17-03-2004, 18:28
<Screen shows newsreader sitting in a studio. On the whitewashed wall behind her is a large red ‘R’ set over a gold hammer and sickle>
“This is the lunchtime news from Radivostok Today. I’m Helen Kitchener, and these are the latest stories today.”
“The government has announced that the Radivostok State Mining Company has issued a report that reveals the discovery of a large deposit of uranium beneath the forests of the southern region of White Sands. A large quantity of the material, used in a number of commercial products as well as military purposes, has been identified within depth range for drilling operations. Earlier today, it is understood that the Premier held talks with the Minister for Industry over the possibility of mining this material for the benefit of the nation.”
“The governmental announcement states that the mining operations that could take place would bring in a number of jobs and give a significant boost to Radivostok’s stable, but small economy. This comes as one of the first in a number of movements that indicate the governing body of the party is moving more towards improving the economy than its usual blunt refusal of the exploitation of its natural landscape.”
“In an attempt to cover itself, the announcement also stressed the importance of maintaining the environment is paramount. Should operations be given the go-ahead, the mining shall be kept to particular areas to safeguard the natural forests of White Sands which is home to a number of creatures, including a large population of wild horses, the national animal of Radivostok.”
“It is likely that the operations will be given the go-ahead, however party members on the extreme left expressed their concerns about the dangers of mining such materials, and are likely to demand a debate on the subject.”
“We will keep you updated as news breaks on this story, now lets move on to other reports.”
“Earlier today, the Premier announced that he had sent the air force as a show of force and support to Radivostokian citizens in Aust following a coup de tat that took place recently.”
“Two squadrons of 14 F4s each and 5 B52s are understood to be involved in the operation. The Premier has stressed they will not attack unless either attacked first, or if information is received on Radivostokians being harmed within Aust.”
“The move comes after an unexpected grab for power in Aust that led to the massacring of a number of Credonians and the trapping of one thousand Radivostokians unable to leave the country due to increased military activity. The Premier confirmed that diplomatic attempts had been made first, but had resulted in blunt refusals by the newly self-installed Prime Minister of Aust. Although information is sketchy coming out of Aust due to the breakdown in the government chain and sporadic military activity, we will keep you posted on whatever occurs.”
“Taxes increased another percentage yesterday, bringing the basic tax rate to 48%. This increase comes after plans that introduced a high tax on the wealthy in an extreme plan to attempt to better equalise the distribution of wealth.”
“The move comes as a surprise to government economists, who reported that another increase in tax rates may actually drive tax revenue down as per the Laffer curve. Political analysts suspect this and the so-called ‘Rich tax’ may be an attempt by the Premier to keep on good relations with the far left. The Premier has always been seen as a link between the centralists and the extreme left in the RSP, so the increase in tax is expected to be a bargaining chip in a bid to get the mining authorisation through Cabinet with minimal problems.”
“Finally, the Ministry for Defence announced a plan to increase military spending to strengthen the Red Banner Armed Forces.”
“Currently, two percent of monthly spending is allocated to military maintenance and expenditure, and the rise will be seen by many as necessary to expand and improve the military as a whole.”
“In particular, a large proportion of this rise is expected to be spent on the navy, which is currently in a state of dilapidation and non-use since the fall of the fascists during the March Revolution. Armoured forces are also expected to be increased, with plans suspected for a Second Armoured Brigade to accompany the First. Although allocation of spending is not yet known, we will keep you updated on any changes.”
“You have been watching the lunchtime news from Radivostok Today. I’m Helen Kitchener, and thank-you for watching.”
“This is the lunchtime news from Radivostok Today. I’m Helen Kitchener, and these are the latest stories today.”
“The government has announced that the Radivostok State Mining Company has issued a report that reveals the discovery of a large deposit of uranium beneath the forests of the southern region of White Sands. A large quantity of the material, used in a number of commercial products as well as military purposes, has been identified within depth range for drilling operations. Earlier today, it is understood that the Premier held talks with the Minister for Industry over the possibility of mining this material for the benefit of the nation.”
“The governmental announcement states that the mining operations that could take place would bring in a number of jobs and give a significant boost to Radivostok’s stable, but small economy. This comes as one of the first in a number of movements that indicate the governing body of the party is moving more towards improving the economy than its usual blunt refusal of the exploitation of its natural landscape.”
“In an attempt to cover itself, the announcement also stressed the importance of maintaining the environment is paramount. Should operations be given the go-ahead, the mining shall be kept to particular areas to safeguard the natural forests of White Sands which is home to a number of creatures, including a large population of wild horses, the national animal of Radivostok.”
“It is likely that the operations will be given the go-ahead, however party members on the extreme left expressed their concerns about the dangers of mining such materials, and are likely to demand a debate on the subject.”
“We will keep you updated as news breaks on this story, now lets move on to other reports.”
“Earlier today, the Premier announced that he had sent the air force as a show of force and support to Radivostokian citizens in Aust following a coup de tat that took place recently.”
“Two squadrons of 14 F4s each and 5 B52s are understood to be involved in the operation. The Premier has stressed they will not attack unless either attacked first, or if information is received on Radivostokians being harmed within Aust.”
“The move comes after an unexpected grab for power in Aust that led to the massacring of a number of Credonians and the trapping of one thousand Radivostokians unable to leave the country due to increased military activity. The Premier confirmed that diplomatic attempts had been made first, but had resulted in blunt refusals by the newly self-installed Prime Minister of Aust. Although information is sketchy coming out of Aust due to the breakdown in the government chain and sporadic military activity, we will keep you posted on whatever occurs.”
“Taxes increased another percentage yesterday, bringing the basic tax rate to 48%. This increase comes after plans that introduced a high tax on the wealthy in an extreme plan to attempt to better equalise the distribution of wealth.”
“The move comes as a surprise to government economists, who reported that another increase in tax rates may actually drive tax revenue down as per the Laffer curve. Political analysts suspect this and the so-called ‘Rich tax’ may be an attempt by the Premier to keep on good relations with the far left. The Premier has always been seen as a link between the centralists and the extreme left in the RSP, so the increase in tax is expected to be a bargaining chip in a bid to get the mining authorisation through Cabinet with minimal problems.”
“Finally, the Ministry for Defence announced a plan to increase military spending to strengthen the Red Banner Armed Forces.”
“Currently, two percent of monthly spending is allocated to military maintenance and expenditure, and the rise will be seen by many as necessary to expand and improve the military as a whole.”
“In particular, a large proportion of this rise is expected to be spent on the navy, which is currently in a state of dilapidation and non-use since the fall of the fascists during the March Revolution. Armoured forces are also expected to be increased, with plans suspected for a Second Armoured Brigade to accompany the First. Although allocation of spending is not yet known, we will keep you updated on any changes.”
“You have been watching the lunchtime news from Radivostok Today. I’m Helen Kitchener, and thank-you for watching.”