

Kanzleramt
Trier, Eiffelland

Our congratulations to the new Chancellor and the new Ministers of the Pelasgian Empire. May the Empire prosper under its administration. We hope for a fruitful cooperation with the new Government of the Pelasgian Empire.

Dr. Stephan Röpke, Chancellor

 

[Pelasgia]

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Pelasgian Court authorises Trivodnian property seizures; government exempts some items, appeal probable

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The Palace of Justice in Propontis, where the I Propontis District Court sits regularly, among many other local courts

Earlier today, the First (I) Propontis District Court (Eirinodikeion, literally "Court of the Peace") announced its decision for both the Trivodnian Embassy's claim against the Imperial Government's freezing of Trivodnian assets in the Empire, and the counterclaim for immediate liquidation by the Imperial Government. The Court ruled that the Empire was acting lawfully, in accordance with the Law on Seizures and Expropriations and the relevant sections of the Constitution of 2018. The debt owed by the Trivodnian government to two Pelasgian conglomerates, which has since been nationalised by an Act of the Senate and turned into Trivodnian national debt to Pelasgia, alongside the returns on treaty-based investments, is found to have been illegally defaulted on and in breach of valid Contracts and Treaties. As such, the claim by the Trivodnian Embassy was rejected, while that of the Pelasgian Government was approved. As appeals are systemic in the Pelasgian Civil Law system, would be easily capable to appeal both cases, which would be heard jointly by the I Propontis Appellate Court promptly, thereby delaying the seizure of the property.

However, the Pelasgian Government has chosen to somewhat moderate its position, now that it has earned the theoretical right of complete seizure. More specifically, the Ministry of Justice has indicated its plan to not seize certain important assets of the Trivodnian government, such as Embassy buildings, and the private assets of individual Trivodnian citizens residing in Pelasgia. Instead, the government will forgive the debt attached to these specific assets. However, the assets of Trivodnian companies, cultural organisations, NGOs, and even the non-crucial assets of the Trivodnian government will still be subject to seizure. This reportedly includes major assets, such as the Trivodnian International Jewish Cultural Centre of Hierosolyma and the Trivodnian Humanitarian Council of the Holy Land. That being said, it is reported that at least the former will probably come into the use -though not the ownership- of the Karaite Sect of Pelasgian Jews, whose reference to the Torah as a central document has largely granted them the status of "People of the Book" among Pelasgians. As the Karaites are seen more as Pelasgians of Jewish faith than as Jews in Pelasgia, their good integration into Pelasgian society will probably earn them the status many Trivodnian-backed organisations will be losing, with the blessing of the authorities.

A small protest was held outside the Ministry of Justice following the decision's announcement by Trivodnian community members and other citizens sympathetic to their cause, but it went largely ignored and failed to achieve a meeting with the Minister of Justice. A similar attempt to protest outside the Court was broken up quickly by its organizers, after the Imperial Cities Police (Astynomia) threatened to arrest participants for illegally protesting outside a courthouse, an act which is rarely allowed under Pelasgian law to protect judicial independence. In any case, the Trivodnian case seems increasingly hopeless, as Trivodnia's government finds itself faced with more pressing concerns.

In other news
☞ (Foreign Policy) – Government refuses to sign 2018 Midweis Treaty on Weapons of Mass Destruction. External Affairs Ministry cites lack of enforcement mechanism, need of Armed Forces for access to latest weapons of any kind, and land of practical assurance that signatories and non-signatories alike will not use WMDs in future. [page 3]
☞ (Great War) – Slavian Trivodnia votes to secede, join Kadikistan, in massive surge of Kranislavian nationalism. Vote disputed by Trivodnians, pro-democracy groups as unfair and coerced, protests largely ignored by international community. Crotobratislavonia annexes border cantons, further weakening Trivodnia. Pelasgia ready to acknowledge new status quo, according to External Affairs Ministry sources. [page 5]
☞ (Tephanon & Azraq) – Azraqi upper house vetoes bill to decolonise Sprice Islands, Azraqi Empire's highly volatile colonial territory. Major frustration to new government's foreign policy heightens public division between reformists and establishment in Azraq. In Pelasgia, conservative opposition questions government's alleged desire to "surrender" Tephanon to a nation that refuses to release its own colonies. [page 7]

 

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Government begins large-scale judicial reform, as promised before election

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The entrance to the main building of the Court of Audit in Propontis, as seen from within the building's gardens

It would seem that the new Nationalist government has begun to make good on its promise of large-scale judicial reform, having barely been in power for a couple of weeks. The new Minister of Justice, Lord Spyridо̄n Dionysiou of Stolos, lost no time in announcing the very first steps of what he called the Judicial Modernisation and Transparency Programme in a press conference on Friday. According to the Programme, the Chamber of Accounts (Ἐλεγκτικὸν Συνέδριον Elenktikon Synedrion, also translated as the "Court of Audit") would be lifted to the status of a High Court, becoming the third Supreme Court of Pelasgia alongside the Court of Cassation (Anotaton Akyrotikon Dikastirion) and the Council of State (Symboulion tis Epikrateias). The Chamber of Accounts is simulteneously a judicial and an administrative body, possessing a unique "dual nature" in Pelasgian law, and it is tasked with auditing all expenditures of the state and of public bodies, while also having jurisdiction over the salary and other matters of the public service. By contrast, the Court of Cassation is the final court of appeal for criminal and civil matters, as in other Tiburan Civil Law jurisdictions, and the Council of State is the country's highest administrative court, while also bearing the responsibility for judicial review. The Court of Audit will be held to be the third of the Pelasgian High Courts by order of ceremonial importance and prestige, as well as age, and its President (the equivalent of a Chief Justice) will be one of the rotating caretaker Chancellors alongside the Presidents of the other two High Courts during interim periods between elections and government appointments.

The Courts, however, are seeing further reform, with the introduction of juries for some civil and criminal trials in a peculiar and original form. Whereas the fully-jury run Criminal Laycourts which were abolished by the 1980s Coup have yet to be restored, mixed panels of professional Judges and Lay Justices (i.e. jurors), will try some cases in the "Mixed Sworn Courts" (Μικτὰ Ὁρκωτὰ Δικαστήρια Mikta Horkota Dikastiria), which will act as courts of first instance and courts of appeal for the cases within their jurisdiction. This is seen as part of an effort to legitimise and revitalise the justice system through popular involvement.

On a more historic note, however, the laws enforced by the courts themselves are the subject of reform. The Empire has continued to use the Corpus Iuris Civilis compiled by order Emperor Sabbatian the Great in 529 AD to consolidate and unify the Tiburan laws. This compilation of laws, with added commentary by prominent Pelasgian legal scholars from 14th century Therme, is known as the Hexabiblos. Whereas the Corpus Iuris Civilis serves as the basis for most Gallo-Germanian legal systems and their derivatives outside the West, the Hexabiblos itself, in its original form, continues to form the basis of Pelasgia's civil and criminal law. Judicial reform has long been on the agenda, with various amendments to the Hexabiblos across the centuries, particularly in the last two centuries, but these have largely proven ineffectual. The Ministry of Justice, with the approval of the Senate, has established a Permanent Commission for Judicial Reform, whose task it will be to produce a new Pelasgian Civil Code and a new Pelasgian Criminal Code to replace the old Hexabiblos. Smaller codes, such as a new Pelasgian Code of Military Justice, will be produced as needed by Subcommittees to fill the gaps left by the Hexabiblos, while others, such as the Book on Jews, Heretics and Pagans, will be done away with entirely, their de jure end coming to complete their de facto demise. The move has drawn widespread support, but also criticism, from Pelasgia and abroad, in scholarly, political, ecclesiastical, academic, and everyday circles. If successful, this could prove to be the msot important reform in Pelasgian juidicial history since the introduction of the Civil Law by the Tiburans following the Conquest about two thousand years ago.

The law enforcement agencies which enforce these laws have also found themselves to be at the centre of reform efforts. The Imperial Cities Police (Βασιλικὴ Ἀστυνομία Πόλεων Vasiliki Astynomia Poleon) remains largely unchanged as a civilian nation-wide police force, save for its named being changed to simply Imperial Police (Vasiliki Astynomia). The Imperial Politarchy and the Imperial Civil Guard (Politofylaki), however, both of whom fulfill gendarmerie duties, have found themselves merged into the Imperial Corps of the Field Constabulary/Rural Police (Vasilikon Soma Agrophylakis). The Imperial Police of the Sakellareia, an armed financial and tax police, has also been joined into the new Corps, which shall handle policing of the countryside and settlements outside of major settlements, as well as various internal security, riot policing, and tax enforcement duties. The Field Constabulary will also work jointly with the Imperial Border Guard Corps (Vasilikon Soma Synoriophylakis) and the Imperial Coast Guard-Port Corps (Vasiliki Aktophylaki-Limenikon Soma) in border and coastal policing. Whereas the Imperial Police is a civilian force, the Field Constabulary will be paramilitary in nature. The Military Police has also seen reformed, its individual branches being united into the joint Armed Forces Police (AED), with three distinct but highly integrated sub-commands for the Ground, Naval, and Aerial Forces.

The judicial reform project has attracted opposition support, albeit with some reservation, as several of its main points, such as the reform of the civil and criminal codes, was part of the Pyrgos Accords.

In other news
☞ (National) – Shooting by Melingian radicals leaves several Field Constables dead in the town of Nymphaion, in the Elimeioton Theme. Strong Field Constabulary Forces deployed to prevent further tragic events, situation under control. Attack probably connected to protests over execution of Ioan Avdela. [page 3]
☞ (International) – Ecumenical Patriarchate condemns "LGBTQ Week" proclaimed in Auraria to annually honour sexual deviants. Orthodox churches across the Empire and Europe to hold daily prayers for Aurarines' souls. Peaceful protest staged outside the Aurarine Embassy in Propontis. [page 5]
☞ (International) – Internal disputes over immigration, refugee distribution, economic disparity highlight devide between wealthy, hyper-modern Coastal Republics, and inland native Chiefdoms in Natalia. Will Natal stand as a model for tolerance and progress in Himyar or will its internal divisions continue to grow? [page 7]

 

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Pelasgian realignment reflected in economy, foreign policy

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The Merkourios Palace in Propontis, the main building of the Propontis Stock Exchange (KHP) since 1922

As the Empire emerges from the National Schism, a new paradigm begins to unravel in the Empire's foreign policy. Despite its immense internal background and implications, the National Schism was, first and foremost, a conflict which begun over considerations of the Empire's foreign policy; it begun because of a literal division of the country on whether Pelasgia should join the Great War as part of the Trier Concord, or it should abandon the Concord and remain neutral as per the Status Quo Treaty. Whereas the Empire's internal politics saw a compromise being reached in the form of the 2018 Constitution, the Empire's foreign policy has unquestionably been altered in favour of the Nationalist position.

More concretely, the Empire had begun its first post-Schism steps by participating in a major trade and diplomatic conference not with any nation across the Long Sea, but with two other major Himyari states, Natalia and Azraq. It is an open secret that Propontis has the prospect of free-trade deals across Himyar, joint economic cooperation, and permanent settlement of disputes, most prominently the Tephanon Question, on its agenda as the top foreign policy priorities. Markets have responded accordingly, with more investments within Himyar itself. This trend has been generally encouraged by the Nationalist government, which has provided incentives for the development of inland Pelasgia, such as tax benefits, cheap labour costs and flexible labour law to motivate major Pelasgian bussiness conglomerates to move deeper into the Pelasgian inland.

Large projects and subsidies to rebuild the country's interior in areas damaged by war, and to develop it in agricultural areas in general have been announced, including the Programme for Provincial Educational Reinforcement and the Imperial Cleruchy System. The former seeks to create schools of all levels in the Pelasgian inland, alongside similar initiatives to improve healthcare and living conditions so as to boost economic growth, living standards, and development. The latter seeks to accelerate the process by creating "cleruchies" (i.e. settlements) of Pelasgians from the Empire's major cities in more rural areas; this would serve to further uplift the provinces' level closer to that of major cities, while dealing with the considerable population surplus of the Pelasgian metropoles.

At the same time, the Pelasgian markets and diplomatic authorities have shown a general tendency to divest from Gallo-Germania. The recent decision of the Pelasgian government to bring claims for immediate repayment of Trivodnia's defaulted debt, which would have been tolerated for policy reasons in previous years, underlines a general desire to move away from a Gallo-Germania centered foreign policy. Whereas the Empire continues to trade with the Trier Concord, Propontis has made little effort to support their participation in the Great Wall; the new Pelasgian regime has shown itself to be willing to acknowledge a Kadikistani-imposed status quo in Germania, while wishing for nothing but peaceful trade with Kadikistan. Indeed, the Empire's decision not join the war has de facto set it outside the Trier Concord, while the de jure aspect of this status is to be determined in near future. Even the continued supply of oil to Eiffelland and Retalia is not the result of the once-mighty alliance, but a promise given in exchange for Eiffelland's agreement to stay out of Pelasgia's internal affairs by not actively supporting the Crown in its feud with the Senate.

Walking through Propontis Stock Exchange, one can hear quite a lot about Himyar: about how Justosia will collapse soon; about how Natalia is the place to invest, and Azraq is a costly but promising endeavour; about how Engellex's actions in Al-Kez are a goldmine for the profits and stocks Pelasgian oil and mining firms. But about Germania? One can surely hear about massive grain trade and other general trade with Kadikistan, just like before the Great War. But one shall hear little indeed about the Western powers of Gallo-Germania, other than "Divest!", "Run away!", and "I'll replace my toilet paper with Bergenheim bank stocks!". Pelasgia's markets seem to have caught on to the sad truth: Gallo-Germania is no longer the mighty centre of the world economy that it once was; the war has tanked its trade and its ageing economic system was fragile as is. If one wants to have a future, they should look outside Gallo-Germania. And that is what Pelasgia's markets, and its diplomats, seem to be doing. Is the Pelasgia that once shielded the Trier Concord a thing of the past? The coming weeks shall tell.

In other news
☞ (International) – Ecumenical Patriarchate issues anathemata against King of Justosia, and Government of Auraria, damning the souls of all those who loyally follow these institutions, in response to their legalisation and promotion of perversion. Pelasgian External Ministry does not comment on matter, citing independence of Orthodox Church to conduct its moral duties as it sees fit. [page 3]
☞ (Economy) – Pelasgian Merchant Marine, Europe's largest, imposes complete boycott on shipments of Justosian goods, further raising prices for isolated country's exports and imports. Pan-Pelasgian boycott of Justosian goods continues as "Holy Kingdom"'s economic rating slips from A to C+. Grammatikos Ratings House, one of Himyar's largest credit rating agencies, classifies Justosia as C- and its bonds as "trash". [page 5]
☞ (National) – Minister of National Education, Mr. Athanasios Kassandropoulos, and the Secretary of State for the Fourth Section of HIM Chancellery, Metropolitan Bishop Eusebius IV of Therme, personally attend the opening ceremony of the first Provincial Education Institute in rural area near Hagios Antonios, in the Rhakotaion Theme. Institute to provide trade and basic academic education for young adults of both sexes for absolutely no cost. [page 7]

 

[Justosia]

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​

At no point did the Foreign, Finance, or Commerce Ministers have my endorsement or approval for their joint press conference yesterday. I & my government fully deny & disavow every word. All 3 have been fired without severance or pension. All 3 have been personally taken to task by I. I would like to extend my heartfelt regret of the nation of Pelagsia.

There remain significant differences between our 2 nations. However I believe they can eventually be bridged.

HRM King Carlos Francisco II

 

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Pelasgian authorities seize largest drug shipment ever on Gunnish ship in the Sea of Buto!

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The freighter Andromeda IV, registered under a Gunnish ensign, was seized at Embasis as it was trying to cross through to Sea of Buto to the southern coast of Himyar

The Imperial Coast Guard-Port Corps has announced the seizure of a Gunnish freighter carrying a staggering 21 tons of cocaine and 12 tons of cannabis. The ship was transiting through the Straights of Thephnis (also known as Tefnut in Kyphtic) near the port city of Embasis when it was signalled by a Port Corps vessel to stop and dock for inspection. The ship initially failed to respond and comply, prompting a Coast Guard cutter to pass by and fire warning shots. Officers then observed members of the Andromeda IV's crew dumping unknown packages into the sea, and got a frantic response from the Captain who claimed his crewmen were carrying an "exotic disease that would do you Southerners in for good". The Coast Guard then decided to board the ship with a Special Forces unit after surrounding it with three cutters and two smaller patrol boats. The crew was arrested at gunpoint, and it was soon discovered that the packages being dumped contained various forms of contraband, such as illegal generic drugs, unregistered alcoholic beverages and unlicensed tobacco products.

However, a further search of the ship once it was docked for inspection lead to a stunning discovery: 21 tons of cocaine and 12 tons of cannabis were hidden in the lower deck of the ship. The Coast Guard clarified that information on the ship had been given by a "source" affiliated with law enforcement, though which country's law enforcement is unknown, and the local authorities had expected a major shipment for some time. However, the sheer volume of such a find is entirely unprecedented in both Pelasgian and European history. The ship has been placed under heavy guard, the Coast Guard's paramilitary forces being supplemented by Field Constables and the Imperial Police's Special Suppressive Operations Team (OEKE, "suppressive" being used in the sense of counter-terrorism). The crew itself is composed of 22 sailors and officers, the majority (17) of them being Gunns, and the remainder being comprised of 3 citizens of the Northern Realms, 1 Natalian and 1 aborigine from the Southern Constituent Republic of the Engellexian Republic. Given the nationality of the last two men, it is assumed the ship was headed for Natal and then for the So.C.R.E.R. The ships was nominally carrying pulp and paper, as well as hard liquor bound for Port Stanley. Press in Pelasgia has already taken to affectionately calling the Andromeda IV the "Lil' Boat from Mariposia" (To Vapori ap' tin Mariposia).

The Pelasgian diplomatic missions in Elephant and Castle, Camp Hill, Windhaven and Rigustad have contacted the governments concerned with the ship and its crew, notifying them that the latter have been placed in Imperial custody. Due to the magnitude of the case, the Prosecutor of the Court of Cassation has taken over the preliminary investigation of the matter, and charges are expected to be laid in a couple of days, before the Criminal Court of First Instance of Embasis. Whereas the exact role of each crewman in the matter is unknown, those who are charged with drug-related charges will be faced with serious consequences if found guilty, as Pelasgia's zero-tolerance drug policy includes harsh penalties up to capital punishment for drug traffickers. The international character and the sheer size of this case would surely qualify each convict for such a penalty. For now, the Imperial authorities are conducting their investigation rapidly, seeing their most important case since the 1956 Archipelago Drug Incident, again involving a Gunnish vessel.

In other news
☞ (National) – Field Constabulary forces pacify rioters in the town of Nymphaion in the Elimeioton Theme, following a week of clashes between Muntentian radicals and law enforcement. A number of radicals have been arrested according to the Ministry of Public Order. The separatist radicals reportedly torched the homes of Pelasgian and Karaite Jewish citizens due to their loyalty to the Crown; the Interior Ministry has said it will provide funds to repair the damage to the city following the clashes. [page 3]
☞ (International) – Bizarre diplomatic incident between Pelasgia and Justosia cools down as Justosian Kings sacks three ministers who allegedly acted on their own in imposing sanctions against Pelasgia. Pelasgia accept's King's apology & temporarily rescinds sanctions, proposing exchange of provisional diplomatic representatives to smooth out differences between two countries. [page 5]
☞ (International) – Azraqi government's statement that Pelasgia might retain Tephanon and that referendum should be conducted over Exarchate's future causes a ruckus in the country's internal politics, with opposition leader accusing government of treason. Negotiations continue in Natalia, as Pelasgian External Ministry says that regardless of the Exarchate's future, greater home rule is guaranteed as Himyar moves beyond the age of colonialism. [page 7]

 

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EIR Web Radio - the Voice of Pelasgia at 9420 kHz
Currently Playing: Breaking News - Passing of Ecumenical Patriarch

Pelasgian music of the Constitutionalist Era shows a clear desire to adapt to the Gallo-Germanian motifs of Neo-clacisism, without compromising its inherent connection to Pelasgian tradition. This peculiar syncretism, which reflects a Pelasgia that's proud of its roots in accordance with romantic and nationalist sentiments of the time, but also obessed with modernising alongside the Western powers, is best manifested in the opera adaptation of the folk song and poem

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by Elias Photiadis; the song itself-

Normal programming is disrupted to bring you important news. Please listen attentively.

At 5:05 AM today, 25 October 2018, His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Damianos I of Propontis and All of Europe, slept for good following cardiac arrest. The Ecumenical Patriarch's life on this world ended peacefully and in his sleep, a gift from the Lord to be sure. His All-Holiness's life had been anything but peaceful, his tenure having included countless tumultuous moments and historical events in Pelasgian history, including the Constitutional Compromise following the fall of the Military Regime in the 1980s, and the National Schism.

His All-Holiness had served as Lord Imperial Regent following the murder of the late Emperor, and had managed to drive the Empire to peace and unity after mediating a settlement and running the country's government for a crucial set of weeks. For these efforts, the Ecumenical Patriarch was honoured with the Grand Star of the Military and Imperial Order of Saint Valentian the Great, the Empire's highest, by the current Emperor.

Despite reaching the highest clerical position in the Empire and all of Europe for the Orthodox faithful, his flock including the entire world, the Ecumenical Patriarch's life started as a humble boy in a village in the Theme of the Thalassinoi [...]

 

[Elben]

From the Secretariat of the Tiburan Curia:

His Holiness Pope Ioannes XXIII was deeply moved upon learning of the death of the Patriarch of Propontis and will pray for his soul and the all the souls who are not in communion with the Apostolic See.

 

[Rheinbund]

Kanzleramt
Trier, Eiffelland-Retalia

We reach out our condolences to the People of Pelasgia. Patriarch Damianos I will be remembered as a great man who led Pelasgia through a difficult period in its history and played a crucial role in bringing the people of Pelasgia together again.

Dr. Stephan Röpke, Chancellor

 

[Pelasgia]

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Patriarch Damianos I laid to rest with full honours, as Grand Synod convenes to recommend replacement to Crown

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The late Ecumenical Patriarch of Propontis, Damianos I, delivered an address to the Orthodox faithful of Europe on the topic of the Great War and the suffering of those affected by it, two days before his passing

The 270th Ecumenical Patriarch of Propontis and all of Europe, His All-Holiness Damianos I, has been laid to rest in a formal ceremony at the Patriarchal Cathedral of Divine Providence (Hagia Pronoia) in Propontis. The ceremony was entirely paid for by the Pelasgian state, and was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the three Great Archons of State, led by His Imperial Majesty, the Archon Basileus, and acting Chancellor and Minister of External Affairs, Mr. Emmanouil Avgiros. The Lord Chancellor himself was unable to attend due to his participation in the Pan-Himyari Summit at Camp Hill, though he sent a formal letter of condolences. All other Patriarchs and Bishops of the Orthodox Church attended the event, as did numerous foreign diplomats and delegates. The body of the late Patriarch was laid in state for two days following his death, with hundreds of thousands visiting Hagia Pronoia to pray before it and offer their respects.

The burial ceremony was conducted in accordance with traditional Orthodox ceremonies of the Pelasgian rite, while a military guard of Imperial Guards wearing black armbands was also present. In churches across Pelasgia, remembrance events were held, and the day was declared an official Day of Grief, effectively making it an one-time holiday, to allow for the attendance of such events by all faithful citizens. All flags in the Empire have been lowered to half mast with a thin, long black mourning banner raised over them, including those of Pelasgian diplomatic missions abroad. The remains of His All-Holiness have been buried in an elaborate marble grave at the I Imperial Cemetery of Propontis, near the Imperial Gardens and the Quarter of Angels, alongside the remains of other grand Pelasgians. His Imperial Majesty formally designated the late Patriarch a Sevastokrator (a noble position roughly corresponding to the father or uncle of a reigning Emperor), since he had already been awarded the Empire's highest knightly decoration, the Grand Cross of the Commander of the Order of Saint Valentian the Great.

With the memory of Patriarch Damianos I still fresh, the Grand Synod of the Orthodox Church has convened in Propontis, bringing together all Orthodox bishops across Europe for the purpose of selecting and recommending an appropriate replacement to His Imperial Majesty, who still retains the formal power of appointing Patriarchs, though convention has largely made it so that the Synod's recommendations are respected. The highly respected Metropolitan Bishop of Thermi, the Empire's second largest city, is seen as a front-runner, primarily due to his active participation in the Empire's government, his charitable work and his leading role in the negotiations to end the National Schism. In any case, the new Patriarch shall have to fill the shoes of one of the most beloved, memorable and respected Patriarchs in modern Pelasgian history, which shall prove to be no small task. For now, the Orthodox Faithful of Pelasgia and Europe await the Grand Synod's decision, as it deliberates in camera, away from the prying eyes of publicity.

In other news
☞ (National) – Aurarine foreign minister arrives in Propontis for diplomatic talks with Pelasgian equivalent at the Palace of Saint Despoina. Talks held behind closed doors, topics of discussion expected to include trade, but also potential for strategic cooperation and detente. [page 3]
☞ (International) – Peace is restored to Gallo-Germania as Trier Concord and Rurikgrad Pact and allies sign peace treaties concerning Occitan and Trivodnian fronts. Pelasgian External Ministry offers congratulates and immediately recognises treaties. What does the future have in store for Gallo-Germania? [page 5]
☞ (Atheltics) – Vasilikos Propontis conquers yet another game against Aurarine opponent, rising to the top of the 1st Group of Jaracanda Cup. Surprise and excitement as Pelasgian amateur team gains prominence in the otherwise little-known sport in Pelasgia. Sales of the once "second-tier" retsina brand Chrysoula skyrocket as it is the team's primary sponsor. [page 7]

 

[Rheinbund]

Eiffelländische und Retalische Botschaften
Propontis, Pelasgian Empire

We join the people of the Pelasgian Empire in mourning for His All-Holiness Damianos I. The flags at the embassies and consulates of Eiffelland and Retalia throughout the country will be flown half-mast.

Armin von Walsrode and Luca de Perugia, ambassadors

 

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News Bulletin: Grand Synod nominates Bishop Eusebius of Thermī for the Ecumenical Patriarchy. Crown accepts, to appoint new Patriarch.

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Metropolitan Bishop Eusebius of Thermī (right) meeting with the late Ecumenical Patriarch Damianos I (left) two weeks before the latter's passing

The Grand Synod of the Orthodox Church has finally come out of its closed session, announcing its nomination of Metropolitan Bishop Eusebius I of Thermī for the position of Ecumenical Patriarch. Bishop Eusebius is the leading cleric of the Empire's second most important city, often called the Co-Reigning City, and has received the endorsement of a great majority of all those assembled, though the exact figures are unknown due the Grand Synod's deliberation being in camera, that is to say, behind closed doors. The Patriarch of Hierosolyma, the second in rank of all the Orthodox Primates, announced the Synod's choice to the Pelasgian and European faithful in the late evening of Thursday, pending the official approval or rejection of the nomination by the Emperor. The Emperor accepted on the early morning hours of Friday, as per the established protocol of considering all nominations for Ecclesiastic Primates at least until the next day. The Emperor is expected to formally appoint Bishop Eusebius the 271st Ecumenical Patriarch of Propontis and all of Europe on Saturday/ The appointment is to be followed by the Polychronismos of His All-Holiness in the Imperial Cathedral of Divine Providence (Hagia Pronoia), in a ceremony where prayers are sung to wish many years unto the new Patriarch. Legations of the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Logothesion of the Drome have published announcements of the event across Europe, while Orthodox churches in Pelasgia and across the world are expected to hold celebratory events during the process.

In Pelasgia proper, great enthusiasm has overtaken the atmosphere. It is a well known fact that the Metropolitan of the Co-Reigning City is well loved among the Pelasgian populace for his charity and campaigns to improve the plight of the Empire's weakest, particularly the poor, cripples, women and orphans. His role as an impartial mediator during the National Schism and many other prominent political events in Pelasgian history have certainly earned him respect. However, it is this exact political prowess that has many Pelasgian political analysts wondering at the implications of the patriarchal succession for the Empire's delicate political status quo. With the newly dominant Nationalists growing their grip on the country and displacing the traditional Conservative centres of power, the Church itself has turned into a field of ideological battle between the High and Low Clergy. Despite being a nominative member of the High Clergy both due to status and factional alignment, the soon-to-be Patriarch has shown himself to be quite sympathetic to the Low Clergy and open to discussion. Major points of division between the two factions centre around the Great Pelasgian Language Question, the role of the Church with regard to the State and Civil Society, and various doctrinal points, such as iconoclasm, marriage and divorce, latent Marcionism, the Issue of the New and Old Calendars, and Reformation and Democratisation of the Church.

The new Patriarch has entertained compromise positions on all these issues which, though potentially useful for reforming, modernising and preserving the Church, as well as re-unifying it, have caused a stir among non-compromising High Church Primates. As the older Hierarchs are increasingly displaced, some degree of Reformation within the Orthodox Church seems very likely, and certainly would bear the Nationalists' support. And yet, only time will tell what effects the new Patriarchy will have on the Great Church of Christ in Propontis. In any case, the new Ecumenical Patriarch will be a position to change the institution's history forever.

See also
☙ Great Embasis Drug Bust trial progressing to final stages | Prosecutors are hopeful for convictions, while reporting cooperation from multiple crew members [...]
☙ Nationalists' plan for education expected soon | Much awaited initiative on educational reform to be announced in coming days, with emphasis on "Modern National Education" [...]
☙ "Mary the Courtesan" breaks all TV records | Popular TV series adaptation of historical fiction novel going international after topping all Pelasgian ratings on TV & internet [...]
☙ What's the future of the Varangians? | While the Pelasgian-filled Imperial Guard has taken over the Varangians' duties for now, their future looks bleak following their being wiped out during the National Schism [...]

 

[Pelasgia]

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Educational Reform Package unveiled, endorsed by Grand Synod. Modern Pelasgian to become official language?

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The Ministry of National Education, Research and Religious Affairs in northern Propontis

The Minister of National Education, Research and Religious Affairs, Mr. Athanasios Kassandropoulos, presented a large-scale educational reform package to the nation in a press conference earlier today. The plan, titled "Pelasgian National Educational Reform 2018-2020" is set to radically alter the educational scene of the Empire within a span of two years, with long term results being planned in five, ten and twenty year evaluation periods. The plan was presented to the Grand Synod of Bishops for consideration, due to education being a joint government-Church competency. Despite some stiff opposition, the Ecumenical Patriarch gave his support to the initiative, as did the Patriarch of Cassandris, who is the head of the relevant section of the Imperial Chancellery, allowing the plan to move forward into committee stage in the Legislative Assembly.

The first element of the plan includes reform of the primary and secondary school levels. Instead of being directed to regional church schools which are largely stuffed by clergymen and nuns, all children will be sent to government-run, funded and staffed schools, filled by professionally educated secular staff, as well as some qualified clergymen after relevant training, which shall be set up in each chief town and village of the rural regions of the country. The education system will also no longer be segregated by gender, with boys and girls attending the same schools. In this way, the schools of the provinces will mimic those of major cities, giving all children an equal chance to reach higher education and learn relevant skills. In a stunning move, the plan aims to make Gymnasium (middle school) compulsory for all children of both sexes, a step up from Demotikon (primary school) which was the limit up until now. In urban areas Lyceum (high school) will now be the minimum, and lyceum is planned to be made mandatory nationwide within five years. Various kinds of schools, such as trade and arts schools, will be made available depending on the local needs, normal schools being known as "General". There will also be "Exemplary" schools for outstanding students, admissions to which will be controlled by specialised exams. Exams will also exist for students to move from primary to middle and to high school.

Exams for university entry are to be unified into the Pampelasgian Exams, which shall control admission to all universities on a strictly merit-based system, determined solely through grades on the said exams. The Exams will take place after the last class of Lycaeum and will be offered to all Pelasgians, regardless of class, gender or area of residence. The Universities themselves, may of which function privately or under Church ownership, are to be all nationalised with standardised, Ministry-set admissions criteria. Again, admission will not be segregated based on class, regional origin or gender. Fees are also to be reduced to a symbolic minimum, with poorer students having to pay none. This programme will be funded via taxes. However, strict admissions criteria will be implemented to ensure this system is not abused. Moreover, university education will also be moved outside the Church's purview, save for subjects directly related to theology. The curriculum and policy of lower education will be set by a National Education Council jointly staffed by ministry officials and clergy representatives. Religious education will be limited to a dedicated course of Orthodox Catechism, which shall have a minimum of two teaching hours per week and a Church visit on every other Wednesday.

The government plans to take a hard stance on compulsory education enforcement and reform, with pertinent delicts and quasi-delicts being established for non-complying parents and other community members. Dedicated Life-Long Education Institutes are to be established in rural and impoverished areas to give uneducated adults some basic education. Moreover, the Ministry has commissioned the Imperial Academy of Propontis to produce a standardised version of modern Pelasgian to facilitate instruction across the nation. The version in question has been termed 'Katharevousa', a partly grammatically antiquated and linguistically purified version of modern Pelasgian meant to purify the everyday Pelasgian language from perceived degenerations and foreign influences until a full transition to Demotic (vernacular) Pelasgian as the formal language of instruction and state.

Private, foreign, religious and minority schools are also touched upon by the reform package. More specifically, private schools will have to follow the curriculum of the Ministry and take Ministry-set nationwide exams, while also undergoing regular evaluations. Moreover, foreign schools, schools belonging to religious sects, and minority schools will require a special license following an accreditation process; a six-month extension is being granted for all such current schools to apply, following which those who fail to attain accreditation will be shut down. The process is meant to preserve schools with a long history or run by foreign embassies, while removing those holding back the Nationalists' goal of creating a more uniform nation through a uniform education. Thus, for example, an Eiffellander school in Propontis might be accredited, but a Yevanic-only school in Hierosolyma will not. These schools will be granted more leeway in their curriculum and exams but will still fall within general Ministry guidelines and have to undergo inspections.

The plan has faced opposition from a number of High Clergy leaders despite the Patriarchate's endorsement, but seems set to pass through the Church by force of the Synod's approval anyway. Many rural notables and officials within the current system have also voiced opposition, but the government is determined to move through, having control of both legislative houses. Among the urban populations and rural popular classes alike, the measure has proven immensely successful. It has even drawn support from the Social Party as a "progressive step in the right direction". The chief opposition, represented by the People's Party, seems strongly divided on the issue, with staunch conservatives opposing it and populist reformers drawing their support from the lower classes affected by it lending their support. Both understand that the plan is meant to promote the "Pelasgisation" of the country in the Nationalists' own image, but the latter perceive it as useful both for their country and for their won future agenda. The plan is set to work alongside initiatives to improve infrastructure, industry, living conditions and health in the countryside, which shall be presented and coming days and weeks, as the Nationalists begin to enact their agenda.

In other news
☞ (Law & Order) – Heavy Field Constabulary units deployed to island of Makri after land feud between rivaling families of landowners leaves three dead, twelve injured. Arms smuggled from Northern Realms found, fourty participants charged with felonies, including fifteen charges for capital crimes. Interior Ministry highlights need to accelerate modern, digital land registry process to avoid such issues. [page 3]
☞ (National) – Various foreign magazines and media added to the Index of Prohibited Publications for promoting public degeneracy, including homosexuality, single motherhood, "free" divorce and other depravities. Presence of Pelasgian students abroad in authorship of one publication titled "Women's Fightback" draws investigation from authorities. Church issues seven excommunications. [page 5]
☞ (Economy) – Ministry of the Economy authorises preliminary plan for fracking in central and southern Pelasgia to increase oil output. Surveying of potential oil deposits in Western Archipelago, Copper Islands and Sea of Buto also authorised, with potential surveys in Tephanon for joint exploitation with Azraq in case of handover. Environmental protests largely ignored, three arrests of activists made for attempting to board surveying ship at Sidon. [page 7]

 

[Pelasgia]

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Infrastructure projects unveiled by Government as part of long term plan to uplift rural and poorer regions of country, while boosting population

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Public housing undergoing construction in the planned city of Nea Metaxoupolis, in the Pedinon Theme

The Ministries of Internal Affairs, Public Health, Infastructure and Energy, and the Economy have unveiled large scale infrastructure plans as part of a new programme for rural development and post-National Schism reconstruction. The plan, named "Kalliarchos" after a famed ancient architect, includes plans for large-scale infrastructure development and quality of life goals within 2, 5, 10 and 20 year periods. Chief amongst the plans effort's are the constructions of new highway and high-speed rail links to the less populated areas and more inland of the country, as well as the switch of most of the Empire's energy production to nuclear power over current coal reliance. The construction of the housing developments, hospitals, schools and academic institutions, public utilities and transport hubs is meant to provide a basis for large-scale population growth outside of the major coastal cities, providing a stable flow of new labour force participants into the increasingly highly educated and middle-class populated coastal metropolitan regions, where industry is booming but in need of working hands. Coupled with the new education initiatives unveiled last week, these plans will increase quality of life for the provincial populace, opening the path to a more streamlined and unified nation-wide government system, with meaningful participation from all Pelasgians.

Economic development is, of course, another major element of this plan. With several major trade deals already in the workings, the Imperial government has used a combination of tax and non-tax incentives, such as stimulus packages and subsidies, to boost development in the Empire's inland regions. Already, major oil surveying programmes are revealing the potential for millions of barrels of oil and tons of other valuable resources to extracted from inland fracking and mining, as well as platforms near the otherwise undeveloped Copper Islands. However, the Imperial Government is determined to move the inland regions beyond simple resource extraction, with canals, industrial housing and industrial zoning being used to boost actual industrial development. Relaxed environmental laws and a relatively liberal scheme of labour protections, coupled with harsh crack-downs on subversive elements within the labour force, make the Pelasgian inland an ideal place for industries to invest in large scale production. The new Cleruchy System of the Interior Ministry has been joined to this programme, providing incentives for poorer but also more skilled middle-class urban dwellers to settle in new planned areas in the provinces. These usually fifth, fourth and even third children who constitute part of the great and growing population surplus in the major cities, which is proving hard to manage. These persons are seen as being able to bring new skills, ideas, concepts and knowledge to the provinces to uplift them, while also providing a basis for ethno-cultural unity across the Empire through mixing and interaction.

Nea Metaxoupolis, a planned city across the river from the old Metaxoupolis, which was severely damaged during the National Schism, is being pointed to as a poster child for the positive effects of this programme. Once a city with some light industry at best at the centre of agricultural plains, Metaxoupolis has seen its population expand at a quite rapid rate, with new, clean streets, lined by modern buildings with good heating and supports. Mid-tier and even heavy industrial developments have made their way, such as ore extraction, steel mills, elastics industries and pharmaceutics. Services have also appeared, with such as a large factory and distribution centre of the State Power Corporation (Κ.Ε.I.) and a new regional call and data centre of the Pelasgian Telecommunications Authority (A.T.P.). New schools, teaching solely in the new standardised form of Pelasgian, have been set up by the state for the joint education of children of both sexes and all classes, while a new set of hospitals are helping to provide care, and reduce maternal mortality rates, in the city itself and the surrounding region. Many fifth, fourth and third sons from rural areas with no chance to make much of their life in their villages and towns have turned to designated industrial areas, such as Metaxoupolis, to seek a new life, some even before their military service. Parents have begun registering their children to the chain of state schools set up in Nea Metaxoupolis and the surrounding towns.

The fate of this distant area of the Empire now resembles the intense industrialisation phase in the rural regions of Pelasgia proper in the beginning of the previous century, where once rural towns like Drabescus became hubs of industry and enterprise, fueling population and economic growth, as well as a better standard of living in the long. So far, the plan has received wide approval in Pelasgia, both in the popular and upper classes, as well as the growing middle class, while also attracting some attention from economic analysts abroad. Despite waves of positive analyses, the plans actual results remain to be seen. For now at least, the Nationalists can proudly chant not only that "Without the Nationalist Party there would be no Pelasgia" but that there would be no "New Pelasgia" as well.

In other news
☞ (International) – Alleged outbreak of "Engellpox" leads to quarantine of Engellexian embassy in Cantignia and large-scale diplomatic scandal in the Engelsh-speaking world. As international community gathers to solve issue, attention turns to living conditions in poorer areas of Dulwich. In Pelasgia, Public Health Ministry maintains that no need for public apprehension or panic exists, while announcing new measures for tighter screening of international arrivals and products from potentially affected regions, at least temporarily. [page 3]
☞ (Law & Order) – Mixed Sworn Court of Embasis issues final decision with regard to Gunnish drug-ship trial. All 22 crew members receive capital sentences after being found guilty, though at least 3 are expecting a partial pardon in the form of a sentence reduction due to actively cooperating with the authorities. All convictions appealed by defence team to Mixed Sworn Appeals Court of Embasis, where they will be next week. Imperial authorities make successful drug-busts in Kyparissos, Larissa and Chandax based on intelligence gathered in connection to case, according to Ministry of Public Order. [page 5]
☞ (Tephanon Question) – Significant progress made in negotiations with Azraq over Tephanon, according to External Affairs Ministry Sources. Deal expected soon, though specific details still not known due to strict secrecy. "We are working towards an equitable and sustainable solution that takes the interests of all parties, including the locals of Tephanon, into account. We would like to thank our Azraqi partners for their exemplary cooperation, despite historic problems," the Vice-Minister of External Affairs stated in an interview. [page 7]

 

[Elben]

From the Tiburan Curia:

His Holiness has read about the reforms to the educational system of the Pelasgian Empire with dread. As he has only the best interests of his Christian brethren of that land in mind despite them being out of communion with the See of Tibur, he warns them that state schools with secular teachers are a first step to the mass de-Christianization of the population. His Holiness points to the examples of many countries across Gallogermania, their peoples having fallen away from strict adherence of the Faith due to allowing Modernism to infiltrate their societies beginning with the children.

As custodians of the land where the Lord Himself walked all those centuries ago, His Holiness calls upon the Church of Pelasgia, the Emperor, and the legislature of the Empire to turn away, "for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat." (Mt 7:13)

 

[Pelasgia]

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Pelasgian Empire
Ministry of External Affairs​

Public statement - for immediate release.

To whom it may concern,

Whereas we appreciate the concern of the Schismatics of Tibur for the spiritual welfare of the Pelasgian people, we assure them that the Orthodox Church shall continue to have an important role in the education of our youth through the participation of priests in education as teachers, the mandatory Orthodox Catechism class for all grades, and the formulation of curricula and other educational parameters by the National Education Council, which is jointly staffed by clergymen and Ministry officials.

The Pelasgian Empire is committed to improving the general welfare of its populace, and this does in no way compromise our commitment to being a Christian state. In our view, education would only strengthen the Christian belief and fervour of the Pelasgian citizenry; one who can read the Bible and who has been formally taught its meaning is in a much better position to live by it than one who has scarcely ever seen the Sacred Texts. The problem of Gallo-Germania is not one of education, which our Empire has had in a universal fashion in some form or another for millenia, but one of spiritual corruption and heresy.

All that is false and heretical must wither and die, while all that is true and holy must remain and grow. Thus our True Faith grows and prospers, while all the heresy opposing it demises. Pelasgian public education, though staffed by the state, never has been and never shall be 'secular'. Secularism is a disease which has been kept away from our shores by the Grace of God.

Signed and sealed,

Emannouil Avgiros
Minister of External Affairs
Government of Pelasgia
Senator by Right of Office

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We congratulate His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Eusebius and wish him all the wisdom he will need as Patriarch of the Orthodox Church.
Regarding the educational reforms in Pelasgia, we will remain in contact with both the Pelasgian Ministery responsible for education and the Orthodox Church and the Eiffellandian schools in Pelasgia to make sure that the diplomas of the Eiffellandian schools in Pelasgia have the same value in Pelasgia as in Eiffelland.


Rüdiger Zimmermann, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor


Darner Werke A.G. and EKW A.G.
Rottweil, Eiffelland

We would like to build a factory for the EKW E3, as well as the Darner models Mistral, Solano, Alisio, Roller and Schlepper in Pelasgia.

Reinhard Darner, CEO of Darner
Eduard Brunner, CEO of EKW


Raimer A.G.

We would like to build a factory in Pelasgia for our future models R200 and R300, as well as our VANs Viro, Runner and Differ, and our trucks.

Horst Raimer, CEO



Rathenau Gruppe A.G.

We would like to build a factory in Pelasgia for consumer electronics, smartphones, computers, printers and photocopiers.

Walther Rathenau, CEO


Boehrig Ingelheim A.G, Heppendorf A.G., Medictronics A.G. and Winkelsdorf A.G.

We would like to build factories in Pelasgia for medications, laboratory and hospital supplies, medical devices and skin care products.

 

[Rheinbund]

Baugesellschaft Hagemann A.G., Baugesellschaft Strunck & Riesel A.G., BaugesellschaftThiessen A.G. and Baugesellschaft Bartsch & Von Gedern A.G.

The Eiffellandian construction companies Hagemann A.G., Strunck & Riesel A.G., Thiessen A.G. and Bartsch & Von Gedern A.G. would like to participate in the building up of Nea Metaxoupolis. Like we did in Former Trivodnia, we intend to make use of the local workforce, as well as local subcontractors.

 

[Pelasgia]

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Pelasgian Empire
Ministry of External Affairs​

Public statement - for immediate release.

To whom it may concern,

We would like to thank the Kingdom of @Eiffelland for their wishes concerning the new Ecumenical Patriarch. With pertinence to the Eiffellandian schools in Pelasgia, the Ministry of National Education and the National Education Council, including the associated clergymen of the Orthodox Church, will be more than willing to cooperate with the Kingdom to ensure the proper functioning and accreditation of the schools.

Signed and sealed,

Emannouīl Avgīros
Minister of External Affairs
Government of Pelasgia
Senator by Right of Office

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​

Pelasgian Empire
Ministry of the Economy
Private Communication​

To the attention of Darner Werke A.G. and EKW A.G., Raimer A.G., Rathenau Gruppe A.G., Boehrig Ingelheim A.G, Heppendorf A.G., Medictronics A.G. and Winkelsdorf A.G., Baugesellschaft Hagemann A.G., Baugesellschaft Strunck & Riesel A.G., BaugesellschaftThiessen A.G. and Baugesellschaft Bartsch & Von Gedern A.G.

To whom it may concern,

The following requests for factory construction and other commercial developments and investments in Pelasgia are granted on the listed conditions and with effect for the designated areas:

1. The factory for the EKW E3 and the Darner models Mistral, Solano, Alisio, Roller and Schlepper is authorised in the Voukellarion Theme, pursuant to the local and Imperial laws and regulations.
2. The factory for the models R200, R300, VANs Viro, Runner, Differ, and the Raimer trucks is authorised in the Souchoton Theme, pursuant to the local and Imperial laws and regulations.
3. The factory for Rathenau consumer electronics, smartphones, computers, printers and photocopiers is authorised in the Thapson Theme, pursuant to the local and Imperial laws and regulations. An additional factory may be constructed in the Rhakotaion Theme, as per the same regulations.
4. Factories for medications, laboratory and hospital supplies, medical devices and skin care products are authorised in the Pedinon, Alexandrinon, Makrinon, Hieron and Neapolitikon Themes, pursuant to the local and Imperial laws and regulations.
5. The factory for X is is authorised in the Y Theme, pursuant to the local and Imperial laws and regulations.
6. Hagemann A.G., Strunck & Riesel A.G., Thiessen A.G. and Bartsch & Von Gedern A.G. are authorised to cooperate with the already committed Pelasgian construction companies, primarily those of the Pegasus Group, in the reconstruction of Metaxoupolis and other urban centres of the Pedion, Thapson and Alexandrinon Themes, provided they abide by the stipulations of the contracts already signed by the current contractors and obey the local and Imperial laws and regulations. Their promise to make use of the local workforce, as well as local subcontractors, will be considered binding.

We thank the above listed companies for their interest in expanding Pelasgo-Eiffellandian economic cooperation and Long Sea trade integration. We hope to expand our cooperation in the future.

Signed and sealed,

Theodо̄ros Papamichaīl
Minister of the Economy
Government of Pelasgia
Senator by Right of Office

 

[Rheinbund]

Joint statement by all Eiffellandian companies allowed to build factories in Pelasgia, as well as by Hagemann A.G., Strunck & Riesel A.G., Thiessen A.G. and Bartsch & Von Gedern A.G.

We thank the Government of the Pelasgian Empire for the offered opportunities. It is evident that we will stick to the Pelasgian legislations. We will start the work as soon as possible and allowed.