Esamir National News Network

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Christian protests have broken out across the Empire today following the Imperial response to riots in Patavium, which resulted in the Emperor declaring a state of Urban Justitium and deploying the Imperial Military. The riots in Patavium, which claimed the lives of some forty civilians and ten vigiles and firefighters, were among the worst this century, causing some to speculate it had in fact been organized. While the riots themselves were Christians against Muslims, the Christian elements have reportedly felt "betrayed" by the Imperial Government. One Pastor, who goes only by the pseudonym "John-Paul", said to reporters "we have always known that Augustus and his minions were anti-Christian, but this is the final straw."

The protests, which occured simultaneously across the Laurentine Isle and Asticus, all demand that the Imperial Government offer both reparations to Christian families for historic persecution and remove what they call "biased hiring practices". The Imperial Government responded by calling the protestors "delusional", saying "the Senate has passed innumerable laws guaranteeing religious preferences do not negatively affect hiring. If employers are discriminating, we encourage those beingdiscriminated against to come forward and inform the Government, so that we may prosecute
accordingly."


The protests have been peaceful thus far, but signs reading "Augustus is the Antichrist" and "Eurasia is the Devil's Kingdom" have sparked anger from non-Christian Eurasians, including many Jews and Muslims. The Imperial Government is unlikely to yield any ground on this matter, and it remains to be seen whether the protestors will continue or will back down. No comment has yet to be given from the Imperial Palace, and it is unlikely one will be recieved.

Today General Secretary Yuniri announced that the Chacklean military would be receiving 7 new air craft carriers to increase the nation naval power. He said that there was a lack of space on the other Chacklean air craft carriers. With this he said that the air force would be receiving 78 new bombers, 344 new Attack Aircrafts, 233 Fighter Aircrafts and 60 new air busses. After he then said that the Chacklean land force would be seeing the largest upgrades as it would be receiving 1'091 Tanks, 455 Anti-Air tanks, 613 Artillery vehicles. He said that this can all be done within 6 months if all goes to plan and said that the military will start to compete with the bigger military's in the up coming years. Many Chacklean arm manufacturing factories are starting to open for this large build.

After 10 days of intense competition and a spectacular display of athlete skill the Games of XIXth Commonwealth came to a close in Pombay with the closing ceremony.


The closing ceremony was held at Jawarlal Nehru Stadium in the heart of Pombay,

The athletes were already present in the stadium.

The stadium floor was covered in white canvas which was later brought to life by drawing a 'rangoli'. Rangolis are a tradition of Pombay which symbolises good will and wealth and a tradition of diwali. The theme of the closing ceremony was 'COME OUT AND CELEBRATE' Calling all citizens of the commonwealth to celebrate in a succesful games.


Performances included a massed bands performance by the Pombay regiment of the Zack Armed Forces, a Bollywood dance-along and the handing over ceremony where the hosts of the XX Commonwealth Games took over.



The mascot also made an appearence to bid the atheltes fairwell.



The handing over ceremony showcases elements of the next host city's culture and tradition and Novya Zemlya showed just that. It is an extremley formal affair with the lowering of the Flag of the Commonwealth Games and its handing over to Glasgow, Novaya Zemlya.

Handing Over Sequence by Glasgow:

The Handing Over:

The host city for the XXI Games was also declared, the contesting hosts were
1) Crus, Union Kingdom of Relion
2) Ogtow, Union Kingdom of Chelyabinsk
3) Logan, Union Kingdom of Mikum
4) Van Januskestadt, Sdudeti-Karabak

The votes were announced by the Chairman of the Commonwealth Games Federation,

It is now time to announce the hosts for the XXI Games, Before i do that i would like to congratulate Pombay for hosting such an amazing games and for their hospitality. you made us feel right at home.
And best of luck to Glasgow, Novaya Zemlya for a great games in 2018.
And now without further ado the hosts of the XXI Games of the Commonwealth in 2020 is, Van Januskestadt, Sdudeti-Karabak!!

The Sduteti contingent erupted in cheers and so did several Sdudeti Supporters in the stands.

THE FINAL MEDAL TALLY:

NEWS IN ANTANARES

Opening of the Great Concert Hall in Velikogovolka

After two years of works, in the night, The Great Concert Hall of Velikogovolka was opened again. The Great Concert Hall, constructed in the XVI century in the old center of the city, is one of the most important concert hall of all Antanares. The palace, during his long history, hosted famous artists like Wolfang De Martins, author of "Concert of the Fire-Bird", Micheal Van Helsting, author of "Hunting in the Black Forest" ad "Season's movement" and other important masters during the last five centuries.
The renovation's works started the last year and was completed with three months of advance. The works were directed to the renovation of the audio and visual systems of the three main halls that compose the structure, that was adequate to the technological standards of today.
The Hall, reopened, hosted the first of John Tavener's opera "Silentiums", performed by the Velikogovolka Symphonic Orchestra and with the accompaniment of the Grivius Ballet of the Monmart Theater of Cape Wolf.

In a surprise John Carmichael of the Labour Party has been elected President of the British Free State ousting President LeBack who has ruled the Free State since 1992 with an Iron-Fist.During the reign of John LeBack the British People have seen their rights impeded on, the downturn of the economy, and the complete dissolution of the Country's Legislature. He even expanded the Presidential term from 5 years to 12 years and eliminated term limits. Before election day President LeBack said that if an opposition member is elected President blood would flow through the streets. But after the election results he has admitted defeated. After the results John Carmichael held a press conference where he thanked the people of Britain and promised changed.

"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. A new era has graced our nation. For the first time in 24 years our nation will know what freedom is. We will know what it's like to succeed in life and see others succeed with you. We will see what economic prosperity looks like. We will see what a government of the people, by the people, and for the people looks like. No more shall we be slaves of the government. No more shall we live in fear. No more shall our children go uneducated. Our people without food and medical care. It is time for change. Thank you for choosing me as your President. This is a turning point in our history. 26 years ago when the people of Britain overthrew a ruthless monarchy they imagined a nation of peace, social welfare, economic prosperity, and freedom. Today is the start of fulfilling that dream. God Bless the people of this great nation and God bless the British Free State."

Election Results:
John Carmichael(Labour): 66,845.837
John LeBack(United Workers Party): 775,004
Alex Duncan(Conservative): 52,379,159

Jacob Carson who served as Commanding General of the Rebel Army from 1984-1990(duration of the Royal Revolution) and Executive Counselor(Leader of the Executive Council) from 1990-1992 died of a Heart Attack today at the age of 91. Carson lead the British Free State to victory over the oppressive Monarchy which had ruled the land for over 100 years and lead the nation as its Chief Executive from 1990-1992(Officially; Unofficially he served as Chief Executive from 1986-1992). During his term as Executive Counselor he enacted many reforms which helped the nation. All of which we wiped away after John LeBack assumed the Presidency. President Carmichael addressed the nation on the matter

"Today our nation lost a father. Jacob Carson died at the age of 91. We shall never forget his service to this nation. From taking down an oppressive Monarchy to repairing this nation after a deadly and costly revolution. He shall never be forgotten. I think at a time like this just after our nation has thrown off another oppressive dictator his example of leadership. Never did he think about himself. He always thought about others. Don't do what is best for yourself but do what is best for all people. This shining example of great leadership is what this government will lead by. Our nation mourns today but may we sleep easy knowing that he is with God Almighty in Heaven. God Bless the British Free State."



In the first Parliamentary Elections in nearly 20 years the Labour Party under the Leadership of John Carmichael won 258 out of the 353 seats in the nation's Parliament. The Conservative Party took up 87 while the United Workers Party managed to get 8 seats. John LeBack has publicly announced that he will be stepping down as leader of the United Workers Party after 30 years as General Secretary of the Party. Citing "My style of leadership is no longer wanted in this nation." The Future of the party remains unclear. President Carmichael commended the election results.

"I would like to thank the People of the British Free State for placing their trust and confidence in me and my party. With your support our party has gained a Majority in the nations Parliament. Now we can start working together and getting Britain back on the right track. A track to justice, prosperity, unity, and strong values centered around the people. This is what we will do in the coming months. We have already seen much progress just since taking office. But we are not done yet. Thank you and God Bless the British Free State."

In other news the first item on the Agenda of the New Parliament was PR#1, a resolution to approve the Zack Monarch as the Head of State of the British Free State. A motion which was approved 219-134 officially making the King of Zackalantis the HoS of the British Free State and bringing Britain into the Zack Commonwealth. This has faced much criticism from the people but the President quickly calmed the crowd by saying "we are both developing nations. Together we can help each other develop. Not only that this makes us have closer ties with other nations too opening up for possibilities of more alliances and trade. This is what we need. I have full assurance from the Zack Government that we will be able to run our nation as we please."

CHURCH OF INOKA DISCIPLINED BY GLOBAL ALOIAN COMMUNION

UPPSALA -- Primates of the global Aloian Communion have gathered in Uppsala for the last week. The focus of the meeting was to determine a course of action for the Communion in response to the Lutheran Episcopal Church of Inoka's decision to merge with two other Inokan churches, including the Unitarian Reformed Church.

The bishops chose to suspend the LECI's voting rights in the Communion for three years to give them time to reverse or change course. If the merger goes through as planned, the Communion is expected to remove the LECI from their membership roster, possibly replacing the ECI with the Evangelical Aloian Church in Inoka. The Evangelical Aloian Church in Inoka was formed by dioceses of the LECI which broke from the LECI over the merger.

The reasons why the Communion has opposed the merger is the participation of a Unitarian church in the proposed new united Church of Inoka. Unitarian theology rejects the idea of a triune God, which is an essential aspect of mainline Christianity. The Communion is attempting to prevent the entrance of Unitarian theology into Aloian Christianity.

"As confessed in the Athanasian Creed, the worship of the triune God is the basis of the catholic faith," Archbishop Matthew Harrison of Uppsala said. "A church which rejects the the eternally triune God and the divinity of Christ has no place in the Communion."

The decision passed 33-4, with only the bishops of Urbem Sol, Inoka, Greater Kaevi, and Panasis in opposition. "This has been a painful bit of discipline that I have to bring home with, me but with God's help, I believe my church will weather this storm," Archbishop Eleanor Ayala of Inoka said. Ayala will return to St. Louis to begin the process of reforming her church to bring it back into full communion with the greater Aloian Lutheran church.

Urbem Sol
With the recent attack on the Rigomagus Facility for Dangerous Inmate Detention (RFDID) that freed the former Queen Leo, many politicians and pundits in Eurasia have been discussing the nature of the Eurasian prison system, and whether it is out of touch with the modern world. Currently, Eurasian incarceration is divided into two administrative divisions: the "Systema Vulgaris" (SV [Common System]) and the "Systema Unicus" (SU [Unique System]). The former is designed for common criminals and is controlled by the Ministerium of Justice, while the latter is operated by the Ministerium of Imperial Security and is separate from the common prison system. The SU is designed to contain criminals who commit crimes against the Empire itself, such as terrorism, treason, fraud, or similar crimes. More recently, it has also been used to house international war criminals who are to be incarcerated in Eurasia. Prisons operated under the SU system are some of the most guarded penitentiaries in the world, and escape from them is rare.

Recently, however, social justice activists have drawn attention to the history of this two-tier system, which was used in antiquity to imprison Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other minorities outside the purview of the standard justice system. Indeed, the SU system operates outside the Ministerium of Justice and in fact is subject instead to the slightly ambiguous "Lex Vadimonii, which is subject to control by the Ministerium of Imperial Security. The contention of the activists states that this system is inherently unequal, as individuals convicted under its laws are unable to appeal their sentences or seek be released in the same manner as SV convicts.


Several Imperial senators have voiced their support for this, with consular candidate Abelardus Abelinus Sandrinus stating that "It is fundamentally wrong that some criminals, whether they are guilty or not, are subject to an unfair form of legal discrimination in our country today." However, many senators have countered by pointing out that, under Eurasian law, the system is perfectly legal, and there is no direct proof that the SU system is worse than the SV system. This has caused ire amongst many more liberal in the media, who have argued that the SU system, operated by the Ministerium of Imprial Security, is purposefully exempt from overview by either the Ministerium of Justice or the Senate itself, both of whom oversee the standard SV justice system. As said by media figure Vispania Agrithina, "Doesn't anyone wonder why the SU maintains a totally separate prison system, the most notorious of which is located in the arctic tundra, thousands of miles away from prying eyes?"

It is unknown if any progress will be made onthe matter, but a growing senatorial coalition has called for the abolition of the SU system, and with the consular election growing closer, the future of the Systema Unicus may hang in the balance.

Due to concerns over his health, the Prime Minister announced that he will step down as the head of government within a month.


The Prime Minister had this to say

“I feel very sad to say this but I have been forced to step down from my seat as Prime Minister due to medical reasons. The doctors have advised me rest and as my medical issues comes in the way of my duties as PM I must step down"

The Liberal Party is now thrown into a frenzy, as they will have to elect a nominee for Parliament to approve by secret ballot, failing which the Parliament is dissolved by the crown.

VICTORIA GIVES BIRTH

ZUMBROTA -- Queen Victoria of Aloia has given birth to a son.

The baby, whose name has not yet been announced, was born at 8:28 p.m. Aloia's newest prince was 20.5 inches long and weighed 8.1 pounds. Both mother and child are in good health, the statement said. Prince Daniel, who married Queen Victoria in 2010, was present at the Zumbrota hospital throughout the birth. The couple also have a 4-year-old daughter, Princess Estelle.

The announcement of the birth has been met with many celebrations by Aloians, with singing and dancing breaking out in the streets in many major cities, despite cold weather. Tomorrow has been declared a federal holiday, in celebration of the new prince. The child is second in line to the throne, after his older sister Estelle.

NEWS IN ANTANARES

Scandal in Velikogovolka

In the early hours of the morning, agents of AFS, the federal security agency of Antanares, arrested Killian Andersen, one of the ten richest men in all Antanares. Andersen is the founder of Wave Group, an association of research labs and technology industries that work in synergy. The group has several important contracts with the government and is some of the most relevant public works like the Orbital Elevator, constructed with New Tarajan and several other nations. Andersen, the founder and CEO of the group, is famous for be a philanthropist (he financed with his own money several scholarship in the University of Velikogovolka) and the financier of relevant and notable artists from all the world. Andersen was arrest while he was in his house ten kilometers far from Antanares. According to a declaration of the AFS, the billionaire is accused of illegal commercial practice, unfair competition and illegal financial trading. For now, the defense of the man didn't release any statement about the situation of Andersen, but it easily predictable that this case will become one of the most notorious legal event of the year and the next.

"It is one of the case that will remain in history" said Claricè Benplace, lawyer in of the most famous office of the capital city "You know, rarely is happened that a man with his position was accused of this kind of crimes. Publicly at least. Most of the companies in Antanares, and in the world, use non-strictly-legal moves to acquire resources and positions. But this is one of the rare occasions that the public offices do something to contrast their efforts. Wave often uses intimidatory techniques to eliminate its enemies. My office, two years ago, attempts a lawsuit against them but was a futile attempt. Now something moving and it is good to see"

On the other side, some voices from other major companies whispers about a sort of state plot against all the independent corporations that are out the government's hands. According to these voices, the intention of Antanares's administration is to eliminate all the competitors of their state owned companies, creating a state capitalism status and centralizing the economical resources of the nation. For now appear more like a sort of conspiracy theory than a real plan.

His Majesty, the youngest ever the nation has seen has announced that he is going abdicate stating that he wishes to complete his higher education and can no longer keep up with his duties as Monarch.

The Crown of the UKZ, unlike other constitutional monarchies isn't simply a ceremonial head. He had powers of vetoing legislation passed by Parliament, is the speaker of the upper house of Parliament and also President of the Commonwealth Association. And this King was the most proactive in legislation. He has chaired the most number of debates in the upper house and also vetoed and sent back several legistlations to Parliament for revisions. He has also supported several reforms to the constitutions including one to bring more autonomy to the Commonwealth Territories.

This King would have completed 2 years on the throne, he is abdicating with 3 years still left in his term. In the UKZ all the royal houses convene to elect a new monarch every 5 years. Each royal house is supposed to send one nominee of royal birth and all nominees will vote for the new monarch.

While the royals meet to elect a new crown, the duties of the Crown will be taken care of by the almost unheard of ‘President'
The President will soon be appointed by the abdicating crown.
The nation waits in anticipation for a new monarch.

3 months ago John Carmichael, leader of the Labour Party, was elected President of the British Free State in an upset victory. Weeks later the Labour Party gained a majority in the nation's Parliament. President Carmichael won on a foundation of change. However there has been little change in the nation. People are still poor, civil rights are still not abundant, and the economy has grown only by 2%. April 2nd brought around the annual Leadership Elections that happens every 4 years within the Labour Party. The Labour Parliamentary Group voted 210-48 to remove  President John Carmichael as Leader of the Labour Party. While the President could still lead without the support of the party it would be very difficult to push anything through parliament and it also removes a safeguard from being impeached. So seeing the difficulties it could cause President John Carmichael has asked the Governor-General of the British Free State to dissolve the nation's Parliament and call for elections for both the Parliament and the Presidency. The labour Party has made no announcement of who the new leader will be. However many people expect it to be Gideon Dunbar, former Party Secretary, retired Army Colonel, and British Councillor for State Affairs.


The process of electing a new President is a somewhat long one. In the case of the current situation the President will submit his resignation to the Governor General of the British Free State. The Governor General will either then accept or deny the resignation. If the resignation is denied then the President will either continue leading or ask Parliament to override the Governor General and impeach the President. If the resignation is accepted then elections must be called within two weeks of the resignation being accepted. After elections are called the Party's must hold Primaries to select their candidate for President. If there are more than 2 candidates the election Process will be a multi step one. If no candidate secures 51% in the first round it will go to a second round with the top three(if more than 3) or top two(if only 3) if a candidate yet again fails to secure 51% a third round will happen. After a President is chosen he must face a vote of confidence by the nations Parliament. After having a vote of confidence the President-elect will then be appointed by the Governor General.

The UKZ has begun the search for it's next monarch. The process is long and difficult.


It begins with the Commonwealth Territories submitting one united vote to any of the candidates.
The Territories have voted for Queen Elizabeth Windsor of The East Plains. The other candidates for the crown are Prince Phillip O'Malley of Irkutsk and Prince William of Ukhta.

Queen Windsor is a conservative monarch from the East Plains who abdicated her throne in East Plains to hand it over to her eldest son following the death of her husband.

If she assumes the throne of the UKZ it could be quite a challenge for the incumbent Liberal Government that got a lot of laws passed through decrees by the past monarch who believed in a lot of liberal ideals.

This Friday leaders of the royal houses from the Union Kingdoms will meet in secret council to elect a new Monarch. Each Union Kingdom gets only one vote and a 2/3rds majority is required to assume the throne.

As the decision for the crown is yet to take place, His Excellency's Ministry of the Court has begun preparations for the Coronation.

The elections for the CT of Pombay and the UK of Eucharesto have come to a close and the people have voted for the most unexpected.

The Zack National Congress (ZNC) for the first time has got the most number of seats in the Council of Eucharesto and will form government with the Liberals.
The Liberals had been ruling Eucharesto for the past 4 years after ending the Protestant Party and Catholic Party's Complete dominance of the Council.

The total number of seats are 90 out which the ZNC won 30 (a swing of +28) and the Liberals won 18 (swing -28). The Catholic Party won 27 seats (swing -7) and the Protestants won 15 (swing +7).

This was a very necessary win for the ZNC that was labelled a failed and dead party after it's dismal performance in the 2015 General Elections and almost complete lack of seats in the Upper House.
The ZNC has allowed the Liberal Chief Minister, Miss Erwing to continue her the tenure but the majority of her cabinet will be ZNC members.

Pombay was the most hotly contested election due to it's status as a CT as with the new reforms soon to come in, Commonwealth Territories will also be able to nominate members to the Upper House. The Liberals have a near zero number of MPs in the upper house which means legislation can easily be blocked by opposition MPs in the upper house.
The Pombay Council has 40 seats and the Pombay People's Party won the absolute majority in the first elections back in 2013. This was owing mostly to the fact that Pombay People's Party (3P) spearheaded the campaign for a separate CT from Irkutsk.

The 3P failed to win majority when the won only 9 seats (swing -24) but will form government with the Hindu Party which won 18 seats (swing +17) the Liberals won 3 seats (swing +3) the ZNC took 5 (swing ±0) and the ZPP won 5 as well (swing +3).
Most likely Pratibha Patil will have to give up her Chief Ministerahip as the Hindu Party's President eyes the seat of CM as his Party takes control of the first election they won since their inception in 2004.

This result is clearly a huge disappointment for the Liberals and ZNC as it becomes clear that they will not be able to nominate their party members as MPs in the upper house of Parliament and that Pombay will be represented by the Hindu Party and the 3P party MPs.

It is clear that the ZPP and the ZNC won the minority vote as all ZPP and ZNC MLAs won elections from Christian dominated Constituencies in Pombay.

COMMONWEALTH VOTES TO JOIN KINGDOM OF ALOIA

OMAHA, Pawnee-Oto Commonwealth -- President Nicole Thasunke Witko signed a bill today, authorizing the Pawnee-Oto Council to request statehood from the Kingdom of Aloia. This follows a referendum of the Commonwealth, regarding the nation's future. An overwhelming majority (86%) voted in favor of the Commonwealth joining Aloia as its ninth state.

The bill laid out some guidelines for the application, with a notable part of the bill being the separation of the commonwealth into two one state, divided into four cantons, following the traditional borders between the Pawnee, Oto, Ponca, and Omaha, and each canton will be named for its dominant tribe. The state will be named Nebraska, a name meaning "flat water," which is also the name of the Nebraska Bay, the large body of water that the coastal nation surrounds.

Celebrations were held in major cities in all the other Aloian states, with many celebrating the addition of a new member to the Aloian union. Otto Handorf, governor of Saxony, said, "We're excited to have new members of our country. I especially look forward to working with President Thasunke Witko to promote cooperation between our states."

After the Council of all the heads of the Zack Royal Families met on Friday to vote for the next Monarch, the result came in just a few minutes ago.

Queen Elizabeth Windsor of the East Plains is the new Monarch of the UKZ. The 90 year old is the most elderly monarch of the UKZ and comes right after the abdication of the UKZ's youngest monarch at age 20.

The news was made known to the populace when the flag was hosted over the Caspian Castle. The military bands then played God Save the Queen and Land of Hope and Glory. The new monarch appeared and in her short addresss promised minimal interference with Parliament, a huge shift from the previous monarch that was continuously involved in Parliamentary Affairs.

After the Queen's address the military bands played the national anthem.

The first decree of Her Majesty was to change the flag of the UKZ putting the Star of Zackalantis right in the centre. It reads, “Heaven's Light Our Guide".

NEWS IN ANTANARES

Former planitian territory annexed from the Federation

It is a news of the last minute that several cities of the former Planitia decided, with a referendum, to enter in the Federation of Antanares. After the fall of the main government of Planitia, the provinces that formed the old nation started different politics to decide their future. The south, not far from the border and with several historical ties with Kaevi, accepted to enter in this one. Along the border, instead, the province of Karaha decided to initiate several discussion with Antanares for a former annexation.

The spokesperson of the Council announced during a press conference that "The cities of Karaha accepted to enter in Antanares, becoming a new state of our Federation. Like every single states that compose our nation, they will have all the privileges and the duties definite from our constitution". For the first two years, according to a document released from the Ministry of Territorial Affairs, the state of Karaha will maintain a special condition, to assure a optimal reception of the federal policies.

It is no the first time that Antanares absorbs new state into its Federation. Cities of Lubeck and Margrave were the last two, before the entrance of Karaha, into the Federation of Antanares. According to the statute, the process is not so long, but every city and region that hope to become a part of Antanares must maintain and respect certain standard, such the lack of any kind of discrimination or of a dictatorial government.

Stabiae
Activists with the Basque Liberation Movement (BLM) have seized the Temple of the Most High Goddess in Stabiae, claiming grievances against the Imperial and Provincial Governments. The activists stormed the building, armed with illegally obtained firearms, and took several of the temple priestesess hostage. The Stabian police have barricaded the area and are surrounding the building, and as of yet no casualties on either side have been reported. The police have called for calm in the situation, urging "caution on both sides to prevent bloodshed".

The activists from BLM released a statement on Twitter, saying "No more will Basques be downtrodden! Free the Homeland! Euskal Elogio!". The police responded by jamming communications from the temple, which is one of the oldest in Stabiae and perhaps in Eurasia. The Temple of the One in Civitius, the holiest site in Novem Deos and seat of the Arch Primate, also released a statement, saying "We decry these barbaric actions. These activists do not fight for freedom; they fight for barbarity."

Historically, the Basque population of Eurasia has had a sordid relationship with the Imperial Government, with many Basques expelled from Eurasia in the 1500's, many of whom eventually settled in overseas territories. This system was ended in the 1910's, but was reinstituted in the 1930's and 40's by Laurentius III, and was eventually ended by Emperor Marinus in the 1950's. However, many protest groups have grown more violent in recent years, demanding their own autonomous province. These requests have been denied by the Imperial Government, which has lead to an uptick in violence. Currently, Basques make up a very small percentage of Eurasia, at roughly 0.3%.

UPDATE
Shots were exchanged between the BLM activists and the police, with two activists having been killed. Reports indicate that two of the hostages managed to escape, and the captors attempted to retrieve them and were shot by the police after they opened fire. There has been no word on the status of the other hostages, nor on the remaining activists. The police are reporting that the activists are refusing to speak with them. More updates as events warrant.

A long-time protectorate of Arveyres, the San Simeon Islands, a Spanish speaking coastal and archipelagic nation in southern Oriento, in proximity to Saint Beñat and Argiñe, has been incorporated by the Kingdom of Arveyres as the thirteenth province of Arveyres. The geopolitical area known as the Arveyran Antilles has for a long time had a rich cultural history tied with Arveyres. After being pseudocolonized in 1492 with the first Arveyran settlers appearing on the island of Havana, it was given sovereignty as a protectorate in 1513. The majority of the population of the Arveyran Antilles is black and mulatto, and the majority of the citizens are Spanish speakers, with very few (13%) being conversationally fluent in Arveyran. The province in the future is expected to retain high levels of autonomy, while now being allowed to participate in government affairs and facilitate easier travel across the Kingdom and the Empire.

Astana.
The Tarajani Central Bank (TCB) has announced today in the monthly press conference the decision of its board to move toward lower interest rates in the following weeks.
The unexpected decision was announced by President Anemoon De Biel in her first official appearance as chairman of the Central Bank: "The board has carefully watched the most recent economic and financial development both inside New Tarajan abd globally" she said "Thus, our decision is well  based on a solid ground."
"The immission of new money on the market will ease export activities, making possible for the States inside the Prand area to profit from a fundamentally positive conjuncture." the President stated.
The extraordinary news was received with mixed responses: while some analysts already warned that such a move would be made soon during the last months, a part of the market was still not ready to see such a change in the policies of the Central Bank. Indeed, this is the first time in two decades that the TCB decides to step in and directly help the export market (a traditional pillar of Tarajani economy) through a direct intervention, a policy now supported by the both the board and the government of Count Carl Van Houden. At the opening session of the Eindhoven Stock Exchange, thus, the main indexes suffered a downfall of an average two points percentage. However, the last session before lunch break has seen a slow rise up of FIX (the main manufacturing index), possibly preparing for a general recovery and acceptance of the announcement by the market.
It is now to see how the new policy of the TCB will effectively affect the Tarajani export markets, although analysts already express optimistic prospects, together with some investors: Shell, Siemens, Azimuth-Benetti and Van Harten Hotels, which recently get more exposed in the global market through aggressive export and expansionist policies, saw a significant raise of their capitalization this morning.


Tarajani exports suffered from resurging international tensions after the nuclear test recently made by the UKZ, and the consequent alarmism on both international relations and environmental safety in many countries. Thus, the decision of the TCB is also aimed at fasting the recovery of the sector in the broader sense.
Although the Prand still keeps a strong position in value inside the global currency market and its role as "safe-currency" in many countries and for many firms, the new move of the TCB will partly erode the view of the Prand as "the rock of finance", as an economist defined it many years ago. As President De Biel pointed out: "Monetary policy is always a bargain, and a continuous attempt to balance the pros and cons of such a bargain: this time, New Tarajan and the whole Prand area needs to keep an eye open to export, to increased production and growth; and if doing this will stretch a bit the trust of investors and savers about the tenure of the currency, then this is a very small sacrifice we are deemed to do, because it will be a serious advantage for us." However, the President also confirmed that no more actions in this sense are deemed to be necessary by the TCB, and thus the negative consequences will be minimal.


This evening the Royal Palace will host a Gran Gala, when King Friederick Wilhelm II will personally appoint three new Major Houses which will hold the new Lordships in the Stargard Prefecture.
The decision was announced by a spokesperson of the Royal House yesterday morning.
The Gran Gala will be an occasion for Tarajani aristocracy to gather at the Royal Palace for festivities: the appointment of new Major Houses didn't happen since the reign of Conrad III, and the occasion will be lavishly celebrated with banquets, balls, theatre shows, and spectacular fireworks over the gardens of the Palace. Then, tomorrow, the feast will move to Palace Van Geldern, seat of the Landsraad, where the newly-appointed Houses will receive the traditional acknowledgment of their pairs, the Houses of the Landsraad, officially receiving their seats inside the prestigious body by the hands of Lord President Van Sondenburg.


The new Houses to be appointed are: House Van Haasen, which will receive Bergen, the westernmost province, with the ducal title; House Van Ceytal, which will receive the central province of Middensteden, with the grand ducal title; and House Van Moor, which will receive the coatal province of Anneland with the ducal title.
All three new Houses are holders of land titles inside Royal States: House Van Haasen already had the title of counts in the Principality of Merlberg; House Van Ceytal the title of counts in the Landgraviate of Aaken, together with House Van Moor.
The representatives of the three Houses will swear fealty as vassals to the King during the ceremony at the Royal Palace, at the presence of almost one thousand people, including members of the civil society, all ambassadors and other diplomatic representatives from all countries recognized by New Tarajan, and even members of foreign noble and royal houses.
The whole Prefecture of Stargard, however, will keep its provisional government: during the ceremony, the King will also be crowned Prince of Stargard, thus keeping its full autonomy from the Kingdom under the rule of House Van Vinkel. The new Major Houses soon will have the duty to appoint their own Minors, while it is still possible that the actual boundaries of three Lordships will be successively changed, for administrative and political reasons, to make space for other Lordships.

In a very tight election Charles Hampton of the Conservative Party was elected President on April 28th 2016. After three rounds of voting the final results were the following:

Charles Hampton(Conservative)-51,941,269 votes or 52.3%
Gideon Dunbar(Labour) - 47,379,723 votes or 47.7%

The Conservative Party also swept the Parliamentary elections too gaining 222 out of the 383 parliamentary seats. The election comes as no surprise but it spells fear for the Labour Party as they face decline after a short rise to power. President-elect Hampton delivered a speech to the crowds outside his Campaign HQ after the results were announced. In the speech he promised real change for all and a nation on the road to progress. He also congratulated Gideon Dunbar on running a tough campaign and called him a worthy opponent. A day after being elected the British Parliament voted 251-132 to confirm the President-elect giving him the title President-elect-confirm. He now waits for the appointment by the Governor General.

The second largest religious community in the UKZ, The Roghtanganistines began celebrations of Nova Lief Tuesday after the services in the temples ended at 11pm on Monday.

Nova Lief celebrates the day Roghtang, God's prophet escaped her mortal form after being killed on Crus Monday when she defied her exile and entered the City of Viscos of Viscos Saturday.

Believers affirm that her spirit became immortal through the intense suffering she endured and escaped her body to become immortal and kill the spawn of the evil one born on earth and assume the throne of the entire universe.

Devotees first visit the Temple for the Crus Monday service on Monday morning at 9am and later return at 8:30 pm for the Nova Lief service.

The Prime Minister extended his wishes to the Roghtanganistine community In the UKZ, Commonwealth and the World.
I would like to wish all Roghtanganistines in the UKZ and the world a very Happy Nova Lief.
This day marks the day Roghtang shed her mortal form to kill the devil and assume the throne of the universe.
A significant day for all Roghtanganistines as it reminds us that the pain and suffering we endure here on earth is temporary and only wears down our mortal selves so that our immortal souls can escape to the bliss of heaven. It reminds us that we must show kindness and compassion to all people irrespective of what they have done to you. The teachings of love and tolerance of Lady Roghtang are of extreme importance in today's time when we are so consumed by hatred and greed. I hope that this Nova Lief fills us with the courage to fight these elements of hatered existing in our world.
Once again a very Happy Nova Lief too all those celebrating in the Commonwealth and the world.

The Manalsu, The religious head of the Roghtanganistines in New Viscos, an independent country considered the place of Roghtangs birth, death and burial. (Cut off from the mainland Zackalantis by a huge wave that is believed to have submerged a large tract of Relion when Roghtang died.)
Lead the services on Omegus Friday, (Day Omegus took control of the Universe), Viscos Saturday (Day Roghtang entered Viscos defying exile), Crus Monday and Nova Lief. He will lead the morning service as well and deliver his Nova Lief Blessing on Tuesday Morning.

A huge party is taking place in Crus City and on the banks of Old Viscos. The party will be attended by revelling Roghtanganistines and tourists from all over the world. The Zack Government also relaxes visa laws for pilgrs visiting Region during this time of year.


The most popular tradition of Nova Lief is the ‘Pillar of Fire' poles and such similar structures are decorated with flowers and lit with lights. It is put up to symbolise the pillar of fire that came down from heaven to take Roghtang from this world.
The Prime Minister lit the pillar of fire in Cair Paravel house and the Pillar Of Fire was lit in Job Temple in New Viscos at the singing of the Glory Hymn during the service in the night.