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Aftenavisen • Østvegs nyheter sedan 1905

Saxe-Friesken and Polaben

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KRISTIANIA, MONDAY, DECEMBER 21 2020


Østveg Looking to Reach Out on Full Scale Neutrality Treaties
• Austwegian diplomats expected to approach the Federation first
• Gothic Sea relations still take priority
• Isjakaland relationship with the Federation likely to take center stage

KRISTIANIA — The Austwegian Government signaled at its daily press briefings that it has a desire to better solidify its status as a neutral country around the world. The humble nordic nation tucked away at the top of the globe is as well known for its abilities in skiing and hockey as it is for its refusal to take part in distracting conflicts and quibbles of other countries. Far from the old reputation of vikings and marauders, Austwegians haven’t actively engaged in an armed conflict since just before the 19th century Alexandrian Wars.

As one of the rare nations not to take up arms against Tarusa during one of the continent’s first major wars that defined modernity, many would have expected that a neutrality deal would be struck first with Tarusa. Instead, the Government defied expectations by expressing interest in meeting first with the Federation. This should not hold itself as entirely difficult to comprehen. Kristiania has maintained governance over Isjakaland since the Viking Era, and while the sparely populated island group just under a million people has occasionally aspired for independence, Austwegians do not wish to see it leave the realm anytime soon.

Thus the desire to meet first with the every expanding Federation which stands as one of the world’s premier powers with both its technological and economic acumen. The Federation and Østveg have never engaged in a war however. The Federation’s culture often seen as fascinating, if not for its own northerly latitude it might prove to be a popular summer destination for tourists. Austwegian aspirations in the west really come from a desire to shore up its largest and weakest flank first. Isjakaland continues to maintain itself as a key and strategic location for trans-Thaumantic transit and if not or the Austwegian commitment to neutrality, it could have been seized centuries if not decades ago. With some luck the Midwegian Islands held by the Federation perhaps play a role in allowing the Austwegian holding go along without complaint.

The Government has stressed that as always Gothic Sea relations do take a prominent position in the Kingdom’s affairs. This means that nations such as Tarusa, Salen, the Holy Frankish Empire, Ostmark, and Eiffelland likely stand to see themselves called upon in the near future as well. When this discussions occur it is unclear; however, the Government does not wish to jeopardize trans-Thaumantic relations before neighborly discussions perhaps tether in additional stipulations that the Federation might want to also enjoy in for example trade benefits.

The Prime Minister has suggested that discussions with the Federation could begin this week, but did not want to apply too much additional pressure on the invite to Kristiania.


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Saxe-Friesken and Polaben

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KRISTIANIA, MONDAY, DECEMBER 28 2020


Op-Ed: Understanding Stubborn Austwegian Neutrality
• Østveg has still not officially recognized the Republic of Ostmark
• Potential Tarusan Energy Crisis
• Permanent Neutrality Could Add Security

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Ingrid Arnesen, PhD Political Science
Frederik Borgen University of Kristiania
There is the scent of weakness that permeates from the halls of the Storting that is if weakness actually had a scent. Austwegian values in equality, fairness, and democracy are not being stood up for as the Germanic people of Ostmark and their newly proclaimed republic have yet to be associated with or recognized by His Majesty’s Government. There is both good and bad reason for this behavior, but ultimately it is a disappointment when considering the self-importance and high esteem in which we believe ourselves to have internationally. Despite the small size of our realm, we believe so much in ourselves that we see our values as universal. We believe that when Østveg speaks up others will listen. While there some correlation to our words and actions on the great global stage, there really is not any good relation to believe we are responsible for it.

The best reason for our neutrality is pure practicality. We are one of the smallest nations measured by population in the entire Germanian region we inhabit. Østveg cannot ultimately win any prolonged war with any of its neighbors without help. While the Austwegian military is constantly draining the royal budget every year in order to help make such an invasion as unappealing as possible, the military realistically cannot plan to win any war that lasts longer than three months. Reality is difficult pill to swallow; however, lucky for Austwegians, we have understood this reality better than most. We have avoided war since the just before the Alexandrian Wars, and made our neutrality a defining policy for our Kingdom.

Why should not anyone just ignore our neutrality? The main reason for this is that it is not profitable or wise to invalidate Austwegian neutrality. As Østveg agrees to not take sides, the geography that Østveg occupies cannot be used against them. The Tarusans, Eiffellandians, all others attached to the Gothic Sea could easily be blockaded inside of it via the geography that Østveg possesses. Additionally, Østveg occupies a space that can easily be used by any potential adversary to launch an invasion into the Holy Frankish Empire. Considering these possibilities, all these nations can happily have such possibilities removed if the Austwegians do not engage in alliances or politics globally.

The worst factor for our neutrality is that we can find it terribly difficult to stand up for our beliefs. The Tsar in Tarusa has been traditionally displeased with the Western democracies and their unanimous support of Ostmark’s transition to a democracy. There is a legitimate security concern for Tarusa. Ostmark could easily situate additional hostiles right on the Tsar’s border. A quite unfathomable proposition before when the Communist regime did not agree with anyone.

Our neutrality has not stopped Tarusa from taking action. They will end gas transport on the Ostmarkian Pipeline, which may have drastically negative results in neighboring Eiffelland, and all others attached to the Ostmarkian Pipeline. Keeping in mind the winter season, this pipeline difficulty could cause great hardship for many people simply because they wished to become a democracy. While Østveg could potentially fill in the gap by shipping gas on ships to the region, such action might be deemed as action outside of the realm of neutrality, even if it is just business. Austwegian politicians will need to figure out what Tarusa sees as legitimate.

Already with enough foresight to understand this crisis, Her Majesty’s Government has parroted the Tarusan opinion, or at the very least given it a semblance of legitimacy.

This is why the idea of permanent neutrality is important. If it can be universally recognized that Østveg’s neutrality is permanent, then Østveg can afford to take actions it sees fit without worry of sudden actions against it. Østveg could stand up for the new democracy and send it the oil and gas it needs to keep warm. So it is important to figure out permanent neutrality, and the understanding that a violation of that neutrality is a violation against all nations that agree to it. Otherwise there will be more moments of crisis like now seen in Ostmark, and Austwegian will again not be able to help.


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Saxe-Friesken and Polaben

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CHRISTIANIA, THURSDAY, 4 MARCH 2020
Fedrelandets kjerlighet min berømmelse • 10kr • in english


Bank Wars in Østmark as FrankBank Takes on Standard Chartered for OstBank name, Isjakaland's Own Bank to Enter the Market
• Landsbanki is considered Isjakaland's major private bank
• Will attempt to enter Østmark as a responsible banking corporation
• First advertisement to play a tongue in cheek mistake on Østveg


TROLLSKIRKA — A new major market in Østmark, the small reborn republic neighboring Eiffelland and Tarusa, has become a major competition for banks rushing to capture the nation's accounts. FrankBank from the Frankish Empire began the march into the region with its foundation of OstBank in January which has been followed by Vrijpoort's Standard Chartered own OstBank earlier this week. The confusion in branding is a test for the new judicial system in Østmark, but also an interesting way to gain name recognition in the new republic.

Today, the relatively smaller Landsbanki from Isjakaland will now also attempt to enter this new market. Landsbanki is the smallest bank of the three now contending in Østmark; however, it is attempting to expand the footprint of Isjakaland, the small nation in union with Østveg. Typically Isjakaland is seen as a far and distant place but is known for its natural beauty and stunning northern lights. This type of brand association is hoped to be appealing in a populace that could not travel much before in its communist dictatorship.

Landsbanki is hoping to look like a responsible and safe place to put ones money while the other banks fight over capitalist brand names. Already looking the more relaxed bank to store ones money, it is hoping to air a new commercial playing in Østmark next week that shows a bit of confusion in a board room when they discover they opened a new branch in Østmark instead of Østveg by mistake. A board member then suggests to name the new branch ØstBank in a tongue in cheek play upon the latest banking headlines, to which everyone yells "Nei!" Isjakalandic for no.

Hoping that the humor will play off well in Østmark, the new venture for tiny Isjakaland's Landsbanki is a gamble, but ultimately a test to see how well they can compete in emerging markets.


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