Retalian News Network

[Remuria]

HEADLINES

RETALIA AND LASSISSE DEEPEN COOPERATION. A set of agreements was announced by the Governments of Retalia and Lassisse to boost cooperation and economic relations between the two countries, including moves to ease travel between the two countries, foster cultural and business exchanges, deepen political cooperation.

THAUMANTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018. Retalian artists to attend the Thaumantic Music Festival 2018 in the Engellexian Republic despite the decommissioning of consular and diplomatic relations at the initiative of Engellex. RIFT, the Sponsor of the Retalian acts at the festival, has advised that they are in contact with the organisers to clear all the required bureaucratic and administrative formalities, including the required visas. "It is upon the organisers to, well, organise the visas, to be honest, otherwise wouldn't be fun to be turned around at the check in counter," the manager for the electronic duo Maruv & Boosin stated.

UNREST IN CROTOBALTISLAVONIA REMARKABLY TAME. The ongoing protests in Banja Luka and other cities of Crotobaltislavonia have been remarkably tame as Raoul Farrago has not yet moved to disperse the crowds or use his security apparatus. Security analysts urge caution, citing the unpredictability of Farrago and of his entire regime.

 

[Remuria]

RETALIAN FINANCIAL SECURITY OFFICE CURIOUS ABOUT THE VACANT BANK

The Office for Financial Security, the Government's Arm responsible for enforcing banking regulations, has advised that they will be investigating the potential links between the Vacant Bank with properly Retalian Banks. The scandal concerns the provision of funds to Crotobaltislavonia and Kadikistan, ironically both countries with which the Grand Duchy of Retalia is not on the best of terms.

As per the compact between the Retalian Parliament and the Order of Saint Lothar, the territory of the "Vacant City" within Tibur is granted extraterritoriality and the status of the Vacant Bank within the Retalian financial system is one of much uncertainty and grey areas. What is certain, however, is the jurisdiction over the Retalian financial institutions that are not under the Vacant City extraterritoriality.

"We do not have reasons to suspect any wrongdoings, but we are acting on news and information pre-emptively," a spokesman for the Financial Security Office commented. "This is not an investigation per se, this is a supervision activity."

Political commentators have yet again raised the unclear status of the Vacant City within Retalia, stipulating that its institutions could at any time come back under Retalian jurisdiction, yet this might cause some complications.

"The Parliament can of course unilaterally revoke the Compact and there are provisions for this," one constitutional lawyer said. "But aside from the aspects of pure legality, you must consider the potential political and diplomatic fallout. The Vacant City is Retalian territory granted extraterritoriality by Retalia. It has been so for generations. I believe our government will seek ways to optimise the Compact, not just shut it down at the first sign of problems. You can only hit the panic button once, after all."

 

[Remuria]

GRAUHOLZER ADMINISTRATION LOOKS FORWARD TO THE NEW CABINET IN EIFFELLAND

Prime Minister Grauholzer has confirmed that it has been a pleasure and honour to work with His Excellency the Demissionary Chancellor von Seydewitz and his Cabinet. Uniquely among monarchies and many republics, the Prime Minister of Retalia is elected in a general popular vote, and is not appointed by Parliament. The Retalian Prime Minister reiterated the numerous successes of the Altburg-Trier cooperation, the mutually beneficial economic growth and cultural exchanges.

Furthermore, Retalia is looking forward to the formation of a new Cabinet in Trier.

Some analysts have indicated possible lack of synchronization between Altburg and Trier over a number of issues, with the Grand Duchy of Retalia taking on an increasingly hawkish approach to defending her interests on the world stage, whilst Trier has been steadfast and consistent in maintaining its role as a skilled negotiator and peacemaker. Altburg has, as one example, refused to establish diplomatic relations with the Kadikistani Union, instead routing all matters through the interests section in Serenierre. Retalia has also been at the forefront of vocal support to Trivodnian independence, which coupled with the ever increased alert of the Retalian Navy, is backed by a readiness to act both East and West.

However, realistic estimates indicate that the Retalian-Eiffellander union is nowhere near under any risk, no matter the temporary complications that might arise from time to time. After all, Retalia and Eiffelland are a powerful joint market of about a hundred and fourty million souls between the two countries, a fact that is difficult or nearly impossible to negate. Moreover, Trier has always been able to play an appeasing role towards checking some of Altburg's more aggressive moves on the international arena.

@Eiffelland

 

[Rheinbund]

The new government of Eiffelland will be as committed to the cooperation between Retalia and Eiffelland as the Cabinets-Von-Seydewitz were. Also we understand the special ties between Eiffelland and Retalia.

Philipp Neubaur and Max Gerber, Coalition Negotiators in service of the King
Dr. Stephan Röpke, Political leader of the CDV
Rüdiger Zimmermann, Political leader of the SPE
Andreas Fritschler, Political leader of the LDP

 

[Remuria]

LITTLE TO REJOICE FOR IN FARRAGO'S DEATH

As spontaneous celebrations erupt in Trivodnia, Retalian officials warn that not much has changed with the passing of Raoul Farrago.

The regime is in place and it is not at all clear whether whoever comes to power in the internal shuffle will be committed to global peace and stability.

Some analysts indicate that Farrago's sudden passing has all the hallmarks of an internal power shift by one regime faction against another.

"We maintain vigilance," a Government spokesman said.

 

[Remuria]

DI FRATTI FORMALLY RESIGNS FROM GOVERNMENT

The Foreign Affairs Minister Ludovico di Fratti has formally resigned as Foreign Affairs Minister with immediate effect, a move that has been months in the making ever since the Christmas Coup in Crotobaltislavonia and a breakdown in detente with Serenierre. Di Fratti, who was as a proponent of detente with the communist regime in Serenierre, came under increased pressure after the process broke down in the wake of the Christmas Coup in Crotobaltislavonia, assertive moves by Villesen against Retalia and the breaking down of relations between the two countries.

"Ironically, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, as they say," said Alfred Regenman, an analyst with the Retalian Political Council think tank. "Di Fratti's attempts for a detente with Serenirre hit a double barrier both with Villesen not reciprocating and the hawks back in Altburg demanding firm action against the communists. And he did not have a strong enough internal or external support for his policies to succeed."

Prime Minister Grauholzer has nominated Stefano Lavertezzo, Secretary of State within the Foreign Affairs Ministry, as the new Foreign Affairs Minister, with the confirmation hearing to take place at the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Retalian Parliament next week. This would suggest reluctance to shake up the Ministry in the wake of di Fratti's departure, just as the hawkish wing of Retalian politics is clearly holding the initiative in the Midnight Palace and the Nordwind House. Lavertezzo is seen by many as a "rational dove", who is ready to make concessions if he receives similar concessions from his interlocutors.

 

[Remuria]

LAVERTEZZO CONFIRMED AS FOREIGN MINISTER

The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Retalian Parliament has confirmed the nomination of Stefano Lavertezzo to the function of Foreign Affairs Minister of the Grand Duchy of Retalia. In his introductory address, the newly confirmed Foreign Affairs Minister reiterated Altburg's commitment to a "free, safe, stable and prosperous Gallo-Germania".

Whilst the focus of Retalia's foreign policy shall remain with her allies in Trier and Propontis and on the immediate neighbourhood, the Grand Duchy "shall yield to no obstacle and shy away from no effort to maintain strong and mutually beneficial relations with all responsible nations and societies of the World". On the separate issue of Serenierre, Altburg was ready to talk to Villesen, however, no progress would ever be achieved until the "regime in Villesen ceased its erratic acts of provocation against Retalia" and that the Grand Duchy shall remain ever vigilant and prepared to face any threat or aggression. Retalia shall continue to incessantly improve ties with her neighbours in Lassisse and Occitania, with her neighbours in Carinthia-Harkany to ensure that the Retalian Sea is an "area of peace and prosperity".

Among the focus areas listed by Minister Lavertezzo was the continued support to Trivodnia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, to the normalisation and improvement of ties between Amstov, Eschenbach and Windhaven. Retalia shall furthermore be more active in her relations with Geotri, Ivernia, Caledonia and other nations of the World.

"Of particular attention is the Great Sea region," the Minister referred to the Kalahari Sea by the Bolshoe More name used in the nations of Ostrovakia and Chernovy as he promised that Retalia sees them as valuable partners.

The Engellexian Republic was cited for its recent decision to void all diplomatic relations with the World, a move the Foreign Minister called "regretful and a step back for Engellex and the World" and called upon Engellex to "rejoin the Community of Nations".

Among the threats to Retalia, the Foreign Minister listed the increasing drug trade, the destabilisation of Crotobaltislavonia and the "unchecked aggression of the Rurikgrad Pact against the free nations of the world".

Overall, the Minister's address underlines a growing activity of the Grand Duchy on the international scene following a somewhat lax Di Fratti tenure, which was mostly concentrated on matters within the Retalian Sea, but yielded no concrete results, maintaining the status quo. The consensus in Altburg seems to be "do not fix what is not broken" and to maintain the status quo within the Retalian Sea, whilst allocating effort and resources to the international arena in an expansion of the "furthest perimeter defence" policy to include diplomatic efforts.

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of External Affairs

The Free State of Trivodnia is eternally grateful to the Grand Duchy of Retalia for its unfailing commitment to upholding Trivodnian sovereignty, territorial integrity as well as international norms more broadly. We look forward to working with foreign minister Stefano Lavertezzo to create a free, stable and prosperous Gallo-Germania as well.

 

[Rheinbund]

We congratulate Minister Lavertezzo with his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Retalia. As soon as we have formed the new Government of Eiffelland, we would like to schedule a meeting to discuss matters at hand.

Dr. Stephan Röpke, Political Leader of the CDV, charged with forming the new government
Rüdiger Zimmermann, Political Leader of the SPE
Andreas Fritschler, Political Leader of the LDP

 

[Remuria]

DI FRATTI SPEAKS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE RESIGNATION

Former Foreign Minister Ludovico di Fratti has given his first interview since his dismissal from the Government, in which he defended his approach to his foreign politics and regretted the overbearing influence of cross-party hawks in the Parliament and the Government. On his relationship with the rest of the Government, di Fratti advised that he considered the Government as composed of the highest level of professionals and that Stefano Lavertezzo was a very competent and capable man to lead Retalia's foreign politics until the next Prime Ministerial elections.

"I have the highest respect for my now former colleagues and we all worked to the best of Retalia's interests. However, while we are all professionals, we had increasingly differing views on the road Retalia should take on the international arena," di Fratti stated. "The Foreign Policy is decided by the Prime Minister, implemented by the Foreign Minister and overseen for compliance by the Parliament. In the current climate, I was the odd one out and my agenda did not fit with cross-party consensus in Parliament and Prime Minister Grauholzer's goals and strategy."

On this future, di Fratti advised that he would remain in politics and left the ranks of the Conservative Party to join the Liberal Social Democratic Party, which he believes closer to his political goals. Ludovico di Fratti did not exclude running for the LSDP in the next Prime Ministerial or Parliamentary elections.

The move is seen as a new start for the LSDP, on the left of the Retalian political spectrum, following years of stagnation.

 

[Serenierre]

Private comments of Mme. Elisabeth Martinique
"Who does he think he's fooling? One can see through him... at-least I can, his rage and resentment is so apparent... poor man."

 

[Remuria]

POPE VISITS TIBUR IN SECRET

As the Holy See confirmed that the Pontiff Ioannes XXIII visited Tibur over the weekend to survey the Vacant City (also referred to by its more historical name as Alexandrine City contained within the past limits of the Alexandrine Walls) in total and complete secrecy, stunning many observers. The Retalian Homeland Security Agency has refused to comment whether the HSA assisted with the secretive preparations and to make sure everything went off smoothly, stating on its web portan that "talking about secrets makes secrets into non-secrets and defeats the purpose of secrecy".

After the news was confirmed and the Pontiff was already gone, the Vacant City was swamped with press, photographs and just visitors. Pro Securitas AG, which provides security on the ground, was on high alert, yet everything went off smoothly and by day's end the influx of crowds ceased as people went home.

This marks the first visit by the Pope to Tibur since the Era of Absent Pontiffs (as it's referred to in Retalia), hailed as a milestone by many in the country's majority Catholic community. Yet many wonder why the Pontiff does not visit Tibur more often, as he has all the clearances and authorizations to enter the country.

 

[Remuria]

RETALIAN SUPPORT TO TRIVODNIAN LAW ENFORCEMENT DRAWS CRITICISM

As the Ivar-organised Krasnislavian march sets out to reach Trivodnia, the Free State prepares to face a number of logistical and security concerns. And one of the tools employed by the Free State is the National Watch, itself a controversial force created to root out corruption and who are often accused of using too much zeal in their ways to enforce the law. Problem is, the National Watch cooperates extensively with Retalian law enforcement agencies for training, equipment and weapons. National Watchmen regularly travel to Retalia for training.

"We are indeed partnering with the National Watch to educate the Watchmen in the best practices towards law enforcement, crowd control, respect for the rule of law and application of law enforcement," a statement from the Losena Police Department stated. "We have a proud relationship between our two law enforcement agencies and we are glad we can help our Trivodnian colleagues in becoming an efficient, people oriented force that serves and protects the common citizen."

This came in response to criticism levied by human rights groups that cite disproportionate use of force by the National Watch, arbitrary arrests and violence. Proponents of the continued cooperation deem that the National Watch is light years ahead in terms of professionalism from the local territorial police and, as such, contributes to a gradual improvement in the rule of law in a country plagued by ethnic criminal clans.

The Trivodnians are also welcome clients of Retalian equipment and weapon manufacturers. "Trivodnians order quite a lot of accessories and mods for their weapons," a representative of LaRue Armories, a leading manufacturer or high grade gun modifications stated. "Plus they are avid consumers of up to date tactical gear, equipment and instruments."

The Retalian government furthermore subsidizes purchases by Trivodnian law enforcement with Retalian manufacturers, for both personal equipment, as well as vehicles.

@Trivodnia

 

[Polesia]

Ministry of the Interior

The Grand Duchy of Retalia continues to be a welcome and supportive partner in the arena of law enforcement, and we look forward to deepening cooperation ahead of the planned Krasnislavian march into Trivodnia, which will prove a challenging event for all concerned.

Separately, we urge Retalian media to fully investigate the facts before questioning the professionalism of the National Watch. Many of the claims made against the Watch have been either politically and financially motivated, as evident in the fact most Watchmen have been exonerated by Trivodnian courts of law.

 

[Remuria]

HEADLINES

CROTOBALTISLAVONIAN MILITARY STANDS DOWN OVER LAKE ELBE. The Crotobaltislavonian military has announced it will be scaling down its set up opposite Trivodnia following a deescalation on the lake Elbe. A move welcomed by the Grand Duchy of Retalia, which called for all parties to resolve the situation in a responsible manner.

ALTBURG READY TO LISTEN TO VILLESEN. Altburg is ready to listen to Villesen's concerns over the Retalian Sea and find mutually benefician solutions, should such concerns be formulated in a constructive manner and not be "voiced through the language of provocation". Foreign Minister Lavertezzo has confirmed that if currently explored options were seen by any party as giving in too much to the other, then the parties should resort to creative thinking.

 

[Remuria]

RETALIA AND OCCITANIA REAFFIRM NEIGHBOURLY TIES

The Grand Duchy of Retalia and the Kingdom of Occitania have reaffirmed their good neighbourly ties through additional agreements, as announced by the Foreign Minister Lavertezzo following his official trip to Marsilia for discussions and negotiations.

Retalia and Occitania will seek to liberalise trade ties and Altburg will also recommend Marsilia to discuss further trade ties with Trier for trans-Retalian commerce to flourish. Until then, Altburg and Marsilia will move to liberalise trade barriers and tariffs between the two countries.

Both countries will additionally liberalise movement of persons, ease visa restrictions and make it easier for tourists, students and businessmen (and women) to cross borders.

Occitania and Retalia will co-fund infrastructural projects to link the Retalian Windlust Islands to the continent through a bridge that would link the Flonice metropolitan area of Occitania with the Retalian islands. The RIFT Concorcium will be tasked with the FEED and EPC works. The shares of companies participating in the RIFT have traded high on the market today following the announcement.

Finally, both Retalia and Occitania shall cooperate to counter negative influence in the region from distant states.

@Occitania

 

[Serenierre]

Commissariat for External Relations

We are monitoring the situation. We remind the Kingdom of Occitania that it has prior diplomatic arrangements with Villesen that it should remember.