NationStates Jolt Archive

Ariddian Isles moving towards re-unification?

It was a moment some had been awaiting for decades.

When North-West Ariddian leader Jeremy Cohen appeared outside his government office block in Nouvel Espoir (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Nouvel_Espoir), alongside Ariddian Prime Secretary Nuriyah Khadhim (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Nuriyah_bint_Rashad_Khadhim), both leaders were smiling.

"Our head to head meeting today," Cohen began, "was the culminating point of long months of discussions. As you know. The People's Democratic Republic of Ariddia (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ariddia) and the City of are two States which seperated over a century ago, and have evolved along seperate paths since then. Secretary Jasmina Wu laid the foundations of North-West Ariddia's own socialist model, incorporating elements of a free market under strong State regulations to ensure the essential rights and a good quality of life for all our people. Ariddia follows a different branch of socialism, but deep down, beyond our superficial differences, our fundamental values are the same.

More importantly, we were once one nation, and we are still all Ariddian Islanders. Reaching across State boundaries, we are all still one people. The fragmentation of these Isles has not been entirely negative -I believe that our North-West Ariddian socio-economic model is one of our greatest assets- but on the whole it has divided a people who should never have been divided."

He paused. Journalists gathered before him, along with ordinary citizens a little further away, waited eagerly.

"Which is why," Cohen went on at last, "I'm very pleased to announce that Prime Secretary Khadhim and I have, with the full approval of our respective governments, reached an 'on principle' decision to move towards re-unification."

At this point, he was cut off by whoops of joy, cheers and loud applause from many -though not all- of the assembled spectators. Cohen and Khadhim both smiled, before the North-West Ariddian leader continued:

"Any change will of course be submitted to the peoples of both our countries for approval via referendum. But the agreement so far is this. There will be a Federation of the Ariddian Isles, composed of two States on equal footing. There will be a common head of State, democratically elected, and a common Secretary for External Affairs, chosen by agreement between both governments. Apart from that, each State would retain its own government."

There was more applause. Khadhim spoke up for the first time.

"The creation of this Federation will mean the creation of a common Ariddian Islander citizenship, although State citizenships will also be retained. We believe this will provide the people of both our States with the best possible solution, preserving our diversity while re-affirming and re-creating a united Ariddian Isles' nation."

Prime Secretary Khadhim said referenda would take place in both countries "within the next few months".

Meanwhile, talks of re-unification with [url=http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/West_Ariddia]West Ariddia (]North-West Ariddia[/url) have stumbled to a halt. After initially attending meetings with his Ariddian and North-West Ariddian counterparts, President Jean-Charles Paon recently spoke to the media denouncing the very idea of re-unification.

"I will not," he said fiercely, "cede one inch of this country's sovereignty to foreign communists. I will not compromise or endanger the fundamental liberties of the West Ariddian people. I will not allow our rich economy to be squandered and destroyed by foreign governments. If anyone here wants to become an Ariddian, he can emigrate. Our independence has made us strong, has made us one of the most prosperous nations in the world. I think that makes my position clear, yes?"

Ea L'lew (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ea_L%27lew), former president and leader of the West Ariddian communist opposition, has called for a national referendum on the issue.

"Paon calls himself a democrat. Well then, let's have a referendum! The question isn't 'want does President Paon want?'. The question is: 'what do the people want?'."

Ariddian efforts to secure re-unification followed the results of the 2139 national election last year (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12989944&postcount=6), where the newborn Ariddian Isles Reunification Party obtained six out of ninety-nine seats in Parliament, and the position of Assistant Secretary for Reunification was added to the government.

The authorities in Rêvane (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/R%C3%AAvane) and Nouvel-Espoir are hoping that next year's presidential election will bring the communists to power in Aqeyr (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Aqeyr), enabling talks for re-unification to resume.

several months later

Referenda confirm creation of Ariddian Federation

Simultaneous referenda in the PDSRA and North-West Ariddia have yielded results hoped for by the two countries’ governments. Voters were being asked to indicate their approval or disapproval of a suggestion which would establish a Federation of the Ariddian Isles, in a move towards meaningful re-unication of what used to be (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/History_of_Ariddia#Fragmentation_of_the_Isles) a single Ariddian nation.

84.2% of voters in Ariddia and 87.0% in North-West Ariddia voted in favour of the proposal.

An election will take place three years from now to decide on a head of State for the newborn Federation. The Isles’ Federal Prime Secretary will be tasked with overseeing government operations in both States. This will constitute a significant change in the two States’ electoral systems.

At present, in both Ariddia and NWA, voters simultaneously elect a Parliament and a Prime Secretary of their own every five years. In the unlikely event of the Prime Secretary’s party facing an Opposition coalition majority in Parliament, he or she remained free nonetheless to appoint a Cabinet composed solely of members of his or her party.

Now, voters in each State will still election their own Parliament every five years, but will elect a joint Prime Secretary. The latter’s task will be to appoint a Cabinet for each State, based upon the composition of the ruling coalition in Parliament, and subject to Parliament’s approval. Each Cabinet will be nominally headed by a Second Secretary. The Prime Secretary will oversee the operations of government, but may not oppose the policies of a Cabinet composed of members not of his or her own party.

Timeline of upcoming events

2142: Presidential elections in West Ariddia; West Ariddia remains outside the Federation of the Ariddian Isles for now. The new President will be invited to take part in re-unification talks.

2144: Prime Secretary Nuriyah Khadhim’s mandate as Prime Secretary of the PDSRA comes to an end. Election for the PDSRA Parliament. First ever election for the Federal Prime Secretary, jointly in Ariddia and North-West Ariddia. Jeremy Cohen (NWA, elected 2140) will resign at this point, despite his mandate ending only in 2145. North-West Ariddian Parliamentary elections will be advanced from 2145 to this date.

2149: Parliamentary elections jointly in Ariddia and NWA, together with elections for the Federal Prime Secretary.

Unresolved issues

The question of the Federation’s capital –if any– remains. Some have suggested Espérence (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Esp%C3%A9rence), which was the original capital of the Isles from 1684 to 1705. But Espérence, of course, is on PDSRA ground. Others have suggested that no federal capital is necessary, or that Rêvane and Nouvel Espoir can both hold official status as capitals.

And then there’s the flag. The “reunification flag (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ariddian_reunification_flag)”, which has existed for many years now, is widely accepted by the general public, but has never been given official status. Nonetheless, it appears the most likely choice for the Federal flag.

Provisional plans?

Even though it seems initial steps towards reunification are now secure and clearly laid out, there are voices within the North-West Ariddian government calling for “complete re-integration” of North-West Ariddia into the PDSRA – which would of course mean a loss of sovereignty for the City-State.

“North-West Ariddia was never supposed to exist,” argues NWA MP John Greenson. “We seceded from West Ariddia, not from the PDSRA. Re-unification should mean Ariddia truly becoming one again.”

Fellow MP Lucy Rogers disagrees. “Federation is a healthy compromise. After a hundred years, voters are not ready to condone a loss of North-West Ariddian autonomy.”

West Ariddia refuses talks

The West Ariddian government is continuing to refuse all talks with its counterparts. In reaction, the PDSRA recently reversed its generally neutral stance towards its capitalist neighbour, and lambasted Aqeyr’s internal policies.

“West Ariddia is a humanitarian tragedy,” Ariddian Assistant Secretary for Reunification David Lumber said – stronger words than have been heard from the Rêvane authorities in several years. “The capitalist government is doing nothing for the millions of Limeans (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Limea) who are living in desperate poverty. There are people in West Ariddia suffering from malnutrition and dying of curable diseases, simply because Aqeyr’s extremist capitalist policies give you no right to survive if you haven’t got enough money to live. Charities are struggling to provide people with food, water, shelter, work and a little human dignity, but the West Ariddian government is doing nothing. Capitalism is a plague blighting the West Ariddian people and keeping them apart from their brothers and sisters of the Ariddian Isles.”

Messages from 965 of the 1024 nations in the association of free nations of Rejistania arrived praising the value of unity and wishing Ariddia and North-West-Ariddia all the best on the way to unification.

Secretariat for External Affairs
PDSRA
Official statement

The PDSRA expresses its gratitude for the support of the Rejistanian nations.



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République Démocratique, Sociale et Populaire de l'Ariddia

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His Majesty's Government applauds the moves being made by the governments of the People's Democratic Republic of Ariddia and the City of North-West Ariddia to embrace re-unification. As a nation made up of many disparate elements, Altanar knows very well how important unity is for any nation. We wish the emerging Federation of the Ariddian Isles the best of luck, and offer any assistance Altanar can provide towards its success.

There are few things worse than for a nation and its people to be separated, and the stubbornness of the West Ariddian government is perpetuating the unfortunate and unnecessary division of the Ariddian people. As a result, His Majesty's Government also urges the government of West Ariddia to reconsider their stance. It is our hope that someday West Ariddia can be reunited with its brethren in a peaceful and mutually satisfactory manner.

On behalf of his Majesty, HRH King Aelkyn,

Nelron Khiskithy
UCMA Minister of State

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EDITORIAL
West Ariddian government denies its people a choice

One thing that capitalists love to harp about is how their favoured system supposedly offers more "choice".

Yet the government of West Ariddia, which distinguishes itself from the PDSR and North West Ariddia mainly in its adherence to capitalism, doesn't seem to want to allow choice as far as reunification is concerned.

As the PDSR and West Ariddia prepare to become one again in the wake of referenda which showed overwhelming support for reunification, West Ariddia's government stubbornly refuses to even entertain discussions of it and in doing so, denies its own citizens the right to make that same choice.

It has gone to the extent that President Jean-Charles Paon has labelled as "foreign" people together with whom his government, not too long ago, formed a single nation-state and implicitly denied that the people of West Ariddia are Ariddian when in fact, all that really divides them is an artificial border.

This dedication to division is unhelpful. The decision to reunify is not for Mr. Paon or his government to make. It belongs to their people, something the PDSR and North West Ariddia have recognised. If West Ariddians truly are against it, then Mr. Paon has nothing to worry about. But perhaps the reason he doesn't want to even talk about it is because he selfishly refuses to give up the power that goes with being president of a country. After all, it's not as if his political prospects are very bright in a fully reunified Ariddia.

No matter what his reasons, though, it is clear that West Ariddians are being denied the right to make their own choice and it is not for anyone to stand in their way. If Mr. Paon truly believes in the liberties of West Ariddians, he should give them the liberty to make this most momentuous choice.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear sir or madam,

I write to you as a friend and business associate of President Jean-Charles Paon of West Ariddia. In a recent editorial (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13037191&postcount=6), you accused Mr. Paon of denying the people of this country a democratic choice, regarding the issue of a hypothetical reunification of the Ariddian Isles. Allow me, please, to respond to the points you raise.

West Ariddia is widely recognised as one of the most democratic, libertarian nations in existence. Every person lucky enough to live in this country –whether by birth or by choice as an immigrant– has the dearly held right to live his or her life as he or she pleases, without government restrictions or intervention. Mr. Paon’s track record in respecting the fundamental liberties of the people speaks for itself.

However, this is an issue of constitutionality. A referendum on abolishing the independence of our country would violate the Constitution which is the very foundation of West Ariddia.

President Paon is entirely correct when he says that any West Ariddian wishing to be an Ariddian can simply emigrate. Unless I’m very much mistaken, Ariddia’s policy is to grant automatic citizenship to any migrant from West Ariddia. And if someone can’t afford to travel that relatively short distance, they can move to North-West Ariddia. There are several train lines connecting West and North-West Ariddia.

As for your other comments, anything beyond the borders of West Ariddia is objectively foreign, and that includes Ariddia.

Sincerely,
Robert Mantel


OOC: I would normally post this with my West Ariddia account, but for some reason I can no longer log in to the forum with it.

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AEROPAG, JI · 166–01–12 · 0.10 g Au
In the States, you vote on the government. In Socialist Oliverry, government votes on you!

Editorial: “Choice” isn’t what it used to be
You’ve probably all heard of socialist Ariddia’s push towards “unification” with capitalist West Ariddia—which could very well mean something much closer to annexation—and the debate over the West Ariddian government’s refusal to discuss the issue. An editorial in the Kirkenes Courier, kindly republished by the tireless contributors to news.piratebay.ucs, bashed the West Ariddian government for not giving its people a “choice” on the issue. Yes, we’re all in favor of choice. If every single person in West Ariddia chooses to be run by a socialist government, and every single one of their children, grandchildren, et cetera does as well, then I’m all for it. However, one does not have freedom if it can be removed through majority vote—that is one of the founding principles of the Unified Capitalizt States, and is also apparently enshrined in the constitution of West Ariddia (though the text of that constitution escapes my search engine at the moment). Clearly, at least one person—the West Ariddian head of state—does not want to have his rights abused by a socialist government. If a mob wants to take away his rights, well, isn’t that exactly what governments exist to prevent?

Look at this new Federation of Ariddia, for instance. 15.8% of Ariddians—that’s over one and a half billion people—and 13.0% of North-West Ariddians voted against creating the Federation, and yet it will be imposed upon them nonetheless. We can only hope that people disillusioned with this tyranny will still be able to seek refuge in West Ariddia—chances are they won’t be able to afford the long flight to the Unified Capitalizt States.

Mélanie Dupré (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/M%C3%A9lanie_Dupr%C3%A9): "...and I turn now to David Lumber, Assistant Secretary for Reunification, live from outside the People's Prime Parliament. Comrade Lumber, good evening, and thank you for talking to us."

Lumber: "Good evening, Comrade."

Dupré: "Comrade Secretary, we showed you earlier the editorial from the latest edition of the Aeropag Tribune. It says the implementing re-unification -which, I remind viewers, will effectively happen in three years' time- is an infringement on the rights of the minority who oppose the idea."

Lumber: "Ah. Well, if you follow that line of reasoning, any form of representative democracy violates somebody's rights."

Dupré: "Which, in Ariddia itself, is actually part of the argument put forth by the Confederalist Communalist Party, isn't it? Yet they don't actually- well, most of them don't oppose re-unification."

Lumber: "No, they don't. I think the CCP makes a fair point, to some extent, when it argues in favour of more government decentralisation, but that's rather beside the point here. There was a referendum, and the majority opted for re-unification. A referendum is by far the most democratic way you can have for deciding on an issue."

Dupré: "It doesn't infringe on the rights of the minority, then? I mean, you can see the Aeropag Tribune's point. These people are saying 'Hang on a minute, we're PDSRA Ariddians, or North-West Ariddians, we never agreed to a change in our citizenship'."

Lumber: "Yes, but think about it for a moment. What rights would actually be disrupted? What does re-unification mean at this stage? It means two States united within a single nation, under a common citizenship, with a common head of State. Now, this head of State will be democratically elected. And, more importantly, each State will retain full and complete self-government! As Secretary Cohen was pointing out, North-West Ariddia has its own, unique approach to socialism, which isn't the same as ours. And that's fine. That won't be changed in any way unless the people of North-West Ariddia themselves want to change it."

Dupré: "The Tribune also implies that socialism is, inherently, a violation of minority and individual rights."

Lumber: "Yes, well, that's the same old tired refrain, isn't it? The truth of the matter is that socialism is the guarantee of essential rights, rights which are left unprotected under capitalism. In the UCS, you have no legally recognised right to live, right to shelter, or right to clean water and health. Or right to work, for that matter. Those are all rights which are protected only by socialism."

Dupré: "As Assistant Secretary for Reunification, do you think there's a fair chance of re-unification with West Ariddia one day?"

Lumber: "I'd say that's up to the people in Limea (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Limea). If they bring the DCP to power in the next election, maybe they'll get a referendum. I certainly hope so."

Dupré: "Thank you very much, Comrade Secretary. And now a reminder of today's top headlines..."

Merano Regency
An editorial disguised as a news article disguised as an editorial
By Casey Weber

What's arguably one of the world's weirder examples of secession is about to get slightly more sane. Or even weirder.

Over a century ago, one of the twenty Ariddian Isles seceded from the communist nation to form the sovereign state of West Ariddia. Less than a decade later, an isolated city within the island of Limea returned the favor by declaring themselves North-West Ariddia, and returning to a socialist model (albeit somewhat more competitive than Ariddia proper).

Only now, however, is the tiny nation planning to reunite with the PDSRA. More than 80% of voters in both countries passed a referendum agreeing to form a federation that would unify the states while allowing them to keep distinct economic systems.

This would be all well and good, a quaint curiosity, if it weren't for the controversy surrounding (and emanating from within, insert groan-inspiring drum riff here) West Ariddia. The current president of the capitalist state (though it was communistic for a decade) has taken a strong stance against reunification. Those within West Ariddia who desire a referendum and those outside who support reunification have criticized this position, largely on the grounds that it restricts the freedom of the West Ariddian populace to live under the system that they desire. This in turn has prompted rebuttals from more capitalistic and libertarian viewpoints.

The irony, of course, is that the United Nations today ranked West Ariddia 6,270th in the world for "Most Politically Free Nations"; Ariddia is only 14,498th (merely "Excellent" as opposed to the Limean "Superb"). North-West Ariddia leads the region at 5,339th.

This shouldn't be any surprise. Don't like the way things are run? Secede. Don't like that? Secede again. If there was an Upper-Outer-North-West Ariddia, it would probably lead the world. Even without such drastic action, a free flow of immigration among the states led to a political standstill: before the election of members of a Reunification Party and other minor parties, Ariddia was a one-party state for twelve years. (Said party had an absolute majority in the parliament for a century and a half.)

So recent events may appear tumultuous, and in context, are rightly so. But fearmongers from all perspectives can relax: the drastic changes on the way are bound to have equally large effects on the citizens of the Ariddian nations. The very presence of relatively high political freedoms in all three is an encouraging sign.

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Editorial from the Korsa Awake!, a popular newspaper from Allasha, Snefaldia, by the famed writer Nagaran ad Bet.


...Clearly, the Ariddian question is no longer a debate about unification or harmony. It boils down to a question of economic warfare- which socioeconomic political system will triumph? Will it be the much-vaunted socialism of mainland Ariddia- a system which allegedly increases rights while keeping the country in the throes of destitution- or will it be the capitalist system of West Ariddia, which is criticized by their mainland cousins as being oppressive and unfair?

This argument seems to pit Ariddian against Ariddian- that is to say, socialist Ariddian against capitalist Ariddian. What is best for their country? Our own great nation operates on a mixed-market civil service system, whereby the government allows general free reign in business while at the same time vigorously monitoring the market itself. Only to Tuhran Bel can decide for sure, but it is my humble opinion that only a mixed economy is feasible in any given country!

Clearly, the West Ariddians are afraid of the communizing influences of their eastern neighbors, and rightly so. The spectre of wealth redistribution hangs over the head of every businessman or shopowner. I cannot blame the President of West Ariddia for his reaction- despite the platitudes repeated by those supporters of the socialist system, I cannot bring myself to see the benefit in such a system as socialism.

But of course, that is just my humble opinion. Only the Motions can tell for sure.

(News Five (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/BSA_News_Five) coverage of the news. OOC: some info taken from the very helpful history of Ariddia wiki page. Well done Arry.)
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Paula Tonand: "Joining us today from his office in Folenisa is Professor David Raman, who is an expert in Ariddian affairs and a lecturer on Ariddian history at the Federal University at Folenisa. Thank you for joining us today, professor."

David Raman: "Thank you, Paula, it's a pleasure."

Tonand: "Professor, first, for those who are unclear of the situation, please give us a brief summary."

Raman: "Sure thing. A little more than a century ago, the communists took power in the Ariddian Isles. Unfortunately this caused some conflict, and under the influence of the MDA - that's the Movement for the Democratic Alternative, which campaigned for a return to capitalism, the following year one of the twenty islands - Limea - unilaterally declared its independence from Ariddia as the Sovereign State of West Ariddia.

"Now, to make things worse, about ten years later a city within this capitalist state themselves declared independence, becoming North-West Ariddia, and this city basically considered the authorities in Rêvane to be the rightful rulers of all twenty islands. As you can imagine, this did not go down well with the capitalist authorities.

"Only almost two decades later did the three nations agree to recognise each other. Until now, there has been no major incident involving the three. However, recently the governments in Rêvane and in Nouvel Espoir agreed to reunite to form one federation. Originally West Ariddia were to be a part of the plans, however President Paon recently said that he would not be willing to give up sovereignty of West Ariddia.

"So this leads us to where we are now."

Tonand: "Professor, what do you make of recent comments by David Lumber, the Ariddian Assistant Secretary for Reunification, along the lines of saying West Ariddia is a, quote, 'humanitarian tragedy'?"

Raman: "This can, believe it or not, be construed as a softening of the Ariddian stance. The rhetoric has, in the past, been much fiercer between the two sides. I, personally, think Secretary Lumber was trying to convince the people he spoke about - and they do exists, some West Ariddians who are in desperate poverty - to somehow find a way to get their government to listen. Or at least for them to pull a North-West Ariddia and themselves secede from West Ariddia.

"As I said, the rhetoric has been much worse before, and this is a slightly different stance."

Tonand: "There are elections coming up in West Ariddia, and its former President has criticised President Paon over his comments that he would not, quote, 'cede one inch' of West Ariddia's sovereignty."

Raman: "Indeed, there are elections due in West Ariddia soon. The governments in Rêvane and in North-West Ariddia are no doubt hoping for a shock victory for the communists in West Ariddia. As you pointed out, former President L'lew of West Ariddia, who is a unionist, has called on President Paon to hold a referendum and let the people decide on reunification."

Tonand: "There recently have been various editorials in various international newspapers, professor, on this issue, notably in the Kelssekian Kirkenes Courier and the CapitaliZt Aeropag Tribune. We have a clip now, courtesy of PINA, of David Lumber talking about the Tribune editorial. Presenter Mélanie Dupré pointed out that the Tribune editorial called socialism, quote, 'a violation of minority and individual rights'."

<clip>
Lumber: "Yes, well, that's the same old tired refrain, isn't it? The truth of the matter is that socialism is the guarantee of essential rights, rights which are left unprotected under capitalism. In the UCS, you have no legally recognised right to live, right to shelter, or right to clean water and health. Or right to work, for that matter. Those are all rights which are protected only by socialism."

Dupré: "As Assistant Secretary for Reunification, do you think there's a fair chance of re-unification with West Ariddia one day?"

Lumber: "I'd say that's up to the people in Limea. If they bring the DCP to power in the next election, maybe they'll get a referendum. I certainly hope so."
</clip>

Tonand: "Professor, what, if anything, stood out?"

Raman: "Well, to be honest, nothing. Let's put it this way. The Ariddian government and its ministers are well used to anti-communist or anti-socialist rhetoric by now, and, almost like clockwork, will respond in kind with anti-capitalist rhetoric. However, I'd like to bring up a point made in the Courier's editorial, called 'West Ariddian government denies its people a choice'. I quote, 'It has gone to the extent that President [...] Paon has labelled as "foreign" people together with whom his government, not too long ago, formed a single nation-state and implicitly denied that the people of West Ariddia are Ariddian when in fact, all that really divides them is an artificial border.'

"This is a major point. You referred to that speech in an earlier question, when he said that he would not cede an inch. This attitude, as long as he, or his party, or the West Arridian people take it, we can forget about West Ariddia joining the new federation any time soon. It may be unfortunate, but Ariddian politics has shown in the past. If West Ariddia does join the federation, I think it wouldn't be long until they split again."

Tonand: "Professor, one final question. Your outlook on the future of this federation? Will it go ahead? Will it fail badly?"

Raman: "Let's be honest here, this isn't going to be easy for any of the three nations. Right now North-West Ariddia and Ariddia are still geographically separated by West Ariddia. The West Ariddians, despite recognising the sovereignty of North-West Ariddia, still have an upper hand, geographically at least, nothing's to say they won't do as they did oh so many years ago and blockade the city. I don't think they'll dare, but you never know. I can't see a federation with West Ariddia involved working, at least not in the short term, anyway, since many citizens there are used to the capitalist way of life and it will be very difficult for them to reintegrate."

Tonand: "Professor, thank you so much for your time, Professor David Raman of the Federal University at Folenisa. Well, if you have any comments, you can contact us the usual way. Do you agree with the professor? Do you have an issue with his opinions? Call our OpenTalk hotline at NEWS-5-TALK or email us, worldnews - all one word - at newsfive dot org dot len."

(Cohost) James Dawson: "In other news..."

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(OOC: some info taken from the very helpful history of Ariddia wiki page. Well done Arry.)


(OOC: Thanks! Excellent posts, Zwangzug, LE. Well done on looking up all that info! Kelssek, where on Earth did you find that flag?)

IC:
Newly elected West Ariddian President "dubious" about re-unification

Much to the disappointment of its neighbours, West Ariddia has maintained the Free Democratic Party (capitalist) in power, giving it an absolute (albeit slim) majority in Parliament. Outgoing President Jean-Charles Paon was not seeking re-election, but his successor Thomas Brown is very much a conservative in the West Ariddian sense. The guiding line of his policy: preserve the flourishing West Ariddian market as it is, free from government regulations.

The Federation of the Ariddian Isles will come into being two years from now, with the election of a joint head of State for Ariddia and North-West Ariddia. The latter had both hoped to include West Ariddia, but the new government in Aqeyr is unlikely to budge.

"I'll attend reunification talks, as an observer," President Brown told the press. "If only because it would be foolish of us to cut ourselves off from our closest neighbours completely. North-West Ariddia remains our closest economic partner in geographical terms." (editor's note: There is no trade between Ariddia and West Ariddia, due to Ariddia being a signatory of IFTA.) "But this country," he added firmly, "is not going to be absorbed into some communist entity."

Ariddian leader Nuriyah Khadhim (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Nuriyah_bint_Rashad_Khadhim) said only that she was "very disappointed" by Mr. Brown's position.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman of the North-West Ariddian branch of the capitalist Free Democratic Party has explained her party's views on re-unification.

"The current plans meet with our approval," Sandra Michaels said. "They don't contradict the principles of this country's democracy. As part of the Federation, North-West Ariddia will still remain free to elect a capitalist government - and we hope voters will do precisely that in two years' time. Important economic reforms are necessary to make NWA more competitive in the world market. Our only concern, really, is North-West Ariddia sharing a Foreign Affairs Minister with Ariddia. The PDSRA has an explicitly socialist foreign policy. If they're serious about re-unification, they must be ready to compromise on that issue."

Current PDSRA External Affairs Secretary Ulo Ho replied -somewhat ambiguously, perhaps- that "the Federation's foreign policy will not commit North-West Ariddia to anything contrary to the wishes of its people".

OOC: Ah, Ariddia, the wonderous powers of Photoshop. They were originally expressing support for Nigeria.

OOC: Ah, Ariddia, the wonderous powers of Photoshop. They were originally expressing support for Nigeria.

OOC: Heh. Impressive. It looks authentic.


IC:
Angelic Nettles: "...and I turn now to our guest, Assistant Secretary for Reunification David Lumber. Comrade Secretary, good evening, and thank you for being here with us on the Parliamentary Channel (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Parliamentary_Channel)."

David Lumber: "Thank you, Comrade. And good evening."

Nettles: "We've selected a question from a viewer, regarding re-unification in two years' time with North-West Ariddia. I'm sure there are many people asking themselves this, so I'll put it to you now. Since the Federation will in fact be a country, with its two component States being relegated to the status of... well, of States, what does this mean in terms of immigration policies? For example, what's going to change for people who want to visit the Ariddian Isles?"

Lumber: "Ah. Well, we've discussed this with our counterparts in North-West Ariddia, of course. The fact is, their visa policy -for temporary visitors, we're talking here- is mostly modelled on ours, so harmonisation is going to be very easy. The only difference is that North-West Ariddia has a visa and immigration category for business people and investors, which we haven't."

Nettles: "Will this mean foreign investors can use the North-West Ariddian system to settle in Ariddia?"

Lumber: "No. Ariddia remains a signatory of IFTA, of course, and our IFTA commitments remain paramount. No, what'll happen is this. A foreigner who wants to start up a business in NWA can lodge an application at an Ariddian embassy. The embassy will forward the application to the North-West Ariddian State authorities. If a visa is granted, the person in question will only be able to use his or her visa on North-West Ariddian territory. That's what we mean when we say that each State will remain self-governing."

Nettles: "But what about other visa categories? Tourists, for example, or students?"

Lumber: "There'll be harmonisation between the two States. Someone entering North-West Ariddia with such a visa will be free to cross over into Ariddia, and vice-versa."

Nettles: "What about acquiring and inheriting Ariddian Isles' citizenship."

Lumber: "We're working with the North-West Ariddian authorities on harmonising the final details for that. What I can promise you is, there'll be virtually no change to our current citizenship and immigration laws (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Citizenship_and_immigration_in_Ariddia)."

Nettles: "All right. Secretary Lumber, thank you very much."

Lumber: "My pleasure."

Nettles: "We turn now to live coverage of the debate in the United Nations General Assembly..."

New step forward in re-unification announced

Today the governments in Rêvane and Nouvel Espoir announced that a significant new step had been achieved in the process of reunification between the two countries.

The PDSRA's Wehela Iolih (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ariddian_government_and_judiciary#Wymgani_self-government) (Indigenous Parliament) and North-West Ariddia's Ihisuh Saewe (Indigenous Council) have reached an agreement to fuse into a single body.

"The Federation will have a single, unified Indigenous Parliament," Ariddian Prime Secretary Nuriyah Khadhim (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Nuriyah_bint_Rashad_Khadhim) explained. Khadhim was once herself a member of the Wehela Iolih. "Its members will be elected on the national, federal level, with no distinction between Ariddian or North-West Ariddian voters or candidates. This national body will be empowered to veto or amend the application to Indigenous people of any law voted by either State's Parliament. That, as you know, is already the function of both the Wehela Iolih and the Ihisuh Saewe. The difference now is that a single Indigenous Parliament will have authority in both States."

The announcement has met with broad approval from Indigenous leaders in both countries.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a118/teddygrahams113/towncrier.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/535934647_dda370f4d5_o.jpg
Secretary of State Alex Tehrani, appearing with reporter Robert Choi on
PINA, called recent Ariddian attacks on West Ariddia "counterproductive."

Tehrani expresses concerns over Ariddian reunification
State Department officials slam PDSR Ariddia for 'smearing' its western neighbor

PARADISE CITY --- Recent remarks by an Ariddian reunification official, in which he lambasted West Ariddia's capitalist system, were "counterproductive" and "uncalled for" and need to be retracted, Secretary of State Alex Tehrani told Ariddia's state-run international news network Saturday.

"It seems to me that if Ariddia truly was committed to reaching out to its neighbors and would-be citizens, its own reunification officials wouldn't stoop to such adolescent tactics," said Tehrani in an interview with PINA's regional news reporter Robert Choi. "David Lumber's attacks on West Ariddia were beyond the pale and he needs to apologize for them."

Tehrani was referring to Ariddia's assistant secretary for reunification, who denounced West Ariddia as an "humanitarian tragedy" in response to the West Ariddian President Jean-Charles Paon's refusal to enter reunification talks. Lumber further maligned the island nation's capitalist system as a "plague blighting the West Ariddian people" and consigning them to poverty and ruin.

"I applaud Ariddia and North-West Ariddia for reaching an agreement beneficial to both sides on reunification," Tehrani said Saturday. "But then to turn around and blast West Ariddia for not following suit suggests to me that Ariddia may not have the region's best interests at heart."

The secretary said he had been in consultation with Ariddian Amb. Jane Neverendingname-Noseriouslyitsalongassmoniker on the matter, and would continue to follow the situation closely.

While the Federal Republic and Ariddia recognize each other diplomatically, their relationship has traditionally been frosty, owing to (militantly capitalist) OMGTKK's suspicions about Ariddia's communist system. Though it follows that the Federal Republic would defend a fellow capitalist government, Paradise City does not have a formal diplomatic relationship with West Ariddia.

Even so, the mood at the State Department following Lumber's attacks is one of "vexation," according to deputy undersecretary for UN Member Affairs Jack Riley.

"Tehrani was actually being polite," Riley said. "Lumber's attacks were outrageous and signal that this 'reunification' business is really about Ariddia dominating its neighbors and consuming free-market systems." Riley could not account for the red sequined gown he was wearing, but it was no matter, as men in white jackets showed up immediately afterward and demanded to know what he was doing out of his cell.

OMGTKK ambassador to Ariddia Tad Braxton was of a different mind from most Kennyite diplomats. "West Ariddia will burn!" he screamed while holding up a kerosene lighter and clicking it menacingly. "Down with the capitalist oppressors! Up with the insects crawling on my arms! Wheeeee!!"

"Get the fuck out of my face!" shouted OMGTKK ambassador to the United Nations Susa Batko-Yovino, punching the face of a reporter who had reached him for comment at UN Headquarters' casino. The reporter was rushed to the hospital wing, and Batko-Yovino, when questioned by security officials about the incident, said the man had interrupted him "on a good muthafuckin' hand!"

Batko-Yovino enjoys blackjack. What that has to do with Ariddian reunification we have no idea.

OOC: Tehrani's lines, of course, were written by OMGTKK.

IC:
Mélanie Dupré (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/M%C3%A9lanie_Dupr%C3%A9): "...I turn now to our guest this evening, Kennyite Secretary of State Alex Tehrani (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Alex_Tehrani). Good evening, and thank you for talking to us."

Tehrani: "Good evening."

Dupré: "Mr. Tehrani, your recent comments have been well publicised in this country. So obviously that will be my first question. Do you still believe Secretary Lumber should apologise for his comment on the humanitarian situation in West Ariddia?"

Tehrani: "Absolutely. Why would my position change? Mr. Lumber's comments were completely unwarranted and unhelpful. I find it hard to understand how -- if Ariddians truly want their western neighbors to come to the table -- these sorts of remarks would make them more willing to do so."

Dupré: "Is it that you think the comment doesn't reflect the truth, or was it simply undiplomatic?"

Tehrani: "With all due respect, it's rather both. Most neutral statisticians (http://nstracker.jfsoftware.com/index.php?nation=ariddia&nation2=west+ariddia&nation3=&nation4=&nation5=&nation6=) have found that not only does West Ariddia have a much stronger economy and more stable currency, but its people are wealthier, freer, more well-off and better employed than PDSR Ariddians, and the West Ariddian government even spends more money per capita on things like education and social equality. If I may be so bold, West Ariddia bears all the marks of a free and prosperous society, something its neighbors lack. It's not hard to understand why West Ariddians would be unwilling to surrender their sovereignty, as their former president put it, if it would mean threatening the economic well-being they currently enjoy. I simply don't see what PDSR Ariddia can gain by telling what can only be described as falsehoods about fellow Ariddians simply because they disagree politically."

Dupré: "You said recently that you feared Ariddia might be trying to 'dominate' its neighbour. Some of our viewers have written to comment on OMGTKK's policy towards nations such as the Eternal Kawaii, Tiki Taki and Thessadoria. What would you reply to those who accuse you of double standards?"

Tehrani: "I don't believe I ever said 'dominate.' That was Jack Riley. And I wouldn't say we have a double standard. Our goal in the theaters you cite has never been 'domination,' but protecting our interests abroad against hostile, undemocratic governments who support terrorism, or in the Eternal Kawaii's case, unstable theocratic leaders determined to threaten the civilized world with nuclear weapons. We never occupied HOCEK, and the current Kawaiian leaders now say that the otaku's nuclear ambitions were not in their nation's best interests, so it appears we have been vindicated. In Thessadoria's case, we never invaded, but deployed peacekeepers at the ruling government's request, to help quell the violence of religious extremists who, shall we say, advocated stricter standards of modesty for women, and would have made Thessadoria a much less fun place to live (and watch) if they got their way. And of course, the natives of Tiki Taki consider President Fernanda a god, and have always welcomed our presence on their island."

Dupré: "Surely you'll admit, though, that's just one point of view. You have Kennyite opponents who question the legitimacy of Kennyite interventions in those countries."

Tehrani: "I'm sorry, we are getting a bit off-topic here. The issue was Ariddian reunification, wasn't it? If people will fault supposed Kennyite 'domination' (which they have every right to do) in response to remarks from our government that Ariddia is engaging in 'domination' over the region, then let me just say that anyone in my government who accused PDSR Ariddia in such a manner should never have done so. I challenge Mr. Lumber to follow suit and retract his misleading statements about the West Ariddian economic situation."

Dupré: "OMGTKK doesn't usually comment on the Ariddian Isles' internal affairs. Why the Kennyite interest now?"

Tehrani: "Well, first off, I wouldn't term the affairs between sovereign nations like Ariddia and its (currently) independent neighbors as 'internal.' Secondly, the Federal Republic has engaged PDSR Ariddia diplomatically, both on a bilateral basis and at the United Nations, for quite some time now. It naturally follows that dramatic developments, such as reunification, that may have an effect on Ariddia's foreign policy would be of concern to us. If by contrast it was a question of whom Ariddians should elect as their national leaders, unless it meant a worsening of relations between our two nations, we would of course stay out of it. That has always been our government's policy."

Dupré: "What would your views be on consensual reunification between Ariddia and West Ariddia?"

Tehrani: "We believe there would have to be compromises on both sides, obviously. And if that meant allowing West Ariddia some degree of political and economic autonomy, then assurances of that sort would probably more likely result in West Ariddia's willingness to participate in reunification talks than petty sniping."

Dupté: "What possible outcome in the Ariddian Isles would be most satisfactory in your view, and for OMGTKK?"

Tehrani: "It's not what would be 'most satisfactory for OMGTKK' that we should be discussing, it's what would be most satisfactory for the Ariddian people. Would West Ariddians in a unified Ariddia still be allowed to operate under the free-market system that has brought them so many benefits? Would they be fully represented in a reunified government? Would reuniting with a socialist state be as or more beneficial to West Ariddians than independence has been? Would PDSR Ariddians and West Ariddians, who share many political disagreements, especially from an economic standpoint, be able to coexist peaceably in a unified Ariddia? These are the questions that must be addressed in any reunification agreement."

Dupré: "All right. Now... Does the Federal Republic intend to develop closer relations with West Ariddia? Are there any trade relations currently between the two countries? And do you think that would change if West Ariddia re-unifies in some way with Ariddia?"

Tehrani: "As you know, Melanie, we do not have any formal diplomatic relationship with Aqeyr, and we have no interests in West Ariddia, economic or otherwise (although their comedians have had some fun with our president (http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4716/wvmanuelofernandafx3.png) and ambassador to PDSRA (http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6758/wvtadbraxtonvr8.png)). We don't see that changing, unless West Ariddia were to make any significant overtures toward our government. Were West Ariddia to take steps toward reunification, we would have to assess what the economic situation on their island would likely be post-reunification before we made any decisions on trade. But from a purely diplomatic standpoint, the Federal Republic already has a full diplomatic relationship with PDSR Ariddia, doesn't it? Why wouldn't we be willing to enter into a similar relationship with West Ariddia? "

Dupré: "I see. To conclude, Mr. Secretary. If you had to give one message, or suggestion, to the leaders and people of the three Ariddian countries, what would it be?"

Tehrani: "The governments of the three nations involved need to remember that their citizens will have to live with whatever agreement they reach. So it is of monumental importance that the opinions of the people in the Ariddian Isles are duly taken into account, and that all are equally and fairly represented in whatever unified government results from these talks."

Dupré: "Secretary of State Alex Tehrani, thank you very much for talking to us."

Tehrani: "Thank you, Melanie. It's been a pleasure."

Lumber: "I see no reason to apologise"

Ariddian Assistant Secretary for Reunification David Lumber had rejected Kennyite Secretary of State Alex Tehrani's repeated suggestion that he should apologise for calling the situation in West Ariddia a "humanitarian tragedy".

"I'll concede that what I said was perhaps undiplomatic, given the current context in the Ariddian Isles," Comrade Lumber told the press. "But I'm not going to retract a true statement. There are people starving or dying of curable diseases in West Ariddia because there's no State healthcare, and the government does not recognise that they have a fundamental right to live. That is a humanitarian tragedy, and I urge the West Ariddian authorities to adopt more humane social policies."

The West Ariddian ambassador in Rêvane did not wish to comment.


Poll suggests West Ariddians opposed to reunification

A poll released in the West Ariddian press and transmitted to the Ariddian media indicates that only 34% of West Ariddians favour re-unification. West Ariddian President Thomas Brown stated only that he was "not surprised", and added "I hope that settles the issue once and for all".

But Ea L'lew (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ea_L%27lew), a main figure of the West Ariddian communist Opposition, expressed her doubts as to the validity of the poll.

"Our own surveys suggest that up to 55% of West Ariddians are in favour of reunification, and certainly no less than 40%," she said. "The only way to know for certain is to hold a referendum."

Parliament draws up bill on decentralisation

Along with efforts towards re-unification, it had been the other great pledge for Prime Secretary Khadhim’s fourth term in office: prepare some sort of effective political decentralisation within the PDSRA, so as to move closer to the communist ideal of autonomous communes.

Today, the People’s Prime Parliament has presented to the Council of Secretaries a draft proposal on this very issue. If implemented, the proposal will allow pre-existing “community discussion centres”, found in villages, towns and cities throughout the country, to become virtually self-governing. This would constitute a radical break with Ariddia’s long-standing political tradition of highly centralised government.

“This is rather exciting, actually,” said John Taylor, Adviser on Governmental Decentralisation. “It means that each and every community discussion centre in Ariddia will have almost full control over the area within its jurisdiction. So small groups of people will be deciding on issues important in their own area. This really does bring us a lot closer to being a communist society.”

What limits will there be on these centres’ power of decision?

“Obviously they can’t implement policies that would contradict the Constitution (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Constitution_of_Ariddia),” Taylor says. “If ten percent of the adults in an area lodge a complaint with the national Constitutional Court, the latter will be obliged to determine whether a decision taken on the local level was unconstitutional.”

Secretary Taylor added that any five Members of Parliament may also call upon the Constitutional Court in reference to any local decision.

At present, community discussion centres exist to establish consensual community decisions, but their power is strongly curtailed. This would change substantially with the new law.

“The community centres will now be able to contradict or reject Acts of Parliament,” Taylor explained. “Except Acts that are explicitly integrated into the Constitution. We’ll be seeing a lot more direct democracy in action.”

The proposal will almost certainly be approved by both the Council of Secretaries and the People’s Prime Parliament. It must then be submitted to the people via referendum, and must be approved by 75% of voters.

“I believe we, the citizens of Ariddia, are ready for our next step forward towards communism,” said a smiling Nuriyah Khadhim as she expressed her support for the proposed legislation.

OOC: This happens the following year.

IC:
BREAKING NEWS

West Ariddian President declares "pure capitalism"; abolishes State

Mélanie Dupré (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/M%C3%A9lanie_Dupr%C3%A9): "Ladies anf gentlemen, good afternoon, if you're just joining us now. I'm Mélanie Dupré, and you're watching PINA's news at two o'clock. We're going straight to Aqeyr (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Aqeyr), West Ariddia, with the stunning news that President Brown has apparently... abolished his own government. Not only that, but he's announced that there will no longer be a government at all in his country. Peter Jones is our correspondant live in Aqeyr. Peter, what on Earth's going on over there?"

Peter Jones: "Mélanie, yes, it's all a bit confusing still, and the announcement has sent shockwaves through the country. Have a look at this televised announcement by President Thomas Brown aired about... uh, eight minutes ago now."

A man in his fifties, with reddish-brown hair, wearing a tidy suit with a blue tie, is sitting in an office.


Ladies, gentlemen, my fellow West Ariddians.

What I am about to tell you may surprise you, but let me assure you in advance that it will not constitute a major change to your lives. In fact, you will barely notice the difference.

Last year, I received from you a mandate to safeguard your fundamental rights and liberties - the rights and liberties, the individual freedoms upon which this great and prosperous nation was founded.

For many years now, my predecessors and I have done our small part to help all of you build and safeguard a society where there is no value more fundamental than that of your freedom. I believe each and every one of us is privileged to be West Ariddian. We live in a country where each of us is free to do as he or she pleases with their life. This principle has been firmly secured. I intend for it to endure, forever.

It is threatened only by the large communist forces in our nation. Once before we have seen the communists in power. They restricted our freedoms, re-establised taxation and placed severe and unjustifiable limits on what you could do with your own life, your own money, your own everything. I do not believe a majority of you will ever want to bring the communist menace back to power, but their lingering threat is one factor in my decision today.

My fellow West Ariddians, what is the State? In many countries, it is an institution designed to place limitations, for whatever reasons, on the rights of the people. Across the sea in communist Ariddia, it is a force designed to make every person identical to every other, stifling all aspirations for individual freedom and self-determination. Here, in West Ariddia, the State's sole purpose is to prevent the rise of an oppressive State. The State has been here to ensure that your rights remained unimpeded.

The State has fulfilled its function. Like an anachronous tool, it has played its part in the building of our free society, and now no longer serves any useful purpose. I have submitted a proposal to Parliament in closed session, and have obtained the necessary majority, required by our democratic institutions, to make this announcement today.

My fellow West Ariddians, from this moment on you are freer than you have ever been before. From today onwards, there will no longer be a government in West Ariddia. Today, once more, we set a model and standard of freedom for the world. Pure capitalism, an unencumbered free market - that is the ultimate aim of progress in any free and civilised society. It is what we, all together, have achieved. We have proven that our society can function on the basis of pure freedom, and now we cast off the last remnants of a government no longer needed.

My fellow West Ariddians, enjoy your freedom, now and forever. You all deserve it. Thank you.

Jones: "There you have it, Mélanie. The President and Parliament have just abolished the government. I can tell you now, I've seen people come straight out into the streets after hearing this. Some looked stunned or confused. Others were furious. And while you were watching that replay of President... uh, ex-President Brown's speech, West Ariddian journalists have found the main spokeswoman of the Opposition, former Communist President Ea L'lew. She was just coming out of a grocer's shop, and she heard the news from the journalists themselves. Here are the pictures."

A blind, brown-skinned woman in her mid-seventies is seen outside a shop, holding her white stick, reporters pressing round. She appears astonished.


He's done what? He can't have! Well, if you say so... This... I'm sorry, I'm a bit, uh... Well, I'm stunned, really. This is... This is a complete... It's a violation of this country's most fundamental democratic principles! He's essentially saying that his party's values will be forced on us all forever. He was given a five year mandate, not a mandate for eternity! No more government means no more elections! This... I can't believe he's actually done this! This is a violation of the Constitution, and of every citizen's democratic rights. This is a dark, dark day for West Ariddia!

Jones: "That was the reaction of Ea L'lew."

Dupré: "A really surprising move there from Thomas Brown. I suppose it's too soon to get a wide range of reactions. But what is this going to mean in terms of the West Ariddian people's every day life?"

Jones: "Well... As Ea L'lew said, it means they won't have an election in four years' time. Other than that, President Brown is essentially correct when he said that nothing would change. The FDP-led governments have always been deliberate non-entities, governing as little as possible, and basically letting the market run its course and the people get on with things by themselves. There was no government in West Ariddia in any meaningful sense anyway. Various parts of the country are basically within the sphere of influence of major corporations. All schools, hospitals and so on are privately run companies. Even the military is mostly an extremely powerful military corporation, although technically until now it answered to the government."

Dupré: "What happens to the military now, then?"

Jones: "Presumably it will continue to operate as it always has done, as a private company. It has its own factories and research laboraties, and turns a profit by providing militias to individuals and companies, selling weapons and so on. Soldiers are paid cheaply, and have to pay steep fees for their training, but it's paradoxically a low-risk job so there are always new recruits. The military also receives funds from major corporations, who have a vested interest in keeping West Ariddia safe."

Dupré: "So the military will continue to ensure national defence. All right. I imagine one question on many people's minds now though is: Is there still a West Ariddia? Can you have a country without a government?"

Jones: "Obviously Thomas Brown seems to think so. Apparently his view is that sovereignty isn't dependent on the existence of a State. You heard what he said: he sees the government as an anachronism in West Ariddia's capitalist society. But right now everything over here is still very confusing."

Dupré: "All right, Peter, thank you. We'll come back to you in about twenty minutes. Now for the other headlines..."

The following is a broadcast from Sangita News, a broadcast news program in Allasha.

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"Good evening, I'm Neela Sambal and this is the Discussion Hour on Sangita News. Our top story tonight comes from the nation of West Ariddia, part of the Ariddian archipelago. The President of West Ariddia, Thomas Brown, has declared the State of West Ariddia at an end, with the parliament voting to eliminate any form of central government. With me is economist Ravi Mahar and Krzystof Ostrowski, Recordmaster and teacher of international politics at Dil. Mr. Mahar, Recordmaster Ostrowksi, welcome."

Ostrowski: "It's good to be here, Neela.

Mahar: "Yes, thank you."

Sambal: "First question, gentlemen. What does this mean for West Ariddia, and by extension, Ariddia as a whole?"

Ostrowski: "Well, let me say first that we don't really know what all the effects are. We can speculate, that's all. PINA carried in-depth reporting on the subject, indicating that West Ariddia was largely sans government anyway, so the actual impact on the lives of West Ariddian citizens will probably be quite small. Sure, some politicians will be out of jobs, but that's probably for the best."

(laughter)

Mahar: "Quite right. Economically speaking, West Ariddia is now little more than a corporate state. I hate to say it, but the prospects for the Ariddian citizen in terms of rights and liberties is probably going to get worse. It's a facet of corporatism- when the number of competing businessess reduces to a small number, and especially when they provide essential services, the likelihood that the companies will infringe on rights to make a buck increases."

Sambal: "Does that then give credence to what anti-capitalists are saying about the situation in West Ariddia? The communists in PDSR Ariddia are quite adamant that capitalism can't offer the rights and liberties that their communist system does. You seem to be saying they're right."

Mahar: "No, no, not at all. When properly maintained by a vigilant, interactive populace, the capitalist system can work. It is when corporatism and monopolism proliferates that things break down. This is why our nation has such strict rules regarding big business."

Ostrowski: "I will state here for the record that this is, in my mind, no endorsement of the communist system. According to UN reports, the situation in West Ariddia is much better than in Ariddia- we know from experience that communism is a weaker alternative to vigilant capitalism, and we also know that laissez-faire capitalism simply doesn't work.

Sambal: "Fair enough. What does this mean for Snefaldia, then?

Mahar: "As far as I know, not at all. I don't believe we have either diplomatic or economic connexions with West Ariddia, and our only connexion with PDSR Ariddia is through PINA broadcasts. The effects on our own country will be imperceptible."

Ostrowski: "The situation in West Ariddia will need to be monitored closely. This provides a very good case-study, one we can use to evalute our own economic system and make adjustments as necessary. If West Ariddia devolves, we'll look at the causes."

Sambal: "Thank you, gentlemen. We're going to take a quick break, and when we come back we'll be talking about the recent municipal law changes in Pholimjung. How far can the government go in religious matters? We'll be right back."

Four months later...

Communists seize control in West Ariddia

For four months, the world had watched, and wondered whether the auto-dissolution of the West Ariddian capitalist State would change anything to the daily lives of the Limean people. For four months, it seemed it wouldn't. Foreign investments increased, major companies achieved higher profit rates than ever, and the crime rates increased somewhat. Corporate security agencies maintained order, despite the absence of law. The poor relied on charities, while the wealthy were free to do as they pleased. West Ariddia appeared to be a capitalist success story.

Opposition appeals to the courts challenging the constitutional legality of disbanding of the State went nowhere, as judges either proclaimed themselves to have no jurisdiction, or found themselves powerless to implement their rulings. Capitalists were (for the most part) content, communists (and smaller opposition parties) cried foul, but there was, it seemed, nothing to be done.

Until yesterday. For communist sympathisers had not been sitting idle. In an impressively orchestrated mass movement, a throng of communist supporters have stormed the empty and abandoned government buildings, and, though sheer force of numbers, have seized control of companies, industries and factories in parts of Aqeyr and throughout the country. The communists were not armed, although a tiny number reportedly carried empty glass bottles and other crude forms of weaponry. For the most part, corporate security agents have balked at firing at unarmed men and women, although there have been some shots, and reports of at least 16 communist civilians injured, two severely.

The movement's leaders have not made themselves known. An unnamed spokesman, a bearded, dark-haired man in his thirties, appeared outside what was once the presidential office building and declared briefly that the State has been restored. "There will be a government again," he said. "West Ariddia will be governed by the people, in accordance with the fundamental needs of the people. Capitalist oppression will flourish no longer. This is now a People's Republic."

He disappeared back inside the building without answering any questions.

Just under two hours later, a young Wymgani woman appeared in turn, very briefly, to say that the communists were asking Ea L'lew to take control and accept the position of President. There has been no response from Ms. L'lew as yet.

Nor has there been any reaction from the military, with only a short statement from one senior officer indicating that military command was "monitoring the situation closely". A number of unarmed soldiers are thought to have taken part in the communist movement - the "Great Red Wave", as some of the West Ariddian media are already calling it.

At present, it is clear the communists occupying the government buildings have no national control over the country. However, they have control of several businesses, which are even now being converted into "workers' cooperatives", the press has been told.

Yesterday evening, a new flag (http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3466/westariddiapryc9.png), never seen before, was hung from a window of the former presidential offices. No doubt the flag of the new "People's Republic".

Former President Thomas Brown spoke to the media, condemning the attempted take-over as "undemocratic", and has urged all sides to refrain from violence.

The situation in West Ariddia remains extremely uncertain. West Ariddians throughout the country (and especially in Aqeyr) went to bed last night wondering what today would bring.

(OOC: The CDA isn’t really as powerful as they think they are—their attempt at intervention can easily fail if you want it to.)

It was a rainy day in Aeropag, the island city that acted as the financial capital of the Unified Capitalizt States, and the rain provided a fitting background for the day’s events. With much of the media’s attention focused on the ongoing war between Atlantian Oceania’s Strategic Defense League and Strategic Alliance of Autocratic States, Aeropag Tribune News viewers were surprised to be interrupted by an announcement by the acting leader of the Capitalizt Defense Alliance, Jordan Murray.

“Good evening. As you may not have heard, given certain recent events in Calania, the independent nation of West Ariddia, a thriving capitalist economy which has been without a state for the last four months, is now under attack by a group of civilians attempting to ‘govern’ the area by stealing businesses from their owners. If they continue to go unchallenged, they will most likely institutionalize this abhorrent practice, as has been done by nearby nations, and prevent the people of West Ariddia from controlling the fruits of their labor. Since the military of West Ariddia—which strangely seems to have no competitors—has not yet been able to act, it is imperative that someone take action to reëstablish peace.

“As West Ariddian companies conduct a significant amount of trade with the member companies of the Capitalizt Defense Alliance, we have decided that the security of West Ariddia is critical to our goals of maintaining an environment conducive to prosperity for our members. With the full authorization of General Ajamdáneqo, who is currently involved in negotiations in Nedalia, the Capitalizt Defense Alliance will send land forces to West Ariddia. We will make no attempt to drive out the communists there; we will simply carry out the functions of government—preventing people from attacking others or damaging or seizing their property, and providing a means of recovering damages after such incidents have occurred—until such time as there are no substantial threats to the liberties of the West Ariddian people.

“We have no intention to make West Ariddia part of the Unified Capitalizt States, nor even to create a permanent government that mimics our own. Our only concern is for the freedom of individuals there, and we will leave as soon as that is secured. That will be all.”

“. . . former President Ea L’lew has yet to make a public statement regarding these events, and has not said whether she intends to take power as President. Her friends and senior party colleagues have said she was not behind the communists’ move to seize power. Nonetheless, several DCP Members of Parliament have returned to the empty Parliament building, and have declared it to be back in session. Its first session, currently underway, is being boycotted by all but two of the FDP MPs, who declare it illegitimate. One DCP MP, Jean-Charles François, argued that all current MPs have a clear mandate from the electorate, and says President Brown’s dissolution of the State was unconstitutional. . .”

Commandant Jacques Santal yawned, and rubbed his eyes, reaching for the remote to mute the sound. He had heard it before. The news was looping round and round, although of course there could be fresh developments at any time. Apparently, some corporate forces had retaken some of the businesses in the capital and suburbs, forcefully evicting communist occupants and any employee who refused to get back to work for their original employers. There had been a bit of a scuffle. And something about one injured communist employee having no money to go to hospital, after suffering two broken ribs.

Admiral Pietr Krajcik had gone to the media to announce that the military was here to defend the country from foreign threats, not to settle political disputes. Private corporate security forces were supposed to do that. The West Ariddian military had its eyes turned firmly outwards, with its back to the mess inland.

At times like these, he was glad to be out at sea. It helped him feel, somehow, detached.

“Mon commandant!” A young female enseigne burst in, then came to a sharp halt and saluted smartly. “Mon commandant, three ships approaching West Ariddian waters, including an aircraft carrier.”

He got to his feet quickly.
“Ariddian?”

“Non, mon commandant. Ils ont été identifiés comme faisant partie de l’Alliance Défensive Capitalizte.”

“Les Capitaliztes, ici?” He frowned, puzzled, as he headed out onto the deck. Perhaps they have been attracted somehow by the current mess. He gave orders to set an intercept course, and transmitted a message to the approaching ships.


Attention.
You are on course to enter West Ariddian territorial waters.
Turn back immediately.

Attention.
Vous approchez des eaux territoriales ouest-ariddiennes.
Faites demi-tour immédiatement.

The enseigne appeared beside him again.
“High Command is informed. They’re sending out air defences.”

Upon receiving the message from the West Ariddian military, the CDAV Thomas Jefferson, the flagship that had for years been confined to patrolling the waters near the Sarzonian ocean border, slowly came to a stop, along with the other ships in the fleet.

The captain pressed a button on a nearby control panel, and replied, “This is Colonel Sérjio Uölfo, captain of the CDA vessel Thomas Jefferson. We are escorting unarmed transport vessels carrying security personnel for the Capitalizt Consolidated Conglomeration Corporation’s West Ariddian facilities. If you will allow our transports to pass, our military vessels can remain in international waters.”

Commandant Santal turned to a junior officer.

"Find out for me whether the Capitalizt Consolidated Conglomeration Corporation even exists. You, radio back to them that there are strict security procedures upon landing. Tell them to stay where they are for now while we verify their story. Oh, and tell them to have their passports ready."

The Allaneans observed the events with some interest – as was natural, as Western Arridia was somewhat of an export market. Further, as President Goldwasser’s last term was approaching it’s end, he had to make an effort to appear actively anti-communist, to ensure the election chances of his successor, Desmond Keyes (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=539090) remained as high as they possibly could.

As such, some flunky in the Department of State contacted the UCS.

Greetings!

While we have had no contact with you before, we would like to offer you some help with the Arridian communists. While a lot of our navy is still engaged in the Haven region in the aftermath of the Questarian/NATO conflict, we feel we can divert a single Argentine-class Galleon (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9139231&postcount=295), the Pascal Salin, and it will be escorted by five destroyers, just in case. We foresee no major threat from the Ariddians, however the Pascal Salin will deliver a landing force capable of supporting your action.

Passports? Col. Uölfo had a vague recollection of using some sort of booklet with a fluorescent green gear on its cover to travel to Oliverry back when the Grand Dominion of Bedistan still existed, but had no idea how the UCS natives would get such a thing. He asked Lt. Moran, who he knew traveled frequently, how he made it through the checkpoints.

“Oh, I use this.” Moran showed the colonel a sky blue passport with the words International City of Paripana · Internationalestadt von Paripana · Qidade Internepáïire Paripanem on the front. “It turns out that the accession treaty that admitted Bedistan and Lontorika into the Unified Capitalizt States had a loophole in it—the government of the International City still exists separately from the new Capital Territory, which makes it exempt from the limitations of government set out in the Constitution. I heard any Capitalizt can even register for an International City passport online and print it out if they have the equipment and can prove their identity.”

The Thomas Jefferson had some rather nice printing facilites—due to the multilingual nature of the CDA, it was often necessary to distribute orders in printed form in multiple languages. The embossing and binding equipment probably wasn’t strictly necessary for that, but in the eyes of the CDA’s leadership, it never hurt to be too prepared. Having collected the needed information from all the “security personnel” that would be going to West Ariddia, the passports could be ready by the time that the needed “procedures” were finished.

—————

Life in the mail room at the Unified Capitalizt States’ capitol building, a converted two-story home in the heart of the International City, never ceased to be interesting. Requests for embassies in foreign countries, information about border controls, and travel guides came in daily, but it was the more esoteric requests that made the job worth doing. Today, it was a message from the Allanean Department of State that got the workers laughing.

Unfortunately for them, writing polite and helpful responses to such requests was part of the job description. They decided to work together on this one, and eventually managed something that they could send without getting fired:

The Unified Capitalizt States’ Constitution strictly prohibits the government from involving itself in foreign affairs. The Capitalizt Defense Alliance, a coalition of private companies in the UCS that maintains a military force, is involved in the West Ariddian conflict, and you may wish to contact them about your offer.

The Allaneans have received the response. After receiving it, they contemplated the issue for about a quarter-hour, and then sent out two responses. One was to the CDA, and that was a generic offer of aid. The other was to the UCS, and it ran as follows:

Dear Sir!

We failed to realize your government is so progressive – and we do not mean the socialist misuse of the word. We applaud your Constitution and the policies expressed therein – though we can’t really endorse the same policy for ourselves. Please find a bar of gold attached therein as a present from the Allanean government and Allanea’s people.

Sincerely yours,

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Crown Princess Kate complains to Ariddia about seizure of Dallas assets in West Ariddia

After recent developments in West Ariddia, quarter Ariddian Crown Princess Katherine Alexandra Dallas of Jersuselem has reportedly written an unpleasant letter to the government of Ariddia after communists seized corporate assets in West Ariddia. The Dallas clan, mainly controlled by Debbie Dallas, Dazza Dallas and her daughter Kate Dallas had some small holdings in West Ariddia to facilitate commerce between West Ariddia and Ariddia.

It was reported the communists had seized some of the Dallas business assets in raids, and the Crown Princess has expressed her displeasure at this development. The Ambassador to Ariddia, Dazza Dallas, also complained about the latest developments. Jersuselem business investment in West Ariddia has effectively been withdrawn after the Dallas clan wrote off millions in losses in West Ariddia after the seizures.

Dallas losses included two nightclubs, a doll factory and a rubber chicken factory.

General Murray contemplated the offer from Allanea, and started typing a response—typing in the literal sense, as he couldn’t stand the fancy direct mental input thing that General Ajamdáneqo had in his computer. Not that he enjoyed dealing with situations like this using any equipment.

As our current satellite data indicates that our own fleet has run into some sort of problem just outside West Ariddian waters, we would greatly appreciate any support that your ships can provide. Attached is the location of each of our ships. Colonel Uölfo on the CDAV Thomas Jefferson is in charge of the mission.

—General Jordan Murray
Acting Commander-in-Chief of the Capitalizt Defense Alliance

And so the Allanean ships proceeded leisurely towards the location of the CDA ships. Not much is to be told of their journey, except that they opened no channels of communication with the Ariddians. In the meanwhile, off the Arridian shore, the CDA would have to resolve its own issues – it would take days for the Allaneans to arrive.

[Friendly OOC suggestion: you may want to make a separate thread for the military business.]

Tehrani: West Ariddian situation 'extremely troublesome'

PARADISE CITY (Allied Press) --- Secretary of State Alex Tehrani said the "bizarre events" coming out of West Ariddia recently threatened to destabilize the region, and called on leaders "of all Ariddian states" to press for a diplomatic solution.

"It extremely troublesome that things have come to this," the secretary told a reporter by phone Monday. "The populist coup d'etat was bad enough, but the sudden injection of an irrelevant foreign power will complicate matters even worse."

In response to communist uprisers seizing control of West Ariddian national industry and making overtures toward communist politicians to take up the reins of government, the leader of the Capitalizt Defense Alliance (CDA) -- a privately operated auxiliary defense group for Commerce Heights -- announced plans for an invasion of the island nation, supposedly to restore order.

Though the Unified Capitalizt States are a fellow capitalist power (with which the Federal Republic has shared little contact), Tehrani criticized the move by their private defense league.

"CDA's plan to carry out unilateral plans, ostensibly for stabilizing a sovereign nation, without attaining the consent of, or even consulting with, national leaders will prove very problematic," the secretary predicted. He called on CDA to withdraw from the region.

Tehrani would not comment on reports that State Department officials suspect Ariddian involvement in the communist seizure of West Ariddia.

He did say, however, that the State Department would maintain "close contact" with PDSR Ariddia on developments in West Ariddia. The Federal Republic does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with West Ariddia, or whatever government du jour is calling shots on the island these days.

"Time to get involved, sir?"

"Rather unfortunate situation, Colonel. Get the Foreign Affairs Ministry involved. Warn the Ariddians."

"And us, Sir? Do you want us to start preparing forces?"

"No, no military action against a country we have no relations with. It's not our business to get involved militarily."

—————————————————————————————

Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs
Liverpool England Foreign Affairs Ministry
32 Embassy St.
CCL, Government Territory, Liverpool England

To: Ariddian Board of Interests, Liverpool England; Ariddian Foreign Ministry, Rêvane

Sirs,
Liverpool England is very disappointed at the recent events that have unfolded in West Ariddia. While I understand that Ariddia wishes for West Ariddia to remain a communist state with a view to joining the new federation, I am strongly of the opinion that you cannot let a neighbouring sovereign country, whose fate will ultimately impact Ariddia, be taken over like this is a coup d'état.

I urge your government to take the necessary steps to prevent a major incident in West Ariddia. I also strongly condemn the forcible takeover of the institution of the state in West Ariddia.

Your country's national football team has a star striker who I believe is also a noted human rights activist. As we prepare to welcome Ariddia to the Protectorate of Ad'ihan (or to Novapsolu, as the draw may go), I hope that Ms. Shahrour will take up the case in West Ariddia.

Jeremy Firston
Foreign Minister (designate)
Liverpool England

—————————————————————————————

Firston slams "coup d'état" in West Ariddia
The new Foreign Minister already has a lot on his hands. Barely a day after being named to the post in Prime Minister Michael Harley's new Cabinet, Jeremy Firston has criticised what he called a "coup d'état" in West Ariddia in an open letter to the Ariddian presence in the country.

In his letter, sent to the Ariddian Board of Interests as well as the Ariddian Foreign Ministry in Rêvane, Firston said that the country was "very disappointed" at the apparent takeover by Communists in West Ariddia. "I am strongly of the opinion that you cannot let a neighbouring sovereign country... be taken over like this is a coup d'état," he wrote, adding that developments in West Ariddia would impact Ariddia.

While the two countries do not have formal diplomatic relations, the Ariddian state broadcaster PINA is reportedly planning on visiting Liverpool England to do a documentary on capitalism. In his letter, Firston also referred to the upcoming World Cup to be hosted in Liverpool England's protectorate of Ad'ihan. Pointing out that the Ariddian team had a known human rights activist, he noted his hope that "Ms. Shahrour will take up the case in West Ariddia."

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Transcript of broadcast WORLDSERVICE-EN beginning 25SEP2007 10:00:58 UTC generated by AutoTranscripter 4.32

Audio file available - http://media.switchpod.com/users/kelssek/kbcworldservice25sep2007.mp3

A popular uprising of communists in West Ariddia has launched a bloodless seizure of power just weeks after the former President Thomas Brown abolished his own government in perpetuity, leaving the nation in a state of anarcho-capitalism. The movement's supporters seized control of several important companies and factories throughout the country and are currently occupying many of the buildings belonging to the former government. An unnamed spokesperson for the movement said in a brief statement that a People's Republic has been established and a government will soon be restored. Shortly afterwards the movement's leadership reportedly requested that the Democratic Communist Party leader Ea L'lew accept the position of President, however, there has been no word of any response by Ms. L'lew or the DCP, except to deny its involvement in the uprising.

___

Dominique Drapeau was keenly excited at the news. Here, a genuine bona fide popular uprising against the worst kind of capitalism, an invitation for him to show himself as the Red crusader his election campaign had made him out to be.

"Let's contact them and offer them our support," he told the aide who served as a general presidential advisor - what colour tie to wear to the meals bought by other people that marked his days as ceremonial head-of-state, the proper form of address for the envoy from Strangecustomsandcultureistan, and, most importantly, steering him carefully away from courses of action that might prove problematic for the Prime Minister.

"Very well, sir." the aide said, raising his eyebrows conspicuously.

"I mean it. I thought I'm supposed to wield supreme executive powers here."

"I'll inform the Prime Minister, sir."

"Give me the phone."

"Yes, sir." the aide said, carefully speeddialing Alan Kerk's office before passing it to the President.

"Are you trying to make a fool of me?"

"All due respect, do you know the phone number for leaders of the communist uprising, Aqeyr, West Ariddia, sir?"

President Drapeau was forced to admit he didn't and dialled the National Intelligence Agency instead, which had already picked up rumours of some kind of naval standoff and immediately sent a gang of analysts who would bombard the President with excessive information in an attempt to overload his brain.

[Friendly OOC suggestion: you may want to make a separate thread for the military business.]

OOC: I've thought about it, but I don't intend for there to be a major military confrontation. West Ariddia (unlike Ariddia) is a military superpower and a nuclear power, making it powerful enough to dissuade -one would assume- any would-be belligerants.

IC:
After lengthy checks, the military authorised the unarmed Capitalizt vessels to enter West Ariddian waters, and proceed to the coast, where they would be subjected to thorough security checks.


Crown Princess Kate complains to Ariddia about seizure of Dallas assets in West Ariddia

After recent developments in West Ariddia, quarter Ariddian Crown Princess Katherine Alexandra Dallas of Jersuselem has reportedly written an unpleasant letter to the government of Ariddia after communists seized corporate assets in West Ariddia. The Dallas clan, mainly controlled by Debbie Dallas, Dazza Dallas and her daughter Kate Dallas had some small holdings in West Ariddia to facilitate commerce between West Ariddia and Ariddia.

It was reported the communists had seized some of the Dallas business assets in raids, and the Crown Princess has expressed her displeasure at this development. The Ambassador to Ariddia, Dazza Dallas, also complained about the latest developments. Jersuselem business investment in West Ariddia has effectively been withdrawn after the Dallas clan wrote off millions in losses in West Ariddia after the seizures.

Dallas losses included two nightclubs, a doll factory and a rubber chicken factory.

Crown Princess Katherine received the following letter in response from the Ariddian Secretariat for External Affairs. Ambassador Dazza Dallas received a similar letter.


Your Royal Highness,

While we regret the inconveniance caused to you by recent events in the Sovereign State of West Ariddia, we must remind you that events in West Ariddia are not in any way, shape or form the responsibility of the Ariddian government, which exercises no jurisdiction in sovereign West Ariddia.

Sincerely,
Ulo Ho,
Secretary for External Affairs



OOC: Reply to other posts in just a moment.

Jeruselem Government News

West Ariddians to get automatic Visa extentions

West Ariddians stuck in Jeruselem after a looming chaotic situation in their home nation will get automatic extentions to their current Visas. The government encourages all West Ariddians in Jeruselem to visit the Immigration department and get their extentions verified on their papers. Ariddians are not affected and no changes to their immigration status is expected.

The Crown Princess of Jeruselem requested this action after concerns, West Ariddians abroad could be unwelcome at home after they are forced to return home when their Visas expire. It was reported the Princess met with some concerned West Ariddians today who were afraid to go home.

The Princess who has a lot of contacts in Ariddia and West Ariddia, has personal interest in the well being of peoples of both nations.

L'lew accepts presidency
Ea L'lew says a governement is needed in the face of international threats

L'lew will lead "transitional government"

After days of silence, former President Ea L'lew (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ea_L%27lew) has officially accepted a request from the occupants of the presidential offices that she take power as the country's leader.

"Our country is facing a crisis," L'lew said sombrely. "And now we're facing the threat of foreign military pressure. President Brown abdicated his responsabilities in the most negligeant and unacceptable manner. I've accepted the position of President because this country is in desperate need of a government. The anarcho-capitalist experiment has failed."

L'lew went to the presidential offices and promised to re-establish the State, and organise democratic elections "about five years from now, after implementing sweeping reforms that are badly needed in our country".

She said she would be heading a "transitional government".

Ariddia's position

This move came just hours after the Ariddian government finally came out of its silence, responding to the Liverpool England government's urging that they take a stand against the "coup d'Etat" in West Ariddia. Ariddian Prime Secretary Khadhim held a press conference.

"First of all, I'd like to say I'm obviously troubled by what's happening in West Ariddia. But I don't think you can call it a coup. A coup is when you depose a government, and there was no government there to depose.

I think what everyone in West Ariddia wants is democracy. I urge all sides in West Ariddia to come together peacefully and negotiate a compromise solution acceptable to the population. For the time being, I urge former President Brown to return to office, complete his mandate, and begin talks with the communists to reach an acceptable outcome to this crisis. Above all, I ask all sides to refrain from violence. We in Ariddia stand ready to assist our West Ariddian neighbours with mediation efforts if requested."

Jamilah Shahrour (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Jamilah_Shahrour) was explicitly asked by Liverpool England's Foreign Minister to intervene. She replied, saying she would postpone her training with the Rouge-et-Noirs and travel to West Ariddia.

"Obviously it's vital that everyone in West Ariddia should show the utmost commitment to human rights," she said. "There have been reports of brutality, with corporate police assaulting unarmed civilians. That's unacceptable. It's also very important that the democratic wishes of the West Ariddian people be respected."

Following President L'lew's seizing of power, Shahrour commented that: "I realise Mrs. L'lew wants to build up essential rights for the people, but five years seems an awful long time for an illegitimate government to be in office. I hope to meet President L'lew and discuss alternatives, to make sure that the West Ariddians' democratic rights are protected, as well as their other fundamental rights."

Warning issued to foreign militaries

The government in Rêvane has thanked Kennyite Secretary of State Alex Tehrani for his "constructive and supportive comments".

"We hope to work closely with the Kennyites to defuse what's become a very volatile situation over in West Ariddia," Ariddian Secretary for External Affairs Ulo Ho said. "And I join Mr. Tehrani in urging foreign countries not to approach West Ariddia's territorial waters or airspace with military craft."

After an emergency meeting of the Council of Secretaries, Prime Secretary Khadhim and Secretary for Defence Frank Desruelles re-iterated Mr. Ho's statement.

"Any attack of any kind on West Ariddia will be considered an attack on Ariddia," Secretary Desruelles warned. "To foreign meddlers we say very clearly: Stay away. We welcome constructive diplomatic mediation, but not military moves that will inflame the situation and endanger West Ariddian people."

High ranking West Ariddian Admiral Pietr Krajcik was even more to the point.

"We have stealth nuclear submarines deployed around the world," he said bluntly. "Need I say it would be very foolish of any foreign soldiers to try and set foot in West Ariddia?"

Admiral Krajcik said he was "not concerned with internal West Ariddian politics".

"The military," he said, "is run by corporate interests, and is committed to defending this country. We'll obey any national West Ariddian government that takes the military's interests into account, and that doesn't do anything to endanger the country."

L'lew: rebuilding a government

President L'lew control over West Ariddia remains essentially nominal, as she has no control over military or police. Certain businesses have been reclaimed by corporate security forces, and parts of Aqeyr's CBD are bloceded by joint companies' security. Other industries are under effective control of autonomous workers' cooperatives. Massive marches both for and against L'lew's fledgling government have taken place.

Ea L'lew has called all MPs to resume their seats in Parliament. The most recently elected Parliament had 52 MPs for the Free Democratic Party (capitalist), 39 for the Democratic Communist Party, 5 for the Socialist Party (centre-left), 2 for the Blank Party and 1 for the Rainbow Party (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Rainbow_Party). Of these, 35 MPs have agreed to resume their seats at President L'lew's call (31 DCP, 3 FDP, 1 SP). The remaining 64 have stated they do not wish to participate in an "illegitimate dictatorship".

Official Announcement of the United States Department of State on the Situation in Arridia

It is apparent that, quite recently, a group identifying itself as a West Arridian military has threatened the United States of Allanea with thermonuclear weaponry, from 'stealth submarines' that are ostensibly spread out all over the world. One certainly hopes, for the sake of the crews of the submarines, that they will never get neither into the Greater Prussian Bay, where our mainland stands, nor into Haven. In the former casee, they would enter Prussian waters, and invoke the wrath of over a dozen militant nations. In the latter, the Gerburg Maritime Treaty would prohibit their entry – and we don't think the sixty or more government of Haven would approve of it.

On the other hand, Allanea will not threaten Arridia with MAD. We are not believeers in MAD – which is why we maintain a multi-layer system of ABM defenses, ranging from the usual ABM laster and up to strategic-yield guided nuclear missiles that will simply vaporise incoming nuclear weapons en masse. By the way, Arridians would be best served if they copied the design for those, which Allanea's government has merrily put in the public domain.

We agree with Comrade Jamilah Shahrour that the issue of police – corporate or otherwise -attacking unarmed civilians is important. Of course, we also wonder how an ostensibly libertarian state even manages to have unarmed civilians in the first place.

Furthermore, we would like to invide Admiral Krajcik aboard the USS Pascal Salin, to discuss the recent developments. The same invitation also extends to President Brown and Miss Llew. We advise you arrive aboard some form of helicopter to the Galleon, which continues on its way.

We believe it is possible to come up with a solution that will satisfy all sides. All you need to do is negotiate.

Thank you for your attention,
The Allaneans

West Ariddian "key players" respond to Allanean offer

Following an Allanean offer to host talks aboard the USS Pascal Salin, involving Admiral Krajcik, former President Brown and self-proclaimed President L'lew, all three issued a response.

The admiral thanked the Allanean authorities for their suggestion, and said he would be pleased to attend.

Mr. Brown said he would favour any diplomatic issue to the crisis, and also thanked the Allaneans.

"I would rather not have to resume power," he said. "But all options must remain open." He said he would attend any talks hosted by Allanea.

Ms. L'lew, for her part, welcomed the offer cautiously.
"It's good of the Allaneans to want to help, but their record suggests they're not likely to be impartial mediators. And why host talks on a military ship? I'm willing to welcome an Allanean diplomatic delegation here in Aqeyr. Not on their own, but with a delegation from at least one neutral country - preferably two."

She added that, for the time being, she intends to push ahead with "emergency measures" by her "transitional government".

"We'll be working with the elected Parliament," she said, and indicated that first measures would include laws establishing a universal right to clean water, food, shelter and medical care for all West Ariddians.

Asked how she intended to govern the country without an army or police, Ms. L'lew said simply: "I intend to begin talks with the military. And we won't allow private militias to bully the West Ariddian people."

West Ariddian military "not under our control", Ariddians explain

In response to an Allanean statement, the Ariddian Secretariat for Defence has issued a reminder that the PDSRA has no control over the military forces of sovereign West Ariddia.

"West Ariddia and Ariddia are two seperate countries, each with its own military," the Secretariat for Defence's statement read. "There is no 'situation' in Ariddia. Ariddia is stable and secure, and well protected by a purely defensive, non-nuclear force (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Military_of_Ariddia)."

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Ahn Dar, Mahavisjaya Matumchan-

The situation in West Ariddia is spiralling rapidly out of control, and you don't have to be a political analyst to see that. With communist sympathizers and corporate security forces competing for control of the country, foreign powers and capitalizt mercenaries enroaching on the West Ariddian borders, the entire state of affairs in Ariddia as a whole is threatened.

Granted, the PDSR government of Ariddia has been quick to distance themselves from the affairs in West Ariddia, which are clearly developing into a steelstone* of political warfare- communist vs. capitalist. I'm sure Nuriyah Khadim is rubbing her hands, hoping that septuagenarian Ea L'lew and her left-wingers win out in the end. A concrete victory for either side, though, is a guarantor of chaos for all Ariddia.

It's to my great surprise that the independent corporations of West Ariddia didn't immediatly take control of the West Ariddian military and try to invade their communist neighbors. I'm sure that with the way things are going, and with the Capitalizts on the horizon, we'll see some much more drastic action from the big businesses in West Ariddia.

Of course, Ea L'lew doesn't have much to go on, either. Once the businesses get their butts in gear and focus on their profits, the communists and their takeover of the "government" will probably be at an end. No hardline capitalist would be able to ignore the threat of industrial nationalisation- something that is the death of any modern society. It invariably leads to corruption and tyranny, reduction in trade and production, laziness among the working populace, and a weakened economic state. Command economics is a complete and utter failure.

My hope is that the left-wingers and the right-wingers all be eliminated, and replaced with a groups of moderate progressives. We know that free-market economics provide the best choice and most freedom, and we know that vigilant capitalism in the form of mixed-marketism is extremely successful at managing the state. When will the Ariddians learn that extremity is harmful to the public good? Why, on both sides, are there refusals to compromise on issues of operation and implementation? Compromise is the hallmark of a civilized and developed polity- so far, we've seen nothing of the sort coming out of the Ariddian area, only mistrust, fear, and radicalism.

By the Motions, these problems will get better. Let's just hope that's before they get worse.


Ahn Dar, associate editor

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Official Reply of the United States Department of State

The government of the “Democratic” Socialist Republic claims that it has nothing to do with the coup in West Ariddia. We would like to be naïve enough to believe them. However, the likelihood of coincidence – of a socialist trying to take over a peaceful liberal society just on the verge of its transition to a capital-anarchist structure – is a very low one. We have some suspicions that Ariddian intelligence personnel are involved, though of course we so far posess no proof of it.

As for the meeting it appears that L'lew has declined to meet with us. This is unfortunate, as the Pascal Salin continues its journey towards Aqeyr. We will have quarters made for the admiral and President Brown, as well as certain rewards.

As for Llew, the government of the United States would like to condemn the policies advocated by her. We urge all liberal members of Parliament to turn out, if only to protest against her policies and vote against her laws. It is a fallacy to invent a paper 'right to medical care' when there are not yet adequate provisions to maintain the rights of the West Arridians to own private property, to keep and bear arms, and so on. Why, if the reports by the media are to be believed, there are yet unarmed citizens in the country! It is as if we are sailing our navy into Errirundera!

OOC: Naturally I do not OOCly believe that the WA military is IC controlled by the EA military, but my government is making noises. :)

Meeting on Pascal Salin to take place, minus L'lew

Former President Brown has confirmed that he will attend talks aboard the Pascal Salin, along with Admiral Krajcik, but has questioned the usefulness of negotiations taking place without President L'lew.

The latter has re-iterated her offer for Allanean diplomats to come to Aqeyr, on the condition that another, neutral nation also sends representatives.

Possibly in response to urgings from Allanea, two further MPs from the Free Democratic Party have stated that they will return to Parliament, solely to oppose Ms. L'lew's policies.

Prior to its disbanding by President Brown, Parliament had a majority of FDP members. Now, most seats remain vacant, and a vast majority of seats occupied are DCP. Parliament is expected to rubber-stamp most proposals put to it by the "transitional" President.

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Fragment from a letter by Hugh Akston, Professor of Political Science at the University of Concord, Liberty-City, sent to The Aqeyr Daily, Westville News, and every other pro-FDP media outlet in Arridia

So what we have here is an interesting dynamic. The FDP have, after all, been elected to office with an amazing majority. This would seem to imply that the majority of the population wants some form of either minarchist, or anarchist capitalism. And yet, by the sheer act of their representatives not being present, the communists and their cronies will be able to impose on the people of Western Ariddia something they quite clearly voted against. An interesting move by the “Democratic Communist Party” indeed.

One has to wonder what is up with the real FDP – not the several dozens of representatives which have apparently refused to do their job, but the voters that have selected them by over 50% of the vote. Practically speaking, one out of two Western Arridians is an FDP voter. Where are the supposed armed militias? More interestingly, why are there no protests? Are we to assume that the people of Western Arridia just do not realize that the unrestricted capitalism they voted for is about to be destroyed?

Where are the rallies? Where are the protests? Where are the riots, goddammit? What, is there not a single libertarian left in Uhuhland entire to protest?

Even at the height of the "mixed-economy" state in the 1990's in Europe and the United States, there were people who protested against it. And here, in Western Arridia, where but six months ago, over half of the population voted for the FDP, there are none who will even hold a banner for half an hour for it?

Frankly, this phenomenon is intriguing to me. I would like to travel to Western Arridia in person, surrounded by my students of course, to study the political life from Arridia up close. Further, I would like my letter to be published in the Western Arridia, and will pay [decent money] to any publication willing to run it.

I will be open to interviews upon arrival.


Aboard the USS Pascal Salin

And so, as the ship continued towards Aqeyr, pushing ahead at 27 knots, the captain of the vessel and the Allanean Special Ambassador ordered a special dinner prepared for the West Arridian Admiral and Brown. A large table was opened on the very bridge of the Salin, and prepared for the guests was a Boar Roast recipe straight from "Kill it and Grill it" (http://www.nationalreview.com/swan/swan051702.asp). Drinks were varied, ranging from ice-cold Pink Bunny Cola to regular Coca-Cola, alcohol, coffee, and of course the famous Hashi tea that Allaneans were often proud of.

Because the table was on the galleon's very command bridge, Brown and the Admiral would be able to observe the very inner workings of the Allanean war machine as they ate – the reports on the condition of the light infantry sitting in the ship's troop holds, satelite datafeeds on the entire Arridian archipelago, data on the motions of anti-ballistic and god rod sattelites as their peacetime orbits took them into the vicinity of the galleon. The Allaneans were not yet willing to swing their fist at anything – and the very fact that these two men were welcome aboard the Salin would make that clear.

AMKARETHZ HOLDING'S ASSETS THREATENED IN WESTERN ARIDDIA
Megacorporation shows intent to actively protect assets with corporate security forces
By Fasu Majdu, Independent Reporter


Aqeyr (Independent) - The number of Aerionian businesses, some unreported, operating in Western Ariddia comes as a surprise to many. Most were owned, or were subsidiaries of Amkarethz Holdings (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Amkarethz_Holdings), the largest megacorporation in Aerion that holds its own semi-Autonomous corporate territory within Aerionian borders.

Amkarethz Holdings held just prior to the communist uprising it is thought over fifteen factories within Western Ariddia through various subsidiaries, many of which paid the minimum wage in Western Ariddia or less. The majority were owned through General Aerionian Productions Corporation, an corporation of which Amkarethz Holdings holds an majority 80% stock ownership in.

Some accusations of how these factories in Western Ariddia treated workers have arisen. With the current situation it is hard to prove these claims by employees.

Upon the former Western Ariddia President stepping down and dissolving the government, Amkarethz Holdings deployed an full force of over 1000 corporate security to their various facilities in Western Ariddia. Amkarethz Security Forces, Amkarethz Holding's corporate security division, has been said to be equal to a private army, with full bases in the corporation's semi-Autonomous territory in Aerion. It is on par in training, and technology with some elite units. These seem to have been positioned prior to the communist takeover.

Heavy security, including tanks that had been secretly shipped during the period without a Western Ariddia government, were positioned around GAPC's Headquarters in Ariddia shortly after the communist takeover. The large glass, and steel skyscraper is located in Aqeyr's business district.

It is rumored the corporation's security forces were among those accused of suppressing workers following the chaos.

Though Amkarethz Holding's reaction is obvious, the Crown Prince Regent nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have responded to the Ariddian crisis. The Royal Ambassador to Western Ariddia, Mazan Alsoiv, was not available for comment. The Royal Embassy in Aqeyr was rumored to be on high alert, with extra Diplomatic Security agents posted.

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To Her Excellency Ea L'lew, President of West Ariddia.

Dear madam,

Allow me to congratulate you on your assumption of the office of President of West Ariddia.

The events which have been taking place in your nation have been of great concern to countries across the world. We in Kelssek, especially, have regarded these events with keen interest, especially given the closeness of our social, cultural, and economic ties with your neighbour, the People's Democratic Socialist Republic of Ariddia.

I was also extremely pleased to hear of your promise to hold elections within five years. It is my hope that they will take place as soon as possible, so that the democratic will of West Ariddians be expressed and put into effect, whatever that outcome may be.

It is my sincerest hope that your nation will find peace, stability, liberty and prosperity. Please know that in these tumultous times, you have the support of the Kelssekian people in achieving these aims.

Sincerely,

Alan Kerk
Prime Minister of Kelssek

L'lew faced with volatile situation

Several media in the Ariddian Isles have agreed to publish a letter from Allanean Hugh Akston, although the Aqeyr Daily editor pointed out that protests are happening "all the time". Large pro-capitalist marches have systematically been met with communist counter-marches, equal or greater in size. The tension between the two factions has been playing out on the streets, although outright clashes have been rare. There has been a long-standing tradition in West Ariddia for protesters not to bring weapons to marches, "for obvious reasons", le Quotidien says.

Parts of Aqeyr's CBD, however, remain heavily guarded by armed company security personnel. In response, the National Association of Trade Unions' Militia (UNMS - Union Nationale des Milices Syndicales) has announced that it is putting its members on "critical alert".

President L'lew has played down fears of armed confrontations.

"I want to say quite clearly that my aim is to talk to company owners, and reach an acceptable situation. Parliament will soon be adopting new laws, including laws establishing living wages, and mandating workplace security regulations. Companies which respect these laws will not be forcibly nationalised. My hope is that employers and employees can come together and negotiate, in presence of a State mediator. We're not going to outlaw profit-making. My policies will establish workers' rights, not dispossess employers. There's absolutely no reason for foreign companies established in West Ariddia to pull out."

Adding a personal touch to her views and policies, President L'lew reminded viewers: "When I was young, I lost my sight in a workplace accident. That was due to negligence from my employer, but I was fired for being blind. It would be intolerable for any other worker to lose his or her job due to employers' callous negligeance, and the lack of workplace security obligations."

Many companies have refused to recognise the legitimacy of any law enacted by L'lew's Parliament. So far, only one company owner -Chen Chu-Hsien, who owns a line of clothes-making factories and shops based in the south of the country- has said he is willing to begin negotiations with employees, under State mediation.

"I do not want to use violence," Mr. Chen said. "I believe if I can reach an agreement with employees, and satisfy their requests for better working conditions, we will see increased productivity. By implementing better working conditions, I hope to make my business attractive to new employees, and expand. I believe this situation can be a win-win, if handled intelligently."

Elsewhere, workers who have been unable to seize control of businesses are now resorting to massive strikes. Solidarity funds are being set up (with DCP organisational support) for workers on strike, who are also being encouraged to join workers' cooperatives in worker-controlled businesses.

"This is a grassroots movement", DCP MP Jean-Pierre Dusentier said. "The capitalists quite simply cannot win this by force."

L'lew receives support from Kelssek

The first foreign leader to express open support for President L'lew has been Prime Minister Alan Kerk of Kelssek, who "congratulated [Ms. L'lew] on [her] assumption of the office of President of West Ariddia". He expressed the Kelssekien people's support for West Ariddia and President L'lew in their aims for "peace, stability, liberty and prosperity".

The latter thanked him warmly for his "friendship, support and confidence".

Prime Minister Kerk also called for democratic elections to be held as soon as possible. Ariddian human rights activist Jamilah Shahrour (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Jamilah_Shahrour) has echoed this call, and has met with Ms. L'lew.

"President L'lew and I had an honest and open conversation," she said. "I told the President that elections should be held within two years, if possible. She said she would consider it, but that her reforms may take a full five years. I'll be watching the situation as it develops. Quite frankly, I think L'lew can do some good things here, and many of the reforms she suggests are necessary. But she shouldn't stay in power more than two years without a mandate from the electorate."

L'lew replied publicly by saying that she is working with a "democratically elected Parliament".

Parliament is currently in session to adopt President L'lew's first "emergency laws".


OOC: Another post coming shortly in reply to Allanea's.

Aboard the USS Pascal Salin

And so, as the ship continued towards Aqeyr, pushing ahead at 27 knots, the captain of the vessel and the Allanean Special Ambassador ordered a special dinner prepared for the West Arridian Admiral and Brown. A large table was opened on the very bridge of the Salin, and prepared for the guests was a Boar Roast recipe straight from "Kill it and Grill it" (http://www.nationalreview.com/swan/swan051702.asp). Drinks were varied, ranging from ice-cold Pink Bunny Cola to regular Coca-Cola, alcohol, coffee, and of course the famous Hashi tea that Allaneans were often proud of.

Because the table was on the galleon's very command bridge, Brown and the Admiral would be able to observe the very inner workings of the Allanean war machine as they ate – the reports on the condition of the light infantry sitting in the ship's troop holds, satelite datafeeds on the entire Arridian archipelago, data on the motions of anti-ballistic and god rod sattelites as their peacetime orbits took them into the vicinity of the galleon. The Allaneans were not yet willing to swing their fist at anything – and the very fact that these two men were welcome aboard the Salin would make that clear.

Admiral Pietr Krajcik and former President Thomas Brown arrived seperately aboard the Pascal Salin, once it had come to a halt close to the West Ariddian waters. West Ariddian warships held position closeby, with the entirely military on alert. Krajcik was proud of his country's armed forces, equipped with technology most other nations could barely even conceive of. West Ariddia's flourishing capitalist economy had made it rich, very rich - and in consequence the country had been able to afford once of the most advanced militaries in the world.

It had never taken part in a war. Nobody had ever been foolish enough to provoke it.

He assessed the Allanean vessel quietly as he came aboard. He was suitably impressed... but not intimidated. It would take a lot to intimidate a man such as Pietr Krajcik.

Part of him wondered what these talks were intended to achieve. With L'lew absent, surely the crisis could not be resolved at this meeting.

Aboard the USS Pascal Salin

And so the boar roast has been placed on the table, and the Allaneans awaited their guest. “Greetings, President Brown. Greetings, Admiral Krajcik. Please be seated.” – the Special Ambassador says. – “Let us review the situation, here. What we have is essentially a group of people which lost the last election – the Communists did lose, right? – and who, after President Brown announcing an anarcho-capitalist, ehm, situation, have declared themselves a government.”

“Of course, President Brown, we view your actions as rather – rash – and unprepared. It is generally the proper course of action, when establishing anarcho-capitalism, to first aid in the creation of free-market alternatives to state institutions. Where are the private arbitration establishments that allow employees to sue their companies? Where are the private militias to supplant the military? You don’t just declare such things out of the blue, President Brown. Oh, I applaud your attempt. It was noble, no doubt. But look what has happened!”

“Look. A political status-quo is hard to unseat. If this L’lew woman is allowed to run the country for five years, she will surround herself with an array of business and employee interests that will benefit from her program – businesses whose competitors were crushed by regulations, employees who enjoy union power, and of course welfare bums. Her followers will find it easy to tilt the next election – if there is ever a next election.”

“What will happen if we don’t do anything? Will Western Arridia become an anarcho-capitalist nation? Or will L’lew’s version of the welfare state swallow it all? You know the answer. As such, President Brown, if you want to retain any kind of capitalism in Arridia, we must find a way to act now. I believe we must first restore monarchist, constitutional, republican order, and then – if you so wish- begin to operate slow transition to what you term pure capitalism.”

“Admiral, now I turn to you. I know you have sworn an oath to defend Western Arridia. Tell me, do you think it is legitimate that this – this woman – takes over the country in this fashion? Or do you think we should immediately restore the Constitutional order in the country? Sir, I believe such a thing is possible, and if you help me do so, both the armed forces for which you are responsibly, you personally, and Arridia in general will benefit greatly.”

Elsewhere

As more Allanean groups heard of the events in Arridia, more different Allaneans reacted. Dozens of groups made their way into the country. Most important of these was Strikebreaker, Incorporated - a human resources company that organized and planned the arrival of numerous workers for the purpose of – you guessed it – strikebreaking. They also promised – though it was unclear how they would deliver – that they would provide security from possible union violence. The CBSF, too, made its way into the region by large cargo boats.

John Smith, the of the Socialist Ambivalentira Party: “This is another proof that capitalism is inherently unstable. I again call upon the Allaneans to act now – vote for me, vote for implementing equality in our lifetime – via securing the income of the weakest Allaneans and implementing a progressive income tax in our nation!”

George Tronsky, the head of Allanean Federation of Crafts Unions [webcast address]:

“My comrades! Let me say to you this: It is completely unnecessary for you to call to Socialism, to the rampant welfare-police state to satisfy your need for security. A lot of your needs can be satisfied through private means, without resorting to the state. We in the AFCU are ready to help. Even now, we are sending a group of instructors into your country – a dozen or so in number – to teach you the detailed workings of labor activism, of pressuring your bosses in free, private collective bargaining.”

“But that is not everything. We in the AFCU help insure members against unemployment, ill health and old age, and provide our comrades with expert legal aid. The very things that you now demand of the government can be provide by private means - for a small membership fee, mind.”

“Even now, I am contacting the press in Ariddia to run advertisements for the AFCU model. We will be only too happy to provide such services not just to employees in Allanea, but in Western Arridia itself. Should the Western Ariddians later decide to detach their union and create a separate system, that is their choice.”

“In the meanwhile, I repeat – old-age insurance, unemployment insurance, legal insurance health insurance – [i]today[/i. We will not only provide that, but also fight your bosses for better wages and living conditions – for you.”

OOC: since when are the Ambivalentirain socialists?

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West Ariddian and Jeruselem relationship on the brink

How things can change in politics!

The Communist take-over of West Ariddia has turned the normally cozy relationship between West Ariddia and Jeruselem into mudpit. The Ambassador to Ariddia (and nominally West Ariddia as well as don't have one in West Ariddia) for Jeruselem, Dazza Dallas and her quarter Ariddian daughter Crown Princess Katherine Alexandra Dallas have been building the bridges between West Ariddia and Jeruselem.

A key aspect of this relationship was their business interests in West Ariddia which they used to sell goods into Ariddia. This in turn encouraged other Jeruselemites to invest in West Ariddia. Unfortunately the Dallas girls lost their assets in Communist raids and it has turned the relationship on it's head. While situation is not dire, the relation has been damaged.

The Dallas girls are lefties by Jeruselem standards but they still capitalists. The products they were making in West Ariddia weren't exactly a threat to national security either - dolls, rubber chickens and a few nightclubs. However the act of seizing Jeruselem Imperial Assets swung the pendulum the wrong way.

As employers, the Dallas girls are not bad. Most Dallas workplaces have childcare facilties, a nurse, a small recreation area, and family friendly policies. They don't pay the highest wages but the on-site facilities are top class.

Sally Goldstein
Retired Jeruselem Ambassador to Bettia

OOC: since when are the Ambivalentirain socialists?

OOC: Read my electio thread.

OOC: Read my electio thread.

OOC: Yes, they endorsed the same candidate, but the Teealiq Ambivalentirain if they are anyhow like Ambi and Javi should not be considered socialists.

[OOC: All the voices on the mp3 file are part of my Mac's speech function, nifty. But apologies for the relative monotone in the file. I stress, I did not say a single word in the file. :) And I couldn't find any good place to host the mp3, so on Oli's advice I've gone and used Kel's podcast provider...]

Transcript of a news broadcast (http://media.switchpod.com//users/livengns/westarr.mp3) on Liverpool England's government-funded international radio channel:

It's 3 a.m. in Liverpool England. You're listening to Federal Radio One. And here's the news.

[theme]

Radio One. The news, with Simon Hunter.

Prime Minister of Liverpool England Michael Harley today called on the newly-designated President of West Ariddia to hold free and fair elections within the next year. Speaking to reporters at his weekly press conference, he noted that the current aim of elections within five years was too long a period for the new government in West Ariddia to rule without a mandate from the electorate. David Johnstone reports from CCL.

West Ariddia should have free and fair elections within the next year. Loud and clear from Liverpool England Prime Minister Michael Harley at his weekly press conference earlier today at Imperial Street. Harley's new Cabinet was confirmed by Parliament just last week, and his new Foreign Minister, Jeremy Firston, immediately got to work.

With Communists sweeping to power in West Ariddia, taking over what was left of the institution of the state after former President Thomas Brown abolished the government, Firston immediately sent an open letter to the Ariddian presence in Liverpool England as well as the government in Rêvane, in which he criticised what he called a, quote, 'coup d'état' in West Ariddia.

The Communists had asked former West Arridian President Ea L'lew to take over as President of the country, and get the state - pardon the pun, as the capitalists are now out - back in business. Most recently, Ms. L'lew has accepted the job, saying she would lead what she described as a transitional government.

She also added that she would call elections in five years, after she had implemented reforms in the country. Michael Harley made it clear that the Liverpool England government's stand was that this was not looked well upon.

It is the government's view, he said, that this went against the basic principles of democracy.

"While I congratulate Ms. L'lew on taking the job, I am disappointed that she only intends to call elections in five years. Five years is far too long for a transitional government to be in power, anywhere in the world, let alone if they want to implement reforms.

"Without a mandate from the electorate, I must urge Ms. L'lew to call a free and fair election within a year, and no later. This electorate is used to the capitalist way of life. Her reforms will have a big impact on people's everyday lives, and she has to get the people's approval.

"It is a basic tenet of democracy, and we cannot accept it if Ms. L'lew chooses to ignore the basic human right of the freedom of expression."

Harley stressed that this did not mean Liverpool England would take action if President L'lew went ahead with her plans, saying that Liverpool England would continue its policy of not intervening in the sovereignty of foreign nations and their right to govern. However, he would not rule out that a formal complaint could be made to various nations with influence over the matter.

David Johnstone, for Federal Radio One, reporting from CCL.

OOC: [Translation] implies the remarks were made in the other official language, French.


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HOUSE OF COMMONS DEBATES
7TH SESSION | 39TH PARLIAMENT | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2007


Oral Questions

Foreign policy

[English]
The Hon. Pierre Gautain (Leader of the Opposition, Lib.)
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Prime Minister made another in a series of hypocritical foreign policy moves by publicly supporting the government of Ms. L'lew of West Ariddia and granting it official recognition as the lawful government of West Ariddia. Ms. L'lew is in fact the leader of an illegal coup d'etat, and came to her position through the subversion and use of force against a free society. Will the Prime Minister recognise his mistake and retract his support for this illegal and undemocratic regime?

The Hon. Peter Coakson (Minister of Foreign Affairs, Grn.)
Mr. Speaker, the legitimacy of President L'lew's government is, as the hon. opposition leader notes, indeed a matter of dispute. Nevertheless it is indisputable that she is de facto the leader of the only institution that can be called a government in West Ariddia. Moreover, she represents the only hope for democracy in that nation at the moment, which would otherwise be left to anarchic and unrepresentative rule in perpetuity, while President L'lew has promised elections within five years. I do not see how this contradicts our government's strong commitment to democracy and perhaps the hon. opposition leader should rethink if he wishes to use those terms to describe President L'lew.

[Translation]
The Hon. Pierre Gautain (Leader of the Opposition, Lib.)
Mr. Speaker, this government is supporting an illegal seizure of power and endorsing actions which go against the principles of the rule of law and personal property, fundamental to democractic and representative governance. Are we to infer that they would be happy to do the same at home? We are less than twelve months away from an election, Mr. Speaker, and the voters deserve to know if Mr. Kerk intends to confiscate their properties if he wins, or to forcibly take over the government if he loses.

The Speaker
I rise to remind the hon. leader of the opposition, who is experienced in this house, that we do not refer to current members of this house by their names. The hon. parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister.

Beatrice Leduc (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Grn.)
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With all due respect to the leader of the opposition, what he is saying is completely absurd. We can all debate the merits of anarchy and whether laws or the absence thereof are better for individual rights and freedoms, but the fact of the matter is that there simply was no rule of law at the time President L'lew came to accept her position from a popular uprising.

[English]
She has restored the rule of law and openly committed to democracy and I believe I speak for the Kelssekian people when I say I support wholeheartedly the rule of law and open, accountable democratic governance.

West Ariddia
The Hon. Joshua Anger (Mazinaw Southwest, CPK)
Mr. Speaker, the unfortunate rule of the member for Windstedt is showing its true colours. Mr. Speaker, the Prime Minister, or should I say the Chairman, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet, our Dear Leader, openly shows his wholehearted support for the imposition of communist dictatorships upon a heretofore free population by supporting the leftist insurgents in West Ariddia. This appalling action leads us to ask, does the Prime Minister really believe in representative democracy, or is it just a convenient foil for his dictatorial aspirations?

Beatrice Leduc (Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Grn.)
Mr. Speaker, the Conservative leader has gone one step further than his Liberal counterpart and descended into insanity. Accusations of hypocrisy from the parties who voted against proportional representation because the unfair and unrepresentative first-past-the-post system, in which a 30% share of votes can become a whopping majority, served them better. Mr. Speaker, these ridiculous accusations have more grounds in fantasy than reality, and maybe when the Conservative leader wants to see hypocrisy, he ought to look in the mirror.

The Hon. Joshua Anger (Mazinaw Southwest, CPK)
The facts, as they are, Mr. Speaker, are that Ms. L'lew has taken power by undemocratic means, by forceful means, and against the will of West Ariddians, most likely with support from the PDSR Ariddia in their desires to subvert nations they don't like because they're more successful and prosperous. It simply boggles the mind, Mr. Speaker, and if anyone is not in their right mind it is the Prime Minister; how can he support this?

[Translation]
The Right Hon. Alan Kerk (Prime Minister, Grn.)
Mr. Speaker, this government is convinced of President L'lew's committment to restoring democratic, representative rule for the benefit of West Ariddians. We look forward to West Ariddia emerging from this chaos free and prosperous and urge everyone to do likewise. That is all that really needs to be said, Mr. Speaker.

[English]
The Hon. Joshua Anger (Mazinaw Southwest, CPK)
I have one simple question left to ask, Mr. Speaker. Is the Prime Minister's faith in Ms. L'lew simply because she happens to be a communist?

The Right Hon. Alan Kerk (Prime Minister, Grn.)
The hon. Conservative member should note that this government supports and recognises governments of ideological varieties, capitalist or communist, democratic or dictatorial. It is not the principle of this government to discriminate. The fact is that President L'lew is doing a difficult job at a difficult time and we would support efforts to restore democratic rule of law in West Ariddia no matter who they were led by.

OOC: I was going to post this evening, but I'm too tired to put my thoughts in order (a rotten cold isn't helping), so... I'll post tomorrow evening, hopefully.

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Announcer: You're currently listening to OBC Radio one Marshalliston, 109.3. The leading source for news in Oliverry.

Wayne English: Welcome everyone to The Daily News. It's 22:00 AOTC in Marshalliston and my name is Wayne English. Here are the topics we'll report on in the next hour: The President of Oliverry finally stated his views about the West Ariddian situation -- The Federalist Party, after 45 years, has finally been found guilty of corruption -- Pain-de-l'île closes its 30 year-old factory in Ville-Royale. An Îlloise institution closes its doors -- And our daily debate will feature panellists discussing about the West Ariddian crisis.

*Musical theme plays*

Wayne English: Once again, hello everyone. The West Ariddian crisis is certainly disturbing the international community. For those not following this crisis, let me explain the situation. After many years, the Ariddian Islands were in talks of reuniting into an Ariddian Federation. The problem was that most islands who seceded from Ariddia first were now more prone to capitalism than Ariddia which, I'll remind everyone, was able to cope with liberal democracy and communism, something worth of noting. Surprisingly, all but West Ariddia agreed on the reunification. A year after the reunification, the West Ariddian president decides to disband the government, a move not even the Unified Capitalitzt States have done, prefering to privatize the government instead. That resulted in anarcho-capitalism.

But four months later, an uprising led by communist leader Ea L'lew took over the power. This sparked reactions from other anarcho-capitalist nations, including Allanea and the UCS, who decided, to take over the island by themselves. Other nations were involved in the process, notably Ariddia and Kelssek, who were approving the West Ariddian move.

Now, to move on today's situation: President Bertrand Dionne, elected as a Socialist Party president, finally decided to comment on the West Ariddian situation. His comments are, kind of, interesting. In fact, it seems like he implicitly stated that he was backing the West Ariddian president, Miss. L'lew. Let's listen to them:

President Dionne: Je crois que la survie d'un peuple est en jeu présentement. Personnellement, je crois que les Ariddiens de l'Ouest doivent tout d'abord avoir un gouvernement. Un pays sans gouvernement est comme enlever le droit à quelqu'un de dormir: C'est inconcevable! Alors que je préfèrerais qu'il soit élu démocratiquement dans des élections libres, je préfère la situation actuelle à la situation précédente, dans laquelle il n'y avait pas de gouvernement. Donc, j'ai écrit une lettre à Mme. L'lew dans laquelle je lui demande, entres-autres de tenir des élections dès que possible. J'annonce aussi que, si nécessaire, l'Oliverrie est prête à envoyer des troupes de maintient de la paix.

Wayne English: To summarize, he said that he's prefer a government over no government, that he sent Miss L'lew a letter and that, if needed, Oliverry could send peacekeeping troops. It's now time for our daily debate. Today's debate will be, obviously, about the situation in West Ariddia. With us, tonight, we have Jacques Laliberté, professor of Political Science at Université de Saint-François.

Jacques Laliberté: Bonjour!

Wayne English: We also have with us Mr. Jinxit Limbait, I'm pronouncing your name right?

Jinxit Limbait: Of courrrse.

Wayne English: Good evening. He's a director at Limbrogidlian National University, in Ennemy City. And we also have Martin Rousseau, specialist of Ariddian politics. So, guys, what will be the outcome of that situation? Let's begin with you Martin.

Martin Rousseau: Definitely, this is going to be tough for this island to survive on its own. Something tells me they're going to unify with the Ariddian Federation, but I might be wrong as well.

Jinxit Limbait: Wrong, wrong and wrong!! In fact, what should happen is that West Ariddia will stay independant. But I seriously doubt L'lew's claims of being a democratic leader. Something in her tells me she is in fact willing to give the parliament a minor role while signing almost all decrees into laws by herself.

Jacques Laliberté: I'd say that both of you are wrong. *chuckles* I'm sure my views are obstructed by the fact I'm a leftist democrat, but I'm full of confidence into Miss L'lew's democratism. I believe that, while this is going to be tough, West Ariddia will be an independant nation.

Wayne English: So, from what you three told me, you've got a consensus: There will be a government in West Arridia.

Jinxit Limbait: *chuckles* Not necessarily. If the Capitalizts and the Allaneans come back, the situation could revert to its original one, which means without any government.

Jacques Laliberté: No, no no... If Allanea ever attacks, this is going to ruin their reputation. Why would they do such a thing? I-

Jinxit Limbait: Why? Because they have economical investments to preserve there. They also have to defend a libertarian ideology, which implies a very minimal governmental role. When you know it clashes with the West Ariddian communist policy, you know it will be tough...

Martin Rousseau: Permit me to place a word in the conversation. The West Ariddian government is willing to negociate with the Allaneans and the Anarcho-Capitalists. So, to me, that is not an issue. The issue, though, is the fact that Ariddia wanted to unify all the surrounding islands of ariddian culture. So they will push hard... Stop interrupting me, will you? Stop interrupting me! Yeah! To come back to what I was saying, the Ariddian government will push hard for them to unify with the federation. With them being communists, it should now be easy to do that, once the country stabilizes.

Jinxit Limbait: Yeah, but what if it never stabilizes? What will happen? Oh! Of course!!! Peace will rule everything! People need to get off their clouds and realise that a slani civil war is about to come. Yes, that's what is currently coming next for West Ariddia. That's unless the government decides to take a hard line stance on their people and be a Communist country in the Hockey Canadian style, with repression and everything. That's the only way the country could be stabilized in the next months, if not years.

Jacques Laliberté: Ok.. ok... Get off your high horses now Jinxit. Now, I have a question for Martin: Do you think President L'lew is someone hired by the Ariddian government to unite both countries?

Martin Rousseau: No. But her ministers are very closely related to the Ariddian government. This is actually the fact that makes me think an unification is very probable.

Wayne English: So, guys, we have time for one more intervention. I guess Jacques wanted to answer. There you go.

Jacques Laliberté: Alright Wayne. Well, Martin, having people related to Ariddia in a cabinet doesn't mean that they are pushing for unification. I mean: The Limbrogidlian regional government has Oliverrian people in it, but it doesn't mean those Oliverrians want to push for an immediate cessation of the government. You have to put water in your wine...

Wayne English: So that's enough for tonight's debate. It was quite a heated debate. Thanks to Mr. Laliberté, Rousseau and Limbait.

From the KaMaRi Update - online edition

Rejistania does not recognize new Western Ariddian government

From the 1024 nations of the association of free nations of Rejistania, most do not recognize the new government of West-Ariddia as legitimate. First Lentine of the nation of Telik, Asidil I Hili~n states things most plainly: "This is not a democratic legitimated government, this is an infringement on freedom as a government. I can only hope, that the people of Western Ariddia will put effort into making their nation a proud and democratic nation again." Syku Sehit from the institute of political science in Sike summarized the situation in this way: "The Western Ariddians can not have 5 years until the next elections. Postponing them one year - or rather giving the possibility for that, that made the people of Rejistania stand up against their government. 5 years are more then the normal legislarue period in some nations. L'lew'he can not be considered a lentine at this stage since it is unclear how much support she really has. At the moment, I guess most of her support is from the sikire-argument*."

One of the few supporters of the newly-established shensa being the minister of the exterior of the nation of Iseverenje Siiriej Ja~oril: "West-Ariddia was in turmoil, in anarchy, in non-state. it is inherently more advantageous to have the government of L'lew'he than none at all. I am rather convinced, the liside'ny will cooperate peacefully for a better future."

Liys Jana, CEO from Janamirakansa JSK feared for sections of his company: "We could do certain things because West-Ariddia had a climate for business, which was inviting investment. Many things were possible there which in other nations would have gotten this company sued from Hetkali to Na~ovi. I hope L'lew'he will not attack the things, which make West-Ariddia inherently advantageous for our investments. It was always a place where things were possible without three meters of paperwork per transaction but where people still believe in relational treaties."

Meanwhile human rights organizations will examine the new government in west-Ariddia to see which standards it is adhering to.

OOC: I tried to make it sound like a KaMaRi Update report, ie: hastily translated from rejistanian, sacrificing style, beauty, and clearness.
* the sikire argument: It will not necessarily be better if it changes but it will need change to become better.

Taken from The Coricas Times


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Coricas, Cookesland (AP) - The West Ariddian crisis has grown over the past few months as this conflict between communist and capitalist factions has intensified, culminating in communist uprisers seizing control of the West Ariddian government. Former President Ea L'lew (Democratic Communist Party) has headed this new Communist Regime promising to restore order, and implement reforms, finally restoring elections in five years. This has sparked much response from the international world, including the Cookeslandic Government which has refused to recognize Ms. L’lew newly proclaimed “People’s Republic of West Ariddia”.

Many nations have also been quite critical of the nearby PDSR Ariddia for it’ s lack of support as the West Ariddian government was toppled by what has been called a “coup d'état”. Including President Foxswift , who was quoted with saying after a press conference.

“I must say at this point I am deeply disappointed at the PDSR. Ariddia is regarded as a bastion of freedom and justice in the world and yet they allow this at their own doorstep? Surely they would not be distancing themselves had a capitalist “taken nominal control” in a communist nation that was close to their borders.”

However not all are viewing this in a negative light, Secretary of State Steven Andolor had this to say:

“This can be a very good thing for the people of West Ariddia, if done correctly. West Ariddia is extremely economically powerful, but at the cost of their people, which is totally unacceptable. If they would begin to work with a mixed-economy of capitalism and socialism they would fair much better. I do some suggestions on a possible plan the West Ariddian government should take, but I will have to talk to the involved parties. Hopefully, these people can put aside their socio-economic differences and do what’s best for the people of West Ariddia.”

O. David Sunson
Coricas Times Reporter

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Jack Riley speaks to reporters in Paradise City about the West Ariddian "crisis."

Riley slams L'lew, Ariddia, West Ariddian communists
Kennyite liberals demand apology from key foreign-relations official

PARADISE CITY --- Far-left political activists and a socialist congressman-elect are calling on State Department official Jack Riley (ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Jack_Riley) to retract comments he made to reporters Wednesday, wherein he seemed to implicate PDSR Ariddia in the communist takeover of its capitalist western neighbor, and insulted the provisional communist leader of West Ariddia.

Riley, well-known as a diplomatic hothead from his days as ambassador to the United Nations, has so far refused to apologize for his statements calling the Ariddians "saboteurs deluxe" for their supposed role in the popular rebellion that brought communists to power in West Ariddia, and labeling the island nation's new president, 75-year-old Ea L'lew, "the Old Red Lady."

"His words were outrageous and not supported by the facts, and he needs to say he's sorry," said Assemblyman-elect Vernel Sandberg, Ind.-Marsh Is., who advocates socialist economic policies for the Federal Republic. His call for an apology followed a wave of outrage from leftist political groups in OMGTKK -- including the Society for a United Communist Kennyite State (SUCKS), and Benevolent Liberals for One-World Socialism (BLOWS) -- who said Riley's remarks were impertinent and uncalled for.

Sandberg also called L'lew "a strong and capable leader who could really teach many in this country a thing or two about civility and tact."

It was unmistakably a veiled reference to Riley's impolitic brand of diplomacy, which was definitely on display Wednesday as the deputy undersecretary for UN-member affairs chatted with reporters.

He accused the self-proclaimed president of West Ariddia of "conspiring with the Ariddians to install an illegitimate communist government" on the island, and branded her "an unelected opportunist" who "now presides over the worst political and diplomatic crisis in the modern history of the Ariddian Isles."

Riley called on L'lew to push for an electoral mandate from the West Ariddian people before she moved forward on her planned social-democratic reforms for the island. "She sheds credibility for every minute that she serves without promising swift elections; she doesn't even have a whole parliament backing her," he said, referring to the boycott by capitalist lawmakers.

Riley did give L'lew credit for one thing, however: her refusal to attend talks hosted by Allanea, who has threatened to aid a Commerce Heights militia in its plans to invade the island, supposedly to restore order following the communist uprising.

"Not that the Allaneans haven't been amusing," chortled Riley. "I mean, standing up like that and purporting to dictate to the West Ariddians how they should run their own nation, when they can't even spell Ariddia correctly? High-larious."

Reached by phone Wednesday, Secretary of State Alex Tehrani refused to comment on whether Riley should apologize for his comments, though the secretary did distance himself from their substance, reiterating that the Federal Republic's stance toward the West Ariddian "kerfuffle" was one of neutrality.

Tehrani would not say if he thought L'lew was the legitimate leader of West Ariddia, or if she should announce democratic elections before her proposed five-year "transitional" term is up.

However, Vice President Antigone Morgan (ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Antigone_Morgan) did say that L'lew faced "a terrible image problem" amongst Kennyites, stemming mostly from "those awful wrinkles. I mean, has she ever looked at her face in the mirror? Hello?!"

Morgan insisted that she could give the former and current president of West Ariddia "a makeover that would make her to-die for, even at her age!"

"Does anyone know what's happening to the BazaBurgers in West Ariddia?"

"Nope,

"well, see if you can find out, will you?"

"righto."

"And stop saying that it's annoying."

"What?

"'righto'"

"right... then"

"Does anyone know what's happening to the BazaBurgers in West Ariddia?"

"Nope,

"well, see if you can find out, will you?"

"righto."

"And stop saying that it's annoying."

"What?

"'righto'"

"right... then"
OOC: Bah, sorry, that was actually me. I didn't know I was logged in as this puppet of mine

Aboard the USS Pascal Salin

President Brown nodded slowly as the Allanean Special Ambassador spoke. Admiral Krajcik's remained perfectly impassive.

"I must inform you," Brown said, "that an effective free market system was already in place before I... resigned. The State was an anachronism. Everything was running smoothly. The communists merely used the lack of a nominal State as an excuse." He paused. "But what to do now? I won't see our country torn apart by civil strife."

Krajcok nodded quietly.

"I don't think L'lew can go as far as she wants to," Brown said. "But this is where the international pressure comes in. If foreign companies and investors in West Ariddia threaten to pull out, L'lew will face an economic crisis. The people would turn against her if she refuses to give in to companies and investors' demands." He paused. "Of course, diplomatic pressure is also useful, but I think foreign economic pressure can be most effective in curbing L'lew's policies."

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Government offers mediation in West Ariddian crisis

AEL KHALAS - In response to the growing crisis in West Ariddia, His Majesty's Government offered today to assist the two sides in negotiating a solution.

The offer was extended in response to a request made by the head of the transitional government there, Ea L'lew. L'lew had responded to Allanean offers by requesting that additional delegations from "neutral nations" participate as well.

"Altanar is a nation with a long history of being neutral, and a nonaggressor. We feel that this history, and our relative lack of ties to either side, would make us an ideal nation to help mediate this dispute," acting Prime Minister Jaris Krytellin said. Krytellin added that the government would be willing to send a negotiating team to Aqeyr, or host a summit in Ael Khalas, to help resolve the issue peacefully "and in a manner satisfactory to all parties".

When asked if Altanar was contemplating any kind of military intervention, Krytellin was quick to disavow any use of force. "As I said before, Altanar is not an aggressor, and we feel that any kind of military force, by any nation, in response to this crisis is entirely inappropriate. Our efforts are, and will be, strictly limited to diplomatic initiatives."

The latest news from West Ariddia

West Ariddian press publishes AFCU ideas

Left-wing and “neutral” newspapers in West Ariddia have reproduced statements from the Allanean Federation of Crafts Unions on labour activism.

Jeremy Smythe, of the National Association of Trade Unions' Militia (UNMS), thanked the AFCU, but said that labour negotiations are already an aim of West Ariddian trade unions.

“We’ve already begun talking with individual employers for wage increases and better working conditions. Right now there’s no national policy, so some groups are negotiating, while others have taken control of businesses and set up workers’ collectives. From what I gather, though, L’lew would like us to talk to the bosses. Well, I’m willing if they are.”

He issued a reminder that “workers started all this, not President L’lew. She tagged along with us, not the opposite.”

Mr. Smythe said there had been some report of Allanean strike-breakers operating in the country.

“Our message to them is very clear: Get the hell out of West Ariddia,” he said bluntly. “In the meantime, we have striking workers moving over to working in workers’ cooperatives, where they have a fair share of the profits made from their labour. I can guarentee that foreign strikebreakers won’t succeed in reducing anyone to starvation.”

West Ariddia says Dallas companies will be looked into

“I don’t know whether the companies owned by the Dallas family have been turned into workers’ co-operatives or not,” said the newly-appointed West Ariddian Minister for Foreign Affairs, François Mercier (DCP). “If they have, I encourage the Dallas family to open negotiations with employees, to satisfy employees’ needs and restore normalcy. A State mediator can be provided to assist with talks. Our goal, you understand, isn’t to drive foreign companies out of the country.”

Mr. Mercier said that, at present, there is no clear record on who is in control of different businesses.

“I’m restoring democracy, not destroying it!” says L’lew

President Ea L’lew has responded to calls from Liverpool England’s Prime Minister Michael Harley, who has stated that “five years is far too long for a transitional government to be in power”. Mr. Harley is calling for earlier elections.

Ms. L’lew has stated that she is “not the one who abolished democracy in this country”.

“My predecessor abolished the State, which meant that there were going to be no more elections,” she said. “That was a violation of the most basic democratic principles. Now that I’m here, we’re going to have elections in five years… perhaps earlier, and certainly no later. If I weren’t here, there would be no elections at all. I’m here to restore the democracy that the capitalists tried to destroy. I would expect all democratic countries to support my government.” She re-iterated her thanks to the government of Kelssek for its support.

Ms. L’lew added that she is working with a democratically elected Parliament “which Mr. Brown unlawfully tried to disband”.

“This Parliament has a mandate from the electorate,” she insisted. “All laws implemented by the transitional government will be laws approved by the democratically elected representatives of the people.”

The self-appointed President said that governments refusing to recognise her –for example, in Rejistania and Cookesland– were being “very unhelpful” and risked “increasing tensions and undermining the process of democratisation in West Ariddia”.

However, she thanked Cookesland’s Secretary of State Steven Andolor for his “constructive suggestions”.

“We welcome any foreign government who wants to provide concrete assistance, for example sending diplomats for mediation purposes here in West Ariddia.”

Former FDP Member of Parliament Sheila Robertson rejected Ms. L’lew’s statements.

“The Parliament is there to stamp an illusion of democracy onto the decrees of a dictator,” she said.

Ms. Robertson added that, in her view, President L’lew’s government would end up being “merely a farcical anecdote in our country’s history”.

“Ms. L’lew is going to have to call elections eventually. The people will demand it. And when she does, we’ll have a democratic capitalist government back in power, which will undo any damage she’s done.”

President L’lew responds to Kennyites

Ignoring comments from Mr. Riley, Ea L’lew said she respected Mr. Tehrani’s official position of neutrality.

“I think the Kennyite Secretary of State wants to be objective and understand all the facts,” she said.

Foreign Minister François Mercier agreed.
“Mr. Tehrani’s neutrality means he may be able to help us build reconciliation, democracy and prosperity through reasonable negotiations,” he said. “We’d welcome any suggestions or assistance he’d like to provide.”

President L’lew politely declined Vice President Antigone Morgan’s offer for a “make-over”.

“I was young once, I don’t think I need to look young again,” she said with a slight smile.

Members of the West Ariddian government tactfully refrained from commenting on Vice-President Morgan’s gaffe suggestion that a blind woman should “look herself in the mirror”.

L’lew welcomes Altanar’s offer

“It’s a very kind offer, and we’d be happy to welcome a diplomatic team in Aqeyr at any time,” she said. “The only problem is going to be finding someone to negotiate with on the other side, since the capitalists no longer seem to have a leader.”

Former President Brown, however, said he would be willing to attend talks mediated by Altanar’s diplomats.

“I suggest that business interests and union leaders also be present,” he added.

The Allanean shrugged: “Sir, so where is the private welfare? Where are the workers’ unions providing health insurance to their members? Where are the private militias?”

He looked at the admiral. “I do not yet count the Western Ariddian military as a militia – it’s profile is such that it cannot be maintained in its current form by private funding. Private corporations can rarely afford – and make no profit from – aircraft carriers, submarines and force-projection tools. But at any rate. Here is my proposal: Let us remove Llew. Between us and Admiral Krajcok, we can do it with casual ease. Then, let us establish a government – even if only minarchist – limited by a constitution that would prevent its slippery-slope expansion into communism. From there you could either initiate a transition to an ancap situation – and bear in mind, this would be as complex as a transition from a welfare state to minarchy! – or maintain a monarchist state”

“Further, if you wouild agree to rapidly remove Llew, we will also transfer funding to the Ariddian military to help them in the transitional period.”

“Frankly I don’t understand. What is it exactly that is preventing us from seizing L’lew and her Parliament even now?”

President Brown looked thoughtful.

"The problem, as I see it, is this. The communists have the support -based on prior electoral results- of over 40% of the population. A minority, yes, but a large one.

Let me tell you a little bit about our history. Quite a few years ago now, L'lew ran for president. She campaigned on a promise to prepare a referendum on reunification. This was before Ariddia was pressing for one, but... anyway. A group of citizens took her to court on a claim that attempting unification with Ariddia is unconstitutional. Just before the election, the court ruled that her party was barred from the election if it campaigned on an anti-constitutional pledge. There were riots. The worst economic disruption our country has ever known. It was disastrous. Her popularity soared. It ended up with her being elected, and we went through ten years of her damn policies before we could get back into office and undo all her mess. The communists have never won another election since then.

What I'd like to do, ideally, is discredit her. Make the people understand that the economy is going to collapse because of her. Make her unpopular. That would solve our long-term problem, too, if we can make the communists unpopular for a long while. If we try to put in a constitutional ban on the Communist Party, we'll have part of our own side, and most of the people, against us. We'd just be given her the popularity she needs. No, what we need is to make the people turn away from her, massively."

3rd party politician suggests solution to West Ariddian crisis

Miranda Laqiewka is not widely known to the general public. A member of the Blank Party, she stood unsuccessfully for the latest parliamentary elections. Stating that her party belonging proves her to be "unbiased", Ms. Laqiewka has published a "Suggestion to Return West Ariddia to Democracy and Stability".

"It's fairly simple," she explains. "I suggest dividing the country into a great number of tiny areas, each with a very small population. Each area will decide democratically whether it wants to be part of the new State led by President L'lew, or whether it wants to return to the pure capitalism implemented by President Brown. Areas who opt for the former would be subjected to the laws that emanate from Ms. L'lew's government; they'd have all the rights and obligations that come from those laws. Everyone else wouldn't be subjected to those laws. It seems to me the most democratic solution."

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OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC STATEMENT

The United Constitutional Monarchy of Altanar is most pleased that both sides in the West Ariddian political crisis have expressed willingness to work with Altanari negotiatiors to try to resolve their dispute. In order to resolve the issue as expeditiously as possible and stem further disruptions to the West Ariddian nation, we will be sending a diplomatic team to Aqeyr immediately.

This team will consist of several representatives of the Ministry of State, as well as representatives of our Ministry of Infrastructure, who have experience with labor and economic issues. The team will be led by Cianar Aranathas, former King of Altanar, who serves as an ambassador for our nation to the world at large.

It is our sincere hope that we can help both sides in West Ariddia come to an amicable and mutually agreed upon resolution to their concerns, and help preserve stability and democracy in that nation. We look forward to meeting with Ms. L'lew and Mr. Brown upon our arrival in Aqeyr.

Most sincerely,
HRH King Aelkyn

---

Fort Olen
Ael Khalas, Altanar

Having been prepared to depart quickly if their offer was accepted, Altanar's diplomatic team boarded a C-141 Starlifter transport for the trip to Aqeyr. As they were boarding, Altanar's King saw his father off. "I hope that your trip is successful, and that you return soon and safely, father. Good luck," Aelkyn said, clasping his father's hand.

"Thank you, my son," Cianar replied. "As long as we can get both sides talking, and get a resolution on the ground before any vultures try to swoop in, we should be fine. That's why we're leaving so quickly....time is of the essence here. Don't worry though...after running a country for over 20 years, this should be relatively easy," Cianar finished, giving his son a wink and walking to the boarding area.

Aelkyn simply watched as the plane took off. I hope he's right, he thought.

---

Approaching Aqeyr

Several hours later, the Altanari plane began its final approach. The pilot of the C-141 radioed ahead, signaling their intent to land. "This is Royal Altanari Air Fleet plane C134256, on a diplomatic mission to assist in negotiations. We request permission to land."

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Arsathaes call for compromise and cooperation in West Ariddia

TAXILHA- A conclave of Aatem Nal officials issued a declaration yesterday calling for dialogue and compromise between the varying parties in West Ariddia. The Southern Congress, an administrative and philosphical religious group of Arsathaes, usually meets several times a year to discuss; among other things; philsophy, religious trends, Aatem Nal-related practices, and in recent years foreign policy.

"It is the opinion of this Congress that the only lasting solution to the troubles in West Ariddia will come from dialogue and discussion. We call upon the business leaders, large and small, of West Ariddia to speak up and let their voices be heard, and we enjoin the communist and socialist supporters of the de facto government to await a truly representative congress before enacting any policies."

The September Declaration contained a long essay on the proper relations between business and government, essentially stating that human rights of property, life, freedom, and happiness should be safeguarded in all cases, while at the same time condemning "corporatism" and "forced communalism." The declaration similarily questioned the concept of worker's soviets, arguing that "enforced egalitarianism stifles the masses, infringes upon the personal property and family, and forces promising individuals to stem their ambition in the face of some monstrous multitude." The declaration emphasized the principles of meritocracy, stating that "mankind is in and of itself good and gracious, and when the circumstances are correct people of ability and conscience will rise to success. Through mutual understanding and community equity can the twin evils of communism and corporatism be overcome- the nepotistic and the middling will be defeated."

The Southern Congresses' declaration is, of course, not representative of the entire Aatem Nal body. The Declaration will be sent to the Tuhran Bel, the highest religious authority in the country, which will then review and issue their own proclamations on the issue.

First Minister of Foreign Affairs Ren Dirh released his own message to the Ariddian Isles, calling on "Ariddians as a people to set aside their political differences and join together in reasoned discourse to solve the crises facing the entire Ariddian Isles. Those who are naive enough to believe that the problems in West Ariddia will not affect PDSR Ariddia should learn that the aftershocks of a great earthquake will release a host of evils long after the quake has passed."

Pobrady Wel'j, News Reports

Department of State
The Federal Republic of OmigodtheykilledkennyFAO: Her Excellency Ea L'lew, and Mr. François Mercier, People's Republic of West Ariddia
Subject: Diplomatic mission

We applaud your decision to accept Altanar's offer to mediate in a diplomatic initiative to resolve the political situation in your nation. We'd be most interested in attending these talks as a neutral third-party observer. Should you accept, our delegation will consist of the following persons: Jack Riley, Deputy Undersecretary of State for UN-Member Affairs
Sen. Ben Hartwick, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Sen. Joe Havenhurst, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Hon. Susannah Batko-Yovino, Speaker of the Federal Assembly
Lt. Spence Beuerman (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13047236&postcount=40), Ambassador to Altanar*
Gen. Thaddaeus Stebansen (ret.), former Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffWe eagerly await your reply.Sincerely,
Alex Tehrani
Secretary of State

* OOC: You'd think the OMGTKK ambassador to Ariddia might be a more appropriate official to include in a delegation like this, but the thing is, Lt. Beuerman's just much less likely to commit arson while in West Ariddia."Peace? Diplomacy? Neutrality? 'Applauding' filthy commies? You're gonna flush this administration's hard-earned reputation right down the toilet, Alex."

"Well, we figured Jack Riley as head of the delegation would balance out anything that might suggest we've fallen over to the Fluffy Side, Mr. President."

"Right. If he doesn't threaten to nuke something before tea is finished, you're both fired."

"Whatever, sir."

posted on an international message board under the username KQM'11100100110

Miranda Laqiewka's suggestion (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13089683&postcount=70) appears to be worth consideration from the appropriate officials. It seems feasible and fair to both sides of the "situation".

Nevertheless, it makes no mention of issues such as mobility. No matter how the lines are drawn, it does not address cases such as those of individuals who live in one area but are employed in another. If such areas choose divergent destinies, how would the laborers be treated?

Is there a possibility for an even more drastic application of Laqiewka's concept? If everything else has been privatized, why not the state itself? Letting individuals "opt-in" to a government would allow them to work for a communist state, if that is what they choose, or in the private sector. A flaw here, of course, is that capitalists might seize control of the optional state as well, but these general ideas can certainly be improved.

Aboard the USS Pascal Salin

“Why!” - the Allanean ambassador was positively appaled - “To ban the Communist Party? Why, even in Allanea such a thing is unheard of, Mr. Brown! Such a thing is a horrible misunderstanding. No, no, this is not what I meant at all. Let me demonstrate my plan, point-by-point.

First, we remove L'lew and restore an FDP government – as a transitional measure. The People have elected an FDP government, and it is that government – and none other – that has a mandate to set policy. Now, I understand your desire to abolish government altogether, and it is a noble one. And I assure you that should you choose to proceed on that course, we would help you. But as a first stop-gap measure, we must restore basic democracy. The people of Western Ariddia have not elected a DCP government. They elected an FDP government.

As such, here is my proposal: rather then banning the Communist Party, we will remove L'lew from all positions of power – as she was never elected, she should not hold any. We will then proceed to reinstall an FDP government – surely you have some form of legitimate vice-president or some person that can take over if you do not wish to.

Once we are done, we will proceed in a three-pronged assault on Communism in Western Ariddia.

One, a political assault. This can be done only by Ariddians themselves. Introduce a written Constitution that will seek to limit the state as much as humanly possible. There shall be jury nullification, a ban on income taxes, a right to bear arms, to free speech, to private property, all enshrined in the Constitution. These things will make it harder for the Communists, should they be elected, to reinstitute their... “reforms”.

Two, an educational assault. We will cooperate with a host of NGO's - the Allanean Liberty Alliance, the Free Enterprise Foundation, the AFCU – who are already at work I note – to begin promoting the benefits of the free-market system in providing alternatives to the State. As a matter of fact, for-profit organisations can also help here - you have heard of the Demented Schooling Corporation, have you not?

Three – an economic assault. Of course, Allanea is a market economy, but we do have a vibrant military-industrial complex. I am sure that Congress can be relied upon to divert a small... proportion of orders for various equipment to the same factories that provide the Western Ariddian military with weaponry – provide they don't use union labor, of course. As a matter of fact, if you keep stuff running, I'm sure plenty of Allanean companies will want to invest in Ariddia.

Oh and another point. I think we should be unconstructive. I think we should refuse to negotiate with this... L'lew person. After all, what legitimacy does her rule have? She's just some self-declared idiot, whose entire claim to power is sitting in the Parliament building, isn't she?”

Jeruselem Government News

Bike arrives in West Ariddia

Dazza Dallas, Jeruselem's Ambassador to Ariddia, has arrived in West Ariddia for business. She will talk to the new West Ariddian government about situation and to recover Dallas and Jeruselem Imperial assets.

It is expected West Ariddia will not make life too hard to the Bike has she is the mother of the Crown Princess of Jeruselem as well as an international business players who is not one to be ignored.

She said the local press "I'm no little woman who people can push over. I want answers and well, I'm going get it. Ive been unable to contact my staff here in West Ariddia, I think most of them are in hiding. Most of my staff were those unwanted people off the streets and prostitutes who wanted a life away from the world of sin. I don't blame them for hiding, as well in communist and capitalist systems - they get kicked around. At least in a capitalist system they can earn money by some means. We've given them nice jobs but in these times nothing is certain. I fear for the ex-prostitutes who worked in my nightclubs, the poor girls don't have many skills but their bodies."

The latest news from West Ariddia

L’lew’s bodyguards thwart kidnap attempt

Ever since assuming office, Ea L’lew had continued to appear in public, taking public transport and walking in the street, saying that she had “nothing to fear from my fellow West Ariddians”. Bodyguards would follow from a discreet distance.

For the first time, however, President L’lew has been physically assaulted in the street, by three masked men who attempted to pull her towards a car parked a few metres away. L’lew struggled, long enough for passers-by to rush in and defend her, and for her bodyguards to intervene.

The reasons for the attack are not known, but they have sparked widespread condemnations. Former President Thomas Brown said that the assault was “disgraceful”.

An elderly man who witnessed the incident had this to say: “Three men attacking a blind, defenceless old lady is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen”.

Surveys measure public opinion

The lastest survey on public opinion in West Ariddia regarding recent events yielded the following results:

Do you believe Ea L’lew was right to assume the role of President?
Yes: 43.8%
No: 31.3%
Uncertain: 24.9%

Do you believe the Parliament currently sitting is legitimate?
Yes: 45.0%
No: 25.9%
Uncertain: 29.1%

What do you believe Ea L’lew should do?
a) do as she has said she would do (i.e. lead a 5-year transitional, reformist government, then have democratic elections): 28.0%
b) as above, but she should hold elections earlier: 10.9%
c) resign immediately, after organising fresh elections: 10.4%
d) resign immediately, and let the country remain without a government: 28.3%
e) uncertain: 22.4%

If elections were held now, whom would you vote for?
a) DCP: 32.9%
b) FDP: 36.2%
c) Socialist: 4.8%
d) Blank Party: 7.0%
e) Rainbow Party: 1.4%
f) other: 0.8%
g) abstain: 3.1%
h) undecided: 13.8%

West Ariddia acknowledges declaration from Snefaldian Congress

In response to a call published by the Congress of Snefaldia, West Ariddian Foreign Minister François Mercier declared briefly:

“Snefaldia urges West Ariddian businesses to speak up and make their views known. Our government agrees. We want constructive dialogue with all businesses in West Ariddia, to implement vital social legislation in a manner that satisfies everyone involved.”

He added that President L’lew does not need to await the election of “a truly representative congress”, because West Ariddia already has one.

Kennyite delegation “very welcome indeed”, says L’lew

President L’lew has stated that a Kennyite delegation was welcome to attend West Ariddia-Altanar talks as “a neutral third-party observer”, on the sole condition that the Altanar delegation also agree to their presence.

Uncertainty surrounds Dallas clan businesses

West Ariddian Minister for Socio-Economic Affairs Claude Marchand has announced that the government has looked into the situation of Dallas-owned businesses in West Ariddia.

“We’ve sent people round to see what’s happening, and most of those businesses are continuing to operate as normal,” he said. “In most cases, workers are negotiating on some issues with their employers, but have not gone on strike. We’ve found one case of a business having been turned into a workers’ cooperative. Employers there were encouraged to join their former employees in working and operating the business, on an equal level. And then there’s one case where workers have told us their bosses simply cleared out. Employees there didn’t ask them to leave; it seems they got worried by what was happening elsewhere, and simply packed up and left. They’re free to return at any time, of course.”

DCP MP James Lemon criticised Dazza Dallas for her “confrontational statements” which he says aimed at “stirring up trouble when she doesn’t even know what’s going on”.

Workers at one Dallas-owned business, which appears to be operating as normal, have invited her to visit them, so that “a few small grievances” of theirs could be sorted out.

Ariddia clarifies its position

The government in Rêvane has been mostly quiet regarding events in neighbouring West Ariddia. Secretary for External Affairs Ulo Ho has now explained why.

“We’re following what’s going on, and we’re standing by to offer any assistance if our assistance is requested by all parties,” he said. “But we don’t want to give the impression that the PDSRA is interfering in West Ariddian affairs.”

Meanwhile, North-West Ariddian leader John Cohen has expressed his concern in turn, and has suggested that the West Ariddian transitional government might want to try and implement “North-West Ariddian socialism”.

“We have a form of socialism which combines rights for businesses to operate, and strong social legislation,” he said. “I do think this kind of moderate compromise could be a solution for West Ariddia, and a way for President L’lew to enact progressive reforms that her country really does need.”

Indigenous West Ariddians deliver shock ultimatum

Indigenous West Ariddians (Wymgani) have long been strong supporters of the Democratic Communist Party, and a Wymgani community in Aqeyr has now expressed its support for President L’lew’s government in startling and controversial terms.

West Ariddia was once part of the PDSRA, and Ariddian laws enacted prior to secession remain part of West Ariddian legislation, unless they are specifically repealed. For example, a fundamental Ariddian law which recognises Indigenous ownership of all lands has been amended but not repealed in West Ariddia.

Under Ariddian law, Indigenous land cannot be bought or sold, and is owned communally by Wymgani communities. West Ariddian law preserved the right to communal Indigenous land ownership, but introduced the right for Indigenous communities to sell all or part of their land, and to divide it into individual holdings instead of communal ownership. Few West Ariddian Wymgani have opted to exercise these specific rights, and consequently most land in West Ariddian remains the property of Indigenous communities, and is leased to occupants, generally on 99-year leases.

A significant number of leases throughout the country are due to expire in six years’ time. Among these is the lease of the Lesuwe land, which corresponds to 81% of the area currently comprising the Aqeyr Central Business District. Despite offers of huge sums of money, the Lesuwe have consistently refused to sell any part of their land, despite the fact that their native forests were destroyed long ago, when Aqeyr was built during the colonial period.

A meeting of the Lesuwe people has resulted, after long discussions, in the production of an “ultimatum”, as one Lesuwe put it.

Unless the businesses located on Lesuwe land agree to negotiate with the L’lew government on the implementation of essential social policies, the Lesuwe will not renew the leases, and the businesses in most of the CBD area will be evicted in six years.

An 82 year-old Lesuwe spokesman, Michel Uoa’la, added that all businesses located on Lesuwe land must “immediately” disband their corporate security forces, and hand their weapons over to the Lesuwe to be “locked away”.

“In six years, this land will be ours again, and we get to decide what happens on it,” Mr. Uoa’la said.


OOC: Another post coming later, to reply to more posts.

Asunora slams 'ultimatum' as disgraceful

Liverpool England's First Secretary to the Foreign Minister (a fancier term for 'Deputy Foreign Minister') Kazuhiro Asunora spoke out against an ultimatum issued by indigenous owners of West Ariddian land, threatening to end land leases if businesses in Aqeyr's business district refuse to co-operate with Ea L'lews land reforms.

Asunora (National Centrist Board, Jesner), speaking as what he termed "a private citizen who is allowed his own personal views on international events", told OFD/BSA Federal Radio One that he found the latest developments in West Ariddia "disappointing and stressful".

"I find the latest reports coming out of Aqeyr to be woefully disappointing, and very stressful. I feel, as a private citizen who is allowed my views, that Ms. L'lew isn't in power democratically. Besides the government's official stance on that I am also very disappointed and find it disgraceful that the indigenous community has now threatened to withdraw its lease to businesses not complying with Ms. L'lew's policies. This is, to me, a clear sign of the first steps of political interference by Ms. L'lew into West Ariddia's highly successful, bustling economy."

Deputy Prime Minister Jon Nagasuki (NCB, Neverend), played down Asunora's comments. "As Kazuhiro pointed out, those are his personal opinions, and I respect that. As a government our stand does not change. We congratulate Ms. L'lew on taking the job but would strongly urge her to hold elections this year. The government is also currently formulating a response regarding the recent so-called ultimatum."

Opposition MP Dorothy Hope (Green Party, Dover), agreed. "Mr. Asunora has his right to his opinions. While I disagree with his decision to air them internationally, if they truly are just his personal opinions, I think we would all do well right now to back the government's response."

Another opposition member, from a party of the National Leftist Federation, had different opinions. Lin Da-ren (Progressive Communists, Città del Giaccio), who is in the current Cabinet in a minor role as First Secretary to the Transport Minister, was clearly disappointed with Asunora. "The First Secretary in the Foreign Ministry should not have done what he did, and I intend to bring this up in the next sitting of Parliament. This government would be smart to give Ea L'lew its full backing, and help West Ariddia get back on its feet and back into a working state, instead of sitting back and criticising the new regime from afar."

Lin also confirmed that he would be leading a group of NLF politicians to Aqeyr if needed, as part of any international delegation to talks aimed at restoring a semblance of authority. "Yes, we'll go. Whether any of our colleagues in Parliament want to join us... well, that is up to them."

Approaching Aqeyr

Several hours later, the Altanari plane began its final approach. The pilot of the C-141 radioed ahead, signaling their intent to land. "This is Royal Altanari Air Fleet plane C134256, on a diplomatic mission to assist in negotiations. We request permission to land."

"C134256, this is Aqeyr International Control. You are cleared to land, private runway 14."

= = =

It was the first time Ea L'lew and Thomas Brown had met since the "coup". The two shook hands and exchanged the minimal polite pleasantries, then stood side by side to greet their guests. Photographers flashed away at the two presidents side by side. Security was on alert.

So as to avoid the issue of which president should greet the former Altanari King, a young aide, belonging to neither party, was the first to welcome him, introducing him to L'lew and Brown. President Brown deferred to chivalry, allowing President L'lew to shake Cianar Aranathas' hand first.

"Your Majesty, welcome to West Ariddia," the self-appointed President said. "We're grateful for your kind assistance." A car was already waiting nearby.

Aboard the USS Pascal Salin

Thomas Brown was silent for a long moment as he thought.

"I like your idea of an economic and educational 'assault'," he said at last. "As for the rest... I don't want to end up sparking an armed conflict in this country. Tensions are running high, and I wouldn't want to light the proverbial fuse." He paused. "Ultimately, constitutional reforms to prevent any kind of communist policies... Well, that's an option, yes, but the people are going to see it as an indirect way of banning the DCP. They're not going to like it. You have to remember that the Communists are the main Opposition party. I can imagine what the press will say: 'Brown turns West Ariddia into a one-party State'.

No, here's what I think. We have to turn the people against L'lew. If we move too quickly against her ourselves, without popular support, we'll end up making her more popular than she already is. What we need to do is -as you said- educate the population. L'lew has been in power before; we must remind people what it was like. The economy slumped. Foreign investments went down. Prices went up. We should launch a large scale campaign, reminding everyone what life under L'lew is going to be like. Oh, and insist on the fact she took power without their consent, of course. Then we publish a whole series of opinion surveys, constantly, showing that a majority of the population want her out of office. We publish the statements of foreign governments pressuring her. We encourage large-scale protest marches. Let the people themselves pressure her out of office."

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w107/Cookesland/th250px-USSeal.png

Official Diplomatic Communiqué

To whom it may concern,

I wishes to attend the talks currently taking place in Aqeyr, as a thrid party observer, to help solve the current crisis engulfing West Ariddia. If permitted we would like to send the following people besides myself:

Ms. A. Amalia Teldano, Deputy Secretary


Mr. R. Vincent Farisel, Ariddian Political Advisor


Mrs. V. Stacy Vempet, Diplomatic Aid


Gen. Haran Wetanu, Joint Chief



Best Wishes,
Steven J. Andolor
Steven J. Andolor
Secretary of State
The United States of Cookesland

It was the first time Ea L'lew and Thomas Brown had met since the "coup". The two shook hands and exchanged the minimal polite pleasantries, then stood side by side to greet their guests. Photographers flashed away at the two presidents side by side. Security was on alert.

So as to avoid the issue of which president should greet the former Altanari King, a young aide, belonging to neither party, was the first to welcome him, introducing him to L'lew and Brown. President Brown deferred to chivalry, allowing President L'lew to shake Cianar Aranathas' hand first.

"Your Majesty, welcome to West Ariddia," the self-appointed President said. "We're grateful for your kind assistance." A car was already waiting nearby.

Cianar shook both L'lew's and Brown's hands warmly and gave a broad smile. "Thank you for your welcome, but you can just call me Cianar. I am no longer King, and I'm not worried about formality at my age," he chuckled. "I'm glad to meet both of you, and I'm ready to get started whenever you are."

The rest of the Altanari team - fifteen representatives of various Altanari ministries there to advise the former King as he handled the tricky negotiations - stood patiently behind Cianar, while two unarmed vehicles emerged from the back of the big transport plane that had delivered there. A small security contingent emerged with the vehicles.

As the two heads of state walked with Cianar to the waiting vehicle, he said to both of them, "I know that several nations are wanting to send 'observers' to the talks. I have no problem with that, but I would recommend limiting the number of nations who do so...I'm sure you both know the old saying about too many cooks spoiling the broth," Cianar grinned.

To whom it may concern,

I wishes to attend the talks currently taking place in Aqeyr, as a thrid party observer, to help solve the current crisis engulfing West Ariddia. If permitted we would like to send the following people besides myself:


The delegation from Cookesland is most welcome to attend, and participate alongside delegations from Altanar and the Kennyite Federation.


François Mercier,
Minister for Foreign Affairs

<SNIP>

"I trust you had a good flight?" President Brown asked as they entered the large car - an electric car, provided by President L'lew. "We're going to a conference hall near the centre of Aqeyr. A neutral venue," he added with a faint smile.

"May I ask whether your government has requested you to take any particular position?" L'lew asked, politely but straight to the point.

“Very well.” – said the Allanean – “I will talk to the NGO’s immediately. Very soon, you will see people arriving – dozens of experienced political activists, educators and so on. As for the constitutional reforms – they will be necessary. You realize as well I do – if we are to have government, it must be limited government.”

“As for lighting a fuse – it is already lit! Don’t you see what is going on? Look, if you don’t want us to seize her – and by God, we can easily do it – you should at least refuse to negotiatie with her.”

* * *

However, the Allanean government could do little to actually control its NGO’s. As such, the flow of volunteers was extremely tepid at first. The Foundation for Economic Freedom had sent only about three dozen volunteers to help educate FDP activists. The Liberty Alliance donated ten million dollars – only a fraction of what it could have leveraged.

But steadily, steadily, the flow increased. One of the students that came with Hugh Akston turned protestor – so to speak – and started helping to organize anti-communist rallies. A small demonstration – about five thousand people – was held in front of Allanea’s capitol building in protest of Llew’s policies.

And – in a most extreme of shows – several dozens of Biphysicianist priests have begun a hunger strike in condemnation of L’lew.

Jeruselem Government News

Dazza sorting out business

Jeruselem's Ambassador to Ariddia has been busy sorting out business in West Ariddia. She's been sorting out the mess with Dallas and Jeruselem Imperial Assets after chaos surrounding the communist takeover. It seems most business were operating, some albeit without top management so she was busy running around hiring new people to take over.

After a hectic day, Dallas who still had lots of things to do, said
"That DCP MP James Lemon should just shut up. I spent my entire life getting told by other people what they expect me to do and think. I don't care who I offend. I'm not afraid of the truth, people are scared out there. They don't know who is going be in charge in the future. Vested interests will decide the future and yes Jeruselem too has it's interests. For now, I just want my businesses and Jeruselem Imperial businesses to get back to some state of normality. I don't care who is in power, as long as the people of West Ariddia can make a living and live safely without fear. It's all people want in the end, to live a life without being fearful. I'm not going take sides with L’lew or Brown, maybe they sort something out for the good of the people."

When asked about Jeruselem's close affiliation with Allanea affecting the situation, Dazza said
"Yes, they are our friends but Allanea does what they do and we do what we do. We don't influence their business. I represent Jeruselem not Allanea. I am not going get involved with West Ariddian internal politics, it's up to the people of the nation in the end. Other nations may have ideas but Jeruselem is not going to get tangled up in this area."

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/kuroutesshin/foreignministry.jpg


By the Tuhran Bel'

President L'lew;

I extend the gratitude of my nation at your having supported a conference, run by the able Altanari diplomats, and I wish you personally health and happiness.

It is in regards to the Altanari endeavor that I write. Knowing the crisis which faces the nation of West Ariddia, we desire to dispatch an observer to catalogue and record the proceedings as they occur.

In the interest of human knowledge, the procuration and dissemination of which is vital to the development of society and the human condition, my government wishes to dispatch Master Ta'us Ash`an to preserve the story which is growing with each minute. Master Ash`an is one of our nation's most revered scholars and teachers, and his research and contributions to our libraries have been invaluable.

Such is our request, may the Motions have it granted.

By the Motions;

Ren Dirh
First Minister of Foreign Affairs

AMKARETHZ HOLDINGS BREAKS UP CROWD OF PROTESTERS
Amkarethz Holdings Security Forces used crowd control weaponry and stun guns to break up protesters outside of GAPC's West Ariddian Headquarters
By Alsdore Palek, ANA Reporter

Aqeyr (Aeronian Press Agency) - Almost a thousand protesters gathered outside of General Aerionian Productions Corporation's West Ariddian Headquarters in Aqeyr. They had worked at GAPC's factories, and ShopMart superstore in West Ariddia.

Amkarethz Holdings Security Forces had positioned tanks, and almost 400 security personnel outside of GAPC's Headquarters prior to the new West Ariddian government's communist regulations.

Upon what seems to have been a violent outlash by members of the crowd, Amkarethz Holdings Security Forces used their Active Denial System weaponry, non-lethal direct energy weaponry that had been brought in with the forces. The crowd had quickly dispersed. Protesters would have felt an extreme burning sensation in their bodies as the Active Denial System's electromagnetic radiation heated them. While extremely painful, the weapon did no permanent damages. Further violence by members of the crowd and firing of a gun resulted in the security officers using stun guns on some though most of the crowd had already dispersed.

Amkarethz Holdings has not yet given an official statement on their actions, though it was in defense of their assets.

The Royal Government in Astevane has yet to officially comment on the actions of the West Ariddian government. These recent developments may see new reactions.

"I trust you had a good flight?" President Brown asked as they entered the large car - an electric car, provided by President L'lew. "We're going to a conference hall near the centre of Aqeyr. A neutral venue," he added with a faint smile.

"May I ask whether your government has requested you to take any particular position?" L'lew asked, politely but straight to the point.

Cianar (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Cianar_Aranathas)chucked warmly, as if pleased by L'lew's directness. "I'm glad we can dispense with beating around the bush or with obfuscation - we won't achieve much otherwise. As for my government's position, it's a simple one - we want to help you achieve stability, and avoid the kind of chaos that would prove destabilizing on an international level. Our only purpose is to help you both figure out how to bring your radically different positions and desires around to enough of an accomodation to achieve that. We have suggestions and ideas in mind, to be sure, but ultimately this matter has to be decided by West Ariddians, not Altanari, so we're keeping our position flexible. We'll be making suggestions on ways to resolve the current crisis, get your nation back on track, and reorganize things in a manner acceptable to both of you before other parties get involved, parties that might not have West Ariddia's best interest at heart."

Cianar paused for a moment. "I'm just here as a negotiator with no power from my government anyway, but I want to reassure you both that Altanar has no vested interest in seeing either side get an advantage over the other. We're not after land, power, or money, we have plenty of that already. Unlike the deluge of nations that may soon be eager to offer you 'advice', we really are just here to help."

Another opposition member, from a party of the National Leftist Federation, had different opinions. Lin Da-ren (Progressive Communists, Città del Ghiaccio), who is in the current Cabinet in a minor role as First Secretary to the Transport Minister, was clearly disappointed with Asunora. "The First Secretary in the Foreign Ministry should not have done what he did, and I intend to bring this up in the next sitting of Parliament. This government would be smart to give Ea L'lew its full backing, and help West Ariddia get back on its feet and back into a working state, instead of sitting back and criticising the new regime from afar."

Lin also confirmed that he would be leading a group of NLF politicians to Aqeyr if needed, as part of any international delegation to talks aimed at restoring a semblance of authority. "Yes, we'll go. Whether any of our colleagues in Parliament want to join us... well, that is up to them."

Police break up anti-PCP, anti-West Ariddia demonstrations
Police have been called in for the first time to break up an anti-Progressive Communist Party/anti-West Ariddia demonstration that threatened to turn violent. The protest, held outside the Ariddian Board of Interests in the country, was the first public anti-communist protest in over 80 years. But when a protester picked up a missile and threw it at the building, injuring two, one seriously, police were called in.

Federal Police confirmed that a 26-year-old man from Neverend was arrested for attempted murder and intention to harm with a deadly weapon. The protests came after PCP MP Lin Da-ren controversially criticised the government in CCL for what he called "sitting back and criticising the new regime (in West Ariddia) from afar." Other protesters said they attended the demonstration to make known their feelings about what they perceived as Ariddian inaction regarding the "coup" in its neighbour.

The National Leftist Federation, of which the PCP is a part, released a statement condemning the violence, stopping just short of explicitly blaming the government for the violence. "We do not look upon violent protests like these well. The Prime Minister's government's recent actions, or indeed inactions, led to the statement by the honourable MP from Città del Ghiaccio, and we are disappointed that people have chosen such a detestable method of making their minds known."

The Federal Police confirmed that they were aware of another planned protest tomorrow, and said in a short email statement that they would be watching events carefully.

There has not yet been any response from the government or the Ariddian Board of Interests.

Jeruselem Government News

Thugs attack Dazza and lose

Dazza Dallas who is travelling by herself in West Ariddia, was attacked by a group of unknown thugs in the street. She had left one of her nightclubs and was probably mistaken for one of her dancing girls which happens a lot in Jeruselem too. The group thought she was easy pickings for her money and her body too. But she proved a bit of handful for the thugs who were probably waiting for her. Bystanders were amazed as the five foot redhead fought off half a dozen attackers.

An observer said "Dazza was just handing out damage. By rights, she should have been pinned down very easily but she was swing that handbag like weapon. One guy got her down on the ground but she threw him off her. I think after that they ran off realising she wasn't going be an easy target."

Dazza Dallas was taken to hospital but apart from bruising and cuts, she was fine. She was taken back to her hotel under armed escort later.

A female worker at the nightclub said
"No one seems to be safe at the moment, no even our President Ea L’lew. I think the lowlife of West Ariddia are coming out to take advantage of the situation. With people protesting on the street and uncertainty about who will lead the nation, bad people are trying make the move. I don't think they'll try the same on Dazza Dallas though. I've never heard a woman throwing a six foot man off herself before."

Dazza Dallas later said to the press
"It's nothing, I used to live with Mum on the streets. You learn a few things."

President L'lew;

I extend the gratitude of my nation at your having supported a conference, run by the able Altanari diplomats, and I wish you personally health and happiness.

It is in regards to the Altanari endeavor that I write. Knowing the crisis which faces the nation of West Ariddia, we desire to dispatch an observer to catalogue and record the proceedings as they occur.

In the interest of human knowledge, the procuration and dissemination of which is vital to the development of society and the human condition, my government wishes to dispatch Master Ta'us Ash`an to preserve the story which is growing with each minute. Master Ash`an is one of our nation's most revered scholars and teachers, and his research and contributions to our libraries have been invaluable.

Such is our request, may the Motions have it granted.

By the Motions;

Ren Dirh
First Minister of Foreign Affairs

First Minister,

Your request is, of course, granted. Any person is free to enter West Ariddian and document or report on the current situation here.


Ea L'lew
President

<SNIP>

"We very much appreciate that," Brown said. "And we're grateful for the assistance. If there's one thing Ms. L'lew and I both agree on, it's the necessity to preserve peace in our country, and prevent this situation from degenerating into violence."

Little more was said by either president until they reached the conference centre. There, a room had been prepared to accomodate a number of delegations.

"If you'd like to be seated?" L'lew invited her guests, as an aide guided the blind president to a chair. "Before we begin, do you need to be brought up to date on any of the facts?" She smiled slightly. "Bearing in mind, of course, that some of the facts themselves may be contentious."

L'lew expresses concern at recent "incidents"

A series of events have prompted expressions of concern from the West Ariddian government. Among them, a hunger strike by Biphysicianist priests in Allanea, a violent clash involving Amkarethz Holdings Security Forces in Aqeyr, an assault on Dazza Dallas, and West Ariddian-related violence in Liverpool England.

"I call on everyone, wherever you may be, and whatever your views may be, not to use the current situation as a pretext for violence," President L'lew urged. "I call upon all of you to respect one another's differences in opinion, to try and understand them, and to engage in constructive dialogue rather than conflict."

She issued a "firm condemnation of all acts of violence, whatever their so-called reasons".

Regarding the attack on Dazza Dallas, a junior government official said: "This goes to show how badly the security situation deteriorated during the capitalist period, and how urgently reforms are needed."

President L'lew expressed concern at a hunger strike started by priests who oppose her in Allanea.

"I ask you to be reasonable, and stop," she said. "I ask you to understand what the situation is here in West Ariddia. I ask you to realise that democracy had been abolished by my capitalist predecessor, and that I am here to restore it. If you support democracy, you should logically support me as I put every effort into bringing democracy back into this country."

She extended a welcome for the priests to visit her in Aqeyr, and added: "I'm mindful of the fact that, under capitalism, here in West Ariddia, a lot of people suffered from malnutrition. They still do. Which is why reforms are so urgent and necessary. If I were to step down, I'd be condemning these people to suffering, destroying their hope. I have to say to these priests: your hunger strike won't make me step down, because if I leave, many more people will be left hungry right here in my country. And, unlike you, they won't have a choice. So stop now, before you harm yourselves."

"We very much appreciate that," Brown said. "And we're grateful for the assistance. If there's one thing Ms. L'lew and I both agree on, it's the necessity to preserve peace in our country, and prevent this situation from degenerating into violence."

Little more was said by either president until they reached the conference centre. There, a room had been prepared to accomodate a number of delegations.

"If you'd like to be seated?" L'lew invited her guests, as an aide guided the blind president to a chair. "Before we begin, do you need to be brought up to date on any of the facts?" She smiled slightly. "Bearing in mind, of course, that some of the facts themselves may be contentious."

"A brief rundown of the facts as you both see them would be an excellent place to begin," Cianar said as he sat down. "Before we begin, though, there is one thing that I would recommend doing. Both of you," Cianar said, nodding both to Brown and L'lew, "have been quite strong in showing leadership during this crisis. That's a very fortunate thing, and I would recommend that before the talks begin in earnest, that the two of you, together, make a televised joint statement in which you affirm your commitment to resolving these issues through discussion together, and urge both your people and any foreign parties to stand down and let these talks take place without anyone resorting to violence or pressure tactics. Such a statement by both of you, side by side, will do a great deal to calm things down on your streets, and perhaps elsewhere also. I was briefed before arriving here that there have apparently been some minor violent incidents already. This is unfortunate, and we need to take a very strong stand against that now before it spreads or grows any worse. Violence is like a wildfire. If you don't stamp it out immediately, the fire becomes almost impossible to quench. And once violence breaks out, all the talking we might do will achieve very little if people won't abide by it."

Jeruselem Government News

Ariddian Ambassador hires bodyguard in West Ariddia

If you see a small woman with a rather large guy with a rather big gun in West Ariddia, it's probably Dazza Dallas. Dazza hired a local mercenary as protection after getting attacked outside one of her nightclubs.

Dazza said
"Well, I don't want a repeat of yesterday. My bodyguard is ex-special forces so he knows what he is doing. I should keep out of trouble for now. I don't like guns but in this environment, you can't be sure that mob of crazy people want to attack you at any time. I don't want people to get hurt but if people want to hurt me, I'm not going to let that happen either. All I want to travel in safety, which is not guaranteed."

The bodyguard who didn't give his name said
"It's not everyday your client is celebrity like Dazza Dallas. I heard about how she fought of half a dozen attackers without a weapon. She sure knows how to take care of herself. Oh she's quite a good looking woman for her age too."

It was business as usual as Dazza travelled around West Ariddia working out what to do with Dallas and Jeruselem assets. She is currently settling unresolved greviances by current employees which have been ignored by the now missing management of her and Imperial companies.

Images of a bloodied Dazza Dallas with torn clothes (and a boob hanging out) after the incident had hit the Internet recently with Dazza fans calling her "The Urban Warrior"

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Embassy of the Grand Kingdom of Aerion
Aqeyr

Mr. François Mercier
Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Embassy of the Grand Kingdom of Aerion would like to state it's intention of forming new communications at some point with the new government of West Ariddia, however due to the unstable conditions the nation is in we must express our concern. Our staff have been evacuated, and the Embassy now has a small staff of security and essential personnel. The Ambassador remains, and intends to open communication when the political situation in West Ariddia is clarified.

The Embassy furthermore would like to state that there is concern for the numerous Aerionian businesses operating in West Ariddia, and the safety of the Aerionian citizens who still remain in West Ariddia. There are estimated to be over a billion dollars worth of assets owned by Aerionian corporations within West Ariddia, any damages or illegal seizure of these assets could damage the relationship between the Grand Kingdom of Aerion and the present West Ariddian government.

We will stay in contact with the West Ariddia Foreign Ministry as this situation progresses. We hope for a peaceful solution to this crisis.

Biphysicianists respond to L'lew's message

On the second day of the hunger strike, Brother Demetrius Bait has uploaded his response to Ea L'Lew on the Internet.

“Dear Miss L'Lew! I find it impossible to address you as President – given that you were not only not elected by the general public, but lost overwhelmingly the last time you ran. Do you truly feel that the support of less the a third of the population is a mandate to delive these sweeping reforms?

But that is not the point. As you know, some faiths – notably, for example, Catholicism as expressed in 'liberation theology' – endorse socialism. Their members will vote, protest, and even fight for those evil, benighted policies. Our faith – just like some branches of Protestantism, Sirithilism, and so forth – carries no portfolio for democracy, merely for individual liberties. The Two Glorious Doctors taught us to reject the State as a tool of fixing people's lives. Only private charity, given out of free will, can better people's lives – not tax money looted at bayonet-point.

My brothers in the monastery are preparing just such a shipment – a paltry sum of a hundred thousand dollars in food to feed the starving in Western Ariddia, and about fifty thousand dollars to recoup the losses of those employers who lost their property to worker takeovers. We trust you to distribute this money and this food fairly.

As for our hunger strike: the Two Doctors taught us that our body is our own private property. People outside Allanea often believe that those who defend capitalism and freedom do so out of personal egoism or out of stupidity, being brainwashed by the 'neo-liberals'. By our act – which is on its face selfless – we wish to show the word another way to defend freedom, to set a personal example.

Over half of Western Ariddia's citizens voted for the FDP. Every day in which you do not resign is a day in which their hope is being destroyed.

Today, two more brothers joined our strike. I hope only it will encourage those in Western Arridia who still support freedom to follow suit.

Thank you for listening.
May the Two Doctors bring you peace and freedom.”

Corporate Mogul donates money

The famous arms merchant and corporate big-shot, Kevin Nivensky, had donated one million dollars towards an educational program to be run in Aqueyr. During the program, the neighborhoods of the city with the highest percentage of Communist vote will be targeted for distribution of 40,000 copies of von Mises' Bureaucracy. This will swallow up half the money. The other half will be used to promote an essay contest for young men, aged 18-22, based on the book. The winner of the first place will be given free tuition at Concord University [$80,000], and several hundred other submitters will receive smaller prizes.

The Free Youth of Allanea, an arm of the Anarchist Party, has produced a shirt with an image of President Brown and th words Viva La Brown Revolution. 30% of the profits will go towards President Brown, 20% - towards the AP, and the rest – towards free-market activism in Western Arridia.

The Libertarian Party of Allanea is offering to coordinate with the Liberty Alliance and the FDP the arrivals of 'thousands' of LP volunteer organizers, that have experience working electios on all levels of Allanean government. No word on FDP response has been reiceived yet by Liberty Times as of the moment of printing.

<SNIP>


L'lew nodded. "I'm willing to take part in such a joint statement," she said promptly.

Brown did not hesitate long either. "Of course," he said. "We all want a peaceful resolution to this issue, without violence or foreign pressure."

"Here are the facts," L'lew went on. "As you probably know, President Brown disbanded his own government and abolished the State, thereby putting an end to the possibility of further elections, and extending the application of his party's policies -hardline capitalism- indefinitely. Despite having received only a five year mandate.

Four months later, a large segment of the population rose up to demand a government. Workers began to organise, pressuring employers, and some took control of companies, establishing workers' cooperatives. I was asked to assume the presidency. I considered the request for a long while, and eventually accepted. I'm now leading a transitional government, with the aim of re-establishing the democratic institutions abolished by President Brown. For that aim, I've recalled the democratically elected Parliament, and I'm working with them on how to restore democracy. We're also working on emergency policies, to ensure the well-being of all West Ariddians. Our immediate goals are to provide water, food, shelter and medical care to the entire population."

President Brown coughed.
"I'd like to correct one rather important inaccuracy in what's just been said. And, while I'm at it, to explain why I dissolved the State. I was elected, democratically, to apply the policies of a free market and unrestricted individual freedom, and to protect the West Ariddian people against State intervention in their lives. The existence of a State was, essentially, an anachronism. My government did very little, because we were elected to do very little. This country has evolved and thrived on the tradition of a minimalist State, to the point where the government can be said to have had no real function at all. We've been continuously re-elected with a single purpose: to ensure that there is no government to meddle in people's lives. I was given a mandate to ensure that. I obtained the approval of Parliament before dissolving the State. And current opinion surveys show that my party is still the most popular. A majority of people clearly approve of what I did. They don't want an illegitimate communist government imposing undemocratic policies on them."

"Those are fine words," L'lew said calmly, "but you're avoiding the key issue. You were given a five-year mandate, not an infinite mandate. By abolishing elections, you extended the application of your policies infinitely, and prevented the citizens of this country from ever electing the Opposition to power."

"No," Brown disagreed, "I merely moved our democracy forward into absolute freedom. The main issue here is your claim that you have democratic legitimacy. You haven't. I'm sorry to have to say this, but your Parliament is a sham. Even some MPs from your own party are refusing to take part in it, and have said that you have no mandate to run the government!"

Embassy of the Grand Kingdom of Aerion
Aqeyr

Mr. François Mercier
Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Embassy of the Grand Kingdom of Aerion would like to state it's intention of forming new communications at some point with the new government of West Ariddia, however due to the unstable conditions the nation is in we must express our concern. Our staff have been evacuated, and the Embassy now has a small staff of security and essential personnel. The Ambassador remains, and intends to open communication when the political situation in West Ariddia is clarified.

The Embassy furthermore would like to state that there is concern for the numerous Aerionian businesses operating in West Ariddia, and the safety of the Aerionian citizens who still remain in West Ariddia. There are estimated to be over a billion dollars worth of assets owned by Aerionian corporations within West Ariddia, any damages or illegal seizure of these assets could damage the relationship between the Grand Kingdom of Aerion and the present West Ariddian government.

We will stay in contact with the West Ariddia Foreign Ministry as this situation progresses. We hope for a peaceful solution to this crisis.

Dear sir or madam,

Your concern is duly noted. Let me assure you, however, that there exists no outstanding threat against any Aerionian person currently in West Ariddia. We urge every person in the country to exercise due caution, in view of the possibility of clashes between factions, but the security situation is by no means as troublesome as may be reported by some foreign media.

Aerionian corporations operating in West Ariddia will be politely requested to adhere to new government guidelines, and to implement important regulations, notably regarding working conditions, workers' safety, working hours, and fair wages. In addition, all companies will be requested to begin negotiations with employees to settle any grievances expressed by said employees. There will be no nationalisation of corporations, except in unfortunate cases where corporations refuse to adhere to guidelines, or refuse to address employees' grievances, in the presence of State mediators.

We hope and trust relations will remain amiable between our two countries.

François Mercier

Allanean Presidential Candidates React to the Ariddian Crisis (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13099159&postcount=10)

Latest news from West Ariddia

L’lew responds again to Allanean priests

President L’lew thanked the Biphysicianists for their “honest statement of their views”, but repeated that her aim was to “restore the democratic institutions abolished by the FDP”. She promised to ensure that the donations of food and money were distributed as specifically requested, and added that FDP members would be invited to oversee the distribution, “so that there can be no doubt about it having been done as requested”.

In response to Allanean movements’ activism in West Ariddia, a government spokeswoman and MP, Banita Sho, said simply: “This is a free country. If someone wants to distribute capitalist propaganda in mostly communist neighbourhoods, they’re entirely free to do so.”

FDP spokesman George Michaels said an essay contest sponsored by an Alleanan businessman was “an interesting idea”. “I think it may encourage young people to think, help them develop political awareness and political interest,” he said. He expressed a suggestion that the contest be opened to young people of both genders; initial reports implied that it was only for “young men”.

Meanwhile, pro-Brown t-shirts produced by the Allanean Anarchist Party are selling well in West Ariddia, having generated a minor craze. The t-shirts are seen as a way for people to express their “commitment to freedom,” Mr. Michaels said. He added that former President Brown would not be accepting profits from the sales, as “that might not be entirely appropriate, and the profits should go to those who came up with these t-shirts”.

“I’m not entirely sure yet what the Allanean Libertarian Party uh… ‘volunteer organisers’ are asking to do,” he said, “but by all means, anyone is welcome in this country”.

Marches continue

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A woman looks out worriedly at a large protest marching past her home

Large marches are still being organised almost daily by supporters and opponents of the new government. For the most part, the marches have been peaceful, although occasional clashes have resulted in minor injuries.

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A protestor visits the corporate security forces in central Aqeyr

Large parts of Aqeyr’s Central Business District remain under tight protection by private, corporation-employed security forces.

“To hell with you all! We’re seceding!”

In an attempt to cast a humourous message of annoyance at the current situation, one of West Ariddia’s smallest “villages”, a lighthouse outpost off the south-western coast, has set up a website (http://west-south-west_ariddia.gov.org), proclaiming its secession and sovereignty as “the Wave-Whipped but Serene Sovereignty of West-South-West Ariddia (WWSSWSWA, for short)”.

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the WWSSWSWA and its flag

Martin Realm, creator of the website, explained: “We’re sick and tired of all these political squabbles. If anything, my sympathy goes to Brown, who at least tried to leave us alone and let us get on with our lives. No, of course, we’re not really declaring sovereignty. But we do want to be left out of all this mess.”

Ariddia and North-West Ariddia prepare for first Federal elections

The inaugural federal elections are set to take place next year, and will usher in the official birth of the Federation, through unification of Ariddia and North-West Ariddia. Political parties in both States have been preparing for the beginning of the electoral campaign.

The following parties and candidates have announced their participation:

PDSRA parliamentary election

* Democratic Communist Party
* Ariddian Isles Blank Party

The Confederalist Communalist Party and Ariddian Isles Reunification Party have declared their intention to merge into the DCP, having achieved their aims, and being in agreement with general DCP policy.

North-West Ariddian parliamentary election

* Democratic Communist Party
* Free Democratic Party
* Green Party
* Ariddian Isles Blank Party
* People’s Party
* Rainbow Party
* North-West Ariddian Independence Party
* Party for Animal Rights
* Morality Party
* National Fascist Party
* Political Party

Candidates for the Federal election (for Prime Secretary)

* Nuriyah Khadhim (Democratic Communist Party)
* Robert McAndrews (Free Democratic Party)
* Jennifer Kpaka (Green Party)
* Richard Wright (Ariddian Isles Blank Party)
* Otto Sire Muddlegum (Political Party)

Meetings between the two State branches of the Democratic Communist Party have led to a decision whereby Ms. Khadhim will be federal candidate, while current North-West Ariddian leader John Cohen will become head of the North-West Ariddian State government if the DCP wins the parliamentary elections in that State. When the DCP inevitably wins the parliamentary elections in the PDSRA, current MP Turei Lauru will head the Ariddian government.

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Turei Lauru, who is certain to be elected next year, is not particularly well known to the public at present, but is said to be one of Khadhim’s closest advisers.

A closer look at the candidates for next year’s federal election

Candidates are listed alphabetically:

Nuriyah bint Rashad Khadhim

party: Democratic Communist Party
nationality: Ariddian
age: 67
current job: PDSRA head of State

The overwhelming favourite, Khadhim was born in Espérence and is the only candidate to be an Indigenous Ariddian Islander (Wymgani). She grew up in an area under Indigenous customary law. She studied politics and environmental management at Espérence University.

She was elected first to the Wehela Iolih (Indigenous Parliament), then served as a diplomat in Errinundera then Knootoss, before entering the Council of Secretaries (Cabinet) as an adviser without specific portfolio.

When Prime Secretary Aj Ud suffered a mild heart attack, Khadhim was chosen by the Council to serve as temporary head of State. She was later elected to that position, and is now serving her fifth consecutive term.

Jennifer Kpaka

party: Green Party
nationality: North-West Ariddian
age: 37
current job: MP; children’s writer; member of a government committee tasked with assisting businesses in implementing environmental regulations

The Green Party is a close ally of the DCP’s in North-West Ariddia, and no longer exists in the PDSRA – which presents Kpaka with a huge disadvantage. She is also standing for re-election to the North-West Ariddian Parliament, at the top of her party’s list.

Kpaka studied environmental technologies at Nouvel Espoir National University.

Robert McAndrews

party: Free Democratic Party
nationality: North-West Ariddian
age: 58
current job: MP; businessman (computing & media)

A self-made businessman, McAndrews is also running for re-election to Parliament. He is viewed as a moderate within his party, but favours strong deregulation of the economy, to enable North-West Ariddia to approach West Ariddian levels of economic growth. His support from the Ariddian electorate is expected to be almost nil, giving him no chance of being elected Prime Secretary.

He is the only candidate supporting free market policies.

Otto Sire Muddlegum

party: Political Party
nationality: North-West Ariddian
age: 70
current job: ice cream vendor

Muddlegum is an excentric and generally well-loved (but politically unsuccessful) figure in North-West Ariddia. He was selected to represent the humourous Political Party, and says the selection process for the party’s candidate involved “musical chairs, blind man’s buff, and a fiercely competitive challenge of bobbing for apples”.

“Otto Sire Muddlegum” is his real name: he changed it officially from his birth name, Jonathan Riverside.

The main policies he advocates are “sending all members of the government back to primary school, just to make them look silly”, and “enfranchising hamsters, because they’re a lot more sensible than we are”.

Richard Wright

party: Ariddian Isles Blank Party
nationality: Ariddian
age: 53
current job: MP; plumber; former military doctor

Wright is a relatively little-known Ariddian politician, despite having been an unsuccessful candidate for Prime Secretary in the last election. He was born and raised in Darras, near Rêvane, and studied medicine. He served briefly in the Ariddian Red Army, as part of its humanitarian medical services.

He then took up a personal interest of his and went into plumbing. When not sitting in Parliament or working, he is also teaching himself to be an electrician.

As candidate of the Blank Party, Wright aims to represent voters who do not feel represented by any other candidate. He is also standing for re-election to the PDSRA’s parliament. Blank Party MPs systematically abstain from voting on any proposed legislation.

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Otto Sire Muddlegum is expected to finish last in the race for Prime Secretary

Latest news from West Ariddia

West Ariddians “shocked” by Keyes’ calls for war

West Ariddians of all political sides have reacted with shock, anger and indignation to calls by Allanean presidential candidate Desmond Keyes that Allanea should “begin a full-time invasion [of West Ariddia], capture Ea L’Lew, and bring either minarchism or capital-anarchism to Western [sic] Ariddia”.

“The rantings of a lunatic would not normally concern us,” government spokeswoman Banito Sho said, “but they’re of grave concern when that lunatic may soon have access to military power.”

The FDP was equally critical.

“Mr. Keyes’ words are disgusting – the howl of a deranged populist,” said former FDP MP Michel Lanterne. Former President Thomas Brown said only that Desmond Keyes’ statement had been “downright stupid and completely unacceptable”.

The military, for its part, is taking the matter seriously.

“I doubt that idiot Keyes really wants to end up creating a lot of Allanean widows and orphans,” West Ariddian Admiral Pietr Krajcik said gravely. He added that any attempt to invade West Ariddia would be countered with “deadly force”.

Recent surveys in Allanea suggest Desmond Keyes is the most popular candidate for presidency. His statement has resulted in previously popular Allanean initiatives losing favour with many West Ariddians. Sales of Allanean-designed pro-Brown t-shirts, which had been highly successful, are now slumping. Some West Ariddian buyers, however, are pointing out that the Allanean Anarchist Party is politically opposed to Keyes.

West Ariddia says reunification is “not a priority”

Speaking for President L’lew, Banita Sho had this to say about the question of re-unification with the rest of the Ariddian Isles:

“There are more important issues for us to deal with right now. President L’lew may attend talks. But this isn’t a question that’s on the table for the government at present. All I can say is this: if reunification ever does happen, it’ll be via a referendum, and with the full support of the West Ariddian people. It wouldn’t be pushed through Parliament; there’d be a referendum.”

Official Press Release from the Office of the President of the United States

President Goldwasser is a member of the same political party as Mr. Keyes, it is best remember that he does not endorse Keyes’ calls for military action. Further, Mr. Keyes would be best served to remember that the President of Allanea lacks the authority to declare war.

While the Allanean military is ready to wage war against any opponent and prevail, we would like to state it is not currently our goal to wage such a war. We wish to remind Admiral Krajcik that our decision making is never motivated by our fear of the WA military, but of our desire to preserve West Ariddian lives.

Official Press Release from the Office of the Libertarian Party of Allanea

Senator Antalia Reynes has authored a petition for Allaneans to condemn Keyes’s calls for violence. It is formulated thus:

We, the Freemen undersigned, oppose Desmond Keyes’ calls for unprovoked violence against West Ariddia. Whatever our personal believes on the policies of the West Ariddian government or recognition thereof, we oppose military action against the nation under the current conditions. We call upon all sides to find a fast resolution to the conflict.

So far, the petition was signed by Reynes herself and four other Presidential candidates, fifteen Senators and five hundred Congressmen with a total of about a billion endorsements between them.

The Keyes campaign refused to comment.

State Department Jet
of the coast of the Ariddian Isles


Secretary Andolor had been looking out his window as the islands passed "So serene..." he had thought. Now the jet was approaching the troubled island of Limea.

Before he knew it the pilot had announced they would be beginning their descent slowly.

---------

"This is Cookeslandic Flight D-310 on a diplomatic mission to West Ariddia, requesting permission to land." said the pilot to the Air Control Tower

"This is Cookeslandic Flight D-310 on a diplomatic mission to West Ariddia, requesting permission to land." said the pilot to the Air Control Tower

C134256, this is Aqeyr International Control. You are cleared to land, private runway 9."

They would be met at the airport by François Mercier, top West Ariddian diplomat and Minister for Foreign Affairs. A diplomatic car was waiting to ferry the delegates to the diplomatic meeting.

(snip)

Cianar listened calmly as Brown and L'lew "discussed" their positions. When a break in the talking emerged, he simply smiled. "Well, I did ask for your stands on the matter...and I think it's safe to say I got them," he chuckled.

Turning more businesslike, he donned a pair of reading glasses and opened a small notebook. "After observing the situation that's unfolded here - and we have been observing it since things started - here's what we think of the situation. You're probably not going to like all of what I have to say, but please hear me out, and then we can discuss it."

Cianar began reviewing his notes. "There are two significant problems here, as we see it. The first problem arose when President Brown dissolved the government. You had the approval of your Parliament, but not the approval of your people by a vote. Ideological differences aside, we think that's a big reason why many people are having a hard time accepting your actions. Many of your citizens feel disenfranchised by the dissolution of the government, and want their voices heard on the matter. That's why people are protesting it, and that's why people felt the need to form a provisional government, if you will."

Turning to L'lew, Cianar went on: "The provisional government, however, is never going to gain acceptance among the entire population, because many people see you, madam, as an unelected leader with no mandate. The fact that most of your opposition is refusing to join your legislative body again is not helping either - you're being seen, rightly or not, as a self-appointed leader being backed by a rubber-stamp parliament."

Cianar closed his notebook, and laid his glasses on top of it. "This situation, as I've outlined it, is a recipe for a never-ending impasse, and in my opinion, will lead to chaos in your country, no matter how much you, personally, may want to avert it. And the longer it goes on, the harder it will be to reverse the trend, and the more other nations will want to take advantage of it. You're already seeing that, with other nations threatening to invade you, and throwing their weight around."

"After discussing this at length on the trip here, and even before we left, we came up with a plan to help restore stability and order in your nation. We feel that both parties need to reassume their positions in your parliament, and restore it to a fully representative status. We also feel that new elections will need to be held, within two to three years at most. In the interim, we recommend that a caretaker president, who is not affiliated with either side and can be a neutral presence, be selected to help lead your nation until new elections, both for president and parliament, can take place. Last but not least, we feel very strongly that any radical changes to your governmental structure, including adopting a minimalist government or dissolving it entirely, must be put forth to a vote in order to allow your people the chance to decide. We also recommend that neither side, once back in government, seek sweeping policy changes until the elections we are advocating can take place. It is our belief that, no matter which side is in power or what changes are being made, they will never gain the full support or legitimacy needed to hold a nation together as long as they are made unilaterally."

Cianar paused for a moment. "As you can see, this is a very bare-bones plan, and that is by design. As I said at the beginning, this is not something that we Altanari can decide for you, but something you must decide for yourselves. I would welcome your input at this point, if only to know whether or not our suggestions are completely off base."

---

Meanwhile, back in Altanar, it was decided that the 'warlike' statements of Desmond Keyes needed to be countered, in order to safeguard the fragile talks taking place in Aqeyr.

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OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC COMMUNIQUE

I normally issue statements on behalf of my people. This, however, is one I am issuing not just on their behalf, but on the behalf of the people of West Ariddia, and indeed for all nations who are trying to help resolve the political crisis there in a peaceful and fair manner.

The statements of Desmond Keyes are worthy of nothing but the highest condemnation. At this very moment, a delegation from Altanar is in talks with both sides of the West Ariddian dispute, with hopes of resolving the matter peacefully. Our delegation will soon be joined by others from around the world, working towards a similar goal.

Against the backdrop of those talks, for anyone to threaten to unleash the horrors of war upon the West Ariddians, before those talks have even concluded, is absolutely contemptible.

We most strongly urge all other nations to cease any unhelpful interference in this process, and allow the West Ariddians the chance to come to terms with each other in a civilized fashion.

HRH King Aelkyn of Altanar

If one wanted to get a look at the amazing cross-section that is existence, the international airport in Sargedain would be a good place to start. Imagine the modern facilities of the airport, with the rumbles of jets landing and taking off, television screens broadcasting, huge windows letting in the air, and rotating announcements in multiple languages. Take that image and apply an Art Nouveau style to the entire massive hub, fill it with thousands of people from all over the world, and you would have the airport in Sargedain.

Amidst this great mingling of cultures, amongst the wide spectrum of clothing, tongues, and faces, two men waited. One old (http://s11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/kuroutesshin/?action=view&current=shintopriest1-70.jpg), sitting serenly in his white robes, and the other much younger, standing and looking anxious.

The elder man smiled. "Sit down, Yu. Don't be anxious."

The younger man fidgeted, plopping down in the chair next to the old man. "I'm sorry, Master-" several passersby who heard him turned their heads in interest- "It's just that I've never been out of the country."

The old man nodded, smiling. "Don't worry, don't worry. Neither have I." He laughed.

"Now boarding Flight 36 to Aqeyr. Now boarding Flight 36 to Aqeyr. Flight 36, Sargedain International to Aqeyr, West Ariddia."

The elderly man lifted himself out of the chair, and the younger man jumped to clear the way. The girl at the ticket gate smiled. "Name, please?"

The young man pulled out his ticket. "Kong Yu."

The elderly man proffered his own ticket. "Ta'us Ash`an." The girl's eyes widened, and she touched two fingers to her forehead and bowed. "Master, enjoy your flight."

The next stop would be West Ariddia.

Jeruselem Government News

Jeruselem welcomes elections in Ariddian isles

Jeruselem Ambassador to Ariddia, Dazza Dallas, who is currently in West Ariddia said
"We hope these elections move the Ariddian Isles forward. In Jeruselem, we use violence in the past for too many of our problems and well, they aren't fixed. I think Ariddia knows this and violence just make wounds worse. The Jeruselem government is welcoming these elections as it gives a chance for the peoples of the Ariddian Isles to solve their issues in a more desirable manner. I'm not going to express my support for commies or capitalists as we think the people should decide. Yes, Jeruselem is not a democracy - we're just a Kingdom with lazy rulers and we don't want to cause problems for the people of these isles."

Sporting bandages to cover up injuries from a recent assault, she continued
"Unification would nice but if the people of this place don't want it, so be it. These things take time. My daughter and I have Ariddian blood, we want the best for the Ariddian Isles. We want peace and harmony, and the least use of violent force. Yes sometimes, a bit force might be needed but we prefer to keep that to a minimum."

Head of GAPC West Ariddia operations forced to seek safety, issues statement
President of GAPC West Ariddia, Rageel Palsu, forced to seek safety in Royal Embassy. Issues statement on the situation.
By Alsdore Palek, ANA Reporter

Aqeyr (Aeronian Press Agency) - Rageel Palsu, Vice-President GAPC, and President of GAPC West Ariddia is reported to be in protection at the Royal Embassy in Aqeyr. Rageel Palsu had successfully developed GAPC West Ariddia into one of the most productive, profitable international operation of General Aerionian Productions Corporation. Now in the wake of the recent political turbulance in West Ariddia, repeated protests outside of GAPC West Ariddia Headquarters, and repeated threats against the senior leadership of GAPC Mr. Palsu has been forced to seek protection within the Royal Embassy.

Though he did have an opportunity to leave the country, Palsu has reported that he wished to at least stay within the nation to make a statement that GAPC will not be brought down by illegitimate worker protests.

In a statement released yesterday, Palsu stated that “GAPC West Ariddia, and other Amkarethz Holdings owned corporations within West Ariddia will not acknowledge the regulations put forth by the new West Ariddian government until the political situation within West Ariddia is clarified, and an truly official government is declared. The questions surrounding the legitimacy of the West Ariddia Presidency are cause for uncertainty in relation to the regulations issued by President L'lew.”

The Royal Government, nor the Royal Embassy in Aqeyr would comment on the situation specifically related to Amkarethz Holdings or GAPC. An unnamed source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Royal Government waiting on further developments before taking an official stance on the crisis.

<SNIP>

Both L'lew and Brown were silent for a while, thinking the proposal through. It was Brown, in the end, who spoke first.

"Finding a 'caretaker' president, unafiliated to either side, and acceptable to both major parties, would not be easy."

L'lew shook her head.
"We could ask Parliament to appoint a senior civil servant, who's worked under both administrations and has no political bias. Parliament would have to agree by a two thirds majority."

"Or we could ask someone from the Blank Party," Brown said.

L'lew smiled slightly.
"Or there could be a triumvirate. Someone from the FDP, someone from the DCP, and someone neutral." She paused, and shook her head again. "There is one slight problem with this. Well, you might see it as a problem. We have a grassroots movement in this country, demanding social reform. Workers have organised themselves, have obtained concessions from employers through their own bargaining strength, and have taken control of some industries. I'm not going to ask them to roll back what they've obtained. I was asked to take power to help secure workers' rights, not undo them."

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v42/allanea/Propaganda/deptstate.gif
Official Statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs



The United States Government approves the Altanari mediation plan, namely that of installaion of a 'caretaker' President, rollback of L'lew's reforms, and running new elections as soon as humanly possible. We ask for permission to dispatch a Special Ambassador into the area which will be more equipped to deal with the situation. Further, the United States of Allanea will begin to transfer ten billion dollars of economic aid into the region, approved under the Emergency Aid to West Ariddia Act 2007.The aid will be specifically targeted to businesses who lost their property or incurred losses in employee strikes.

* * *

In the meanwhile, dozens of Allanean men, women, and Dohwar started arriving in Aqueyr. They had experience in organizing activists, protests, and direct actions in Allanea, Farmina, and elsewhere in the world. Somewhere wizened old men who fought for the ideas of capitalism for decades. Others – the majority – were excited, knowledgeable young men. They went everwhere, organizing pro-FDP groups and actions.

The Anarchist Party of Allanea found it had extra money since Brown refused his share. This money was poured into a charity and educational effort in West Ariddia. Thousands of copies of books by Mises, Akston, Friedman were bought and distributed to the masses, as well as slogans. Want to keep your tax money? Oppose L'lew – read a sign on a highway overpass in Aqueyr. There is nothing democratic about the DCP – a giant billboard sign argued. No Property = No Liberty – a bumper sticker replied.

OOC: If it's alright, I'd like to have Master Ash`an already present at the affair... another intro post would just slow down the thread.

Semeka urges West Ariddians to re-think democracy

Political activist and Tehanan lentine Lyku Semeka urges the West Ariddians to use this unique chance to reach a new level in politics by stepping away from representational democracy. He said to reporters of the KaMaRi Update: "I guess for many people representative democracy is the only possible system. They do not think far enough. West Ariddia is the very example of how representative democracies fail." He urges the West Ariddians to "decide themselves what their vision of the future is". His home nation Tehana moved away from representative democracy and established a direct democracy, his job as lentine is more that of a moderator and of a representative. He thinks the problem in West Ariddia is not the existence of these two very different visions of the future, but mainly the "lacking will to cooperate." If that would not return to West Ariddia fragmentation would be inevitable. His league for true democracy plans to campaign in the nation in Uhuhland, which is currently in an unstable state.

In the meanwhile, dozens of Allanean men, women, and Dohwar started arriving in Aqueyr. They had experience in organizing activists, protests, and direct actions in Allanea, Farmina, and elsewhere in the world. Somewhere wizened old men who fought for the ideas of capitalism for decades. Others – the majority – were excited, knowledgeable young men. They went everwhere, organizing pro-FDP groups and actions.

The Anarchist Party of Allanea found it had extra money since Brown refused his share. This money was poured into a charity and educational effort in West Ariddia. Thousands of copies of books by Mises, Akston, Friedman were bought and distributed to the masses, as well as slogans. Want to keep your tax money? Oppose L'lew – read a sign on a highway overpass in Aqueyr. There is nothing democratic about the DCP – a giant billboard sign argued. No Property = No Liberty – a bumper sticker replied.OOC: Yeah, I hope you talked to Aridd before you did this.

OOC: Yeah, I hope you talked to Aridd before you did this.

OOC: (Sorry to clutter this thread with OOC) He can't even spell Aqeyr right, I don't really think that's a good sign.

Both L'lew and Brown were silent for a while, thinking the proposal through. It was Brown, in the end, who spoke first.

"Finding a 'caretaker' president, unafiliated to either side, and acceptable to both major parties, would not be easy."

L'lew shook her head.
"We could ask Parliament to appoint a senior civil servant, who's worked under both administrations and has no political bias. Parliament would have to agree by a two thirds majority."

"Or we could ask someone from the Blank Party," Brown said.

L'lew smiled slightly.
"Or there could be a triumvirate. Someone from the FDP, someone from the DCP, and someone neutral." She paused, and shook her head again. "There is one slight problem with this. Well, you might see it as a problem. We have a grassroots movement in this country, demanding social reform. Workers have organised themselves, have obtained concessions from employers through their own bargaining strength, and have taken control of some industries. I'm not going to ask them to roll back what they've obtained. I was asked to take power to help secure workers' rights, not undo them."

Cianar pondered for a moment. "The civil servant idea might work well. Choosing someone from a third party, such as the Blank Party, might work well also, as it would be a gesture to the other parties. I'm not so sure about the suggestion of a triumvirate, simply because that raises issues about actually managing to govern when three people are pulling on the same reins of power. As for the concessions your workers have gained from their employers, I don't know that it's necessary to ask them to reverse those gains, although I imagine Mr. Brown might see it differently," Cianar said with a slight smile. "To gain the support of the workers, and keep things from getting ugly, it may be wise to allow them to keep the concessions they have gained, but ask them to put the brakes on demanding more for now, until a stable government with a mandate is in place. That reminds me, are there representatives of your employers and your workers here? If not, we should definitely add them to these discussions."

[OOC again: A little backtracking, hopefully without dragging the thread too much.]

Riley and Spence descended the portable stairway as the jet engines winded down at Aqeyr-Slweoh International Airport. Spence was worried they were a bit late, but that seemed to be the last thing on Riley's mind.

"I want this L'lew's head on a platter; I don't care how much she's suffered..."

"That is not our government's position," Spence reminded him.

"'Government's position'?!" Riley repeated with annoyance as the two stepped onto the tarmac. "Is it also the government's policy to give me gag orders?"

"Pretty much, yeah."

"Well, what am I allowed to say?"

Spence handed him a short stack of documents; Riley scanned them, his face growing tighter.

"'The Federal Republic supports a free, secure and democratic West Ariddian state, in the interests of preserving regional harmony and stability,'" Riley read. "What is this bullshit?"

They were paces ahead of the senators and the general, who were mingling among themselves a few feet wide of the State Department plane. The speaker, meanwhile, had unbuttoned her jacket so she could flirt with the handsome Marine guard at the foot of the stairway.

"That is what you're supposed to say," Spence told Riley. "Neutral, disinterested, uncommitted. We want an outcome, any outcome, that will mean peace and freedom for West Ariddians, nothing more."

"And what about that illegitimate cow pretending to be president? And those backward 'reforms' she's proposing, without an electoral mandate?" Riley demanded. "What can I say about that?"

"We have no position as to whether she should stay or go, or even if she should call for early elections. We only desire an outcome, any outcome--"

"--'that will mean peace and freedom for West Ariddians, nothing more,'" Riley repeated dully.

"I think you're getting it," Spence smiled.

"Alright, pretty boy; I get it, but when do we threaten to invade?!"

"We don't, sir. We're only a neutral third party."

"No invasion threats? From a Kennyite delegation?! This is madness!" Riley shouted -- and it was quite an indictment, considering whom it was coming from. "Isn't someone in this God-forsaken neocommunist hellhole supposed to meet us here already? I'm fucking starving!"

OOC: If it's alright, I'd like to have Master Ash`an already present at the affair... another intro post would just slow down the thread.

OOC: Yes, that's fine.

That reminds me, are there representatives of your employers and your workers here? If not, we should definitely add them to these discussions."

"They're waiting just outside," an aide put in quickly. "And the Kennyite delegation has just been escorted here from the airport. Shall I let them in?"

Both presidents nodded, and L'lew spoke up again.

"There is a popular momentum to what we're seeing here. I may be willing to step down, if an interim government is set up with a mandate to organise elections. But how can I ask the people to put a break on their own momentum - to abandon their hopes and dreams?"

"There is a popular momentum to what we're seeing here. I may be willing to step down, if an interim government is set up with a mandate to organise elections. But how can I ask the people to put a break on their own momentum - to abandon their hopes and dreams?"

Cianar smiled. "Well, we really can't ask people to abandon their dreams, nor should we. But ultimately, any solution to this situation is going to involve both patience and compromise, on both sides. Rather than asking them to abandon their hopes, I would simply urge them to be patient and work with us to restore order. The key thing is to organize a government that everyone can accept and restore stability. Once that's done, we can look at ways they can continue to pursue their goals within that framework. But realistically, if we don't do that, the only result will be a chaos in which no one can achieve anything."

OOC: Ariddia, telegram

The elderly Snefaldian, Master Ash`an, had been silent up until this point.

"Young lady, if I may... We must sometimes make great sacrifices in order to achieve our goals. What is a momentary delay, when the promise of a great future is better served by it?"

Cianar smiled. "Well, we really can't ask people to abandon their dreams, nor should we. But ultimately, any solution to this situation is going to involve both patience and compromise, on both sides. Rather than asking them to abandon their hopes, I would simply urge them to be patient and work with us to restore order. The key thing is to organize a government that everyone can accept and restore stability. Once that's done, we can look at ways they can continue to pursue their goals within that framework. But realistically, if we don't do that, the only result will be a chaos in which no one can achieve anything."

L'lew nodded slowly.

The elderly Snefaldian, Master Ash`an, had been silent up until this point.

"Young lady, if I may... We must sometimes make great sacrifices in order to achieve our goals. What is a momentary delay, when the promise of a great future is better served by it?"

OOC: She's 76 years old. ;)

IC: "Because it would break the existing momentum," she said, bluntly. "We would risk returning to a status quo that many people don't want." She paused, and turned back to the former King of Altanar. "I can issue a national call for patience, asking people to accept a new, neutral transitional government, new elections. I can ask that they continue negotiations with employers, peacefully."

OOC: She's 76 years old. ;)

IC: "Because it would break the existing momentum," she said, bluntly. "We would risk returning to a status quo that many people don't want." She paused, and turned back to the former King of Altanar. "I can issue a national call for patience, asking people to accept a new, neutral transitional government, new elections. I can ask that they continue negotiations with employers, peacefully."

OOC: Ash`an's pushing 105. Nyer! :D

IC: The elderly man bowed his head. His younger assistant began typing on a miniature stenograph, and Ash`an muttered to him, translating the conversation into Snefaldian tongue.

"Because it would break the existing momentum," she said, bluntly. "We would risk returning to a status quo that many people don't want." She paused, and turned back to the former King of Altanar. "I can issue a national call for patience, asking people to accept a new, neutral transitional government, new elections. I can ask that they continue negotiations with employers, peacefully."

"I think that would be an excellent course to pursue," Cianar replied. "Our delegation is more than willing to help negotiations between workers and employers as well, once we've settled on a course of action for transitional government."

(OOC: at age 61, Cianar's practically a young pup compared to L'lew and Ash'an)

General Wetanu stepped out of the State Department jet first and looked at the skyline in front of him

"Aqeyr." he said simply pausing briefly and continued down the ramp

After all had exited the plane the General thought he saw cars coming out on to the tarmac

"Mr. Secretary, i believe out escourt is here."

OOC: Cookesland, you can simply write yourself into the meeting.

"I think that would be an excellent course to pursue," Cianar replied. "Our delegation is more than willing to help negotiations between workers and employers as well, once we've settled on a course of action for transitional government."


"I'm not opposed to such negotiations," Brown said, cautiously. "The right to negotiate is, after all, inherently democratic. But there can be no expropriation of businesses. No violating of property rights. No unilaterally proclaimed 'wokers' collectives'. Those will have to go."

"I'm not going to commit myself to anything today," L'lew said calmly. "Ah, do come in," she greeted the Kennyite delegation, who entered along with employer and workers' representatives. The sound of their footfall suggested several people had walked in, even though she could not see them.

OOC: Ariddia, has anything been wrong with my last post? I see you are not reacting to it, is anything wrong?

OOC: Ariddia, has anything been wrong with my last post? I see you are not reacting to it, is anything wrong?

OOC: No, it's OK. I'll reply something next time round.

With Riley having begrudgingly agreed to comply with Lt. Beuerman's warning against starting shit with President L'lew, the Kennyites for the most part had been surprisingly well-behaved since their tardy entrance to the conference. Although, for them, this mostly involved sitting still and keeping quiet. Yet, as they listened to their hosts and the other foreign guests drone on, restlessness began to set in, and the fidgeting started. Half an hour or 45 minutes in, all hopes that the OMGTKK contingent may actually be able to contribute something positive to a diplomatic summit for a change seemed to be dashed. The senators, who cordially detested each other, were making obnoxious faces when the other wasn't looking, and when they finally caught each other in the act, the faces turned into icy glares. The speaker of the Assembly, meanwhile, was flashing flirty looks at one of the West Ariddians' young (barely legal) male aids, and had even found an excuse to lean over in her chair, so he could catch a glimpse of her cleavage.

Quiet snoring emanated from the old retired general, slumped over in his chair.

The leaders of the party had found solace in a few rounds of Tic-Tac-Toe, played on the reverse side of some briefing documents. However, when Spence kept winning, Riley starting scribbling indictments against him for cheating, eliciting equally indignant scratches challenging the accusations. They finally let it go and had moved on to game of Hangman, but an exchange of angry notes over the spelling of "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" eventually degenerated into an excited-whispering match, at which point the two of them started to notice heads being turned in their direction. Urgently, Riley pulled out some notecards upon which he had scrawled (pre-approved) questions for his hosts. He cleared his throat and began to read off one of them:

"Presidents L'lew and Brown, our government is becoming increasingly concerned over reports of violence and disorder in your nation. While a political settlement is indeed vital to these discussions, don't you think that a plan should be also be put into place to beef up security forces and assure that order is restored, the nation is stabilized, and West Ariddians can again feel safe in their homes and communities?"

Gen. Stebansen stirred momentarily. "Dammit, Matilda, would you let the stupid cat out already?" he growled sleepily, his eyes still shut. "She's been scratching at that door for the past fifteen minutes!"

The snoring resumed.

Cianar frowned noticeably at Riley's question, but waited for L'lew and Brown to respond.

EXPLOSION ROCKS GAPC WEST ARIDDIA HEADQUARTERS
Explosion rocks thirteenth floor of GAPC West Ariddia Headquarters,
By Alsdore Palek, ANA Reporter

Aqeyr (Aeronian Press Agency) - An violent explosion rocked the skyscraper headquarters of General Aerionian Productions Corporation West Ariddia in Aqeyr. The source was believed to be an man-made device on the thirteenth floor, possibly an bomb.

The building was mostly evacuated following the riots outside in previous days, but it is thought that 30 people are trapped or dead as the thirteenth floor had several essential operations for the corporation.

Amkarethz Holdings Security Forces Emergency Response Teams were immediately put into action to rescue survivors, and investigators to investigate.

Rageel Palsu, Vice-President GAPC, and President of GAPC West Ariddia has been unofficially quoted as saying "There is no doubt that communist terrorists, possibly supported by President L’lew's government, are responsible for this attack."

Amkarethz Holdings Security Forces were on full alert outside of the GAPC West Ariddia Headquarters, with assembled tanks, riot control weaponry, and extra men posted. The security forces have began constructing an barrier around the whole building, consisting of chainlink fences and concrete.

We will bring you more news as updates come in. There has not yet been any official comment on the events by the Royal Government nor the Royal Embassy in Aqeyr.

"Presidents L'lew and Brown, our government is becoming increasingly concerned over reports of violence and disorder in your nation. While a political settlement is indeed vital to these discussions, don't you think that a plan should be also be put into place to beef up security forces and assure that order is restored, the nation is stabilized, and West Ariddians can again feel safe in their homes and communities?"

Gen. Stebansen stirred momentarily. "Dammit, Matilda, would you let the stupid cat out already?" he growled sleepily, his eyes still shut. "She's been scratching at that door for the past fifteen minutes!"

The snoring resumed.

A meeting with Kennyites is never routine, but diplomats and politicians in many countries have learnt to cope with it. Young aides, as well as some of the workers' and business representatives, did seem mildly unsettled, however.

"There are no public security forces in West Ariddia," Brown put in. "Companies employ their own security. In this way, the various areas of the country are kept... safe. It's always been in a company's best interest to maintain order and justice in its periphery."

"Reports of disorder have been somewhat exaggerated," L'lew said. "For the most part, what we've seen have been peaceful marches, and we can't object to those. Most people have shown admirable restraint and self-control." She paused. "Having said that, it would be preferable to have a public police force, one that isn't controlled by corporate interests."

"Company-controlled police are there to help corpos get away with anything," one workers' representative grumbled.

"I disagree," a business delegate replied firmly. "We've shown that our security forces are adequate to the task of keeping the peace. This time of crisis has put them to the test, and they've responded admirably."

= = = = =


DCP "unconcerned by capitalist propaganda"

The Democratic Communist Party is reportedly untroubled by rumours of Allanean agitators trying to whip up increased support for the capitalist faction, through promotional material and advertising.

"This country has always been keen on a good political and socio-economic debate," said DCP spokeswoman Banita Sho. "We're used to seeing advertisements for all sides and parties all over the place, so it's really not all that new. In any case, I trust that most of my fellow West Ariddians understand capitalists are looking out for their own interests, not the interests of voters, when they hand out this propaganda."

<SNIP>

OOC: Ideally, I'd prefer you to ask before setting off bombs in my country. As the first such terrorist attack to occur on West Ariddian territory, it's bound to have a big impact. It's OK, I suppose, as long as the bomb planters turn out to be Aerionians (or it's an accident, of course).

IC:
The Aqeyr Central Fire Brigade and West Ariddian Red Cross are working frantically to search for survivors and perform emergency aid for victims after an explosion in the headquarters of General Aerionian Productions Corporation West Ariddia. Local charities (many of them affiliated to the DCP) have begun collecting funds to assist the victims and their families.

All political parties -FDP, DCP, Socialists, Blank Party, Rainbows and others- immediately condemned what appears to have been a terrorist attack.

The West Ariddian military has announced it intends to conduct its own investigation into "what may have been a foreign attack on West Ariddian soil".

Liverpool England welcomes Ariddian elections, repeats calls for elections in the West

Prime Minister of Liverpool England Michael Harley today issued a statement welcoming inaugural federal elections called for next year in Ariddia and North-West Ariddia. In it, he congratulated the Ariddian people for "forming a strong democratic basis for the new Federation.

"I extend the best wishes of my government and the people of Liverpool England for the success of the new Federation," he added. The statement also repeated calls for West Ariddian elections this year, while maintaining the government's official recognition of the current West Ariddian government by referring to Ea L'lew as President.

"I also urge your two governments to apply pressure on West Ariddian President L'lew to hold free and fair national elections this year. It is this government's position and belief that Ms. L'lew currently does not have a mandate in West Ariddia. As the two closest countries culturally and geographically to West Ariddia your leaders have enough influence over President L'lew."

Speaking to reporters at his weekly press briefing after the statement was issued, he said that the statement was separate and would not be impacted by ongoing talks in West Ariddia between Ea L'lew and former President Thomas Brown. "The ongoing talks between Presidents L'lew and Brown were taken into consideration for the statement, yes. I hope the talks go well and an agreement is reached. But regardless of an agreement there is no change to our opinion that Ms. L'lew has to call elections this year."

"Reports of disorder have been somewhat exaggerated," L'lew said. "For the most part, what we've seen have been peaceful marches, and we can't object to those. Most people have shown admirable restraint and self-control.""Ah, I see (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13097197&postcount=94)," Riley smiled. "I am relieved to hear that the reports weren't entirely accurate. My government applauds the West Ariddians' sense of self-restraint in this time of crisis."

Just then the walls shook slightly from a loud blast (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13109974&postcount=134) heard outside.

"Oh, don't mind that," Riley chortled. "It's probably just someone's car backfiring!"

Noting the disagreement among the respective factions about the role and behavior of the private security firms, the head of the Kennyite delegation continued: "It would appear then that this is an important matter for discussion. I will of course defer to His Highness as to whether he thinks it would be fruitful to be debated here at length, but may I ask the West Ariddian representatives if they think a public security force, however modest, may help to ensure that the private companies keep the peace fairly and equitably?"

The noise of the explosion seemed to unsettle some of the Altanari delegates slightly. Cianar, however, remained unperturbed.

"If I may interrupt briefly to give my opinion of the security situation....since there seems to be significant disagreement on the role corporate security forces should play, I would suggest a partnership of sorts. Perhaps corporate security forces could continue to play a role in securing their facilities, while a public security force could be set up, with the agreement of both sides as to the composition and responsibilities that both public and private security forces would be allowed to have, and guidelines of communication and coordination established between said forces. Perhaps it could also be part of those guidelines to establish rules for accountability for both public and private security forces, and a means for ensuring that accountability."

Cianar paused a moment, then added: "Alternatively, perhaps the West Ariddian military, along with peacekeeping forces from other nations if desired, could serve this role. Altanar would be willing to contribute police or military forces in that role if we're asked to, although we'd prefer to limit that kind of role, as we don't want people to think we're pursuing a power play here. But whatever path you decide to pursue, I feel that security is a paramount issue. We're essentially in talks to rebuild a functioning government here, and you can't build anything on an unstable foundation. We also have to tread a very fine line here, because being too heavy-handed on establishing security could make people think that a dictatorial solution to the crisis is going to be imposed."

---

Meanwhile, Altanar's government condemned the bombing of the GAPC West Ariddia Headquarters. The government's condemnation, published in several Altanari newspapers and aired on the AIMS daily news broadcasts, also offered Altanari assistance in tracking the terrorists down. "As a nation that has successfully battled a terrorist insurgency for decades, and rendered the insurgents practically impotent as a security threat, we feel our experience could be helpful in this investigation," Defense Minister Pargal Khaskereth was quoted as saying.

Altanar's acting Prime Minister, Jaris Krytellin, also condemned the bombing, but urged West Ariddians not to jump to conclusions as to who may have been behind it. "It is entirely too premature to assign the blame to anyone before the bombing has even been investigated, and assigning such blame prematurely is very counterproductive to the process of negotiating a solution," Krytellin said.

Junior diplomats were sent out hurriedly to see what had caused the explosion.


Noting the disagreement among the respective factions about the role and behavior of the private security firms, the head of the Kennyite delegation continued: "It would appear then that this is an important matter for discussion. I will of course defer to His Highness as to whether he thinks it would be fruitful to be debated here at length, but may I ask the West Ariddian representatives if they think a public security force, however modest, may help to ensure that the private companies keep the peace fairly and equitably?"


"If I may interrupt briefly to give my opinion of the security situation....since there seems to be significant disagreement on the role corporate security forces should play, I would suggest a partnership of sorts. Perhaps corporate security forces could continue to play a role in securing their facilities, while a public security force could be set up, with the agreement of both sides as to the composition and responsibilities that both public and private security forces would be allowed to have, and guidelines of communication and coordination established between said forces. Perhaps it could also be part of those guidelines to establish rules for accountability for both public and private security forces, and a means for ensuring that accountability."

Cianar paused a moment, then added: "Alternatively, perhaps the West Ariddian military, along with peacekeeping forces from other nations if desired, could serve this role. Altanar would be willing to contribute police or military forces in that role if we're asked to, although we'd prefer to limit that kind of role, as we don't want people to think we're pursuing a power play here. But whatever path you decide to pursue, I feel that security is a paramount issue. We're essentially in talks to rebuild a functioning government here, and you can't build anything on an unstable foundation. We also have to tread a very fine line here, because being too heavy-handed on establishing security could make people think that a dictatorial solution to the crisis is going to be imposed."


"Establishing public security forces, a public police force, would mean it has to be paid," Brown said bluntly. "That would mean raising taxes, to fund an entirely redundant service, that would simply duplicate the corporate forces or get in their way."

"At least a public force would be neutral, and crack down on corporate crime," an irritated workers' representative said. "Instead of simply harrassing workers."

L'lew opened her mouth to speak, but Brown beat her to it, turning to the former Altanari King.

"Asking the military to help ensure order might be a valid compromise. The military are corporate-run, and nobody doubts their commitment to preserving the security of this country."

L'lew frowned thoughtfully.
"It could be a stop-gap measure, until the elections. After that, whichever party wins can decide on appropriate policies."


OOC: I'd like to move this forward quite soon, move ahead to the next year. (In general, I base my timeline on the NS World Cup.)

Cianar nodded thoughtfully. "We may have a plan to proceed forward then. Choosing a transitional, neutral president to preside over a reconstituted parliament, with your military serving as security on the ground until you hold new elections for president, and parliament, within an agreed-upon timeframe, and the new government elected to decide future policies from there. Does this sound acceptable to you both?"

"In principle, it sounds... feasible," L'lew said cautiously. "I can't commit myself yet. I'll have to consider it in detail. But it's a framework to consider, certainly."

"It sounds good to me," Brown said, "but I'll have to give it more thought too."


OOC: I'll probably be moving forward tomorrow.

(OOC: Feel free to bump things ahead if you like, the Altanari really don't have a plan B to offer if their framework gets rejected, so their further contributions would be relatively minimal.)

Interim government in place in West Ariddia

Following an agreement between the major political factions, President Ea L’lew has stepped down from office, and Blank Party leader Frank Helm has accepted to lead an interim government. Consulting with the other parties, Helm has named a Cabinet consisting in Blank Party members and in senior, apolitical civil servants. Parliament is to reconvene, and the interim government has a mandate solely to prepare fresh elections, to take place within three to four months.

President Helm admits he never expected to be president one day, even if it is only for a few months. His party is absolutely neutral, and exists to represent voters who do not feel represented by any other party. In the last elections, two members of the Blank Party were elected to Parliament, on a promise to abstain from voting on any issue.

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/5839/frankhelmsmfh5.jpg
Frank Helm is West Ariddia’s new interim President

With new presidential and parliamentary elections forthcoming, the various parties are preparing to select their respective candidates. Ea L’lew and Thomas Brown have both already said that they will not be seeking election.

“If a DCP candidate is elected president, I’ll be happy to advise him or her,” L’lew said. “But at my age, I’ve mostly done my bit for the country. I really do believe there’s a change coming in our society, and that change is going to be carried in great part by the younger generation. I’ll be going back to my job at university. Where I’ll be teaching the past, so important for those who want to shape the future,” she adds with a gentle smile.

She re-iterated thanks for foreign mediators who have helped the country reach the current agreement, stabilising the situation in West Ariddia.

President Helm, on the other hand, has said that he will “probably” be his party’s candidate for the presidential election.

“As neutral president, I won’t be campaigning myself. The Blank Party will be campaigning for the party as a whole. When you vote Blank, you’ve voting for... well, you’re expressing something, you’re not voting for a person, really.”

Military patrols will ensure order over the coming months, while peaceful marches for the different factions continue at a reduced pace. Workers and employers are pursuing negotiations independently, and unions are announcing that progress has been made in various parts of the country.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c139/Iron_1984/Pinguinum/pbclogo.png

Hi, and welcome to Early Evening News right here on PBC Uno. I'm Simon Web and this is Sandy Shore. Thank you for joining us.

The latest headlines from around the world:

*Arridia elects a new interim president...

*A disgruntled nation sparks a debate about the state of the world...

AND

*The International Bird Identification Society is taking its first steps towards improving the lives of many of the world's birds.

Plus there's more coming up...

=============================================

Simon:

The new interim president for West Arridia has been named as the current Blank Party leader Frank Helm. Frank says he will do his very best towards helping the country through its previous discretions and notes that he is very thankful to all the support he has been given from other nations.

Sandy:

He replaces President Ea L’lew who stepped down ealier this week stating that
she has had a most fortunate term in office and now feels its time for change. She fully welcomes the new president in and hopes as he says that he will do his best.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Simon:

A nation that we can reveal for legal reasons has caused some grief to a number of nations remarking that the world is not good enough to the point of condemmming it and that they may leave it.

Sandy:

Of course, this has been met with reprisals defending the state of the global community. We will have more as continues...


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Simon:

Mr. Keith Wetfoot has commissioned a website for the information of IBIS. You can see photos of various birds.

The web address is on your screens now....
http://uk.geocities.com/ibisociety/gallery.html

Parties announce their candidates in West Ariddia

The Free Democratic Party has selected Aqeyr businessman Liang Jui-te as its candidate for the presidential election. Liang, who has made his fortune primarily in Yumbi (©) nutribars (http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/7154/nutribarscj3.jpg) –a household name in West Ariddia–, is 46 years old. He is campaigning on a promise to continue free market policies, and to pave the way slowly for anarcho-capitalism, in close consultation with voters.

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/7162/liangjuiteyt4.jpg
Liang Jui-te (FDP)

The Democratic Communist Party has selected Banita Sho, who was spokeswoman for President L’lew’s government, and is sometimes seen as L’lew’s protégée. Sho works in a health shop in the coastal town of Port Delta, and was a leading member of the West Ariddian Human Rights Council before she entered politics. She is campaigning on a promise to implement the policies pledged by former President L’lew.

Sho –no relation to the famous Ariddian football player Ke Sho– is Indigenous (of mixed Wymgani and Indian descent), and has received strong support from West Ariddian Indigenous communities. She will celebrate her 30th birthday the day before the first round of the election, making her the youngest ever candidate to represent a major party.

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/4914/banitashowd1.jpg
Banita Sho (DCP)

Both candidates are also running for a seat in Parliament, which will enable the loser of the presidential election to become an active leader of the parliamentary Opposition.

From: Rageel Palsu, Vice-President GAPC, and President of GAPC West Ariddia
To: Mr. Liang Jui-te

Amkarethz Holdings, holding company of GAPC, is interested in making a starting donation of 100 million Aerionian Gold Leaves to your presidential campaign.

Amkarethz Holdings hopes to be in the future of West Ariddia, and hopes for a free capitalist society where all citizens may find success. We hope that you will guide West Ariddia toward such a future.

Rageel Palsu
Vice-President GAPC
President of GAPC West Ariddia

Jeruselem Government News

Jeruselem Ambassador says Jeruselem will stay neutral during West Ariddian elections

Dazza Dallas said the Jeruselem government welcomed the Interim government into power and hoped the nation could achieve peace after the elections. She also said the Jeruselem government will not be pushing for any of the current candidates as it's not the place of Jeruselem to interfere with what West Ariddians want from their government. However she said that the Jeruselem government has no veto over what private Jeruselem corporations do in West Ariddia during the election, and who they will be contributing money to. She strongly stated the Dallas business empire will not be favouring either candidate as it would be a conflict of interest because of her dual roles as business owner and Ambassador to Ariddia.

From: Liang Jui-te
To: GAPC West Ariddia

Dear sir, dear madam,

I would like to thank you for your support. However, given that my campaign is by no means short of funds, it would not be entirely ethical of me to accept your most generous donation.

If I am elected, I will of course continue the free market policies of my FDP predecessors. I hope GAPC will continue to prosper in West Ariddia.

OOC: Before I can proceed, are there PAC's in Ariddia?

OOC: Before I can proceed, are there PAC's in Ariddia?

OOC: I assume PAC means the first definition given here (http://www.google.fr/search?q=define:+PAC&hl=fr&oi=definel&defl=en)? It looks like something specifically American; I'd never heard that acronym before. Anyway, yes, I see no reason for that not to exist in West Ariddia. (It wouldn't exist in the PDSR Ariddia, for the obvious reason that money isn't used there.)

First round of elections gives FDP tenuous lead for presidency; DCP takes Parliament

After a frenzied and fast-paced political campaign, fresh presidential and parliamentary elections have taken place in West Ariddia. Here are the results:

Presidential election (first round)

LIANG Jui-te (Free Democratic Party): 45.06%
Banita SHO (Democratic Communist Party): 43.40%
Richard EMBER (Socialist Party): 5.95%
Frank HELM (Blank Party): 2.31%
Siobhan DONOVAN (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Rainbow_Party) (Rainbow Party): 1.98%
Others: 1.30%

Parliamentary election (single round)

Democratic Communist Party: 47.52% => 48 seats
Free Democratic Party: 44.34% => 44 seats
Socialist Party: 6.13% => 6 seats
Blank Party: 1.45% => 1 seat
Rainbow Party: 0.38% => no seat
Others: 0.18% => no seat

(View composition of the newly elected West Ariddian Parliament (http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/1717/waparlgraphxz2.jpg).)

Liang Jui-te and Banita Sho advance to the second and final round of the Presidential election, in two weeks. There is concern in the FDP ranks that a majority of Richard Ember’s Socialist voters may support Sho, thus giving the DCP the lead. The Socialist Party is generally viewed as a moderate, left-leaning centrist party, which advocates a “third way” between the “extremes” of the two big parties.

In Parliament, the very smallest parties have lost significant support, perhaps because voters hoped to create a clear majority and a stable government for one side or the other. The balance has also evened between the two major parties. The DCP has gained nine seats (going from 39 to 48), while the FDP has dropped from 52 to just 44. The Socialists gain one seat (6 instead of 5). The Blank Party has lost one of its two seats, while Siobhan Donovan (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Rainbow_Party) of the Rainbow Party has lost her seat for the first time in twelve years.

The DCP is two seats short of a majority, prompting concerns that Banito Sho, if she is elected president, will find it difficult to govern. Analysts agree that the DCP will have little choice but to turn to the Socialists for support, moderating their policies and giving the six Socialist MPs a huge influence in shaping government policy.

If Liang Jui-te is elected president, his predicament will be far more acute. Six seats short of a majority in Parliament, he would have nowhere to turn to, resulting in a deadlocked government. If he is elected, Mr. Liang will have no other option than to immediately dissolve Parliament and call for fresh parliamentary elections, hoping they will give him a majority.

The DCP’s supporters are now insisting that only Banita Sho can lead a stable government.

Sho elected following recount

It was the closest result ever in the history of West Ariddian presidential elections – so close that a recount was necessary to confirm the result, and ensure it would not be contested. Following confirmation, it was announced that DCP candidate Banita Sho is the new President of West Ariddia, elected with 50.07% of the vote.

Liang Jui-te (49.93%) becomes de facto leader of the Opposition, thanks to his seat in Parliament.

President Sho has immediately promised to “implement emergency measures to raise the standard of living” in the country. She has pledged to enact legislation promised by President L’lew. “My first aim as President will be to ensure that every person in West Ariddia has access, very soon, to clean drinking water, shelter, food, healthcare, education and employment,” she said. “We cannot tolerate that such a rich country turns its back on the poor, the homeless, the sick and the hungry. Over the next few weeks, emergency legislation will be enacted to address the essential needs of the people.”

The new president knows she will need the support of the Socialist MPs, but one such MP, Jean-Carl Sentier, has said he does not think his party will block basic social legislation.

“These are policies which the Socialists can support,” Mr. Sentier said. “On the other hand, if President Sho ever tries to outlaw private enterprise, as was done in Ariddia, our party’s MPs will not give her the majority she needs.”

President Sho has also promised to bring in legislation mandating security regulations in the workplace, as well as a minimum “living wage”.

“Paying workers enough for them to have a decent standard of living is not going to cut too badly into businesses’ profits,” she said. “It’s not going to damage the economy. And it will enable very poor workers to finally have a decent lifestyle, with access to basic comforts and necessities. I believe a decent living wage will be good for the economy, too. People with more income will spend more.”

Then there’s the question of environmental legislation. The President has confirmed that protecting the environment, and imposing environmental regulations on business practices, will be one of her government’s priorities.

“We’ll also have a public information campaign, inciting people not to be wasteful,” she said. “And the government will set an example. Most of our work will be done indigitalised form, with backups, so as not to waste paper. Members of the government will use only clean cars, and will, whenever possible, use public transport or simply walk. We’ll fight against wastefulness and against all environmentally harmful practices. This isn’t going to be only a Red Revolution; it’ll be a Green Revolution too.”

And then there are even more delicate and controversial issues, such as animal rights.

“We all know the meat industry is highly polluting,” President Sho said, “and it’s cruel too. I personally am going to cut back on my meat intake until we can eliminate the most horrendously cruel practices in meat production. Cruelty against animals is something we’ll be looking into, once we’ve completed emergency policies in other areas. Our first priority is to ensure that nobody in this country is homeless, that everyone has access to employment, that nobody goes hungry, and that people who are ill can have access to health care without it destroying all their savings.”

OOC: I assume PAC means the first definition given here (http://www.google.fr/search?q=define:+PAC&hl=fr&oi=definel&defl=en)? It looks like something specifically American; I'd never heard that acronym before.PAC = Political Action Committee. In the United States, they do a lot of proxy fundraising and organizing for politicians. [Edit: So the answer is yes.]

PAC = Political Action Committee. In the United States, they do a lot of proxy fundraising and organizing for politicians. [Edit: So the answer is yes.]

OOC: Thanks; I've learnt something today.

OOC: Essnetially a PAC is a supposedly independent group supporting a given candidate or group of candidates for office. NORML is a PAC for example. Post forthcoming.

Official Response of the President of the United States of Allanea


This is a sad, sad end to a sordid affair. The Communists are now in charge of West Ariddia. Slowly, slowly, the poison of Communism has spread – from Ariddia proper to the North-West and now to West Ariddia. The Free World was powerless to stop it.

Pay no heed to the claims of West Ariddian socialists that this will not be ‘full’ communism, that private enterprise will not be destroyed. One is to be reminded of that famous British poem – incidentally, it’s a poem of taxes and government services:

A story is told of a traveller bold
Who, being in want of food,
Cut off and ate the tail of his hound,
Returned him the bone, and strangely found
The brute had no gratitude!

We are now to support West Ariddian socialism and communism, to regard them as somehow legitimate, because their promoters do not in fact outlaw private enterprise altogether! What!

Dear West Ariddians, I was born in John Birch County ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Birch_%28missionary%29), Liberty-City. The county was named after a man that sacrificed his very life rather then express respect to a Communist. Certainly I do not believe in sacrificing your life to my beliefs, in invading your nation to depose your filthy parody of a government. But I do have a warning to give you, and a promise:

Your leaders now offer you free education. Wait, and it will become compulsory.

Your leaders now offer your regulation to protect you. Wait, and it will ensnare your entire lives.

Your leaders now offer you moderate socialism. Wait, and it will become unlimited.

I hereby warn you: you are about to become an object lesson in slippery slopes. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slippery_slope)

I cannot help you now. Nobody can. Only you can help yourselves.

But I do hereby announce a promise:

Should West Ariddia announce compulsory education, introduce gun control laws, and so forth, Allanea will allow for easy refugee status for West Ariddians whose freedoms are affected under these policies. Should your firearms be confiscated or registered, your children be taken to a government school against your will, or your business destroyed by regulators, Allanea will not leave you stranded.

Just ten days ago, West Ariddia was a symbol of Uhuhland’s hope, of peace and freedom in a troubled land, a country which even Allaneans could look up to with respect. Now, the sun has set over Aqeyr.

I am sorry, West Ariddians. Good night.

May you wake up free.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v42/allanea/characters/antalia/leader3.jpg

West Ariddians react to Allanean statement

Supporters of the Free Democratic Party have taken to printing out a statement issued by the Allanean President, and pasting it on walls and lampposts throughout West Ariddia. The text is also being circulated widely on the Internet, having been translated into French and Wymgani for non-anglophone West Ariddians.

Liang Jui-te (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Liang_Jui-te) (of Yumbi bars (http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/7154/nutribarscj3.jpg) fame), who fell an agonisingly close 0.07% short of being elected President, expressed his thanks to the Allanean government.

"I want to ask my fellow West Ariddians not to despair," he added. "The FDP will continue to defend your rights and freedoms in Parliament. And in five years you will have the opportunity to regain your freedom in the next election. If you're wishing right now that you'd voted this time round, please remember that next time. The communists only get into power if too few of us stand up to oppose them, and defend our freedom."

Mr. Liang added that significant levels of emigration prior to the election undoubtedly tipped the balance in now-President Sho's favour.

"0.07% is nothing. Those who left during the time of L'lew's dictatorship were mostly FDP supporters. It's a shame. If they'd stayed, we'd probably have an FDP government now."

Early studies show that many emigrants who fled Ea L'lew interim government moved to the Unified Capitalizt States. Others moved to Allanea, Pacitalia or Cafundéu.

President Sho (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Banita_Sho), meanwhile, has said that her government is not considering any policy on restricting gun ownership "for the time being". Regarding education, she said: "If Parliament accepts my Cabinet's policies, it will be compulsory for every child to go to school. Parents will not be forced to send their children to state schools, of course. We have no intention to ban private schools, as long as they deliver quality education to pupils."

The new President has extended a hand of friendship to the world.
"My government hopes for cordial and friendly relations with other countries," she said. "West Ariddia remains a democracy, obviously. We will respect all fundamental rights and freedoms, and uphold new rights that have been denied for too long."

Ms. Sho has stated that there is no reason for businesses to leave the country.

"All you'll be asked to do is implement safety regulations in the workplace, and recognise essential workers' rights, such as the right to a living wage. Many businesses in West Ariddia already do this on a voluntary basis, and I applaud them for it."

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/kuroutesshin/Untitled-TrueColor-01-1.jpg

By the Motions and the Tuhran Bel;

I write today to convey the congratulations of the Tuhran Bel in the election Madame President Banita Sho, and to express my cautious hope in for the future of West Ariddia.

We have seen in the past few years the nation of West Ariddia convulse and change from the nation that it was. Since the end of the old government- and that is all it can be called, the "Old Government," protests, demonstrations, and all manner of rhetoric and propaganda has been shouted from the pulpits of the West Ariddian elite. What good has come of it?

Under the august hand of the honored statesman Cianar of Altanar, the radicalizing hand of the communists was taken from the neck of West Ariddia; and all right-thinking and moderate peoples rejoiced together. The belief that calm and compromise would reign was surely intoxicating for all West Ariddians- the downtrodden workers, the businesspeople, the politicians.

And here we are, a year later- democracy has reigned, so it seems, and the irresponsible actions of the Brown government have shaken the power of the old guard to the core. Let us make no bones- it was the dissolution of the government that caused all the troubles, it was dissolution of the government that eliminated the last buffer between the people and the greed of the corporate world. Those people who surely support the freedom of the capitalist system were marginalized and turned into willing socialist radicals.

Here, West Ariddia stands. They stand between the great mass of communist Ariddia and the rest of the capitalist world- and that is no great place at all. Between the crushing conformity of the communist mainland and the plundering greed of the capitalist nations, West Ariddia has only one recourse- to test every step with care and make every move with foresight.

I extend my hand and the hand of the Tuhran Bel to President Sho, and offer our help in the establishment of a new order. In Snefaldia, we have tried to forge a society-state that balances the natural needs of the people with the human drive to advance and improve. Freedom, Liberty, Mindfullness- these are the hallmarks of the Snefaldian state. Always mindful of our liberties and freedoms, aware of the limits of our rights. These values are universal; and when applied in moderation great societies flourish.

May the blessings of the Motions be upon West Ariddia and her people. The hopes and dreams of the nation rest upon the shoulders of Ms. Sho.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/kuroutesshin/Aloumerd.jpg

OOC: Congratulations on having a more restrictive education policy then RL Israel.

IC:

Official Allanean Response

As a first, stop-gap measure, we will begin issuing a limited amount of 10,000 refugee visas for families who have been affected under the current West Ariddian compulsory education law, if and when that passes Parliament.

Jeruselem Government News

West Ariddia get an official Ambassador after successful elections finished

With the socialists sweeping into power after national elections, the Jeruselem government has decided it was time the nation got itself a proper ambassador from Jeruselem. It was no surprise, who this person was. Yes, it's Jeruselem's ambassador to Ariddia - Dazza Dallas. The main reason was very few people in Jeruselem understand Ariddia and West Ariddia like the Bike does, and so it was the logical choice as she was acting as unofficial ambassador before.

Dazza Dallas will have an assistant who will live in West Ariddia as she spends more in Ariddia and Jeruselem than West Ariddia.

[OoC: Sorry for not posting anything sooner.]

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w107/Cookesland/th250px-USSeal.png

Official Diplomatic Communiqué


Congratulations to President Sho on her election as the new President of West Ariddia. We laud her on her reform of the standard of living and education for all West Ariddians, but we also urge her to hold on to the capitalist system that has made her nation the economic power it is.

Cookesland would like to formally extend it's hand in friendship to West Ariddia, I hope this can be the start of good realtions for a long time.


Best Wishes,
Steven J. Andolor
Steven J. Andolor
Secretary of State
The United States of Cookesland

OOC: Congratulations on having a more restrictive education policy then RL Israel.

IC:

Official Allanean Response

As a first, stop-gap measure, we will begin issuing a limited amount of 10,000 refugee visas for families who have been affected under the current West Ariddian compulsory education law, if and when that passes Parliament.

OOC: Umm, no. The United States has compulsory education for all students k-12. I'm pretty sure that requiring all students to attend school is not the most restrictive education policy available.

Do you have anything to add other than knee-jerk anti-communism and vague RL non-sequiturs?

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/ltrheadcf.jpg

On behalf of the government and people of Altanar, I congratulate Ms. Banita Sho on her election as the President of West Ariddia. I also congratulate Mr. Liang Jui-te on a valiant effort in his own right. Most of all, I congratulate the West Ariddian people, for working together to reaffirm their commitment to a stable and democratic state.

The foundation of any successful state is an agreement by its people to work together and compromise in order to govern. It is my most sincere hope that the people of West Ariddia will continue to do so.

As we have in the past, Altanar stands ready to help West Ariddia again if it is ever needed, and we hope for a longstanding friendship.

Most sincerely,
Cianar Aranathas

Prime Minister's Office
15 Imperial Street
CCL, Liverpool England

Your Excellency,
I write today to congratulate you on your election victory as President of West Ariddia. I sincerely hope that, while you intend to pursue reforms, you do not over-aggressively do so, and I hope that West Ariddia can remain an open economy.

I also would like to add my hope that constructive dialogue will take place between all parties in West Ariddia to move forward without forcing too much change on the ordinary people in West Ariddia.

Yours,
Michael Harley
Prime Minister of Liverpool England

"Alex, it's 10:00 at night," Fernanda noted furiously as he stepped out of his bedroom wearing pajama bottoms. "You know I hate being dragged out of bed like this."

"It was a previously scheduled call, Mr. President."

"Phone call? You woke me up to make a phone call? Why can't you do it?"

"A congratulatory phone call, sir," Tehrani said calmly. "To the president-elect of West Ariddia."

"What is this shit?" the president asked as he grabbed the file Tehrani was holding. "I gotta get up at an indecent hour to pay lip-service to some ..." (he glanced at the front page in the folder) "... some commie?"

"It's customary for heads of state and government to congratulate national leaders when they win an election," Tehrani said. "And according to our calculations, it is a decent hour in West Ariddia. They are 136 years ahead of us, but I think we got it right."

"No way am I gonna crawl on my hands and knees for some two-bit pinko lefty ..."

"You may not like the outcome of the election, sir," Tehrani said, "but it is their country, and they've made their decision."

"By ... point-one-four percent of the vote? That ain't no mandate; how does this guy expect to function?"

"Analysts say the president-elect is expected to govern more moderately, considering the narrowness of the ruling party's majority in parliament. And it's not a guy, sir; if you'll look at the curriculum vitae (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Banita_Sho) for Banita Sho, you'll see she's clealy a ..."

"Goddess!" Fernanda gasped. "Look at this chick! She's hot! Oh, fuck yeah, I'll call her! Maybe invite her out for a little ..."

"Mr. President," Tehrani said sternly, "this is a business call. You're going to call and congratulate her, say a few kind words, and that's it! You understand?"

"You ain't the boss of me."

"Just pick up the stupid phone, sir. Debbie should have already patched it through by now."

"Fine." The Destructor lifted the receiver to his ear. "Hello? Ms. Sho? This is Manuelo Fernanda, the president of the Federal Republic. I just wanted to extend my warm congratulations to you on your election to the presidency. It's was a hard-fought race, and a close result, but it's clear you know what the people want ... and I know what you need!" he ad-libbed suddenly, and without warning, began to bark hormonally into the mouthpiece.

Assuming Sho was listening, she would hear another man struggling for the receiver, snarling, "Stick to the script, Mr. President! ... No! Stick to the script, or I'll have the line cut!"

Fernanda returned. "Oh, sorry about that. That was just my pet Klöllen (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Yeldan_cuisine#Meat), Snuffy (http://z11.invisionfree.com/Antarctic_Oasis/index.php?showtopic=560&view=findpost&p=6900060), barking," he smoothly lied, "He's excited about your win too! ... Umm ... you like animals, Ms. Sho?"

Noting a reproving look on Tehrani's face, Fernanda hurriedly continued with his speech: "This is an important moment for democracy, for freedom, and for the West Ariddian people. And it comes at a very crucial time in your nation's history, wherein your citizens were able to forge a peaceful solution to a serious political crisis. I admire the initiative that you and your opponents and your citizens took today. I'm proud of you."

He paused a moment, and spoke again.

"Ms. Sho? Would you like to go to the movies?" he offered. "My treat!"

"Come back to bed, Manuelo!" a woman called from his room.

"I'm working, Cas!" the Destructor called out, annoyed, but smart enough to cover the mouthpiece first.

OOC: Umm, no. The United States has compulsory education for all students k-12. I'm pretty sure that requiring all students to attend school is not the most restrictive education policy available.

Do you have anything to add other than knee-jerk anti-communism and vague RL non-sequiturs?

Actually, Snefaldia, the US has a variety of exceptions to compulsory education, mostly in the form of homeschooling and unschooling, which is in many states not even subject to inspection. In addition, Colorado has no compulsory attendance laws at all. US 'compulsory' education laws are far laxer then compulsory education laws where I live. Further, in most US states attendance in the first and last grades of K-12 is not mandatory.

Banita Sho was a little surprised to receive a congratulatory call from President Fernanda - but not at all surprised when the call turned into something other than routine.

"Thank you, Mr. Fernanda," she said politely, in her best diplomatic tone. "I appreciate the invitation, but, as I'm sure you'll understand, I have a lot of work to do. A great many new policies to implement. You know what it is, being a busy head of State yourself." She paused, trying hard not to smile. "Give my regards to Snuffy."

After they had both put down the phone, she laughed.

Trust a Kennyite to brighten my day..., she thought, still smiling, as she turned her attention to a new report.


= = = = =

West Ariddia thanks foreign governments for messages of congratulations

Newly elected President Banita Sho has thanked the peoples and governments of Snefaldia, Cookesland, Altanar, Liverpool England and the Kennyite Federation following their messages congratulating her on her election.

"It's my hope that West Ariddia can continue to maintain close and cordial relations with all these countries," she said. Ms. Sho assured the international community that she had no intention of outlawing private enterprise.

"I'll listen to the concerns and views of all West Ariddians," she said. "Creating new, fundamentally important rights for West Ariddians will not mean taking away rights that already exist. This is the dawn of a new, progressive era. There's no reason for concern, and plenty of reasons to be hopeful and confident."

President Sho pointed out that North-West Ariddia has successfully built a socialist system without outlawing freedom of enterprise.

"There's a lot we may be able to learn from the North-West Ariddians," she said. "And from other successful democratic socialist countries."

(OOC: Again, several months later...)

Referendum: West Ariddians say NO to reunification

With the federal elections in the PDSRA and North-West Ariddia less than two months away now, the West Ariddian government has organised a referendum to gauge public support on the issue of joining the nascent Federation. The West Ariddian Parliament authorised President L’lew (69 votes for, 17 against, 13 abstaining) to conduct a binding referendum, the result of which would dictate government policy. The West Ariddian people were asked to vote for or against integration into the Federation along the North-West Ariddian model. That is, West Ariddia would remain fully self-governing, but would officially lose its sovereignty, becoming one of three States in the Federation of the Ariddian Isles; it would share a head of State, Foreign Affairs Minister and Indigenous Parliament with the rest of the Ariddian Isles.

When the results were announced, only 47.1% had voted in favour of reunification.

President Sho has acknowledged the wishes of the majority of her fellow citizens, and has re-iterated a promise that reunification will not happen as long as a majority of the West Ariddian people oppose it.

She has said that a new referendum will be held in two years’ time.

The governments of the PDSRA and North-West Ariddia have expressed their “regrets” at the issue of the referendum, but approve President Sho’s decision to abide by the wishes of the people.

Leader of the West Ariddian Opposition Liang Jui-te has said that there is no justification for holding another referendum in two years’ time.

“The people have spoken, and that settles the issue,” he said. “I get the impression President Sho wants to keep holding referendums until she gets what she wants. Democracy has spoken. There should be no second referendum.”

First Federal elections in the Ariddian Isles

The moment is considered one of overwhelming importance. For the first time, Ariddians and North-West Ariddians have taken part in a joint election, affirming their common membership of a same nation, and now a same country. With the proclamation of the election’s results, the Federation of the Ariddian Isles is officially born.

Results:

PDSRA parliamentary election

* Democratic Communist Party: 98.42% => 97 seats
* Ariddian Isles Blank Party: 1.58% => 2 seats

(view graph of the People’s Prime Parliament’s composition (http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/2097/pppgraphye6.jpg))

North-West Ariddian parliamentary election

* Democratic Communist Party: 53.70% => 27 seats
* Free Democratic Party: 31.17% => 16 seats
* Green Party: 4.89% => 2 seats
* Party for Animal Rights: 2.96% => 1 seat
* Rainbow Party: 1.82% => 1 seat
* People’s Party: 1.69% => 1 seat
* North-West Ariddian Independence Party: 1.44% => 1 seat
* Ariddian Isles Blank Party: 1.07% => 1 seat
* Morality Party: 0.78% => no seat
* Political Party: 0.28% => no seat
* National Fascist Party: 0.20% => no seat

(view graph of the North-West Ariddian Parliament’s composition (http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/1429/nwaparlfs2.jpg))

Election for the Federal Prime Secretary

(see: details about the different candidates (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13099859&postcount=104))

* Nuriyah Khadhim (Democratic Communist Party): 93.98%
* Robert McAndrews (Free Democratic Party): 2.55%
* Jennifer Kpaka (Green Party): 1.81%
* Richard Wright (Ariddian Isles Blank Party): 1.30%
* Otto Sire Muddlegum (Political Party): 0.36%

Election for the Federal Wehela Iolih (Indigenous Parliament, elected by Indigenous voters)

* Democratic Communist Party: 95.55% => 72 seats
* Green Party: 2.19% => 2 seats
* North-West Ariddian Independence Party: 1.10% => 1 seat
* Free Democratic Party: 0.64% => no seat
* Ariddian Isles Blank Party: 0.47% => no seat
* Political Party: 0.05% => no seat

(view graph of the Wehela Iolih’s composition (http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/7831/wehelaiolihgraphxa8.jpg))

The new Federal Wehela Iolih is elected on the basis of federal lists, with no distinction made between Ariddian and North-West Ariddian voters. It is empowered to amend or block the application of any legislation to Indigenous people.

In consequence, Nuriyah Khadhim (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Nuriyah_bint_Rashad_Khadhim) becomes the first ever Prime Secretary of the the Federation of the Ariddian Isles.

She said immediately that she will be nominating John Cohen as Second Secretary of North-West Ariddia, and Turei Lauru as Second Secretary of Ariddia. These nominations will be submitted to their States’ respective parliaments.

The name of a Federal Secretary for External Affairs has not yet been announced, but he or she is expected to be a North-West Ariddian.

OOC: I'm about to RP elections and I still haven't decided if Kerk would still be PM at the time as I try to fit in your timeline into mine (which follows real-time, requiring some time compression), but any of the possible candidates would congratulate good things happening in Ariddia in a similar way, if not as warmly as Kerk would.


http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/kelchek/pmo-header.gif

Your Excellency,

Greetings, and congratulations on your election as President of West Ariddia.

In the time since the former President Thomas Brown abolished government your nation has no doubt experience significant change and more than its share of unfortunate occurrences. With the restoration of democratic, responsible and representative government in West Ariddia, it is my hope that your nation can now write a new page in history.

It is my hope that you and the people of West Ariddia will be able to make that page a glittering and glorious one. I am confident that West Ariddia will prosper under your leadership and your friends, the people of Kelssek, wish West Ariddia well.

Sincerely,

Alan Kerk
Prime Minister of Kelssek

_________________________

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/kelchek/pmo-header.gif

Ms. Nuriyah bint Rashad Khadhim
Prime Secretary of the Federation of the Ariddian Isles

Dear madam,

Please accept my most heartfelt congratulations on your election as Prime Secretary of the Ariddian Isles and on the exciting future ahead for your nation.

Kelssek treasures its strong friendship with the Ariddian people and its relationship with the former People's Democratic Socialist Republic of Ariddia. We welcome the formation of the Federation, which marks the partial reunification of the Ariddian isles.

Furthermore, I am pleased to inform you that our government's diplomatic relations with the former People's Democratic Socialist Republic will be transferred onto the Federation of the Ariddian Isles. Consequently, Mr. Robert Kennick will therefore remain our ambassador to the Ariddian people through our embassy in the Revane Diplomatic Quarter.

I look forward to our two nations continuing to tread the road of friendship and cooperation. It is my honour to congratulate you on your assumption of this vital role as the Ariddian Isles plot a course for the future ahead. It is the hope of myself and the Kelssekian people that it is a prosperous, peaceful, and happy one.

Sincerely,

Alan Kerk
Prime Minister of Kelssek

Your Excellency,

Greetings, and congratulations on your election as President of West Ariddia.

In the time since the former President Thomas Brown abolished government your nation has no doubt experience significant change and more than its share of unfortunate occurrences. With the restoration of democratic, responsible and representative government in West Ariddia, it is my hope that your nation can now write a new page in history.

It is my hope that you and the people of West Ariddia will be able to make that page a glittering and glorious one. I am confident that West Ariddia will prosper under your leadership and your friends, the people of Kelssek, wish West Ariddia well.

Sincerely,

Alan Kerk
Prime Minister of Kelssek

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the people of West Ariddia, allow me to convey my warmest thanks in response to your kind letter.

It is my wish and intention to help restore hope in West Ariddia, and assist my fellow citizens in building a healthier, more prosperous and happier future. I have followed events in Kelssek, and would like to convey my congratulations and respect for your achievements -and those of your fellow citizens- in enhancing the well-being of the people of Kelssek.

You may be assured of continued friendship from West Ariddia.

Sincerely,
Banita Sho,
President



Ms. Nuriyah bint Rashad Khadhim
Prime Secretary of the Federation of the Ariddian Isles

Dear madam,

Please accept my most heartfelt congratulations on your election as Prime Secretary of the Ariddian Isles and on the exciting future ahead for your nation.

Kelssek treasures its strong friendship with the Ariddian people and its relationship with the former People's Democratic Socialist Republic of Ariddia. We welcome the formation of the Federation, which marks the partial reunification of the Ariddian isles.

Furthermore, I am pleased to inform you that our government's diplomatic relations with the former People's Democratic Socialist Republic will be transferred onto the Federation of the Ariddian Isles. Consequently, Mr. Robert Kennick will therefore remain our ambassador to the Ariddian people through our embassy in the Revane Diplomatic Quarter.

I look forward to our two nations continuing to tread the road of friendship and cooperation. It is my honour to congratulate you on your assumption of this vital role as the Ariddian Isles plot a course for the future ahead. It is the hope of myself and the Kelssekian people that it is a prosperous, peaceful, and happy one.

Sincerely,

Alan Kerk
Prime Minister of Kelssek

Dear sir,

I was pleased and grateful to receive your letter, and would like to respond in kind by re-affirming my country's warm feelings of friendship and closeness with the people of Kelssek. It is good to know we have steadfast friends as we move forward in the process of reunifying our country, and healing rifts and wounds over a century old.

I am authorised by Second Secretary Jeremy Cohen to inform you that the State Parliament of North-West Ariddia has approved recognition of His Excellency Mr. O Lish, currently Ambassador of the PDSRA, as Federal Ambassador to Kelssek.

I am confident the people of Kelssek will continue to enjoy prosperity, security and well-being under your government's wise and enlightened leadership.

Sincerely,
Nuriyah Khadhim,
Prime Secretary

Governor's Suite
32-01 Protectorate Hotel
14 Expressway Four
Ad'ihan, Ad'ihan (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Ad%27ihan_%28nation%29#City_of_Ad.27ihan.2C_Ad.27ihan)

Ms. Khadhim,

I write today to offer many hearty congratulations on your election as the first-ever Prime Secretary of the new Ariddian Isles federation. Your country has a very bright future ahead, and I strongly believe you are the right person to lead this fresh new nation forward and into the future.

I also write on behalf of Chief of State* Harley, who similarly extends his best wishes for the future of Ariddia and North-West Ariddia as your nation takes its first steps as a federation.

As Liverpool England had no formal relations with Ariddia, I also write to extend the offer of an Ad'ihani envoy in the Ariddian Isles. This move would be ground-breaking as it would be the first-ever Ad'ihani diplomatic representation overseas following self-governance. Ms. Sarah Grainger has been approved by the Senate to take on this position, should your government agree to accept an Ad'ihani envoy.

Once again, on behalf of the Chief of State, as well as all the people of Ad'ihan, my best wishes to the people of the Ariddian Isles and many congratulations on your election.

Yours,
Simon Collins (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Simon_Collins)
Governor of the International Protectorate of Ad'ihan (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Governor_of_the_International_Protectorate)

(*OOC: Ad'ihan Chief of State is also the head of government of Liverpool England, in this case Prime Minister Michael Harley)

Governor Collins,

Thank you very much indeed.

May I congratulate Ad'ihan on the attaining of self-governance, and convey to you the very best wishes of all Ariddian Islanders for a successful and prosperous future. Ad'ihan's admirable hosting of the football World Cup has also been noted and appreciated by my fellow Ariddians.

Her Excellency Ambassador Grainger is most welcome as Ad'ihan's representative to the Federation, and we are honoured to welcome Ad'ihan's first ever formal diplomatic representative. Her Excellency Ambassador Grainger is invited to take up residence in either of the Federation's two capitals: Rêvane and Nouvel Espoir.

The Federation's two State Parliaments have approved the nomination of His Excellency Mr. James Doyle as Federal Ambassor to Ad'ihan, subject to your government's approval.

We look forward to ever closer relations between our two countries.

Yours sincerely,
Nuriyah Khadhim

Your Excellency,

It is truly good news that your government has agreed to accept Ad'ihan's first-ever envoy. Ms. Grainger has opted to take residence in Nouvel Espoir. You may be pleased to find out that the Senate has unanimously passed a resolution welcoming His Excellency Ambassador Doyle as Federal Ambassador from the Ariddian Isles.

Due to the size of our country I'm afraid we can't offer your nation a proper embassy (I don't even live in a gubernatorial house). However, we can offer Ambassador Doyle a suite to serve as his residence, in this very hotel, as well as convert a floor of offices into the Ariddian Isles embassy, in what is fast becoming the centre of all diplomacy and politics in Ad'ihan.

Chief Minister (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Chief_Ministeer_of_the_International_Protectorate) Alex Canning (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Alex_Canning) and I eagerly await the arrival of Ambassador Doyle, and I wholeheartedly look forward to good relations between our countries.

Yours sincerely,
Simon Collins

West Ariddian Parliament adopts law on workplace safety

President Banita Sho’s first major policy success has come with Parliament’s approval of a law mandating safety regulations at the workplace. Employers will now have to follow clear guidelines so as to avoid exposing employees to avoidable work-related injuries, sickness and disability.

The proposal was approved by sixty-seven votes to twenty-six, with six abstaining. It received support from thirteen MPs of the capitalist Free Democratic Party.

“We’re not about systematically opposing the DCP on everything,” FDP MP Catherine Brookstone said. “This is a reasonable measure, bringing in a minimum of guidelines. It was established after discussions with employers. I was hoping there’d be some measure of bipartisan support and consensus here. Don’t get me wrong; I think Ms. Sho is going to try and push through some very bad ideas, and I’ll oppose her when she does. But this wasn’t a bad idea.”

Opposition leader Liang Jui-te (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Liang_Jui-te) voted against the proposal, and has expressed concern at the fact that several of his party members supported it.

“It’s a matter of principle,” he explained. “The government should not be telling people what to do within their own businesses, and that’s that. Most businesses, including mine, already have reasonable safety measures in place anyway.”

Parliament is currently debating a proposal aimed at establishing a “fair miminum living wage”, defined as a salary sufficient for an employee and his “dependents” to live in “a reasonable standard of comfort” and be able to afford “all essential basic needs”.

“Our country is lagging behind terribly in terms of basic social rights, and we have a lot of catching up to do very quickly,” President Sho said.

Also in line to be discussed by Parliament are proposals that would establish a legal and enforceable “right to shelter” and “right to water”.

The neighbouring Federation of the Ariddian Isles has offered “emergency humanitarian aid” in constructing housing for the homeless, and the West Ariddian government has accepted the offer.

Dazza Dallas, Jeruselem Ambassador to Ariddia and West Ariddia was back in hospital to check on her recent injuries. After the election, she had dispensed with the bodyguard as things seemed safer on the streets. She got OK from the doctor who was amazed at her ability to recover. The bruising had healed over and any scars were gone. Being the celebrity she was, it took her a while to leave hospital due to autograph hunters.

She hopped into her hired sports car, and disappeared off towards the airport. Her work in West Ariddia was done.

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/ltrheadpm.jpg

To: Nuriyah Khadhim, Prime Secretary, Federation of the Ariddian Isles

Ms. Khadhim,

Please accept my sincere congratulations on becoming the first Prime Secretary of your new Federation. We are most pleased to see the beginning of the reunification process in Ariddia, and hope that this process continues until your nation is whole again.

We are optimistic that your leadership will herald a new and bright era for the Ariddian people. It is our hope to continue our existing diplomatic relations without interruption, and to be of service in any way we can. Please accept our best wishes for your nation and its people.

Sincerely,
Jinella Agaranth
Prime Minister-Elect of the UCMA

---

After this public message is sent, another one is sent secretly to ensure it is not intercepted.

(SIC)

Dear Ms. Khadhim,

I hope this private communication is not seen as an intrusion. However, the content of this message is not something I can make public - at least not yet.

Let me preface this by saying that I am an unabashed admirer of what your nation has been able to achieve on the path to reunification, having observed it from Altanar since its inception. The federative model that Ariddia has employed to resolve age-old conflicts is one that I feel could have great implications in my own country.

You may or may not be aware of affairs here, but Altanar is a nation that has been dealing with major issues of ethnicity, autonomy and separatism for many decades. For many years, there have been those of us in Altanar who have felt that a federative model could resolve those issues - indeed, that it could be the only way to keep Altanar together.

Along with myself, two of the major political leaders in my country - namely, King Aelkyn and opposition leader Alana Kasimira - have come to the conclusion that Altanar needs to pursue devolution from a unitary state to a federative one. This concept is not one that we can pursue openly as of yet, as sentiment among certain segments of our society would be strongly against it. However, your accomplishments in Ariddia have given us hope. After all, the rifts in your society ran just as deep as the ones in Altanar, if not more so.

Bearing that in mind, we would like to send a team of experts who favor the federative model in Altanar to your nation, to discuss how you achieved implementing it, and determining if there are ways to use the knowledge you gained during the process to make it feasible here. Our government, and indeed the people of Altanar, would be in your nation's debt if you could assist us. I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,
Jinella Agaranth

The following private response was sent through secure channels:


Dear Ms. Agaranth,

I hope you will forgive my having forwarded your message to State leaders Mr. Lauru and Mr. Cohen. Their consent was required before I could reply.

I have of course been following events in Altanar. I understand the difficulties your country faces, and wish you the very best in your endeavours to resolve them. Naturally, the Ariddian Isles will do all they can to assist you. Not only is it small repayment for your country's generous efforts in West Ariddia, but it is our aim and policy to provide assistance of this kind whenever requested.

Ariddia has struggled for over a century to achieve the first stages of reunification. It was made possible, in great part, because of the wishes of the people to see it happen. In West Ariddia, where a slim majority remain opposed to reunification, we still face a difficult hurdle.

Devolution is something recent in Ariddia, and functions on several levels. In the Federation, we have two States, almost fully self-governing. The only truly federal institutions are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indigenous Parliament. There is also, of course, a federal citizenship. In the PDSRA itself, we recently operated a transition from political centralisation to radical devolution, granting significant levels of autonomy to small communities - a form of communalism, or partial communism under limited State supervision. Our exact model would doubtless not be appropriate for Altanar, but we'd be glad to discuss it with your experts.

Our federal model, if you are willing to grant self-government without official sovereignty to part of your territory, may be of some use to you.


Sincerely,
Nuriyah Khadhim

West Ariddian government has mixed feelings about emigration

Over the months since President Banita Sho was elected, emigration levels have risen in West Ariddia. People involved in business, particularly, have packed their bags, gathered up their assets and left for more market-friendly lands.

Officially, the government in unconcerned. President Sho's ministers point out that abandoned businesses are simply nationalised and turned over to workers' collectives, which facilitates the implementation of fresh social policies.

And then there's the fact that the emigration of FDP supporters is slowly boosting the overall proportion of DCP voters in the country. Added to that is the return to West Ariddia of communist citizens who had fled capitalism, moving to the PDSRA and elsewhere. They are now coming home, profiting from their home country's combined wealth and nascent socialism; many of them pledge to keep the DCP in office come the next election.

The President's public approval rating is currently at an estimated 52.14%... although some polling institutes put it as high as 56%, or as low as 44%.

But there is a downside to all this. The country's economic brains and wealth are taking their skills and money out of West Ariddia, to the benefit of nations such as Pacitalia, Altanar, Cafundéu, the UCS or Allanea. Although she isn't saying so, President Sho must be fearing an economic decline that is bound to alienate a large part of the population.

Already the government is turning to North-West Ariddian experts, to find out how the tiny city-State has been able to combine socialism with economic stability and reasonable national prosperity.

Another potential vote-loser is the looming necessity to raise taxation levels in order to fund expensive social policies.

President Sho's promise to grant all West Ariddians a legal right to shelter and clean water is on the way towards being met, thanks in great part to assistance from neighbouring Ariddia, which has contributed massively to state housing construction efforts. The right to work is gradually being met thanks to workers' cooperatives. Chronic unemployment has never been high; rather, the problem was low-paid employment, which is being addressed through wage legislation. But as businesses hire fewer workers in response to mandatory higher wages, eradicating unemployment is a battle that has yet to be won. Employment by the State -in fields such as health care, education and policing- raises the conundrum of funding a rapidly expanding public sector.

"Pah!" Mehr Garh, sitting in the lounge of the Kneckleburg Archive in Snefaldia, exclaimed contemptuously as he threw down his paper. "Never have I heard such a foolish concept as "right to work," or even worse "right to housing." What benefit is there is giving people their homes for free, or ensuring that they will never have to look for work again?"

Putting down his clay pipe, Jen Quot gave a bemused smile to his blustering friend. "It's part of that concept of socialism that seems to be so popular in other countries. It all started with a man called Locke, I think... he said something about "natural rights."'

Garh snorted. "And what a trend that is. Do you remember when we were in Yulot Village? Now, those folks knew how to do it- none of this "right to work" and "right to shelter" nonsense- if you didn't farm, you didn't eat, and it you didn't help your neighbour build his house you got no help for yours. And things worked just right for them- the lazy didn't eat, and the unhelpful didn't have a roof over their heads."

Quot wagged his finger. "Yes, but would that work in the big cities? Remember, not everyone has the same situation as Snefaldia, and not everyone lives in Yulot Village. Just think how hard it would be in Sargedain!"

Garh puffed on his own pipe for a moment, thinking. "Yes, that's true. But still- what's this silliness about people having rights to things? What did that man Jefferson say- that we are endowed with certain rights, etcetera etcetera, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness- those are concepts, my friend! To live, be free, and pursue our lives! What kind of a concept is "housing" or "work?" Who endows things like a house and a job?"

"The West Ariddian government, apparently." Garh and Quot laughed.

Puffing on the pipe again, Garh looked pensive. "Oh well. There's no point getting anxious about another nation's problems or maladaptive policies. I tell you, though- when Herad leaves, if the Bel starts in on this socialist claptrap I'm taking my books and my family and heading into the Hightops to join the Mallasham. At least they understand that a person can't be given something that another man built."

Quot gave another bemused smile to his agitated friend, then went back to his copy of The Lives of the Kings of Terangal, the latest historical fiction from A.P Od. Shaking his head and chuckling, he considered how different life must be in the rest of the world.

Jinella Agaranth sent the following reply back to Nuriyah Khadhim:

Thank you for your kind assistance. We will be sending a team shortly to Ariddia to talk with your government on these subjects. We look forward to any enlightenment you can provide. And as always, if there is anything Altanar can do to assist you, please do not hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,
Jinella Agaranth

(OOC: we can RP that out if you like, or just assume that the Altanari team gathered what information they needed, before the 'tribal council' that they're about to have.)

(OOC: we can RP that out if you like, or just assume that the Altanari team gathered what information they needed, before the 'tribal council' that they're about to have.)

(OOC: If you want to RP it, that's fine. The team can be met by Lauru.)

West Ariddia Opposition criticises PDSRA aid

The West Ariddian government has accepted an invitation from the PDSRA to send medical personnel, equipment and medical teachers to West Ariddia, to help the country provide health care services to all its population. Most hospitals in West Ariddia remain in the hands of private companies, but volunteer workers sent by the PDSRA are building new hospital facilities to be administered by the West Ariddian State. Doctors from the PDSRA will provide free health care to the poorest of West Ariddian patients.

The Opposition FDP has expressed criticism.

"West Ariddia is a rich country," an FDP spokesman said. "We have lots of hospitals and doctors, highly qualified, with ultra-modern facilities and equipment. Why are we asking Ariddia to send us more? It's being done purely for the sake of ideology. The State wants control, so they can spend our tax money on services we're not going to use."

Minister for Health Clémentine Leclair had this to say in reply: "We have private hospitals, but many people can't afford them. Under the capitalists, there were people dying in this country from curable diseases, for goodness' sake! We're putting an end to that. Everyone has a right to live. The government is building up a public health service, but to reach the whole population as quickly as possible, we're grateful for help from Ariddia too."

Tabloids reveal President's conversion to Jainism

The West Ariddian tabloid newspaper The Inquiry has run an article revealing that President Banita Sho (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Banita_Sho), previously an atheist, has converted to Jainism (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jainism). Asked about it by reporters, President Sho said simply: "Yes. But that's my private life, so I don't know why the press are interested."

A reporter for The Inquiry pointed out that all Jains are vegetarians, and stated that the President would undoubtedly try to impose her religious beliefs on the country. Ms. Sho dismissed the suggestion, while admitting that she was "making efforts" personally to become a vegetarian.

"We have seperation of Church and State in West Ariddia. My religious beliefs are my own. Any suggestion that I'm going to try and turn our country into a Jainist theocracy is utterly ludicrous."

OOC: that works.

IC:

With little fanfare, a small delegation had left King Olen International Airport in Ael Khalas, bound for Ariddia. The delegation was led by Altanar's Minister of State, Nelron Khiskithy. The official explanation given to the ever-curious Altanari press was that the trip was a "low-key mission to reaffirm and strengthen ties with the Ariddians following their recent change in government".

In reality, it was a mission that was regarded as being vitally important to Altanar's future. With a traditional council scheduled to be called as soon as the various parties could agree on when and where, the government wanted to be armed with as much information as possible to present their side.

That side would definitely be hard to present, for it would ultimately involve convincing two parties of something that would probably be very hard to swallow. The Akamians and the Argali had to be convinced that there was a lot more to be gained by remaining associated with the Altanari in some fashion, rather than going it alone. The Altanari, meanwhile, had to be convinced that the present model of forcible national integration was not viable, and that a loose federation of the three peoples of the Altan steppes would be better than nothing at all.

If it was going to happen at all, it had to be now. With the insurgency growing in strength, and with attitudes hardening towards negotiation among the Altanari, things were coming to a head. The election of an Akamian as Prime Minister had shown that there was still some tolerance and patience within the Altanari, but that wouldn't last forever.

Those were the thoughts that played through Nelron Khiskithy's head, as the Altanari government plane taxied to a stop at the airport.

"Welcome to the Ariddian Isles, Minister, ladies, gentlemen," Turei Lauru greeted his guests warmly, extending his hand to shake Nelron Khiskithy's. It was raining very lightly, the drizzle warm and pleasant rather than an irritation. "I trust the flight did not seem too long? You have hotel suites awaiting you, but we can go straight to my offices if you prefer."

Lauru generally used Rêvane's excellent public transport system to get to and from the airport, but with State guests present they would take government electric cars into the city.

Outside in the slight rain, a man stood with his arms out stretched.
A woman was walking up to him with a huge smile.
"Hello my dear," he said with a smile.

"Hey, you old thing. How's the job" she inquired.

"Ah, well, it's stressful but most of the time I enjoy" he answered.

He gestured towards a double door.

"Let's go inside," he said ans they both passed through into the huge foyer of the airport.


"My god, is that who I think it is?" exclaimed the woman.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v42/allanea/Propaganda/deptstate.gif
Official Announcement of the Allanean Government

The national healthcare system, combined with a “right to a roof” and other new false-rights legislation amounts not to just “moderate social legislation.” The West Ariddian government seeks to equate the establishment of an outright welfare state with some nieghborhood soup kitchen – even as they merrily accept aid from the communist vermin across the border. What this is nothing more or less then Ariddian socialism with a Western accent.

As a preliminary means of combatting the effects of West Ariddian socialism, we hereby announce the new Congressional Refugee Visa Program for West Ariddian citizens, to include one million visas for the following qualified persons:

1.Those paying over 50% of their income in direct and indirect taxes.

2.Those whose property has been seized or nationalized.

3.Card-carrying FDP members who have been members before the last election.

4.Member of an FDP youth or student organization before the last election (will be provided $15,000 student loan by the Puplic-Private Cooperation Trust of Allanea).

5.Those currently prosecuted under mandatory school attendance laws, business regulations and (should they be introduced) weapons laws.

6.Qualified medical personnel.

7.Former corporate security personnel.

Further, as a means of reducing the military threat of the newest Ariddian communist state, five hundred thousand dollars in gold will be paid to any West Ariddian or Ariddian fighter pilot that defects with his aircraft, and ten million dollars in gold will be paid to any West Ariddian warship crew that drops the West Ariddian flag and lies the Allanean flag on their ship instead.

Finally, a monument to President Brown will be erected in front of the West Ariddian embassy in Allanea, plated in 12-karat gold.

"...and it is a disgusting show of greed and contempt for national sovereignty that has driven the Allanean government to erect a statue of the former West Ariddian present in their own nation! Tell me, brothers and sisters, do you bear ill will to the people of West Ariddia?"

At a political rally in Korsahad, hundreds of people shouted "No!" as Wendik Twill, a rhetorician and philosopher, delivered a fiery speech on foreign policy.

"And will you look favorably upon those that care and sacrifice for their neighbours, brothers and sisters?"

"yes!" came the resounding cry.

"But, my friends, let no one take from you that which is rightfully yours! What you have earned, what you have crafted, what you have toiled for! It is yours! What you buy with the fruit of your labors is yours! You know the old ways in the fields and villages- who doesn't farm, doesn't eat! Who doesn't build, doesn't dwell! Those that contribute nothing and do nothing recieve what they deserve- and, my friends, what is it?"

"NOTHING!" the crowd roared.

"What is greed? Disregard for the lives of others! Disregarding your family! Your neighbours! Your friends and teachers! Taking only for yourself with no thought of the consequence! This, my friends, is the greatest evil of all! Knowing the harm of your actions, and still doing nothing!"

Many in the crowd shouted in assent, and heads bobbed as the speaker weaved his words like a master weaver at his loom. He frenzied pitch dropped to the tone of a religious figure imploring his congregation.

"Give care where care is warranted, give help where help is needed. Do not constrict yourselves with the limits of foreign thinking- terms like 'capitalist' and 'communist' mean nothing when your neighbour struggles to feed his children! Give, and you will be given too. Show kindness, and kindness will be shown to you. Reject greed where it appears, and accept the gifts of others with grace, knowing that you must work to repay their gifts twofold."

Twill looked around, gazing forcefully at various people in the crowd.

"Reject the radical! Reject the greedy! Reject the uncaring or unforgiving! Reject evil!"

He repeated the phrases again, again, and again. The crowd began to chant with him, their cries raising to a fever pitch of deafening noise. It seemed the whole of Korsahad, the City of Sand, was chanting as one voice.

Twill nodded, strolling about the raised dais before descending. The rest of the day would be one of donated work- every person in the crowd would go through the city, cleaning and offering food to the poor. Doctors, regardless of their backgrounds, offered service to the poor and indigent who had no ability to go to the municipal hospital.

In the Great Square, huge tables were set up and donated food was dispersed for a great feast. These events were happening all over Snefaldia in a new political movement- one focused on compassion and neighbourly help, a movement defined by a rejection of labels and emphasis on human decency. Some said the movement was directly related to the news from West Ariddia, some said otherwise. Snefaldia had always had a strong community sense of justice and decency and good conduct among neighbours, and some thought the affairs in West Ariddia had just brought it bubbling to the top in a revival of sorts. Speakers issued support for West Ariddian "justice" while condeming forced socialism, supporting national healthcare while condeming "right to work" laws, arguing for progresssive social policies while rejecting radicalism.

All in all, the movement was quintessentially Snefaldian- moderation above all.

"Welcome to the Ariddian Isles, Minister, ladies, gentlemen," Turei Lauru greeted his guests warmly, extending his hand to shake Nelron Khiskithy's. It was raining very lightly, the drizzle warm and pleasant rather than an irritation. "I trust the flight did not seem too long? You have hotel suites awaiting you, but we can go straight to my offices if you prefer."

Lauru generally used Rêvane's excellent public transport system to get to and from the airport, but with State guests present they would take government electric cars into the city.

Khiskithy shook Lauru's hand equally warmly. "Thank you for the welcome, Mr. Secretary. Oh, we can stop off at the hotel for a bit to drop off our things, but we're ready to get to work fairly quickly, if that's all right with you."

On the drive into Rêvane, Khiskithy and the Altanari team marveled quietly at the electric cars. Alternative fuel vehicles were just beginning to see widespread availability in Altanar, and the government there had not quite caught up to the private sector in that regard.

---

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The government of Altanar is appalled at the unwarranted interference by other nations in the affairs of an independent and sovereign state, namely West Ariddia.

While we welcome immigration from West Ariddia, as we do from almost every other nation in existence, we would respectfully encourage the people of West Ariddia to stay at home and help build their nation. It does not serve one's homeland to abandon it. We condemn in the strongest terms the efforts of other nations to encourage West Ariddians to leave their nation. Such efforts do nothing to help the hard-won stability that nation has achieved. In order to counter this trend, Altanar hereby offers the state of West Ariddia a trade pact, with the goal to build both nations' economies and encourage commerce and enterprise to remain in West Ariddia.

In addition, we are appalled by Allanean efforts to weaken the West Ariddian military, as every nation has the right to self-defense. While our pockets are not as deep as theirs, the Royal Altanari Defense Forces hereby offer their assistance, whether through equipment, training or supplies, to West Ariddia.

By order of His Majesty, King Aelkyn of Altanar:

Jinella Agaranth
Prime Minister of the UCMA

After a stop at Hotel Rêvane Central (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Hotel_R%C3%AAvane_Central), the delegation were driven to the government offices, seated in comfortable chairs, and brought refreshments.

Turei Lauru (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Turei_Lauru) was accompanied by Sébastien Chaussée, federal Secretary for External Affairs, a North-West Ariddian. Also present were David Lumber, Assistant Secretary for Reunification, and John Taylor, Adviser on Governmental Decentralisation.

"We've studied the situation in your country," Lauru began once everyone was comfortably seated, and the usual pleasantries had been exchanged. "Of course, it's fairly different from what we have here in the Ariddian Isles."

"But the essential model we used for Federation," Lumber said, "may be of use to you. Basically, the Ariddian Isles form a single sovereign nation, divided into two almost entirely self-governing States. This way, North-West Ariddia retains its particularities, while being part of the wider Ariddian nation. Each State has full control over its own territories and laws, but foreign relations are handled at the federal level, making the Ariddian Isles a single country on the international stage. Citizens in each State take part in national, federal elections, but their own State elections are the most important in terms of impact on their every day life."

"We've studied the situation in your country," Lauru began once everyone was comfortably seated, and the usual pleasantries had been exchanged. "Of course, it's fairly different from what we have here in the Ariddian Isles."

"But the essential model we used for Federation," Lumber said, "may be of use to you. Basically, the Ariddian Isles form a single sovereign nation, divided into two almost entirely self-governing States. This way, North-West Ariddia retains its particularities, while being part of the wider Ariddian nation. Each State has full control over its own territories and laws, but foreign relations are handled at the federal level, making the Ariddian Isles a single country on the international stage. Citizens in each State take part in national, federal elections, but their own State elections are the most important in terms of impact on their every day life."

"Interesting," Khiskithy said. "How does your Federation handle the issue of taxation and revenue? That's a big stumbling point we're facing. Altanar is much more populous than Akamia and Argalia put together, so there's an issue on our side of what would be considered a fair contribution to a federative government."

Another Altanari team member, from the Ministry of Infrastructure, also spoke up. "I'm also curious about how you handled revenue, because of a particular peculiarity in our situation. Altanar derives a significant portion of its revenue from oil, natural gas and mineral production. Most of those resources, however, are in Akamia and Argalia. The issue of how to divide revenue from those resources is going to be a huge issue for us."

"Our situation on that issue is rather unique," Lauru said. "Ariddia operates with a moneyless economy, whereas North-West Ariddia doesn't. Taxation is almost entirely handled on the State level rather than the federal level. There are so few federal institutions that almost everything can be left to the States. But then, North-West Ariddia was a sovereign country for over a hundred years before federation; Akamia and Argalia aren't sovereign. So we didn't have that issue to solve. I mean, what are now the States here didn't contribute to a higher level of sovereignty before federation, unlike the situation in Altanar."

"I see...that is very true," Khiskithy said. "We'll probably have to figure out a different way to handle the revenue issue, since our situation is quite a bit different."

Another Altanari, wearing the uniform of the Royal Police, posed his own question. "How does your federative government handle issues of defense and law enforcement? Since your federative government handles foreign relations, I assume it handles defense also, but I could be wrong. Do you have some kind of federal police force, or do you leave that to your constituent states? And is there some form of cooperation between your states' police forces?"

West Ariddia interested in "trade pact" with Altanar

The government in West Ariddia has responded favourably to the suggestion of a "trade pact" with Altanar, designed to "build both nations' economies and encourage commerce and enterprise to remain in West Ariddia", in the words of the Altanari Prime Minister. The West Ariddian authorities have been seeking to encourage foreign investment and maintain pre-socialist levels of foreign trade, insisting that businesses operating in West Ariddia continue to benefit from a mostly free market. President Sho's government has declined the option of adhering to the IFTA (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/IFTA), saying that the effects on the West Ariddian economy would be "crippling".

Ms. Sho has reacted with scorn to the Allanean authorities granting refugee status to West Ariddian migrants.

"The Allanean régime wants to undermine democracy and freedom in this country," one government spokesman reportedly said. "But the West Ariddian people decide what happens here - not bureaucrats in their ivory towers in Liberty City."

It has been reported that a number of West Ariddian businessmen and -women have already taken up the Allanean offer, benefiting from refugee status and moving to that country. A number of FDP militant students have done likewise. Emigration of medical personnel has been far more limited, however, perhaps due to the fact that private medical corporations continue to operate with little hindrance in West Ariddia.

Meanwhile, events in Snefaldia have generated interest, attracting visitors of all kinds from West Ariddia - from government advisers to charity workers to researchers.

"I see...that is very true," Khiskithy said. "We'll probably have to figure out a different way to handle the revenue issue, since our situation is quite a bit different."

"Well, you might consider continuing current practice until a regional parliament is elected for each of the two devolved areas," David Lumber said. "Then discuss it with the elected representatives of Akamia and Argalia. You might have a baseline position that you can't compromise on, to maintain the integrity of the federation, but leave many of the details open to discussion. Consensus will obviously be important."


Another Altanari, wearing the uniform of the Royal Police, posed his own question. "How does your federative government handle issues of defense and law enforcement? Since your federative government handles foreign relations, I assume it handles defense also, but I could be wrong. Do you have some kind of federal police force, or do you leave that to your constituent states? And is there some form of cooperation between your states' police forces?"

"The PDSRA still has its own State Secretary for Defence," Lauru said. "The PDSRA and North-West Ariddia each had their own military and police forces before federation, of course, and have kept them now. Part of the reason is financial. The PDSRA wouldn't be able to contribute to paying federal police and military forces, because of our moneyless economy. So the military and police remain under State jurisdiction.

Technically, the federal government can mobilise the militaries of both States in an emergency. As a courtesy, the State Parliaments would be consulted. There are constant high-level talks between the States regarding how the military would function in times of war. Our country has never been involved in a war, but if ever there's an emergency, we've got a federal military command hierarchy more or less sorted out.

That's mostly a technicality, anyway. We have a regional defence alliance with its own military structure, integrating the militaries of several countries, including ours. The Uhuhland Defence Force.

There's also close police cooperation between the two States. We're conducting talks that would lead to the police forces of each State having jurisdiction throughout the Federation. That hasn't been put into place yet, though."

Altanar makes trade gestures to West Ariddia

In response to the West Ariddian government's expression of support for a trade pact, the Ministry of Commerce announced that, effective immediately, the Altanari government was taking the following measures:

- Tariffs on all goods exported by West Ariddian businesses and concerns to Altanar will be lowered to 1%. This is substantially lower than what most other nations get charged, and in fact, is the lowest that the Altanari government can give to nations outside its home region, due to previous trade agreements signed with regional neighbors.

- The Altanari government is also declaring West Ariddia a "most favored nation" in regards to trade. West Ariddia is only the second nation to receive this designation. This means that West Ariddian businesses and goods will receive the benefits typically accorded MFN status by Altanar, most significantly that West Ariddian businesses will no longer be subject to trade restrictions that are meant to protect Altanari domestic industries and manufacturers from foreign competition.

"We intend to offer MFN status to other nations in the future, ones that we feel hold similar values as our own, and most particularly nations we feel are constructively building the international community, rather than disrupting it. This particular case is meant to boost the West Ariddian government and business community, as well," Minister of Commerce Askar Palanik said.

(OOC: another post coming soon.)

Snefaldian government extends diplomatic hand
SARGEDAIN- The Office of the Lord High Chancellor announced today that the Tuhran Bel would be seeking official relations with West Ariddia, a move that comes on the heels of a large popular movement inspired by events in that country.

"As we aspire to be right-thinking peoples, we extend our hand in friendship to the people of West Ariddia. Many of our citizens have already made clear their support for freedom and safety in West Ariddia, and it is the decision of this Tuhran Bel that the best way to help the people of West Ariddia is by beginning formal relation with their government." said Chancellor Kellerman in a televised speech.

The Snefaldian interest in the environs of the Ariddian Isles comes several years after PINA, the Ariddian state news channel, began broadcasting in the country. The surge in foreign policy interest as information about the greater world was the largest since the Republic 100 years prior; and with the growth of tourism in Snefaldia Ariddian and West Ariddian travellers are encouraged and welcomed. During the West Ariddian presidential crisis Aatem Nal dispatched the Honored Master Ta'us Ash`an to chronicle the happenings.

The government also announced that Master Ash`an, still in West Ariddia compiling his records, will be the acting Ambassador while the government assembles a delegation.

"We feel very connected to the people of West Ariddia; and keenly feel the hardships that they must go through to achieve a free and balanced society. We encourage them to reject radicalism wherever it appears, to reject the labels of packaged economics and politics, and work together for a brighter future." Kellerman added. "Reject the radical, reject the evil." he added, echoing a catchphrase of the populist movement developing in Snefaldia. "Only through compromise and understanding are the problems of humanity resolved."

West Ariddia reciprocates trade measures with Altanar, establishes relations with Snefaldia

The West Ariddian Ministry of Trade has announced that the country is reciprocating exactly the conditions offered to West Ariddia by Altanar. Henceforth, Altanar will be deemed "most favoured nation" in regard to trade, with the same trade benefits as those West Ariddia receives from Altanar.

A Ministry spokesman said he hoped this would convince foreign businesses and investors not to pull out of West Ariddia.

Meanwhile, the government has recognised Master Ta'us Ash`an as Snefaldian ambassador to West Ariddia, and has announced its intention to open an embassy there in return. President Sho has said she is uncertain what the Snefaldian Chancellor means when he calls on her fellow citizens to "reject the evil", but added that closer relations between the two countries "will hopefully help us understand one another's cultures and differences".

West Ariddian Parliament to consider creation of an Indigenous Parliament

The government has announced its intention to draw up a proposal that would lead to the creation of an Indigenous Parliament to represent the West Ariddian Wymgani. The neighbouring Federation of the Ariddian Isles already has such a Parliament (the Wehela Iolih), empowered to amend or veto the application of legislation to the Federation's Indigenous peoples.

"I'm not sure yet what form this Parliament will take, or what its prerogatives will be," President Sho said. "That will be decided in close consultation with Indigenous people, and with the wider community."

<snip>

The Altanari delegation was silent for a moment, while they pondered the information they had already received. After a moment, Khiskithy spoke up again. "Here's another issue we're expecting to have. How did the supporters of devolution here in Ariddia handle objections from those who were opposed to the idea? Did you actually face strong opposition? There are many people in Altanar who won't like the idea of changing the setup we have now. A lot of people in Altanar, sadly, have grown used to the Altanari dominating the political and social arenas, and won't like giving the other ethnic groups equal rank one bit."

The Royal Police representative spoke again also. "Another area we're expecting to see resistance is in setting up new institutions. If, for example, we phase out the Royal Altanari Defense Forces in favor of a 'federal' military, as we're considering doing, there are a lot of traditionalists who'll probably resist that. The loss or changing of old traditions and institutions that our people have gotten used to is going to be a problem. Altanari, Akamians and Argali share one common trait - they're very fond of tradition."

The Altanari delegation was silent for a moment, while they pondered the information they had already received. After a moment, Khiskithy spoke up again. "Here's another issue we're expecting to have. How did the supporters of devolution here in Ariddia handle objections from those who were opposed to the idea? Did you actually face strong opposition? There are many people in Altanar who won't like the idea of changing the setup we have now. A lot of people in Altanar, sadly, have grown used to the Altanari dominating the political and social arenas, and won't like giving the other ethnic groups equal rank one bit."

"There was some objection, mainly on the basis of sovereignty, but then you can never have complete consensus," Lumber said. "Still, we decided on a compromise, to try and please as many people as possible. Hence self-government by each State. Each State has almost complete self-government. Of course, your problem is different..."


The Royal Police representative spoke again also. "Another area we're expecting to see resistance is in setting up new institutions. If, for example, we phase out the Royal Altanari Defense Forces in favor of a 'federal' military, as we're considering doing, there are a lot of traditionalists who'll probably resist that. The loss or changing of old traditions and institutions that our people have gotten used to is going to be a problem. Altanari, Akamians and Argali share one common trait - they're very fond of tradition."

"May I suggest moving slowly, and seeking consensus and compromise?" Lumber said.

Lauru nodded. "I would suggest starting a large-scale public debate on devolution. Then implement aspects of it step by step, in consultation with elected Akamians and Argali representatives as well as national ones. Include a number of symbolic measures affirming the upholding of tradition, for both sides. Perhaps announce publicly that representatives of both sides are going to meet to achieve a consensual agreement. Put pressure on each side to compromise."

"It depends how softly you want to tread," Lumber said. "But you could gather representatives into a commission, and give them a timeline, set a date by which they must have produced a consensual declaration of principle together, complete with a bilateral agreement on practical steps to implement initial devolution. Say that if no agreement is reached by that date, your government will act unilaterally. Both sides will reason that they have more to gain by seeking a compromise."

Official Allanean Government Response

Frankly, we don't understand how accepting or not accepting refugees from West Ariddia (should we now say, the Ariddian Colony of West Ariddia?) is a threat to anybody's sovereignity. Allanea is a sovereign nation, and we are free to decide whom to let into our country. At current, we believe the people who protected freedom as members of the FDP will also be good Freemen in Allanea. We believe that businessmen who were good enough to attract the ire of the DCP will be good businessmen here, too, benefitting the growth of our economy. We believe West Ariddian security personnel will find a welcoming workplace either in Allanea's army or her private security institution.

In summary, we're a free nation and we're looking out for ourselves.

<snip>

"That is very good advice, and indeed, we will need to move slowly. The convening of the hasha by the Prime Minister is just the first step, to give all the parties ground rules and a basis to begin negotiations. We're expecting it to be a long and drawn-out process, because we'll need to come to agreement on a lot of issues, and also gain support for the concept of devolution. Ultimately, though, I think we'll succeed. Our peoples - all of them - are tired of this dispute, tired of fighting, and most of all, are scared by the rise of extremist elements who are capitalizing on the situation. There's a lot of incentive for us to resolve this now," Khiskithy concluded.

"I do have a question," a representative with the Ministry of Education said. "You said that your Federation handles foreign relations...is that essentially the only element it handles?"

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Hypocrisy, freely dispensed

Throughout the recent political crisis in West Ariddia, and its successful resolution by negotiation and free elections, we Altanari have followed the situation eagerly. We like to think we've played a central role in helping resolve the thing fairly, and that freedom and democracy prevailed there. However, there are those for whom "freedom" has a different definition. I am speaking, of course, of the Allaneans.

The Allaneans are a people, apparently, that drape themselves in "freedom" much in the same fashion that an overweight person drapes themselves in flattering colors and patterns to hide the embarrassment of their girth. They call themselves "Freemen" and give their cities grandiose names like "Liberty City". However, their actions in West Ariddia show nothing but contempt for freedom and democracy.

They have encouraged West Ariddians to abandon their homeland. That, alone, is a shameful act that boggles the Altanari mind. Abandoning one's homeland, to us, is the same as abandoning one's very self. No matter where we go, we're still Altanari, and still loyal to our nation, no matter what happens with such trivial things as governments. Encouraging a people to leave their home, and plunder it of its wealth and business acumen as well, is an act that we frankly see as shameful.

Then there is the even more shameful matter of throwing money at West Ariddia's soldiers, hoping they'll betray their homeland, the same nation they've sworn to defend with their lives and sacred honor. I've known many an Altanari soldier, and I can attest to the fact that there wouldn't be enough solaris in the world to make them betray their nation. I can only hope that the West Ariddian soldiers feel the same way.

And then, in the same fashion of looking for the most flattering garment to drape their embarrassing actions in, the Allaneans engage in responses so disingenuous as to cause brain damage if one tries too hard to understand the mindset that forged them. "We don't understand how accepting or not accepting refugees from West Ariddia is a threat to anybody's sovereignty", they cry, trying their best to keep an innocent and confused look on their face. They're poor actors. It's one thing to accept immigrants from another country; Altanar does it all the time, from many nations, including West Ariddia and Allanea. It is an entirely different matter to actively encourage people to abandon their homeland, even to the point of trying to destroy their military. To say that they cannot understand how their actions are a threat to West Ariddian sovereignty is to indicate that either the Allaneans are dense beyond belief, or that they are guilty of hypocrisy of the highest order.

What is all the more hypocritical is why the Allaneans are doing what they are doing. The DCP government in West Ariddia was elected in a free, democratic election, brokered by an honest and fair compromise by our own Crown Father Cianar after open dialogue betwen both sides in the dispute. The Allaneans, however, choose to quietly overlook that democratic result, because the end product wasn't the one they wanted and hoped to dictate to the West Ariddians. The Allaneans, in one of their diplomatic responses, said that "what [the result was] is nothing more or less then Ariddian socialism with a Western accent". That may well be true - but the West Ariddians chose that freely, and in fair and open elections. While we Altanari are quite enthusiastically capitalist and don't care much for socialism, what we do value above all else is respecting peoples' right to choose their own destiny. Apparently, the Allaneans, for all their rhetoric and labeling of themselves, only value freedom as long as it's shaped in their own self-righteous image. What that is, is hypocrisy freely dispensed.

- Kieran Kasparak is an NDR editorial writer whose work is syndicated to over 150 Altanari newspapers and magazines.

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Royal Palace, Astevane

Nuriyah bint Rashad Khadhim
Prime Secretary of the Federation of the Ariddian Isles

I would like to personally congratulate you on being elected Prime Secretary of the Federation of the Ariddian Isles. I have long personally admired the people, and society of the Ariddian Isles. The Grand Kingdom of Aerion and the People's Democratic Social Republic of Ariddia have held good relations. I have encouraged close relations, and several consulates successfully opened in major Ariddian cities. We will now open with hope another Consulate General in Nouvel Espoir. Our continued cultural exchange I believe is beneficial for the Grand Kingdom of Aerion.

The Royal Embassy shall remain in Rêvane and Royal Ambassador Clément Sedar is named our Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federation of the Ariddian Isles. I hope that the Royal Ambassador will continue to improve relations between our nations.

I would like to invite you to visit the Grand Kingdom of Aerion, and express my interest in an official visit to the Ariddian Isles.

I hope that our relations will continue to grow, and that relations between the Grand Kingdom and the Federation shall be strong.

Sincerely yours,
Damoen Wasterin
Crown Prince Regent of Aerion

"That is very good advice, and indeed, we will need to move slowly. The convening of the hasha by the Prime Minister is just the first step, to give all the parties ground rules and a basis to begin negotiations. We're expecting it to be a long and drawn-out process, because we'll need to come to agreement on a lot of issues, and also gain support for the concept of devolution. Ultimately, though, I think we'll succeed. Our peoples - all of them - are tired of this dispute, tired of fighting, and most of all, are scared by the rise of extremist elements who are capitalizing on the situation. There's a lot of incentive for us to resolve this now," Khiskithy concluded.

"I do have a question," a representative with the Ministry of Education said. "You said that your Federation handles foreign relations...is that essentially the only element it handles?"

"At present, yes," Lauru said. "Technically, the Prime Secretary oversees government, but the position is mostly diplomatic and ceremonial. The federal government may acquire further responsibilities in future, but for the time being each State remains almost fully self-governing. It was an essential condition to ensure reunification was done with consensus from the citizens."

A post published by someone named LibertyLass on the message boards of the University of Concord, later reposted on various Allanean political sites

Last week our professor gave us a copy of some newspaper called “the Nalioka Daily Record”, and specifically, an editorial there by a guy called Kieran Kasparak, a syndicated editorialist in Altaran. His work is reprinted in 150 Altanari newspapers. I don't know how important that is, but, assuming that newspapers in Altaran are on of the major means of acquiring information (unlike in Allanea), he's ostensibly a very important fellow. He's certianly a very self-important fellow.

The jist of his argument boils down to the following One, that Allanea violates the sovereignty of West Ariddia by encouraging the better part of it's citizens to immigrate (I mean better as in 'superior in quality', rather then 'the biggest part'. Had these the people comprised the majority of the citizens of West Ariddia, the current crisis wouldn't have existed and these nice people wouldn't need refugee status.) That is really ridiculous. First, because it's the sovereign power of a nation to invite or bare the road of any foreigners we feel it to bee a good idea to invite to our nation or stop from visiting it. And if we choose to give people grants when they step off the plane, well, that's our money and our nation.

The second part is more interesting. He claims, essentially, that we lack a respect for democracy and freedom, which we demonstrate – according to this Kasparak fellow – by the act of condemning the West Ariddian regime. Now let us completely omit the part where the whole point of freedom speech is being able to criticize people – the Allanean government, the Ariddian government, or Kasparak's inane editorial.

Democracy is merely a method – one with a very mixed record – of running government. And yet Kasparak claims that by condemning a result of a given election, we are now enemies of freedom. What a strange altitude!

Freedom does not mean “being able to impose whatever government one chooses on one's fellow men”. According to that Kieran dude over there it apparently means just that. Apparently there are “different visions of freedom” and it's hypocritical to condemn any.

Had the citizens of Altaran voted – at some large margin – to deny Mr. Kasparak his printing press and typerwriter based on his political beliefs, nobody would surely argue that a society that would do that, one without even a semblance of political free speech, is a free society.

Yet, according to Mr. Kasparak, a society lacking the freedom of enterprise is just a “vision of freedom differing from my own”. I am, apparently, self-righteous to condemn it.

According to Mr. Kasparak, a society lacking the freedom of education – where some kinds of learning are 'recommended' and distributed at taxpayer expense, others regulated into submisison or prohibited altogether – is just another “vsion of freedom differing from my own”, and I am self-righteous and hypocritical to condemn it.

Apparently, the state may take away health freedom, establish control over demographic patterns, orchestrate the confiscation of private property, crush homeschooling – and yet remain “just another vision of freedom differing from my own”.

My uncle fought in Operation Kahanistan Shield, where a small group of Allanean soldiers interposed temselves between Kahanistani civilians and a Kravenite task force. I bet according to Mr. Kasparak I would be a hypocrite to support what my uncle did, too – after all, isn't the Kravenic process of removing the frontal brain lobes of women just “another vision of freedom”?

Doomingsland is very much a libertarian society – for a few pureblood “herrenvolk.” If you're a Jew, a Muslim, a dissident or just a slave, it means nothing for you. Yet according to Mr. Kasparak that's just “another vision of freedom”. Why, I bet that if Doomingsland held an election, Maximus win in a landslide no matter how “fair” it was! It'd be interesting to see Mr. Kasparak try to defend them..

According to Mr. Kasparak, criticizing the Ariddians for denying their citizens basic freedoms makes Allanea's dedication to liberty a “lip service”, but the Ariddians can do so – and earn no condemnation from him.

Hypocrisy much?

There are quite a few nations whose citizens really do enjoy freedom, though they implement it in ways separate and differing from our own. Menelmacar, Praetonia, Commerce Heights, the examples are many. I respect their freedom and the means they use to secure it – but there is only a certain degree off divergence from that lofty ideal of personal liberties for all that nation can afford and still be called free. Stating that does not make one a hypocrite.

On the contrary, it is the statement that all political systems are equally valid and all nations equally free that reeks of hypocrisy – especially if you then immediately go on to condemn someone else for supposedly only paying “lip service” to freedom.

Damoen Wasterin
Crown Prince Regent of Aerion

Your Highness,

On behalf of my country, I'm pleased to extend an invitation for Your Highness to visit the Ariddian Isles at any time. I also accept your invitation with gratitude, and would be honoured to visit the Grand Kingdom at your conveniance. This will be one further step in strengthening friendship and understanding between our two nations.


Sincerely yours,
Nuriyah bint Rashad Khadhim
Prime Secretary,
Federation of the Ariddian Isles

West Ariddia abolishes death penalty

Somewhere within their busy schedule, the West Ariddian Parliament have found the time to approve a rapid proposal outlawing the death penalty. The measure is essentially symbolic.

The death penalty was abolished in 1975 in what was then the Republic of Ariddia, before the Social Republic and before the secession of Limea. Sarah Jones had been elected Prime Minister the previous year. The country was in the mood for change and progress. Jones was Ariddia's first ever woman leader, and she represented the capitalist Liberal Party, viewed as "progressive", after two full decades of Conservative Party rule.

In 2019, West Ariddia, by now an independent country, repealed Jones' law, which it had inherited from the PDSRA. The West Ariddian Parliament of the time cited the fact that Jones had faced strong public opposition to her law, and expressed the view that the death penalty should not be abolished against the wishes of public opinion. Capital punishment, however, was never implemented in West Ariddia. It has remained part of the country's legislation, an anomaly and an anachronism, until today.

"By striking the death penalty off our law books, West Ariddia re-affirms it place within the civilised world," President Banita Sho said simply.

The measure was approved by referendum (83.7%), then by Parliament (79 in favour, 8 against, 12 abstaining).

Discussions continue on issue of Indigenous Parliament

The President and several members of Parliament have visited a number of Indigenous communities in the south of the country, to discuss the possibility and details of a Wymgani Parliament.

President Sho has also spent time with her own community, the Asue'li people, taking part in community talks.

"I may well be the President," she said, smiling, "but among the Asue'li I'm just one member of the community. Everyone listens to me, and of course I listen to everyone else."

At present, the government says it is leaning towards importing the Ariddian modely of an Indigenous Parliament empowered to amend or veto the application of laws to Indigenous people, but not allowed to proclaim laws of its own.

"But we're also considering other possibilities," Sho said, adding that she would welcome expertise from any foreign country which already has a similar institution.

OMGTKK names envoy to Ariddian Isles region

PARADISE CITY (Allied Press) --- In an attempt to increase diplomatic ties with the Ariddian Isles region, Frowning Street announced Sunday its intention to appoint an envoy to speak on the Federal Republic's behalf in the newly created Ariddian Isles Federation and West Ariddia.

Secretary of State Alex Tehrani said he has asked the leaders of both nations to accept the appointment of retired Army Gen. Cornelius Sherwood Forest, the former commanding general of Kennyite forces in the Lois-Must-Die War. Tehrani said he's also requested permission from West Ariddia to build a small office complex in Aqeyr.

"Gen. Sherwood Forest brings with him a lifetime of experience in international diplomacy, and great expertise on blowing shit up and making enemies cry 'uncle,'" Fernanda said, announcing the general's nomination to a Frowning Street news conference on Sunday. "Although my corporate sponsors probably asked me to name him 'cause of the diplomatic stuff."

Although the Federal Republic maintains formal diplomatic ties with the People's Democratic Socialist Republic of Ariddia, it has none with West Ariddia or North-West Ariddia. Kennyite Amb. Tad Braxton is only accredited to represent the OMGTKK government in Ariddia proper, "and it's probably best for everyone just to leave him there," Tehrani said.

"I'm happy to offer my services to the Fernanda Administration," Sherwood Forest told a group of reporters at the Snakepit after meeting with congressional leaders there Sunday. "We have a unique opportunity to promote a lasting peace in the Ariddian Isles region, and thanks to recent international efforts in West Ariddia, we now have the necessary framework in place to make that happen."

Sherwood Forest said he was eager to consult with Ariddian Isles leaders on reunification, which West Ariddians have repeatedly rejected, as well as dealing with the isles' indigenous peoples. "I'd like to ask them if they've considered tanks and attack helicopters; they've worked wonders on our own natives," he said, referring to the Xt'Tapolopaquetl.

Tehrani said he hoped to build on recent improved relations with Ariddia, and to open new diplomatic avenues with its western and northwestern neighbors, "with whom we have shared regrettably little contact." He added that, "unlike some nations," the Federal Republic "does not intend on offering bombastic commentary on the internal affairs of sovereign nations in the region."

"At present, yes," Lauru said. "Technically, the Prime Secretary oversees government, but the position is mostly diplomatic and ceremonial. The federal government may acquire further responsibilities in future, but for the time being each State remains almost fully self-governing. It was an essential condition to ensure reunification was done with consensus from the citizens."

Khiskithy nodded. "We may need to implement our plan in a similar fashion initially to gain more widespread approval. Ultimately, we envision our federated government to have much broader roles in trade, foreign affairs and defense, but we should probably develop that over time. I think that covers all of our questions - do you have any other advice for us?"

Jeruselem Government News

West Ariddian Embassy open for business

Today, in a small anonymous office in West Ariddia - Jeruselem's West Ariddian embassy was open for business. Former Jeruselem commie Stavos Halpas who is also the assistant Ambassador to West Ariddia opened the office with little fanfare in the absense of the official Ambassador Dazza Dallas who is in Ariddia with "private health" matters being looked after.

Expatriate Jeruselemites queued outside the office for the opening and were happy for the event. One Jewish man said "I'm glad Jeruselem has an embassy now. Before I had to travel to Ariddia to do some of my business."

The office is hard to miss, there's a tri-language sign in Arabic, Jewish and French outside. A cardboard cutout of Dazza Dallas near the entrance is also hard to miss.

Stavos Halpas said about the cut-out "Well, we need a pinup girl ... we only have one and she's not going be here all the time."

Khiskithy nodded. "We may need to implement our plan in a similar fashion initially to gain more widespread approval. Ultimately, we envision our federated government to have much broader roles in trade, foreign affairs and defense, but we should probably develop that over time. I think that covers all of our questions - do you have any other advice for us?"

"Not that I can think of at present," Lauru said pensively. "I can only re-iterate how important it is to enable all sides to feel they're being heard, and participating actively in consensus-building." He paused. "Of course, you're free to remain here as long as you like, and talk to whomever you wish."

General Forest welcomed as Kennyite ambassador to the Isles

The Ariddian Isles' federal government has announced that the Kennyites' nomination of retired General Sherwood Forest has been approved by both State Parliaments. The Parliament of West Ariddia has also approved the nomination, and the opening of a Kennyite office complex in Aqeyr.

The appointment of General Forest was initially controversial, due to his past participation in a military campaign, and his remarks on indigenous policies. In the PDSRA, 58 MPs voted to approve his nomination, but 16 opposed it, and 25 (including the two Blank Party representatives) abstained. In the Wehela Iolih (federal Indigenous Parliament), Tuhu Iesoe delivered a motion to veto the nomination, but the Iolih dismissed it, citing its lack of jurisdiction on approving foreign diplomatic appointments.

Both Nuriyah Khadhim, federal Prime Secretary of the Ariddian Isles, and Banita Sho, President of West Ariddia, are legally Indigenous, and expressed their displeasure with General Forest's recent comment.

"Ambassador Forest will need to adopt a more diplomatic, sensitive and well-informed attitude, particularly in regard to the Wymgani people," President Sho remarked.

Nonetheless, both countries welcomed the Kennyite Federation's expressed wish for closer relations, and its commitment not to "offer bombastic comment" on the Isles' internal affairs - unlike the Allanean government.

"I'll be glad to welcome Kennyite delegates to West Ariddia again," President Sho said. "They've already proved themselves to be friends of the West Ariddians. I look forward to good relations between our countries."

PDSRA Ambassador Dr. Jane Ranomezanjanahary-Souvanhnavongsa-Fincfeuiaki has been nominated as federal representative to Omigodtheykilledkenny, while West Ariddia is expected to name an ambassador of its own shortly.

"Not that I can think of at present," Lauru said pensively. "I can only re-iterate how important it is to enable all sides to feel they're being heard, and participating actively in consensus-building." He paused. "Of course, you're free to remain here as long as you like, and talk to whomever you wish."

Khiskithy gave a graceful nod. "Thank you. We may speak to some of your citizens to gain their input as well, if that is not objectionable to you, of course. Oh...I almost forgot an important thing I was to mention while I was here. We're going to be announcing shortly that our current ambassador to Ariddia, Lauren Ferguson, is going to be invested with additional powers to act as an ambassador to North-West Ariddia and West Ariddia as well, so that we will have diplomatic representation throughout the Ariddian Isles. We'll also most likely be building satellite offices of our embassy here in Aqeyr and in Nouvel Espoir as well. This all depends, of course, on approval from all of the involved governments."

"I doubt there will be any objection," Lauru said, with a slight smile. "And naturally you may speak to any person here in the PDSRA." He stood, and extended his hand. "I wish you the best of luck. Never hesitate to contact us again if you wish to."

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c193/athell/NSRoleplay/government_coat_of_arms.jpg
Embassy of the Grand Kingdom of AerionOffice of the Ambassador
Aqeyr

President Sho

I would like to congratulate you on being elected President of West Ariddia. I hope that your Presidency will be one appreciated by citizens of West Ariddia and in the international community.

This is no doubt a time of great changes in West Ariddia, and therefore possible changes in the economic relationship between the Grand Kingdom of Aerion and West Ariddia.

We hope that Aerionian corporations will be able to continue their operations in West Ariddia, and serve as positive contributors to the economy.

The Economic and Commercial Affairs section of the Embassy will be keeping in regular contact with your government and keep open lines of communication with Aerionian corporations operating in West Ariddia in order to insure that they are fully informed of government policies related to their operations.

I hope your Presidency will see continued good relations between the Grand Kingdom of Aerion, and West Ariddia.



Sincerely,
Mazan Alsoiv
Royal Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

"I doubt there will be any objection," Lauru said, with a slight smile. "And naturally you may speak to any person here in the PDSRA." He stood, and extended his hand. "I wish you the best of luck. Never hesitate to contact us again if you wish to."

"We won't, and thank you again, Mr. Secretary, for all of your assistance," Khiskithy said, shaking Lauru's hand. "If there is anything that Altanar can do for your nation, please feel free to contact us as well. Our door is always open to our Ariddian friends."

After the meeting was done, Khiskithy and his team entered into the second phase of their information-gathering effort. Pollsters and political operatives skilled in gauging public opinion went out in several teams, which began traveling throughout the PDSRA and North-West Ariddia. Their task was a simple one: to talk to everyday Ariddian citizens and get their opinion on the federative state: how it had been put into place, what they felt had gone right, and wrong, with the process of establishing it; what they thought about the federative state as a whole, and the roles it should play; and any ways they might have gone about it differently. From his long experience in government, Khiskithy knew well that what a government says publicly, and what its citizens say privately, can be very different matters indeed. I want to know what real people are thinking out on the street here, Khiskithy thought as the teams departed.

Mazan Alsoiv,
Royal Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary,
Embassy of the Grand Kingdom of Aerion

Your Excellency,

I would like to thank you for your kind words, and assure you and the people of the Grand Kingdom that Aerionian corporations are most welcome to continue operating in West Ariddia.

My government's policies are designed to provide essential rights and protection to workers, sorely lacking until now. Our aim has never been to inhibit the functioning of private businesses in this country. We recognise the countributions of Aerionian corporations to West Ariddia, and hope they will continue to find their activities here profitable and rewarding.

My government will of course keep you fully informed regarding any future policies, and I look forward to continued good relations between our two countries.


Banita Sho,
President

West Ariddian government launches online forum citizen debate on reunification

http://www.mae.gouv.swa/forum_citoyen/reunification is the place to go now for those wishing to express their views on the thorny issue of reunification. The forum debate was officially launched with a post from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"You, the citizens and people of West Ariddia, will always have the final say on this matter," the post read. "You can let us know right now what you think about reunification, before the 2146 referendum."

The debate became active very quickly, with a wide range of opinions in response. Posters were encouraged to write in French, English or Wymgani; translations are provided here.

"We've already had a referendum!" one contributor wrote. "Stop pushing this! How many times are we going to have to say NO?"

"I don't see what we have to gain by reunification," another wrote. "We all grew up in an independent West Ariddia. Why throw away our sovereignty for nothing in return? I don't want the PDSRA leeching off this country's wealth!"

"If Bani Sho violates the Constitution and forces reunification, she should be impeached," another said.

"God, how long until we can vote the FDP back into office?" one wrote simply.

But many views were favourable.

"It's a matter of symbolism," one poster wrote. "We wouldn't lose anything; we'd have self-government, like NWA. And it's about time to recognise that we're all Ariddian Islanders."

"The Limean secession was illegal," another said. "West Ariddia doesn't legally exist. We'd just be fixing that."

"The Pudsra [common nickname for the PDSRA in West Ariddia - ed.] has experience in providing health care and housing and all that to its people," was one comment. "They're already helping us, but it'll be even easier if we're all one nation again."

"Only the communists recognise Indigenous rights," another person wrote. "To help keep the commies in power and protect Wymgani rights, we need to be part of Ariddia."

"There's never been anyone starving in the streets in the PDSRA," one poster said. "Need I say more? The sooner we join them, the better."

Supporters of reunification were split between joining the Federation along the North-West Ariddian model, or full fusion into the PDSRA, with a large majority of posters favouring the former.

Indigenous Representation Act adopted in West Ariddian Parliament

Following a stormy debate and seemingly unending controversy, the Parliament has adopted an Indigenous Representation Act, which creates an Indigenous Parliament, be be elected exclusively by Wymgani voters. The proposal was approved by a scant majority of 54 MPs (out of 99), with 37 voting against, and 8 abstaining.

Opposition leader Liang Jui-te (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Liang_Jui-te) repeatedly demanded a referendum on the issue, but the government refused:

"It would be unjustifiable for the non-Indigenous majority to decide on whether or not the Indigenous minority are entitled to specific rights in terms of government representation," was the official line. The idea of organising a referendum solely for Indigenous voters was similarly rejected as a "waste of time", based on an argument that opinion surveys indicated over 70% of West Ariddian Wymgani approved the creation of an Indigenous Parliament.

The new Parliament will be empowered to amend or veto the application to Wymgani people of any Parliamentary legislation; in this, its function is identical to the Ariddian Isles' Wehela Iolih. But West Ariddia's Indigenous Parliament will have more extensive powers that the Iolih.

The W.A.I.P. will be authorised to review any legislation from the main national Parliament, and declare it to be "contrary to the interests of Indigenous citizens, or contrary to the well-being of the land, of which the Wymgani are traditional custodians". In such cases, the W.A.I.P. will return the law to the national Parliament for amendment. The W.A.I.P. may do so four times for any law, subsequent to which the national Parliament can bypass it and force implementation of the law.

The W.A.I.P. may also prepare legislation of its own, which it must then submit to the national Parliament for approval.

The first elections for the W.A.I.P. will take place at the same time as the next national elections.

Now that the law has been adopted, the storm of controversy has not yet died down. Criticism ranges from FDP supporters who claim the law gives Wymgani "privileges on the basis of race", to Wymgani critics who say the W.A.I.P. will be "toothless" and not powerful enough to protect their interests.

"What President Sho has done, essentially, is create an Upper House that will be permanently filled with her own supporters," an irate Liang Jui-te said. "This is blatantly undemocratic. It's not about Indigenous rights; it's about making sure that a communist minority will always be able to dictate to the majority. It's absolutely disgraceful." Mr. Liang was refering to the fact that Indigenous West Ariddians tend to vote DCP by a huge margin.

The FDP has said it may boycott the Indigenous Parliamentary elections, and not prepare a list of Indigenous FDP candidates.

Jeruselem Government News

Jeruselem's Ariddian Princess stays out of Ariddian debates

Princess Katherine Alexandra Katherine Dallas of Jeruselem who had remained silent on the issues plaguing her homeland said
"I'm in no position to be in the debates as I've never been involved in Ariddian and West Ariddian politics. People talk about democracy and freedom, but since I'm a Princess - I'd be a hypocrit to talk about those matters as well because my position wasn't exactly attained through a vote. However, I am confident whoever leads the people of the Ariddian Isles - will do their job for their people. I'm not going say where the socialists or capitalists should be in power, it's not my place."

Harley expresses 'concern' over W. Ariddian developments

Liverpool England Prime Minister Michael Harley today expressed what he called a "deep-rooted concern" over recent happenings in West Ariddia. Speaking to reporters at his weekly meet-the-press session dominated by questions over the future of Île Grande (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=541385), Harley was asked about the passing of the Indigenous Representation Act passed by the West Ariddian Parliament.

"Obviously there's an issue here, that the Honourable Opposition Leader [Liang Jui-te] has rightly raised. I have a deep-rooted concern over this development, and have asked [Ad'ihan Ambassador to the Federation of the Ariddian Isles] Sarah Grainger to keep me informed of developments. The official line coming out of West Ariddia, that it would be, so called, 'unjustifiable' for the non-Indigenous people to decide on whether or not the Indigenous minority are entitled to specific rights in terms of government representation, is opening a can of worms.

"Surely then the non-Indigenous West Ariddian Parliament shouldn't be having discussions over the issue, since they would be unjustified to decide on whether or not the Indigenous minority have the right to a separate Parliament?

"The Liverpool England government has made clear to Mr. Liang that we support his stance that this is nothing more than a move by President Sho to consolidate power. It would seem ridiculous that this Indigenous Parliament effectively has power of veto over any law, even if not affecting Indigenous people, just by saying it would have a negative effect on them. Clearly this is a power play by Ms. Sho, and we urge the West Ariddians to put more restrictions over the exact powers of this new body.

"When I wrote Ms. Sho (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13121848&postcount=165) to congratulate her on her election I emphasised the need for constructive dialogue between all parties in West Ariddia. This has, very apparently, not occurred here, and my government cannot support, and will not support, any moves that ignore dissent to them."

———————————————————————
Private communiqué
Prime Minister's Office
15 Imperial Street
CCL, Liverpool England

To: Mr. Liang Jui-te
Honourable Opposition Leader of the West Ariddian Parliament

Dear Mr. Liang,
I write today to express my solidarity with your party against the undesirable, unilateral power-play by President Sho in creating a new Indigenous Parliament.

As I have made clear in my address to the press at my weekly press briefing, the official line from Ms. Sho's administration, that it would be 'unjustifiable' for the non-Indigenous people to decide on whether or not the Indigenous minority are entitled to specific rights in terms of government representation, is utter nonsense.

Surely then the non-Indigenous West Ariddian Parliament shouldn't be having discussions over the issue, since they would be unjustified to decide on whether or not the Indigenous minority have the right to a separate Parliament.

I agree with your sentiments that this is undemocratic. I would urge your party to bring forth resolutions and bills in Parliament to restrict the control of the WAIP. To have the WAIP with quadruple veto power over every law on the table, even if not related to the Indigenous population, is unacceptable.

Please be assured that you will continue to enjoy the support of my government on this issue as long as the issue remains on the table, and on a personal note I wish you and your party good luck.

Yours sincerely,
Michael Harley
Prime Minister of Liverpool England

Private communiqué
To: His Excellency Michael Harley,
Prime Minister of Liverpool England

Prime Minister,

It is reassuring to know that a notable member of the international community is continuing to monitor the situation in West Ariddia, and to draw international attention to President Sho's populist and undemocratic acts. You have my gratitude, and that of all freedom-loving West Ariddians.

I would like to assure you that my party is considering its options, and preparing suggestions to amend and restrict the application of the Indigenous Representation Act. Given the current composition of Parliament, it will be essential for us to secure support from Socialist members, so as to reduce the DCP to a minority. I will keep you appraised of developments.

May I also express my sympathy and concern for the current unrest in Île-Grande. My party is currently in Opposition, as you know, but if there is anything we may do to assist in restoring peace and the rule of democratic law, please let me know.

Yours sincerely,
Liang Jui-te

Sho says Indigenous Representation Act "misunderstood"

President Sho has responded to criticism from Liverpool England's Prime Minister Michael Harley, saying that perhaps Mr. Harley "does not fully understand" the situation in West Ariddia.

"My government is committed to democracy and individuals' rights, as I believe we've demonstrated time and time again," the President said. "But the Wymgani people are the Indigenous people of this country. Under the terms of the original treaty of cession, back in 1683, they are entitled to the protection of their specific indigenous rights. Political empowerment will enable West Ariddian Wymgani citizens to exercise the rights that are constitutionally theirs, instead of being passively dictated to by the non-Indigenous majority. I must add that this does not, in any way, bring into question the rights of non-Indigenous West Ariddians."

Ms. Sho added that the Indigenous Representation Act is "very mild" and that it is designed to promote "dialogue, compromise and consensus". She pointed out that "the Parliament elected by the nation as a whole remains the supreme legislative body, and ultimately makes the decisions for this country. The existence of the W.A.I.P. merely encourages Parliament to take into consideration the specific needs and rights of Wymgani people."

Ea L'lew considers political future

77 year-old Ea L'lew, who briefly ran the country as interim President after the communist take-over, has said that she may stand for election to the Indigenous Parliament four years from now. The former president has said her intentions have not yet been finalised.

Ms. L'lew predictably praised her successor's work as current head of State.

Khadhim visit to Aqeyr creates controversy

President Banita Sho today welcomed the leader of the Ariddian Isles' Federation, Prime Secretary Nuriyah Khadhim, in Aqeyr. The President's aides confirmed that the main agendum was the issue of re-unification.

"We had an interesting conversation," Ms. Sho said, brushing aside any suggestions that she might be trying to force re-unification. "We talked about how re-unification might be implemented in practice, if ever the citizens of West Ariddia want it to happen. I can re-iterate that re-unification will not happen as long as a majority of West Ariddians oppose it. My conversation with Prime Secretary Khadhim was about theoreticals."

Minister slams West Ariddian government

SARGEDAIN- First Minister of Foreign Affairs Ren Dirh blasted the Sho government today during a question and answer session with the press this morning, calling the government a "conspiratorial group of socialists bent on subjugating the West Ariddian state before their communist neighbours."

"I can honestly say that I am disgusted with the way the Sho government has handled the issues of unification, and the visit of Prime Secretary Khadim to Aqeyr has just shown that Banita Sho has no intention to leave the question of independence where it is" Dirh said. "And whatever Ms. Sho believes about the plight of the indigenous people of West Ariddia does not change the fact that the Indigenous Representation Act constitutes a huge grant of power to a special class of people. Ms. Sho's government, with their naked desire to see a West Ariddian state that turns socialist and unifies with the PDSRA, have effectively turned natural-born West Ariddians into second-class citizens subordinate to the Wymgani."

The Minister very pointedly said, however, that he supports "complete equity" in West Ariddia, "regardless of birth, ethnic status, or class." Just because the Wymgani were mistreated in the past "should not factor into Ms. Sho's vision of a fair and equitable society."

"The best way for the Wymgani to make their wishes known is to join the national political process and affect legislating at the parliamentary level, rather than chosing to isolate and exclude with their own independent state."

The Tuhran Bel issued a statement hours later, stating that the comments of Minister Dirh reflected his view as a scholar and foreign policy expert, and were not "indicative of Snefaldian foreign policy toward the West Ariddian state or people." The Bel also intimated that the ageing Ambassador Ta'us Ash`an would be replaced with someone younger and "better able to move with the pace of the political world."

President Sho "irritated" by foreign criticism

A slightly irate President Sho commented that members of foreign governments "would do well to think before speaking" when it came to criticising her government's policies.

Reacting to comments by Snefaldian First Minister of Foreign Affairs Ren Dirh, the President said:

"I don't see anything objectionable in my meeting Prime Secretary Khadhim. I have always said that reunification will be an issue decided on by the citizens, not by politicians. There will be a referendum. I can't make it more democratic than that, nor can I make it any clearer."

On the issue of specific Wymgani rights, President Sho smiled patiently.

"Ariddia was founded on an agreement between the Wymgani and colonial settlers. Under this agreement, the Wymgani retain certain rights as the Indigenous people of these Isles. This isn't about their 'plight'; it's about their legal rights. The country's sovereignty is premised on the maintaining of those rights. Once you've made an agreement that's favourable to you, you can't just break it, keep the bits that suit you and reject the rest. The legitimacy of the non-Indigenous presence here ultimately rests on upholding the original agreement that was made with the Wymgani."

She rejected First Minister Dirh's allegation that she was turning a majority of West Ariddians into "second-class citizens subordinate to the Wymgani".

"That's just ridiculous. We have democratic institutions, which enable the majority of voters, whatever their ethnic and cultural background, to decide on a government. Parliament is the supreme legislative body, and it represents all citizens indiscriminately."

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/ltrheadpm.jpg

OFFICIAL DIPLOMATIC COMMUNIQUE

To: President Banita Sho, West Ariddia; John Cohen, Second Secretary, North-West Ariddia; Turei Lauru, Second Secretary, Ariddia; Prime Secretary Nuriyah Khadhim, Federation of the Ariddian Isles

Dear esteemed Ariddian leaders:

His Majesty's Government of Altanar, desiring to maintain and expand the friendly ties between our nations, hereby requests the following change in its diplomatic representation to your nations.

It is our intention to have the current Altanari ambassador to the PDSRA, Lauren Ferguson, serve as the official ambassador from our nation to all of the Ariddian Isles. This would include West Ariddia, North-West Ariddia, and the PDSRA. In addition, we intend to establish consular offices in Aqeyr and in Nouvel Espoir, to serve along with our embassy in Rêvane.

Please understand that appointing a single ambassador for all of your respective states is not meant as a slight, or a parsimonious gesture; in fact, it is meant to reaffirm the Altanari belief that the Ariddian people, regardless of political distinctions or boundaries, are in fact a single people, and should be treated as such.

We hope for further constructive and warm relations with all of the Ariddian people.

Sincerely,
Jinella Agaranth
UCMA Prime Minister

Harley announces intention to visit Ariddian Isles

Liverpool England Prime Minister Michael Harley is today facing strong criticism from some quarters at home after he announced an upcoming planned trip to the Ariddian Isles. He made the announcement at a specially-convened press briefing, saying that he planned to meet the West Ariddian opposition leader Liang Jui-te.

"The main intention of my upcoming visit to the Isles is to hold discussions with the Honourable Opposition Leader in the West Ariddian Parliament, Liang Jui-te, on various topics," Harley said, prompting widespread rumours that the issue of the proposed West Ariddian Indigenous Parliament - which both Mr. Liang's party as well as Harley's government have opposed - would be on the table. Harley did not say if he would meet President Banita Sho, but went on to confirm that he would visit Nouvel Espoir and Rêvane as well.

"In Nouvel Espoir I will be meeting the Ad'ihani ambassador, Sarah Grainger, as well as John Cohen, before travelling to meet Prime Secretary Khadhim in Rêvane."

Critics argue that Harley should not be visiting a country that has recently declared its intentions to achieve full-fledged communism, nor should he visit a country with no formal diplomatic representation with the Grand Federation. Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament, the Environmental Party MP Morgan McNeil, denounced Harley's announcement as "selfish and ignorant", saying: "The Prime Minister's selfish and ignorant wishes have taken precedence here over this country's interests. We have little intention of ever talking to countries with political and economic systems so vastly different from ours, and this shouldn't suddenly change. Surely the Prime Minister isn't as ignorant as to not realise that." The National Leftist Federation declined to comment.

No date has yet been set for Harley's visit.

Ariddian Isles, West Ariddia recognise Altanari ambassador

President Sho and Prime Secretary Khadhim have both announced that their countries' parliaments have approved Ambassador Lauren Ferguson as representative of Altanar.

"There's nothing unusual with one ambassador being posted to several countries, and we look forward to continued good relations with Altanar," a spokesman for the West Ariddian government said. Ambassador Ferguson is expected to visit West Ariddia to present her diplomatic credentials, as per the usual procedure.

Sho: "no comment" on Prime Minister Harley's visit

President Sho has declined to comment on Prime Minister Michael Harley's stated intention to meet Mr. Liang in West Ariddia, without necessarily talking to her as well. Sources close to the president would say only that Mr. Harley is free to speak to whomever he wishes.

Opposition Leader Liang Jui-te has said he will be "pleased" to meet Liverpool England's Prime Minister. Mr. Liang's Free Democratic Party is preparing to submit amendments to the Indigenous Representation Act in Parliament, but the FDP has said it will not announce its proposals until after Mr. Harley's visit. It is thought that Mr. Harley and Mr. Liang will be discussing this very topic.

"Once we're back in government, we'll have a proper referendum on whether or not to keep this 'Indigenous Parliament'," Julian Hubbard (MP, FDP) explained. "But in the meantime, it's crucial to limit its ability to damage our democratic institutions. That's why we'll be proposing amendments, to prevent the Indigenous Parliament from undermining future democratically elected governments."

Fellow member of Parliament U Wes (DCP), who is Indigenous, has said that nothing could justify abolishing the Indigenous Parliament before it has even been created. "If you remove Wymgani rights, you're undermining the legal legitimacy of this nation," he warned. "Break the cession treaty, and you're telling the Wymgani people they can reclaim full sovereignty."

President Sho faces resistance to animal rights bill

West Ariddia's president has admitted that she is facing significant opposition to a proposal on animal rights legislation.

The initial bill was designed to outlaw "acts of unnecessary and extreme cruelty" to animals, and was described by the president as "very mild". Nonetheless, the Opposition FDP has said it will block the proposal, and most Socialist MPs -who control the swing of Parliament- appear to oppose it too.

"There must be clear limits to Statist interference," Opposition leader Liang Jui-te said. "The proposal isn't even clear on what 'unecessary and extreme cruelty' means. We could end up with extremists dragging innocent citizens to court for stepping on insects. That's the kind of silliness that's enshrined in legislation over in Ariddia. It's time this government stopped trying to mimick our neighbours, a failed communist state."

Reports hint that even the DCP may not fully back its leader on this one. "I'd say the proposal may receive as few as 37 votes" out of 99, one MP suggested confidentially to the press.

President Sho says she is "baffled" by the lack of support.

"My government's proposal does very little. It does exactly what I've said it does. It stops you from committing cruel acts that are both extreme and unnecessary. Quite frankly, I couldn't have made it any milder. I don't see how anyone could oppose it. I'm going to try and explain it more clearly to Parliament, and I think I can get support even from reasonable and moderate members of the FDP."

She added: "I believe the West Ariddian people are compassionate and kind. A lot of people will be puzzled and upset if Parliament rejects this very moderate bill."

Aqeyr

In a low-key ceremony, a new Altanari consulate opened up in the West Ariddian capital. There wasn't much fanfare; in typical Altanari style, things were kept relatively quiet and dignified. A simple ribbon-cutting ceremony, raising of the Altanari flag and playing of the national anthem, and things were done. A similar ceremony had occurred earlier in the day in Nouvel Espoir, christening the new consulate there. But another step in Aqeyr remained to be done.

Lauren Ferguson (http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r56/smurfie_bucket/marjorie.jpg), the newly empowered Altanari representative to West Ariddia, waved over one of her aides as she handed the ribbon-cutting scissors off to someone else. "Have you notified the West Ariddians that I'm to present my credentials?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am. I trust that they'll be expecting us," the aide replied, as they walked to a sleek black limousine parked in front of the new consulate.

Harley meets Liang Jui-te

Liverpool England Prime Minister Michael Harley has met West Ariddian opposition leader Liang Jui-te, for a short briefing, according to the a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. Harley had not announced when he would be leaving on his tour to the Ariddian Isles, and the secrecy behind his trip has been controversial.

The statement from the PMO also confirmed that Mr. Harley would conduct further meetings with Mr. Liang, but would not meet West Ariddian President Banita Sho before leaving for Nouvel Espoir in North-West Ariddia, where he will meet Secretary John Cohen as well as Ad'ihan Ambassador Sarah Grainger.

"The Prime Minister would like to confirm that he will not be speaking directly to the press about his current trip at his first news conference, to take place after tomorrow's lengthier discussions with Mr. Liang. Prime Minister Harley also wishes to confirm that he has decided not to meet the President, Ms. Banita Sho, while he is here in Aqeyr," said the statement.

It has widely been rumoured that Mr. Harley and Mr. Liang will discuss the West Ariddian Indigenous Parliament Act, which Mr. Harley has expressed doubts about.

Prime Minister Harley will also meet Ariddian Prime Secretary Nuriyah Khadhim on this trip.

OOC: Altanar, did you want to RP that?

IC:
Liang tight-lipped on talks with PM Harley

West Ariddian Opposition leader Liang Jui-te has not yet revealed the topic of his first talk with Liverpool England's Prime Minister Michael Harley. Mr. Liang has said he will issue a public comment at a later date, after further meetings.

The Free Democratic Party is expected to propose significant amendments, or possibly even a repeal, of the controversial Indigenous Representation Act.

The President's office has not commented on Mr. Harley's decision not to meet with President Sho.

Privately, one DCP member of Parliamented commented that Mr. Harley's behavious in this matter seemed "childish" and like an "insult to democracy".

Relations were strained between Liverpool England and West Ariddia after Prime Minister Harley said that the Act was "nothing more than a move by President Sho to consolidate power".

Ms. Sho also faced a recent backlash from Parliament when her proposed bill to outlaw "cruel and unnecessary" practices against animals was rejected by Parliament, having been supported by only 45 MPs (out of 99). She is now expected to request the right to submit the bill directly to the people by referendum.

FDP submits amendments to Indigenous Representation Act

The Free Democratic Party has submitted to Parliament a number of amendments destined to curb the role and powers of the West Ariddian Indigenous Parliament (which will, in any case, not meet until after the next national election). If the FDP's proposal is adopted, the W.A.I.P. will not be abolished, but it will be stripped of all effective political power.

"The Indigenous Parliament will become a sort of council of experts on indigenous matters and indigenous rights," FDP leader Liang Jui-te explained. "It will be authorised to comment on Parliament's legislation, and to propose amendments to Parliament. But that's all. It can send a bill back to Parliament once, not four times, and Parliament's decision after that extra reading will be final. The Indigenous Parliament will not be empowered to veto or constrain the democratically elected national Parliament in any way."

Mr. Liang is expected to face a tough battle to push his proposal through Parliament, and will have to court the support of Socialist representatives to obtain a favourable majority. (See the current composition of the West Ariddian Parliament (http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/1717/waparlgraphxz2.jpg).)

"It's crucial that we succeed in this now," Mr. Liang insisted. "If we have to wait until we regain a majority in Parliament after the next election, we'll have the undemocratic Indigenous Parliament to contend with, and the damage will be done."

Parliament authorises Sho to take animal rights bill to the people

By 61 votes to 26, with 12 abstaining, Parliament has granted President Sho the right to submit her animal rights bill to the people via referendum. A fairly short text, the proposal seeks to outlaw acts of "extreme and unnecessary cruelty". It was rejected by Parliament, but MPs have agreed that the people's sovereignty should be allowed to express itself on this issue. President Sho had urged her political opponents to "show their commitment to democracy" by not "denying the people the right to decide".

Opinion surveys fluctuate wildly, but it is estimated that around 47% of voters may approve the President's proposal. Her supporters are keen to describe it as "very mild".

One DCP MP, Trevor Meed, has told voters: "Corporate interests will try to deceive you with lies." The proposal is expected to stir up a storm of controversy and debate.

Sho "upset" at referendum failure

President Sho has admitted that she found the failure of her referendum on "basic animal welfare" "upsetting". The proposal she had submitted to referendum was supported by only 48.4% of voters who did cast a vote, while over 30% abstained from voting altogether.

"Obviously, we weren't able to explain our proposal well enough to convince a large majority our fellow citizens," Ms. Sho said. "I'd like to thank those who did vote in favour. Your sheer numbers are reason enough for some faith and optimism."

Opposition amendments rejected by Parliament

Opposition leader Liang Jui-te also faced disappointment when his proposed amendments to the Indigenous Representation Act were supported by only 49 Members of Parliament - just one short of a majority.

The 44 FDP representatives voted in favour, while the 48 DCP MPs voted against, and the lone Blank Party representative naturally abstained. The balance thus lay in the hands of the "centrist" Socialist Party.

A Socialist Party extraordinary congress was convened before the vote, to determine the party's position on the issue. At the end of a lengthy and often controversial debate, it was decided that the Socialists should support the FDP.

Socialist leader Richard Ember explained: "I don't think the amendments are perfect. But on the whole I'd say they're reasonable. I'd like to see the Indigenous Parliament have the right to prepare legislation of its own and submit it to Parliament. But that's something we can discuss at a later date."

But one of the six Socialist MPs, Luc Seu, warned he would not follow the party line.

"Under the terms of this country's founding legislation," he argued, "Wymgani interests must be protected."

When it came to the vote, therefore, Mr. Seu's was the only one that counted, depriving Mr. Liang of the majority he needed. Mr. Ember has said he is "disappointed" by Mr. Seu's refusal to follow party directives.

"I probably won't be allowed onto the Socialist list for the next parliamentary election," Mr. Seu remarked. "I don't really care. I voted based on what my conscience dicatated, and based on what the Constitution required."

With the failure of the amendments, the Indigenous Parliament will come into being as was originally intended. It will no doubt exercise a strong influence on subsequent governments. It is not often that a Socialist MP makes history in West Ariddia, but Luc Seu's vote may well have shaped the course of the country's future in a fundamental way.

Harley calls on John Cohen

NOUVEL ESPOIR, North-West Ariddia— Liverpool England Prime Minister Michael Harley has called on North-West Ariddian leader John Cohen on the latest stop of his tripe around the Ariddian Isles. The meeting between the two men came as the West Ariddian Parliament rejected moves by the opposition Free Democratic Party, led by Liang Jui-te and which Harley and his government have expressed support for, to lessen the influence of the proposed new West Ariddian Indigenous Parliament.

Speaking to reporters before meeting Mr. Cohen, Prime Minister Harley expressed his disappointment at the news from Aqeyr. "Indeed, I have been informed that the West Ariddian Parliament chose to reject Mr. Liang's proposed amendments to the WAIP. It's a disappointing outcome, it's undemocratic and unfortunate. I've not spoken to him (Liang Jui-te) since our meeting, but will be calling him as soon as it's possible for me to do so." When asked if he would bring the topic up with Mr. Cohen, Harley noted that "West Ariddia's matters are not the Federation's (Ariddian Isles) matters," but conceded that Cohen and Prime Secretary Nuriyah Khadhim, whom he will be meeting in Rêvane, had "massive influence" over President Sho.

OOC: His name was initially Jeremy, but then for some reason I started calling him John by mistake. Never mind. He'll be Jeremy John.

IC:
NWA leader meets LE's Prime Minister

Second Secretary J.J. Cohen of North-West Ariddia has welcomed Liverpool England's Prime Minister Michael Harley, who has crossed the international border which cuts through the suburbs of the city of Nouvel Espoir. The city makes up most of NWA's territory, and the inner suburbs are mostly North-West Ariddian, while many of the outer suburban towns are under West Ariddian sovereignty. Described as one of the world's strangest borders, it is only loosely guarded, and is crossed daily by trains, buses and cars ferrying commuters from their home in one country to their workplace in the other.

Mr. Cohen welcomed Mr. Harley warmly. The left-wing press in NWA has been critical of Mr. Harley's refusal to meet West Ariddian President Banita Sho, but Mr. Cohen made no comment to his guest on that issue.

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Nouvel Espoir in the evening

"I'll be pleased to discuss whatever issues Prime Minister Harley has come to talk about," Mr. Cohen said, adding that he hoped for close relations between his State and Liverpool England.

North-West Ariddia has developed its own brand of socialism, without outlawing private property or phasing out the use of money, as the PDSRA has done.

OOC: Altanar, did you want to RP that?

OOC: We can if you like, it would probably be very brief unless the West Ariddians had matters to discuss with the ambassador. Most of Altanar's attention is going to be focused on the talks taking place right now about the autonomy issue.

OOC: We can if you like, it would probably be very brief unless the West Ariddians had matters to discuss with the ambassador. Most of Altanar's attention is going to be focused on the talks taking place right now about the autonomy issue.

OOC: OK, well, the meeting with Ambassador Ferguson would be pure diplomatic routine, then. There wouldn't seem to be much point in RPing it.

OOC: Moving forward, now that the World Cup is starting. I can still backpost in response to posts.

IC:
West Ariddia prepares referendum on reunification

As she had promised two years ago, President Banita Sho has launched the campaign for a fresh referendum on reunification with the Federation of the Ariddian Isles. The original referendum had been a failure, with only 47,1% voting in favour. The Opposition has voiced its displeasure at a new vote being held so soon.

“The citizens of this country have already spoken,” said Opposition leader Liang Jui-te (FDP). “What the president is doing is telling the people she doesn’t accept their verdict, and now she’s going to pressure them into changing their minds. I have nothing against the PDSRA. But it’s a foreign country, and it should have no say in what happens in West Ariddia. We don’t want to go from being a First World country to a Third World.”

He added: “If we are absorbed into Ariddia –and that’s what this is about, absorption and loss of sovereignty– we’ll have a communist head of State, forever. I don’t think that’s what any honest democrat in this country wants.”

President Sho (DCP) has dismissed such concerns as “scaremongering”, and has pointed out that a reintegrated West Ariddia would remain completely self-governing.

“Nothing will be done against the wishes of the West Ariddian people,” she insisted.

West Ariddia embraces reunification

When the result was announced in the media at eight o’clock in the evening, it could leave no-one indifferent. 50,3% of West Ariddians had voted in favour of re-unification with the rest of the Ariddian Isles, in a referendum which had seen an 84% rate of participation.

People gathered in the streets within minutes to party and celebrate, while others walked past, their faces grim and worried.

The federal flag could be seen flying from windows throughout the island, although other homes purposefully displayed the old, pre-communist sky blue and grey West Ariddian flag, generally associated with the capitalist era.

The result was also greeted with shouts of joy in Ariddia. One elderly woman broke down in tears.

“I left West Ariddia and came here as a young woman,” she said. “A lot of my family are still in West Ariddia. Now we are all one people again.”

Conversely, West Ariddian supporters of capitalism expressed their concern.

“I’d been thinking for a while about emigrating,” one man said. “Now I’ve more or less made up my mind. I’m going to move my business to a freer country while I still can. The commies here are only just getting started, and I don’t want to be here when they’ve finished messing everything up.”

A high rate of emigration has been perceived as a crucial factor in the success of the referendum, with capitalists going and communists staying.

“This is wonderful,” West Ariddian President Banita Sho said, visibly moved. “This is amazing. It’s one of the greatest days in the history of our nation. After more than a hundred years, we’re going to be reunited at last.”

Prime Secretary Nuriyah Khadhim, leader of the Ariddian Isles’ Federation, has welcomed the outcome of the vote.

“We look forward to embracing our brothers and sisters, our comrades from West Ariddia,” she said. “We will respect their right to govern themselves, while we invite them to build the future of the Ariddian Isles with us, together. At long last these words have meaning: Ariddia is one. We are all one people. We are all one nation. We are all Ariddians.”

Re-unification will become effective in three years’ time, when elections will be held throughout the Ariddian Isles. West Ariddians will elect their Parliament, as always, but no President; instead, a ‘Second Secretary’ will be appointed by Parliament, and West Ariddia will become a self-governing State within the Federation. West Ariddians will take part in federal elections on that same day.

West Ariddian Opposition leader Liang Jui-te spoke to the media after the referendum, his face grave. The politician and businessman had personally funded much of his party’s campaign against unification.

“Today West Ariddia has destroyed its own sovereignty,” he began. “A vast number of West Ariddians voted against this disastrous self-mutilation, and against having their rights stripped away from them by a multinational communist collective. The FDP intends to appeal to the courts against reunification, on constitutional grounds.”

He added that, if re-unification did happen, West Ariddians should not allow themselves to be “bullied” by communists.

“You can still elect whatever government you want,” he reminded them. “Treasure that right, and use it wisely. Use it to protect your own freedom in this dark hour.”

Councillor expresses apprehension at West Ariddian vote

SARGEDAIN- In one of his last days in office, long-serving Councillor Reijihan Herad expressed a sense of apprehension when given news of the West Ariddian reunification referendum, saying that he's "disappointed" that so many people are unhappy with the outcome.

"Far be it from me to criticize foreign governments, but I get the feeling that with a 50.3% approval rate the West Ariddian government is playing fast and loose with people's live... a bare miminal majority does not give a mandate, I think."

Herad, who has served several decades in the Tuhran Bel with distinction, will be leaving the highest government organ in December. He suggested that West Ariddian would have been better served by looking for a supermajority vote, to ensure that the wishes of West Ariddian citizens were better represented.

"Now, we'll see a diaspora of West Ariddians who don't want to live under the Federation. It's a sad state that law-abiding citizens are forced to give up their sovereignty when the margin of victory is so miniscule. Point three percent of West Ariddians made the vote! What about that 49.7% of the country?"

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Aqeyr was once the heart of one of the world's greatest economies. But many businessmen have fled.

Government "takes note" of international concern

President Banita Sho has said that her government is "taking due note" of concern expressed by foreign leaders, but added that "there is absolutely nothing to be concerned about."

Claude Suzerain, Minister for Health, had the following to say: "Some people have short memories. They seem to have forgotten that the initial secession of this island was illegal, and that many Limeans back then, a century or so ago, found themselves trapped in a capitalist society they hadn't asked for and didn't want. Now a majority of people have asked for re-unification, and they shall have it. We'll also have self-government. People who are describing this as some sinister communist coup are hypocrites. We will remain self-governing, we will remain a democracy, and if at any time the citizens of this country want an FDP government, they remain, of course, free to elect one."

As is traditional in West Ariddia, supporters and opponents of reunification have organised large-scale protest marches. For the most part, the former back the DCP, while the latter tend to be FDP voters.

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Firston 'cautious' about West Ariddia vote

Foreign Minister Jeremy Firston has expressed "cautious optimism" over the recent vote in West Ariddia over the future of the island-state's sovereignty. With 50.3% of those voting indicating they want re-unification with North-West Ariddia and Ariddia, which have already formed the Federation of the Ariddian Isles, there have been concerns that West Ariddia's capitalist economy would suffer if it were to join the Socialist/Communist Federation.

However, Firston has moved to downplay those fears. Firston, who under Prime Minister Michael Harley welcomed the initial reunification of Nouvel Espoir and Rêvane, indicated that it was not necessarily bad news. "I think it's cause for some cautious optimism. While it's no secret that we don't have good relations with President Sho in Aqeyr, I think that West Ariddia should follow the example of Nouvel Espoir (North-West Ariddia). They've managed to keep their open economy going despite being a member of the Federation."

The issue of reunification in the Ariddian Isles is one that the Liverpool England government does not see eye-to-eye with West Ariddian opposition leader Liang Jui-te on, with Harley having given the Federation his full backing in its early days. And Firston showed no signs of that changing anytime soon.

"Of course, Mr. Liang is a close friend to our government. However we do feel that his concerns are unfounded, as we've seen with NWA. It would be good for West Ariddia to rejoin the Federation to finally re-unite the Ariddian Isles for once and for all after so many years of trouble."

King: West Ariddian reunification vote "long overdue"

While His Majesty's Government had no official comment on the recent West Ariddian vote in favor of reunification, His Majesty himself was not shy about expressing his opinion on the matter.

Speaking from Argalia City, where he is participating in multiparty talks, King Aelkyn praised the reunification vote as "an event that was long overdue" and "a great victory for the Ariddian people".

"With this vote, the West Ariddian people have rejected self-interest and separatism, and have rejoined their Ariddian brothers and sisters in one nation. We wish nothing but the best for West Ariddia, and for the Ariddian Isles as a whole," Aelkyn said.

Addressing fears of FDP supporters, Aelkyn said that "West Ariddia, under the structure of the Ariddian Federation, will be able to retain their own government and state, but will be part of the greater Ariddian nation once again. I hope that the FDP supporters can see past their fears and realize why that is a good thing." Aelkyn urged capitalist supporters to also remain in West Ariddia and build their nation. "While Altanar has benefitted greatly from businesspeople and capital coming here from West Ariddia, we're not pursuing a narrow self-interest here. I respectfully urge people considering fleeing West Ariddia to remain there; there is no honor served in abandoning one's nation simply because one thinks the fight ahead of them may be long or difficult," the King added.

West Ariddia grateful for international support

The government has issued a brief statement thanking foreign leaders for their support for Ariddian re-unification.

“I think it’s very important to understand that, at every stage, it’s the people themselves who have decided on whether reunification should take place, and how it should take place,” a government spokesman said.


Communist parties of the Ariddian Isles merge

In the beginning –to paraphrase an old saying– there was the Democratic Party, born in 1930, long before the Ariddian Isles split. It soon became the Democratic Communist Party, and went from being a fringe movement of unpopular leftists to gaining power in 1985. Xavier Gris founded the Social Republic, and we all know the rest.

When Limea seceded to become West Ariddia, the DCP remained active on the island, initially as a branch of the Ariddian party. It eventually became autonomous, as did the DCP in North-West Ariddia. Three parties, all with the same name and the same roots, in three independent countries with a same history.

Now that Ariddia is preparing to reunify (nominally, at least), the three parties have been discussing their common future extensively. Today, a decision was announced to re-unify the Party as well as the country. The new party will be known as the Ariddian Communist Party (PCA), dropping the attribute ‘Democratic’. These aspects have stirred some controversy, but appear to be broadly accepted by party members and supporters.

“We all decided together that ‘Democratic Communist’ is redundant,” North-West Ariddian leader Jeremy Cohen explained. “Communism, in theory and as practiced in these Isles, is inherently democratic. Communism, by definition, can only be democratic. We have democracy; what we’re focusing on now is communism.”

The party will continue to have three distinct branches, one in each State. While the PDSRA’s branch moves towards implementing communism, the party in North-West Ariddia will continue that State’s own approach to socialism, and in West Ariddia the Communist Party will endeavour to build a sustainable socialist society.

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(Tyrellia, Whitefox, Casari)-In a news conference today, Casaran Premier Meia Winter and Prime Minister and head of the Casari Liberal Thomas Carter issued a joint statement stating their support of the Ariddian people as their communist oppressors seek further domination.

"It is always sad when a few try forcing their hand and decide to oppress their people by smothering them with more and more levels of bureaucracy and control, which seems to happen in Ariddia by the day, especially with the upcoming intent to subjugate another sovereign and independent land under their heel," said Winter today as part of her weekly statements in front of the National Assembly.

Carter was quick to support Winter. "The establishment of communism never comes with it's promises of freedom, but with violence and death, as we have seen in far too many cases around the world. Hopefully the reality of the situation will continue to come out and the West Ariddian people will see that their freedom is far more important than kowtowing to a neighboring power that merely desires to wring what value can be had."

Afterward, a motion was approved to offer a greater number of immigration visas to people from the Ariddian Isles, in the hope that whose who desire to live in a free society may exercise the option, either in Casari or by using Casari as a jumping off point to move to another nation.

The rest of the government session today rested on national issues, mostly the ongoing process of government and tax code reform, as the Winter Premiership seeks to reduce government overhead by merging similar directorates from different ministries and reduce the tax burden accordingly.

Ariddia: Winter and Carter should apologise

Recent statements from the Casaran Premier and Prime Minister have been met with scorn and disbelief in Ariddia. Senior members of the government have said the words of the Casaran leaders are "below contempt and not worth commenting on", leaving it to Shimon ben Haim, a senior civil servant in the Secretariat for External Affairs, to respond.

"Casari's leaders are either grossly misinformed -and I don't believe that to be the case for a moment- or they're deliberately lying," said Mr. ben Haim. "We have to assume they've chosen to lie to their people, to discredit communism, to discredit the Ariddian model, and to make sure the Casaran people remain ignorant and obedient. To make sure they don't start asking for the types of rights and freedoms we have in Ariddia."

Mr. ben Haim explained: "Mr. Carter insinuated that we have spread communism through violence and death. That's not ignorance, that's a deliberate and shameless lie. The Casaran people are lead by liars who should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves. And Ms. Winter said that West Ariddia's joining the Federation was due to pressure and bullying from the PDSRA. She deliberately failed to tell the Casaran people that the PDSRA played no part in determining this issue, which was decided by a referendum, by the West Ariddian people. And of course the idea that the PDSRA could have bullied West Ariddia, which has a huge, well-equipped military and is a nuclear power, is just... well, it's just silly."

"I think Ms. Winter and Mr. Carter should apologise," he said. "They should apologise to the people of the Ariddian Isles for lying about us, and they should apologise to the people of Casari for lying to them."

The following is a broadcast from Sangita News, a broadcast news program in Allasha.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/kuroutesshin/SangitaNews.jpg

"Good evening, I'm Neela Sambal and this is the Discussion Hour on Sangita News. Our top story tonight comes from the nation of West Ariddia, part of the Ariddian archipelago. We first covered (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13071816&postcount=23) affairs in West Ariddia when President Brown dissolved the West Ariddian state, and we return to that country after a mcuh political turmoil, and a plebiscite approving the unification of West Ariddia with the rest of the Ariddian Isles. My guests tonight are the Honored Arsathae Andrew Holbrook (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/kuroutesshin/23271759.jpg), Chief Librarian of the Sargedain Library..."


Holbrook: "Good evening, Neela."

Sambal: "Wang Jishui (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/kuroutesshin/xinsrc_2120404042153000217145.jpg), Public Policy expert with the Dai Tian School in Zhong..."

Wang: "It's good to be here, Neela."

Sambal: "And Bel Ha'ad Arai la-Zy (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a188/kuroutesshin/indira2.jpg), member of the Cahn Jahgn Tribe and the only female represenative of the Cahn in the Tuhran Bel."

la-Zy: "Thank you."

Sambal: "Let's get to the topic, then. President Banita Sho was good on her promise for another referendum on unification after the failure of the last attempt. The margins, though slightly reversed, were even smaller than the previous vote. There's been international criticism and support, and our own Honored Councillor Herad commented on the vote. What does this mean for West Ariddia?"

Wang: "Well, Neela, we need to look at Ms. Sho's motives. She was criticized heavily for promising another referendum after the failure of her first attempt, yet pushed on and was successful, despite the campaign of Liang Jui-te's bloc. Ms. Sho's allegiances always seemed to run more toward the PSDRA- greater Ariddia- than to the smaller Western state."

Sambal: "Are you suggesting she's betraying her country by supporting unification?"

Wang: "Not at all. There's no treason here; West Ariddians are Ariddians too."

Holbrook: "That doesn't change the fact that West Ariddia was a sovereign state with a constitution and a democtratically elected government, despite their secession. Whatever you've heard from the Isles, there is nothing illegal about a group seceding when their needs aren't met by the state."

la-Zy: "I agree, really. The North-West Ariddians would have to be called traitors, then, because they disagreed with what Aqeyr's policies were. But really, the problem I see is the incredibly small margin by which unification was achieved- a magin of .3%! That's barely a majority."

Sambal: "Let's look at the facts, then: emigration in West Ariddia is skyrocketing, largely due to President Sho's policies. Capitalists and possible opponents of unification have fled West Ariddia since the DPC came to power. How does that figure into the equation?"

Holbrook: "It's a huge part of the equation! The more conservative elements of the government were undermined as the DPC essentially forced citizens to adopt socialist policies or leave the country. If Liang Jui-te had won the presidential election, this referendum would have failed- I wage the margins would be somewhere around 60% in opposition. Sho's policies made immigrants of her opponents and ensured a victory this time around."

Wang: "That's rather obtuse. The mere virtue of the original Sho victory shows that more people wanted a socialist government."

la-Zy: "I'm afraid you're the one being obtuse. Are you that the Sho government's policies didn't spur all that emigration?"

Wang: "Well, it's rather hard to say..."

la-Sy: "Please! West Ariddian news reported personal accounts of families leaving rather than have their private property seized, or see more socialist policies destroy their business! It's a documented fact that people started to leave because of Banita Sho."

Sambal: Let's take a step back and look at the greater Ariddian archipelago, shall we? What do you make of the decision of the Democratic Communist parties to unite as one single Communist entity?"

Holbrook: "Terrifying. It proves that the Ariddian Federation is nothing more than a communist party organization to subjugate the sovereign nations of West Ariddia and North-West Ariddia through socialist policies."

Wang: "Don't be so hasty. It's entirely within their right to form pan-governmental parties. I'd say it's helpful for the Ariddian people."

la-Zy: "Not when those people identify themselves as seperate ethnically from the greater Ariddian peoples. West Ariddia regarded itself as a seperate entity from Ariddia for almost 100 years! Just because the Neeri are part of Snefaldia doesn't make them Sringi, too."

Wang: "But if we renamed Neer Dal tomorrow it wouldn't make them Sringi either. They're still Neeri, no matter what you call their land."

Holbrook: "You're starting to sound like Shimon ben Haim, whatever doesn't fit into the propaganda the socialists fed you is evil. The socialist Ariddians can't even keep a civil tongue when they talk about capitalist nations- accusing other nations of denying rights and freedoms, it's disingenuous."

Wang: "You wouldn't jump to the Casarian defense if they had called Councillors Yu and Seefeikh liars and murderers!"

la-Zy: "Please, let's be rational here. We need to talk about what's best for West Ariddian her people. For those emigrants who felt they had no other choice, life will be much harder. We need to look at the immediate consequences of political change, whether it's socialist of capitalist."

Sambal: "Quite right. We're going to take a short break, and when we come back we'll be paying homage to Honored Councillor Reijihan Herad and discussing the ups and downs of his long career in the Tuhran Bel. I'm Neela Sambal, and this is Sangita News."

Riley commits another on-air gaffe on West Ariddia
Congressional leaders demand Riley resign for 'degrading' remarks about Sho

PARADISE CITY (Allied Press) --- Months after raising eyebrows over comments about former West Ariddian President Ea L'lew, Assistant Secretary of State Jack Riley is now being hounded by calls to resign after telling Fox News that the recent West Ariddian reunification vote was fixed and that President Banita Sho was a failure.

"You'd think Riley would have learned his lesson by now, but apparently not," said Assembly Minority Leader John Hankley, referring to past comments about L'lew. "It's time for him to go. Two strikes, you're out." Hankley and fourteen other Assembly Liberals signed a statement Monday urging President Fernanda to ask for Riley's resignation.

In a Fox News-NS interview on Sunday, Riley expressed doubts that West Ariddians could accept the "rigged vote" on reunification, and urged the island nation's leaders to hold off on implementing the referendum, which passed by just 50.3% of the vote, until the results could be verified independently.

After cutting to commercial, Riley began to joke around with news anchor Bill Hemmer that Sho was such a "loser" that "she has to resort to electoral fraud to get what she wants," and even suggested that the young and attractive Wymgani politician "go back to her native village" and "dance for some big horny Islander dudes; it seems to be the only thing she'd be good at."

However, due to a station error, Fox News stayed on air, and the totality of Riley's remarks were broadcast to 70 million homes nationwide.

Riley's office was quick to note that their boss "was only joking," and that "people shouldn't freak out over this."

Still, the remarks were "inappropriate," said OMGTKK Envoy to the Ariddian Isles Cornelius Sherwood Forest, who assured the Sho government Monday that Riley's comments on the whole "did not reflect the Federal Republic's policy on West Ariddia or Ariddian reunification in any way, shape or form."

A statement Monday from Secretary of State Alex Tehrani expressed support for embattled Assistant Secretary Riley, and said calls for his resignation were "premature." Tehrani also stated that the Federal Republic "supports West Ariddian efforts to shape their own destiny.

"If the voters of West Ariddia want to reunite with their neighbors, that's their choice, and we shouldn't begrudge them saying so democratically," the statement read. "In a democracy, you get what you vote for."

The Coricas Post

Coricas, Cookesland (AP) - In a recent referendum for re-unification with the Ariddian Federation placed by the West Ariddian Government, the people of West Arridia have shown they wish to reunite with their larger neighbor...but barely. When the polls closed it came down to a margin of 50.3% For with 49.7% Against. This has caused some statements by nations concerned that the Sho Administration is acting too quickly on the referendum, or not taking into account the margin of error, or even a fixed outcome.

The Foxswift Administration stated it had "no official position at this time", however in a recent survey most Cookeslanders felt that the referendum should not be passed by such a small margin of error.

"It's unbelievable", says commuter Mike Martinez "the communists stage a coup against the government claiming 'it's in the best interests of the state' and now look what they're doing, completely giving up their sovereign rights in the name of the people. I say get an independent and neutral entity to count these votes then maybe we'll see a wider margin."