Nouvelles de Belmont

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L'International | Edition Anglais

PARIS - MARDI. 13. AVRIL. 2010.

The Queen back in Paris after week long visit to Arendaal
The Palace announced early this morning that the Queen had returned to the Palace late on Sunday night, several pictures of the motorcade had turned up on Belmontien blogs, and the Palace press secretary issued a statement in which he said that the Royal Family of Belmont would host their Aren counterparts for a week in the coming future. So far, no engagement has taken place but it is showing that its just a matter of time before Prince Nicolas and Princess Islin announce their engagement.

Tourism increases in north Belmont as wine fairs begin
With the annual wine tasting festivals and fairs beginning across northern Belmont, the areas associated with Belmontien wine industry have seen a surge of tourism, more so than in the past few years. According to reports, thousands of Radilian, Wieser and Franconian tourists, in addition to citizens of other french countries, have descended upon the Belmontien countryside bringing great revenue to locals.

Abruzzi deployment will continue for the time being
The Ministry of Defense has announced that the 12,000 strong Belmontien deployment in the Himyari nation of Abruzicstan will continue for at-least three more months to make sure that the ground realities remain in hand and under control of the government in Chieti. The MoD has also announced that the Belmontien army's deployment would work in support roles for their Abruzzi counterpart in any operations.

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Details of Belmontien strategic assets to be provided to EDF

With Belmont formally a part of the EDF now, the Premier has informed the MoD that she thinks its best for the government to show its allies where exactly it stands in the strategic assets. The Premier also said that the strategic programs had served Belmont well and would continue to do so in the future. The Premier was quick to point out that the allies will be told enough to inform them of the situation without letting them know the whole program. The Belmontien armed forces, in recent years, have spent more money to increase their strategic assets and have expanded its missiles inventory. The MoD has sent a message to the EDF HQ.
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L'International | Edition Anglais

PARIS - MERCREDI. 14. AVRIL. 2010.

Belmont to adopt more considerate policy for Sarmatian ties
The FO has announced that the Belmontien foreign policy in regards to the Sarmatian nations has been reviewed and is going to be updated. The revision in that policy means that Belmont would look to enter in diplomatic talks with Vittoria, Sidajica, Zivotinje, to name a few. The FO has said its plan is to allay the concerns of the Sarmatian powers and to serve as a bridge between the EDF and the Greater Sarmatian nations. The FO has said it will be in consultations with allies.

Central Bank announces new currency notes design
Every ten or twenty years, the Central Bank issues new designs for the currency notes of the Belmontien Franc. Yesterday, the CBB revealed the 23rd series of the BFR. The new series is more colorful than the last and each note is of a different color and features a portrait of Queen Diana and has new security designs and includes braille symbols to aid the visually impaired. The notes will begin circulation from the 15th of May, the older series shall continue to remain in circulation.

Delegation departs for Radilo
A government fifteen member strong delegation has embarked on a visit to Radilo to meet with key Radilo ministers and to improve the ties between the two countries. Radilo and Belmont have immense economic interaction and Radilo is an important market for Belmontien businesses. The delegation will also cover Radilo energy needs and how Belmont can help them. The visit is the first such visit between the two countries since the 1980s.

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Premier to begin talks with Batavien counterpart today
Improvement in bilateral ties sought, economic opportunities to be discussed

The long awaited talks with the Batavien Premier are scheduled to start later today when Prime Minister de Jonghe arrives in Paris from Vlaanderen. The two countries, the two "B's" have a long history of antagonism stretching back to the Great War. The communist regime of that country, which was toppled by a popular uprising against it, was allied with the occupational powers and for decades Belmontien politicians had refused to forgive the Scanian nation.

But since the 1980s, after a new brand of politicians came upon the scene, attempts were made to break the ice and diffuse the tensions. Little progress was made and both countries kept up the non-recognition of each other but last year, Premier Bettancourt extended his hand in friendship to the Batavien communist leader, and for a while the ties between the nations seemed to improve. But in January, with a new government in place, Belmont pushed itself away from the communist regime. But as soon as democracy was established in the country, Belmont was one of the first nations to recognize the Republic of Batavie.

Upon the declaration of democracy from Vlaanderen, Belmont started sending in humanitarian aid to the Scanian nation, something which it had not done during the last days of the communists due to restrictions on Belmontien vessels. The Belmontien Red Cross even dispatched a large team and released several million francs worth of medicines, food and bottled water for those suffering in Batavie.

So, a couple of weeks ago, Premier Martinique, who hailed the Batavien elections as historic and worthy of great commendation, issued a statement where she invited her counterpart to visit her in Paris at the earliest. The invitation was accepted and preparations began.

It is expected that during the talks, Premier Martinique will try to push talks of economic and defense cooperation with the Bataviens, who are considered to be a nation of importance in the icy north. The Premier has also been petitioned by Belmontien businessmen and corportations for talking to her counterpart about allowing Belmontien businesses in Batavie and vice-versa. Batavie, according to many economists in Marseilles, once recovered from the civil strife of earlier this year, will rise in the world markets and will reclaim its status of economic importance.

 

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Military High Command to meet with Anglian counterparts
Defense talks aimed at creating unified response to local threats and interests

The Inter-Services Press Relations, the armed forces' press wing, has revealed that senior members of the High Command of the Armed Forces of Belmont were going to be heading over to Anglia to meet with their counterparts to discuss the current issues faced by the two kingdoms which came in the way of the national security of both nations and threatened regional peace and stability. The ISPR Chief, Lt. Gen. Michael Sisone, was keen on pointing out that the ties between the two states had been strong for hundreds of years and Belmont had always stood ready to defend its ally across the Anglican Channel and knew that Belmont could rely on Anglia to do the same.

Ties between the two kingdoms extend back to the early 1300s and those ties were cemented by the 1327 Treaty of Northumbria. The bilateral ties between the two countries has seen its ups and downs but the two states have remained allies through good and bad. Apart from the political and military interaction, Anglican and Belmontien economies are closely tied due to decades of close interaction. The Defense Strategy Talks are aimed at helping the two kingdoms adjust their policies for dealing with the menace of terrorism and keeping the drug rings in control. Anti-mafia policies will also be discussed.

Other Headlines

PCB commends Sinhai government for attacking Vangalan spy ships, calls government weak for remaining neutral
Saint-Lô Flower Festival kicks off, flowers from across the world displayed
Wheat exports to rise as great harvest reported by farmers
Missile tests planned for May 15th 2010

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Queen invites Sultan of Hajr to Paris
First meeting between the two Heads of States since Treaty of Friendship signed

The Kingdom of Belmont and the Sultanate of Hajr have long been considered friends but in recent years the bilateral ties between the two countries have strengthened immensely. In January, the two countries signed a treaty of friendship and both countries have moved intensely closer and economic ties have increased substantially. Hoping to keep that trend, The Queen of Belmont, Her Majesty Diana I, has decided to host the Sultan of Hajr and has invited him on a state visit to Paris. Undoubtedly, a very hi-profile event in the social calender of Paris, Chateau de Charbonne has sent invitations to a select few, including many members of the nobility and Parliament. The talks between the two royals is set to include the topics of continued economic cooperation and interaction, defense cooperation and talks about securing Hajri oil for Belmont.

Many analysts have stated that the ties between the two countries are one of the most important in Belmont's foreign policy and that the economic ties between the two countries are one of the most important. Also, they say, Hajri oil fields need to be explored more and Belmontien exploration and refining giants, such as Thatsise, are ready to aid the Hajri's in that field. Belmont, according to analysts, should invest heavily in the Hajri oil fields and should help Hajr diversify its economy. Identified by many as one of the most stable markets in Himyar, Hajr already is home to hundreds of millions of Francs of Belmontien investment.

Other Headlines

Murderer of Jewish and Muslim boys executed: Prison officials
Marseilles sees boom in population as economy rises higher
Jewelry making rising industry in southern Belmont
Swan Thieves, the novel by Elisabeth Kostene, sells 2.75 million copies, breaking all records

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L'International | Edition Anglais

PARIS - VENDREDI. 16. AVRIL. 2010.

Marseilles real-estate boom continues
With the economy booming, Marseilles, the nation's economic capital, is experiencing a tremendous boom in its real-estate markets. Having a Marseilles address has become a prestige symbol in Belmont and many affluent Belmontien's have scrambled to own their little piece of the city. Real-estate developers have already started work on additional luxury apartments along the city's beautiful coast. Many of the apartments have been already snatched up in form of advance bookings.

Muslim community leaders look forward to meeting Sultan Huseyn ibn Saad
Belmont has one of the largest Muslim communities in the Catholic world living within its borders. A total of 20% of Belmont's population belongs to one of the major sects of the religion. Having assimilated well into society, the Muslim community is ranked as one of the most affluent and most involved in Belmontien democracy. The community and religious leaders of Belmontien muslims have said that they were looking forward to meeting with Sultan Hussain (Belmontien spelling).

Abruzzi deployment to be halved, military base to be set up
Military officials are claiming that an agreement has been reached with the Abruzzi government to cut down troop levels by half and for Belmont to set up a base in the country. The military has said that the military base will be solely responsible for logistic needs of the Royal Air-Force and that agreements with the Abruzzi government ensured that the country would be rewarded sufficiently for providing the base.

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L'International | Edition Anglais

PARIS - SAMEDI. 17. AVRIL. 2010.

PCB hopes to shed image of "friendly opposition"
Hoping to shed the image that its a friendly opposition, the PCB leadership has announced that it will be taking more initiatives in Parliament and would be monitoring the government and its activities. The PCB shadow cabinet has also said that they would inspect government records microscopically. This is the latest attempt by the PCB to gain more support in the conservative base of Belmont, a demographic which has started responding positively to the PCB's main right-wing rival, the PdJ.

Belmontien films popular in Francophone world
An entertainment magazine has announced that Belmontien films have gained quite some popularity across the Francophone world and Belmontien actors are being recognized across the Francophone zone. The magazine has also said that the Belmontien film industry was bringing in revenue in the billions of Francs and the sector would benefit even further with additional corporate investment. The alternative film industry has also started making films in English to appeal to a wider audience.

Premier calls Životinje claims as "most unwelcome"
Speaking on the statement issued by the Životinje government over Abruzzi and Belmontien talks for a base in the Himyari country, Premier Martinique said that she viewed the allegations leveled by the Životinje government against the Kingdom to be utterly false and most unwelcome. The FO responded in a similar tone but mostly the reaction has been muted. Negotiations with the Abruzzi government are still ongoing.

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Headlines

:!: Stade du Belmont sees historic match between Montaigne and Visidame football teams
:!: Lt. Gen.(Retd.) Auguste Mausane, Fmr. DG-ISE, dies, aged 89
:!: Eiffel Tower light-show to begin from tonight
:!: Government Quarter to be enlarged over next ten years

 

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Headlines

:!: Sex laws to be loosened: Parliament
:!: CdS and Franconian companies come to agreement for coal mining
:!: The Louvre opens today for two months to display The Royal Collection of China and paintings
:!: Chateau de Floreans to host conference of Montaignese mayors

 

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Headlines

:!: Corn festival to begin in Normandie from Sunday
:!: Proceeds of Louvre exhibition to go to charities: Palace officials
:!: Fmr. Premier Bettancourt to meet with Premier Martinique today
:!: Archbishop of Paris to inaugurate new maternity wing of St. Theresa's Hospital

 

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Headlines

:!: Sultan Huseyn and his entourage arrives in Paris, welcomed by Queen and senior members of the Royal Family
:!: Béni soyez: The Film, opens to much fanfare across Belmont
:!: Slight rain expected in Marseilles throughout the day
:!: Daylight Savings Time goes into effect from 20th

 

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L'International | Edition Anglais

Aren Royal family to visit Belmont next week
Announcement of the Royal Engagement expected, Chateau de Charbonne remains silent

Her Majesty Queen Diana returned from Arendaal on the 11th of April and, now, its the turn of the Aren monarchy to see Belmont, as the "In-Laws". Invited by HM Queen Diana and HRH Prince Edmund, Duke of Saint-Lô, her husband, have invited HM The King and Queen of Arendaal to visit them at Chateau de Charbonne, along with their children and a large entourage. It is predicted that the visit will be the catalyst for Charbonne to announce an engagement between the two royals. If so, then Princess Iselin will become the fifth Aren consort to the heir to the Belmontien throne. Princess Iselin's mother, Queen Laura, is the aunt of The Duke of Saint-Lo and the King of Arendaal and Queen Diana are third cousins.

Emmeline Sant-Claude, is a senior journalist who has covered Palace Affairs since the early 1960s.
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L'International | Edition Anglais

PCB and PdJ tensions boiling - again
Opposition groups in undeclared war over who "speaks for the conservatives"

While the government bloc has strengthened itself by forming a cohesive coalition, the opposition is in chaos and the two main opposition groups are bitterly contesting each other to claim the "Conservative Crown", so to say. Each night, on the many political talk shows airing throughout the country on radio stations and television networks, members of the two opposition groups can often be seen, and heard, trying to outdo each other and its really a sad state of affairs. Both parties, in their own constituencies, have a strong voter base but trying to move in on the other territory will lead to their collapse in face of a popular centrist approach to politics sweeping the nation after 20 years of PCB government.

While I myself am not a Conservative I do understand their concerns some on the right have with the LDA's progressive policies. But, it is my opinion that, in the long run the LDA's policies will suit the country and will continue to propel the country onto economic success. But at the same time, no matter how loyal a voter I may be of the LDA I must say that its essential for a democracy to have a strong opposition but the recent spats between the conservative and right-wing parties has led the playing field wide open for the LDA to obtain complete control of Parliament.

Ardeshir Cowasjee is a political analyst. He is a professor in the University of Paris' politics department. He has written pieces for this publication, and others, since his graduation in 1949.
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News Update

:!: Fmr. Premier Bettancourt calls on his party to "reform itself": With the PCB and the PdJ, the two major right-wing, conservative parties involved in a fierce battle to gain support in each others voter bases, many people across Belmont have said that both parties are failing to perform the constitutional roles of the Official Opposition. Last night, former Premier, George Bettencourt, on his website, called on his party to reform its ways or suffer debilitating isolation which could lead to wiping out the party which had stood the test of time for the past two hundred and forty years.

:!: LDA Central Executive Committee meets in Lesmages: With the opposition weak, the government bloc has moved fast to organize themselves faster and to reach out to the disillusioned youth who had formerly voted and supported the conservative parties. The LDA, the name of the ruling coalition which consists of the PPL, PDSB & MD, has started running adverts in the media promoting their stands. The other parties have responded in kind but the effort on their part is lackluster.

:!: Lac Vernier coastline to be designated gambling zone: The provincial government of Loire has announced that it will be authorizing the construction of several casinos along the scenic Lac Vernier coast and will be creating the coastline as a gambling zone and would be pursuing the Central Government to give certain tax exemptions to attract more tourists to the lesser known lake.
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:!: PCB and PdJ chiefs to meet in Carcasonne

With pressure mounting on them from within their party ranks and from their supporters, the leaders of the two parties have agreed to meet with each other in Carcassonne, at a private location in the suburbs. Conservatives across Belmont are holding their breath to see what happens as a result of the meeting. It is hoped that both conservative parties will be able to reach a compromise and form a coalition to oppose the LDA, which in recent months has strengthened itself substantially. But the tensions between the two parties have reached levels not known in the Belmontien political scene since the early 1900s.​

 

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News Update

:!: PCB, PdJ leaders agree to stop "the fight": The two opposition groups in the Parliament have agreed to cease their hostile policies in regards to one and other and to pursue "policies to reestablish conservatism in Belmont". The two party's leaders met in Carcassonne and the two, today, held a rally in which both leaders spoke. The two maintain that their parties were not thinking of forming a coalition at the moment.​

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Headlines

:!: Francophone film industry assembles in Saint-Lô for Academy Awards
:!: Nuclear power plants to be increased over next ten years
:!: Polls: LDA, Premier popularity soars higher among the youth and middle class
:!: PCB elections come closer, race for party leader heats up

 

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L'International | Edition Anglais

PARIS - SAMEDI. 25. AVRIL. 2010.

George Bettancourt to contest election for PCB leadership
George Bettancourt, former Premier, Foreign Minister and current MP, has announced his intention of seeking the seat of the Chairman of the PCB and de-seating the current party leader, Michel Deloise, who he has said has taken the party to complete defeat and has endangered the party's chances of surviving in the new century. With an illustrious career behind him as a prominent conservative politician, the recent decline in the popularity of the conservatives and the current hostility between the conservative sections of the political scene has made him take matters into his own hands.

Having met with the Queen, the Premier, Shahrazad Martinique of the LDA, and with several parliamentary leaders of the PCB and PdJ, Mr. Bettancourt succeeded in pressurizing the leaders of both parties to meet in Carcassonne, something which resulted in both parties to agree to halt the war of words and in Mr. Bettancourt's reputation and clout rising amongst the conservatives. Today it was announced that Mr. Bettancourt would be submitting his nomination papers to the PCB CEC to contest the upcoming party elections for the position of Chairman. Polls reveal that 61.756% of conservatives are supporting the Bettancourt bid to run the PCB.

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Headlines

:!: Rains expected across Belmont
:!: Culture Ministry to organize exhibit showing Ancient Belmontien works
:!: Royal State Bank of Belmont to be relocated to Government Quarters by the end of the year
:!: Marseilles, Orleans Ports sees increased ships from and to Hajr