Esamir International News Network

After the Zack PM forwarded his concerns to the OMNI regarding the expenses of the war the UKZ has taken a decision to not participate in the war effort in Aloia and reduce the presence of the UKZ in New Zeland to a small largely defensive force.

The defensive ministry in a statement said that as New Zealand is largely back in OMNI and Kiwi control, it is not necessary for us to continue to maintain a large offensive force there. We will be ensuring a small defensive ground and naval troops and we offensive air force units capable of carrying out more air strikes against Eurasia if required.

The UKZ celebrated Manalsu Day, Easter and the Queen's Birthday during war, with curfew being relaxed slightly for these events. in 14 days the UKZ commemorates 164 years of constitutional monarchy. The annual UKZ Day Parade will be cancelled due to curfew restrictions and unavailability of the armed forces.

anti OMNI sentiments continue to build in the UKZ as the war goes on and the economy grows weaker. All this will come into play in general elections scheduled next year, but which may very be called early

BREAKING NEWS
The goddess Pax has blessed us at last! The war is finally over!

His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Augustus IV, has returned to the throne following a bloody and violent attempted coup d'etat earlier this month. Appearing on national television, His Imperial Majesty announced to cheers of joy from across the world that Eurasian troops were immediately pulling out of occupied territories in New Zealand and Aloia. This announcement comes as a miracle to those across the world who watched in terror as the Empire of Eurasia was nearly lost to the treacherous Frumentarii.

The Emperor reported that, thanks to the efforts from the Batavi Cohorts and elements of the NZDF and New Zealand Resistance, control of the Tonare Jovis system was returned to Imperial Military control after a vicious fight in the system's control center in Tolbiacum. An attempted launch was initiated, but thanks to the efforts of the valiant fighters the launch was aborted with mere seconds to spare.

It as also announced that all captured Frumentarii officers, including the highest commanders captured alive, would be tried for high treason against the Empire, amongst other crimes, and if found guilty sentenced to the customary punishment of crucifixion. While harsh, this measure is supported by an astounding 85.3% of the Eurasian general public.

The war into which the UKZ was dragged has finally come to an end with the surrender of Eurasia and the Frumentarii. What awaits the UKZ is now a lot of rebuilding in Andaman and rescuing of a rapidly failing economy. Furthermore, questions of internal politics and international relations also hang in the balance.

For now, people celebrate. People were seen cheering on the streets after curfew and emergency was lifted by the government. Dancing and singing also broke outside Buckingham Palace.

Parliament in a joint sitting passed a resolution to accept Eurasian surrender and end the war. Parliament also added Eurasia to a watch list of nations. According to the UKZ, Eurasia is now a 'FAILED STATE'
This classification comes as the government has said, that their government is not stable after the Frumentarii coup and it will be for future zack governments to decide if Eurasia has displayed a level of sophistication and stability.

The Prime Minister was not available for questions, as he said "Issues with OMNI, Eurasia and the rest of the world can wait. We need to focus on fixing our country after this war and allowing our people to celebrate".
The PMO has assured the country that the UKZ Day Parade will go as planned.

The head of the Roghtanganistines has permitted one day for the celebration of Manalsu day for those Roghtanistine communities across the globe that could not celebrate and offer the appropriate sacrifices for the commemoration of the birth of Roghtang (Manalsu Day) due to the war.

BREAKING NEWS ---- BREAKING NEWS ---- BREAKING NEWS ---- BREAKING NEWS ---- BREAKING NEWS ---- BREAKING NEWS ---- BREAKING NEWS


Astana.
"The Kingdom of New Tarajan, after consulting with the other members of OMNI, is glad to announce that it accepts the unilateral ceasefire proclaimed by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Augustus IV of Eurasia. OMNI forces will cease any hostile activity from this moment on. The war is over."
With these words the Duke of Coevorden, Leopold Conrad Van Vinkel, announced to the country and to the world that the long war against Eurasia has finally ended. Spontaneous celebrations have been organized in many cities and towns across the Kingdom, but it is in Astana particularly that the joy could be particularly felt, as people started gathering in front of the Royal Palace, the Landsraad, the Diet, and Charbagh Palace (residence of the Grand Pensionary) to informally celebrate victory.
Both the Landsraad and the Diet have issued an official statement, announcing that they also ratify the government's decision of suspending hostilities, while King Friederick Wilhelm II addressed the country in a speech held from the balcony of the Royal Palace.
"This is a time of joy for all of us." he said "But it must be also a time for rembering and thinking. Remembering all those who have lost their lives, or their loved ones, or their belongings. Thinking, about how to avoid such a catastrophe to happen again, and how to repair the damages already done."
Short statements, condensating however what is the thought of both the public opinion and the government and elite circles of the Kingdom.
The issue which is coming more strongly to the forefront is that of peace negotiations. Already the Duke of Coevorden addressed it in his brief speech: "We have received an offer from Her Royal Highness, Princess Elise Angelique Van Vinkel-Noorden, to host peace negotiations in Shahrazad. This most gracious offer, coming from the sister of our beloved King, has been promptly accepted by the Council, and approved by His Majesty himself."
The topics to discuss about will be many, and some of them can only be guessed. Others, instead, are pretty clear already in the minds of many, as well expressed by some comments coming from the Landsraad itself. In the same session at Palace Van Geldern in which the States General of the Kingdom approved the ceasefire, indeed, the highest legislative body also issued a note, directed to the Royal Council, calling for very specific terms, namely: the dismantlement of the Frumentarii; thourough international control over all Tonare Jovis systems in order to ensure their complete safety; moreover, the possibility to dismantle the Eurasian system altogether; full restitution of all prisoners of wars, confiscated properties in the occupied territories, reparations of war to both the occupied countries and OMNI members, reduction of military forces and, finally, a referendum for the independence of Arveyres. This last point was particularly advocated by some Eastern Houses, led by House Van Gendt, after receiving pleas in this sense from the Gold Coast and Meisjegronden.
This will be a very important detail on the table: since the new constitutional provisions call for referenda to be organized in all the Overseas Territories about their future relation with the Kingdom, to push forward the requests from those same Territories may be seen as a strategic choice for Astana in order to win over their sympathies, and votes. This is another delicate issue that the new government will have to face: indeed, with the war over, the Duke of Coevorden will renounce to his ad interim position as Grand Pensionary, while the States General will be dissolved by the King, in order to open a new electoral campaign, the first under the new Charter. Whoever will come out as winner, will have also to proverbially win the peace, after having won the war.
In the meanwhile, King Friederick Wilhelm has already announced his departure for Zackalantis, where he will join the celebrations organized by the Zack government. New Tarajani will participate to the military parade in Cair Paravel massively, with a whole armoured brigade, two infantry regiments, and the Duresian Royal Guards, plus the 37th Air Squadron of the KTL.
Another parade will then be held in Astana with most units returning from the war fronts joining in.

After the declaration from both the OMNI Command and the Eurasian High Command, the ARROW Directorate of Communication released a statement declaring the stop of all the military operations. The decision follow the allies intention to give the necessary space to the peace talks. Still now, it is not clear if and how Antanares will join this important appointment, but probably will delegate the OMNI to conduce the meetings.
In a note, the spokesperson of the government announced "A week of celebration to commemorate this important milestone we reached. The peace in Esamir is just in the reach of our hands. We want to commemorate who died to build this peace, whom sacrifice will never be forgotten". His Highness, Sebastian Valerian Higencourt, took a flight with part of his entourage to join the leaders of Zackalantins and New Tarajan in the celebrations held in the first nation.

The damages to Antanares were not extensive. Despite the attack, long-range missile bombings especially, conducted from Eurasia against the mainland of the Federation, only few cities were directly hit and suffered extensive damages. The Bruma, in a special session, allocated all the necessary funds to the reconstruction program. Johann Mendler, PM of the Wolf Party and delegate for the Infrastructure in the VI Commission, declared to the journalists that most all the area hit were covered with direct contracts to local companies and only few sites remain to be figured out.

For the first time since before the start of the first NZ-Eurasian war nearly 18 years ago, the Social Democracy and the Eurasian Empire have engaged in an official diplomatic correspondence. At the Flavian Palace in the Valerian Valley (or the Valley of Kings), situated in the eastern front of the Tiberius district 25km inside the NZ border, high ranking delegations from the two superpowers have met officially for the first time in over a decade. The selection of the location is a fitting choice with the Valerian Valley, with the bordering province being the first to face the Eurasian invasions and the last to be recaptured by the retaliating NZ forces. Here the two delegations led by President Chrisjen Djako and Emperor Augustus IV respectively will meet over the course of a week with the hopes of reopening trade and diplomatic relations once again. With the Ministry of the Realm now all but eradicated and positioned to take the fall as an ideal scapegoat the two superpowers hope to brush the past behind them and usher a second golden age. Both superpowers now sit in precarious situations with both having taken massive economic losses from the two large scale war efforts in the span of as many decades and the disruption of civilian life as a result. Both, it seems, are hoping that reopening trade and de-escalation of tensions between the two gargantuan nations will give them the kick start required to pull themselves from the edge of collapse. At the very least, de-escalation of the military situation will give the two a chance to take a breather and focus on internal problems instead of maintaining their unsustainably oversized war ready militaries. What this could mean for citizens of the two nations, and the world even, is looking great. Should both nations walk away with the open trade and friendly relations they've both all but openly stated they are hoping for, it would open a massive new market for the two in terms of trade. New-Zealand is the world's largest consumer market and Eurasia is the worlds second largest nation by population. Both have massive and lucrative trade potential, especially tied in together with their close proximities. With de-escalation we could once again see the merchant fleets of New-Zealand operating the eastern trade routes through Eurasian waters in large droves, and the liberalisation of trade and relations with the Eurasian duchy of Arveyres. Who knows, maybe one day we will see the return of the Great Eurasia-NZ Railroad that carried freight and passengers throughout the continent. All this rests however, on the outcome of this monumental summit.

Election Day: KTP-led coalition achieves outstanding victory with 67% of votes ---- Election Day: Duke of Coevorden receives appointment from the King as Grand Pensionary after electoral victory ---- Overseas Territories to vote in independence referenda next day ---- War in New-Zealand: New Tarajan rejects bilateral NZ-Eurasia negotiations as "non-respectful of OMNI participation", GP ---- Eindhoven Stock Exchange Indexes: AFIX -3.4% ; FIX -0.5% ; NTIA -0.9% ---- Would you like to know more? More updates and insights on www.ntko.co.tj


Astana.
The news of the opening of negotiations between New-Zealand and Eurasia in Tiberius has not been well received in New Tarajan. The new government had to handle with the issue in the first meeting after elections, issuing an official statement, by mouth of Grand Pensionary the Duke of Coevorden:"We do not recognize these bilateral talks. New-Zealand cannot negotiate alone with the Empire of Eurasia. The war that just passed was not a war involving New-Zealand alone: many soldiers from New Tarajan, Antanares, Zackalantis, bravely fought and died in order to ensure that New-Zealand would be freed from the invaders, and now what? They pretend to negotiate terms alone? This government would like to remind to New-Zealand that, if not for OMNI sacrificing its men and women, the Empire of Eurasia would probably still sitting into their lands. This is unacceptable."
Extremely strong words, which represent well the feeling of frustration that reigns into the halls of the Palace of Government and Charbagh Palace, seat of the Grand Pensionary; and which is not sparing the two legislative bodies of the Kingdom either, since the Landsraad already issued a note, calling for the government to take "any measure it will deem to be necessary" in order to ensure that New Tarajan's, and other OMNI members', interests are not simply forgotten. A similar note is going to be released by the Diet soon as well.
No statement has come from the Royal Palace, where the King just came back from the celebrations held in the UKZ, but rumors point toward a deep sense of betrayal. The ambassadors in Velikogovolka and Cair Paravel have already been instructed in order to create a common ground with the other two OMNI allies on this issue.
Meanwhile, Tarajani forces still keep their positions, held since the last phases of the war, both inside and outside New-Zealand and close to Eurasia.

In a question to the Minister of External Affairs (who is also the PM), Mr Clark Davies, Member of Parliament from Buckingham North asked what the government's position was on UKZ membership in the OMNI and if parliament would soon be debating the same.

The Rt. Hon. minister said this in response "It is the belief of this government that the OMNI is an indispensable part of Zack international identity. It is because of our membership with OMNI, we can be safe from external aggression and focus on developing the lifestyles of our citizens. It is however, evident that our membership in OMNI comes with disadvantages where we have been dragged into a war that was simply not ours to fight.

That being said, this government will not be proposing any legislation on the floor of this house to leave OMNI, but instead work within the framework of the OMNI through negotiation to ensure that such a situation does not arise again. We will be reviewing our role in the OMNI and will seek assurances from the larger powers in OMNI that the UKZ will not be punished for our friendship with the OMNI again.
If however, this parliament chooses to accept a private member's resolution on the future of the UKZ in the OMNI, we will not place a whip on the MPs of our party and will allow them to vote as their constituents desire. If this house does decide that Zexit needs to happen, we will stand by its decision and initiate negotiations to leave the OMNI. We, however, strongly dissuade this house from taking such steps in the near future as it will jeopardise UKZ's international relations in a world still recovering from war."

The Conservative party labelled the PM unstable as it was his government last year that pushed for a Zexit and then ended up building an OMNI institute and joint satellite for OMNI. The Liberal leader in parliament was disappointed that the UKZ would not leave the OMNI, but also said it would encourage its MPs to lobby Congress MPs to support a possible Zexit resolution.

Elections are due next year in October, but speculations of an early election this October are already in the air. Zexit will be a major issue in those elections but for now, it seems like most parliamentarians have buried the Zexit hatchet yet again. For the foreseeable future, the UKZ will remain an integral yet possibly a rebellious member of the OMNI.

The external affairs ministry also said that while the UKZ applauds all efforts at peace and reconciliation, the UKZ hopes that it along with the OMNI play a larger role in peace talks with New Zealand as our men and women have died for Kiwi freedom. It is not fair that New Zealand goes ahead with talks without any OMNI and Zack representation.



With confirmation from the organising committee and government of Sdudeti Karabak, the 21st Commonwealth Games are back on track. This time around it will be welcoming athletes from non-commonwealth member nations to play under the banner of the team of 'Independent Commonwealth Athletes (ICA)'.
This will be the largest games till date with 43 participating nations and territories and will be the first to be hosted outside the UKZ.

While qualifiers for major sporting events have been going on and have resumed across the commonwealth, the Queen's baton relay is also about to begin which will span all 42 members of the commonwealth before finally reaching Sdudeti karabak where the Queen's message inside will be read at the opening ceremony to all the athletes and people of the host nation.

The games will give the UKZ and the Commonwealth to celebrate after a gruesome war that took the joy out of everything. Excitement is building as the games draw near!

In a non-surprising statement released during the morning press meeting, Enrique De Letta, spokesperson of the Federation of Antanares, announced that the government "Will refuse any bilateral meeting about the current war with the hostile forces of Eurasia". He added "Currently, the entire OMNI is deployed to assure the end of the bloodshed. The sacrifice of the victims and soldiers of this infamous conflict will not be vain. There will be no bilateral solution, no one to one meeting just for the sake of Eurasia. We went to war for New Zealand as an alliance and we will finish this war, with New Zealand, as an alliance. If Eurasia want to reach an agreement, it will talk with all the representative of the OMNI at once in a single meeting". During the Q&A session, the spokesperson answered to the questions of the journalists about the position of the government, assuring that Antanares will maintain its stand about the truce, confirming the actual deployment of troops in the frontline and will not take any actions outside the umbrella of OMNI.

It is not the first time Antanaresian government decides to take a low profile to support the Alliance efforts in diplomacy. For many, OMNI was the first step of Antanares in the XXI century, in a new era of alliances and peaceful relationships with the neighbouring countries. The new diplomacy course took from the current Prince, strengthen the position in the OMNI while operating under its umbrella, allowed the Federation to increase its economic and cultural exchanges with many of the partners, improving the reputation of a country for a long time seen as a militaristic, ruthless, nation. For the few still alive, the current Federation is far from being the same of sixty years ago, under the rule of the grand-father of His Highness.
Despite maintaining trained, highly-technological combat forces, the Federation is investing resources and times in improving the social conditions of its citizens and in the technological development of the nation. The recent achievements reached in the field of robotics and aerospace flight are one of the best effect of the new policies enacted in the last ten years.

The Queen's Baton Relay for the XXI Commonwealth Games scheduled in Sdudeti-Karabak kicked off Wednesday morning at Buckingham Place in Buckingham City,  Windsor. The Queen, Commonwealth Games Federation President, President of the XXI Commonwealth Games Organising Committee and other representatives from Sdudeti Karabak were the distinguished guests at the event.

The Event kicks off with a cultural showcase on the palace front grounds. It was a chance for Sdudeti Karabak to share its unique culture with the 41 other member nations. Dances and various other performances were put on by incredibly talented Sdudeti Karabak performers.

The queen (head of commonwealth) inserted her message to the athletes in the baton, which has been designed in Sdudeti karabak. This baton will now travel in a relay across all 42 competing nations and will finally end at the opening ceremony of the 21st Commonwealth Games, where the representative of Her Majesty (or her majesty herself) will read out the message and declare the games open.
The relay is scheduled to take at least a month as it travels to all the capitals of the member states and most cities in Sdudeti karabak.

These games are a historic one, with many firsts. It is the first games to be held in a nation that is independent and does not recognise Her Majesty as their head of state, it is also the largest commonwealth games ever and the first to allow non-commonwealth athletes to compete in an Independent Commonwealth Athlete contingent. These games also come right after a war, giving the world an opportunity to forget the hardships that the war brought and celebrate sporting excellence and cultural exchange.

These games are a reflection of how old sour and bitter ties of colonialism and territorial conquest can be transformed into a forum for good through cultural exchange and sport. Sdudeti Karabak and North Ajania was the source of all contention between the UKZ and New Tarajan for a very long time with the two countries changing hands very frequently, but today they both enjoy all the perks of being members of the Commonwealth association which is no longer just limited to cultural exchange but also to finance trade as many UKZ businesses seek to do more business and trade with companies within the commonwealth association. Furthermore, citizens of members of the Commonwealth association have the right to vote in UKZ national elections and most presidency elections provided they have resided in the country and that presidency for more than one year.


As the baton embarks on its longest ever journey, all eyes now to Sdudeti karabak that will play host to the world's largest multi-sporting event.

OMNI has forced the Social Democracy's hand, with Djako's administration pulling a close to the controversial Eurasian-NZ bilateral talks with only a handful of low priority agreements, mostly in the form of economic openings and token trade deals. Nothing military or reparations related was signed. In fact, the recent war was not mentioned once in any of the official reports following the talks. The news comes on the tail end of widespread outrage from the OMNI world, who perceived NZ's acceptance of the bilateral talks ahead of the official OMNI led talks as a smack in the face to the military alliance crucial in the victory against Eurasia.

XXI Commonwealth Games opening ceremony in Van Janusekstadt, Sdudeti-Karabak, defined as "outstanding success" ---- XXI Commonwealth Games full coverage on NTKO Channel 3 ---- XXI Commonwealth Games: "This is an occasion to show the world the ties between our cultures", Grand Duke said ---- New Zealand War: New Tarajan welcomes NZ withdrawal from talks, calling for immediate peace treaty, Grand Pensionary ---- Eindhoven Stock Exchange Indexes: AFIX +5.6% ; FIX +4.4% ; NTIA +5.0% ---- Would you like to know more? More updates and insights on www.ntko.co.tj


Van Janusekstadt.
The capital of Sdudeti-Karabak has today hosted what many have already termed as the most massive celebration in the brief history of the small Grand Duchy. The XXI Commonwealth Games opening ceremony is, quite obviously, a huge opportunity for the hosting country to make a show of its culture, to garner prestige from the power of impression, and to stand out from the ranks. All things that, clearly, the grand ducal government wanted to achieve; and it did it without minding at the expenses.


The athletes parade was just the starting point: the stadium became the stage for a show illustrating the long history of the Karabakian lands, moving forward through ambitious and outstanding coreagraphies involving thousands of people, statues representing the most illustrious sons of the Grand Duchy, all accompanied by a mix of orchestra and Ajanic traditional music. A thirty-minutes long firework spectacle then followed the arrival of the Queen's Baton Relay on the site.
It was truly a moment of pride and glory for the Grand Duchy, as also underlined by the words of Grand Duke Conrad Van Vinkel, who opened the ceremony with his speech. But behind the veil of splendour, clearly lies the most ambitious political project which is at the heart of the very existence of the Grand Duchy itself: that of mending the wounds resulting from centuries of war and decades of social, economic, and cultural discrimination and emargination of the mixed Ajanic-Zack population since Sdudeti-Karabak were restituted by the UKZ to New Tarajan in 1954. Since his enthronement as first sovereign of the independent Grand Duchy, Conrad I have done much to lead his country along this path, and the decision to join the Commonwealth was one of the most prominent feats he achieved. The hosting of the XXI Commonwealth Games was too much of an opportunity to be wasted: and we can see the show and the coreographies stressing the strong and unshakable links between Sdudeti-Karabak and New Tarajan, exemplified by their shared Ajanic legacy, on one side; and the Zack heritage, not hidden anymore, but instead stressed as a unity with the Ajanic one, on the other.
It is no coincidence, of course, that much of the show has been co-financed by the New Tarajan Investment Authority, the Kingdom's sovereign fund. The same can be said about what will probably be the long-lasting legacy of these Games: the Commonwealth Village, the huge complex of gaming fields, swimming pools, residences (with, of course, the stadium at its core), that will be the stage of the games and which already shaped a new face for Van Janusekstadt's outskirts, not without arousing vociferous complains from some fringes of the political world about the huge expenses and the meaning of having them in part covered with Tarajani money. A decision that by some has been seen as another demonstration that the Grand Duchy's independence is, in fact, nothing more than a fake.
No matter what will happen at the Games, Sdudeti-Karabak is quickly approaching a crossroad in its history as a sovereign State. What we have seen tonight may just be an allusion to it.



Meanwhile, a good show of the results that joint Tarajani-Zack diplomacy can achieve has been seen on another field, with the official decision by the government of New-Zealand to withdraw from the bilateral talks with the Empire of Eurasia. The first news of the talks resulted in an outcry of outrage from all OMNI member States, which considered them to be a blatant betrayal, and an attempt to reach a unilateral peace with Eurasia. Reactions coming from both New Tarajan and the UKZ were particularly strong, with Astana clearly concerned that the talks could spell a break in OMNI just a few months after its most costly war, particularly in case a Z-Exit (the name given to the possibility of Zackalantis leaving the alliance) should look more and more attractive to Zack politicians. But the new government led by the Duke of Coevorden had already made clear that priority would have been given to a Zack participation to the alliance, and that any compromise on the talks was to be rebuffed.
Now, this strong-word policy seems to have paid its dividends, but it is clear the issue is not yet over.
"While we appreciate the decision of the New-Zealand government to fall back in line with its international obligations" the Grand Pensionary said in a press conference from the Palace of Government "We understand that there is a pressing concern for a swift transformation of the ceasefire into a peace treaty. For this reason, we renewe our calls for a peace conference to be held immediately, with all parties involved. I have already received an invitation by the government of North Ajania to host the talks in Shahrazad."

The first commonwealth games to be held in an independent member nation began with the opening ceremony in Van Janusekstadt, kicking off many days of world-class sporting excellence which is a treat for not only citizens of the commonwealth association but also sports fan across the world.

The games were declared open jointly by Grand Duke Conrad Van Vinkel of Sdudeti Karabak and His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales who was representing Her Majesty the Queen (head of the commonwealth association).
The Queen's message in the Baton had a message of congratulations to all the athletes for qualifying and the people of Sdudeti Karabak for hosting the friendly games.

Excerpts from Her Majesty's Address to the Athletes of the 21st Commonwealth Games:

The Commonwealth Games is the largest multi sporting event in the world, and this edition of the games is the largest in history. The next hosts will be Cair Mojan, Drakenburg (New-Zeland) and voting for the host of the 23rd Commonwealth Games has commenced with the hosts being declared at the closing ceremony of the present games. All eyes on the big sports of Cricket, Football, Rugby and Field Hockey which begin soon.

The Eurasian Atomic Bureau, known as Euratom, admitted today in a press conference that the massive radiation spike detected by a nuclear plant in Argentomagus was caused by an explosion at a testing facility in northern Tolbiacum, in the vicinity of Spoletium. The agency was silent when pressed on the nature of the explosion, stating that it was a "state secret."

"It is not the nature of the Atomic Bureau to comment on ongoing matters which are subject to Imperial secrecy." Spokesman Lucius Aventius Torentus said during the briefing. He continued, "[t]he explosion released an estimated 3000 PBq. The radioactive contamination is isolated to the immediate vicinity of the countryside and will not impact the rest of the Empire, nor any other nation of Esamir. His Imperial Majesty has formed a council to further investigate the matter."

Physicists with the University of Civitius, however, raised doubts about these statements. Prof. Valerius Alexius Legasus, First Rector of the Council of Eurasian Atomic Scientists, stated that measurements taken by the University of Civitius indicated the radiation released was equivalent to 5150 PBq, a significantly larger amount than Euratom claimed. He went on, stating "[t]he isotopes released indicate it is a byproduct of nuclear reactor fuel." The town in which the explosion occurred, Spoletium, is indeed home to a nuclear power station. However, no evacuations have been ordered yet, and the Ministry of Energy has not responded to requests for comment on whether the explosion took place due to a reactor accident.

Professor Legasus, a specialist in nuclear reactors and in nuclear physics, stated that if it was indeed a reactor which suffered an explosion, evacuations must be ordered immediately. "The surrounding area must be evacuated immediately if this was indeed a reactor malfunction." Prof. Legasus said. However, another expert, retired legate Gaius Salvinius Condadus, stated it may have been a nuclear missile test gone wrong. "We know the Ministry of War has been testing a new generation of intermediate-range ballistic missiles, and this may have been a catastrophic failure of a new type of atomic-powered rocket." Salvinius Condadus went on to suggest that Euratom may be taking responsibility to avoid making public new designs. "There's a tremendous amount of necessary secrecy which surrounds nuclear rocketry in the Empire, and in particular the testing of new designs. Imperial Rocketdyne may be shifting responsibility to Euratom to minimize the damage."

Lending weight to this rocket-theory is the fact that Euratom deals primarily with nuclear energy, owning and operating the majority of nuclear power stations in the Empire. Imperial Rocketdyne, on the other hand, is a military industrial corporation, often working with Misriah Armories to produce sophisticated rocketry for the Imperial Legions. If it was indeed a failed missile test, the Ministry of War may have ordered the Ministry of Energy to take responsibility via Euratom, thus avoiding making known that the Empire was testing new rocket designs. In either event, the story is developing.

The Office of Nuclear Safety and Security (ONSS), under the Department of Energy, has enacted precautionary radiation safety measures in a selection of eastern lying districts following news of a suspected nuclear incident in Tolbiacum, Eurasia. At this point in time the districts affected are as follows: Mayfair, Magnolia, Detroit, Haven, Tiberius, Southland, Clutha and Waitakere. It should be noted that Drakenburg, currently hosting the much anticipated Commonwealth Games, was not one of the districts listed. Furthermore the Tourism Department has extended a statement assuring all tourists that Drakenburg still remains a perfectly safe place to be at the current time, with radiation levels remaining well within safe parameters. In fact the geographical positioning of Drakenburg in the far western tip of the gargantuous Social Democracy make it quite literally the safest place to be in the Social Democracy right now. While the Tolbiacum incident will have inevitably put a damper in the spirit of the games, it will hopefully only be a short lasting hiccup. 

The following directives have been issued as part of the precautionary measures: 
(1) Schools are to limit time spent outdoors for all students. All students to remain indoors during breaks and other recreational hours. 
(2) All businesses and homes are encouraged to set HVAC and climate control systems to "recirculation" and close windows. If air filteration systems are available they should be used. The same recommendations also apply to vehicles. 
(3) Citizens are encouraged to remain indoors where possible. 
(4) All PSA broadcast towers are to be checked for readiness and citizens are strongly encouraged to carry devices capable of receiving PSA broadcasts at all times. 
(5) Hospitals and triage capable facilities are to prepare for a radiation exposure incident as per their emergency protocols. 
(6) All Military and Security personnal in affected districts to maintain a state of readiness for a large scale radiation exposure event. Rapid public evacuation procedures are to be reveiwed. 
(7) All air quality and weather monitoring facilities are to be on high alert. Any and all irregularities warranting concern are to be reported immediately to the Nuclear Safety Emergency Hotline on 0800-WEGONDIE.  

News of the potential radiation risk has caused panic throughout the neighbouring nation of New-Zealand, but the government has called for calm and order. The ONSS has reassured the public that radiation levels within the Social Democracy remain within safe levels. Regardless, precationary steps are being taken to ensure public safety is protected. The ONSS operates a widespread network of radiation monitoring stations throughout the Social Democracy and assures the public that levels are being actively monitored and appropriate action will be taken immediately should levels rise. 

On a diplomatic front the Social Democracy has called on the Eurasian Empire to share what it knows with it's kiwi counterparts in the name of co-operation. In an official broadcast President Djako expressed an urge to aid the Eurasians best manage the incident in Tolbiacum with the best interests of the continent at heart, "national pride and state image mean nothing compared to human lives" was her closing statement. The Social Democracy has some of the latest industry leading radiation exposure equipment on account of it's sprawling nuclear power generation network and Djako extended an offer of any and all assistance needed. Time will tell if the historically tight lipped Eurasian Empire choses to accept the aid of it's neighbour, but for now the world watches with keen eyes.

Nuclear explosion in Spoletium: no immediate danger for New Tarajan, Oversea Territories, Grand Pensionary said ---- Nuclear explosion in Spoletium: follow the updates on NTKO Channel 2 ---- Protests in Julium are "for basic human rights", Grand Pensionary said ---- King Friederick Wilhelm and Queen Beatrix visit new archaeological site nearby Muraz ---- KW announces its return to rally races after twenty years, beginning with the Shalimar Crossing Rally, CEO ---- Eindhoven Stock Exchange IndexeS: AFIX -0.5% ; FIX -0.4% ; NTIA +1.2% ---- Would you like to know more? More updates and insights on www.ntko.co.tj


Astana.
Early this morning Grand Pensionary Duke Leopold Conrad Van Vinkel announced a press conference in Charbagh Palace, his official residence, to comment on the latest news concerning Eurasia. Nobody was surprised when the head of the royal government mentioned two issues: the nuclear explosion in Spoletium, and the protests against the Penitus Oculatus in Julium.
"Once again, the safety of millions of people is at jeopardy in the name of national pride" the Grand Pensionary said, echoing the wording of NZ President Djako: "Though I have been assured by our experts that there is no risk, either for New Tarajan and the Oversea Territories, in agreement with His Majesty and with the Landsraad, special measures for monitoring and, eventually, containment have been predisposed in those territories lying closest to the affected area."
The Duke of Coevorden addressed some other consequences as well, when he mentioned the call "coming from many elements in our political world, to pursue a policy that would assure the most complete denuclearization of Eurasia, considering also what happened at the end of the last war." A reference to the motion recently submitted to the Diet by the Blue Party, and supported by some Houses even inside the Landsraad, that asked for the government to take immediate action in order to denuclearize Eurasia completely, in order to avoid "any further occurrence of such global-scale dangers and threats that the Empire, clearly, has failed to counter, if not actively provoking them."
The Royal Council, and its head, did not express their position on the motion, but for sure it would be hard for the Grand Pensionary to completely ignore it, if it will pass the Diet's exam.


The motion is just the last of a long series of signs clearly showing a growing feeling of discomfort toward Eurasia inside the Tarajani political world, public opinion, and even the all-powerful aristocracy. The last war is a wound still left open, and with no official peace treaty ever negotiated, in theory it is not finished yet. The sense that Eurasia simply 'went away' with its crimes and guilts without any punishment is felt strongly. The Duke of Coevorden, despite his strong political power (or, actually, because of it) cannot ignore such a urge.
And he further added to the Tarajani charges against the Empire by mentioning the recent protests occured in Julium against the Penitus Oculatus: "The state in which those people who do not profess the faith in the Mos Maiorum in Eurasia is disgraceful, to say the least." he said "New Tarajan cannot but sincerely hope that no further actions will be taken against those who ask for just the basic of human rights, and that their demands may be met soon."
When asked about the chance of the Kingdom getting directly involved, through the issue of sanctions or the offer of political asylum to dissenters, the Grand Pensionary answered with a sibylline "all options are on the table."
The message to Eurasia is clear. As it is clear that the Empire is loosing whatever is left of its political and even cultural prestige in the Kingdom. No House in the Landsraad would now publicly claim an Eurasian descent, as it was so common for centuries, and even the Royal House is completely omitting the title of Eurasian patricians that, however, it still possess. Some analysts wonder whether Eurasia will actually try to mend the fracture and bridge the gap, particularly toward the aristocracy, the cornerstone of the Kingdom, but also among the citizens: it is not to be forgotten that, in the Tarajani system, a citizen has a right to vote and to be elected only if he or she spend at least one year in the armed forces; the result is that most of the Tarajani electorate now had at least once to fight against Eurasians, and the result of this can be easily understood.

The Department of Energy has today released a damning update to the Eurasian Nuclear Crisis. According to investigations conducted at the Depatment of Energy's Haven National Laboratory (pictured above), the Eurasian Nuclear Crisis is far from over. According to this mornings report the Tolbiacum facility appears to be continuing to release nuclear fallout into the atmosphere with no sign of reduction. While levels remain safely below human exposure limits, concerns are being raised regarding the environmental impact of ongoing radiation exposure. According to meteorogical studies, the DoE expects that radiation fallout from Tolbiacum will be detectable in the New Tarajan and the rest of the northern superpowers in a matter of days. Should Tolbiacum continue to output radiactive material, researchers are concerned there could be significant lasting environmental impacts particularly in the form of ecosytem degradation. The Department of Conservation and Department of Agriculture have been quick to respond to the damning report, with both instituting measures to check for radiation levels in animals and crops throughout the social democracy, particularly those destined for consumption. Concerns are particularly aimed at certain breeds of fish which are known to accumulate radiation through the food chain. President Djako has once again extended a desperate plea to the Eurasian Empire to drop their attempts at secrecy, echoing the voices of the Tarajani Diet. "The sitation is obviously not well contained, we could be on the cusp of an environmental disaster and Eurasian inaction will be the sole cause" she stated in a desperate official statement regarding the crisis. The Nuclear Safety Office has however maintained it's current levels of readiness, enacting no changes to the existing precautionary measures, stating that levels within the Social Democracy are still safe for human exposure. Regardless economic watchdogs are expression concerns of potential impacts from the ongoing crisis, initial reports suggest confidence in the eastern districts, including the capitol, has taken a significant hit. Some citizens of the eastern districts, it seems, are turning in their annual leave or requesting transfers in order to distance themselves from the radiation threat. Should the exodus gain momentum the eastern districts could be in store for significant recession, something the bohemoth economy of the Social Democracy can not afford in it's current fragile state. As the worlds largest consumer market, and the worlds largest privatised economy, a recession not buoyed by the public spending of a war economy could send the markets of the world into an uncontrolled death spiral. It seems the Eurasian Empire once again holds the fate of many nations and billions of people in the clasps of it's iron fist.

BREAKING
Following closely on the heels of announcements from the Tarajani and New Zealander governments that radiation exposures were in fact increasing, the Ministry of Civil Defense finally released a formal announcement on the disaster. Speaking in a somber press conference before reporters from the world over, Prime Minister of Civil Defense Publius Decius Subulo confirmed the horrifying extent of the disaster.

"Reactor No. 5 suffered a catastrophic failure during its decommissioning. The radiation released has contaminated approximately 250 square kilometers of Tolbiacum, and is spreading. Under the express authority of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Augustus IV, the Ministry of Civil Defense has implemented rapid evacuation protocols for the affected areas. We expect that over the next forty-eight-hours approximately 350,000 will be evacuated from their homes for relocation throughout the Empire."

Amid audible gasps from a press corps accustomed to heavy news from the Imperial Government, the Prime Minister seemed to pause for a moment, as if collecting himself.

"It is my solemn duty to inform the people of the Empire that, due to the intense radiation emitted during the incident, there have been numerous fatalities. As of now, fifteen people have died from acute radiation poisoning, five of them reactor scientists and the remainder firemen who attempted to fight the blaze. The remaining individuals have been evacuated by airplane to Julium to receive special treatment."

The Prime Minister then yielded the podium to the Prime Minister of Energy, Tiberius Golfinus Coruncanius. Golfinus Coruncanius appeared nervous, shuffling his notes for a moment before addressing the stunned reporters.

"The events which led to this accident are currently unknown, but we are investigating. From what we understand, during the routine decommissioning of reactor, a malfunction of the control rod mechanism led to a runaway reaction, causing a massive steam explosion. This, in turn, led to an even larger secondary explosion, which scattered large portions of the reactor core around the building, blew the roof open, and set the fuel on fire due to oxygen contact." The Prime Minister appeared to pause, looking around the room as if unsure whether to proceed.

"Unfortunately, attempts to pump water into the reactor have failed. As of now, the reactor is still exposed to the air and is indeed continuing to burn. His Imperial Majesty has declared this to hereafter be a military operation, and as such I cannot comment as to what measures are being taken to bring the blaze under control. I can state, however, that we expect the blaze to be contained in thirty-six hours."

Prof. Valerius Alexius Legasus, First Rector of the Council of Eurasian Atomic Scientists, agreed to comment on the statements. "This is about as bad as it could possibly be. Obviously, I do not know why the reactor melted down, but we can assume that we have a finite timeline here. If the blaze is not brought under control, it could irradiate a significant portion of the Western Hemisphere, possibly rendering even the entirety of Tolbiacum and the surrounding nations uninhabitable in two- to three-weeks."

The statements by the Ministries raise further questions, such as why a reactor in the process of being decommissioned would explode at all. What is known is that the Spoletium Nuclear Station is one of the oldest in the Empire, and its reactors are woefully out of date. They were slated for decommission in 1997, but astoundingly remained in operation decades after they became dangerously obsolete. Why they were kept running is a mystery.

As the first session of parliament begins Queen made her speech to a joint sitting of both houses outlining the government's policies for the coming four year term.
In domestic policies, the government has agreed to enter into talks with the United for Ceylon coalition to discuss independence and to enter into talks with the Welsh political leadership to decide on an autonomous system of government for Wales. These two, of course, are a coalition depend from the united for Ceylon alliance and the Welsh National Party that are extending support to the minority congress government.

The Queen also said that the government will bring back the question of replacing the national flag with the union jack as the flag agreement's extended expiry date approaches. The government will also raise the issue of a tricameral legislature, which will reinstitute Her Majesty's royal court as the third branch of government.

On the international front, this government will reconsider foreign aid spending, diverting it to only Commonwealth Association members. Her Majetsy also said that her government will look forward to peace talks with Eurasia with the denuclearisation of Eurasia on the table as well as severe sanctions on the nation. The UKZ will not be party to any international organisation like the UNE, or any supranational government.
The future of the UKZ within the OMNI must be subject to the scrutiny of Parliament, and any ideas of a so called Zexit must be approved by both houses of parliament.

The session now two weeks in has seen a resolution to declare Eurasia a rouge state. With major opposition from the Liberal Party and divided opinions in the ruling coalition, the resolution is not likely to pass. The Conservative party supports the resolution, however they claim that Congress only brought this to the floor of the house to divert attention from the conservative's reproductive rights bill and delay debate and voting.

The Prime Minister has also said that she is very concerned about the happenings in Eurasia, but she trusts the New Zealand government when they say the commonwealth games are safe. However, this statement is not reflected in the fact that their royal highnesses, the Prince of Wales and the duchess of cornwall have cut their trip in Cair Mojan to open the games short and flown back to the UKZ.

The Commonwealth of Godricland, an independent nation under the crown of the UKZ has been battling bush fires for the past month. Several hundreds of people are believed to have lost their homes and large acres of native wildlife habitat have been destroyed. The fires have got Godricland suffering from a large number of displaced people and major wildlife loss.

The UKZ, which is by far Godricland's closest ally has instructed their military personnel in bases in Godricland to aid the local emergency forces in rescue. The UKZ has also deployed two naval ships to deliver rations and rescue supplies to Godricland. This, however, can be seen as a huge international issue. Godricland is fairly close to Eurasia- A nation that the UKZ has been to war against fairly recently and a nation that the UKZ has deemed as 'rouge'.


The ministry of external affairs and the ministry of defence has said that no nation need to be concerned as we mobilise our naval assets to assist with rescue and fire fighting operations in Godricland. This is purely a humanitarian mission.
The Ministry of External Affairs has also said that they will be approaching OMNI nations to request for their support and assistance with tackling the raging bushfires in Godricland. This response by the UKZ also comes at a time when the Commonwealth of the Tasman Islands, have started getting closer to Eurasia with their new Labour Prime Minister scheduling a visit to Urbem Sol to open the Tasman Islands first embassy in Eurasia. Critics claim this the UKZ's way of reminding the Tasman Islands that there are many benefits to being closely allied with the UKZ and that the UKZ has a sizeable naval presence.

How Eurasia and The Tasman Islands will react to OMNI military presence so close to its border is something only time will tell. The UKZ has made it clear, however, that they have no intention to escalate tensions. That being said, the last time the UKZ deployed their naval ships off the Eurasian coast for 'Scientific purposes' the UKZ fired missiles at Eurasian ports starting World War 2.

The UKZ has been in a festive mood since Christmas, with UKZ Day and Manalsu Day festivities gripping the country one after the other. The celebratory atmosphere in the country continues, with Carnival festivities starting tomorrow evening and ending on the evening of Fat Tuesday. Carnival is an annual catholic tradition of festivities and general frivolity before the sombre observances and fasting of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday. Carnival celebrations begin with an opening ceremony across various cities in the UKZ and consist of street parties, events, concerts right from Friday evening to Tuesday evening.
Cheap booze, sales in stores, and bars and clubs hosting special events are key attractions for both domestic and international tourists looking for some raucous nightlife. Red Light districts in some cities have their hours extended, and cities that have a time constraint on liquor service and stores lift those restrictions on some nights during the Carnival period.
For the average Zack, carnival involves house parties with family and friends, with even some churches having their own costume and masquerade festivities.
The festivities end with a parade organised by local city councils, mostly in the capital city of a presidency. The Key ones being in Houston, Cair Paravel, Mumbai, Edinburgh, London and the most famous one in Panjim.

While Carnival is the last celebration for a while in the country till Easter in April, this time celebrations are feared to be marred by a threat by the Christian Liberation Army (CLA) an extremist Christian organisation that threatens to attack the parade and other events organised for Carnival. They claim that the celebration of Carnival is diluting the observance of Lent and that if the UKZ goes ahead with the celebrations they will have no choice but to attack the revellers and administer some divine retribution.
The government has already said that they are increasing security and investigating the possibility of foreign involvement and support for this terrorist organisation. The Home Minister has also said that he assures foreign governments that it is perfectly safe for their citizens to travel to the UKZ to attend carnival celebrations.
This news no doubt is raining on the parade of the UKZ's hope in becoming a major tourist economy. The UKZ is already one of the largest tourism industries in the world, and the Zack economy is heavily dependent on tourism, as the UKZ is one of the most visited places in the world.
Time will tell what the fate of Carnival will be and what role does the CLA play in future events in the UKZ.

UKZ: CLA threats traditional Carnival festivities --- UKZ: "Foreign citizens at no risk; it's useless to spread fear", Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs ---- UKZ: New Tarajan to deploy agents for concerted anti-terrorist effort, official ---- New F1 circuit in Eindhoven to open to public for first time this Sunday; it will host pre-season testing ---- Eindhoven Stock Exchange Indexes: AFIX -5.6% ; FIX -3.5% ; NTIA -2.0% ---- Would you like to know more? More updates and insights on www.ntko.tj.co


Astana.
After an extremely quick meeting at the Palace of Government, the Tarajani government has approved the joint proposal by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Justice and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to deploy agents to Zackalantis as part of an joint anti-terrorist effort under OMNI framework. The proposal, strongly supported by Grand Pensionary and Supreme Marshal, the Duke of Coevorden, has been approved unanimously, and has been signed by the King himself immediately after the end of the session.
Among Tarajani intelligence agencies, the duty for investigations and operations on foreign soil falls on the shoulders of the K.I.D. (standing for Koninklijk inlichtingendienst, or Royal Intelligence Service), and as such it is not surprising that the first official confirmation came directly from the mouth of Count Michael Van Aardenne-De Meyster, the director of the agency: "Though I cannot disclose further details for security reasons, the decision to deploy agents to UKZ to aid with the anti-terrorist effort of Zack forces and agencies is a natural consequence of our alliance and commitment under OMNI, and should not surprise anybody." he said "A threat against one OMNI member is a threat against the alliance as a whole, and it will be dealt as such by all members."
Despite the director's words, what really surprised analysts and politicians (both outside and inside the Kingdom) has been both the rapidity and the official disclosure of the decision. As the member of an independent think-tank recently commented: "Usually you do not advertise your intelligence operations. If you do, then it means you are sending a message." And indeed the Tarajani announcement has all the appearance of a clearly-stated message. The question is: to whom it is directed? To the CLA, for sure; to the Zack government and public opinion, also; but also to Tarajani citizens. In a post-war Esamir, still in the full process of recovery, New Tarajan has no intention to tolerate any attempts at disrupting the existing international order and this, of course, also passes through the protection of national governments, particularly those, like the UKZ, who have been proved to be the staunchest allies of the Kingdom and to have a fundamental role in the new order (as the King stated during his last visit to Cair Paravel, the UKZ can be easily seen as "the leader of the developing countries").
Perhaps, a fear that CLA activities may also re-ignite Christian extremists' actions in New Tarajan (and the infamous 'Morean crisis' is still not too far away in time as to be easily forgotten) contributed to the decision as well, as part of the overall plan by the Duke of Coevorden to keep his tenure in government under the sign of peace and stability, both at home and abroad.


At the moment, neither the number of agents nor their exact role has been disclosed yet. For sure, they will work in close connection with Zack authorities. Though not confirmed at the moment, it is possible that the decision also came following an unofficial request by the UKZ ambassador in Astana who, coincidentally, had met the Duke of Coevorden yesterday afternoon.

Velikogovolka News 24

A Prince resigns, long live the Prince!

Velikogovolka.
The city is adorned with lights and flags, the shops are full of photos of the new Prince of the Federation of Antanares, Viktor Emmanuel Higencourt. It arrived with surprise the news that the precedent prince, Sebastian Valerian of House Higencourt, has decided to abdicate in favour of one of his cousins, Viktor Emmanuel.
Viktor Emmanuel is one of the youngest members of House Higencourt, and one of the more distant from the political life of the Federation. Cousin of Sebastian Valerian, Viktor Emmanuel is a representative of the branch of the Andarian branch of the family. While most of the family tree of House Higencourt is coloured with medals and admiral’s pins, the Andarian’s Higencourt are famous for their interest in arts and education. Ludwig Higencourt, father of Viktor Emmanuel, was rector of the University of Velikogovolka, until three years ago, when after a battle with the cancer decided to lower the weight of his work and now direct a renewed private gallery in Javor, capital city of Andara State.

Viktor Emmanuel is famous for be one of the most reclusive Higencourt. Only twenty-five years old, the youth flied mostly outside the radars. He attended a private school not far from Javor, in open country, where few informed voices suggested he developed one of his passion: painting. Under false name he joined, at fourteen, the Antanaresian Olympic Squad, earning the silver medal in the equitation challenge. Back home, for two years he attended to the military college and joined, as all the members of House Higencourt, the navy. Despite offered with a classical representative job in the Navy, he obtained to be embarked on an operative frigate of the Antanaresian Navy. He was still operative until the moment he received the news that his cousin decided to resign.
According to the Javor’s local newspaper, Viktor Emmanuel was linked with the financing of several project to help the disadvantaged kids of the peripheries, building schools and promoting inclusion programs. He also financed several grants’ programs for the main universities in Antanares. He was also one of the promoters of the recent initiative for the funding of a state-run NGO to help refugee across the world.

“He chose one of the best” said Professor Rose Flint, from the University of Cape Wolf, analysts and writer of the book ‘Successions in Antanares: the creation of a Federal-Principality’ “Of course he made a precise political gesture. He chose someone far from the ambient of the Velikogovolka’ bottom rooms, far from the Royal Palace and the Bruma, while at the same time he didn’t choose someone unknown at all. Viktor Emmanuel is a decorated officer of the Navy, he is a promoter of very relevant programs and projects in the country, so he has renown around. We could make some hypothesis about his reign, basing on what he did. Most probably he will launch his program of a state-run NGO for refugees around Esamir. Most probably he will also increase the education funds. He is very focused on the role of research and education, something he clearly acquired from his father”

The new Prince of Antanares is expected to arrive in Velikogovolka tomorrow. After the ceremonial parade in St. Angus Square, the prince’s convoy will move to the Bruma, where the new Prince will address the parliament and the country, before moving to Regency Palace. In the latter he will be crowned directly from Sebastian Valerian, as is expected in case of resign.
Because of the speed of the recent events, the Office of Winter Palace, main residence of the Prince when he or she is in Velikogovolka, announced that at the coronation will be present only the ambassadors of the countries hosted in Antanares. At the same time, an official feast will be organized in the following months as occasion of meeting between the new leader of the Federation and his allies.

Threats in Zackalantis

Velikogovolka.
Following the threats launched from CLA against its home country, in occasion of the recent Carnival festivities expected to be host in Zackalantis in the next days, the DFI (Directorate of Foreign Investigations, the branch of the secret services operating outside the national borders) posted an online communique. In the internet site of the DFI, which was also replicated in all the national newspaper and news programs, the DFI proclaimed that there is no tangible risk in travelling to Zackalantis for the Carnival, despite the threats. A series of suggestions about how to move in the foreign land, the green number to call in case of emergency and the behaviour to respect in case of attack, was attached to the official communique.

“We take threats pretty seriously” said a representative of the DFI “But, at the same time, we can’t panic every time something is proclaimed from a certain cell or terrorist group. Of course, we would investigate the threats with our allies, and we are in constant contact with the security agencies of Zackalantis. The Carnival is a national event and attire people from all around the world. Event such this of course are always possible target of extremist movements. In any case, we are ready for every possibility”.

CLA is pretty famous in the security field for his precedent operation. Christian extremists, the group has no know links in Antanares, but is well known for the violent statements and their actions against who they considered as not pure. The ISF (Internal Security Forces), issued a statement confirming that the agency is covering all the social media and main grey channels, to prevent any kind of possibility for CLA’s aligned members to operate inside the borders of the Federation.
Despite religious terrorism was never a real danger for the safe of the country, in the recent years a rise in the activism was noticed from the Observatory of Terrorism, Security and Contraband Activities, an independent organization based in Arcadian and reuniting some of the more important experts in the field. Social media such as “Visolibro” are considered fertile terrains for the grow of such groups, sometimes secrets. A special insight on this issue is disponible in our website: “Inside the face of evil”.

Melbin: The capital of the island presidency of Andaman, UKZ was shaken with the news of a bombing at the Black Panther and Night Diamon nightclub on the last night of the Carnival festivities. The Black Panther nightclub is ever popular with tourists and locals alike and was especially crowded on that Tuesday night. Local authorities are reporting 103 dead and over 200 injured. 2 bombs ripped through the two-night clubs at 8 pm and 8:03pm as well as a car bomb at 8:27pm.

Stabbing attempt was stopped at the King's Circle and Cotton Green railway station in Mumbai, Bombay Presidency and at the Longborough underground station in London, England Presidency that same evening at around 9pm and 10pm respectively when commuters were heading home after the celebrations in their cities. The Home Ministry has not come out with a full statement yet but has claimed that over 12 bombing attempts were foiled in Houston, Cair Paravel, Glasgow, Nicobar and Panjim. The Prime Minister's office as well as Her Majesty have expressed "grave regret" over the incident and have extended their condolences to the families of loved ones that have passed away.

So far the Ministry of External Affairs has said that they are aware that several foreign, as well as domestic tourists, have been injured and are in hospital. With a spokesperson for the external affairs ministry hinting at foreign casualties as well. The spokesperson has also assured that the threat has passed and now the UKZ has increased its vigilance to a greater degree. The UKZ has also promised full cooperation with local consulates who want to evacuate their injured and dead citizens. An exact number and nationality of dead and injured have not been declared yet.

The Leader of Opposition has called on the Minister of Home Affairs to resign. While the hundreds of lives have been lost and many families ruined. Parliament will meet tomorrow and observe silence in respect for the dead. Following which Theresa May will have to deal with her first national and political crisis since becoming Prime Minister in August last year. Questions are being raised about the stability of her 7 month old government as her Zack National Congress is in alliance with the right-wing Christian Democratic Party (CDP).

Attacks in UKZ: "no need for immediate evacuation of Tarajani citizens", Ministry for Foreign Affairs ---- Attacks in UKZ: no Tarajani casualties confirmed at the moment, consulates and embassy still on high alert, official ---- Attacks in UKZ: border patrols increased after alleged CLA movements in Sdudeti-Karabak, situation under control ---- Attakcs in UKZ: news and updates live on NTKO Channel 2 ---- Viktor Emmanuel Higencourt is the new Prince of Antanares; Landsraad sends delegation to accession ceremony ---- Eindhoven Stock Exchange Indexes: AFIX -5.4% ; FIX -4.4% ; NTIA -6.0% ---- Would you like to know more? More updates and insights on www.ntko.tj.co


Astana.
At the end, the feared terrorist attack against the Carnival of Zackalantis really happened. And the effects are shocking the whole world. Immediately after the first news came from the UKZ, and particularly the ones from Andaman, where the worst of the attacks took place, Tarajani authorities declared that their priority will be to "ensure that no Tarajani citizen has been injured or killed in these brutal attacks" and, in case this actually happened "to take all necessary measures."
The embassy in Cair Paravel was already at high alert, and is now frantically working in coordination with Zack authorities and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in order to ensure the safety and well-being of the many Tarajanis in the United Kingdoms.
In Astana, Grand Pensionary Leopold Conrad Van Vinkel-Coevorden organized an emergency press conference at Charbagh Palace, his residence: "These brutal attacks will not go unanswered" he replied when asked about what the Kingdom intends to do in the immediate aftermath "This is an attack against an ally, a member state of OMNI, and as such we must answer together, as allies and friends." The Grand Pensionary than moved on to illustrate the measures New Tarajan intend to take: a joint effort with Zackalantis (moving from the one already taking place after the first CLA threats) under the flag of OMNI, and special security measures inside the Kingdom's borders against possible or suspected CLA activities.
"The CLA has declared war against Zackalantis, against all of us. So war it will be. We will give them no respite, we will fight together with Zackalantis until their defeat is ensured." he said at the end of his conference. The Duke of Coevorden than left Charbagh for the Palace of Government, where an emergency meeting of the Council had been organized, where the necessary decree will be prepared, before being presented to the King and the States General. Security forces and the military have been put on alert already an hour after the first attack.
All governmental bodies of the Kingdom also signed a joint declaration, sending their sincerest condolences to the Zack people, and promising "the strongest possible aid on behalf of the Tarajani people for our trusted friends and allies." The King himself signed the declaration, also personally calling Cair Paravel. The same response came from Sdudeti-Karabak and North Ajania, both members of the Zack Commonwealth. Grand Duke Conrad Van Vinkel and Princess Elise Angelique Van Vinkel both expressed their condolences and promised to join the effort to fight the CLA.
The Tarajani government also launched its proposal for an OMNI meeting to take place in Merlberg where to discuss the next moves with the allies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs has "categorically denied" any need for an immediate evacuation of Tarajani citizens from Zack soil: "The authorities of Zackalantis enjoy the utmost trust of New Tarajan. As such, we do not foresee any good reason to evacuate all Tarajani citizens." a spokesperson from the Ministry said. However, the Ministry invited all citizens in the UKZ to contact the embassy or the local consulates.
The reaction from Astana sends a clear signal, both inside and outside the Kingdom: inside, in order to keep calm and to avoid spreading the fear of a possible further extension of CLA activities, which already impressed for the scale and level of the attacks; outside, as a form of support for the Zack government already under attack inside the Parliament. It is no mystery that Tarajani policy is focused on keeping political stability on Altiganta whenever possible, and this also means avoiding a political crisis in the UKZ.



On a happier note, the Kingdom of New Tarajan, by the words of His Majesty King Friederick Wilhelm II, officially congratulated with the new Prince of Antanares, Viktor Emmanuel Higencourt, for his accession to the Antanaresian throne, after the previous sovereign, Valerian, decided to abdicate in his favour.
"It is the utmost and sincerest hope of all the Tarajani people" the King said in his official note delivered to the Antanaresian ambassador "That the historical ties and strong relationship that always kept the Federation and the Kingdom side by side will only grow stronger and thrive." Following the customary tradition (re-established, after an almost four-century long hiatus, in 1945) the Landsraad will send a high-level delegation to the ceremony of accession, headed by the Lord President, Grand Duke Wilhelm V Van Ceytal, himself. Originally, it was expected attendance also by the Duke of Coevorden, however the Grand Pensionary announced he will not be able to join due to the terrorist attacks in Zackalantis. After the accession, the new Prince and King Friederick Wilhelm will meet in the Free City of Lelystad for the 'Meeting of Acknowledgement', another tradition dating from the second half of the XIX century and the beginning of the great Antanaresian-Tarajani alliance that lasts until nowadays. Both the accession ceremony and the meeting will make for the perfect opportunity for New Tarajan to start probing the political positions and ideas of the new ruler of the Federation. Some rumors, inside Tarajani political circles, point towards a certain surprise for Valerian's decision to abdicate, and to choose Viktor Emmanel as his successor. The fear is that a person that, until yesterday, was notoriously far from the political games of Velikogovolka could radically alter the trajectory of Antanaresian foreign and economic policies also vis-à-vis its allies, something that Astana would not see with pleasure, and upon which it would probably try to exercise some form of control or pressure in order to ensure that no drastic break with the past will happen.
But, as for now, the new Prince's ideas are clouded in mystery. What he really thinks, and what he will be able and willing to do and accomplish in such a delicate time for international relations as a whole, only time will tell.