Daily Truth:: "People of Ratomkira, prepare for war!"

[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

Vangala welcomes the decision by the Council for Justice and Democracy to seek dialogue over the pressing issue over Ratomkiran refugees residing in the People's Republic and we are willing to start talks at the earliest convenience.

 

[Calidia]

Ultimatum expires​

Pomnichin province under heavy bombardment after royalists refuse dialogue​

Pomnichin -- Exactly one week after the ultimatum was issued by the Council for Democracy and Justice the old government has rejected a possible ceasefire. The ultimatum, which expired today at 11 AM, called for the immediate cessation of royalist violence and the formal disbanding of the old government. While not officially rejecting the ultimatum the remaining members of the old government, which still firmly controls the Pomnichin province, chose to simply ignore the council's proposals, going as far as refusing any form of communication with the transitional leadership. In a speech made just a few minutes after the deadline Prime Minister Drith Vannhere, who is also Marshall of the royal army, said that "Not only has the old dictatorial government refused in any way to abide by the very reasonable ultimatum. They have spat in the face of diplomacy by refusing even the smallest form of communication and thus selecting the path of violence...". Having stated earlier that the campaign against former comrades-in-arms would be a terrible yet necessary operation, the Prime Minister continued to say that, "Today, more then any other day, the self-proclaimed royalists have clearly chosen to walk away from their former roles in this country and made themselves no more then terrorists who are willing to sacrifice thousands of Ratomkiran lives for the detestable goal of reinstating the former dictatorship." The Prime Minister continued with a series of hard words directed against the old regime and also promised direct and decisive action against "those who defied progress and democracy..."

The military operation against the royalist held Pomnichin province started at 11:30 AM this morning, just moments after Prime Minister Vannhere finished his speech. According to a spokesperson for the military the first phase of the campaign consists out of extensive and constant bombardment of royalist installations by the air force and artillerists. It was said that the military would first soften up the enemy's positions before initiating the ground offensive. When exactly the ground offensive will take place remains unclear as that apparently depends on the success of the bombardment. The royalist forces, made up mostly out of remaining palace guards, royalist front militiamen and a few elements within the army who chose to keep defending the old government, is estimated to count around 30,000 heads. Some sources however dispute this number and claim that the number is either much lower or higher. Until now it is still unclear how much resistance the military should expect, but it is known that the Council of Democracy and Justice has technology, endurance and manpower on their side. Early reports indicate that the air forces, under direct command of Marshal of Aviation Makara Phalasat, has already destroyed 90% of the relatively few aircraft's that where still in royalists hands, making air superiority a matter of hours.

The military said that they will do anything within its power to avoid innocent civilian lives from being lost as much as possible. This will however be a difficult task seeing that the Pomnichin province is the fourth most populated region in the country with its provincial capital, Camsing, being the third largest city in the country. It was also stated that any person currently within the province, who helps the council's campaign will be rewarded. We will keep you updated as the events unfold.

Other News:

• KKP accuses government of aiding KSF and prolonging the sectarian communist conflict
• Two children die after stepping on a landmine in Romish
  [*]Matsu killer sentenced to death
  [*]Petroleum prices higher then ever after Wazi crisis continues
  [*]Traffic accidents kill 5 across the country

 

[Calidia]

Former Prime Minister killed during special forces raid​

Prime Minister of the old government Khun Kein killed in crossfire during special forces raid, several leading royalists captured​

Camsing -- The military has just confirmed that around 9 PM this evening an elite team of our country's Royal Special Forces has captured no less then eleven high-ranking royalists in the city of Camsing. According to the report of the special forces unit that successfully executed this action, which is a major humiliation to the already crippled royalist rebels, a total of 48 royalists where killed including Prime Minister of the old government, Khun Kein. The former Prime Minister, who had proclaimed himself the "leader of the royalist resistance under the King", apparently died in the crossfire that ensued after the commando's stormed the royal palace in Camsing. It remains unclear if Khun Kein was killed by royalists or the special forces. The Camsing palace, which served as headquarters of the rebel leaders ever since the military takeover, was attacked by roughly 40 commando's from both the ground and air. The goal of this operation that lasted just over twenty minutes was to capture the most important royalist leaders thus taking away the central command of the Pomnichin rebels. After 22 minutes of intense combat the eleven captured royalist leaders including former ministers Pharun Sakuno, Yu Motsulme and colonel Po Haktasun where brought to an unknown location, most likely undergoing interrogations as they hold much valuable information for the ongoing offensive against the royalist held province, Pomnichin. The Council for Democracy and Justice made an official statement saying that the ones captured will be put before "a judge of the people" and found the death of the former Prime Minister regrettable, much rather having seen him before a judge as well.

This means that merely one day after the bombardment started on the last stronghold of the royalists, the military has already achieved a tremendous success. The constant artillery shelling and air strikes have already done much damage to the now largely leaderless rebels, with only their field officers, a handful of commanders and two ministers of the old government left to rule the remains of the dictatorship that not so long ago owned this nation. Analysts predict that the former Minister of Science and Technology Veasna Rmnek, who barely avoided being captured today, will be chosen to lead the royalists. This would be the most logical move seeing that Veasna is the only member of the old government with military experience although it is also likely that one of their remaining military commanders will take charge. Either way the disorganized rebels must now desperately chose a new leadership while suffering under an impressive barrage which has, according to governmental sources have already cost the lives of over 600 rebels.

There have however also been casualties on the military side, most significantly three attack helicopters, four fighters and six tanks lost. Including twenty-three soldiers who died across the front line as royalist artillery and mortars returned fire, council's troops have lost twenty-nine comrades since the beginning of the campaign against the Pomnichin province. Regardless the military stated that so far the mission has been a grand success and that the events of today only motivate them further to end the royalists rebellion.

Other News:

• KKP accusations staining temporarily postponed peace negotiations
• Anarcho-syndicalist unions announcing strikes in Phroum
  [*]Royalist Front death squad kills two policemen in village of Banjum
  [*]The Ratomkiran economy is not lost yet
  [*]Traffic accidents kill 3 across the country

 

[Calidia]

Military begins ground offensive against Pomnichin​

Five days after the ultimatum expired and bombardments began, the Council has initiated the ground offensive against the royalist province​

Pomnichin province -- The military has just announced that it has started moving ground forces into Pomnichin at 6 AM this morning. Just under five days ago the ultimatum against the royalist held province had expired and the military began bombarding strategic positions in rebel territory. According to the commander of the campaign against royalist Pomnichin, General Jetsu Makoi, "the effects of the combined aerial and artillery strikes have had a devastating effect on the royalist rebels...". It is estimated that due to the impressive bombardment the remaining royalist forces have lost much of their heavy arsenal and manpower, not to mention the effect this must have on their morale. Although there is no clear number the military claimed that over 1,700 royalist have already died with many more being wounded and unable to continue fighting. With the old government still refusing to recognize and thus communicate with the military or the Council of Democracy and Justice the exact number will most-likely remain unclear until the end of the campaign, branded Operation Yoeṅ Ruop to clearly show the goal is to unify the country. An estimation on the amount of civilian casualties has not yet been released.

However, despite of these constant heavy bombardments during the last few days the army announced that they still expect much resistance, especially in Camsing and the other cities. General Jetsu Makoi, who was just two months ago fighting against the communists in the battle for Na Treng said, "Although there are many differences between the Na Treng area and the Pomnichin province, most prominently the fact that Pomnichin has only few forests, has relatively flat ground, is much more industrialized and has a higher population, but when it comes to urban warfare much will be the same. With most of their heavy equipment destroyed or unusable the royalists will most likely resort to guerilla tactics such as the KKP has always done. The remaining military hardware they posses will be overrun by our much larger stock of weapons." We will have to wait and see if General Jetsu Makoi will be able to win back some of his glory after the disappointing results of his command during the battle for Na Treng. The fact that the Council appointed him to the job does show that he is still considered one of the best Generals Ratomkira has to offer.

It has been stated that over 80,000 troops are partaking in Operation Yoen Ruop, including 2 tank divisions. With the estimate that the royalist forces consist of roughly 15,000 rebels, the military has them outnumbered over three to one. Desertion numbers have seen a sensitive increase as a relatively small amount of soldiers refused to attack what they still consider to be 'comrades'.

KKP takes Hantaing, proclaims KSF defeated​

Sectarian violence between communists ends as KKP takes last KSF held ground​

Hantaing / Na Treng -- It has been a bloody sixteen days in the North as the two former allies, the nationalist communist Kambudjan Socialist Front (KSF) and the Kangtoap Krawham Padevat (KKP) who are strict followers of 'Socialism in Vangalan conditions', have been fighting among each other. The sectarian fighting, which started after the two communist factions couldn't agree on the approach to the peace negotiations, is estimated to have cost the lives of between 500 and 2,000 souls. The worst massacres being in the pro-KKP villages of Jahui, Sopanikuemi and Hay where, according to the KKP, small KSF groups lined up civilians who had helped their rivals and executed them in cold blood. In an official statement a spokesperson for the KKP said that all in all they lost 423 fighters, mostly during the first days, and have killed over 600 armed members of the KSF and captured another 316, these numbers are disputed by many specialists. The leaderless and largely destroyed KSF has not made a statement nor released any numbers.

Peace has, for now, returned to the Northern region after the KKP forces under command of former governmental General Sepkei Berbaey took the bastion of the KSF, Hantaing and destroyed the last pockets of resistance in Na Treng earlier today. The pro-Vangalan KKP claims that the bloodshed between the two communists, who became allies during the communist siege of Na Treng, ended at 11 AM. To prove these statements they have been distributing pictures of the KKP flag waving over Hantaing and several KSF leaders displayed handcuffed and surrounded by KKP forces. What will happen to the leaders of the Kambudjan Socialists and the many captives is unclear, but the Council for Democracy and Justice urged the KKP not to continue the bloodshed any further. With the peace negotiations between the communists and the Council having been postponed three days after the beginning of the sectarian violence it is hoped by the two sides that the diplomacy can get back on track as soon as possible. It is however clear that with the losses of the last sixteen days the KKP has less weight it can lay on the negotiating table.

Another problem that both the KKP and the Council for Democracy and Justice face and might effect the continuation of the peace process is the growing support for anarcho-syndicalism in the far-northern city of Phroum. This city, which is of strategical and economic importance to all parties, is coming under the increasing influence of the illegal anarcho-syndicalist unions who are unified under the name 'Federation of Workers and Peasants Unions' (FWPU). These unions are currently striking for better working conditions, less repression, better wages and other 'social' demands and are making the cities production levels going down dramatically. Rumours that many of the companies currently based in and around the city will move their assets to the Varjhal Union have only intensified the situation and increased support for the anarchists. The KKP, which unsuccessfully attempted to occupy Phroum before the military takeover and ceasefire, still controls almost all the area around the city. Phroum itself is still under control of the Council and hosts a garrison of roughly 8,000 soldiers.

Other News:

• Anarchism in Ratomkira, a treat?
• Elections in the Council of Nations
  [*]Batavia under a new banner
  [*]Royalist Front militiamen kill two police officers in Kampaey
  [*]The effects of rebellions on our environment

 

[Calidia]

Peace negotiations with KKP restarted​

With the sectarian conflict between the two communist factions over, the peace process is put back on track​

Na Treng -- It took the communist KKP four days to fully reorganize itself after the bloody conflict with the KSF, which was ultimately won by the Kangtoap Krawham Padevat. This assumption can be made after the pro-Vangalan communists announced that they would wait until today before returning to the peace table, giving no clear reasoning for not restarting the negotiations earlier. This assumption is backed by several rumours circulating within communist circles. Among these rumours is the one which clearly points out that the KKP had suffered more losses then expected in the conflict with the Kambudjan Socialist Front, both materially and in manpower. This is mostly because the KSF started the sectarian violence and was able to strike the unsuspecting KKP units and installations hard before most realized what was going on. Another factor which would play out against the KKP is the fact that two of their prominent members where killed during the sixteen days of bloodshed. These two members are no less then Buntha Chamroeun and Kravann Makaramou, lieutenants of KKP leader Hun Mochhai and commanders of a more then significant part of the KKP total battle force. One of these men, Kravann Makaramou, was even one of the five communists present at the peace negotiations, who is now replaced by the less influential Rithipol Nomkur, known mostly for his failure to take the Northern city of Phroum.

Another, more controversial, reason to explain the fact that it took the KKP so long before it could once again take part in the peace process are the accusations that the Council for Democracy and Justice was supporting the KSF by giving them military hardware and supplies. Although the government has firmly denied having in any way supported either side in the conflict, several KKP members remain convinced that the unofficial support did happen. According to KKP commander Sepkei Berbaey the Council and the military knew well enough that the KSF would lose, but gave it support so that it could weaken the KKP as much as possible. That way, Sepkei Berbaey continued to explain, the Council could make sure that the communists would have a less strong position then the transitional government. However, following what the Council has claimed all this time, it appears that the KKP has chosen to halt their accusation and continue on the path towards peace. Unofficially stating that they where wrong to claim such things and didn't want to harm the negotiations any furhter.

The negotiations restarted earlier today and according to an official spokesperson they went very smoothly. Hopefully there will be no more interruptions in the future so that peace between the two biggest armed groups of our country can finally be realized.

Other News:

• Ground offensive in Pomnichin going well, border region completely taken
• Crackdown on Anarcho-syndicalist unions in Phroum
  [*]Five Lanxangese separatists arrested in Oikawan settlement, terrorist attack avoided
  [*]Ring around Kampaey, a new project
  [*]Traffic accidents kill 8 across the country

 

[Calidia]

Kho Phen taken without bloodshed​

Second city of Pomnichin province taken without a fight as local royalists surrender​

Kho Phen -- A great victory has been achieved in the campaign against the royalists in the Pomnichin province. Just moments ago the military informed us that the second most populated city of the province has been taken without any casualties. According to a spokesperson for the armed forces Kho Phen, which unfortunately still suffered significantly under the essential air bombardment and artillery shelling of the past ten days, saw their Royalist Front and Palace Guard banners replaced by those of free Ratomkira roughly around nine PM this evening. It is around this time that the leaders of the royalists announced their defeat in the city. While affirming their loss they also warned that the other cities still in rebel hands will not fall so lightly and that the army and air forces will "be dealt heavy blows hard enough to turn the table in this conflict..." Now with the border regions as well as the second largest city under their control the military has taken about 25% of the Pomnichin province during the past ten days. Although Operation Yoen Ruop, the name of the military campaign against the rebellious area, has only seen a few minor setbacks and has been an overall success so far, this is most definably the biggest victory yet.

The reasons for the bloodless takeover are diverse. The most significant factor that played in the benefit of the military is without a doubt the intimidating effect that the much larger and technologically superior ground forces had on the royalists. While the exact number of royalist fighters in the city is unknown it has been reported that only 326 people where arrested so far. The number of arrest will most likely increase though as more and more buildings and installations are being searched for rebels or weapons. It is believed that many insurgents have infiltrated the population with the army being extra cautious for ambushes. According to several analysts and specialists there are several facts that explain the small amount of insurgents defending Kho Phen. The most important of those facts are the poor if not completely destroyed communications that make everything even more chaotic for the royalists, who have too resort to easily interceptable or blockable ways to contact each other. Another reason for the small amount of rebel fighters is that the royalist are apparently bolstering their forces in the two remaining big cities and their surrounding areas where they can use the civilian population as human shields, thus pulling away their resources from other places.

Other explanations for the easy occupation of the economically important city include the effects of the bombardment that shook the area to its core. Apparently this took away much of the willingness to fight. An exact number of casualties during these bombardments remains unknown at the moment, but the royalists have claimed that the number lies over 1,000, something the Council of Democracy and Justice has stated to be "a propagandist exaggeration..." The military said that they will release an exact casualty number in due time and regret all loss of innocent lives.

Other News:

• Next step in Operation Yoen Ruop, Samihn
• Six soldiers die after carbomb explodes at military checkpoint in Phroum, anarchist Black Flag Army claims the attack
  [*]Health reforms postponed due to lack of budget
  [*]Grand Palace 'redistribution' completed
  [*]Traffic accidents kill 4 across the country

 

[Calidia]

Last phase of Operation Yoen Ruop begins​

Army starts the siege of the last royalist bastion, how does this effect our nation​

Camsing -- Exactly one month and five days after the ultimatum issued upon the royalists, who at that point occupied the entire south-eastern Pomnichin province, expired and the military began its offensive against the pro-dictatorial rebels our armed forces have secured the entire area except for the provincial capital, Camsing. The city was fully surrounded a little over two days ago and has been suffering under heavy bombardment ever since Operation Yoen Ruop was initiated. According to a spokesperson for the military, Colonel Sothy Netsumaka, the 36 days-lasting bombardments has severely crippled the remaining Royalist forces in Camsing. Colonel Netsumaka however also said that despite the almost constant bombardments and the loss of all their formerly occupied lands the rebels are still believed to firmly control the city, thus still forming a significant threat for the ground forces who are laying siege upon Camsing since 4.30 AM this morning. The Colonel finished by stating that "Yoen Ruop has already been a major success. While the loss of lives and infrastructure are very regrettable, the people of this country must realize that we are laying the foundation of a new and stronger nation. Once Camsing, the last royalist bastion, is taken we can rebuild and reshape Ratomkira without the old government, nor anyone else for that matter, being able to stand in our way." The offensive against the supporters of the old government, which started the 22th of March, has been long and painful not only for our economy and military, but more importantly for the civilians living in this war torn area. While the amount of civilian casualties remains unknown the government has estimated that around 4,500 civilians where killed during the last weeks, mostly by royalist death squads, with many more wounded and over 40,000 becoming homeless. Official governmental reports indicated that over 75% of the new big wave of refugees attempting to cross the border with neighbouring nations, most prominently Vangala, formerly resided in and around the Pomnichin province.

Many critical voices are wondering how the government will ever recover from this with almost no more budget to spend. It is speculated that another serious sum of money has been taken from the monarchy's personal wealth and is being used to fund not only the offensives in Pomnichin and the North, but also the promised social and economical reforms, rebuilding efforts, organizing the first free elections and several other things. With the worth our nations currency, the Ratomkiran Riel, hitting a new low a lot of people wonder how much longer the Council of Democracy and Justice will be able to keep taking money from King Pheakdei Srieng III and his family, who still remain in custody after refusing to support the transitional government. Last week Minister of Finances Nimol Saktrum stated during a public address on the recently renamed 24th-of-February Square that he will seek international donors to take part in the rebuilding of our country. When some people in the crowd who came to see the Minister's address started yelling things such as "Asking for money is pathetic" and "You have no honour" Nimol Saktrum calmly replied that he refuses to make any more debts with other countries, mostly LFS allies, as our current loans are still not being paid off. Several members of the crowd where arrested that same day and charged for disturbing the public peace.

While many of us knew that the situation would become worse before it became better, mostly due to the continuing rebellion of the self-proclaimed royalists, there is some positive news. Because of the ceasefire with the communist KKP and the end of hostilities between the KKP and KSF the governmental areas in the North are once again flourishing and slowly but surely bringing the Northern economy back on its feet. We can only hope that the negotiations with the communists will be a success and that Camsing will be taken from the royalists with minimal losses for the military, the economy and the people.

Other News:

• Negotiations with KKP drag on as the tensions in and around Phroum make an agreement more unlikely
• Anarchist unions in Phroum threaten to occupy factories if their demands are not met
  [*]Jizhou has full support of the Ratomkiran government in its battle against communist insurgents
  [*]Small protest for democracy in Siem Khun ends peacefully
  [*]Traffic accidents kill 8 across the country

 

[Calidia]

'Free elections impossible until May 2011'​

Transitional Prime Minister Drith Vannhere states that the first Ratomkiran democratic elections will have to wait until at least May 2011​

Siem Khun -- During a speech earlier today Prime Minister Drith Vannhere and several other high ranking functionaries of the Council for Democracy and Justice stated that "the earliest possible date for our countries first free election would lie in May 2011", around nine months after the military took down the former government in February. While some have already reacted negatively upon the, what they call, "much too late election date", the Council made it abundantly clear that there it is simply no earlier date possible. Several reasons for the delay where mentioned, the main ones being the lack of financial budget and ongoing violence of nearly all rebel groups except for the communist KKP and the nationalist Lanxangese Union, with which negotiations are still taking place. Various other reasons where also said, including the logistical problems and safety dangers. Near the end of his speech the Prime Minister continued by saying that there is a small chance that elections will be possible on an earlier date, but also said that the people must prepare to wait even longer and that there is a possibility of the elections being postponed until July 2011.

With transparency in mind the Council for Democracy and Justice also released the source that did the actual research on the estimation, the independent 'Commission for a Democratic Ratomkira'. This commission is responsible for just about every aspect of the first free elections, except for security which will be guaranteed by the military. Shortly after Prime Minister Vannhere ended the press conference the commission was asked to make the reports public, which it did moments later. Although the reports can be viewed by literally everyone with Ratomkiran citizenship a significant amount of people still reacted furiously, refusing to show any understanding. The most prominent leader of these people is called So Nhen, he is the leader of the 'People's Democratic Bureau' and a self-proclaimed 'Watchdog' of the demonstration progress. According to him the elections should have top priority, above the war against the various rebel groups and social changes. "The fact that our military government is once again postponing the elections only shows that they want to tighten their grip on our country...", he said during a small rally in front of the capitals city hall about 30 minutes ago. It must also be known that So Nhen was arrested and yailed twice over the last ten years ago for crimes such as arson, disturbing the public peace, resisting arrest and destruction of private and state property. Nhen was released only due to the overpopulation problem in our country's jails.

While the government understands that this delay is everything except a good thing they hope that the majority of the people will show understanding and simply look at the facts that clearly show that an earlier date is unpossible. Although movements such as those of 'Watchdog' So Nhen just undermine our nation and only cost the country even more money they will continue to be allowed to demonstrate under strict guidelines of the police and or military. After all the freedom to demonstrate and show your opinion is essential in a democratic society, which our country is, since the February military uprising, well on the way of becoming.

Other News:

• Negotiations with the KKP once again started up again after Phroum incident
• Discussion about Great War Museum in Marquette city Fond du Lac
  [*]"Jizhou and Ratomkira must work together even closer" says Minister of Defense and War
  [*]Bankrobbery in Camsing stopped by local police, perpetrators where deserters
  [*]Traffic accidents kill 6 across the country

 

[Calidia]

Royalist splinter group detonates car bomb in Siem Khun financial district​

Down town Siem Khun rocked by car bomb, 7 people die in the blast with dozens more wounded​

Siem Khun -- At least 7 people have died with many more wounded after a car bomb was detonated in the financial district of the capital, Siem Khun. The attack, which occurred less then an hour ago, was apparently aimed against the Ratomkiran national bank, which lies on the edge of the financial district. Early reports from the city's police forces indicate that most victims where innocent civilians who just happened to be passing by when the car exploded, only two of the victims actually being National Bank personnel. A spokesperson for the police said that if the car bomb had exploded just after the regular office hours the death toll could have been far worse, if not catastrophic. But needless to say 7 deaths and over 20 wounded varying from serious to very light is already a tragedy. The material damage is immense with the shock-wave even reaching our own news station and scattering nearly all our front windows. Closer to the blast the explosion caused four other vehicles to burn out completely, with many more cars damaged by falling debris or shock-wave. The National Bank building however suffered the most under the attack with large parts of the front scorched and the historical 17th century Marquette-style income hall completely burned out. However if it wasn't for the quick reaction of the Siem Khun fire departments and the evacuation training of National Bank employees the entire building could have been lost together with the lives of many more people.

It didn't take long for the attack to be claimed. The Southern Royalist Front (SRF) said in a statement given to the military, police forces and media that this is "the first in a long line of attacks against the illegal government and traitors to the crown...". There is not much information about the SRF, only that they are one of the five known splinter groups that came out of the former 'Royalist Front'. The first weeks after the fall of the last Royalist stronghold in Camsing, about a month ago, despite harsh repression from the military under the command of the Council for Democracy and Justice, many self-proclaimed royalists where able to organize them selves into small terrorist organizations which since then conducted no less then twelve attacks, ten of them with deadly consequences. This is however the first one that targeted civilians instead of the military or police, an evolution that should worry every living soul in Ratomkira. The tragic events of today prove that supporters of the former government and fanatic monarchists still pose a huge treat on our struggling society and that all civilians must stay alert at all times.

When we asked the local authorities how the Southern Royalist Front was able to successfully plan and execute this cowardly attack they replied that it was likely that these groups had a "safe haven" in neighboring Oikawa where they could not only reorganize, but also rearm and resupply. However when we asked the same question to a more high ranking official he said that "There is no evidence that our long-time ally, the Empire of Greater Oikawa, nor any other neighboring ally is responsible for keeping the royalists threat alive. We assure you that our relation ship with Oikawa, although shortly stained after the military takeover, is back on the track of prosperity and cooperation." and also that "Local authorities should refrain from making such statements, which are only based on wild guesses." He continued to say that their primary suspects are the organized crime groups run by deserters, known as the 'Deserters Organization', some of whom still have sympathy for the old regime and all of whom eager to make money of death and destruction. Vangala is also a suspect, given the likely chance that our communist enemy in the West would use the right-winged royalist groups to further destabilize our country. The Oikawan ambassador was unreachable for comments.

But before we continue to point fingers we must grieve for the people that lost their live at the hands of yet another terrorist organization. Daily Truth would like to give its most sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims. May the day soon come that we will know peace in Ratomkira.

Other News:

• Existence of a 'Deserters Criminal Society' a fact
• Situation in Freiheid worse then ever
  [*]Special forces arrest six men accused of trying to bring the Kambudjan Socialist Front back to life
  [*]New deadline set for negotiations with KKP, August
  [*]Traffic accidents kills 1 across the country

 

[Calidia]

Police and Military forces raid over three hundred houses in Camsing​

Biggest police action since the Oikawan occupation, 414 people arrested​

Camsing -- About one thousand police officers and several hundred soldiers launched a major assault on crime and terrorism this morning, hoping to deal a decisive blow to lawbreakers in the city, varying from street crime to organized crime and terrorism. Under the cover of darkness around 4 a.m., roughly 950 heavily armed officers from the Phen Provincial Police Department and several other drugs or terrorist related agencies together with about 300 soldier, due to the lack of manpower in the region's police forces, raided no less then 301 homes, hangars and other buildings. Warrants in hand, they searched mainly for members or associates of the 'Deserters Organization' wanted on an array of charges related to extensive drug dealing, contract killing, illegal sports and gambling, money laundering, human trafficking, robbery and many other despicable crimes. In fifty-one of the raided places the police and military where fired upon resulting in the deaths of thirty-five suspects, miraculously only three police officers and seven soldiers where wounded in the action. According to police sources friendly casualties where avoided because of the quickness and highly coordinated nature of the raids. It is also speculated that the police officers and soldiers who took part in the action where thoroughly screened and some even investigated to avoid any corrupt elements from informing the suspects of the plans. Apparently most of the police officers that where involved in the raids came from the Phen province, about 300 kilometres away from Camsing.

Regardless over a dozen houses where found empty, some even booby trapped and two where a letter addressed to the government was found, indicating that several criminals where still informed of the raids beforehand and thus that police corruption is still a huge problem in Ratomkira. Those empty houses belonged to the bigger fishes that the police and military hoped to arrest included the suspected boss of the biggest organized crime society in Ratomkira, the 'Deserters Organization', Tevy Haramoto. The only two 'big' criminals that where arrested where Kalliyan Minrishu and Se Sunara, two upcoming criminal leaders who are suspected of being in charge of two big street gangs in Camsing and its suburban areas. Specialist Rathamay Amsei however says that the 'higher ups' in the Ratomkiran criminal society allowed Minrishu and Sunara to be arrested so they could get rid of the competition within the city and get a tighter grip on the social control. However the latter remains speculation and the agencies involved nor the police nor the military has made a statement about it.

But although the biggest catch slipped past them the police is still very happy with the accomplishments of today. Chief Inspector Vsna Rangshey said: "The streets are now much cleaner then they where just a few hours ago. It is sad to learn that regardless of the efforts to keep this action under the radar, several suspects where still informed... However this is a problem that we must face as a people and a country. We will not be intimidated by these thugs who think they can further exploit the economy and the people. Today has made us even more motivated and more united." The Chief Inspector continued by saying that they have cases against nearly all of those arrested and that trial awaits them. Several people who where arrested because they where near the suspects during the action or behaved suspicious will be released later today after interrogation.


Other News:

• 'Watchdog' So Nhen found dead in his home
• Rebels Slaughter Hundreds in Yiyuan, Jizhou
  [*]Freiheit Declares War on Sarmatia
  [*]Three Kambudjan Brotherhood members found dead on the streets in Hano
  [*]Traffic accidents kill 3 across the country

 

[Calidia]

Border clash with Vangala leaves five soldiers dead​

Five soldiers died, three more wounded, after Vangalan military opens fire on patrol boat​

Tak Nei -- Tragedy has once again hit the Ratomkiran-Vangalan border region today as Vangalan border guards opened fire upon a small military patrol boat in the Se river. The entire three-man crew of the small motorboat, which was looking for smugglers and refugees, was killed either by Vangalan bullets or the strong currents that runs in the Se river. A spokesperson for the military has informed us that, for no apparent reason, the small vessel was engaged by Vangalan military personnel around 15 AM this afternoon. It is also known that after falling under a rain of bullets from our communist neighbours the boat crew shortly returned fire, but could not prevent that there vessel was completely destroyed and eventually sank, leaving the fate of the crew members who might had survived the Vangalan onslaught in the hands of the, in this time of the year extraordinary wild, Se river. A nearby watchtower, which saw the whole thing, did everything it could to assist the patrol boat and opened fire upon the Vangalan soldiers. After which the Vangalans launched and RPG rocket towards the watchtower, resulting in the deaths of another two soldiers and wounding another 3 soldiers, two of them in critical conditions. All attempts of the nearby ground forces to save the lives of their comrades who had fallen in the river where prevented by continuing fire from Vangala.

The Se river, which defines the border between Ratomkira and Vangala, has long been a point of conflict between the two nations. Ever since the communist takeover in Vangala there have been clashes every now and then. Most of these clashes took place in the delta region, where the Se river meets the sea, and revolved around the control over the many small islands in the area, the so-called "people's" republic constantly wanting more land. The second biggest of these clashes, after the

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occurred in 1999 when a Ratomkiran transport helicopter was brought down by Vangalan anti-air, killing no less then fifty-four soldiers. Today, with five casualties on our side, is the worst day since June 2008, when six of our men in uniform where killed by Vangalan mortar fire. It is only a question of when the Vangalan military will stop violating our borders and cease their purely bloodthirsty ways. According to our source in the army there is no way the patrol boat was in Vangalan territory nor did it in an way provoke an attack.

In a short statement the Prime Minister, Drith Vannhere, has said that the entire government is "shocked and disgusted" by the recent events. And that he will not rest until those responsible for the deaths of "these brave soldiers" are punished severely. He also stated that when Vangala arrests those responsible he, on behalf of the government, will demand the immediate extradition of those soldiers and their commanding officers. A Vangalan response has not yet been given.

Other News:

• Deserters Organisation slowly killing policemen responsible for last weeks raids in Camsing?
• Two senior KKP members found dead in the jungle, most likely internal liquidation
  [*]Freiheit stopped?
  [*]Are the new reforms paying of?
  [*]Traffic accidents kill 3 across the country

 

[Josepania]

Office of the Imperial Tiburan Chancellor to His Imperial Tiburan Majesty

We strongly condemn this outrageous, aggressive attack on the soldiers of Ratomkira, and demand that the Red State of Vangala bring those responsible to swift justice. The Holy Tiburan Empire also sends its sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the dead and wounded Ratomkiran soldiers involved in this incident.

Sincerely,
Giuseppe Emmanuel
Imperial Tiburan Chancellor to His Imperial Tiburan Majesty

 

[Beautancus]

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Kanclerz Cersarski/Imperial Chancellery
Cesarstwo Wielkosarmatska/Empire of Greater Sarmatia​

First and foremost, allow me to express the Empire's deepest regret over the senseless murder of those five valiant sons of Ratomkira. Though the pointlessly aggressive nature of the pseudo-government in Kilkilla has long been evident to Greater Sarmatia- and the world entire- we find it to be inexcusable that they would choose this time, above all others, with vast portions of your allies armed forces engaged in conflicts in other parts of the world. This unprovoked hostility not only confirms their Communard insanity, and shameless commitment to the destruction of the Ratomkiran state. That is an eventuality that the Empire of Greater Sarmatia simply will not allow

As stated previously, the Ratomkiran nation's two largest allies are currently engaged in "international police-actions" that could be described as nothing save massive, His Excellency, Prime Minister Drith Vannhere may yet rest easy in the knowledge that the Empire of Greater Sarmatia still has the ability, resources, and will to provide any and all aid and assistance (currently available) as needed.

Jego Siła, Książę-Palatyn Samuel Łaszcz
Kanclerz Cersarski, Cesarstwo Wielkosarmatska

 

[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

There has been a gross and deliberate distortion of the facts and truth by the Ratomkiran government and media. The People's Republic of Vangala has long been a victim of Ratomkiran aggression and the new militarist clique in power in Siem Khun is determined to continue the same violent foreign policy of the previous royalist dictatorship. This incident, and previous ones, is the result of poor policing of our shared border by Ratomkira.

The request for the extradition of the surviving Vangalan soldiers and officers involved in the confrotation is denied as it would contradict Vangalan laws and because of ongoing concerns about the reliability and fairness of the Ratomkiran justice system.

প্রতিরক্ষা মন্ত্রক
Ministry of National Defence

At approximately 15:00 hours yesterday a routine border patrol involving personnel from the People's Ground Force opened fire on a vessel believed to be owned by smugglers, resulting in the vessel sinking and the death of the crew on board. A nearby Ratomkiran watchtower intervened in the incident, resulting in the death of three soldiers and the injury of two others. This watchtower was subsequently neutralised by a rocket propelled grenade.

The families of the dead have been informed while the status of the wounded is critical. It is currently being determined whether the boat, now known to be property of the Ratomkiran military, violated Vangala's territorial integrity and an investigation has started.

 

[Calidia]

Royal Office of External Affairs
Council for Democracy and Justice

On behalf of our entire nation we wish to thank our esteemed allies in Oltremare and Greater Sarmatia. Two nations that are truly beacons of light in an increasingly dark world. Nations such as Vangala, which has just moments ago made yet another preposterous statement on the matter, prove that their is still need for a strong anti-commnist force. Let it be clear that the new leadership in Ratomkira will no longer tolerate the Vangalan murders. That is why we demand an official apology from the Vangalan political and military leaders and compensation to be paid for each of the fallen Ratomkiran soldiers.

It is also with great regret that we must inform the world that a sixth soldier has died from his injuries. The situation of the two remaining wounded men has luckily stabilized. Our transparent and objective investigation of the matter is ongoing.

 

[Calidia]

Negotiations with KKP at an all time low​

Hope for a consensus between the government and the KKP slowly disappearing as yet another deadline is crossed​

Na Treng -- When the ceasefire started with the nation's biggest rebel group, the communist KKP, many if not all where optimistic. Especially after hearing that the new government was willing to negotiate, instead of pursuing the path of violence, which was unsuccessfully followed by the old leaders for decades. Many people had hopes and dreams of a better future, a united, peaceful nation. Not only in the war torn Northern provinces, where the KKP is most powerful and roughly controls 70% of the land, but throughout the nation everyone held their breaths and prayed for a good outcome of the negotiations, which started less then a day after the

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, on the 24th of February. The transitional government clearly showing their dedication by stating from the beginning that they desire an end to the violence and was even willing to make a consensus with the rebel faction that has destabilized our country since its foundation. And for a while it seemed like the new policy was a success. Violence was down

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, regardless of the royalist uprising which was later on

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two months after the military takeover leaving only small splinter groups, a better forms of healthcare and national transportation was provided and people could once again walk around safely in most areas. But today is a day that we must come to realize what has been going on. The negotiations have been going on for over six months now, and an end does not appear in sight nor have any, if any, agreements been made public.

Although there where many unforeseeable events that slowed down the peace process, such as the internal

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of the KKP with their former allies the KSF, the long two months of full scale war with the royalists and a few walk-outs by both parties. The Council for Democracy and Justice admits that an accord should have been reached by now. "While the outcome of the negotiations where never in our hand, I and the entire council feel as if we have failed you, the people of this country. Personally I even feel slightly ashamed that the promised truce has not come to be. And it is with great sadness that I must admit that an agreement seems further then ever." Prime Minister Drith Vannhere said earlier today. "The continued stubborn stance of the communists, that would settle for nothing except for far going autonomy or even independence of Northern Ratomkira, has made it impossible to reach to a compromise.", he continued to say. Needless to say that the Council for Democracy and Justice would not allow for our nation, for which so many soldiers and civilians gave the ultimate sacrefise, to separate. It is known that the government was willing to share the power in the North, naturally after some concessions, with the KKP. But it seems that for the rebels either the power they could receive is not enough or the concessions they'd have to make are too big.

Another spokesperson for the Council for Democracy and Justice stated just before the Prime Minister's speech, that if an agreement is not reached within the next three days the consequences for the Kangtoap Krawham Padevat (KKP) will be "unhealthy". He made it clear that the transitional government wants to remain consequent and true to its promises. "We realize that we have lost some trust by the people. But we wish to show them that we will not break our word. The communists want our country to be split, we will not tolerate separatism." he continued to say. We do not yet know if this means that the war with the Vangalan-backed rebels will start up again. Specialists predict that such an event would would be disastrous for our nation economically and militarily. Specialist and analyst Mister Kun Takonaitsu said "The continued fight against the various resistance groups in Ratomkira, especially the KKP, have been the primary reason for our economic demise, which has had an effect on every single aspect of our daily lives." Mister Takonaitsu finished by saying; "Our country can simply not afford to fight anyone at this moment and in the near future, it shouldn't have been able to do since the last ten years when it all started going downhill, not that the years before 2000 where much better with the constant stagnation. Without the support from allies, most importantly Oikawa, our armed forces would be non-existent."

For now we must wait and trust in our leaders, hoping that they will chose the right road. It is without a doubt that we can say that the next three days will become very tense.

Other News:

• Two police officers killed in their car by royalist gunmen
• Three attack helicopters dissapear from Suro base
  [*]Vangala apathetic about border incident
  [*]Rebuilding efforts in Pomnichin province postponed due to lack of budget
  [*]Traffic accidents kill 12 across the country

 

[Calidia]

KKP proclaims independent North Ratomkira​

Negotiations fail, 'Revolutionary People's Republic of Ratomkira' founded by KKP​

Na Treng -- People of Ratomkira, readers across the world. Today we bring you news that will change the face of our country forever. Less then one hour ago the communist Kangtoap Krawham Padevat (KKP) has proclaimed the foundation of a communist nation in Northern Ratomkira. This unexpected move comes after nearly six months of fruitless negotiations with the Council for Democracy and Justice. While not much details are known, our news agency receiving only information that the communists wish to give us, there are several facts that we can report to you. The full name of the separatist would-be nation is apparently the 'Revolutionary People's Republic of Ratomkira', a name that according to the official KKP statement represents the people's support for a leftist republic and the thought that the revolution must continue. Just to be clear, that is what the KKP's propaganda paper, 'Solidarity', wants us to believe. Other things that we know for sure is that Hun Mochhai, the leader of the KKP during the last seven years, has been appointed president of the separatists, most likely by himself. The rest of the new Northern 'government' remains unknown to us, but it will most likely be Mochhai's inner circle that will fill the highest seats. Our nations forth largest city, Na Treng, which has been divided into a communist north (roughly 70% of the city) and a government controlled south (roughly 30%), has been made capital of the new socialist republic.

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Territories claimed by the Revolutionary People's Republic, most already under control of the KKP​

The area which has been claimed by the KKP was already mostly under their control before this escalation. The big question that goes through many people's minds are the areas claimed by the KKP where the government is still in control. Areas such as the two cities Phroum and Damnang, about a dozen military outposts and a handful of villages. Some first reactions by Prime Minister, Marshall Drith Vannhere where made public. "We urge the KKP to return to the peace table. The path they are choosing will only cause more suffering, destruction and death to both sides and most importantly the people." At the end of his speech, which lasted less then five minutes, he stated that he will not allow the governmental soldiers and loyal civilians to fall into the hands of the communists. "If the communists refuse diplomacy, they will automatically take the side of violence. I assure you that all soldiers and residents of governmental areas, that now find themselves and the land they walk on claimed by the communists, will receive highest priority. Extra forces will be send towards the 15 outposts, nine villags and the two cities Phroum and Damnang. We will do anything to preserve our ground in the North." When asked either or not the ceasefire is officially over the Prime Minister replied by saying: "no comment..."

While it is highly unlikely that the ceasefire will remain in effect, there is a question of who will fire the first shot. It is pretty sure that our military at this time barely has the capabilities of waging a war on such large scale. Especially now that the KKP, thanks to nearly half a year of non violence except for the

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, had the time to prepare proper defences and train a while new line of self-proclaimed 'freedom fighters'. It is expected that the Council for Democracy and Justice will have to call for assistance from the League of Free States. Off course that could result in a loss of face for our leader internationally and might jeopardize our nation's independence, specialists say. Receiving information at this time is becoming increasingly difficult although a spokesperson for the transitional government has already stated that the Council will stay honest and transparent about the situation. Media-bans, censorship and other practises that where used by the former regime at times like this will not occur, he promised on behalf of the Council for Democracy and Justice.

We will keep you up to date as we receive more information as the events unfold. Let us hope that the damage to our already torn country will not be too severe. Let us stand by the Kingdom of Ratomkira and trust that its true leaders will make the right decisions.


Other News:

• Anarchist union leader found dead at his home in Phroum, riots are taking place, shots have been fired
• Marshall of Aviation says that the air force is ready
  [*]Vangala responsible for everything?
  [*]Five Oikawan students wounded after fight with Lanxangese
  [*]Traffic accidents kill 2 across the country

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

His Majesty's Government

We demand that the so called 'Revolutionary People's Republic of Ratomkira' disarm and the KKP return to the peace table. Marquette condemns this act which further fractures a people.

 

[Josepania]

Office of the Imperial Tiburan Chancellor to His Imperial Tiburan Majesty

We strongly condemn this move towards instability, anarchism and Red Tyranny by the KKP, and so long as their illegal state, the so-called "Revolutionary People's Republic of Ratomkira" exists, which we doubt will be for long, we will never recognize it as legitimate. We call upon all the civilized world, regardless of their differences with us and our allies, to join us in refusing to grant legitimacy to these rebels and lend their support to the legitimate government of Ratomkira, as we in the Holy Tiburan Empire shall.

Sincerely,
Giuseppe Emmanuel
Imperial Tiburan Chancellor to His Imperial Tiburan Majesty

 

[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

Vangala welcomes the formation of the Revolutionary People's Republic in the northern regions of Ratomkira. The royalist and military dictatorships centred in Siem Khun have long neglected the needs and concerns of the North and instead focused on waging a brutal war against the Peasantry and Lanxangese minority. We believe that peace talks should continue irregardless of this development.