Nouvelles de Belmont

[Serenierre]

Marquette economy dip, deemed best time to invest

Belmont's southern neighbor is on the verge of recession and the Joilet's value has dipped more than before. The Marquettan economy has taken a huge blow by the government's announcement that the public deficit stood at 122,000,000,000 Joilets. But such bleak times are being exploited by the Belmontien business community, by deeming it the "best time to invest". The Belmont International Airways has doubled the amount of flights going to Marquette.

It is rumored that several high ranking executives from Thasisse Holdings have visited members of the Marquettan government and have discussed the possibility of setting up Banque de Thasisse and allowing Cimento, the nations largest Real-estate developers, to bring their operations in Marquette as well.

Rumors in Paris indicate that the Government of Belmont has offered to aid its Marquettan counterpart financially have yet to be accepted or denied.
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[Serenierre]

Headlines

Party campaigns start up again
PPL/PDSB support high, PCB losing advantage
Catholic Church of Belmont denounces Catholic League's attempts at running down Prince Nicolas' choice for his bride
Government to pursue nuclear power for southern provinces
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[Serenierre]

General Elections on 30th, PPL/PDSB set to form next government

With elections just two days away, the PCB has failed to keep their approval ratings above 50%. Thirteen polls taken across the nation from randomly selected people by independent news organizations, have all shown that the PCB's support rating now stands at 45.5%. The PPL/PDSB coalition, on the other hand, has propelled to new heights and is enjoying a 53.6% approval rating. The PCB's failure at forming a coalition has also contributed to the loss of support for the party.
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Foreign Office looks to engage EDF for PAS membership of Belmont

The Foreign Office, has announced that the Partnership for Stability, an EDF initiative, has been deemed the best choice for Belmont. Seeing that the Kingdom has a long history of cooperating with several members of the EDF bloc. The Foreign Office also announced that, after consultations with all parties, the country would be kept close to the EDF bloc no matter who came to power after the elections. The PAS would allow Belmont to cooperate more with the EDF and the FO stated that the ultimate goal is to make Belmont an associate member of the EDF, much like Wiese.
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[Serenierre]

Ministry of Finance says, Belmont ready to give Marquette loan

The Minister of Finance has said that the recent crisis in Marquette has sent ripples across the world, with markets from Paris to Barca being affected by the depreciated value of the Joilet. In such tough times, the Minister of Finance has announced that Belmont was ready to give Marquette ₣235,000,000 immediately and an additional ₣145,000,000 later, if required.

The Minister of Finance also said that the government would be granting many incentives to Belmontien businessmen who would invest in Marquette. He said that Belmontien businesses had invested, almost, ₣78,800,000 within a week and that the international confidence in Marquette had to be restored and Belmont would lead that path. He said that Belmont had money to spend and the Marquettan economy would be saved with Belmontien Francs.

But he said that it would depend whether or not Marquette would accept the loan and its conditions and would be discussed with the Frankenese foreign Minister, when he will visit Belmont next month, before anything is done.
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[Calidia]

Royal Office of Financial Affairs

We congratulate the Belmonti government and investors for their efforts to aid Marquette and so the world.

 

[Serenierre]

Government announces that it will purchase Marquette bonds

The Ministry of Finance has issued a statement in which it was said that the Government of Belmont was in the process of buying 450,000,000 Franc worth of Marquette government bonds. The statement mentioned that the economy of Marquette could not be allowed to stagnate and confidence had to be rebuilt in the eyes of foreign investors. The statement said that the Government was waiting for word from Marquette before granting the loan to the Marquette government.
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Marseilles Stock Exchange reacts positively to pro-Marquette government measures

The Marseilles Stock Exchange, the nation's largest and most important, has reacted very positively to the news that the government would be granting incentives and tax cuts to people investing in Marquette. The government's plan of buying Marquette bonds also has raised the market and a better outlook is expected in the coming year.
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[Serenierre]

Sherry comes out on top!

The Election Commission has announced that the PPL/PDSB had won the elections in a landslide victory. The Election Commission said that 78% of the electorate turned out to vote and the PPL led coalition received 61.2% of the vote. Prime Minister Millerand, who will be ending his short, yet very eventful and constructive tenure as PM tomorrow, has called and congratulated the PPL leader, and next PM of Belmont, Shahrazad Martinique. It is expected that the Queen will meet with Mme Martinique tomorrow at the Chateau de Charbonne and formally appoint her as the PM of Belmont. The appointment of Mme. Shahrazad Martinique will make her the first female Prime Minister of Belmont.
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[Serenierre]

Le Canard enchaîné
Édition Internationale | International Edition​

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Jeudi. 31. Decembre. 2009

Mme. Shahrazad Martinique appointed Premier, calls for sweeping reforms in foreign policy

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Mme. Martinique, seen here, giving the traditional "Speech before Parliament"

Paris | Royaume de Belmont:
Gone are the days of old Prime Ministers, in yesterday's general election, the people voted for the PPL/PDSB coalition and its leader, Shahrazad Martinique has taken the country by storm. Mme. Martinique, at 56, is the youngest Premier of Belmont in seventy six years and, not to mention, she is also the first female Prime Minister of Belmont. Mme. Martinique's rise to the top is thanks to her and her party's efforts to mobilize the large swaths of youth who had, in previous years, become politically apathetic. Yesterday's elections had one of the largest turnouts in a century, with 78% of the electorate showing up to vote. The PPL/PDSB received a total of 26.3 million votes and ended up with 327, out 577, seats, 56.6% of the total seats in the Chambre des Communes.

The new Prime Minister also made her first speech to Parliament, the text of which has been presented below, was one in which she outlined her plans for the next five years and by the end of it she received a standing ovation from the members of Parliament.

"Good Afternoon:

I stand here, today, in the hallowed halls of the most ancient of institutions of the land, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen, Premier Millerand and the Representatives of the People, with a sense of humility and realization of the challenges at hand.

But before I truly begin, I would like to thank Premier Millerand for his cooperation in the smooth transitioning of power, from one Premier to the next. Additionally, on behalf of the nation, I thank you for the things you have done to reform our image abroad. The nation salutes you.

Today we meet on democracy's front porch, a good place to talk as neighbors and as friends. For this is a day when our nation is made whole, when our differences, for a moment, are suspended.

I come before you and assume the Premiership at a moment rich with promise. We live in a peaceful, prosperous time, but we can make it better. For a new breeze is blowing, and a world refreshed by freedom seems reborn; for in man's heart, if not in fact, the days of oppression are over. The totalitarian era is passing, its old ideas blown away like leaves from an ancient, lifeless tree. A new breeze is blowing, and a nation refreshed by freedom stands ready to push on. There is new ground to be broken, and new action to be taken. There are times when the future seems thick as a fog; you sit and wait, hoping the mists will lift and reveal the right path. But this is a time when the future seems a door you can walk right through into a room called tomorrow.

Great nations of the world are moving toward democracy through the door to freedom. Men and women of the world move toward free markets through the door to prosperity. The people of the world agitate for free expression and free thought through the door to the moral and intellectual satisfactions that only liberty allows.

Belmont today is a proud, free nation, decent and civil, a place we cannot help but love. We know in our hearts, not loudly and proudly, but as a simple fact, that this country has meaning beyond what we see, and that our strength is a force for good. But have we changed as a nation even in our time? Are we enthralled with material things, less appreciative of the nobility of work and sacrifice?

But while Belmont may be entering a new era, the tides of the world are changing, shifting and moving into new waters. Today, we confront threats in a number of ways, organized crime, terrorism, the drug trade and widescale proliferation of heavy weapons across the world. The nation has enemies in shapes and sizes it did not have to face ten years ago. This government will be ready to meet the new challenges head on. Gone are the days of ignoring the basic issues. This government will be proactive and pragmatic in our strategies. My aim, in regards to the defense of our nation, is to strengthen the armed forces' defensive capability and gradually reduce the offensive capabilities.

In recent years, thanks to the policies of the past, our economy has boomed... the middle class has increased by three fold and unemployment has decreased by 12%. These policies have worked well to propel our economy ahead but now, its the time to develop policies to maintain our current economic growth level. Consistent and steady economic growth is much better than a fast race ahead and then having to suffer a crash. This government's economic priorities might be slightly more cautious than that of the preceding one's but we shall stand to keep the economic growth at a steady 8.5% in the coming years.

On the international stage, Belmont has suffered greatly since the early 2000's, mainly due to Premier Plantard's harsh policies in regards to certain nations. But rest assured, this government plans on changing the image of Belmont across the world. This government will work with every freedom loving, human rights respecting and democratic society. Belmont, now, will also push to become an associate member of the EDF, much like our ally Wiese and we shall also continue our efforts to keep the Francophone states close together, if not in alliance. This government will work with all states, may they be the LFS members of the East, the EDF members of the heartlands, the IRB of the north and the AGE of the south... this government will extend a hand of friendship to all... then it shall be up to the others to accept our gesture or to choose to continue on with the status quo.

Now, as I come close to the end of my speech, I discuss the most important issue facing this government. The Joilet Crisis of Marquette: my government will continue to support the government of Marquette and we shall procure government bonds and shall grant a loan to our french brother... and we'll continue the incentives packages so that the Marquette economy can recover as fast as possible. We can not allow any further damage to be taken by that economy... that would be disastrous for the economies of Central Europe and the Francophone world. It is our plan to talk to leaders from Marquette and discuss the ways we can help them.

And so, there is much to do; and tomorrow the work begins. I do not mistrust the future; I do not fear what is ahead. For our problems are large, but our heart is larger. Our challenges are great, but our will is greater. And if our flaws are endless, God's love is truly boundless.

Some see leadership as high drama, and the sound of trumpets calling, and sometimes it is that. But I see history as a book with many pages, and each day we fill a page with acts of hopefulness and meaning. The new breeze blows, a page turns, the story unfolds. And so today a chapter begins, a small and stately story of unity, diversity, and generosity--shared, and written, together.

Thank you. God bless you and God bless the Kingdom of Belmont."​

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office condemns Meribia's atomic test on New Year's Eve

The Foreign Office has reacted with "reserved condemnation" and has said that the Government's "tolerance and patience" with the IRB was severely tested by the "irresponsible and insensitive actions" of Meribia. The Foreign Office said that the reason for the detente with majority of the members of the IRB was to prevent such incidents from happening and Meribia's nuclear test had shaken Belmontien confidence and trust in the ability of the IRB to control its members from destroying the world with their arsenals.

Belmont's Ambassador at the CoN, also, registered complaints at the actions of Meribia and pushed for the CoN to take active measures in making sure that similar instances do not occur again anywhere.
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[Polesia]

পররাষ্ট্র মন্ত্রক
Ministry of External Affairs

The latest statements from the Belmontien Foreign Office can only be seen as undue fearmongering as the Meribian nuclear test was in controlled circumstances and not intended as a direct threat to any particular nation or alliance. In the eyes of Vangala, this shows a disappointing reversal of earlier promises to heal and renew relations with the International Revolutionary Bloc.

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

It is not the circumstances under which the test took place that we object to, it is the fact that the nuclear tests took place and the reason given for the said tests. It was morally and ethically wrong on part of the Meribian government to endanger the lives of civilians of the region ranging from The American Union, Coronado and The Confederate States.

The recent actions by Meribia have made us unsure if the IRB can be worked with in the future for the pursuance of peace. Our concerns are valid and until the IRB doesn't control its members from such acts, we shall remain unsure.

 

[Serenierre]

PM Martinique calls on Batavien leader van De Graaf to resolve situation with Meribia

The Prime Minister, in her first news conference, said that Batavie, as the unofficial leader of the IRB, had to resolve the situation between the international community and Meribia, after the latter detonated a nuclear bomb on New Year's Eve as "the largest firecracker", she also said that Belmont had found a new friendship with Batavie and that she would try till the last to keep the new friendship intact. She urged Leader of Batavie, Van de Graaf, to resolve the matter before Belmont-Batavie ties took a hit and tensed up further.
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[/QUOTE]

 

[Serenierre]

Government offers to increase deployments to CS Government

With Meribia having detonated a nuclear bomb less than a week ago, the Government has thought it necessary to offer the Confederate States with additional deployments of Belmontien troops and have also offered the CS several discounts for weaponry. The Government, according to reports, feels that the new CS government needs more help at this time, when it is setting up itself, and the security situation could affect the new democracy adversely.
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[Serenierre]

Le Canard enchaîné
Édition Internationale | International Edition​

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Vendredi. 8. Janvier. 2010

Parliament, PM come to compromise in aiding Marquette

[img2]albumid=140&pictureid=1403[/img2]
The Parliament of Belmont, in Paris, was the scene of an in-depth meeting between PM and senior Parliamentary leaders, earlier today

Paris | Royaume de Belmont:

Earlier today, the Prime Minister and several Parliamentary heavyweights met at the Parliament and held a three and a half hour long meeting. The official reason for the lengthy meeting has not been confirmed but, our sources at Grosvenor and in the Parliament have confirmed that the meeting was held to deal with the differences of opinion emerging between the two wings of government on how to approach the economic collapse of Marquette. It has been rumored that, Premier Martinique is wary about injecting a lot of taxpayers money and has been pressurizing the Parliament to drop its plans of injecting 1.885 billion of Belmontien taxpayers money into the crisis ridden economy of Marquette.

That tactic seems not to be working and the Parliament has remained steadfast in its support of aiding Marquette's economy, even after the Times of Danzig said that the Belmontien involvement in Marquette could bring down Belmont's own economy. But our sources say that, the Parliament has relented on the Prime Minister's demand that the Belmontien investment in Marquette should not, at any costs, exceed $200,000,000. The Parliamentary Committee for Finance, after meeting with Finance Minister Yamaguchi, has also backed the Prime Minister in her efforts to keep the Belmontien involvement in Marquette as low as possible.
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[Miroslavl]

Government offers to increase deployments to CS Government

With Meribia having detonated a nuclear bomb less than a week ago, the Government has thought it necessary to offer the Confederate States with additional deployments of Belmontien troops and have also offered the CS several discounts for weaponry. The Government, according to reports, feels that the new CS government needs more help at this time, when it is setting up itself, and the security situation could affect the new democracy adversely.
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Soviet Republic Ministry of International Relations

These troop deployments are highly provocative. The Soviet Republic presently harbors no ill intentions toward it's neighbors and demands that Belmonti military forces within the Confederate States remain at least fifteen miles away from the Meribia-CS border at all times, barring emergencies.

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

Belmontien forces shall remain in the Confederate States and shall stay 15km away from the border, as agreed with our ally, and would additionally request, on the behalf of our ally, that Meribian forces also maintain a distance of 15km from the international border zone.

Elisabeth Mazarin
Secretary of the Foreign Office

 

[Wazistan]

Statement from the Foreign Ministry

The Islamic Republic wishes to express its concern over this highly provocative step by the Kingdom of Belmont and urges authorities to work towards reducing tension in the region, not heightening them.

 

[Serenierre]

Foreign Office

All Belmontien forces in the Confederate States follow proper decorum and are bound to stay at-least 15km away from the borders. The Belmontien deployments have been made to assist an ally, not to threaten any other state. Belmont remains committed to keeping peace in the region but we also see the assistance of our ally as a duty.

Elisabeth Mazarin
Secretary of the Foreign Office

 

[Serenierre]

Le Canard enchaîné
Édition Internationale | International Edition​

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Présentation

Batavie withdraws Embassy staff from Paris:

Since the Martinique administration has taken over, Belmont's policy towards communist states has harshened and ties have taken several blows within the span of a week. The Batavie-Belmont ties, which were slowly recovering, took a massive hit when Meribia, a close ally of Vlaanderen, detonated a nuclear bomb on new year's eve and then, soon after, Batavien agents were implicated in the assassination of a Scanian Lord Mayor.

The FO has been quick to condemn the act and the government has thrown its full support behind Scania on the matter. The PCB, on the other hand, has called for calm and restraint and have said that Belmont "ought to assume a neutral position and must act as a peacemaker." The PPL/PDSB Coalition has been swift to denounce the Batavien actions and, as a result, Batavie has closed its Belmontien embassy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also said that due to the unstable situation in Scania, the Belmontien embassy staff would also be pulled out by next week and only a skeleton staff would remain.​

Instability in North affects Marseilles Stock Exchange (MSE)

With two of the biggest nations of the North on the verge of war, Marseilles Stock Market has taken a dip following news that Batavie would be mobilizing its entire reserve force. The MSE fell about 150 points, the biggest dip in ten years, and investors across Marseilles are holding their breath for the government to announce just how much "assistance" will be given to Marquette's tattered economy. The two factors together have caused the Marseilles Stock Exchange to be closed till the 15th of January 2010.​

Chamber of Commerce advises Marquette government and investors to invest in Tourism sector

The Chamber of Commerce of Belmont's (CoCoB) Deputy Director, Adelaide Maude, has said that she would advise Marquette to invest in the Tourism sector, at a time when the Joilet has never been cheaper. The Deputy Director also said that the Coast of Marquette already was home to one of the best resort towns and beautiful beaches and she advised Belmontien investors to invest in Marquette's tourism industry.
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General Norzanne, Chief of Army Staff, meets with PM, Queen

Today, at the Palace, the Queen and Premier met with the Army's top man and discussed the current threat perception to Belmont and the situation in Meribia/CS and Batavie/Scania. The Palace's Press Secretary also said that the Queen and Premier had ordered the armed forces to remain "vigilant and alert to the threats at hand."​

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[Miroslavl]

Foreign Office

Belmontien forces shall remain in the Confederate States and shall stay 15km away from the border, as agreed with our ally, and would additionally request, on the behalf of our ally, that Meribian forces also maintain a distance of 15km from the international border zone.

Elisabeth Mazarin
Secretary of the Foreign Office

Soviet Republic Ministry of International Relations

As major population centers exist only twelve of your kilometers from the border, the Meribian Soviet Armed Forces can withdraw no further than six miles.