Trivodnian media

[Polesia]

Ministry of External Affairs

While the Free State and Kadikistan are frequently at odds, we are grateful for the expressions of solidarity from Ivar.

Regarding the rumours of Kadikistani involvement in the attack, the Free State Intelligence Bureau has since clarified it has never believed that to be the case, and also promised a full and proper investigation into the alleged leaks to the Affiliated Press.

 

[Polesia]

DER MORGEN ZSHURNAL
דער מארגען זשורנאל
The Morning Journal

CHANCELLOR ATTACKS "SCHIZOPHRENIC" CROTOBALTISLAVONIA

Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann is under fire from mental health charities after attacking the "schizophrenic" foreign policy of Crotobaltislavonia in an impassioned speech that could put Trivodnia on a collision course with its neighbour.

Speaking after Crotobaltislavonia announced it would be reopening all shared border crossings, the Chancellor accused the current Crotobaltislavonian administration of being "duplicitous" and "two-faced" in its dealings with the Free State, after it was revealed Crotobaltislavonia was seeking an extradition treaty with Trivodnia only days after the border closure.

"This schizophrenic approach to foreign policy cannot go on," said Kahnemann in an interview with FSBS Kanal One, "it is dangerous and puts everyone on heightened alert."

Kahnemann's choice of wording led to criticism from mental health workers, who accused him of using "irresponsible" language. Kahnemann has since refused to apologise, and sources within the Chancellery have accused his critics of being "over-sensitive". Social Democrats have so far stuck by him as well.

The shutting of the border crossings in response to the Amstov terror attack was a huge blow to the Chancellor, who only days before had promised to reposition Trivodnia as a regional economic hub, claiming the country was well placed to connect different trade routes.

"How can Kahnemann claim to make the Free State a 'workshop for the world' when he can't even stop our neighbours from closing their borders with us?" asked Jewish People's Party leader Yitzhak Epstein at a rally in Amstov.

Epstein however went on to back the Chancellor in his condemnation of the anti-Semitic undertones of Crotobaltislavonian media coverage of Trivodnia. "The Free State is not exclusively 'Yiddish' and nor are 'Yid gangsters' Crotobaltislavonia's biggest problem," he said.

The Crotobaltislavonian Embassy refused requests for comment from the Morning Journal. However sources within the Trivodnian Ministry of External Affairs said "back-channel" discussions on "a number of issues" were taking place between the Free State and Crotobaltislavonia, adding to the confusion in Amstov over what Crotobaltislavonia actually wants.

"They're blowing hot and cold... it's a difficult situation, there's no obvious endgame," said one Trivodnian diplomat.

Trivodnia's neighbour has a long history of political instability, and the latest coup saw Raoul Farrago, also known as 'Big Brother', installed as 'President-for-Life'.

As per the terms of the peace treaty with Kadikistan in 1921, which paved the way for Trivodnia's independence, the Free State is constitutionally committed to neutrality and peaceful relations with all nations, and is also prohibited from launching preventative strikes.

Recent tensions with Kadikistan and now Crotobaltislavonia have led some to call for change. "We're in a bad neighbourhood, we need to be able to defend ourselves," insisted one Social Democrat backbencher.

In response to the border closures and Crotobaltislavonian anti-Semitic propaganda, Trivodnia has deployed additional military units to the shared border region, which have not been withdrawn since the border crossing reopenings.​

 

[Polesia]

Der farnakhter shtern

Social Democrats' last minute constitutional reform pledges

In a final hour bid not to appear as the party of constitutional conservatism, the Social Democratic Alliance has pledged to try and get through two ground-breaking amendments if reelected.

First and most controversially is to scrap the clauses committing Trivodnia to neutrality and prohibiting first strikes. "We must be able to defend ourselves," declared Chancellor and Social Democrat leader Alexander Kahnemann in a final rally in Kretyn.

Second and less controversial is to remove legal immunity for former or serving politicians. "We cannot beat corruption if the men who make our laws are above them," Kahnemann said, vowing a harder on drugs and people trafficking too.

However the Chancellor ruled any move towards federalism or devolution of any kind. "Such legal and political divisions will be exploited by our enemies," he warned.

If the Social Democrats do go ahead with plans to abandon Trivodnia's decades-long constitutional neutrality, it would have far reaching consequences beyond the Free State. The 1921 peace treaty with Kadikistan was based on the proviso Trivodnia would remain non-aligned and unentangled in military alliances. Any move away from that would likely provoke Ivar, potentially even causing war. "There's no doubt the Kadikistanis would see this as a threat," said Heinz-Christian Kurtz of the Institute of Slavian and Germanian Security Studies.


Ending Trivodnia's constitutional neutrality has enjoyed cross-partisan support for decades, but never been put forward by a party leadership until now. Commentators predict an easy two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for such an amendment. But getting the same again in a popular referendum will be a lot harder. "Many voters will rightly think it will harm not help the Free State's security," said Yakov Kit from the League for Armed Neutrality.

Opposition parties have yet to stake out their own positions, knowing the deep divisions within their own ranks over the issue. The Alternative, Jewish People's Party, Krasnislavian National Party and Homeland Union have all said independently they will consider and review the Social Democrats' proposals. "This will be a hugely explosive issue, no need to light matches yet," said one KNP candidate.

If the amendment was to pass, it would mark the biggest foreign and defence policy shift in the Free State's history. "You cannot understate its meaning," added Kurtz from the ISGSS.

Others however downplay its practical impact. "While hugely symbolic, the reality is Trivodnia is largely aligned to the Trier Concordat anyway," suggested Igor Klitschko of the Three Seas Research and Information Centre.

Conversely, the second amendment - stripping current and previous politicians of legal immunity - will likely be well supported by the public, but less so by the National Assembly. "This is paving the way for persecutions and autocracy," warned one Folkist.

Currently the Supreme Court can revoke someone's immunity from prosecution if there is compelling evidence of a serious crime. But this power has only been used sparingly, and Chancellor Kahnemann blames the constitutional protection of politicians for the growing illegal drugs trade. "The more unscrupulous of us will use our power and influence to enrich ourselves through illicit means," Kahnemann said, in an apparent reference to his cousin Natan who was revealed by the Socialist World Republic to be protecting drug smugglers.

Constitutional reform has dominated the election campaign, with the focus mostly on how to achieve better representation for Trivodnia's respective communities. The Social Democrats, much to the criticism from some on their Krasnislavian wing, have strongly opposed any change, saying it will make the Free State weaker and poorer regions will suffer from reduced central state funding.

These two alternative proposals are to try and shift the debate away from devolution and towards national security and the war on drugs, where Social Democrats believe they are broadly trusted.

However, the likely diplomatic storm over planned abandonment of neutrality, and expected stiff resistance to removing National Assembly members' legal protections, may mean they never happen.

With the Chancellor only last week outlining a bold economic plan based on liberalising trade with neighbours, some in his party worry whether he will try too much in his first term.

"Time and resources are limited, maybe we should focus them elsewhere," said one senior Social Democrat.

The Kadikistani embassy in Amstov has been approached for comment on plans to abandon constitutional neutrality.​

 

[Polesia]

Der farnakhter shtern

Social Democrats' last minute constitutional reform pledges

In a final hour bid not to appear as the party of constitutional conservatism, the Social Democratic Alliance has pledged to try and get through two ground-breaking amendments if reelected.

First and most controversial is to scrap the clauses committing Trivodnia to neutrality and prohibiting first strikes. "We must be able to defend ourselves," declared Chancellor and Social Democrat leader Alexander Kahnemann as he retakes a leading position in the campaign.

Second and less controversial is to remove legal immunity for former or serving politicians. "We cannot beat corruption if the men who make our laws are above them," Kahnemann said, addressing the party faithful at a rally in Kretyn.

However the Chancellor ruled any move towards federalism or devolution of any kind, as advocated by all opposition parties. "Such legal and political divisions will be exploited by our enemies," he warned.

If the Social Democrats do go ahead with plans to abandon Trivodnia's decades-long constitutional neutrality, it would have far reaching consequences beyond the Free State. The 1921 peace treaty with Kadikistan was based on the proviso Trivodnia would remain non-aligned and unentangled in military alliances. Any move away from that would likely provoke Ivar, potentially even causing war. "There's no doubt the Kadikistanis would see this as a threat," said Heinz-Christian Kurtz of the Institute of Slavian and Germanian Security Studies.

The Kadikistani embassy in Amstov has been approached for comment but so far no response has been given to the Evening Star.

Ending Trivodnia's constitutional neutrality has enjoyed cross-partisan support for decades, but never been endorsed by a party leadership until now. Commentators predict an easy two-thirds majority in the National Assembly for such an amendment. But getting the same again in s popular referendum will be a lot harder. "Many voters will rightly think it will harm not help the Free State's security," said Yakov Kit from the League for Armed Neutrality.

Opposition parties have yet to stake out their own positions, knowing the deep divisions within their own ranks over the issue. The Alternative, Jewish People's Party, Krasnislavian National Party and Homeland Union have all said independently they will consider and review the Social Democrats' proposals. "This will be a hugely explosive issue, there's no need to light matches yet," said one KNP candidate.

If the amendment was to pass, it would mark the biggest foreign and defence policy shift in the Free State's history. "You really cannot understate its meaning," added Kurtz from the ISGSS.

Others however downplay its practical impact. "While hugely symbolic, the reality is Trivodnia is largely aligned to the Trier Concordat anyway," suggested Jaroslav Lobau of the Three Seas Research and Information Centre.

Conversely, the second amendment - stripping current and previous politicians of legal immunity - will likely be well supported by the public, but less so by the National Assembly. "This is paving the way for persecutions and autocracy," warned one Folkist, who fears the Chancellor will use the changes to crackdown on his opponents.

Currently the Supreme Court can revoke someone's immunity from prosecution if there is compelling evidence of a serious crime. But this power has only been used sparingly, and Chancellor Kahnemann blames the constitutional protection of politicians for the growing illegal drugs trade. "The more unscrupulous of us will use our power and influence to enrich ourselves through illicit means," Kahnemann said, in an apparent reference to his cousin Natan who was revealed by the Socialist World Republic to be protecting drug smugglers.

Constitutional reform has dominated the election campaign, with the focus mostly on how to achieve better representation for Trivodnia's respective communities. The Social Democrats, much to the criticism from some on their Krasnislavian wing, have strongly opposed any change, saying it will make the Free State weaker and poorer regions will suffer from reduced centralised funding.

These two alternative proposals by the Social Democrats are to try and shift the debate away from devolution and towards national security and the war on drugs, where the SDA believe they are broadly trusted.

However, the likely diplomatic storm over planned abandonment of neutrality, and expected stiff resistance to removing National Assembly members' legal protections, may mean they never happen.

With the Chancellor only last week outlining a bold economic plan based on liberalising trade with neighbours, some in his party worry whether he will try to and do too much in his first term.

"Time and resources are limited, maybe we should focus them elsewhere," said one senior Social Democrat.​

 

[Remuria]

GRAND DUCHY OF NICHTSTEIN
FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY

The Grand Duchy of Nichtstein continues to monitor the situation in the Free State with particular attention.

We wish the people of Trivodnia a peaceful end of Hanukah, a joyful start of Christmas, excellent New Year and productive elections, and, most of all, we wish that there shall be no occasion on which First Councillor for Foreign Affairs Hanz Geldmann would have to say "Oy vey!"

 

[Polesia]

די צײט | Di Tsayt ‎

Social Democrats plan female conscription

AMSTOV - Leaked documents from the Ministry of National Defence suggest that Social Democratic Alliance wants to extend national military service to women, and place conscientious objectors in alternative civilian roles.

As seen by the Times, the Social Democrats are considering lower entry requirements for female conscripts and volunteers, as well as creating single-gender units and opening up front line roles to women.

Currently Trivodnian women can sign up to support and auxiliary positions, though many female recruits fail the basic fitness and competency tests.

The proposals, which were submitted to the National Defence ministry by a Social Democrat policy working group just before the snap election was called, were not included in the party's manifesto.

A Social Democratic defence spokesman said the policy was still under review, as were the plans for a new national civil service for those unable or willing to serve in the armed forces.

The Jewish People's Party has come out strongest out against female military participation. "The role of women is to be wives, mothers, home-makers, carers... not soldiers," declared JPP leader Yitzhak Epstein.

The Alternative, which previously opposed conscription, has said it would "study carefully" any plans to include women as front line fighters. The reaction of the Krasnislavian National Party had been mixed, with its more conservative members attacking the idea, while others embraced it. Zhanna Khalinkina, a KNP candidate, told FSBS Kanal One she believed "women should be allowed to defend their homeland in full".

In the next National Assembly, Chancellor and Social Democratic leader Alexander Kahnemann has promised to raise the defence budget to €M6bn, with a focus on modernising the air force.

After initially being criticised for taking a softer line on Kadikistan in the hope of securing better trade relations, Kahnemann has since been more hawkish in his approach towards Ivar, and many think the plans to extend conscription to women are to help underline his national security credentials, even if they do prove controversial.

The leak comes only a day after the Chancellor vowed to try and end Trivodnia's constitutional neutrality if reelected.


​

 

[Kadikistani Union]

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Office of the People's Commissariat for External Affairs
People's Federal Socialist Republics of

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​

The initiative taken by the Trivodnian social-capitalists have sent nothing short of a shock-wave throughout Kadikistan. Rather than issuing inevitably fruitless urges we warn the regime in Amstov not to violate the Treaty of 1921 by abandoning the very neutrality that has kept our borders peaceful for almost a century. Abandoning the non-alignment of Trivodnia would be abandoning all diplomatic channels with Kadikistan, the same that have prevented countless conflicts in the past and spared us all the heavy burden of burying our fallen soldiers. Furthermore we, in turn, would acknowledge that the Treaty of 1921 would be unilaterally voided by the regime in Amstov, ourselves no longer bound by its restrictions. The latter would mean that we will reinstate our territorial claims as they were prior to 1921. Meaning that we will once again lay legitimate claim to Trivodnian-controlled Krasnislavia and the border regions.

In the past we have already been lenient enough considering the Trivodnian rapprochement of the Trier Concordat which in fact to such a degree that the nation can hardly be called neutral today. We must regretfully accept that our past leniency was misplaced. Do not go down this path, nothing good can grow from this.

Signed,
Petar Kujundzic
People's Commissar for External Affairs
People's Federal Socialist Republics of

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[Tyonic Confederacy]

Geotri, Racow
Foreign Affairs Ministry

We will watch and monitor the situation carefully, and urge the Trivodnian authorities to restore peace on the streets.

 

[Polesia]

DER MORGEN ZSHURNAL
The Morning Journal

EDITORIAL: TRIVODNIA BESIEGED?

Voters should ignore the alarmist warnings from bellicose politicians and armchair generals in the press and focus the economy

Earlier this year we penned an editorial titled 'Trivodnia Adrift', in which this paper warned the Free State, paralysed by political infighting at the top of government, lacked any clear direction despite the coming economic and diplomatic headwinds.

But since the calling of the snap election, it is clear Trivodnia will pulled suddenly in either one of many different directions, none of them promising.

A campaign that was supposed to shore up the Chancellor's authority and focus on the economy saw him take the backseat and ended up being dominated by constitutional and security issues.

The result is now virtually all of Trivodnia's opposition parties support some form of ethnic-based devolution. Only the ruling Social Democratic Alliance together with the Jewish People's Party remain in defence of the Free State's unitary structure.

Meanwhile, the border spat with Crotobaltislavonia, ongoing provocations from Kadikistan and return of Krasnislavian terrorism has led to a heightened sense of paranoia, with each party promising to ramp up military spending.

Most dramatically of all, the Social Democrats have recently vowed to abolish the neutrality amendment in the Constitution, which prohibits mutual defence pacts and preemptive strikes.

If successful, the move would send earthquakes along the Slavo-Germanian frontier. Already Ivar has declared an end to constitutional neutrality would abrogate the 1921 peace treaty, meaning as new war would likely occur, which Trivodnia would almost certainly lose.

Admittedly, the Social Democrats are unlikely to succeed with their plans. Other parties are deeply divided on the issue while historic opinion surveys have shown the electorate are unconvinced by abandoning neutrality.

Still, for the governing party to propose such a dangerous and a radical policy at the last minute is a sad and risky moment in Trivodnian history.

Public polling is banned in the final week of campaigning, but it looks likely the Social Democrats are on course for another majority, for which they don't deserve. Having initially fought on a sensible platform of constitutional stability and infrastructure investment, the SDA has demonstrated an incredible lack of good judgement at the eleventh hour. It is sad their opponents are no better.

The Krasnislavian National Party, set to come second place, has fought a narrow campaign of demanding a Krasnislavian state within a binational Trivodnian confederation. In that the KNP has found a natural ally in the Homeland Union, which wants a complementary Jewish state.

The Alternative, once a principled liberal voice, has abandoned its progressive stances on abortion, LGBT rights and drug use to chase the votes of Trivodnia's other Slavian minorities, who are typically rural and socially conservative. It too wants a federalised Trivodnia, albeit with more than just two Krasnislavian and Jewish states.

Such reforms would worsen divisions rather than heal them and add another layer of needless bureaucracy.

Arguably, the Jewish People's Party has the most sensible policies, such as provisions for inter-city deals that would create a natural, economically logical layers of governance rather than ones based on historical grievance. But they're tucked away in the back of the manifesto, which leads on parochial issues such as religious school funding.

Normally the Morning Journal endorses a party for government. But this election season, which has also been marred by excessive violence, we will not. Instead we urge voters to look to look to individual candidates who support the three principles of liberty, prosperity and security. If there are none, take a principled abstention.

Trivodnia has been let down by successive generations of politicians driven by self-interest or ethnic favourtism. What we need are ones who genuinely care for economic growth, social progress and national security.​

 

[Khemia]

外交部，Ministry of Foreign Affairs
新海人民共和国，People's Republic of Xinhai
////
涂彩兰，Tú Cǎilán，Comrade-Minister of Foreign Affairs

On behalf of the People's Republic of Xinhai, I would like to express my profound confusion at the direction the Social Democratic Alliance has taken ahead of elections. The militancy of the SDA, so soon ahead of the elections which they had previously been polled to win, is an important indicator of the desire of the Trivodnian elite for war. Therefore, with the full authority invested in my office by the President of the People's Republic and the popular mandate of the Hongmenghui, I do declare that any first strike against the People's Federal Socialist Republic of Kadikistan or her allies will be considered an attack against the People's Republic of Xinhai and, by due obligation under the Treaty of Mutual Friendship, Co-operation and Mutual Assistance, will cause our motherland, her people, and her revolutionary forces to enter into a state of war with any aggressor.

Thus, I call upon the Social Democratic Alliance and the people of Trivodnia, whatever their ethnicity, gender or creed, to recognize the necessity of peace and the futility of war, and to reject the belligerent principles heretofore advocated, for such disharmonious pursuits will only lead to the total and utter annihilation of Trivodnia.

 

[Tyonic Confederacy]

Department of Foreign Affairs,

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Foreign Affairs Minister Tristen Kreutzwald

We are gravely concerned about the goals and intentions of the SDA, and we wish for some clarity on your agenda. We need not more bloodshed in the world and we fear that the rhetoric used by officials within the party threaten the safety of your neighbors and the international community.

We urge not only the SDA, but the international community to not resort to violence and to seek a peaceful solution. While we may disagree with the threat of war proposed by Xinhese Foreign Affairs, we agree and commend their call to both the SDA and the people of Trivodnia to "Recognize the necessity of peace and the futility of war."

 

[Polesia]

Social Democratic Alliance
סאציאל דעמאָקראַטיש בונד
сацыял-дэмакратычны альянс

The Social Democratic Alliance wants to make clear in no uncertain terms that the planned constitutional changes are not in any way intended to be a threat to our neighbours, but to fully establish Trivodnia as a sovereign state free to dictate its own foreign and defence policy.

As the recent actions of Crotobaltislavonia and Kadikistan have demonstrated, the Free State needs to be vigilant and constantly prepared. We view collective security and full military operational freedom as the best way to guarantee our national defence and that is why we will be pushing ahead with our agenda for constitutional reform.

 

[Beautancus]

Комитет по межотраслевой переписке
Komitet po mezhotraslevoy perepiske
Committee for Inter-Electoral Correspondence


While it has come to pass that a state of generally increasing tensions pervades in those regions on the peripheries of Slavoyevropa it is, to the surprise of none, that our greatest interest and most serious focus outside of those 'issues' at play in our own Kalahari is most assuredly the situation developing within, around and largely centered on The Free State of Trivodnia. It is the strongest conviction of this Committee that through this general atmosphere of martial clamor and diplomatic missteps, a broader and more fully appreciated understanding of True National Sovereignty might - and should - be promulgated more widely throughout the world, unto and for the betterment of all. On behalf of the Sovereignty, this Committee likewise commends the heroic commitment to the rule of law and civic and electoral process even and especially unto the most trying of times - and into the very face of adversity, as now. There are very few modern nation-states for whom Chernovy holds a greater affinity and pride in kinship and common history than with Trivodnia, and we look forward to the opportunity to congratulate the ultimate victors of this electoral process, and discussions to better determine the nature of future cooperation in ensuring the continued positive trajectory for cultural and economic development in the Free State.



Sergiy Mihrav,
on behalf of
Committe for Inter-Electoral Correspondence,
President of the Regency Council of the Sovereignty of Chernovy

 

[Polesia]

DER TOG

'SECRET TREATY' SHOCKS AMSTOV

• Banja Luka and Ivar in hidden alliance
• Kadikistan vows to protect 'Big Brother' Raoul Farrago's regime
• Chancellor attacks "diplomacy by stealth"

The revelation of a secret treaty between Crotobaltislavonia and Kadikistan has sent shockwaves through Amstov, as the Free State faces the prospect of being victim of a two-pronged attack.

With social media reports of a potential coup underway in Crotobaltislavonia, Ivar immediately vowed to secure the regime of Raoul Farrago, citing the defensive alliance between the two nations.

Twatter accounts are reporting the sound of gunfire in the Crotobaltislavonian capital, and that the military has surrounded the Presidential Palace in Banja Luka.

The Ministry of External Affairs has said it will continue to monitor the situation, but the promise from Kadikistan to uphold Farrago's rule, has many in Amstov worried. "We're now vulnerable from two sides," said a senior army officer.

Farrago, who declared himself President-for-Life and is widely known at home as 'Big Brother', is the latest in a long line of Crotobaltislavonian dictators.

Since taking power, Farrago has pursued a hostile foreign policy towards Trivodnia, blaming 'Yiddish gangsterism' for domestic crime and suddenly closing the border following the Unity March terrorist attack in Amstov. Crotobaltislavonian media also frequently mislabel Trivodnia as the 'Yiddish Free State' and repeat anti-Semitic myths such as Jewish child sacrifice.

Intelligence sources say Amstov had received warnings of a pact between Crotobaltislavonia and Kadikistan, but had not realised how far negotiations had progressed. "We're surprised Ivar committed so quickly," admits one spy.

If the could succeeds and Farrago is deposed, Trivodnia is likely to recognise the next government providing it makes friendly overtures. "Anything would be better than this lot," says a diplomat close to the situation.

Chancellor Alexander Kahnemann has condemned the treaty, describing it as "diplomacy by stealth" and warned it would further destabilise the region.

"We need to be open and transparent in our dealings," Kahnemann said, "otherwise we risk misunderstanding and miscalculation."

He also said Ivar had demonstrated "gross hypocrisy" for condemning the Social Democrats' plans to abandon constitutional neutrality while pursuing new alliances.

Poor weather has led to the election results not being announced until the New Year, but the Social Democrats now want the result to be brought forward so a new government can be formed and address growing tensions. "We need leadership," insisted one Social Democratic candidate.

The opposition parties so far have been hesitant. "A full and fair vote count is crucial" said a Krasnislavian National Party backbencher while a member of the Jewish People's Party said the Social Democrats were "cynically using" a diplomatic crisis to "undermine democracy".​

 

[Polesia]

DER TOG

'CHRISTMAS CRISIS' CONTINUES

• General Radek denounces "Big Puppet" Raoul Farrago and "Yiddish gangsterism"
• Elben does "dirty deal" with Kadikistan
• Burgundy and Retalia vow to defend Trivodnia

Crotobaltislavonia appears to be sliding into civil war after General Alexander Radek, widely believed to have been behind the attempted coup in Banja Luka, denied any involvement and declared he was leading a resistance force against the regime of Raoul Farrago to prevent a Kadikistani "invasion".

Claiming to have been along the Polesian coastline combatting "Yiddish gangsterism" at the time of the coup attempt, Radek accused Farrago of staging the incident in order to shore up support and justify inviting Kadikistani troops to Crotobaltislavonia.

In response to the planned Kadikistani deployments, Radek has launched the 'Home Army for the Salvation of Crotobaltislavonia' and urged military units still loyal to Farrago to defect. He denounced Farrago, who styles himself as 'Big Brother' and 'President-for-Life', as "the Big Puppet of Ivar".

While condemning the "anti-Semitism" of Radek's statement, President Meier Lauterpacht said it provided "incontrovertible proof" Trivodnia had no hand in the attempted coup in Banja Luka. The President demanded a formal apology from Ivar for its accusations Amstov was involved, and that Kadikistan retract its threats of economic and military sanctions.

The President also thanked both Burgundy and Retalia, who had promised to defend Trivodnia in the event of Kadikistani aggression.

Meanwhile news Kadikistan had released religious prisoners of conscience to Elben has led to accusations of a "dirty deal" between the two countries, in which Kadikistan would have a guaranteed air passage for its military over Elben to Crotobaltislavonia. "Elben may have secured the freedom of some, but has condemned many more if it has indeed allowed Kadikistan to fly soldiers into Crotobaltislavonia," said Alternative leader Shmuel Bernstein.

Trivodnian politics has been in limbo since President Lauterpacht declared a state of emergency and indefinitely postponed the revealing of the election results, which had already been delayed by bad weather and threats of an opposition boycott unless recounts took place.

The Social Democratic Alliance has taken to the Supreme Court to challenge the President's authority, but few expect the Court to take the Social Democrats' side. "The case for extraordinary means is clear," said one senior government lawyer, and the President's actions were "constitutionally sound" even if the powers had never been invoked before.

Minor protests against the state of emergency were quickly dispersed by the National Watch, and local police departments have praised the cooperation of ordinary Trivodnians. Many Christmas markets have been cancelled following the declaration of martial law, although the President has urged citizens to go about their daily activities.

As part of emergency measures, reservists and part time police officers have been called up, and additional military units deployed to the Kadikistani and Crotobaltislavonian borders, with heightened aerial and naval patrols.

However the President has insisted the Free State's ultimate goal was peace, and the state of emergency would end as soon as there was a clear conclusion to the crisis in Crotobaltislavonia.​

 

[Polesia]

рэспубліка
respublika

Folkists blame Social Democrats for 'Christmas Crisis' escalation

The Jewish People's Party has blamed the Social Democrats' pledge to abandon constitutional neutrality for escalating the so-called 'Christmas crisis', claiming the party's electoral promise encouraged Kadikistan to be more aggressive in its approach to Trivodnia, leading to a major political row ahead of the President's major address to the nation.

While attacking Ivar for "meddling" in Crotobaltislavonia by "orchestrating a fake palace coup" and "fanning the flames of anti-Semitism", JPP party leader Yitzhak Epstein accused the Social Democratic Alliance of "reckless behaviour" in the run up to the election, saying an end to Trivodnian neutrality threatened to "up end" the regional order. This in turn helped Kadikistan "justify" its military deployment to Crotobaltislavonia, Epstein claimed, as the Social Democrats were widely expected to win the election.

Epstein confirmed the JPP would oppose any attempt to ditch constitutional neutrality in the next National Assembly. "Our independence is already guaranteed by powers like Bourgogne, we don't need formal alliances," he stated.

Social Democratic leader Alexander Kahnemann has hit back hard, suggesting Epstein did not believe Trivodnia should be a "sovereign nation free to dictate its own foreign policy" and his arguments "legitimised" Kadikistan's behaviour. Kahnemann added Trivodnia would have been blamed for the failed palace coup in Banja Luka "regardless" of the Social Democrats' plans.

The public spat comes just a day before President Meier Lauterpacht is due to speak to the country for the traditional Orthodox Christmas message. The President usually speaks on the Gregorian New Year as well, but the address was cancelled due to the ongoing regional tensions.

Rumours swirling around Amstov suggest the People's Party and Homeland Union are planning on mounting a legal challenge for fresh elections, believing the anti-Semitic propaganda from Crotobaltislavonian dictator Raoul Farrago will boost a sense of Jewish nationalism. "This is the first shot fired in the fight for a new vote," says one establishment insider.

Election results were due before the Gregorian calendar Christmas - 25th December - but were delayed by bad weather and demands for recounts in certain seats. Their reveal has now been suspended indefinitely since the state of emergency was declared. President Lauterpacht has said the emergency state will be lifted when the regional situation is calmer, which remains uncertain.

Separately, a Krasnislavian National Party candidate has been suspended after blaming "Jewish hegemony" in the Free State for the outbursts of anti-Semitism in Crotobaltislavonia and elsewhere. Samuil Kulik made the comments at a private dinner that were then leaked to the press.​

 

[Polesia]

די צײט | Di Tsayt ‎

President invites Kadikistani leader to Amstov

LOTOL - President Meier Lauterpacht made a direct appeal for bilateral negotiations with Kadikistan in his Orthodox Christmas address, urging Marshall Sergei Moravscik, head of the Kadikistani Communist Workers Party, to come to Amstov for one-to-one talks.

The President spoke from a military garrison near the frontier town of Lotol, where he thanked the servicemen stationed there, which included many reservists. Since the state of emergency was declared in December, the military has been fully mobilised and on high alert, with additional aerial, ground and naval patrols conducted along both the Crotobaltislavonian and Kadikistani borders.

However despite the militarised back drop, the President used his Christmas message to call for peace, urging Kadikistan to "step back from the brink of war".

"At a time when many in both Kadikistan and Trivodnia will no doubt be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, a prophet of peace, let us avoid what would be not just a regional, but global calamity, and step back from the brink of war," Lauterpacht said in his broadcast. "I personally invite Marshall Moravscik to Amstov to try and bring an end to this crisis, where he will receive full hospitality as an honoured guest, despite the countless provocations and insults from Ivar these past few weeks."

He once again denied any links to the attempted palace coup in Banja Luka, calling it a "false flag operation" by Crotobaltislavonian dictator Raoul Farrago, and also rejected claims Trivodnia was supporting rebel General Alexander Radek.

The invitation to Moravscik has already proven hugely controversial, sparking cross-party condemnation. Alexander Kahnemann, leader of the Social Democratic Alliance, denounced it as a "message of surrender" while Zhanna Khalinkina, a candidate for the Krasnislavian National Party, called it "effective treason".

Others however praised the President for seizing the initiative, and trying to peacefully resolve the so called 'Christmas Crisis'. "This was a bold and risky move but demonstrated true statesmanship at a time when the Free State needs it most," said Aharon Metzger of the Jewish People's Party.

While trading in Trivodnia is closed for the festive period, regional markets elsewhere rose off the back of the announcement, as did the Trivodnian Mark.

Sources close to the Presidency say he will use his non-partisan position to "act in the national interest", and noted at 71 years of age, Lauterpacht was unlikely to stand for a third term, reducing the political cost to him if the gambit goes wrong. "This is a chance to secure a lasting legacy" said one insider while another said the President was "sincere" in his actions. "This isn't a power play, he genuinely wants a diplomatic solution," they added.

Bergenheim has already offered to host a regional summit, which Trivodnia refused to attend unless Kadikistan publicly reaffirmed its commitment to the Free State's independence.

President Lauterpacht led a series of Jewish People's Party minority governments during during the 1980s, a decade when Jewish and Krasnislavian militants were waging campaigns of terror that cost countless lives. His behind-the-scenes diplomacy experience from then many now believe will be an asset in dealing with the Kadikistanis, should they take up his offer to visit Amstov. "He is a canny operator and natural deal maker," said a close friend.

The President also promised the state of emergency would end soon in his address, although did not give a firm timeframe. He also praised ordinary Trivodnians for their "bravery and cooperation" in "these dark and difficult times".

In addition, Lauterpacht cautioned against fresh elections, which the Folkists and Homeland Union are rumoured to be pushing for, calling for "stability and healing" over "debate and division".

At the the time of print, it is unknown if Moravscik has accepted the President's invitation.


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[Thaumantica]

MINTCOM
MARITIME INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COMMAND
MESSAGE INTENDED FOR PUBLIC AUDIENCE​

This League of Ostrovaks commends President Lauterpacht for reaching out to Kadiki authorities for reconciliation, and sincerely hopes that if Ostrovakia can do anything to aid or facilitate neutral accords that our foreign relations organs will be contacted.

 

[Beautancus]

Sovereignty of Chernovy
Суверенитет Чернова
Suverenitet Chernova​

Официальная дипломатическая переписка
OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE

Office of the Proxeny Trivodny in Amstov, Special Envoy of the Sovereignty of Chernovy;
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By obligation and oath, it is my duty to express the profound relief at President Lauterpacht's move to directly engage Moravscik in an effort to reestablish some form of detente throughout the region. It is the fear of Radagora, increasingly, that deescalation of the so-called "Christmas Crisis," in particular where the internal situation of/within CBS is concerned will be impossible. Though the Sovereignty does not, and has never had an interest in meddling with the internal affairs/domestic matters of Kadikistan, the situation at it pertains to Amstov does not conform to that disinterest. As history has well demonstrated, the Sovereignty has some experience in dealing directly with Ivar as well, and would be more than happy to offer the services of this Office, or any other within the service of this, the 15th Regency Council of the Sovereignty of Chernovy as mediator or guarantor, should the Free State deem it prudent or necessary. As ever, I remain humbly at your service in these most troubled days,


Venkles L. Tivuni, Brigadir (ret.);
Proxeny Trivody - Suverenitet Chernova

 

[Polesia]

Office of the President of the Free State of Trivodnia

The Free State thanks the League of Ostrovaks and Sovereignty of Chernovy for their kind words of support and strength as we attempt to navigate our way out of the crisis, and can assure both should they be needed Trivodnia will call on them to help negotiate peace.