NationStates Jolt Archive

United Nations gone too far: Solar Power promises to be the deathblow to many weak economies

A follow up from many news articles posted in various newspapers around Guffingford, the UN resolution dominates the headlines apart from the usual economic news. As said before, this UN resolution is going to change the way of life of billions upon billions of citizens. We will keep you up-to-date.
Hoogenbosch Berig - FRONT PAGE ARTICLE

With greatest respect (...) said about it. Click here to read the full news story: Click (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9648812&postcount=9)The International Tribune - FRONT PAGE ARTICLE

It shows how corrupt and slavish the United Nations has become over the years. A shame, a comedy with a dramatic end. When small nations, young and independent think they are better off under the protective arms of a global body like the United Nations, it is a pain to see how wrong they are. This resolution is the living example, and tomorrow we shall see if our experts were right. I pray for the living standards of many. We already see what is going on in Euroslavia, panic and disorder. No nation, regardless of economic strength can pull this off within ten years. It is impossible.Guffingford shows support for the Intern' Red Cross Initiative

The International Tribune

The Red Cross initiative, a worthy idea from the country Largent has drawn the attention of the national government. Sending a diplomat to the meeting is something very special for an administration usually apathetic towards international organizations. The Red Cross is a true addition to the long list of organizations already active in helping refugees and other victims of wars or natural disasters. The government has not yet promised financial aid, but is expected to follow soon. Our minister of foreign affairs, Kellus Constantine, shall attend the meeting in person. This marks the significance of the meeting, and the fact Guffingford is genuinely interested to let the Red Cross grow in numbers and to promote worldwide aid programs.
Guffingford in Macabee Golden Cup League: Team accepted!Die Sport Berigte - The Sport News

Praise and glory! The fresh new soccer team of Guffingford is ready to face the opponents in the new and prestigious Macabee Golden Cup. The team, put together by trainer and manager Jacob Schmeisser is optimistic about the team's chances on the field. Mr. Schmeisser comments: "Certainly, we have trained for months and now I believe we are ready to face the more established soccer nations of Sarzonia. It does have a political aftertaste, Guffingford versus Sarzonia, not on the battlefield but on the playingfield."
Truth Media - An unbiased state news source

Truth Media News - Waarheis Media Niews

Experts all over Guffingford agree: Guffingford is indeed the best nation in the region of the pacific and beyond. After the president allowed his parliament to appoint him for yet another year in the office, President Christopher Watermont thanked his parliament and his working citizens for supporting such a fine nation. This year's economic prospects have been fulfilled, and the motto of the government 'All is Well' is truth, once more. In many cities across the country demonstrations to show sympathy sprung up, cheering and praising the leadership of Christopher Watermont. However, several important messages (including the UN resolution) put a damper on the festivities as the Minster of Defense requested solidarity and unity yet again. "We must stick together, unity cannot be reached without solidarity and unquestioned loyalty to our government. We must raise the defense budget to at least 60% (Guffingford is currently at 57%) to remain secure, and to protect ourselves against the omnipresent and often omnipotent enemy lurking in the shadows." He also promised taxes shall not be increased, and different sources of income shall be found. We have full confidence in our Minister of Defense.Truth Media News - Waarheis Media Niews

Today's Topic: We value YOUR liberty!

Hot off the press! This year's state awareness campaign is dedicated to the many and progressive social and human liberties in Guffingford. In a massive opinion poll, a truly staggering number of 96% (out of 25 million asked) agreed: Guffingford is a liberal nation that values your personal freedoms and basic human rights. Deputy of the Guffingfordian Liberty Association (GLA) Mister Vincenzo DeLorean comments: "should we have expected anything else then?" after we asked him whether he was surprised about the recently released figures. "Absolutely not. I know the citizens, me included, value rights like smoking in public, capitalism, being allowed to feel secure in cites, and freedom of press and above all, elections. It all makes sense."

The debate continues about religion and liberty in Guffingford. Although Guffingford is blessed with our way of Christianity and Protestantism, many officials believe it is a stain on our clean moral record of civil liberties and therefore it is best to drop an official (predominant) religion as a whole. "Then we can also add legalized abortion and euthanasia to our lawbooks." Says Mr. DeLorean. Praise the government!OOC: This is, as you've guessed, a news thread.

OOC: This is actually one of the better news posting topics I've seen, along with Knoot's. :) Good work! *tagged*

OOC: Why thank you :)

On the brink: "Chaos will Follow"
Hoogenbosch Berig

Today, on September the 17th in the year of our Lord 2005, we shall witness a disaster of cataclysmic proportions. The hopes of the government on the few delegates who had not cast their votes on the preposterous UN resolution cannot make a difference anymore. Our analysts working at the redaction of our newspaper have gathered these latest numbers of the voting:

Votes For: 7,528
Votes Against: 5,852

With the delegates voting in approval being a significant majority. Many Guffingfordian politicians have labeled this resolution as 'foolish', a 'waste of time, resources and money', 'economic suicide' (said in yesterday's edition), 'a financial meltdown' and more firm condemnations. Other nations have decided to make the best out of this, such as Ilek-Vaad and Austar Union, eager to make big profits out of this. Guffingford itself has not yet stated anything on this most delicate UN matter, and an official statement is not expected, apart from the politician's comments.

The support for the UN within Guffingford has also reached an all-new depth. Before the news on the resolution hit the press 12% of the population feeling obliged to join a global government. This has dropped to a meager 4% almost overnight. Several citizens were arrested after showing sympathy and openly declaring support for the global ban on fossil fuels, chanting to save mother nature and to stop the torture of earth. Interesting note: they all came to the protest march with personal transport. Most of them were unemployed, and living off benefits. After the City Watch put them into custody, Watch Officer Morgan L. Höltze commented:
"They're all scum. They obstructed traffic, made fun of our national leadership and praised the UN. I don't understand exactly how they can praise an inevitable doom."

Though we rarely give out our own opinion, the Hoogenbosch Berig redaction and printing offices concur with this statement/sentiment of the City Watch.A release by the Guffingfordian Associated Press, a news source not controlled and/or affected by the State Media Corp. An slightly dated newsarticle, but still worth adding.The Hoogenbosch Telegraph

The Knootian Steering Wheel Goes Left
Knootian Elections - make no mistake about it: the population chooses Liberal and Green

Hoogenbosch, Today – The Dutch Democratic Republic of Knootoss, The Hague, has chosen for a liberal prime minister for their Staten Generaal, the Knootian cabinet, and it looks like the coalition is consisting solely of Green and Liberal cabinet members. The Imperial Republican administration of Guffingford is yet to comment on the situation, but these happenings were expectable.

“Knootoss is and has always been a progressive and stable democratic nation, something unseen in Guffingford for the last couple of ages I hate to say it. We would have preferred to see a little more right oriented government, since it communicates easier to be on the same political wavelength. Alas, this is not the case. It is their nation, and their elections. Knootoss is the best most well known Dutch nation in our world, and Guffingford being largely Dutch as well, many citizens envy the success story known as Knootoss. Liberalism, a strong and stable economy, and no corruption plagued political system. The Guffingfordian parliament sees no need nor a reason to push for reforms. All is well now.”

So says Christopher Watermont, Imperial President of Guffingford. These comments caused a barrage of criticism at his address, but the Imperial President maintains his policy of the customary authoritarian political agenda, the limited ballot and the pervasive political censorship. “Dictatorship on itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But far too many times the dictator finds the idea of having ultimate power a very comfortable one and his mind becomes corrupted. I shall not lapse because of these treacherous temptations. But Guffingford is a Republic, and a Republic requires effective leadership, and sometimes dictatorial power is a necessary evil, I admit.” Continued from President Watermont’s speech on the Knootian elections.
The new coalition of Knootoss doesn’t affect Guffingford in the slightest way, but socially it might. Many people wish to see a more conservative, and more religion version of the Knootoss’ democracy in Guffingford, although the chances it will happen are nil.

Creating ties with a new government coalition is never a bad thing, and this is also the official stance of our parliament. Without a doubt, the new Knootian cabinet needs success, which is something the Guffingfordian Parliament wishes them wholeheartedly. Albeit not shown on television or heard on the state radio broadcasting channels, our President has sent his personal congratulations to newly elected Knootian prime minister, Jan Willem Daatman. This has been leaked by an undisclosed source in the Ministry of National Affairs.

“It shows how the Knootian population thinks, and act upon their thoughts. They request a liberal and green wind through their nation, which is something they will receive.”

Says Carolus Mint, political analyst and professor in political science and analysis. Mr Mint is a strong lobbyist and advocating reforms made in the current Guffingfordian political system, and the recent fully democratic elections in Knootoss fan the flames of progressive minds coming from the former Freestate of Gooshen, dissolved four years ago. Especially these people who have always been more progressive in nature thanks to their leader Retief Gooshen, strongly applaud the Knootian democratic process.

OoC: I'm fond of the bias in this thread, gotta love the state-controlled media. ;)

This is the first newsource which hasn't bored me to death from reading the first few lines.

Truth Media: Comparisons of Truth


Truth Media

For too long our workers have wondered about the poor living conditions of them and their beloved families. Today the government would like to set something straight about these so called 'poor' living conditions. To fully understand how good you have it, one must compare. To compare, you need competitors. You cannot compare yourself with friends and like-minded individuals. Let us take a random country who has been sliding down the slope of corruption and ignorance. A region of nations, huddled together in a sphere of discomfort and agony. Naming them is unnecessary. Writing an elaborate list of arguments against them is unnecessary. Knowing what kind of deluded people live there is unnecessary.
Think of that particular region, and you will know why living in Guffingford isn't just 'the way it is'; it is a blessing. Praise the government!Hoogenbosch Berig: Rap, Hip-Hop and R&B ban pushed through parliament

Hoogenbosch Berig

The ban which was already official in Cerfonlande and Rooi-Nassau, has now been made federal law and adapted into the Book of Civil Law, chapter 4 (Bans & Restrictions), paragraph 8.2.1 making it official and illegal to purchase, obtain or download music classified as 'rap' or 'hip-hop' or owning it at present. Though the government has not made it clear they will actively hunt down violators, a hefty penalty of 150 ÐG will be given to those who are found guilty as charged. Many youngsters who identify themselves with aforementioned music breeds have already taken the oppertunity to rid themselves (and their families) of this smut, greatly pleasing the local administration.
"Our children are put at risk daily. Internet, news, all forms of mass media. Music, though not seen as a tool to spread ideologies, has been expanding its territory to find new ways to exact a negative influence on our deer children. Rap is a perfect example. It glamorizes violence, a loathsome 'pimp' culture, rape and disrespect towards women. Some of our children do not call a girl or a women 'miss' but 'bitch'. This is absolutely unacceptable, and we act accordingly." So says Mr. Aldebaran, lobbyist in favor of the nationwide ban.

Hoogenbosch Berig: Parliament and Presidential Office up in arms over controversial proposal to allow the German monarchy and nobility return

Hoogenbosch Berig

Hoogenbosch, today - Many members of the parliament as well as the citizens of the country (except the German freestates) have shown a strong dismay over the recent proposal to let the German monarchy and nobility return to Guffingford, to let them rule the nation. Many people have lost all confidence in our stable democracy, and are calling for a strong ruler to be inaugurated - or crowned. Though Guffingford knew prosperity and wise leadership during the reign of the Reichs Chancellor and Kaiser, many citizens, mainly Hoogs, disapprove this strongly.

The shift between the German north and the Dutch south is reaching a dramatic climax, Marie Vischer said (Justice Dept.) yesterday in an exclusive interview. She also added that if nothing happens that means a fundamental change in politics and government, Guffingford will witness "a pragmatic, insane form of leadership, outdoing our previous era of nazism in cruelty and barbarism in every possible way." These words have not fallen on deaf ears, hence why the debate on the return of the German monarchy (members of the Habsburg family and relatives of the German Kaiser of the first empire 1871-1918) has sprung up again in the halls of our government buildings.

"The enduring hostilities between the Republic and the Royal Navy of Stevid aren't a good way to sew trust among the people. The economy lies in ruin, the social security is in shambles and the healthcare is non-existent. Defense leeches away all necessary funds to minimize our dependency of the government and thus it creates a vacuum where the government gains every increasing influence. A strong ruler is the only remedy." So says Barnhard Danzig, a wealthy merchant from Port Kramer and a strong voice in the pro-monarchy camp. He has already been the target of several extreme right wing Hoogse groups of angry students, threatening the life of him and his family. Such incidents are growing in frequency he adds, and enforces his opinion "decicive action has to be taken fast."

In response to the Dutch Language Union, a proposal by Knootoss has been watched with growing interest in the progressive south-east and the combined North Western Quarter in hopes of gaining recognition for the Dutch cultural identity. Dismay about the beginning of the Dutch Language Union in Guffingford is not a rare phenomenon, especially the more socially conservative parts of the country, the mining capitals of the nation and among German citizens.

The International Tribune

Dutchmen of the world unite: Knootian proposal of a Dutch language union goes hand to hand with doubt: questions about Guffingford sovereignity raised

Hoogenbosch, today In response to an article in the Knootian daily paper The NRC Handelsblad, hints of a union between Dutch speaking nations namely us, Knootoss, Midlonia and Alcona and Hubris to name a few, are reaching a start of the Dutch Language Union. This happened after a joint Knootoss-Tarasovka diplomatic meeting, where various subjects are being discussed though the Dutch Language Union receives most of our attention - and interests the most of us.

Ties between Guffingford and Knootoss have been severely crippled after the Territories of Guffingford received independence in 1902, after 4 years of bitter strife with German forces, and to gain economic independence. Albeit many citizens applaud recognition of the Dutch hybrid language Hoogs, the fact Knootoss has the governing seat, is a let-down for many Dutch citizens. Angry voices who claim to be 'in the know' or 'connected with insiders' say Knootoss regrets giving Guffingford independence especially after the major platinum deposits near Änglenbach were discovered in the spring of 1906, the first gold rush in Oos Seeland and the second gold rush near Oudenbosch in 1923.

In response to the Sarzonian rumors* (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=447806) the market in Guffingford responds and the fear of massive platinum exports forced by the big foreign shareholders from other nations is a real threat to the economic stability. Because the Sarzonian dependence on foreign oil, Ottoman Khaif to name the most well known exporter, has raised the issue of whether or not implementing schemes to reduce oil consumption and increase hydrogen use in fuel cells. One major aspect cannot be overlooked: fuel cells require +/- 20 grams of platinum to be constructed. A massive economy such as Sarzonia in various ways requires lots of platinum to make the hydrogen car feasible.

OOCly, they're rumors nothing more nothing less

Hoogenbosch Berig

Platinum demand soars after rumors of a Sarzonian increase of hydrogen powered cars reach the Guffingfordian platinum mining industry

After the recent surges in the State Gold Value, the gold market seems to be cornered between the ongoing struggle for cheap Guffingfordian silver, and the rising demand of platinum to create hydrogen fuel cells. Experts say platinum export quotas need sharper enforcing, and punishment to those who illegally sell platinum on the international market – Today The industry cannot keep up with the platinum demand, but supply remains sufficient for decades, many experts say. These are not claims to settle one's mind, or to put a damper on the rising inflation, but fact. The Änglenbach mines (namely the Apex Corporation being the largest) allowed nine separate and independent survey teams to scout and investigate the truthfulness of the claims, and their conclusion is unanimous: it is true.

Though the platinum reserves are enough to cover the hydrogen fuel cell demand for more than fifty years, foreign investment companies and individual buyers race to the northern wastelands of Guffingford to procure some of the massive platinum profits made. Since demand is rising not only in Sarzonia, the numbers of a fifty year supply are greatly exaggerated. This is true in the case of the Imperial Armies region, but not when you add global demand.

“If nations continue to buy shares of the mining companies currently active in Änglenbach, I think the price of platinum will reach $1200 per troy ounce by the end of this year. Keeping up with demand is difficult, since we have to go deeper, and it gets more energy intensive the deeper we dig. As oil prices steadily rise to record heights, then the price of platinum will also rise.” So says Mr. Jack Lee, manager and supervisor of the Section A3 Apex Mining complex, fifty kilometers north of Änglenbach. We will keep you updated.

Hoogenbosch Berig Fiansieel

Expected Exchange Rates

1 Guffingfordian Gulden
symbol: GG (citizen currency)
UP 0.3%
per European € 0.1244
per American $ 0.14642
Per British £ 0.08524

1 Guffingfordian Dukaat Gulden
symbol: ÐG (trade currency) 1 ÐG stands at 0,36 grams of .900 gold, which is worth around $5 per ÐG.
UP (State) Gold Value correlation
per European € 4.35936
per American $ 5.13227
Per British £ 2.99188

Expected Raw Material Prices

Main imports and exports of Guffingford, raw ore prices. Underlined means the product is are imported good, italics means it is exported.

Oil (crude) UP
Oil (gasoline: average price) UP
Natural Gas UP
Propane UP
Copper UP
Gold UP
Silver UP
Nickel UP
Platinum UP

Stock Market Predictions

Note: the fall in points cannot be given because exact predictions regarding this subject are heavily influenced by daily speculation and corporate figures. The general expectations are overall negative, and one should reconsider his or her position on these two markets. While this is extremely negative news, and the Bank of Guffingford doesn't really like spreading such news, we are obligated to share this with the shareholders and other financially active persons, to protect their interests from further devaluation, deflation and inflation.

The Redmount Stock and Bond Market [symbol: RSBM] DOWN
Hoogenbosch S&B500 [symbol: HSB5] DOWN

General Overview

Due to the rising prices of natural gas and petroleum products as well as crude oil, the Guffingfordian economy is expected to have shrunken 0.09 % in the ninth month of the year 2006, the downwards trend has already started after rumors of yet another outbreak of hostilities in the Imperial Armies region. This pushes the markets down, and lowers the consumption rating as a whole in Guffingford. The new gulden, which has replaced the dukaat gulden as regular citizens currency is expected to be worth around €0.10 or €0.12 per gulden. The latter value depends on the oil price rising according to the expectations of the government.
This stability of the gulden is guaranteed by a 100% gold backing, by an consortium of banking and investment corporations, namely: The First National Banking & Trust Company; Clarendon & Hocken Mutual and Annuities, Apex Mining Corp and the Hoogenbosch Light, Traction & Railroad Company Ltd.

Hoogenbosch Berig
Onderdeel van die Guffingfordische 'Hoogenbosch Media & Uytzendings Compagnie Gm.', Geregistreert te Hoogenbosch, 1899.
Part of the Guffingfordian 'Hoogenbosch Media & Broadcasting Company Ltd', Registered in Hoogenbosch, 1899.
Left wing politicians promote a more protectionist policy of Guffingfordian economics, especially Knootoss and other KIST treaty nations should be avoided as possible/future trade partner - citizens and parliament upset

TODAY -- The main concern of many left wing politicians of the Guffingfordian Socialist Party (GSP) and the Left Alliance Workers (LAW) is the global market, with Knootoss as its leader, being a direct threat to the workers of Guffingford. Wages are decreasing, unions find it more and more difficult to operate in this society and the overall quality of Guffingfordian products is decreasing as well. To counter these and other problems, the GSP and LAW propose the following: Guffingford must gradually close its borders to all non-IA economic traffic, gradually close Guffingfordian borders to all non-IA products and increase the worker's wages, relax laws regarding the unions and denounce Knootian ties and their ties with the Order of the Invisible Hand explicitly. The Order is a grave concern for many workers, for they fear an even more open capitalist society is the end of Guffingford's mining sector - since it will be overrun by corporations demanding concessions from the government to start digging for ores.

The left-wing proposal is applauded of course by various non-political left wing thinkers. The opposing right wing of the parliament is furious, and accuses them of treachery and openly promoting communism. The ring wing claims Guffingford should not return to a local level, and continue a more 'conservative' policy of open market operation, as well as bringing farming and food supplies back to a more local level. Many senior left politicians have scoffed at these ludicrous statements saying those are "Invisible Handish" and "throwing all our morals and values out the window".

From: the classical liberal daily NRC-Handelsblad


Davinci lashes out at Guffingfordi left

THE HAGUE – State-Secretary of Foreign Economic Policy David Davinci (SLP) used the Third National Congress On Trans-Pacific Economic Cooperation today to issue a firm condemnation of suggestions by left-wing Guffingfordi parties to introduce of protectionist measures and strive for a reduction of trade with KIST generally and Knootoss specifically.

"The pundits of the Guffingfordian Socialist Party and the Left Alliance Workers are hurting the Guffingfordi workers with their proposals", he told a collection of Knootian businessmen and entrepreneurs. "Knootian-Guffingfordi trade has historically benefited both nations greatly, and our nations share deep and historic ties." According to the F.E.P. Knootian trade contributes to 14,3 percent of Guffingfordi economic growth yearly, especially in providing a relatively stable market for cheap manufactured goods, gold and industrial-grade diamonds.

He dismissed charges that union activity was becoming more difficult as a result of Knootian trade. "It is really time that these unions and their political allies shape up stop blaming everything that happens there on our country. I think they should rather help to tackle some of the crippling problems their country faces. Guffingfords has massive corruption and lawlessness. Get your house in order before you blame one of the few big importers of Guffingfordi products for your problems. This is scapegoating by parliamentarians who have failed to make a difference for their own people [...] and which now seek to blame a foreign entity."

Davinci restated calls by F.E.P. secretariat for Guffingford to liberalise its mining industry ‘at its own pace’ to increase its efficiency. He also claimed to have full confidence in the ability of President Watermont to take the necessary steps to restore consumer confidence and contribute to reversing a ‘natural and temporary downward trend in the economic cycle.’

The statements come at a controversial time, when both Hell Oil and Pink Bunny Cola Incorporated are considering whether to establish production facilities in the former Knootian colony. If the political climate in Guffingford turns against the DDR it could put these mayor investments at risk. Hell Oil is still awaiting permission to begin offshore test drilling along the Guffingfordi coast. Political relations with the Authoritarian Democracy have been mixed ever since Guffingfordi indpendence in from Knootoss in 1902.


OOC: Guff, your wiki says absolutely nothing about which parties are in power and stuff. Care to enlighten me a bit?

OOC: I've been seriously messing around in my wiki whole day, I tried copying your excellent party roster (with all the fancy colors) and make it my own, but the wiki kept on giving me some mySQL error... I updated a lot on my economy, re-arranged some topics, moved stuff around to make it better and more accurate.

In other words, hang on a couple of days.

OOC: the thing with that error is to try again in a bit. Hope you saved the result. :/ I do hope I have not insulted anyone important. but as you were a corporate dictatorchop I suppose I didn't. ;)

Hoogenbosch Berig

Parliamentarians, politicians, policy makers and other left wing thinkers are appalled of Knootoss' reaction to their proposal that "will save Guffingford" from the rampant destruction of capitalism and the leeching of our own market by foreign nations.

TODAY -- Political cartoonist Robert DeGavin from Cerfonlande has no positive comment on the left wing arguments made by LAW and the GSP. "The GSP isn't in the parliament and LAW has absolutely no majority in the very same parliament. I do not comprehend how they find time and money to broadcast these statements into the ether. The media is playing a most important role in the spreading of these rebellious thoughts. We cannot deny them doing so of course, we are still a florishing democracy. Reason and compassion prevail." Mr. DeGavin is a strong voice in the outer rim of the political spectrum of Guffingford, a popular artist and cartoonist, a welcome guest in our many talkshows.

"So far they have been thwarting many good plans on making our economy more liberal and searching for other trade partners besides Knootoss. When we say other, think outside Imperial Armies, look to the Elven nations, or others, if they are willing to buy our excellent goods" These reasonable arguments have fallen on deaf ears within the left side, saying they're "biased by majority", "undemocratic" and "unloyal" to our constitution.

When we asked Mr. Jack Lee, from the Liberal Party for comments on the situation he replied wisely, "no comment". Since this affair does not affact them in the slighest way, and nor do they recognize the political sides left ánd right, he finds that is isn't within his authority to adress this situation between Guffingford and Knootoss. Maximillian Kalba on the contrary, has a very 'down to earth' opinion on the opposing left: "ridiculous and should travel back in time to 1917" He also added that this is the decade of free trade, no barring treaties, no unfair competition and no subsidized government mining operations. When we asked Mr. Jack Lee about this, he fully agreed.

"Our mines are in tip top shape. Giving them more subsidies means we're essensially robbing from ourselves." Ivan Potgietersdrif of the Left Alliance Workers dismisses these claims as false and based on untrue predictions and calculations. He presented his own chart where he showed us (it is up for debate whether his numbers are as conclusive as he claims) that the mining industry can never survive without handsome government subsidies.

Mr. Maximillian Kalba has sent his official apology to the Knootian administration for the mischievous behaviour of the LAW and the GSP. Although he is not authorized to speak on behalf of the GSP since they're no member of the parliament, Mr. Kalba expressed firmly that will not tolerate this kind of "insubordination" in his cabinet once again - member or not, a punishment will follow he promised. Mr. Kalba hopes this affair is now considered closed and the Global Hell Group, as well as Pink Bunny Cola will find Guffingford a great place to do business like any other normal country.OOC: Nobody makes me mad ;)

From: the liberal NRC Handelsblad

Global Hell confirms test drills off Guffingfordi coast

HOOGENBOSCH - Global Hell Group is starting a series of test drills off the coast of Guffingford this month, the Knootian-based multinational confirmed in a press release. A series of test platforms will be set up off the coast of the Freestate of Oos Seeland to gauge the possibility of offshore oil reserves in the authoritarian democracy.

"We’re optimistic to find reserves of a significant size", a spokesman told NRC Handelsblad, "all the signs are there, so we are very glad to get this opportunity to unlock what could turn out to be be a very sizable deposit of crude oil." Investors appear to share the corporations optimism, and stocks rose a satisfying 3.6 percent in significant trading over the day.

The drilling marks the material end of a recent political row ( http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9998702&postcount=74) on economic policy as a Guffingford cabinet minister spoke out against Knootian trade. The issue was smoothed over by Mr. Maximillian Kalba of the ruling Eigen Volksparty, who presented an official apology to the Knootian government. David Davinci, the state-secretary of Foreign Economic Policy has already accepted the apology, reassuring Guffingford that Knootoss would continue to cooperate with the Guffingfordi administration in its push for domestic reform and economic development.

Sentient Rights groups and Amnesty International staged protests at the Binnenhof and at the Global Hell Corporate Headquarters, objecting to human rights violations and a lack of democracy in the former Knootian colony. According to 'Knootians for Liberty', "oil money is blood money", but their protests do not appear likely to be heeded any time soon.

OOC: I hope you don’t mind me assuming that the rest went well. I don’t know if there actually is oil (that is completely up for you to declare) but test drills don’t guarantee oil reserves anyway. ;)

OOC: Absolutely not, I actually encourage such happenings it makes things much more interesting :)

Hoogenbosch Berig

The Guffingfordian parliament is 'delighted' to announce that the Global Hell Group has started drilling in the Hollandsche Baai, south of Oos Seeland. Several envrionmental groups, loosely associated with Amnesty International and other pro-civil rights groups launched a series of protest marches in the freestate's capital, Redmound. More on this topic, please see page 4, 3rd column.

Duynhoff, TODAY -- Citizens, businessmen and oilworkers rejoiced as they witnessed the large ships of the Global Hell Group lumbering into their bay. Oil euros from Knootoss are a welcome new kind of income, and the phrase "oil money is blood money" does not make any new friends in these parts. Local administrative divisions have been assigned to smoothen up the process of allowing Global Hell (abbreviated: GH) to start even more operations in this area. Several local agreements on coral reefs have to be respected by GH, but their primary drilling locations are 56 miles away from this environmentally sensitive location.

Because of GH expecting to find major oil reserves beneath the sea bed -which geologically closely resembles the North Sea, albeit the waters are relatively calm. Globak Hoogenbosch Oil & Gas - who still is the monopolist on the Guffingfordian oil market - threatened to file suit against the government of Oos Seeland, because of "violation of the Oil & Gas Concession Accords of 1951, environmental agreements and slander." Global Hoogenbosch Oil & GasCompany is forced into a lesser position because of the persisting rumors prior to GH's arrival in Guffingford, and because of the enduring difficulties with the Stevid Admirality about the disputed northern fields.

Share value of Global Hoogenbosch Oil & Gas fell from G1,189.04 (Knootian €:166.34) to 974.66 (Knootian €:136.45) in four years. Many stockholders are upset because of the lax attitude towards the Stevid Admirality, and many of them are trying to force the government to exact pressure on the company, to finally start drilling operations in the Northern Inner Sea, to become competitive again on the IA oil market.

CEO of Global Hoogenbosch Oil & Gas, Mr. Holtzbahn commented on this: "Of course I am unhappy with stocks and ratings falling of my company. We cannot allow and we will not tolerate any further falls of the stocks. We have to think about our shareholders, but we most also think of the future. They seem to think more about their own wallet on a short term instead of future prospects. They are neglecting the fact that the political, yes political situation with Stevid has been ripped out of proportion, and we cannot solve it. We have no diplomats, nor do we have the jurisdiction to start all sorts of experimental drilling operations in international waters, we and Stevid claim." So far Mr. Holtzbahn on this most delicate issue.

Hoogenbosch Berig

The administration of Guffingford has hereby sent out a new important concession for the Knootian corporation Global Hell Group to start a new search for oil and gas in the so called "disputed" zone between the Hanseatic League of Guffingford and the Royal Navy of Stevid.

Port Kramer, TODAY -- The safety of this second Knootian oil expedition guaranteed by the Hanseatic Navy's 12th and 13th fleet, Guffingford embarks on a new path that will lead to more economic cooperation between Global Hell and the local economic ventures. Oil refineries already funded this project with large sums of money (West Pacific Oil Refining: €7.3 million; Calchester Oil Refining & Associates: G 33 million and Guffingford Petrol Company Ltd: G 24 million) to make sure this expedition will dig or pump of something of value.

The proven reserves aren't the first best oil fields around, a conservative estimate of 6 billion barrels of oil and a yet to be determined kubic meters of gas await Global Hell beneath the sandy bottom of the Inner Sea. Weather forecasts have predicted a calm winter, with depressions drifting in from Discovery Passage and Decision Bay, but are expected to dissolve above land before they cause any disruptions on the Inner Sea. So far the weather has been very kind to Global Hell and their operations in the Hollandsche Baai, reducing the workload and easing up deadlines.

The political side of this concession is as complicated as relations are between Guffingford and Stevid. On the surface both nations claim to be the best allies, but underneath things are boiling. The Macabee Situation is becoming a sticky situation in the region whereas the Military Junta of Zarbia is rumored to violate Macabee sovereignity by launching a pre-emptive assault. These rumors have been floating around for a longer period of time, but it provides an excellent excuse for Stevid to force a breakthrough in the case of the disputed oilfields.
Guffingford will have to abide to the Guffingdordian-Macabee (clause 9; joint military assistance in times of national defence) treaty if Zarbia attacks; and Stevid holds similar obligations to Zarbia.

The Guffingfordian administration no doubt plans to eliminate this potential hazard to national security by allowing a neutral third party into these fields and protecting them from reprisals coming from Stevid. Remarkably, the government confirms these stories as true and their current political course. It seems Global Hell is going to be a chesspiece in a much larger international theatre, operating under the most strict protection from the navy. If Global Hell takes the offer, Stevid will respond and we will keep you updated. But with the money involved, it is very likely Global Hell is willing to take this serious gamble. That is, if the Knootian government approves this new drilling expedition.

The government also said that, aside from the concession, that she will absolutely guarantee the safety of men and equipment (partially) owned by Global Hell, as an extra promise.

OOC: linked heavily to this http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=439156

Hoogenbosch Berig - Web Edition
Last update: 20 minutes ago

Earlier today the government of the Hanseatic League of Guffingford has announced "an absolute state of neutrality" between our nation and Zarbia. This promise seems to have been voided already unilaterally by our government. Zarbia's Junta has yet to comment. This is a developing story, please see GNN or HLN television broadcasts for an up to the minute covering.

Hoogenbosch, TODAY -- It seems the government has once again violated a treaty they have proposed, the opposition says. Light infantry brigades as well as light artillery detachments have been sighted near the north western border with Zarbia, peasants have said to our newspaper. Observation balloons and scouting missions have already seen across the border, therefore violating Zarbian national sovereignity.

The government has no comments on this. According to them the treaty still stands and will only be breached - legally - if Zarbia attacks the Macabees or is attacked by The Macabees. Further explanation is not necessary, so says the Ministry of State spokesperson.

Details on the advancing troops cannot be given, since the entire area where the reputed troop movements take place has been sealed off by the local authorities and the City Watch. Their statement on this goes as follows: "We are here to oversee the safety of innocent bystanders. The military is conducting exercises in this area. For your own safety, you must depart this sector now." Which is the only thing they will say on this.

Speculations about a Guffingfordian-Zarbian conflict have been fueled by old territorial disputes. Therefore an armed conflict gaining support from Guffingfordian citizens, claiming they have all rights to live on Zarbian soil. "It is our ground, our land. They have taken it. If we have to die fighting over it, then so be it." So far on this news item. Extra news broadcasts will follow on this webpage, television and radio. The government has not yet announced a speech, but probably will soon.

Hoogenbosch Berig - Web Edition
Last update: 17 minutes ago
WAR!

DECLERATION OF WAR DELIVERED TO ZARBIA AFTER BRUTAL ATTACK ON GUFFINGFORDIAN SOLDIERS - rumors of a massacre among peasants and explorers, Guffingfordian troops caught by surprise - Parliament outraged

Windhoek, TODAY -- Yesterday happenings on the Guffingfordian-Zarbian border rocked the nation, shocking and appalling many citizens and politicians alike. When news reached the city of Windhoek - from where we report this story - the government in Hoogenbosch decided without any opposition, or opposition from the left bloc in the parliament to declare a state of war between the Hanseatic League of Guffingford and the Military Junta of Zarbia, fulfilling its obligations towards The Macabees.

Stories of the massacre range from a few random murders to a mass slaughter. People were in panic or didn't want to make a statement, because "they were sure to get us soon". The Zarbian assassins were part of a deathsquad to lower the morale of the Guffingfordian troops present in the area, but they have not succeeded. Nobody knows yet what exactly happened over there, but further investigation will let truth be spoken out loud.

When government officials were asked to comment on Stevid's pledge of support to Zarbia, as well as Independent Hitmen's, their official stance was "no comment". It is sure Imperial Armies will be dragged to war soon. We will keep you updated on this story.

From KNN radio:

"In Financial news, Global Hell announced that it would postpone the investment in Guffingfordi offshore oil fields until military tensions between that nation and Zarbia have died down. Foreign Minister Vologdov announced that the Knootian government was ‘sympathetically neutral’ towards Guffingford and the Macabees, offering the people of Guffingford the aid of the motherland in resolving the conflict. Vologdov condemned the Zarbian military junta for what she called was an act of unprovoked aggression towards the former Knootian colony."

OOC: is there a thread that goes with this?

OOC: http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=459998 there you go :)