The Barkai Star- News from the Jewish State

[Holy Frankish Empire]

At least 38,000 left homeless ​

Nablus

According to Provincial Governor Prince Faisal IV, at least 38,000 are homeless as a result of last weeks massive earthquake. The Republican government has moved quickly to provide tents and aid is pouring in from Breotonia, Akwesasne, Cakistan, and Guiana. The fatality rate has again risen to 223. Prince Faisal refused to comment on if the number is again expected to grow.

President Levy announced that Governor Prince Faisal will personally oversee rescue and relief efforts as expected. Furthermore, President Levy ordered the JDF to immediately move to build temporary housing structures around Nablus and Revaha; enough to house 12,000.

Council of Nations Ruled By One? Oikawa denies Judean membership​

Barkai

Again, Judean hopes for membership in the Council of Nations were crushed by a veto by Oikawa. Other nations denied entry: FR Telora, CS Helena, Drakun Imperium, Coronado, and Akwesasne.

Responses were harsh as a massive protest outside the Oikawan Embassy came dangerously close to becoming violent. Other nations filed formal protests but there has been no response from the Oikawans.

"How one nation can exert such control over an organization build on international brotherhood is staggering. The flaws of this organization are clear and brings us to a point. What is the use of the Council of Nations? Clearly it is not built for true brotherhood of nations, working together for a common goal of peace and prosperity. Or perhaps Oikawa does not seek peace and prosperity from the world" said President Levy in a press conference. "This is not a criticism of members of the Council of Nations, other than Oikawa, but of its structure. It is clearly not built on equality with a vision of brotherhood and a vision of the future".


President Levy refused to comment on rumors that Judea and other nations were preparing to launch a similar organization, one that would base admission on a general assembly vote.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Levy: The Silent Leader and What It Means For Judeans

Friday Op-Ed
By: Mohammed Qutb, Senior Political Editor

Almost who watched the international news or even picked up a newspaper a few times in the past 15 years is familiar with former President Walden Finkleman. Less are familiar with current President Rahm Levy.

As conditions in the Nablus/Revaha region steadily improve, the Governor Prince Faisal IV has increasingly been the face of recovery. Levy made it clear that the Governor-Prince would oversee recovery efforts and has held numerous press conferences. But is it enough? With an election looming, Levy faces tough opposition from the Conservatives and Liberals. If he is to win he needs to vocalize his achievements.

Known for accomplishing things behind closed doors, Levy's achievements have yet to be anything large. However, the smaller changes are plenty. The Judean Dollar has slowly improved and Judean foreign relations have drastically improved. However, many will view the administration's media campaign against Belmont's aggression as failed despite clear cut evidence, supported my several other nations. Levy defended himself by explaining that the Council of Nations failed to heed Judean calls for action and investigation.

Whatever the case, Levy will have to perform in the traditional 3 debates which begin next week and be more vocal when official campaigns begin on Monday. Admittedly, following Finkleman is not an easy role, but one of hardship and comparisons. Rather than comparing Levy to a man who held the reins of Judea for 11 years, Levy should be judged on his accomplishments. Ask most Judeans what Levy has done and they will most likely shrug. While they can name a few smaller accomplishments, most will not say their lives have changed.

Its a question of who is loudest. Liberals, Conservatives, or Levy. That will decide the election.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

F20 "Tayku" Program Stalls​

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Barkai

Judea's most ambitious defense program, the F20, hit another major bump last week as the new light-weight naval landing gear nearly failed during a test landing said the JDF Public Information Command. Analysts doubt if Judea will be able to deliver on orders for naval versions until 2013. "It isn't a question of 'if', it is a question of how much and when" said retired JAF Colonel Terraf Adid.

With hundreds, perhaps thousands of aircraft ordered, "Judea cannot afford to let this aircraft fall behind or competitors like the Eurofighter and others serve as a clear option for other nations. This money pit has to be filled in with a solid foundation and first floor" said Adid.

The JAF is expected to receive between 10 and 20 in 2011 as trainers and operational aircraft. The goals set in 2006, have the JAF retiring 85 F-17's and 21 F19 Nachash A's this year.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Rescue efforts officially end as South recovers​

Revaha

Governor-Prince Faisal officially announced the end of of rescue operations and advised that efforts have shifted to recovery. With heavy Republican aid and heavy foreign aid, conditions are steadily improving as the death toll also continues to rise. Wednesday, the death toll reached 282 as more bodies have been recovered.

Governor-Prince Faisal also announced that public transportation has begun running on a small scale and that public order has fully been restored. The Prince has issued a curfew for between the hours of 2345 hours (11:45pm) to 0345 hours (3:45am). No word on reasoning, but many suspect it is meant for work crews to continue unimpeded.

Security Council Resolution would make Judean Republic a member​

Barkai

The President's office announced that news reports regarding Security Council Resolution 20 are true. The bill submitted by Franken and Oikawa is getting mixed responses. Small protests over membership are already popping up in throughout Judea. The President refused to comment on the protests but did say that Judea would accept membership, despite reservations the nation has over structure.

The President announced that former President, Walden Finkleman would be his choice for CoN representative.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Interview with President Levy​

Barkai

The Star had a unique chance to interview the President of the Republic on Wednesday. Questions or statements posed by the Star will be denoted by ST while answers or statements made by the President will be denoted by PL.

ST: Good afternoon Mr. President, it is a pleasure to have you here today
PL: My pleasure.

ST:Let us get right into it. Recently, a Council of Nations bill would add Judea despite the reservations of many. How is your administration handling it?
PL: Well, first let me say that the people are not the only ones with reservations. We are deeply concerned with the structure of the Council of Nations. This resolution adds numerous duchies and semi-autonomous states. This not only greatly complicates the CoN structure, but creates mass voting blocks.

SToes this mean you intend to reject Judean membership?
PL: Not exactly. We intend to join, to do everything possible to create open, diplomatic channels. However, we are still unsure how these channels will be censored by these loop-hole measures.

ST: Loop-hole measures?
PL:Look, the Security Council essentially can veto anything and can impose anything; including the membership of a state with legitimate candidacy. Even if we proposed a change, it may get vetoed.

ST: Is it true that your first choice as CoN representative would be your old boss and mentor, President Finkleman?
PL: Yes, we have an excellent working relationship. President Finkleman was very well respected internationally while President. He is an obvious choice for a CoN with many hurdles.

ST: Shifting gears now; many have openly questioned how you have handled the earthquake. How do you respond to your critics?
PL: First, let me say that while I am a leader, I have to be an adequate administrator. While it was a national emergency, it was also a provincial one. I mobilized several military units and basically told Governor-Prince Faisal I would completely facilitate anything he needed. I have faith in Prince Faisal. He is an excellent leader and I trusted him to get the job done...

ST:But...
PL: Now let me finish. I attended twice daily briefs on the situation and was in contact with the Governor at least 3 times a day. It was an intensive process of working together, administrating, to get things done.

ST: Very well then. Many are criticizing your administration's approach to the Belmontien attack against Coronado. Your administration released numerous intelligence reports and the world for the most part failed to listen. How do you justify this failure?
PL: It is not my failure. We tried very hard to become a member of the Council of Nations. We would have preferred to bring it before the international community but our membership was blocked.

ST: So do you place the blame on Oikawa?
PL: No, no. We do not see it that way. We blame the structure of the CoN for allowing it to happen.

ST: Changing gears again, your administration has been also criticized for focusing on international issues more than national ones. How do you respond?
PL: Well, I think its clear that we have had to focus much on international issues but that does not mean we are not interested on what happens at home. We have brought jobs and a stronger, more diverse economy to Judea. Numerous plans have yet to be implemented but lets look at the three largest domestic issues my administration has tackled. First, we increased government coverage on healthcare. The government now pays 6% more of the bill. That may not seem like much, but when that is Jd1000, it matters. Second, we put more police on Judean streets. This isn't about budget or some numbers on a chart, its about Judeans feeling safe. Finally, I implemented new education programs that will eventually provide a lap top computer to every child between 12 and 16 for school. These are just a few of the things my administration is doing.

ST: Thank you for your time President Levy.
PL: You're welcome

See video at:

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[Holy Frankish Empire]

Council of Nations Demonstrations ​

Barkai

Thousands of citizens took to the street yesterday in protest of the Council of Nations membership. The crowds gathered in Barkai and Ramat Gan in protest of the latest resolution that would grant Judea and several other states, duchies, and kingdoms membership.

Crowds chanted anti-CoN and Oikawa slogans, many with signs reading "Not fit and ready a montth ago!" in reference to the wording of SC Resolution 20. President Levy urged for the protests to remain peaceful and said that so far no arrests have been made. According to police, around 3,000 protesters were present in Barkai for the protests.

President Levy reiterated that any violence would be met with severe repercussions and that Judea would accept membership with reservations.

National hockey team eyes uphill climb

Ramat Gan

In 1983, many eyebrows raised as Judea formed its first national hockey team from university club players. Pounded in the international standings, many sports and hockey enthusiasts questioned the viability of a long-term program. Fortunes changed in 1991 when the country ended the year with an all time high of 6th in the international power rankings.

The last 20 years however have been, at best, bumpy. Only once since 1991 has the Judean National Team cracked the top 15 in the international power rankings. In 2004, the team had another 'miracle season', beating Helena, Zivotinje, and unbeaten Kryobaijan to climb to 14 in international rankings.

Soon, the team will compete in in the World Hockey Tournament. Only 7 players have competed at the professional tier while the rest are a mixture of semi-professional and university players. The team enters the tournament ranked at 29th in the world.

Many have openly questioned the future of the team, citing impressive losing streaks and lack of public support. Coach Leonard Nevelson remains confident. "We have die-hard supporters and an enthusiastic team. Our wins, though few, are quality wins. I have confidence in my players".

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Judea warns Padania​

Barkai

Padania's State Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 'police have detained a number of Lorrainian citizens whose light civilian craft are harbored in Padanian ports as a precautionary measure to ensure that no Lorrainian citizens attempt to return to Lorrainian ports via Padanian waters' today, prompting a stiff response from Judea.

In a press conference this morning, President Levy accused the government of Padania of making 'erratic maneuvers reminiscent of Belmontien policy'. The President also addressed the recent proclamation by Padania that they placed their new maritime borders out to 50 nautical miles in contrast to the universally accepted 12 nautical miles.

In his press conference, President Levy reiterated that 'thuggish actions against Lorraine and her citizens cannot and will not be tolerated. The idea that these citizens of Lorraine must go through further screening before returning to their nation is preposterous'. The President threatened an end to military cooperation and an end to good relations.

Since 1995, Judea and Padania have entered into several military and civil projects and has been the best of any EDF-Padania relationships. Experts question if these events will end the somewhat good relationship.

5 New corvettes show Levy's weakness​

Barkai

Going against the President's yearly military plan, Parliament has approved the construction of 5 new corvettes at a cost of around Jd3.2 Billion. "The necessity of a powerful and modern navy cannot be denied. It is the wish of the people, through the Parliament of the Republic, that our nation and the Jewish people be protected at sea" read the bill.

Analysts point out that President Levy's own Orange Party has gone against the pre-election platform and more so, against the President himself. With elections looming, things are not looking good for President Levy. Legal polling begins next week, but analysts are saying that widespread disapproval and actions of the President's own party show that Levy is losing control. The President is expected to approve the bill despite his agenda.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Judea will not observe Padania maritime claims​

Barkai

Critics have called Padania's claims- nonsensical, spoiled, selfish, and even smart. However, Judean leaders are vocal and have openly criticized the move by Padania to extend its maritime border by 38 nautical miles. "By allowing Padania to implement this against international standard, the world will set a dangerous precedent. Nations will extend their borders to a hundred miles by land and sea in the name of national security" said President Levy today.

The President's Office set specific protocols for all Judean flagged ships to 'ignore any and all statements and actions beyond 12 nautical miles from the coast of Padania'. The President was rather straightforward saying 'any action to stop, board, detain, or divert any Judean ship, whether it be merchant or military, will be viewed as a hostile act and violation of international marine sovereignty'.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Ministry of the Exterior
Confederal Republics of the North

While itself upholding the 12 mile standard as the extent of its territorial waters and not intent on changing that policy unless we see a similar effect elsewhere, the Confederal Republics note that the present dispute of territorial waters should rather be interpreted as a reaction of self-defense on behalf of the Padanian government against a larger, dominant and potentially aggressive grouping.

Regards,
Mr. Joni Saukko,
Minister of the Exterior

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Ministry of State

While we understand their reasoning, we still cannot condone this sort of reaction. To condone it, in a time of peace, sets terrible precedent and creates a more hostile enviroment.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Ministry of the Exterior
Confederal Republics of the North

A time of peace for the nation itself, yes. However, a time of regional military conflict even though the parties in that particular war appear to be nearing a conclusion to their enmity.

Regards,
Mr. Joni Saukko,
Minister of the Exterior

 

[Papist Solaren]

State Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Padanian military will not intend to seize, detain, or otherwise board a Judean vessel off the coast of Padania unless it is suspected of having committed a crime against the State. Judean officials will be notified of the incident, and be expected to permit an investigation, or conduct one of their own, into the reported incident. A failure to do so may result in repercussions. The Padanian navy will continue conducting drills within 25 nautical miles of it's Western coastline, and all foreign military and civilian vessels are suggested to bypass the drills so as to avoid collisions. Any civilian or military vessel which ignores such commands and indeed collides with a Padanian vessel undergoing combat maneuvers will be fired on and sunk.

Drills will continue in order to maximize Padanian military force readiness in the event that nearby belligerents military escalations attempt to attack or infringe upon Padanian sovereignty. Innocent passage will be granted to any vessel which has heeded warnings and given respect to Padanian wishes.

Raffaello Fabbris,
Segretario degli Affari Esteri

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Ship, captain seized, crew roughed up by Padania

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Ramat Gan

A Judean research ship was seized today by the navy of Padania 27 nautical miles from its coast the Ministry of State said today. The ship, JCS Nir Aviv was conducting ocean current research. At about 1315 hours (1:15pm), the ship was flown over by a helicopter, presumably from Padania's navy. At 1530 hours (330pm), the ship was hailed by two corvettes of Padania's navy. According to the first mate (who's name will be withheld), the naval ships requested permission to board to conduct a safety check.

Being in international waters, the captain of the JCS Nir Aviv refused the request. The first mate then says that a shot was fired across the bow and they were then forcibly boarded. While further details have not been released, the captain was arrested and the ship released. The captain presumably remains in the custody of Padania. The crew suffered minor injuries resisting the attempt.

GPS records verify the ships location, relatively static, for the past 96 hours in international waters. Other than basic information, the government has refused to comment.

 

[Papist Solaren]

State Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The vessel in question was suspected of communicating sensitive information to targets on land as well as other as-of-yet undetermined targets. Servizio Informazioni Nazionale intercepted several pieces of information transmitted by the JCS Nir Aviv and determined the vessel to be a potential thread to the security of the State. Padanian Marina Militare vessels and air support communicated a need to board the vessel to confirm/deny the allegations. The captain of the JCS vessel refused, despite the Padanian government previously communicating an increased effort to maintain the security of the State in recent days. Padanian Lagunari were then authorized to board the vessel and arrest suspected enemies of the State. After a quick review, it was determined that the crew and vessel were not threats to the State - however the captain of the Nir Aviv will continue to be detained for, and may be charged with, failure to comply with authorities and resisting a lawful search.

Raffaello Fabbris,
Segretario degli Affari Esteri

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Ministry of State


First, the ship in question only transmitted information regarding ocean currents and sea migrations and how they were effected by rampant pollution from Padania. If this is a threat to your state, we suggest tightening pollution controls.

Second, our vessel was in international waters and thus was not subject to a search, safety check, or any other action performed by agents of Padania's government. This makes the charges of failure to comply with authorities and resisting a lawful search invalid as they had no authority nor was it lawful. Furthermore, we have already warned Padania that these thuggish actions would not be tolerated and that acting like pirates is not in their nations best interest.

Finally, we issue this ultimatum to the government of Padania: Release the captain of JCS Nir Aviv within 72 hours. Failure to do so will result in dire consequences.

 

[Confederal Republics]

Office of the President
Confederal Republics of the North

In accordance with the Confederal Republics' responsibility as a non-aligned state actor of international politics to safeguard peace and the development of diplomacy in the broader European stage, I wish to relay an offer to act as a mediator and independent evaluator in this affair to ensure that the concerns of both parties are addressed and the situation brought to a successful conclusion.

Regards,
His Excellency Mr. Mauno Kajala,
President
Confederal Republics of the North

 

[Papist Solaren]

State Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Negotiations are already being held with Breotonia over the issue of delimited maritime borders and jurisdiction. The State will not comply with brash ultimatums, and will continue to detain the captain of the Nir Aviv until the conference in Lunden has concluded; at which time it will review the conditions under which the captain was arrested and determine to proceed to court or release the captain.

The Judean captain will be allowed to receive counsel and limited access from Judean authorities, however as no consulate has been established and no process for extradition exists between Judea and Padania, the Judean captain will continue to be detained in Padanian facilities.

Raffaello Fabbris,
Segretario degli Affari Esteri

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

Ministry of State

We will not stand by while the government of Padania illegally detains a Judean citizen. We remind the government of Padania that they have 56 hours to comply or face severe consequences.

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

President's briefing reveals JCS Nir Aviv details

Barkai

At the request of the families, information was tightly guarded by the government until all family could be informed. Now, the President has notified the press of several details that were not previously released, including the crew manifest. The President's Office issued a brief with a basic fact sheet.

JCS Nir Aviv: Owned and operated by Barkai University at Ramat Gan.

*Captain Moshe Lahad, 48, Ramat Gan. Spent 22 years on tankers and tug ships before being hired by BU at Ramat Gan.

*First Mate: Itzhak Feldman, 31, Sderot. 5 years in the Republican Navy, 8 years with Judean Maritime Safety Council. Received broken rib in assault.

*Father Dr. Antonio Cadamosto S.J., Professor of Oceanography, Barkai University (Wrist sprained in assault despite passive resistance).

*Dror Avedan, 27, Graduate student. Light bruising and abrasions.
*Shlomo Roth, 21, Undergraduate student
*Timothy Jacobson,29, Graduate student. Citizen of Guiana
*Julia Raviv, 24, Graduate student.

*Asher Guttman, 34, Crewman
*Jakob Arad, age not specified, Crewman
*Aharon Horowitz, 48, Crew Chief, broken ulna
*Omar ben Isa, 35, Engineer

Ship assignment: Study the effects of pollution on sea migration as applied to ocean currents.


"We stand by the Lahad family in these trying times. We will not allow the pirate actions of a thuggish nation, violating widely accepted international customs, to deter us. First, we will have Captain Lahad back in 62 hours or Padania will face the consequences. Second, we will continue to observe the 12 nautical mile standard. Third, the ship will return to its position in international waters to finish conducting experiments" said the President.

The Confederal Republics of the North has offered to mediate but no official response has been made. Analysts say that the current climate dictates the government remain cautious before committing to anything, even mediation.