APwire ~ Affiliated Press News Agency

[Serenierre]

Government of Belmont to initiate harsher policies against communist states
AP Paris

According to rumors in Paris, last night at Grosvenor House, the residence of the PM, there was a high level meeting between the Premier, Minister of Defense and the Director of the BSS, Belmont's premier intelligence agency, to discuss the viability of supporting anti-communist, pro-Belmont insurgent groups operating within communist countries. A source, who shall remain nameless, claimed that the meeting resulted in the Prime Minister's verbal approval of the plan but nothing solid has emerged as yet.

The source, which is quite high placed in the Ministry of Defense, has stated to us that the government of PM Plantard is serious in diffusing the threat of communism which seems to be getting stronger in parts of Europe where Belmont's strategic interests lie.

 

[Implaria]

Commissariate for Defence
Commissariate for Inner Security
Commissariate for Foreign Affairs

Any attempt by the government of Belmont to support terrorism and incite counter-revolutionary violence against the citizens of Carentania, their rights as citizens of this country and as proletarians will be met with harsh repercussions by the Workers' Republic of Carentania and its institutions. We strongly urge you, for your own sake, to dismiss any plans to support militant groups in Carentania.

 

[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

The People's Republic of Vangala completely and utterly condemns this latest act of blatant aggression by the Kingdom of Belmont towards both Vangala and her fellow Socialist states. Paris's decision to associate and befriend terrorists will be met with the strongest repercussions unless recent decisions are reversed. We urge the international community to support our efforts to maintain peace and security across the globe by taking firm action against the Belmontien government.

 

[Serenierre]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Some statements by certain states are completely out of proportion.

 

[Oltremare]

Democratic Demonstrations End in Chaos
AP Axiflos

At 3:00 PM, three hours after the demonstrations began, Confederate law enforcement and democratic demonstrators clashed in the streets of the Avelian capital of Aguabajo, and as news of the clash spread, mostly through cellphones, further incidents spread in other capital cities of the Confederate member-states, such as Mittelberg, Seran, and here in Axiflos. This prompted a complete crackdown by law enforcement, officers firing tear gas canisters and water cannons into crowds of demonstrators, making hundreds of arrests.

It is currently unclear what caused the initial incident, though unnamed government officials have hinted at it being provoked by communists hidden in the crowds. This is, however, disputed by several demonstrators, who have claimed that it was law enforcement that, figuratively, fired the first shots in Aguabajo.

The King of Avelion, King Phillip VIII, stated he was "shocked" and "disappointed that the demonstrations collapsed so quickly into chaos." He refused to comment on accusations made that law enforcement provoked the demonstrators. So far, none of the other Heads of Government of the Confederate member-states have commented.

 

[Austurland]

Cronstedt Incorporated Searches for H3N2 Vaccine

Cronstedt Incorporated Searches for H3N2 Vaccine
AP Dalerna

The spread of the H3N2 flu in Międzymorze, has brought much worry to parts of the world. A few Scanian countries are even considering an embargo on the LFS states. Today at the World Headquarters of Cronstedt Incorporated, in Dalerna, that largest pharmaceutical and bioengineering company in the Archduchy is now on the case.

Cronstedt Inc. CEO, Kaspar Cronstedt, grandson of the company founder, announced in a press conference about the comapnies work. "Cronstedt has a reputation for pushing the limits of science and to developing new techniques in health. Today we are hurridly working to develop a vaccine for the H3N2 virus that is slowly spreading across Międzymorze. Currently the virus is contained after only mutating to humans in the past weeks. However, it still has the potential to spread rapidly and develope from a epidemic to a pandemic situation. We are placing our top scientists and resources on the case to quickly develop a vaccine before it mutates again."

Cronstedt has dispatched a team of scientist to Międzymorze to collect samples of the virus, with the permission of the Międzymorze government. Cronstedt Inc. also stated that it will be selling anti flu medicine to Międzymorze a half price to slow and limit the spread of the disease. Cronstedt will also be providing discounted flu medicines to nation who wish to buy bulk stockpiles for any potential flu outbreack from the H3N@ virus.

 

[Tyvia]

Protesters bring to light unfair surveying in polls
AP Tempestad

Within the Commonwealth of Coronado and Ferèzanno, the determination of which parties participate within the national elections (which happen every five years to decide the amount of seats of each party in the Parliament) is based upon a number of polls and census' prior to the actual election. Based upon those figures, the parties which are allowed to run in the national elections are decided. However, following accusations brought up by a senior Parliamentarian, protests broke out in front of the Ministry of Plenty building in Tempestad.

These protests are sparked by the accusations of Parliamentarian Eduaordo Ferdinand Altàdas that the surveying which was used to determine the popular opinion was unfairly conducted and in some area's, rigged. Whilst no official evidence has been brought to bear, it is believed that numerous surveying personnel were bribed by members of certain parties. In response to the protests, the Commonwealth Ministry of Plenty issued a statement that, " [all] surveying is done random, ad hoc such to ensure that anonymity and political fairness are observed." Whilst the protests did not disperse, they remained peaceful - and the local police department issued a statement that they would be allowed to continue until the following work day started, and may resume during the weekend, as per the law in which protests aren't allowed by employed personnel during working hours.

In the meantime, as two of the five parties which will participate have been chosen (the Conservative and Unionist Progressive parties), it brings to light even more controversy considering their alleged popularity and selection. It has been suggested by junior members of the Parliament to simply reschedule the national elections and recommit to a simple optional referendum to serve the same purpose as the survey. As of yet, no solution has become extensively considered.

 

[Beautancus]

Cronstedt Incorporated Searches for H3N2 Vaccine
AP Dalerna

The spread of the H3N2 flu in Międzymorze, has brought much worry to parts of the world. A few Scanian countries are even considering an embargo on the LFS states. Today at the World Headquarters of Cronstedt Incorporated, in Dalerna, that largest pharmaceutical and bioengineering company in the Archduchy is now on the case.

Cronstedt Inc. CEO, Kaspar Cronstedt, grandson of the company founder, announced in a press conference about the comapnies work. "Cronstedt has a reputation for pushing the limits of science and to developing new techniques in health. Today we are hurridly working to develop a vaccine for the H3N2 virus that is slowly spreading across Międzymorze. Currently the virus is contained after only mutating to humans in the past weeks. However, it still has the potential to spread rapidly and develope from a epidemic to a pandemic situation. We are placing our top scientists and resources on the case to quickly develop a vaccine before it mutates again."

Cronstedt has dispatched a team of scientist to Międzymorze to collect samples of the virus, with the permission of the Międzymorze government. Cronstedt Inc. also stated that it will be selling anti flu medicine to Międzymorze a half price to slow and limit the spread of the disease. Cronstedt will also be providing discounted flu medicines to nation who wish to buy bulk stockpiles for any potential flu outbreack from the H3N@ virus.

OOC: If you'll note, there was mentions of a vaccine being distributed, or the fact that the Muslims were refusing to take the vaccine, so I don't know how much of a need there would be to make a new one...The original works pretty nicely already, I imagine. It's just a matter of getting Islamist hardliners to take it from non-Muslim Doctors.

 

[Austurland]

OOC: If you'll note, there was mentions of a vaccine being distributed, or the fact that the Muslims were refusing to take the vaccine, so I don't know how much of a need there would be to make a new one...The original works pretty nicely already, I imagine. It's just a matter of getting Islamist hardliners to take it from non-Muslim Doctors.

OOC: I missed that part sorry

Plus with everyone mentioning it seamed to be a bigger problem, pluss any good 'ld fashion fear mongoring of a pandemic means more sales of my anti-flu.

Plus the virus could mutate and render the current vaccine useless, which was one of the companies main fears and desires.

So either Way I make moneh!!!

 

[Serenierre]

Plantard succumbs to pressure, agrees to resign
AP Valmy

With intense pressure on the Plantard government, both from inside and out, the son of the current Prime Minister has announced to reporters that his father would be resigning in a few days. Till then, the Speaker of the Lower House of the Parliament had assumed the powers of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister's resignation is coming after he lost the support of several senior leaders of his party and was facing a vote of no confidence by the opposition parties.

Oliver Plantard has been PM of Belmont since 2000 and, while initially popular, has become immensely unpopular and calls for his resignation have increased slowly over the years. His administration has been marked by a radicalization of Belmontien foreign policy and several multi-billion increases in the defense budget. Alexandre Millerand is widely believed to have the support of party stalwarts

 

[Taley]

Patriarch to Visit Serbovia and Orthodox Nations
AP Talemaniki

Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew, will begin a visit to several orthodox nations beginning with a visit to Serbovia. Serbovia was chosen as the first visit because of its distance from the majority of the Orthodox faith. "We want to reconnect with our brethren in the east." stated Spokesman Bishop Averos.

The Holy See of Talemaniki is yet to confirm other potential stops.

 

[Serbovia]

Patriarchate of Serbovia

His Holiness Dimitar III welcomes his Talemantric counterpart into Serbovia.

Ministry of External Affairs
Federated Social-Nationalist Republics of Serbovia

His Excellency the Supreme Leader Vladimir Rodzianko will welcome Patriarch Bartholomew to Serbovia, and invites him to dine with him in Petrograd as a guest if it suits his other itinerary.

P.S for the attention of the office of the Patriarch - For etiquette and security reasons V.R also wishes in the future to be informed in advance of visits of such notability.

Regards,
Daniel Nemanjic,
Minister of External Affairs

 

[Wazistan]

Wazi opposition hits out a regime over detention of senior aide
AP Ajman

A spokesman for the leading opposition group in Wazistan hit out at the regime Sunday over the detention of a senior adviser to one of the country's top opposition leader. In an email to foreign news outlets, including the Associated Press, Abu Mustafa, accused the Islamic regime of intimidation in its decision to arrest Gamal Khounday and expressed "serious doubts" that Khounday would receive a fair trial in a judicial system loyal to the ruling Islamic Revolutionary Democratic Party and clerics.

Khounday is a senior political adviser to opposition leader Jamal Bishara, who heads the Wazi National Democratic Organization, the largest opposition alliance in the Islamic republic.

Judiciary officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the case against Khounday "were legally sound and firm" and that prosecutors were expected to formally charge the 34-year old engineer later in the week. The officials decline to say what exactly Khounday will be charged with, though legal experts expect it will be "inciting subversion," a typical charge by the government to silence dissidents.

 

[Thaumantica]

Collection of Maršal Konstantania's Journals Released
AP Maršalgrad

The last great archives of father of the Union, chronicling Maršal Konstantania's Blue Orchestra years may soon be available to researchers and the public – 8 boxes of handwritten notes, gifts and correspondence, including a letter from a Międzymoran Princess her hand in marriage in exchange for surrender in the 1818 wars of Assertion and Independence.

Union Congress approved a bill to clear the way for the memorabilia to be donated to Orchestra Conductor's library and museum in Maršalgrad, Plavi-Divovia.

The boxes have been sitting sealed at the Conductors library since December 2005, tied up in an ownership dispute between the government and a private collector. The new bill would allow the donor to claim the full tax deduction for turning the collection over to the library.

The National Archives and Records Administration, which oversees Union libraries, has said it owns some of the documents in the collection, and that they may have been stolen by this private collector. Specifically, the Archives claimed it already owned the Great Maršal's correspondence letters with Komenoge Nobles, from the Eastern Duchy.

 

[Serbovia]

Ozgur emigrants accuse harassment by Serbovian secret police in Velika Kanzija
AP Jerusalem

The Democratic Liberation Front for a Sovereign Ozguria, a Serbovian opposition group operating out of the Levantine States and Arendaal, has accused the Serbovian security services of widespread harassment of Ozgur residents of Velika Kanzija during a large-scale security operation implemented after a reported killing of a Serbovian policeman by suspected Ozgur militants.

According to Bayram Tayfur, the press spokesman of the DLF-SO, members of the Velika Kanzija police and the Special Police Service - a paramilitary force under the control of the Serbovian Ministry of State Security - committed a number of abuses during the operation. Mr. Tayfur described young Ozgur men being detained by the police officers on an entirely arbitrary basis, as well as several beatings and breakings-in by Serbovian Special Policemen, including an occasion where police officers held employees of a local mosque at gunpoint before rounding them up and taking them into custody. He also claimed that some of the people detained during the raids had been tortured while in police custody. Tayfur said that his information came from Ozgur activists in the city.

The Serbovian Central News Agency, Petrograd's official outlet of international media, did publicize a large-scale operation in Velika Kanzija but has only referred to arrests of criminals as well as a gunfight leading to deaths of several members of the Ozgurian People's Army, a militant group operating in the Serbovian-Oikawan border territory.

The Ozgur area of Velika Kanzija is a special settlement where labourers from the Northeastern Ozgur Homeland and their familymembers are housed on a temporary basis. Homelands are nominally autonomous settlements where the Serbovian Ozgur minority was mostly relocated during 1990s by the Social-Nationalists.

 

[Taley]

Emperor Delivers Speech on new Administrative Reforms
AP Talemaniki

In a widely broadcast radio address, a stable of this emperor, Emperor Waylon X spoke to the nation about upcoming reforms of the imperial government.

"Talemantros and the Talemantine people have a history of reinventing ourselves to allow us to adapt to the times of our age. We have don this in centuries past and it has allowed us to remain and to remain strong throughout our existence. Now my people, it is time to adapt and change again to meet our new era.

To coincide with our anniversary celebrations next year, there will be a massive undertaking to reform the government as we see it today. Our bureaucracy will be more efficient, and corruption will be eliminated. The long distaste for meaningless paperwork and red-tape that plagues our society will be removed. We will do more."

Among others these lofty goals to reform the over complicated bureaucracy of the empire, who's numerous positions stem all the way back to the Tiburian Empire. Many are even hoping for greater democratic process to be involved in these reforms, though Chief Minister Bishop Alexis Florioli, commented that that was unlikely. Many continue to hope.

 

[Wazistan]

Analysis: RDP congress to highlight splits among ruling clerics
AP Ijad

An upcoming meeting of Wazistan's dominant political party comes at a time of deep division within the country's ruling clerics over plans to open up to the international community after years of restrictive engagement. As a result, analysts expect the ruling Islamist Revolutionary Democratic Party's annual congress to serve as a showdown between the two camps within the religious establishment over the future direction of the oil-rich state.

RDP officials have denied such allegations and say the upcoming meeting will show "a strong display of unity" within both the political and clerical establishment.

Aside from a number of organizational and policy decisions expected to be hammered out, speculation over a showdown has centered around the congress's schedule vote on the party's presidential and vice presidential candidate for upcoming presidential elections in the Majilis scheduled for next spring. Many analysis expected the nomination fight to be a re-run of a similar split five years ago between rival factions.

"Traditionally, the RDP presidential nomination fights have served as proxy wars between Wazistan's paramount leader Sheik Mohammad Ali Yassin and his main rival in the religious establishment, Ayatollah Rafik Akbar Farahani." says Dr. Mahmoud Amin, an opposition leader with ties to figures in the clerical establishment.

However, that split was resolved after a last minute compromised handed the presidency to Hamid Najibullah, a respected figure among both sides who largely governed as a technocrat. His decision not to seek a second term has results in this years behind-the-scene tension.

 

[Batavië]

Batavian Foreign Commissar Attending Nordic Council Meeting
AP, Målmöholm

Arjan van Vliet, the charismatic Foreign Commissar of the communist regime in Batavië has arrived in Skånskige Statsunionen in order to attend the first Nordic Council. Also in attendance are high-level representatives from Arendaal, Fjäderholmarna and members from the host country, Skånskige Statsunionen. The presence of Batavian diplomats came as a surprise to some but was expected from others. Political analysts specialising in the study of the often reclusive regime said that to ignore Batavië would have been a grave mistake.

'It would have been seen as an insult to the "Supreme Leader" and could have lead to an unnecessary straining of relations. They made the right choice.' said one analyst. Yet most do not expect Vlaanderen to sign on to any agreements, deciding instead to simply show its face. Others think otherwise.

'I have a feeling that Van Vliet is going to use this opportunity to finally break the communist country out of its shell. There has been a stirring of domestic unrest in the country with a mysterious explosion in the capital and the assassination of a Deputy Police Chief. They need to interact with their neighbours now. It's no longer an option.'

 

[Wazistan]

Opposition leader in Wazistan slams clerics in rare criticism
AP Ijad

Top Wazi opposition leader strongly criticized the country's clerical establishment Saturday, a rare attack on Wazistan's ruling mullahs by opposition figures inside the country. In an article published by newspaper run by his party, Ahmad Karim Habib accused clerical-led institutions of stifling democratic debate and presiding over a "government of repression." Habib notes security forces regularly harass pro-democracy campaigners and government critics without consequence and called upon the government to pursue "real democratic reform."

Habib's Hezb-e-Eqtedar-e-Mili (National Sovereignty Party), one of only two opposition parties in the Wazi parliament, has long been the most vocal critic of the ruling establishment, though today's criticism marks the first time such a senior official has directly chastised the clerics.

Habib and other democratic activists in Wazistan have long accused the country's clerics of using security forces to harass and intimidate opponents to ensure the rule of the Revolutionary Democratic Party, a hardline Islamist party founded by supporters of the Islamic Revolution that has been in power since 1980. Critics contend the the party is nothing more than front for the clerics to exert control over every aspects of government.

 

[Austurland]

Minister Doubts Belmont's Anglian Claims
AP Dalerna

Minister of External Affairs, Judit Zachrisson, expressed the Austurlander government's doubts over claims by Belmont that Anglia is supporting terrorism in Belmont.

"Considering the recent history of the Kingdom of Belmont we cannot place good faith in these claims. There is also the fact of historical bias that may permeate the current tensions between Belmont and Anglia. Now Belmont, recently itself accused of supporting terrorism, is accusing another nation, one that it has a sordid history with, of doing the same. With the constant inconsistency coming from Paris we are unsure of whether to take this complaint seriously."

[IMG2]albumid=89&pictureid=1389[/IMG2]
Judit Zachrisson at Foreign Relations Seminar​

This is a continuation of the distancing between Paris and Dalerna beginning with the Communist terror crisis. While it is unsure how future Belmontian and Austurlander relations will be, but the government has approved a state visit to Austurland by the Belmontian queen following the conclusion of the AGE summit in Scania.