Den Danske Tidende : Imperium og Kongeriget &c.

[Danmark]

Den Danske Tidende
Nationale nyheder i Danmark siden 1714

Westerveld meets GL counterparts in closer security talks​

ELBEBRUCK, WENDMARK - Foreign Minister, Henrik Westerveld, has arrived in the city of Elbebruck in Weise, to discuss closer security arrangements with counterparts from the other members of the Germanian League.

The talks are expected to cover a range of issues with particular emphasis on cooperation with mutual support and defence. The conference follows dialogue between the members of the GL raised over recent months. Currently, the League members have independent arrangements, though the Elbebruck talks are expected to find ways of harmonising the block in a common pact.

The Danish government has been hesitant about making a formal pan-League agreement until this stage due to reservations of the junior coalition partners in the current government, the Agrarian Party, who have been most vocal in objecting to pan-GL arrangements. However Agrarian leader, Svend Fulk, has reportedly been assuaged that a pan-GL security policy would not mean the abandonment of an independent policy.

Lars Mikkelson, editor of Fremtiden , said that "The semi-conversion of the Agrarian leadership to a mutual security policy is a significant step. However, there are still serious misgivings in the party about cooperating with other other GL members. I think the biggest issue still remains that many feel, inside the party, that a common security arrangement may limit Danmark's freedom. Also, they are reflecting an element of public opinion which although pro-GL, is a little hesitant at further integration. Many people are resistant to closer integration especially with Wiese, due to historical antagonisms"

The opposition Social Democrats are perceptively cautious. Many Social Democrats recognise the benefits of a pan-League security policy, but there is a distinct core that is opposed to what they see as a slippery-slope to the loss of Danish sovereignty.

 

[Danmark]

Den Danske Tidende
Nationale nyheder i Danmark siden 1714

Magnussen in Polascianan industry talks​

KARACSIENA, POLASCIANA - The minister for industry, Rikard Magnussen, visited the Polascianan capital, Karacsiena, yesterday to meet his opposite number, Benjamin Usan, fronting a vanguard of industrialists keen to ratchet up closer economic links between the two countries in the most significant talks for some years.

Magnussen was accompanied by the chief executives of several Danish companies, notably the head of Danskmetallurgi (DM), the president of the Danish Pharmaceutical Association, and the CEO of Norgas. The talks follow some months of private discussions between the two states though the latest talks, dubbed the 'Magnussen Mission', are a public manifestation of a multi-pronged desire of the Danish government and industry to forge closer links to their immediate neighbours. It is hoped that the 'industrial tranche' of the talks may lead to closer ties on a general political, infrastructural and social scale.

Key in yesterday's talks were the aims to encourage Polascianan investment in Danish mineral exploration in the mountains bordering Wendmark and in the west of Danmark. Danish companies are especially keen to engage in a joint-enterprise, encouraged by the technical knowledge that the Polascianans are known to have. This follows the discovery of significant reserves of zirconium, vanadium, lithium, iron and nickel ores by Danskmetallurgi two years ago. The Danes though very energetic in mineral exploration, had been concerned that a lack of money and technical limitations may hamper the harvesting of the resources with a knock-on effect on the economic recovery. Also on the talks were the prospects for limited fracking activity to release hard-to-reach oil and petroleum.

Also significant in the talks were the discussion of increased investment by Polasciana in opening up on markets for Danmark to trade, and loosening of border restrictions.

After the first round of talks held with Mr Usan, Magnussen said that "the talks we have held with our counterparts here with my counterpart have been positive and encouraging. We still have issues to iron out but we hope to make some announcement in due course.".

The talks are also significant for taking place with a nation outside of the Germanian League, still Danmark's most important market, accounting for 68% of it's exports and 52% of it's imports. The trade mission is seen by many as presaging a significant diversification of political and economic links especially following the warnings of criticism from some quarters in recent years that Danish policy is holding back development, given it's high dependence on the League. An example was the granting of financial aid from Wiese during the Danish economic malaise, which whilst being welcomed by government, was not entirely gladly received by many Danes who accused the government of prostrating itself before it's historical bete-noire and that Wiese was conducting 'back-door imperialism'.

Statsminister Hillerød is a keen advocate of closer ties to Polasciana. "I spent many happy summer holidays there as a child playing in the sands on it's beaches. My grandmother on my fathers side was a Polascianan who came to Danmark in her youth, but kept up regular contacts with her family and friends back home. Being part-Polascianan myself, I have a fond regard for the country.".

Aside from the recently unstable Montelimar and Lorraine region, Polasciana is Danmark's closest non-League neighbour, and a natural choice for development and closer ties. On an economic and social level, the recent opening of the Ærø road and rail tunnel under the Rhine river and development of the main east-west integrated transport network is expected to dramatically cut travel-time across the country by at least 2.5 hours, driving down costs for business, but also increasing and responding to travel demand from the public. Danes are increasingly keen to explore other countries and the tourist industry has seen a mini-boom in recent times since the economy has shown signs of recovery and people have more money to spend.

Environmental groups have been lukewarm to the mineral explorations and the potential for their extraction, citing the Løsmaes disaster 10 years ago which saw widespread pollution in several tributaries of the Lys River which flows directly into the international Rhine river. The disaster cost the tax-payer DKR50 million and had long-lasting effects upon marine life and decimated the livelihood of rural fishermen and the Danish salmon industry.

"We cannot go back to that", said the head of Grøndansk, the leading environmental protection pressure group. "The risks of a similar catastrophe are very real. We have to be careful not to rush to grab anything for the sake of economic recovery"

The government has thus far rejected the criticism claiming that standards in the mineral industry have increased. "Danmark now sets an international gold standard in how to extract minerals in a clean manner".

 

[Danmark]

Den Danske Tidende
Nationale nyheder i Danmark siden 1714

Folkehuset passes Germanian security treaty by 152 votes​

ELSINORE - The Folkehuset has voted to enshrine the Germanian League Security Treaty into Danish law following robust exchanges and a staged walk-out by fringes of the right-wing of the Liberal Party who slammed the deal as "undemocratic".

The treaty, agreed at the League headquarters in Elbebruck, Wendmark, and dubbed the Fem Musketerer traktaten (Five Musketeer's Treaty), will see the country unite in a comprehensive deterrent with the other four states of the League in order to counter external threats to collective peace and security in Germania against a single state or the bloc in unison, whilst maintaining independence in external foreign and defence policy.

Following a full reporting of the talks by Foreign Minister Westerveld, the Statsminister, Jens Peder Hillerød, claimed the treaty was "essential" due to the international political climate and to proactively counter potential aggression against the Germanian mainland. "Recent events in the Gallic region have thrown up in stark relief the necessity of drawing together. We hear of wars and atrocities taking place all over Europe, but the Gallic episode is on our collective doorstep and has brought it home to many Danes, even though it has had a limited impact on us, and this treaty is symptomatic of the climate we live in. I would much prefer to live in a world of peace, but there are always those countries whose modus operandi is territorial and ideological aggrandisement. We, on the other hand, share no truck in that and that shall continue to be our guiding principle."

Hillerød encapsulated his philosophy and the raison d'etre of the treaty: "The message I want to send is this - we shall continue to be committed to non-aggression and goodwill and to strive for accommodation and the middle ground on the international stage, together with peace and prosperity at home and with our allies and friendly nations. On the other hand, we will give short-shrift to those who seek to seek to violate our sovereignty, our integrity, our prosperity and that of those of our allies".

The leader of the Social Democrats, Dr Christian Gaardsen, highlighted his reservations that the treaty might be seized upon by more activist elements in some of the other League states to agitate against other countries and then use the treaty as a fall back if they were threatened by their foes: "I'm not sure that we can be entirely sure of that and I am a little concerned that no safeguards were put in place to thwart such potential, even though there may only be a slim chance of it's occurance."

However, there was drama as a contingent of right-wing Liberal members (the Statsminister's own party) cried "poodle" and "shame" and continually tried to disrupt the proceedings protesting that the government had abandoned 350 years of independent policy and cast it, in the words of the maverick member for Odense South, Ole Munch, "down the swanny" and that "the people haven't had the chance to make their voice heard". At one point, Munch tried unsuccessfully to throw a jug of water over the Statsminister and throw order papers at him, but they ended up covering the Vice-Statsminster Fulk who had to be vigorously restrained by his party members from punching Munch.

Following a temporary suspension of the session to allow tempers to cool, the subsequent legislative endorsement was passed with a simple majority of 152 votes (31 votes over the 50% + 1 rule): 196 for the treaty, 29 votes against, and 15 abstentions: one each from the coalition Agrarian Party and opposition Social Democrats, and 13 from the Statsminister's own Liberal Party, headed by Munch who was ejected from the chamber whilst his supporters walked out in protest at his removal. The Socialist Party (DSP) voted entirely against.

 

[Danmark]

Den Danske Tidende
Nationale nyheder i Danmark siden 1714

Defence Ministry to undertake major military and security review

​

ELSINORE - The Defence Minister, Dr Georg Schnéevoigt, announced that the government is conducting a thorough root and branch examination and reform of Danmark's military and security arrangements in plans which he stated "all options will be explored, all doors left ajar, and nothing ruled out".

The review, the initial stages of which had been so far kept under wraps, had been rumoured to be in existence for some time despite government denials. However, increased economic fortunes, the recent signing of the Germanian security treaty, and events in the near-abroad have given fresh impetus and concerted effort with the government appearing to be less hesitant in announcing the existence of the review.

Dr Schnéevoigt announced the reforms in a press conference at the Forsvarsministeriet (Defence ministry) which will be implemented in several successive stages. The review will involve intergovernmental liasion committees, foreign analysts, military leaders, technical experts, and key policy makers.

The first phase of the reforms, which had already been decided upon, were unveiled at the conference where a DKR18bn plan focused on enhancing naval and army hardware, an integrated rapid response unit, procurement, expanding army and naval bases, a focus on recruitment and education, and a push on expanding and constructing armaments and military hardware factories.

In an unprecedented demonstration of the drive the current government has placed in trying to include all sections, they have landed a major coup in the form of current Statsminister Jens Peder Hillerød's immediate predecessor, the former Social Democrat Statsminister, Poul Jensen, hitherto a notable critic of the current Statsminister but who generated considerable goodwill and is known for his keen diplomatic nous. Jensen will lead a delegation charged with foreign procurement contracts throughout Europe.

In detail: Phase One​

• Major investment in the central royal naval base at Frederikshavn on the north coast together with a major upgrade to Samsø naval base on the south coast;
• Expansion of the Jylland class destroyer and Sudreyjar frigate;
• Investment in weaponry, artillery and battle tanks;
• Opening of new 3 military training colleges based in Elsinore, Kittorp, and Felling together with an increased focus on 'talent spotting', career inducements and a recruitment drive with a special focus on schools, colleges and in unemployment hotspots with the aim to increase active personnel from the current 380,000 to around 452,000. However voluntary service will not be abandoned in favour of compulsory service;
• Expansion of existing army bases in Halsnæs, Yngby, Aaben-unden-Marken, Wilhelmstad and Roskilde, and the construction of 23 new bases;
• The expansion and construction of military armaments and components works in Østflod province, expected to provide a significant source of employment in the poorest Danish province, and another in Sudreyjar-Syd province;
• Liaison and joint manoeuvres with other nations

Dr Schnéevoigt stated that the reforms will be in addition to the reforms carried out seven years ago under the previous administration and that they would better enable the country to defend itself in an independent capacity to defend its own interests, respond to changed international circumstances, and under its obligations under Article 2 of the Germanian League security treaty and that, unlike previous reforms, will be under 'constant supervision and will have greater fluidity'.

The defence minister would not be drawn on the later stages of the reforms, but did indicate that they would be announced in several weeks, though the aspects would take time to come to fruition. However, it is expected that there will be a similar increase in air force capabilities and other weaponry. Independent military analysts have said that the government is actively considering hitherto unlikely markets for procurement outside Germania in tandem with a keen non-military commercial agenda.

Editor of the monthly Sikkerhed I Dag (Secuity Today) magazine, Thor Grimm, said "the current government is less restrained by sensibilities than its Social Democrats predecessors. Looking at independent analysis, there are indications the government is seeking to go one step further in developing deterrent policies and cultivating relations outside the usual sphere and that it will chart unconventional territory. However, the military aspect is only one tactic it is seems to be seeking to employ and I expect that to go hand in hand with recognising stark realities, non-aggression agreements, and seeking mutual interest with even the most unlikely rulers in Europe".

 

[Danmark]

Den Danske Tidende
Nationale nyheder i Danmark siden 1714

Borders to open for expected flood of Montelimarian refugees

​

ELSINORE - Henrik Westerveld has said that the government will open the frontier between Danmark in a humanitarian gesture as Engellexic forces move further south through the remnant of the kingdom of Montelimar.

The move comes following discussions held in the Danish capital and intense lobbying by Dansk Røde Kors (Danish Red Cross) and other humanitarian groups that those Montelimarians opposed to the Engellexic advance, or those merely seeking to escape the fall out of the war, could be 'kettled' in the narrow strip of Montelimarian territory between Danmark and Lorraine with no ability to escape. The government said that it was 'natural' that Danmark would provide assistance due to geography and that it would make provision for temporary refugee camps, food, medicine, and vaccines near to the Montelimarian frontier. Although numbers are sketchy, estimates place potential refugee numbers into the 'tens of thousands' but that it might be less than that.

Westerveld also announced that more troops would be moved to the Montelimarian border in order to protect Danish citizens and maintain law and order, and to assist with de-arming any escaping Montelimarian troops seeking to cross into Danish territory to prevent weapons escaping into general circulation.

Westerveld said that policy towards the conflict in Montelimar would remain neutral and one of non-interference and that this, and the humanitarian mission, had been communicated to Engellexic and Montelimarian governments in equal measure. "We are not on any side in this conflict. We'd have sooner that there had been no conflict, but we will let events take their course and deal with the results. Our primary concern is the welfare of civilians and their livelihoods".

Although overshadowed by the humanitarian announcement, Westerveld made a brief statement that a meeting would take place between a junior Foreign Office Minister, likely to be Annelise Søndergaard, assisted by an attaché, and their Engellexic opposites in the Montelimarian city of Lille in low-key preliminary talks to discuss the long-term policy over the refugee issue and restoring trade between Danes and their traditional Montelimarian markets which have been hit hard by the conflict.

 

[Great Engellex]

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DULWICH, FRIDAY, 13th DECEMBER 2011

The Right Honourable The Secretary of State has received the Command of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty The Queen-Empress
to make known the following gracious Statement of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty
to the King, and Lordships of the Kingdom of Danmark.​

An Extension of The Queen-Empress' Statement in Council.

TO THE KING, AND LORDSHIPS OF THE KINGDOM OF DANMARK​

I am instructed to EXPRESS on behalf of her Imperial and Royal Engellexic Majesty;

It is genuinely desired by her Majesty that the Danish Government put into execution as soon as possible, these plans, as the idea gains ground daily, that at some period, more or less distant, a resurgence of the refugee crisis previously experienced will regain urgency in Preuti-Borussia.

The Queen-Empress and Ministers have so lately been openly encouraged by this gesture and it has received popularity amongst the national press.

It is believed, and certainly probable, that this humanitarian initiative will be instrumental to a renewed effort for a cordial and prosperous relationship between Great Engellex and Danmark.

By the Grace of GOD, of the EMPIRE of GREAT ENGELLEX, CHARLOTTE, the QUEEN-EMPRESS, through the SECRETARY of STATE, Sir ANTHONY PELHAM-HOLLES​

​

 

[Danmark]

Udenrigsministeriet af Kongeriket Danmark

We welcome statement from the government of the Queen Empress of Engellex and the positive overtures towards the Kingdom of Danmark. We hope and believe that this can bear fruit and develop into a cordial relationship couched in mutual trust, respect, friendship, and prosperity that may not only benefit our own nations, but the Gallian and Germanian regions. In this we are prepared to play a significant and decisive role.

The Kingdom of Danmark, at this juncture, is uniquely positioned to assist in providing humanitarian assistance to the displaced peoples of Montelimar being of mind that it is our duty to serve our common humanity during these difficult times. As previously communicated to the Engellex and Montelimar, we will continue to preserve the line of non-interference.

However, the Kingdom of Danmark endeavours to find mutually agreeable territory in which to progress the relationship between our two nations on areas of mutual agreement and interest. We hope that future years will see a burgeoning rapprochement and a continuance of these initial overtures.

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We are willing to assist Denmark in receiving and helping the Montelimarian refugees. Furthermore, we are willing to receive Montelimarian refugees in Eiffelland if needed.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Danmark]

Den Danske Tidende om Søndag
Nationale nyheder i Danmark siden 1714

King to abdicate in favour of Crown Prince Sweyn

​

Following months of rumours and reports of ill-health, it has been formally announced by Karlskrona Slottet that King Hans Gustav III, monarch of Danmark for 25 years, will abdicate the Danish throne and make way for 24 year old Crown Prince Sweyn, heralding a new era in the modern monarchy and in the country.

The king, who is 70 years old, has reigned for 25 years after acceding to the throne following the death of his father, King Hans Gustav II. The monarch, it is believed, took the decision to surrender the throne following discussions with the royal family and the Statsminister and decided that the time was right to make way for Crown Prince Sweyn and to retire from official duties, once he had reached the milestone of his Silver Jubilee.

The king, a chain smoker, has had numerous health issues in recent years and had to be hospitalised four years ago and unable to fulfill official funtions with Crown Prince Sweyn acting as Prince Regent (the youngest in Danish history) with additional duties undertaken by Queen Birgitte. Although the king made a recovery, observers have noted that he seemed physically drained at times and care-worn by official duties, so much that the proposed State Visit to Wiese had to be cancelled last year with Karlskrona Slottet citing the king's 'fatigue'. The Crown Prince has been more visible in the last few years covering many of the roles, whilst the king increasingly retired from duties.

The abdication of King Hans Gustav will be the end of an era in more ways than one. For the monarchy, it will be a big change. The current king is a solid doyen of august traditionalist monarchism, conservative, and a 'safe pair of hands' who has frequently found it difficult to adjust to the advent of increasing democratisation and the reduction in the monarchy in the role of the state. Although always popular with most Danes, he was not always as popular with the German-speaking minority who criticised him for his refusal to speak German, including in the annual New Year's Address, which only relented in recent years. He was also criticised by some for not appearing to make sacrifices during the economic recession and being out of touch. A reserved man, King Hans Gustav often found it hard to break out of a shell of shyness, appearing aloof and haughty, albeit majestic, and much preferred solitary pursuits to social mixing.

If King Hans Gustav is more a personification of 'state', it could be argued that his successor is more a personification of 'nation' and a reflection of its fundamental changes. Crown Prince Sweyn, who it is widely believed will accede to the throne with the regnal title of King Magnus X, was schooled in private educational establishments at first, then under the progressive influence of his avant-garde tutor, Jan Syte, his education was extended with lengthy spells abroad in Eiffelland and Wendmark, alongside numerous trips farther afield as far as Carentania, Kyiv, Arendaal and Touzen (Syte's belief was that the Prince should be allowed to break out of the stuffy straitjacket of the conservative old guard in Karlskrona, and be educated in a different way and mix with ordinary people, which made him unpopular with some, but it was forward-thinking Queen Birgitte and her belief in Syte that kept him from losing his job). The foreign visits reportedly affected the young prince deeply. Sweyn could be described as an archetypal liberal, speaking five languages fluently and with keen interests in literature, martial arts and social development, and he has the personality outfit in polar opposite to his father - outgoing, warm and with the common touch. The tabloid press have focussed in recent years on the Crown Prince's liaisons (some suggest he is bisexual or homosexual), his 'love-lorn expression', handsome looks, and 'man about town' characteristics, whether it is eating in local restaurants, taking public transport, or shopping in the local supermarket. Unusual in recent years, the German minority appear to be smitten by the Prince who has made no bones about speaking German. However, some critics say the Crown Prince doesn't have the stamina of his father and is more affected by his personal life to be able to commit to being monarch.

The end of an era in the monarchy is, for some, a reflection of paradigm shift that has affected society in the last 15 years. Danes are more cosmopolitan and less attached to the monarchy as they were in decades and centuries before following independence and the old animosity and suspicion focused on Wiese. Monarchy provided a symbol of unity and strength. Now, with the change in Danish attitudes on many aspects of life and perception and old threats gone, monarchy itself seems less a solid rock in a sea of change, and more a sponge soaking them up. The new king more accurately reflects the people themselves rather than the grand personification of the Danish state but only time will tell if he can prove to be a king for the modern era and preserve the institution or whether the shifts will eventually throw-up a tidal wave overwhelming the monarchy and that it becomes a casualty.

 

[Potenza]

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We send our condolences to His Royal Majesty King Hans Gustav III for his ailments and sickening condition, and wish him a happy remainder of his life. He is always most welcomed to visit Potenza at the Visconti house's expense. We also send our congratulations to his son, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Sweyn. We congratulate him on his upcoming coronation, and welcome him to his rule. We hope he will serve his nation with honor and dignity becoming of a monarch.

Grand Duke Eldizio I di Visconti
Grand Duchy of Potenza​

 

[Holy Frankish Empire]

We wish the Royal Family well and hope for health and happiness of all.

-Alexander

 

[Wieserreich]

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Reichskanzlei
Imperial Chancery

Letter of His Imperial Majesty the Emperor to His Royal Majesty the King of Danmark
​

Esteemed friend,

with regret my family and I heard of the news of your ill health, and with regret we see such a historic monarch of Germania passing on his crown to the future of the Danish Nation. After twenty five years of guiding and leading your people, it seems you have decided it is time to set your duties aside and let the future come forth. This is a wise decision, but not one that should be done without caution; it is not unlike my decision, back twenty-four years ago when my own son was crowned co-Emperor to help govern in my stead.

My family and I pray that God's kindness and warmth will give you a long, merry and insufferable old age in which you can finally enjoy the blessings and benefits of life without the heavy weight and responsibilities of the crown upon your shoulders. As royalty has been bestowed with sacred duties stripping it of the comforts of a normal life, it is no doubt a blessing you can obtain the opportunity to lead one. May God, no matter in what form we pray to Him, alleviate your pains and give you strength.

As Sweyn begins a new era for the Danish kingdom, it is my hope that he will be a king greater and better than all his ancestors for his people, and accept the guiding wisdom of his father, family and allies. We shall be standing by your and his side for as long as God continues to allow us to walk on this earth, to help bring smiles, prosperity and wisdom to the faces of all the peoples of Germania irrespective of their faith and language. May Wieserreich and Danmark continue to stand together as brothers in arms, cousins in faith, and friends for all eternity.



Wishes for health, prosperity, and God's blessings,



Friedrich Wilhlem II

By the Grace of God Wieser Emperor, King and Prince-Elector of Swabia and Archduke of Saxony, Princely Count of Thießen and Margrave of Saxe-Einsiedeln



Karl IV

elected Wieser Emperor, King of Wiese, Electoral Prince, Archduke and Crown Prince of Saxony, Crown Prince of Swabia

 

[Danmark]

Den Danske Tidende
Nationale nyheder i Danmark siden 1714

Social Democrats launch scathing attack on government's Europaland decision

​

The opposition Social Democrats have launched a stinging broadside against the government for it's "unprecedented weakness in the face of international aggression" following it's decision not to decisively condemn Europaland's government following protests that saw the Danzig embassy ransacked and it's ambassador held hostage.

The criticism came after the Danish government sent instructions to the Danish Embassy in Europaland that it would not scale back it's presence following the open eruption of a diplomatic spat between Europaland and Danzig over allegations that the Danziger embassy was illegially acting as a conduit funnelling banned substances into the country. Tensions reached breaking point between the two countries following a huge 20,000-strong protest against Danzig in the Europalandian capital in which an extremist contingent stormed the Danziger embassy, threatening diplomatic staff and holding the country's ambassador as hostage.

There was swift and widespread condemnation from many nations of the storming and the apparent failure of the Europalandian government do to more, with many either scaling back their presence or withdrawing staff. Germanian League member Wiese threatened to fire on anyone attempting to attack its mission.

The Danish response sought to ease tensions and, in a statement, said it would not close it's embassy. In a later statement, the government offered to act as a third-party representation for those countries that had withdrawn their embassies in protest. A government spokesman stated that they would not seek to be drawn into the ranckle as it was clear that "although the Europaland authorities critically failed to defend the embassy and adequately maintain public order, it is also clear that the Danziger's should have done more to tackle the root cause of the incident."

However, the Social Democrats' leader, Dr Christian Gaardsen, slammed the government for "first class spinelessness" in a press release. "It is clear in this incident that although both sides share some degree of blame, we cannot stand by and allow the diplomats of other sovereign states, and their embassies, to be attacked in this way. However, the message that the government sends out is that this country sides with totalitarian states. Whilst I welcome the words of President Nordahl which seem moderate, it is also apparent that they should have done much more to defend the compound. I have to ask whether they deliberately did not do it and whether President Nordahl is held hostage to the extremist nuts who may be getting the upper-hand. Indeed, I am increasingly concerned at the interventionist statements and ideological overtones emanating from their government which appear to be directed at undermining liberal and free-market states. This government might prefer to tip-toe around these issues but there will come a time when they will need addressing", he went on to say.

Public opinion polls indicate that most support the stance of the Social Democrats, who have experienced their first lead over the incumbent government for 3 years. Recent polling has consistently indicated a marginal support for Danzig, put down to sympathies with what are perceived to be it's liberal social attitudes and free-market policies which more closely reflect Danish views than those of Europaland which is perceived as authoritarian.

 

[Danmark]

Den Danske Tidende
Nationale nyheder i Danmark siden 1714

Cabinet meets to discuss Montelimarian refugee crisis

​

Ministers have met in emergency session to address mounting humanitarian concerns and allegations of war crimes as around 30,000 Montelimarian refugees have fled Engellexic forces to seek sanctuary inside Danmark in what is being described as the single biggest relief effort in living memory.

The session arose due to mounting criticism that the government was unprepared and had no effective contingency plans to deal with the crisis which, contrary to initial expectations, is far exceeding initial estimates of refugee numbers and is severely straining allocated resources.

So far, the refugees have been accommodated in specially constructed camps close to the Montelimarian border, but the ability of the government and independent relief agencies to deal with the unfolding influx of migrants has led to demands that the government ease the burden on border areas by distributing numbers around the kingdom. Talks are also expected to take place with Eiffelland, which has been the only country to agree to assist in the relief effort so far, with the intention of exploring the possibilities of distributing refugees there.

Pressure has also intensified as reports from some Montelimarian refugees have arisen which accuse Engellex forces of committing human rights abuses and war crimes on the Montelimarian population. Although uncorroborated, accusations of war crimes against retreating Montelimarian forces and against the civilian population are being treated very seriously. One such account came from Jean Beaune, a resident of a village near the city of Gastone, who described how Engellex forces entered his village "They rolled in with their tanks and rounded up people into the village square. Some of their soldiers touched up some of the young girls and dragged them into their houses and raped them. Most people, especially the women and children, were intimidated and did as they were told. Many children screamed and cried, and their mothers tried to comfort them. But some people told the Engellexians to "fuck off back to your own country" and "fuck the Queen-Empress". The Engellex troops took these people away to the back of the École St Gascoigne and about 20 minutes later we heard gunfire. They then told the men in the square to dig trenches to bury the dead bodies, whilst the Engellex troops stood over them with machine guns. It was really terrible, I keep having nightmares and I don't think I'll ever be able to forget about it."

The opposition Social Democratic leader, Dr Christian Gaardsen, commended the government for starting to make in-roads into the problem, but he also criticised the government for not taking a more robust approach towards the Engellex government and said that the accusations of war crimes need to be fully investigated. "We need to be sure that these allegations of war crimes are accurate and to get facts crystal clear. This is of high importance. However, to me, Engellex is an increasingly vainglorious empire that doesn't seem to realise that with power comes responsibility and has a preoccupation with territorial aggrandisement. If the allegations of human rights abuses and mistreatment of Montelimarian citizens proves to be correct, I would expect the government to do something about it. I would am also concerned that refugee numbers continue to grow. In that light, I urge the government to consider taking other measures to control the situation including military intervention into Montelimar to restore some semblance of stability, and I think we need to seek assurances from the Engellex government, as well as money, from them to help with the surge in Montelimarians crossing our borders due to a war situation that is of their causing".

 

[Rheinbund]

Schloss Charlottenburg
Trier, Eiffelland

The news about King Hans Gustav's health situation is tragic. In him we found a very respectful representant of Germanic interests, and we cooperated with him with much pleasure. May he be able to fully enjoy his days after retirement. Crown-Prince Sweyn will await a very responsible job. We wish him all the wisdom he needs.

King Albrecht IV


Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We strongly condemn the atrocities committed by the Engellexic armed forces in Montelimar. We are afraid that this combined with the rhetorics coming from Dulwich shows the real face and the real intentions of the regime of the Queen-Empress, who organises parties while preparing for war and even invites the King of the country she is planning to conquer to that same party. We once described the image of a tipsy Queen-Empress who trips to King Armand and says "hi, how are you, by the way, we just attacked your country while you are here".
Contrary to the Queen-Empress, we will take up our duty to humankind. Herewith we grant the Danish Government the approval for sending Montelimarian refugees to Eiffelland. Transport means will be made available. Refugee camps will be built as soon as the Danish government asks us to do.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Danmark]

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Statsminister rejects opposition calls for Engellex hard-line

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The Statsminister following his speech yesterday
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Statsminister Hillerød has defended his Montelimar policy and ruled out opposition calls for adopting a robust position towards Great Engellex following criticism over the refugee crisis and concerns over Engellexian expansionism.

Pressure has been mounting on the government which has included some criticism from the Statsminister's own ruling Liberal Party over what has been perceived as a weak approach to the events over the border in Montelimar and accusations of a lack of leadership and joined-up policy. The opposition has stepped up it's calls for possible military intervention to quell refugee numbers and defend national security in an increasingly hawkish stance.

The Statsminister hit back at his critics and claimed the policy of the opposition would lead to an increase in tensions. "Stability, prosperity, human rights and robust consensus are our guiding principles and that shall remain our policy. Hastily sending in the Danish military to intervene inside Montelimar risks potential conflict between Danmark and Engellex and the risks of a spilling-over into a regional conflagration which helps no one. We would also risk, in the eyes of some, of appearing to be doing the dirty work of the EDF by proxy - which I'm not prepared to see Danmark do. Our policy has earned the respect of Engellexian and Montelimarian auhorities for being even handed to both sides and I see no reason to jettison that and we are in contact with both sides to look to the future in a post-war scenario. This is a better way to secure all our objectives than going in with all guns blazing".

Privately, ministers have informed this newspaper that they are having to tread a fine line in the face of gathering opposition and that unless something is forthcoming soon to vindicate the Statsminister's policy, it has the risk of making his position and policy untenable. "The vultures are circling above us waiting to descend on us and gouge out our eyes", said one unnamed junior minister.

The Statsminister has received some good news on refugee front as Eiffelland has formally put up resources to accommodate some of the Montelimarian refugees, with an initial movement of 5,000 to be transported in specially chartered trains. Refugee numbers still continue to rise as Engellexian forces push towards the southern isthmus of the Montelimarian kingdom with the Interior Ministry estimating the daily influx to be around the 2-3,000 mark.

However, the opposition has continued to insist on interventionism as the best means of securing Danish and regional interests. Dr Gaardsen, leading the Social Democrats said that "It would be quite easy to move naval ships to Fontaine-Harcourt from the Frederikshavn naval base and send in marines as well as land forces into Montelimar. There is a power vacuum down there and a whole lot of mayhem that is abhorrent to me and ordinary Danish people - you only have to see the refugees seeking a safe-haven. So far, the Queen-Empress's government has failed miserably to act in the name of humanity and has been callous in it's treatment of the kingdom of Montelimar. To ordinary Danes, its increasingly apparent that we should be doing something and that we have the ability to do it in a matter of days, but we just sit on our hands and fiddle whilst Montelimar burns".




On a separate issue, the Statsminister has called for a multilateral approach towards shipping security in the Long Sea following indications of jostling between Kyiv and Carentania over the issue. "Having one nation seeming to be making the run on this won't help with trust hence why all nations with interests in the area should be involved in a common and binding agreement. No Danish merchant vessels have been harmed so far, but we are prepared to sent vessels to the area if need be to protect the security of our own personnel and merchant fleets", Hillerød said in a statement to the Folkehuset.

 

[Danmark]

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IN BRIEF


»The Folkehuset has agreed an extra DKR 20m ($31m) towards helping relieve the Montelimar refugee crisis in almost unanimous support, bar 8 rightist members who objected on racial grounds. The Statsminister also announced that he is seeking talks with the Engellexian government over solving the crisis.

»Greater Engellex formally annexes Flanders-Hainault in northern Montelimar. In keeping with the general non-interventionist stance towards the conflict and with respect to Montelimarians, both inside and outside their country, the Danish government announces that it shall adopt the official nomenclature of Engellex-Montelimar to the merged entity.

»Talemantros and Kyiv announce a joint initiative to transport oil across Germanian League nations and to Engellex and Vistrasia. Industry Minister, Rikard Magnussen, has said that he is 'interested' and not 'totally opposed' to the proposal but that critical and important issues would need to be resolved before it could get a green light in respect of national sovereignty and security and has sought assurances from all parties. "Our national interest has to be secured in any deal", he commented.

»King Hans Gustav III is to make a major valedictory tour of the country as he winds down his duties before passing the throne to Crown Prince Sweyn. As part of the farewell tour, His Majesty will take his place on the Royal Yacht Dannebrog with the royal family and head a flotilla consisting of almost the entire Royal Danish Navy and foreign naval ships that will travel through the Danmarks Sund, the northern reach of the Lorrainian Gulf. He is also expected to visit all corners of the kingdom, and be the centre of a grand state procession through Christiansborg with a major march-past by the army and marines, and grand airforce salute of at least 400 aircraft.

»The Industry minister also launched a initiative to encourage inward investment from Europe with a major wooing of national governments and business leaders. Magnussen: "Danmark is a safe and prosperous place in the heart of Germania, linking Gallia and Sarmatia".

»Archaeologists uncover a 17th century Frescanian midden and trash dump near Mellersted. Indications are that the Frescanians travelled further outside their Danish colony than expected and it appears had a bad diet and suffered with constipation.

 

[Danmark]

Den Danske Tidende
IN BRIEF


»Defence Ministry and Chiefs of Staff hold significant and wide-ranging talks in Christiansborg. Officials declined to give details at this stage but said the discussions were "fruitful" and that a formal statement is expected within the next few days.

»The first chartered aircraft flights take Montelimarian refugees to new homes in Europaland. Foreign Minister Henrik Westerveld has communicated his gratitude in a 10 minute telephone call to his Europalandic counterpart, Saida Nasri, and commended it's "steadfastness in defending humanitarian principles".

»HKH Princess Ingeborg, consort of the second in line to the Danish throne, HKH Prince Lauritz, gives birth to twins - a boy and a girl - respectively third and fourth in the line of succession. The Prince said he was delighted to have two extra members in the dynasty.

»Kyiv takes a hard stance against Lesser Sarmatia following accusations it sank a Zarmaji-bound freighter in the waters near it's coast. The Foreign Office said that facts had to be concretely ascertained and called for restraint.

»Fire-brand leader of hard-left Ny Venstre, Lars Jørgensen, 50, resigns as party leader following undercover footage was released showing him engaging in drunken whip-and-leather sex acts with teenage female party workers and paying for public sex. He apologised to his wife, who has filed for divorce.

 

[Danmark]

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Foreign Minister in talks to deepen relations with Polasciana

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Westerveld speaking in a joint press-conference in Karacsiena yesterday
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Danish Foreign Minister Henrik Westerveld met his Polascianan counterpart Marina Yanaka in wide-ranging talks yesterday to intensify and strengthen ties between the two countries and to address regional issues.

The visit is the highest profile one to date, following hot on the heels of the successful trade delegation that was headed by the Danish Industry and Commerce Minister recently, and is part of a major foreign policy initiative. Since the election of it's new president, Gennadiy Artamova, prospects of stronger relations have been given a boost with Polasciana seen as a key moderate nation.

The four-hour long talks, hosted in the Polascianan Foreign Ministry in Karacsiena, touched on a range of issues including building on enhanced bilateral economic and political links, energy security, regional stability, the Montelimarian refugee crisis, and discussion of Polascianan membership of the Germanian League, a potentially difficult subject for some within Polascianan politics.

In a packed joint press-conference after the meeting with Mrs Yanaka, the Danish foreign minister said that the talks have been conducted in an air of "great cordiality" and that he looked forward to stronger relations between the two countries. This was despite 'concerns' expressed to the Danish Foreign Minister for moving refugees to Europaland.

"As a result of our talks, I believe that both Polasciana and Danmark have built long-lasting and strong foundations and that we can look forward to a solid and positive relationship and cooperation in a new era which faces new trials and tribulations and in which both our nations have a stake and a responsibility. Our two nations already have a rich and intricate history of mutual respect and friendship, in which we have overcome our differences as Scanians and as Slavs, which binds us in a rich tapestry. I believe the developments of today and those of tomorrow are part of the long pageant of friendship that has lasted for centuries".

Observers note that the foreign office has been actively seranading the Karacsienan leadership for some time now as part of a long-term 'perestroika' in foreign policy which, critics argued, had been neglected for some years in favour of isolationism. Unusually in political circles, the opposition Social Democrats have broadly welcomed the talks and called them a "significant" development.

 

[Danmark]

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Policy shift sees major naval and airforce presence in Eiffelland

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The iconic aircraft carrier Kong Christian which is expected to be stationed in Eiffelland
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In a significant defence policy shift, the Danish Forsvarsminister (Defence Minister) Dr Georg Schnéevoigt has announced that a major presence of naval and air forces would be stationed in neighbouring Eiffelland as part of a concerted commitment to regional stability and defending national interests.

The formal declaration followed comprehensive talks between the Defence Minister, the heads of the Danish air and naval forces and intelligence officials held in Christiansborg on Tuesday, which was also attended by senior Eiffellandian defence ministry officials, to discuss how to approach bi-national and common security concerns due to heightened regional tensions.

In a press conference today, Dr Schnéevoigt stated that the contingent would include the 87,000 tonne aircraft carrier Kong Christian itself carrying 27 Fyn attack jet aircraft to be based in Lübeck, seven Bertil frigates, three cruisers, three corvettes, eight patrol boats and three Værge class ballistic missile submarines some of which will be based in Emden. Alongisde the naval presence, the minister announced that an initial nine long-range bombers would be land-based in Eiffelland as would one Schackenborg 410 airborne early warning and control aircraft. Further extension was not ruled out.

The defence minister said that he believed that Danmark needed to project efforts to maintain peace in the region including the Long Sea and the Lorrainian Gulf and act as a deterrent to potential instability and remain committed to a multilateral course: "We do not intend to alter our moderate and consensual course in foreign policy but we believe it is increasingly the case that we need to do more to buttress our approach to regional stability and act as a check on confrontational situations. We will act in concert with nations that are similarly committed to consensus and a benign course to issues of concern."

He added: "Danmark has a responsibility as a key moderate nation to help to defend common regional interests as well as defend our own national interest. Working with our allies and partners in Eiffelland and other nations, we will seek to find peaceful solutions but also defend the collective interests of peace, stability and commerce free from hegemonic influences".

The decision by Eiffelland to grant access to ports and airfields follows mutual concerns at the issues in the Long Sea and although the talks between Christiansborg and Trier had been taking place for some months, the recent sinking of the Kyivan freighter Hryvinia and heightened tensions over shipping have given added weight to the move. Geographically, Eiffelland is situated at the southern point of Germania and allows the Danish navy and air-force greater range and purchase.

The news also comes after the recent announcement of joint Germanian League naval-to-air military exercises off Eiffelland and Danmark which all five states are due to carry out in the forthcoming week.

This is the first time the country has made a decision to base forces outside the country and is being watched with interest by defence analysts. Jon Burkall of the Institut af Udenlandskeaffærer deemed it the most important defence policy for 40 years: "I think it's been realised that the country needs go well beyond it's borders to achieve what it believes in and it's clear there is some beef in the news announced today. It is a novel and some would say fresh approach for the Danes in a dedication to act as guardians of southern Germania, though there is a keenness to act in a policy of 'grand benignity'. This policy has teeth and it's clear the government has decided that there will be no more 'plucky little Danmark' and that they mean business. Indeed, in some ways it's a shot across the bows. This is quite clearly the start of a new era in Danish foreign and defence policy".