European Press Association

[Polesia]

Great Lake Company accused of economic sabotage

MPUNGU-NKANKA (Reuters) - Rival Cathiopan plantation-owners have accused the Great Lake Company (GLC), one of the largest producers of rubber and timber in the world, of deliberately sabotaging their operations by encouraging strikes and damaging their land. The Great Lake Company has rejected the allegations, and has threatened to initiate legal action if they are not retracted.

The Great Lake Company is responsible for the majority of rubber and timber production in the Republic of Cathiopa, owning most plantations in the country's western provinces, having obtained vast swathes of territory in a concession granted by the Cathiopan imperial government in the 19th century.

The Company has been the centre of controversy before. The chief proprietor of GLC Leonardo González Marijuán has been criticised previously for ostentatious displays of wealth, such as the construction of one of the largest houses in the capital Mpungu-nkanka, and the purchase of an entire valley in Ntandu province for use as a personal nature reserve. The Company has also been condemned for its labour practices, most shocking the continued deployment of slave labour and corporal punishment as a means of discipline.

Central to this new accusation is that the Great Lake Company incited some of the illegal strikes that disrupted most plantations last year. The trade union movement is currently in disarray following the harsh repression of strikes by the Cathiopan National Republican Guard, with many strikers killed or injured. The movement is also witnessing a clash between its more moderate leadership and the restless rank-and-file, with many at the bottom now attracted to radical alternatives in the nationalist and communist trade unions. Suspicions some strike-organisers were outside agents for a plantation company will only fuel further in-fighting.

The Great Lake Company has denied any connection to the strikes, and notes its own plantations were affected. It has also refuted claims it has deliberately deforested areas under other different ownership, and instead blamed rogue traders or tribesmen for the damage.

 

[Rheinbund]

Scientists Freie Universität Trier discover chemical structure of DNA

As it became known today, two scientists from the Freie Universität Trier, Dr. Welchersohn and Dr. Krampf, discovered the chemical structure of DNA, the substance that contains the genes of humans, animals, plants, trees and everything that lives on this planet. Basically, this molecule consists of two threads that form a double helix containing phosphates and four kinds of carbohydrates. The four carbohydrates paired two-by-two connect the two threads to each other. Dr. Welchersohn and Dr. Krampf indicate that their discovery opens the way to the cure of many diseases: "Numerous diseases have been linked to one or more defects in genes. In the future, it might be possible to locate the defect gene, find out what is wrong and maybe even correct the mistake." The two scientists also mentioned the possibility to find the causes of cancer, and with that even new treatments against cancer.
The Freie Universität Trier is currently working on organising a congress on the structure of DNA, that will be presented by Dr. Welchersohn and Dr. Krampf. Geneticists from all over the world will receive invitations for that congress. It is expected that many more people will want to know more about this major discovery. Dr. Welchersohn and Dr. Krampf indicated that they look forward to meeting geneticists from all over the world so that they can tell about their historic discovery.

 

[Vangala]

Vangala agrees peace deal with major rebel groups

SHAHDARA (Reuters) - The Vangalan government today announced it had signed a number of peace settlements with the major rebel groups in the country following intense secret negotiations over the past few weeks. The Maga People Representation Committee (MPRC) and the Kitadesh Defence Army (KDA), two of the largest rebel outfits operating in the People's Republic of Vangala, have publicly confirmed their participation in peace talks and agreement with the final outcome. The ruling Workers' and Peasants' Party hopes to now push ahead with the reconstruction of Vangala.

Details of the settlements have yet to be revealed, but is likely that senior figures within the rebel movements will be immune from prosecution and granted prominent positions in regional government. Rebel fighters are also likely to be integrated into the Vangalan armed forces.

Analysts have suggested a number of reasons why the agreements were reached now. Most popular is that Yujin's invasion strengthened feelings of Vangalan national unity, and the successful ejection of the invading Yujiner army by Vangalan Communist forces demonstrated the power of the new Communist regime, forcing rebel groups to reconsider continuing their campaigns against the government.

The Maga People Representation Committee was hardest hit by the conflict with Yujin. Maga Province, which incorporates the ancestral heartland of the Maga, was the setting of most of the fighting between Vangala and Yujin, with Yujin directing its offensive over the Emerald River. Maga nationalist groups were accused by the Communist authorities of collaborating with the invading Yujiner Imperial Army, and their strongholds were also targeted in the counter-attack to remove Yujiner forces from Vangalan territory.

However, the Kitadesh Defence Army, which fights for a separate state for the Kita people in northern Vangala, was mostly removed from the conflict with Yujin. Analysts have instead suggested the Kitadesh Defence Army's insistence on Hinduism as the national religion of the Kita people has alienated Buddhist and animist minorities.

Another factor to consider is outside support for the Vangalan military. Carentania and Havenshire have both supplied Vangala with millions of dollars worth of military equipment. Previously, Vangalan forces were using captured Franconian arms from the colonial era. Associated Press also reported yesterday on the possibility of Carentania testing new military technology in Vangala, specifically a new long-range fighter jet, which was apparently responsible for Yujin's military defeat in the Bay of Vangala. It is likely the new armaments were deployed against the rebel armies as well as Yujiner forces, resulting in several decisive defeats.

A few rebel groupings have refused to engage in negotiations with the Vangalan government, and continue to be active. Most prominent is the Army of Shiva, an extreme Hindu movement responsible for attacks on Muslim communities in western Vangala. The Vangalan government-in-exile, which recently relocated from Nuernburg in Franconia to Shahdara in Sikandara, continues to enjoy the official recognition of many foreign powers, and actively petitions for sanctions and other measures against the Communist regime and its allies.

 

[Socialist Commonwealth]

Red Flag Cazma Starts Semi-Finales With Protest Against Segregation Policies
New Dulwich (Reuters) - Fans watching the first match of the semi-finales of the One World Series of Football may have noticed that something was off when Red Flag Cazma began to sing their national anthem. Instead of using the Carentanian lyrics of the Internationale, the famous communist protest song that serves as Carentanias national anthem, last years champions sang the anthem in Olenasean. Cantignia maintains a strict segregation policy towards the Olenasean natives, often simply termed 'others' by white Cantignians, and Olenasean rights groups had used the tournament to gain an international audience for their demands before.

It remains uncertain what Cantignias reaction towards the protest will be. The referees themselves seem not to have noticed the protest itself, as the game has started without interruption. However, as we speak, commentators and journalists from all over the globe are taking a stance towards this use of a global sports tournament for political statements. Red Flag Cazma, which has enjoyed great popularity throughout Europe since winning last years World Series, has certainly lost a number of fans this day, but won many others.

Meanwhile, the semi-finales continue uninterrupted and many are awaiting the results of the match with anticipation. Facing off against Giecz-Wislica United F.C. from Swiecziema, the game had been politically charged even before: both teams countries consider each other mortal ideological enemies and the match is considered by some as a clash of systems.

 

[Havenshire]

Bombings in Eastern Montelimar claimed by Communist Party
Valmy(Reuters) - A recent spate of Cafe bombings and armed attacks on Police forces in Eastern Montelimar have been claimed by a group identifying itself as the Vanguard for Montelimaren Revolution, a group with many known strong ties to the Communist Party of Montelimar. Whilst the CPM has refused to anwser allegations that it is behind these terroristic attacks, the Vanguard has issued anonymous statements via the pseudonym of "Madame Liberty" that it will continue these attacks across the country in protest of the ongoing occupation by Engellexic forces and the "collaboration" of "Valmy Liberals" with imperialist forces.

The Provisional Government has been quick to respond, stating that it does not recognise the legitimacy of the Communist Party or the Vanguard, and has labelled them as "dangerous, violence-minded crimnals" who will swiftly be brought to justice for these attacks. Minister Beauchamp for the Department of Foreign Affairs made it clear that Montelimar was, whilst in transition, a fully independent state and fully capable of dealing with these terrorists. "Any co-operative efforts made with our Engellexic allies will be done entirely in line with Montelimaren law, and the true will of the people." He claimed.

So far the attacks have claimed over 30 lives, including 11 Provisional Police officers, with dozens more being treated for injuries due to shrapnel. Six people have been arrested, but have yet to be named, and are being held at the Blecourt Maximum Security Prison.

 

[Serbovia]

Ulkoasiaintoimisto
Foreign Office

Fennian Unioni
The Fennian Union

The Fennian Union condemns these terrorist acts and expresses its formal condolences to the victims of the most unfortunate events that have transpired in Montelimar. The concerning signs of a renewed Red terror in Montelimar prove once more the ravenous character of Communist ideology and its practicioners, and we implore the Montelimarean Provisional Government to prevent any further acts by these murdering savages and bandits.

Kauko Vannas,
Foreign Minister

 

[Rheinbund]

Aussenministerium
Trier, Eiffelland

We strongly condemn this terrorist attack. The Vanguard for Montelimaren Revolution will be put on our list of terrorist organisations. Properties of this organisation on Eiffellandian soil, if any, will be seized.

Rudolph Kögler, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor

 

[Transabina]

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Saami government and people condemn this act of violence perpetrated by the Vanguard for Montelimaren Revolution, and extend their deepest sympathies to the families of the victims. In a gesture of solidarity with the people of Montelimar, the Saami Government has added the Vanguard for Montelimaren Revolution to its list of banned political organizations. The Saami Ministry of Health and Saami Red Cross stand ready to offer assistance to the victims of today's attacks, and pledge whatever assistance they can provide in preventing further violence or assisting its victims.

 

[Ivernia]

You must be registered for see links

Teachtaireacht ón Prionsa-Toghthóir na Íverniann i iúl in ainm Teamhrach Caislean, an Airdrígh agus uile-Íverniann.​

​

7ú Meitheamh 1953

The High Kingdom of

You must be registered for see links

condemns this recent terrorist attack in the strongest sense of the word. These attacks are an affront to democracy itself and let it be known Ivernia shall not support this terrorist movement in any way, shape or form. The High Kingdom of Ivernia sends out condolences to the victims and the victim's families in this most tragic occasion, and to all of Montelimar.

The High Kingdom of Ivernia would also like to make note that it is going to monitor the situation and how the Empire of Great Engellex responds to the situation.

This message was written on behalf of the High King of

You must be registered for see links

and Tara Castle

Signed David MacSweeney, Prince-Elector of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Árd Ríocht na hÍverniann
Cuige na Nemedia, Contae na Mhí
Alderburgh, Teamhrach Caisleán
An Roinn Gnóthaí Eachtracha
Oifig an Prionsa-Toghthóir

 

[Potenza]

You must be registered for see links

These attacks, led by murderous thugs operating inside our northern neighbor, disgust and repulse the Grand Duchy, and though the past history of Potenza and Montelimar were not always one of cooperation, we will not accept affronts against the liberty and democracy of the Montelimarean people. We will not permit the chaos of other regions to bleed into Gallia.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister​

 

[Vangala]

Vangalan authorities appeal for international aid

SHAHDARA (Reuters) - The People's Republic of Vangala has lodged a public appeal to charities and governments across the globe to provide aid immediately in the wake of the invasion by Yujin. The People's Republic of Vangala has previously resisted international assistance despite repeated concerns over the growing humanitarian crisis taking place. Currently only Carentania and Havenshire, two other socialist states, are known to have active aid programmes in the country, although Kyiv, another socialist state, is rumoured to be considering a relief programme as well.

External Affairs Minister Abdul Qamaruzzaman made the plea for help before a press conference in the historic port-city of Chattananga this morning. Chattananga was only a few miles away from the frontlines after the initial successes of the Yujiner invasion, and now hosts of hundreds of thousands of refugees, many forced into make-shift camps on the city outskirts. Chattananga is also one of the few places in Vangala where foreign journalists are permitted to operate, albeit under strict observation. Reuters, Associated Press and many other media outlets have staff present in the city.

Last month the International Relief Commission, a co-ordinating charitable body established after the wars in Solaren and Montelimar, warned of mass starvation within Vangala, blaming poor climate conditions and the disruption caused by the invasion and Communist-led land reforms. The claim was contentious, and rejected by the Communist regime and many leading socialist economists. Today, the Vangalan government acknowlegded the possibility of famine, but blamed the Yujin Imperial Army, accusing its soldiers of scorched-earth tactics.

Reuters staff monitoring domestic Vangalan media, the majority of which is published by the ruling Workers and Peasants Party and its affiliated organisations, have found little mention of the impending humanitarian crisis. Instead, most newspapers and radio shows praised apparent gains in productivity and output in the agricultural and industrial sectors, allegedly resulting from collectivisation campaigns.

A number of charities have already declared their intention to begin operating in Vangala. The International Red Cross welcomed the decision by the Vangalan authorities and announced it had begun assembling teams to begin relief work, which would start to arrive in the next week. However, External Affairs Minister Abdul Qamaruzzaman also announced restrictions on the activities of charities, which would be prevented from operating in the border regions with Yujin and Sikandara, citing security concerns. The mass graves, allegedly the responsibility of the Yu Imperial Army, were also designated off-limits, again citing security concerns, as well as respect for the families of the dead.

 

[Polesia]

Cathiopan Patriarch praises Solaris resistance

NKALAMENGA (Reuters) - Nkulu Nikolá XVI, leader of the Cathiopic Bumósi Orthodox Church, is the centre of a new controversy after praising the efforts of Solaris resistance fighters in a speech to Cathiopan nationalist politicians. The Cathiopan Patriarch also blamed the Tiburan Catholic Church for instigating the war with Solaren, and claimed senior Tiburan Catholic clergymen commanded significant influence in the three invading states of Carentania, Eiffelland and Potenza.

Nkulu Nikolá XVI is an outspoken figure in Cathiopan politics and society, and has previously drawn criticism for his remarks. Earlier this year Nkulu Nikolá XVI demanded restrictions on proselytising by Protestant missionaries, after government statistics revealed a dramatic increase in the number of Cathiopans affiliated to a Protestant denomination. The Patriarch also described new religious movements, which combined Christian imagery with animist beliefs, as "cults". He further repeated the warnings of his predecessor Nkulu Mudiso IX, who described Islam and Catholic Christianity as threats to the Cathiopic Bumósi Orthodox Church.

The Cathiopan government has condemned the comments of Nkulu Nikolá XVI, and noted the racialisation of Solaris Catholicism under the reign of the last Pope Urban. Nkulu Nikolá XVI and the ruling Constitution Party have clashed on many occasions, with many Constitutionalists members of the Tiburan or Cathiopan Butatu Catholic Churches.

 

[Potenza]

You must be registered for see links

We find these remarks coming from His Holiness Nikola XVI to be quite disparaging, to say the least. Solaris resistance movements have in the past killed innocent civilians, included unarmed women and children, and are threatening to do so even now. Also, Potenza did not "invade" Solaren, but joined with reconstruction efforts in the hopes of fostering peace and stability in a neighboring region, made up of our ethnic Tiburan brethren.

We are glad that the Cathiopian government has condemned these words, and hope that they will in the future monitor and keep a tight control on such extremist elements in their nation.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister​

 

[Thaumantica]

Cantigian Uprising Occupies New Dulwich

VESPER (Reuters) - Cantigian militants calling themselves the 'Scarlet Committee' have attacked and seized the City Hall building of New Dulwich, the nation's second largest city, amid an ongoing series of race riots that began two weeks ago on Friday. Committee Commisars claiming to control the movement have subsequently threatened more attacks on major Covenant infrastructure until forces controlled by Can-Engellexic nobility stand down.

Activists elsewhere in Cantignia have successfully occupied imperial associated factories, including the famous Rosenberg Meat & Packing Company, Imperial Textile Company, and Rover Automotive where the general autoworkers strike began. Business owners have now publicly requested a military response from the noble controlled military, and have demanded recompense from protesters for damages done to their businesses.

Speaking from Abercorne, a city in the Wroxeter Province in northeast Cantignia, former Chancellor Felix Ilchester said Scarlet Militants and factory occupiers were aligning themselves on the right side of history. "The Imperials cannot possibly expect to levy an 1850s response to a 1950s revolution," he said, "And I do not expect the civilian commanders of our military, including Commander Campbell, to stand back idly as the Nobility open fire on their brothers and sisters around the country".

Sitting Chancellor Angus Scalton has insisted that he his seeking a peaceful resolution between militants and the Cantigian nobility, but claims that few nobles have replied, and that only one has declared their intent to sign a new covenant between democracy and the nobility. "I am vigorously committed to ensuring this nation conducts regularly schedule elections this autumn," he told the Cantigian magazine 'The Vesplander', "Everything that can be done will be done to ensure this goal", yet it was not clear from his remarks whether he intends to choose a side in the struggle, or if he will continue to attempt mediation.

 

[Polesia]

Nidara ya Malongo
Ministry of Foreign Affairs

It is the sincere hope of the Cathiopan Republic that the recent troubles within Cantignia, the result of unjust racial and social policies, prompt wider political change in the Covenant, including full rights for the indigenous Olenasean people.

 

[Potenza]

You must be registered for see links

In light of the rising violence in Cantignia, the Grand Duchy is dispatching a small fleet of her vessels to the island, in order to evacuate the estimated 1,000 Potenzan nationals located in Cantignia, either for tourism or on diplomatic duty. This will be a peaceful maneuver, with no intention to interfere with the various parties in this conflict. We would ask that the nobles and commoners respect Potenzan neutrality. Unwarranted killing of Potenzan citizens or military personnel, however, will not be tolerated.

We would also like to offer both parties a way of peace. In Potenza, we have managed balance between the power of the Nobility and the power of the Common Birth through the teaching of Niccolism, which permits both to have an equal say in government. We would be more than willing to introduce this to the Cantigian powers.

Gian Lombardo
Foreign Minister

​

OOC: The 1,000 number is Cantignia's estimate, not an imaginary number in my head.

 

[Thaumantica]

Cantigian Transit Authority (CTA)

We are prepared to cooperate with Potenzan Authorities to the best of our ability, proactively ensuring that this remains a conflict that is domestic in scope. The prospect of discussion and mediation will duly be forwarded to Chancellor Scalton's secure offices, as we maintain an effort to keep this government communicating with the outside world.

Signed by Albert Comeford,
CTA Chief Officer,

You must be registered for see links

 

[Polesia]

Potenzan missionaries harassed in Cathiopia

NKALAMENGA (Reuters) - The Potenzan Reformed Church has complained to the Cathiopian government after a number of incidents in which Potenzan missionaries were harassed during humanitarian and missionary work. Initial investigations by the National Republican Guard suggest individuals affiliated to the Bundu ya ntotila, a nationalist movement that campaigns for the restoration of the Cathiopian Empire, may have been involved, although the movement has rejected such allegations.

The complaints follow a dispute between the Cathiopian Orthodox Bumósi Church and the Potenzan government after Patriarch Nikolá XVI claimed the Tiburan Catholic Church orchestrated the invasion of Solaren, and praised resistance to the occupation of Solaren, which has been assisted by Potenza. Potenzan Foreign Minister Gian Lombardo then described Nkulu Nikolá XVI and his supporters as an "extremist element" within Cathiopia, and urged greater monitoring and control of the Bumósi Church by the Cathiopian government. Minister Lombardo's remarks led to demonstrations outside the Potenzan Embassy in Nkalamenga by sympathisers of Nkulu Nikolá XVI.

The Potenzan Reformed Church is the second-largest in Potenza after the Tiburan Catholic Church, and conducts extensive missionary activity abroad. The work of Protestant missionaries has drawn criticism from some quarters in Cathiopia, including Nkulu Nikolá XVI and his predecessor Mudiso IX.

The Cathiopian government, which has often clashed with the Cathiopian Orthodox Bumósi Church, has promised to protect freedom of religion in Cathiopia, which is guaranteed in the Cathiopian constitution. The National Republican Guard, the main law enforcement agency of Cathiopia, has pledged to co-operate with the Potenzan Reformed Church and vowed to bring the perpetrators behind the attacks to justice.

Cathiopia is a religiously diverse nation, and home to significant Muslim and Jewish communities too. Religious tensions have been increasing recently, and statistics show a considerable increase in the number of Cathiopians affiliated to a Protestant denomination. As a consequence of continued intimidation, some smaller Protestant churches have had to end proselytising efforts in Cathiopia.

 

[Potenza]

You must be registered for see links

The RCP is issuing warnings to our missionaries working in Cathiopia, advising them to travel in groups and to alert one another and the local authorities if danger is perceived. We thank the Cathiopian government and the officials in the National Republican Guard for their kindness and cooperation with our missionaries, and we will work with our people abroad to ensure that conflict is treated in accordance with local law. If it should so happen that are missionaries have gone beyond their duties and are at fault, they will be disciplined and possibly taken out of Cathiopia, as they are not representing the faith of Christ and are failing to be "the salt of the earth" (Mt 5:13a).

We likewise urge our missionaries, either working in humanitarian or evangelistic work, to treat those in the Cathiopian Orthodox Bumósi Church - either laymen or leaders - with the utmost respect and love, remembering Christ's commands to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Mt 5:44). Remember likewise the words of the writer of Proverbs, who said: "If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you" (Pr 25:21-22).

In light of the worries coming out of the Cathiopian Orthodox Bumósi Church, stemming from the comments made by Potenzan politicians, we apologize if our countrymen have served as a stumbling block for national peace and stability. The opinions of the Potenzan foreign ministry do not reflect the opinions of the RCP and vice versa, and the Church operates freely and without attachment to the Potenzan government. Please understand our missionaries are there to serve the work of God, not to advance the Grand Duchy's foreign policy.

The RCP and its elders stand ready to answer any questions or concerns from the Cathiopian government or Cathiopian national churches.

----
@

You must be registered for see links

 

[Potenza]

Potenza Launches Military Operation Inside Cantignia

VESPER (Reuters) - Potenzan sources are now reporting that a military operation was launched inside Cantignia last evening. Detachments of the Folgore, Potenza's airborne division, took off from the carrier Francis II, which had been deployed off the coast of the island. The Folgore were then dropped outside the outskirts of New Haven, Concordia. They moved into the houses around the city, bursting into the home of Bishop Alviero Muzzoni, leader of Solaris refugees inside Cantignia and who ran the Holy Church of Reclamation. Eyewitnesses nearby said they heard several gunshots and screaming, and then Potenzan soldiers were seen carrying out what they believed to be Bishop Muzzoni tied up and bagged. He was then taken to a nearby field where a small transport plane landed, carrying the men out of the area and back to the Francis II.

Sources in the Potenzan Military of Defense say that this had been planned for some time, at least in early June when Bishop Muzzoni began to publicly say that God was preparing to smite "the wretched defilers" of Solaren (referring to the Potenzan, Eiffellandian, and Carentanian troops present). This gave worry to the Royal Army that he might give inspiration to insurrectionist elements in northern Solaren, where Potenzan troops are deployed. The evacuation of refugees from Cantignia was used as the basis to also launch the abduction, code-named Operation Retrieval, and approved supposedly by Grand Duke Guido III himself. Muzzoni is currently in Potenzan custody, although the government has yet to announce what they intend to do with him. Some believe that he will face war trials back in Solaren, as he is suspected of having been guilty of crimes against humanity under the old Urban regime.

Rumors are that the individuals with Muzzoni were shot dead by the Folgore, including members of his family and members of the church. The Potenzan Ministry of Defense has not yet clarified whether or not this is the case. It is also unclear whether the Cantigian authorities cooperated with this attack, as it would have required Potenzan knowledge of the landscape around New Haven, especially areas that could be used as landing pads.