NationStates Jolt Archive

Emigration a "concern" for all sides

On one issue at least, the two major parties in West Ariddia are speaking with the same voice. The Communist Party has made numerous comments telling prospective emigrants that there is no reason for them to leave the country. And the Free Democratic party has railed a government which, it says, "is pushing people into exile".

If one were to be a cynic, one might point out that both sides are being affected by the high emigration levels. The DCP government is facing a flight of capital and an exodus of economic managerial skill. The FDP is losing a vital chunk of its electoral power base.

"You can help fix our country by staying here and voting," Opposition leader Liang Jui-te urged, not for the first time. "When the next election comes, every vote will count."

President Sho admitted, during an interview, that the capitalist emigration had "quite possibly" been "crucial" to the success of her referendum on re-unification. "Why should I deny it?" the President said. "I didn't ask them to leave. In fact, I'm asking them to stay. But everyone knows the result of the referendum was close, and that people who could have voted but didn't could, hypothetically, have swung it the other way."

She added: "The future of this country will be decided by those who stay."


President Sho steers clear of "Riley controversy"

The President made no official response after Kennyite Assistant Secretary of State Jack Riley accused her of incompetence and vote-rigging, as well as suggest that she should "go back to her native village" and "dance for some big horny Islander dudes". West Ariddian authorities have diplomatically accepted the Kennyite Envoy's official attempt to smoothe the matter over. A written communiqué also stated that West Ariddia would welcome any outside, independent review of the referendum process, "if anybody feels it's necessary".

President Sho's silence, however, contrasts with an uproar by public opinion and junior members of government.

"It was off the record, of course," said generally left-leaning journalist Jean-Yves Lefer. "But surely every politician should know that you should never trust an open microphone. Mr. Riley's comments were racist, sexist, and I can understand why some are calling for his resignation. If this is an indication of what he really thinks, I find it worrying that he's in such a position of influence in the Kennyite government."

"We would like an apology from Mr. Riley," said Lucy Owu, an Indigenous elder from the Asue'li people, President Sho's Wymgani community.

Opposition leader Mr. Liang agreed that Mr. Riley's comments were "very inappropriate". He added: "I highly doubt the referendum was rigged, to be honest. The referendum should never have happened, but I don't think the commies would have been stupid enough to rig the result. If it had failed, Sho would just have forced another one on us all two years or so from now."

Jack Riley's comments have made some people happy, though: the tabloids. The popular tabloid The Inquiry latched onto Mr. Riley's comments about the President dancing in front of "horny Wymgani dudes", and proceded to try and find out whether any such thing had, in fact, happened already. The newspaper -which frequently refers to "Banita 'Red Hot' Sho"- published a comment by a former schoolmate of the President's, saying that "From what I remember, she did dance rather well. I'm sure that must have made at least a few people horny, whether they were Wymgani or anything else." Accompanying the brief article was a photograph of Ms. Sho dancing in an open air nightclub, at the age (apparently) of 17.

Not surprisingly, the President has made no comment.

Jeruselem Government News

Bike optimistic about Ariddian re-unification

Jeruselem's Ambassador to Arridia and West Arridia, Lady Dazzarina Handiskya Dallas (aka The Bike) said she was optimistic about the re-unification process.

She said "These things never go smoothly, you will always have thorns to deal with. I know there will the problems but for sake of unity, I am sure over time things will settled down. Everything seems to look like a Work in Progress sign but then that's politics. Nothing is perfect and well, things falls to pieces all the time. I'm no pro-Commie but I think they have enough problems already without outsiders throwing in wrenches. I just want the Arridian and West Arridian people to get best of the situation. I think the vote was a bit close and needs to be verified but the claims of fraud need to be proved too. Politics is not black and white, it's a grey mist."

When asked about Ms Sho dancing with 'horny Wymgani dudes' at a nightclub, Dazza said "Every young girl gets into that stage, but I'm sure Ms Sho has grown out of it unlike myself. Be thankful, Ms Sho is not like me. I think what Ms Sho did as a young person should be left alone, as everyone was young and silly once. Some people like me don't grow out that phase but we should not dwell on these things."

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AMKARETHZ HOLDINGS WITHDRAWS FROM WEST ARIDDIA

Amkarethz Holdings has ended all operations in West Ariddia including GAPC West Ariddia
By Elinisha Rowan

Amkarethz Holdings has announced that it will be withdrawing General Aerionian Productions Corporation operations from West Ariddia due to the “political instability“ in the country. Many Aerionian employees in West Ariddia have already left, mostly supervisors, and executives.

President & CEO Morthian Amkarethz stated to one reporter, “President Sho has made it very difficult for businesses to operate successfully in West Ariddia as they once were. Her socialist policies are contrary to the capitalist environment needed for successful operations. Plans of reunification only show President Sho’s future intensions of a complete communist West Ariddia without private enterprise. We choose to withdraw now while we are ahead.”

Amkarethz Holdings through various subsidiaries, including GAPC factories employed over 50,000 West Ariddians. All employees working with Amkarethz Holdings have been offered work in Amkarethz Holdings’s Corporate Semi-Autonemous Territory at GAPC or other operations there. Amkarethz Holdings has promised to secure visas for any potential emigrants, and to pay for one-way travel. All personnel are, however, laid off from their jobs in West Ariddia.

GAPC West Ariddia Headquarters in Aqeyr was for the most part empty. The building, as well as other Amkarethz Holdings assets in West Ariddia that could not be moved are currently for sale.

Several hedge funds that had investments in West Ariddia businesses were also withdrawn.

The Royal Government, and the Royal Embassy in Aqeyr has yet to comment on Amkarethz Holdings actions.


Continued on page 3

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(Tyrellia, Whitefox, Casari)- Ariddian officials, acting through a junior official, demanded apologies and changes in the opinion of the Winter Premiership today. However, such demands seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

Both Winter and Carter were at a memorial service and dedicating ceremony in Revolution Square today, christening a monument bearing the names of those that died in a recent string of violent acts carried out by Communists looking to overthrow the government. However, Winter did feel it prudent to turn to the growing animosity with the government of Ariddia.

"Today we stand here in the shadow of the true legacy of Communism- violence and the death of innocent people. In recent times, we have all felt the fear that is a requirement for Communism to flourish, and we must all take steps to save and protect our citizens from both the ideals and actions of those seeking to take over our nation for their own benefit.

"An efficient yet minimal military intended to protect ourselves from external threat, minimal funding for the development of despicable weapons of mass destruction- weapons of fear, when money could be spent on far better things- and the belief that we all can be relied upon to care for and protect each other and the nation from ideals we do not wish forced upon us.

"Sadly, the socialist and communist leaders of foreign nations feel the opposite, and stand on the horizon with bloated armed forces, weapons to devastate foreign lands and peoples, the desire to expand their rule over other states, and now, some feel the need to portray myself and the properly chosen and elected government of our nation as liars who have to resort to lying to our own people.

"Casari is by no means a perfect place, and unlike others, we do not try to portray it as such. But at the same time, we care about our own people foremost, and don't detach ourselves from their will in an attempt to further our own political ideals through political gambits such as unification and forced systems of government. We feel that that is the kind of country people truly want to live in, and if any would choose to join us- from elsewhere in the Karini Islands or anywhere in the world- we would happily welcome and embrace them, while bearing no judgment on their past or places of origin.

"But at the same time, we will not enter into a petty media argument with meaningless lower officials from a foreign government. It belittles them by refusing to have someone of merit say things that can only come from someone in a leadership position, and belittles us by responding to any challenges made in such a fashion. Anyone with any kind of opinion should feel free to express any of them in an open forum- unless, of course, they desire to refuse that right to others- and if they desire something from us, they should feel open to contact us directly in order to voice their opinions, which as being from the designated representatives of a sovereign and free people, will be given the attention that they well and truly deserve."

Carter's comments on the topic were much shorter but uniformly agreeing once again with Winter in a remarkable show of faith, particularly after comments that Winter was a "Glory-hogging freak who wants to claim the mantle of Emperor and take over the whole bloody archipelago" in months previous. Winter and Carter assumed their positions after the restructuring of the government under the new, written Casaran Government Protocols and the elections taken in their wake.

GAPC employees strike

Upon being informed that GAPC was axing tens of thousands of jobs in West Ariddia, unions immediately called for a strike, and spontaneous protest marches began.

"Ideally, we'd like to persuade GAPC that they have no reason to pack up and leave," said one union leader, Teddy Petrov. "The claim that the government is moving towards abolishing private enterprise is obviously ludicrous. They haven't done it in North-West Ariddia, so why would they do it here?"

It is expected that some workers at least will accept an offer of relocation so as not to lose their jobs. But worker Indira Ericson was angry. "This goes to show what happens under capitalism. You can be laid off just because your boss isn't making enough of a profit. You're left having to choose between leaving your country or being unemployed."

Protesters have asked the government to outlaw the laying off of employees. The government has said that would "not be feasible" at present, but has promised to do its utmost to ensure that unemployed workers find new jobs.

Response issued to Casaran leaders

Admiral Pietr Krajcik, head of the West Ariddian armed forces, gave a rare interview to the media, reacting briefly to comments by Casaran Premier Meia Winter.

"Premier Winter said, and I quote, I have her exact quote here: 'The socialist and communist leaders of foreign nations stand on the horizon with bloated armed forces, weapons to devastate foreign lands and peoples, the desire to expand their rule over other states.' Now I challenge anyone to deny that Winter was not deliberately lying. She obviously knows the truth, and yet she chose to lie. As the leader of Casari, she must know that the West Ariddian armed forces are purely defensive, and that they've never been involved in any war, let alone a war of aggression. She must also know the military here is privatised, corporatised... a long way from in the hands of communists.

Winter also knows, of course, that the PDSRA has a tiny military, also used only for deterrence. To call it bloated, well-armed or expansionist is so far beyond ridiculous that it boggles the mind.

Winter has insulted those who serve in the armed forces of my country. She's playing cheap politics, trying to play on the fears and ignorance of her people, and she's doing that by lying, lying through her teeth, lying deliberately, repeatedly and without shame."

Admiral Krajcik said he hoped his words would be carried by the Casaran media, "and if they're not, that would just go to show how little their government cares about truth and freedom". He added that he himself has never voted since becoming a high-ranking officer, and invited anyone to verify that if they don't believe him. "I don't vote, because my job is to protect my country, and to follow orders, whether they're being given by cappies or by commies," he said.

A short while later, President Sho finally became involved in the controversy.

"I wouldn't call Premier Winter a liar," she said calmly, "because it's possible that she may have been grossly misinformed. What I'd like to do is ask her, respectfully, to check her facts before slandering this country. It would also be nice if Premier Winter went to the Casaran media and told them publicly that she has, intentionally or not, misled them."

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(Corneria, Mattari, Casari)- Winter continued what some have dubbed the "Anti-red 'Rhetoric in Ten Cities' Tour" with a number of meetings with business leaders in County Mattari today in an effort to improve Casari's economic policy and find new foreign markets for Casaran goods outside the Karin Archipelago.

Invariably, questions about the spat of words with Ariddia once again came to the fore. Again refusing to comment directly, Winter focused on the "media interview" with a West Ariddian admiral.

"I have not read the statements myself, but I find it difficult to take the word of a member of the armed forces- one in particular who feels that deciding who runs the country he protects as something he doesn't feel as a duty- could be relied on as an impartial source of information."

Public opinion on the matter is apathetic- in recent polls done by CasariTV the wide majority of the population is concerned with economic matters and internal security, as opposed to the matter of foreign relations.

When asked about President Sho's remarks, Winter stated that "I have not read them- I had already made the position clear that any requests should be made to me personally, instead of flinging them out in the media in an effort to discredit me in my own nation. It seems that they are not above playing the same kind of power politics that they accuse me of themselves."

Winter also left open the possibility of sending some kind of commission to Ariddia to "See the situation ourselves- first hand information would be far more appropriate in this case than the wild accusations and ramblings of random officials."

Officials comment on world affairs

SERASARDA- Upper government officials attending a fete in honor of retiring Councillor Reijihan Herad in Serasarda spoke to the press today on the recent firestorm surrounding West Ariddia and the Ariddian Federation. While most remained tight-lipped, some had specific comments about the Casari-Ariddia row.

"No, I can't say Premier Winter's comments were appropriate." said Piers Knol, Second Minister of Agriculture. "Her follow-up comments made even less sense- it's abundantly clear that the Ariddians are neither hostile nor oppressive. I don't know where that could have come from."

"Apologize? Absolutely not, especially given the Ariddian propensity to bash countries they view as capitalist or corrupt." said Ren Dirh, the often controversial First Minister of Foreign Affairs. "Premier Winter doesn't owe anyone an apology. Banita Sho should apologize for driving her own citizens out of the country."

William Kellerman, the Lord Chancellor, commented on the entire unification affair, saying "I think it's very interesting the close relationship between President Sho's government and the government of Altanar's King Aelkyn. The two countries have extensive diplomatic relations, and given that the Altanari are trying to hash out their own internal problems I'd be interested to know what they're learning from Aqeyr."

Kellerman was also quick to say that the comments expressed in the interviews reflected the views of the officials as citizens, and not as representatives of the Snefaldian Bel. Foreign Minister Dirh came under fire for comments he made about Banita Sho's government, prompting some in the Bel to call for his replacement, citing "a long history of ineffective leadership under Minister vohu-manar" and an "inability to show diplomatic tact." So far, the Bel has not made any announcements.

Diplomat passes away

AQEYR- Snefaldian ambassador to West Ariddia Ta'us Ash`an died today at the age of 103, passing away in peacefully while in his residence in Aqeyr. Ash`an, who rose through the ranks of Aatem Nal to achieve the honored title of Master, was called into civil service at the start of the West Ariddian crises to act as Snefaldia's ambassador to the nation.

Although he had left much of the legwork up to his competent staff, led by Charges d'affairs Tozhul b-Iy, he was still active in the Aqeyr diplomatic quarters. The government intended to replace him due to his advanced age, but he requested to stay in office until he "could complete his work."

"Master Ash`an was devoted." said Mr. b-Iy in a press conference from the Aqeyr embassy. "He would say to me every day that the problems in West Ariddia kept him up all night thinking and praying. He wanted to see everyone happy, he just wished he was 30 years younger so he could do more."

Until Sargedain dispatches an official replacement, Mr. b-Iy will be serving as Ambassador Pro Tempore. Master Ash`an's remains were flown back to Sargedain this morning, where they will be interred in his family plot in Isaardlang.

West Ariddia mourns passing of Master Ta'us Ash`an

"This is a very sad day," President Sho said, "and I'd like to express my deepest sympathies to all Master Ash`an's loved ones. He was a good friend to our our country, who travelled here, despite his age, to help us selflessly in our times of trouble. His wisdom and his kindness will never be forgotten."

Across the political spectrum, West Ariddians have joined in with messages of sympathy and praise. The leaders of North-West Ariddia and the PDSRA have also expressed their condoleances and re-iterated pusthumous thanks for all Master Ash`an has done for the Ariddian people.

Casaran controversy

President Banita Sho appeared mildly irritated when reporters mentioned Premier Winter's latest comments.

"All I can say is, I've sent a direct message to Ms. Winter by diplomatic courrier, asking her to justify her... erroneous comments. I've also invited any Casaran government representative to visit West Ariddia. And I've invited Ms. Winter to a public video communication conversation, in which perhaps she can clarify her statements, and I can inform her, and Casaran viewers, about the actual situation here."

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(Tyrellia, Whitefox, Casari)- Premier Winter seemed unimpressed by offers of a "Public video communication conversation" and requests to justify the comments made in previous days about West Ariddia.

"I'm happy to say a mission is already prepared to visit West Ariddia, lead by Governor-General Neumar, which at this point is only attempting to complete it's travel arrangements within the country. And if the results of these statements indicate that my personal views are incorrect, I would be so corrected.

"However, President Sho's ongoing attempts to take any statements I make to my own people and turn it into an attempt for yet more political posturing by various leaders- including something as farcical as a live video debate on the following- is something I find a bit disappointing, especially considering her ability to communicate with her own people."

In a final question, a reporter mentioned previously private comments by Winter about the often-used scales published by Ariddia in order to comment on the state of other countries, calling them "Ignorant, judgmental, and particularly hypocritical." However, Winter refused comment on this issue.

Casarans "welcome" in WA visit

President Sho has said that envoys from Casari will be welcome in West Ariddia.

"Discussion, exchanging information and good will, diminishing ignorance and prejudice... These are things to be encouraged," the President said. "I'll be happy to meet Governor-General Neumar, provide him with any facts he's interested in, and answer any questions from the Governor-General or from the Casaran media."

The West Ariddian government has also suggested that contacts and mutual understanding between the two countries might be enhanced by school exchange programmes.

"If Casaran children come and stay for a while in West Ariddian schools, and with West Ariddian families, and vice-versa, then I think we'll see knowledge and understanding replacing any preconceptions that may exist," a spokesman for the Ministry of Education said.

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(Tyrellia, Whitefox, Casari)- Governor-General Eric Neumar said today that while a meeting with President Sho is "By all means something we mean to include on our trip", the goal of the mission is to see and experience the people and culture of West Ariddia "in an effort to understand their ideals and the depth of the situation".

"We hope to expand the trip throughout the Ariddian Isles as well, in hopes of understanding a very different part of the world." Neuman said in statements today. A number of Executive and Legislative officials are expected to join in on the trip. However, Neuman was unable to comment on the possablity of school exchanges, saying that "Any decisions to be made on that matter are subject to the individual schools to include such programs in their curriculum and the option of individual parents to enroll their children in the same."

In the meantime, a lengthy and openly hostile statement came out of the Communist Ansorra-Star party headquarters today, blasting the government for it's pointless hostility in foreign politics with countries that profess to different ideologies.

"The pointless attempts of Premier Winter to provoke foreign nations into useless exchanges of words is demeaning to both herself and the nation. The laughable political situation in Casari leaves he government in no position to go criticize others for any reason whatsoever."

The rantings were dismissed by officials, saying that they were "rantings of a fringe group that lacks any popular support to back up it's opinions."

"Passport protest" movement publicised

As West Ariddians prepare for unification with the Ariddian Isles three years from now, some opponents to the change have found a novel way to express their resistance. With the rallying cry of "Keep your passport!", they have launched a campaign to persuade West Ariddians not to swap their national passport for a federal one in three years' time.

"I'm a citizen of the Sovereign State of West Ariddia," John Grey says. "I never consented to having my nationality stripped away and changed. I'm not going to surrender my passport, and I intend to continue using it."

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John Grey says he will try to use his passport even after it becomes invalid.

When West Ariddia joins the Federation, what is now the SSWA will officially cease to be a sovereign country, and existing national passports will become invalid. West Ariddians will be issued with a new passport indicating their national (or federal) citizenship is "Ariddian Islander" and that their State citizenship within the Federation is West Ariddian.

Authorities at the international airport in Aqeyr are saying that anyone trying to board a plane with an invalid passport will be turned back.

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Passengers with invalid passports will not be allowed onto planes from Aqeyr.

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Assistant Secretary Jack Riley demonstrates his "tolerance" of native peoples
by hugging a pretty young Wymgani woman at a Thanksgiving church service Thursday, where
he also had his head ritually shaved as a sign of contrition for his remarks about West Ariddian
President Banita Sho earlier this week. (Whether or not ritual head-shaving is an actual
Wymgani custom we do not know, but Riley seems to think so.)

Riley 'apologizes' for 'sexist' remarks about Sho

PARADISE CITY --- Appearing at a special Thanksgiving service at the local Wymgani Adventist Church Thursday, Assistant Secretary of State Jack Riley attempted to apologize for on-air comments he made regarding West Ariddian President Banita Sho, which have been characterized by West Ariddian journalists as "racist" and "sexist."

"I ask for your forgiveness," Riley told the audience of about 150, "for pointing out that girls in your culture like to dance for big horny Islander dudes. You may have thought I was insulting you. Quite the opposite, since dancing for horny guys is actually a very respectable profession in our nation, which is why so many of these girls are inducted into our armed forces. Maybe later on, some of you girls can come home and dance for me, eh?"

When audience members began to groan at Riley's words, the secretary desperately pointed out, "We're in church! You have to forgive me!"

Riley has come under fire this week for commenting jokingly on air that Sho, a Wymgani, should "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." The remarks, mistakingly aired, prompted calls for Riley's resignation by congressional Liberals, and demands for an apology by Wymgani leaders.

The Paradise City Wymgani Seventh-day Adventist Church ministers to Wymgani immigrants to the Federal Republic who have converted to the Adventist faith. The congregation consists of maybe five people, but the audience was much larger on Thursday, owing to a high-profile guest. Riley, himself an Adventist, was invited to speak that day by Pastor Shemech Eto.

Eto's wife actually stood up and whacked Riley on the side of the head when the latter started asking girls in the audience for their measurements. The assistant secretary fell to the altar unconscious.

"Amen," the crowd murmured.

Ariddian Ambassador in Ad'ihan asked to leave
Officials stress James Doyle is not being ejected from country

In latest developments, the Ariddian Isles ambassador in the International Protectorate of Ad'ihan has been asked to leave the country "for his own safety". Chief of State of Ad'ihan Michael Harley, who is set to face a vote of no-confidence in Liverpool England's Federal Parliament later this week, declared a state of emergency in Ad'ihan late last night and imposed direct rule from CCL, citing fears that a foreign-backed pro-independence insurgency on Grand Island would spill over into the small enclave.

PM Harley reportedly wrote to the only foreign diplomat in the country, asking him to leave as soon as was feasible. The Governor of Ad'ihan, Commander Simon Collins, has reportedly asked Ad'ihan's ambassador in Nouvel Espoir, Sarah Grainger, to inform the Ariddian authorities of the impending evacuation of Ambassador James Doyle.

Officials have been at pains to stress that Ambassador Doyle was not being kicked out of the country, and expressed a wish for understanding from the Ariddians.

Ambassador Doyle leaves Ad'ihan

The Ariddian Isles have accepted to withdraw their ambassador from the International Protectorate of Ad'ihan with no fuss or protest, indicating that they "fully understand" the concerns raised by Prime Minister Harley.

"We all hope the conflict on Grand Island can soon be resolved in a satisfactory and peaceful manner, to ensure the safety of inhabitants caught in the conflict," the Ariddian authorities said. The Ariddian Red Star has said it can supply emergency humanitarian aid at any time if requested.

Free Democratic Party mulls future in Federation

West Ariddian Opposition leader Liang Jui-te has not yet said whether his party would organise a referendum on withdrawing from the Federation if elected on the day West Ariddia officially enters the Federation. The FDP, however, has been considering its future role following re-unification. Talks between leading members of the West Ariddian and North-West Ariddian FDPs have resulted in a decision to seek "close cooperation" between the two namesake parties.

"We'll coordinate our efforts with the NWAFDP," Mr. Liang said. "That makes sense, I think. But we won't merge our two parties. West Ariddia should have its own political parties, as a seperate country."

Does this mean the two FDPs may field a joint candidate for the federal prime secretarial election?

"Perhaps, but right now I don't think so," Mr. Liang said said. "The federal election for Prime Secretary is a joke. We all know we're going to have a communist head of State forced onto us. We're thinking of not taking part in that election at all. There's no point, so why pretend to give credibility and support to a charade that robs us of our sovereignty?"

Meanwhile, a branch of the FDP has appeared for the first time in the PDSRA, registered by West Ariddian-born Andy Newville. Mr. Newville was born and raised in West Ariddia, but moved to the PDSRA with his Ariddian wife Sandra. It is the first time in many years that the PDSRA has a registered capitalist party.

"For now, I'm the only member," Mr. Newville admits. "But I'm hoping to take part in the next election." To do that, he will need to receive written support from at least 400 Ariddian communes, or 150 West Ariddian mayors.

Getting that support should be relatively easy, but getting votes in the election itself will be an uphill struggle. Even Mr. Newville's wife says she probably won't vote for him.

"When it comes to politics and economics, we just agree to disagree," Mrs. Newville says with a smile. "I hope Andy will do well, but I don't think I'll vote for him."

The couple's daughter, Amanda, will be turning 16 three months before the election, and will be voting for the first time.

"Yes, I'll probably vote for Dad," she says. "Someone has to, after all."

Embassy of the Grand Kingdom of Aerion in West Ariddia
Public Affairs Office
Press Release

The recent controversy surrounding re-unification of the Ariddian Isles has been the source of much contention in the international community. In reaction to this controversy the Grand Kingdom of Aerion wishes to issue the statement that it has no official stance on the re-unification of the Ariddian Isles. The Grand Kingdom hopes for a peaceful outcome for all parties involved.

The Royal Government neither condones nor disapproves of the actions of the Aerionian corporation Amkarethz Holdings in West Ariddia, and its subsidiary GAPC West Ariddia . Aerionian corporations are permitted to take independent actions, and these actions do not reflect the opinions of the Grand Kingdom of Aerion as a whole.

Lwellsl's status to remain unchanged

Representatives of the Ariddian Isles have met with the West Ariddian government and a representative of Lwellsl, a meeting in Aqeyr designed to discuss the status of West Ariddia's sole protectorate, Lwellsl.

Lwellsl is an isolated, far-flung island in the Pacific, with an area of just 198 sq km, and a population of just over 700. It was settled about 2,000 years ago by Wymgani, who then developed a new society in isolation. The island's leaders have willingly placed themselves under the military protection of West Ariddia, and successive West Ariddian governments have promised not to intrude on them in any way. Thus, Lwellsl remains completely cut off and isolated from the outside world. Its people have preserved a "Stone Age" culture and technology, similar but not identical to the traditional Indigenous cultures of the Ariddian Isles.

Originally, West Ariddian representatives were authorised to reside on the island, but the indigenous authorities later decided that their presence was making islanders "excessively curious", and politely asked them to leave. Now, a lone Lwellslian representative, Aeh Ushu, lives in Aqeyr with his family. On Lwellsl itself, the West Ariddians left three mobile phones with integrated solar power batteries, in case the Lwellslians wish to contact them in an emergency.

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Mr. Aeh Ushu is Lwellsl's representative in Aqeyr.

To the average outsider, Lwellsl is best known as the source of the famous ulek, a war chant and dance performed by the Ariddian Isles' national football team.

The meeting in Aqeyr was relatively brief. It was decided, by unanimous consensus, that Lwellsl would remain a protectorate of West Ariddia even after the reunification of the Ariddian Isles. President Banita Sho re-iterated that no contact would be made with the Lwellslian people against the wishes of Lwellsl itself.

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Lwellsl's untouched natural beauty.

On an island where virtually nothing is known of the outside world, the issue of the Ariddian Isles' reunification is far indeed from people's minds.

Chart of federal government institutions

The following chart reveals the different institutions which will comprise the government of the Ariddian Isles' Federation once West Ariddia joins in three years' time.

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The office of "President of West Ariddia" will be abolished, replaced by a "Second Secretary", with essentially similar functions. The Second Secretary will, officially, be appointed by the federal Prime Secretary, but in practice the Prime Secretary will simply rubber-stamp the nomination put forward by the West Ariddian Parliament.

The West Ariddian Indigenous Parliament will remain seperate from the federal Wehela Iolih; the latter will not contain West Ariddian members, and will defer its jurisdiction over West Ariddia to the the W.A.I.P.

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To Nuriyah bint Rashad Khadhim, Prime Secretary of the Federation of the Ariddian Isles,

I wish to congratulate you and all of Ariddia on behalf of The Valerian Empire for finally being on the threshold of reuniting all of the Ariddian Isles. Now that the extremely grotesque form of capitalism in West Ariddia has had its last breath, true peace and unity can be have amongst your peoples. We Valerians support your socialist ideology; our society is mercantilistic (i.e. against free capitalist markets) and we value the sense of community, kind of like socialism. I would like to extend a hand of friendship to Ariddia and to offer some Valerian capital in investments to your nation as well.

Sincerely,

Ivan V
Emperor of The Valerian Empire and Its Dependencies, et al.


http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f63/ValerianEmpire/crownprince.jpg

Your Imperial Highness,

Your support and friendship, and that of the Valerian people, is gratefully appreciated. Now that the people of West Ariddia have democratically expressed their wish for re-unification, the people of the Ariddian Isles will be one again, as we used to be so long ago.

The State governments of West Ariddia and North-West Ariddia will, I am sure, be most grateful to welcome Valerian investments.

Be assured that the Valerian Empire has the lasting friendship of the Ariddian people. If any Valerians should, for example, wish to study or work in Ariddia, we would be pleased to facilitate the process to the best of our abilities.

Sincerely,

Nuriyah bint Rashad Khadhim,
Prime Secretary,
Federation of the Ariddian Isles

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/Casari/casaritv.png

(Tyrellia, Whitefox, Casari)- The long-awaited Casaran Mission to Ariddia departed today, the members departing today in a privately-chartered Casair HA-22 Airship.

On the trip are Second-in-Command of the Government's Executive branch Governor-General Eric Neumar, Foreign Minister Ryan Twylain (Casari Liberal), National Labor party Head Ari Elisar, and National Conservative second-in-command Rebecca Colisar, along with a number of both assembly members and other representatives, including Ansorra-Star party representative James Dixon.

"I'm excited to be going on this trip, to see one of the model nations which we should look to model some of our policies after." Dixon said, prior to departure.

The government is providing security officers for the trip, in the form of two squads of the 17th Colonial Rifles Regiment, which despite the traditional name has become the official security group for the Premier and other government officials.

The goals of the trip, as stated in statements released by the government, is to "get a greater understanding of the culture and identity of West Ariddia and the Ariddian aisles as a whole". However, some are hoping that the trip does not end in causing a diplomatic incident.

"I just hope nobody gets in an argument after trying to sample the local." One official said under conditions of anonymity.

OOC: Casari, did you want to RP some sort of meeting?

IC:
Ariddian Isles discuss common currency

It has been reported that the finance ministers of the PDSRA, North-West Ariddia and West Ariddia have begun discussions on the possibility of the Federation adopting a common currency. It is assumed that such a currency would be the West Ariddian credit, one of the strongest currencies in the world.

The economic implications of the West Ariddian credit being adopted by NWA (a socialist State with strong regulations on business) and the PDSRA (where money is hardly used) are uncertain. It appears that talks are in their earliest stages, and that no common currency will have been adopted by the time West Ariddia joins the Federation in three years’ time.

The West Ariddian government has been at pains to encourage and maintain high levels of foreign investment in the flourishing West Ariddian economy, and may not wish to jeapordise its economic strength by extending the use of its currency to its moneyless neighbour.

Meanwhile, it has been announced that Aqeyr will obtain the status of an official capital of the Federation, alongside Rêvane and Nouvel Espoir. Border controls between West Ariddia and North-West Ariddia, already minimal, will be completely phased out over the five months following West Ariddia’s entry in the Federation.

Cann promises better relations with West Ariddian state
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/7183/picture1pj4.png

In campaigning for upcoming elections in Liverpool England, National Leftist Federation leader and current Shadow Prime Minister Alvin Cann promised that if the NLF is voted into power, he would try to restore good relations with West Ariddia, strained over the ruling NCB's support of the West Ariddian opposition FDP.

Speaking at a rally in an NLF stronghold in the Northeast Region, Mr. Cann said that it was time the Liverpool England government "stopped pursuing an agenda of distrust against governments with opposite political beliefs." The NLF is expected to lose seats this election and fall from its position as the main opposition party due to extremist views from within the NLF coalition on the very issue of West Ariddia. However, Mr. Cann made it clear that he was aiming for a gain in Parliament.

"There's no doubt we'll be hoping to take over. No party goes into an election aiming to lose seats. And when we do become the ruling bloc, I will strive to normalise our strained relations with Ms. Sho's government in Aqeyr." Mr. Cann's comments have been dismissed by the interim Prime Minister and leader of the NCB, Jeremy Firston. "We all know that if Alvin Cann were Prime Minister, his own government - or influential extreme communist elements thereof - would 'pursue an agenda of distrust' against extreme capitalist governments. The Liverpool England government under my predecessor [Michael Harley] and since has not, and will not, intentionally attempt to make enemies. It's political and governmental suicide." Firston also pointed out that the government maintained neutral, but "positive", relations with the Federation of the Ariddian Isles - which West Ariddia is scheduled to join.

The NCB is similarly expected to lose seats, and fall out of power for the first time in over 16 years. However, Firston was non-committal when asked about the elections. "We'll see how it goes, and we believe we'll be a part of the next government."

OOC: That'd be very possible, but I'm unsure if you're want to meet with the entire delegation or just some of the more important members, as there's a number of backbenchers and such along on the trip.

OOC: That'd be very possible, but I'm unsure if you're want to meet with the entire delegation or just some of the more important members, as there's a number of backbenchers and such along on the trip.

OOC: It depends whom they'd like to meet, really.

IC:
Media mogul: "I can bring Sho down single-handedly"

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/1730/bayramovlj3.jpg
Bayramov boasts that he will prevent President Sho's re-election.

West Ariddian media tycoon Artur Bayramov has boasted that he can "bring down [President Banita] Sho single-handedly", and that he intends to do so by "reminding voters exactly what she stands for".

"The role of the media is to inform viewers and readers," Mr. Bayramov said. "They must be reminded constantly of the dangers of communism. Five years of Red Sho is bad enough. Imagine what ten years would be like!"

Mr. Bayramov is the owner of numerous newspapers, radio and television channels in West Ariddia, including TVN (TV News). Four days ago, TVN launched a new weekly programme, airing for half an hour at 8:30pm: Red Watch. This "news" programme describes itself as an investigation into "what the communists are doing, and want to do, without telling you". (TVN can be watched online at any time at http://tvn.com.swa http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/3797/watchlivecr4.png)

"The election is in less than three years now," Mr. Bayramov said. "We can defeat the communists. For that, we must expose every lie, draw attention to every tax raise, say no to every limitation of freedom. That's what I intend to do right up to the election."

West Ariddian communist newspaper L'Espoir has reacted by stating simply that it will be "watching the watchers".

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/2609/bayramovwvnxj5.jpg
Mr. Bayramov now has a cartoon double on Westville News.

The non-partisan satirical programme Westville News (http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/2609/bayramovwvnxj5.jpg), of course, have promised to "mock him mercilessly".

OOC: I hope this isn't too much?

IC:

The Valerian Empire has much interest in Ariddia as of late - with its interest in creating lasting friendship between the two nations, has taken this idea as a good one. I, Emperor Ivan V, would like to announce that I hereby offer Valerian aid to help facilitate Valerians who wanted to work, study, or raise their children in Ariddia. Valerians will cover ship and plane tickets to Ariddia, where many opportunities await for Valerians in Ariddia. Many Valerians are interested in working in Ariddia and many have children, so they would be glad to take both services Ariddia is offering to newcomers.

In lieu of this, I would also like to propose that student exchanges between our nations be open. We offer Ariddians the opportunity to come and study in Magnus Valerius as well (all higher education is virtually free) - work programs can also be established for any Ariddians who wanted to come and work in The Valerian Empire as well. We will also offer Ariddians land grants to farm if they wish to take the offer.

I would also like to establish sister cities between cities in Ariddia and The Valerian Empire. Rêvane and Isangrad, for example, could perhaps sister up and set up an elaborate exchange program. Cité-Belle and Alexandria, Espérence and Saint Étienne (or Nikeah, as known by non-francophone citizens in the empire), Haven and Tabriz... these are only my suggestions, but I would indeed be willing to discuss such an extensive program between our two nations.

With Highest Regards,

H.I.M. Emperor Ivan V
Emperor of The Valerian Empire

-----

As soon as this was announced, numerous Valerians took advantage of the opportunity. Some of the faces were those of the Valerians down on their luck or with interest in Ariddia. One such man to take advantage of this was Jean Philippe Mauclerc, a Francophone and thus, Frankish Valerian, from Blancmonte who wanted to study Ariddian literature and history. He applied with his wife Élisabeth and their children, Marie Julie, Jean Charles, L. Another reason was that Mauclerc was proud of speaking French, and, frankly, preferred a more 'French-speaking' environment than The Valerian Empire for him and his family.

Another such Valerian was Ilya Afanasiyev Lyapunich. A struggling farmer who lost his farm after feral pigs decimated it (the pigs belonged to a neighboring nobleman's estate that had escaped), he was forced off his land. He moved from the serene East Valerian step into the grungy town of Alai that was a polluted factory town. The depressed man took a dead-end job at a local dye factory. He struggled to feed his wife, Marina, and nine children (Ivan, Dimitri, Dina, Viktoria, Valentina, Pavil, Gyeorgy, Alekseya, and Filip) and lived in a run-down flat a short distance from his workplace. Ilya thought he could do much better for him and his family. With word of opportunities in Ariddia, he was planning to relocate to hopefully find a better life for him and his family.

(OOC2: Just putting faces on some Valerian characters that would soon take advantage of this idea.)

Valerians and West Ariddians come to work, study and live in the PDSRA

Ariddians have extended a warm welcome to Valerians who have taken up educational and work opportunities in the PDSRA. Ariddia's policy of providing free education to foreigners (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=537754) has resulted in an influx of Valerian migrants.

The twinning of Rêvane and Isangrad, Cité-Belle and Alexandria, Espérence and Saint Étienne, as well as Haven and Tabriz has resulted in exchange programmes. Schools and museums in major Ariddian cities have prepared exhibitions on Valerian culture, lifestyle, history and art, enabling Ariddians to gain a better understanding of the country.

Valerian migrant Ilya Afanasiyev Lyapunich came to Ariddia with his wife and nine children through the school visa programme. The family have settled in Deuxherbes, a rural town close to the coastal city Espérence. The children receive a free education, while their parents work on a communal farm.

"Their education is good, and they get free healthcare, free school meals," Mr. Lyapunich said. "We've got good work, which enables us to give something back to society in return. Now I have job security, and I know my family have a future and will never go hungry."

Meanwhile, increasing numbers of West Ariddians are making the most of their right to move freely to the PDSRA.

"I'm studying for a degree in chemistry at New Hope General University," says 21 year-old West Ariddian Serge Richards. "Uni is free, but in exchange we students are expected to do a few hours of work for the community every week. I work at a shop. I know some other students who work as postmen, watermen (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/waterman.html), or help elderly people... Things like that."

Serge has met a young Ariddian woman, shares a flat with her, "and we get on great".

"I don't know yet whether I'll go back to West Ariddia or whether I'll stay here," he says. "It's a difficult choice. West Ariddia is home, and I've got family and friends there. But if ever I have kids, I think I'd prefer to raise them in Ariddia. Their prospects would be better, the quality of life is better... I'll have to think about it."

Jeruselem Government News

Princess Skate announces visit to West Arridia

Crown Princess Katherine Alexandra Dallas of Jeruselem will be make a two week visit to West Arridia with her mother Dazza Dallas, the current Ambassador to Arridia (and West Arridia). Jeruselem's most infamous mother and daughter will be doing a tour of West Arridia and speaking to major political leaders in government and opposition.

Kate Dallas who is a Jeruselem World Cup player and a major sponsor of local football, is looking to help West Arridian football integrate with Arridian football.

OOC: In the interest of full disclosure of just how much hypocrisy Winter is capable of, the diagram showing the government structure of Casari is here (http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/Casari/govx.png). Aye, Nobody's voting for Winter, that's for sure.

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/Casari/casaritv.png

The Casaran Mission to Ariddia talked to a number of representatives of the Casaran media today, stating some of their opinions on the visit to the Isles.

"It's a... very different way of life than we in Casari are used to." Governor-General Eric Neuman said when asked about the trip. "People are very happy here, though... almost eerily so." Neuman said.

"The welcome was very uniform, I'd say." Ryan Twylain said, before stating his desire to leave comments "after possible meetings with the leadership of the Ariddian nations."

Other comments were mixed as the officials were exposed to a number of traditional West Ariddian activities and jobs, before hoping to expand the trip to the rest of the Ariddian Isles.

"That is why we're here, after all."

FDP announces boycott of federal and Indigenous elections

After several months of uncertainty, West Ariddia’s Free Democratic Party has announced that it will not be fielding candidates to take part in the election for the West Ariddian Indigenous Parliament (next year). Nor will it take part in the federal election for Prime Secretary.

“Those two elections are a sham,” an FDP spokesman said. “Why should we take part in them? We’ll be putting all our efforts into the Parliamentary election, so that we can make a real, positive difference in this country.”

The FDP had opposed federal integration (that is, re-unification with the rest of the Ariddian Isles), and had also opposed the creation of a West Ariddian Indigenous Parliament.

Consequently, the Communist Party is expected to sweep up a huge majority of the 49 seats in the first ever election for the Indigenous Parliament. But Indigenous voters will not be left without a capitalist option. Following the FDP’s announcement, a small, new Wymgani Capitalist Freedom Party stated that it would compete in the FDP’s place.

But will the WCFP get any seats?

“I’ll probably be voting for them,” says young Wymgani businesswoman Lucy Eil, from Aqeyr. “I think it’s a shame the way people assume that if you’re Wymgani, you have to be a communist. I consider myself mostly assimilated into my country’s Western business culture. That doesn’t mean I’m not Wymgani, but I’m an individual woman first and foremost. We’re lucky to have great freedom in this country, and capitalists defend freedom a lot better than communists do.”

Polls suggest that eight out of ten Wymgani voters in West Ariddia may opt for the Communist Party, while most of the others are expected to choose the centre-left Socialist Party.

Michel Uoa’la, an elder of the Indigenous Lesuwe people in Aqeyr, said he was “disturbed” by Ms. Eil’s words.

“Being Wymgani is not just a matter of descent,” he said. “It’s not a matter of skin colour, or anything like that. It’s a question of behaviour. Of being part of a community. I don’t think Lucy is really very Wymgani.”

As for the federal election (electing the federal Prime Secretary), voters in West Ariddia are likely to have an FDP option nonetheless: The Free Democratic Party in North-West Ariddia is expected to field a candidate.


Sho meets Princess Katherine and Casaran delegates

President Banita Sho has had seperate meetings with Jeruselem's Princess Katherine and with a diplomatic delegation from Casari. The President made no official comment after the meetings, save to say that she had drawn her guests' attention to "important contemporary issues" in the country.

L’lew to stand for Indigenous Parliament

Former President Ea L’lew has announced that she will be standing for election to the West Ariddian Indigenous Parliament. Ms. L’lew –a blind, 80 year-old Indigenous woman– is among the best-known politicians in West Ariddia, and arguably one of the most controversial.

Former President L’lew says the W.A.I.P. is where she can still make a positive contribution to the country.

Ms. L’lew has warmly praised current President Banita Sho.

“Banita’s doing a great job. She’s a wonderful President, and a wonderful person. She’s doing so much for the people of this country, and I hope they can realise that. I hope the Communist Party will choose her as candidate for next year’s election.”

Ms. Sho and Ms. L’lew have met several times since the former’s election, with the President generally visiting her predecessor’s home.

Jeruselem Government News

Skate meets President Sho

Today, Crown Princess Katherine Alexandra Dallas of Jeruselem meet President Banita Sho of West Ariddia. The pair discussed current matters affecting Ariddia and it's satellite states.

Many in Jeruselem, totally opposed to communism called the meeting a pointless union of two Ariddian blooded women - one a red commie, the other Jeruselem's new "superwhore".

The Princess defended the meeting calling an important step in Jeruselem and Ariddian relations. Despite some totally different ideas on paper, our plucky little Princess being only 22 and President Sho being a little older. The president with socialist ideas meeting a future head of an imperialist nation.

The two got one well and had much in common despite their obvious differences.

Later Kate Dallas said
"I'm confident things going alright here in the West Ariddia. Yes, there are thorny issues but then you expect these things. I think Sho is guiding West Ariddia in the right direction but as you'd expect - the roadbumps are slowing things down. I'd like to say also I have utmost confidence in Sho because I think she's doing a job someone has to do - it's hard work but she's the right person at the moment. I am going to talk to opposition too as I want hear from both sides. Admittedly, Jeruselem is nothing like Ariddia but has more in common with West Ariddia apart from our religious and imperial systems. I didn't push any agendas because I'm here to talk unification not division. We even laughed about our bad dancing styles."

OOC:


Sho is young, probably in her mid- or late 30s (you're probably thinking of Ea L'lew). And she's President of West Ariddia only, not Ariddia.

OOC

I did get two mixed up ...

OOC: Am I gonna get a response to my earlier post? :p

Either way, is it okay if Emperor Ivan V makes a visit to West Ariddia?

Lin "asks Ariddia for help"

Lin Da-ren, the Party Chairman of the Progressive Communist Party in Liverpool England, has approached Ariddian sympathisers for support in the Liverpool England political crisis (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13279465&postcount=17), according to party spokesman Alhamed Khan.

Khan, whose earlier comments (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13285293&postcount=20) on the situation have been widely criticised, told reporters that Lin had spoken by phone to sympathisers within the Ariddian Isles and West Ariddia, as well as close friends who hold more important roles within their parties in the Ariddian Isles.

Analysts have widely dismissed the significance of this claim, pointing out that Ariddia would be unlikely to be willing to interfere in the politics of a country it has limited relations with. However, some cynics say that the former West Ariddian DCP - now the Communist Party - headed by President Banita Sho - might be willing to get stuck in, due to frosty relations built up when Michael Harley was Prime Minister in Liverpool England.

Current Liverpool England Prime Minister Jeremy Firston has written to his Ariddian Isles counterparts, calling on them to ensure Lin's "utter madness" went unheeded. There has yet been no comment from any of the three governments in the Ariddian Isles.

OOC: Am I gonna get a response to my earlier post? :p

Either way, is it okay if Emperor Ivan V makes a visit to West Ariddia?

OOC: This one? (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13261245&postcount=276) I have replied to it. Right below it. Anyway, yes, that's fine. :)

IC:
Ariddian responds to Chairman Lin's call

Turei Lauru's government has responded publicly to a call by Lin Da-ren, Party Chairman of the Progressive Communist Party in Liverpool England, for Ariddia to support his position in the Liverpool England crisis.

Mr. Lauru, the PDSRA's Second Secretary (head of government), said that the crisis was "extremely complex", and that "taking sides at this stage would, I think, be counter-productive". Mr. Lauru said that his country would be "more than willing" to do anything it could "in the sense of encouraging and facilitating negotiation as a neutral mediator", if all factions agree to Ariddian involvment.

He added that, as the PDSRA is no longer a sovereign country, his government would have to consult with its North-West Ariddian counterpart, before the federal Secretary for External Affairs, Sébastien Chaussée, could express the Federation's official position.

"In the meantime, the offer is there hypothetically for the factions in the crisis to consider," he said.

Liang Jui-te confirms scheduled meeting with Princess Katherine

West Ariddian Opposition leader Liang Jui-te has confirmed that he will be meeting with Jeruselem's Princess Katherine, but has not indicated what they may talk about.

"That's mostly up to what the Princess is interested in discussing," Mr. Liang said. "There are various issues that could come up. I'm hoping we can encourage increasing levels of investment by Jeruselem companies in West Ariddia, and vice-versa."

OOC: Just out of curiosity, how many years have passed since this thing started?

OOC: Just out of curiosity, how many years have passed since this thing started?

OOC: We're now in 2148, a year before the upcoming elections. So, 7 years since the very beginning of the thread. I use the NS World Cup to measure the passing of time.

Jeruselem Government News

Money talk in West Ariddia!

In her tour of West Ariddia, after meeting President Banito Sho - Crown Princess Katherine Alexandra Dallas met the West Ariddian Opposition leader Liang Jui-te.

The pro-Capitalist Liang too had a lot in common with our Skate as West Ariddia and Jeruselem had many features in common including it's capitalist economies. While they did discuss the hot Communism vs Capitalism topic and the current state of democracy (West Ariddian style), this was not the focus.

They spent more time talking money, and how West Ariddian can attractive investment from Jeruselemites. Liang took advantage of the fact, the Princess is also heading of group of companies under the Dallas business empire (along with her mother and auntie). The focus seemed to how West Ariddians could seek Jeruselemite capital for good returns and other business opportunities. The two agreed to meet later again to further talk about how both nations could further extend and promote economic ties.

When asked about who she favours for the elections, Skate said
"Sho and Liang are both capable people with different ideas. Liang is more favoured by the business community for obvious reasons. Sho appeals more to the socialist crowd. I'm not going side with anyone because it's not right thing to do. I want to be in good contact with both sides, to understand their thinking. There's big issues to fix but there's always different solutions - it depends who you ask. Call me a Pinkie - you know a capitalist which socialist orientation but I think both systems have their good and bad points. Both can work if you manage the problems."

Liang to invest in Jeruselem

Liang Jui-te has announded that his company (producer of Yumbi nutribars (http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/7154/nutribarscj3.jpg)) is looking to expand into Jeruselem. Mr. Liang is attempting to encourage closer economic relations between the two countries, but also says there is an untapped market for his products in Jeruselem.


So what will the next PDSRA Parliament look like?

Following a reform of the electoral system (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13270277&postcount=10) in the PDSRA, voters are expecting an overwhelming Communist majority in Ariddia’s State Parliament... but many are also hoping to see a scattering of seats going to Opposition parties. Constituency voting is a new and controversial phenomemon. Here is a look at the situation in five constituences:

· Rêvane – septième arrondissement (Ocea island)
· Cité-Belle – premier arrondissement (Ocea island)
· Orange Coast South (Baidest island)
· Ishwesalu district (Wueliw island)
· Ariddian Antarctica (overseas territory)

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/7973/constituenciesvp4.jpg
Four constituences on the map

In the seventh constituency of Rêvane ( http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/r_vane.html ), twelves candidates are competing for the two available seats. These include seven candidates representing the Ariddian Communist Party, one representing the Ariddian Isles Blank Party, one standing for the newborn Party Against Constituency Representation, and three Independents. As in every constituency, the four candidates who receive the most votes will advance to the second round, where the two candidates who receive the most votes will be elected to Parliament. The constituency is projected to be a safe one for the Communists.

“The idea is quite simple,” says Georges Boisdhêtres (Communist Party candidate). “Instead of just supporting a pre-selected national list of ninety-nine candidates, voters here will be able to choose between several Communist candidates, and several non-Communists too. It’s more democratic than the old system.”

Debates have been organised between candidates, who will have plenty of opportunities to explain their views and positions to voters. Debates will, for the most part, be open to questions from citizens, encouraging thorough exchanges of ideas between candidates and voters.

“We’re not going to be sniping at one another,” Mr. Boisdhêtres says. “I respect all the candidates. The aim of the political campaign will be for us to discuss important issues. We hope to reach consensus on the most important ones. It’s all going to be a constructive debate rather than a competition.”

In the seventh constituency of Cité-Belle (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/cit_belle.html), Ariddia’s second most important city by most accounts, there are six Communist Party candidates, one for the the Ariddian Isles Blank Party, one for the local Urban Green Projects Party, and five Independents.

“The AIBP has decided to field one candidate in each constituency if we can,” says the Ariddian Isles Blank Party’s candidate, Natacha Roche. “The new system is a handicap to us. We’re going to be an even tinier voice. . . well, presence in Parliament now. But the important thing is that we exist. We’re here as an option for all voters who don’t feel their views are represented accurately by other parties and candidates.”

Michel Limbaud, an Independent candidate, says: “I’m a communist at heart, but I don’t want to have to fall in line with party policy every time. I think it would be good to have voices in Parliament which are independent from the Party. To represent voters who don’t necessarily agree with everything the Party does.”

In the constituency of Orange Coast South, on Baidest, there are some unusual candidates. There are only four Communist Party candidates, and no Independents, but one represenatative of the Internationalist Party and one of the Ariddian Isles Blank Party, along with two candidates from home-grown parties: the Communist Youth Party, and the Party for Having a Jolly Good Party.

http://img529.imageshack.us/img529/8547/candidatesci0.png

Rob Ehewe is the youngest candidate anywhere in Ariddia, aged just 16. Representing his own Communist Youth Party, he aims to give a particular voice to young people within Parliament. Ehewe seems popular in his constituency, but opinion polls currently put him only in fifth place; his rival Arnaud Parcellin may well steal the show. Founder and represenatative of the Party for Having a Jolly Good Party, Parcellin says he wants only to “liven things up in Parliament.” “Maybe toss a few colourful streamers over the seats in front of me,” he says cheerfully, “hand round cookies, keep things from feeling too serious when they shouldn’t be.”

Mr. Parcellin is in third place in opinion polls, giving him a realistic but tantalisingly uncertain shot at a seat in Parliament.

The Ishwesalu district constituency, on Wueliw, encompasses an area almost exclusively inhabited by Indigenous voters. Many speak only Wymgani, and live a “traditional” lifestyle in the forests, far from the bustling city of Wavecrest on the south coast of their island. Like most other Wymgani throughout the country, those who vote are generally loyal to the Communist Party. Local (Indigenous) members of the Communist Party organised informal meetings prior to the list of candidates being finalised, and decided with voters on two candidates. There was some talk of selecting three candidates, but ultimately the consensus was that having three candidates competing for only two seats might be unduly divisive. Ishwesalu district is, in consequence, one of the few constituencies where there will be only two candidates, competing for two seats.

The turnout on election day in this constituency is expected to be rather low.

“The Party never said that no-one else should stand,” Lo Eos, one of the candidates, explained. “The process remained open the whole while. If a third candidate had wanted to stand, the Party would of course have allowed it. And anyone was allowed to stand and represent any other party, or stand as an independent. But this is the Wymgani way. Discussion, consensus. We prefer to agree all together, before the election, on who is going to represent us.”

Ariddian Antarctica (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/ariddian_antarctica.html) is the only non-autonomous Ariddian overseas territory. Despite having a territory vaster than the whole of the PDSRA, it in inhabited only by a handful of Ariddian scientists, and is entitled to only one seat. There is only one candidate: Marina Lidstone (Independent), a climatologist working at Eshaw Station.

She will occupy her seat via videolink, and vote in Parliament through a secure electronic process.

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/6400/lidstonexw0.png
Marina Lidstone (Independent) knows she will automatically be elected.

More contentious will be the election of representatives for expatriate Ariddians, who are being allowed to vote for the first time.

It is uncertain how (and whether) Father Innocent of Ariddia (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/fr.html), a monk who lives in the Archregimancy, will vote. Football star Ke Sho (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/ke_sho.html), who lives in Cafundéu, has said he intends to vote, but would not specify whom for.

William Simms, an Ariddian expatriate in Casari, says he will vote for “the closest I can find to a capitalist party”. It is considered possible that capitalist representatives may enter the Ariddian Parliament through the medium of expatriate voters.

The media have also noted that Jeruselem star Dazza Dallas (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/dazza_dallas.html) is entitled to vote, and even stand for election, since her mother is Ariddian. Dazza Dallas has always been eligible for Ariddian nationality, but, as an overseas resident, had until now been barred from applying for Ariddian citizenship. The new electoral laws means she will obtain the right to vote if she submits a formal request for Ariddian nationality.

Jeruselem Government News

Bike wants to be a real Ariddian

Dazza Dallas has officially applied for Ariddian citizenship, but her children are not eligible to apply including Princess Katherine Alexandra Dallas.

While munching on some Yumbi nutribars with her daughter Kate, she said
"Well, it's time I did something for Ariddia as a citizen but first I have to be one. I haven't made my mind up how I'm going vote but come the day, I'll be putting in my first vote. One must not forget the homeland, and the people there. I don't what my grandmother voted or who but I think she was liked the commies. My mother is non-political and doesn't have any advice for me. Kate's been giving me some advice but I won't disclose what that is. She's a real political creature now."

Kate joked
"I'm just quarter Ariddian but Ariddia is like a home even I could be half Qazoxian!"

Dazza Dallas gains right to vote

Dazza Dallas has been granted Ariddian nationality and citizenship. As a person of Ariddian descent, Ambassador Dallas was exempt from the obligation to pass a "cultural test". The test is a requirement for most prospective immigrants to Ariddia, who must prove their understanding and acceptance of the basic tenets of Ariddia's communist, vegetarian, ecologically-minded society.

Authorities in Rêvane said, off the record, that Ambassador Dallas was free to sit the test if she wished, but that she was under no obligation to do so, and that failing the test would not invalidate her right to citizenship by descent.

Ms. Dallas will be entitled to vote in next year's federal and State elections, either as an overseas citizen (in an overseas constituency) or as a resident of Ariddia (in a local constituency), depending on the address she provides. Only in overseas constituencies are there likely to be capitalist candidates for the State parliamentary election.

Ambassador Dallas now has citizenship of the Ariddian Isles' Federation. This will, by default, make her a citizen in West Ariddia when the latter joins the Federation next year.


President Sho in “Christmas controversy”

The headlines in this morning’s tabloid press in West Ariddia read “The Communist Attack on Christmas”, and other lines of a similar nature, followed by an indignant diatribe against the President’s latest comments.

During a radio “talkback” interview of Ms. Sho yesterday, one person called in to ask the President whether she would be celebrating Christmas. Ms. Sho –who converted from atheism to Jainism a few months after her election, and became a vegetarian at the same time– replied that it was a “rather personal question”, but eventually said that her close family members “usually have a get together and a sort of secular celebration”.

“So what will you be having for Christmas dinner, being a veggie?” the caller asked. The President laughed, said she did not know yet, and promised to post the eventual recipe “somewhere on the Internet”.

“To be honest, I’ve never been seduced by the consumerist spirit of Christmas,” the President said. “My advice to people would be: enjoy the day, spend time with loved ones, do something special, and don’t get obsessed about spending.”

The tabloids immediately reacted, accusing Ms. Sho of trying to “destroy the capitalist economy” and “convert everyone to a PDSRA-style Christmas, with limp vegetables for dinner and an orange as the only gift to your kids”.

Media mogul Artur Bayramov, who once vowed to “bring Sho down single-handedly” (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13260579&postcount=275), said that the President’s remarks had been “grossly irresponsible”.

“Telling people that they shouldn’t be spending money, especially at this time of year, is just going to damage consumer enthusiasm and damage the economy,” Mr. Bayramov. “What the President is doing is intimidation tactics.”

There has been no official response from the West Ariddian President. One employee of the Ministry of Housing, however, was scornful.

“Bayramov is an obese buffoon,” he said. “How can you take him seriously when he waddles around protected by scores of female bodyguards, tossing out the silliest lies to anyone who’s stupid enough to listen?”

Mr. Bayramov, however, may well be influential. Made famous in part because of the beautiful female bodyguards who accompany him everywhere (“The commies would love to have me killed,” he says), he has increased his influence through his successful television programme “Red Watch”, described as a thorough attempt to expose communist lies and propaganda.

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An armed bodyguard stands guard outside the headquarters of Bayramov’s TVN channel.

The main Opposition Party, the FDP, has declined to comment on the “Christmas controversy”.

Election campaign well underway in West Ariddia

“The truth is, you’ve never had it so good!” President Banito Sho told a roomfull of voters during a televised debate two nights ago. “I think it’s perfectly fair to say that a great majority of West Ariddians have seen their quality of life improve while my government was in power.

By voting Communist last time, you bound me to several important promises. I promised you that you would no longer face worry and uncertainty over the future of your children’s education. I’ve kept that promise. Every child in this country now has access to quality education, even if they come from a poor background. My government has helped you iron out that inequality – that unfairness.

I promised you that you would no longer face worry and uncertainty over your health, and the health of your family. I’ve kept that promise. No matter what your financial difficulties may be, you now have access to quality healthcare – something which the capitalists always denied you.

I promised you that you would never be homeless. I’ve kept that promise. Every West Ariddian now has access to a roof over her or his head.

I promised you that you would never face unemployment for more than a few weeks. I’ve kept that promise, too. Just as I’ve kept the promise to tackle environmental issues by encouraging and rewarding environmentally sound behaviour by businesses and citizens, and implementing legislation to prevent abuse.

My government has been a government of action, always active to make your lives better, to recreate a sense of community and solidarity in this country. To help the poorest among us regain and rebuild their human dignity, which had been trampled for so long by the capitalists. To save lives. There are many people alive today –the elderly poor, the seriously ill, the children of very poor women– who would be dead if you had brought the capitalists to power four years ago.

The FDP is the party of passivity. Of inaction. They say so themselves. They just want to sit back and do nothing – except perhaps take away your right to vote, as they tried to do once before.

My fellow citizens, remember one thing. Everything that has been done can be undone. And if the FDP comes to power, you’ll lose so much of what you’ve gained.

The Communist Party, my government, have given you the opportunity to experience what a Communist government does, and to judge for yourselves. If you support what we’ve done, help us preserve it and continue it. Help us make this country an even better country to live in. We’ve already made it safer, healthier, cleaner and better educated. Help us do even more.”

FDP leader Liang Jui-te said only that his party would “defend the freedom of all West Ariddians against communist authoritarianism”.

Among the issues which may plague President Sho as she stands for re-election are economic uncertainties as to the future, and voters’ wariness about the West Ariddian Indigenous Parliament. The rise in taxes has also been unpopular.

President Sho will also have to contend with voters who have opposite expectations.

“She’s too radical,” one man said. “She tried to push things through too quickly, whether we wanted them or not.”

“I voted for her last time, but I’ve been disappointed,” another said. “Sho has been way too moderate. She’s been cautious, trying to steer near the centre. We voted communist because we wanted a Communist government, and instead we’ve just had a few pseudo-socialist bandaid policies. We need a real, committed communist, and I don’t think Sho is committed enough.”

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Mr. Liang and Ms. Sho will be the main contenders once again.

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(Tyrellia, Whitefox, Casari)- The Casaran mission to West Ariddia returned to Casari today, and unfortunately, had no intention of the apology desired by the Ariddian Government.

"It's a society with a wide range of beliefs. Unfortunately, you just can't tell by the messages sent out through the government." Governor-General Elisar said to the National Assembly, which had assembled to hear the committee's report.

"There's very little effort to incorporate the views of everyone, it seems, as opinions on the street with the average citizens we talked to were far more diverse than what is heard from the government."

When members of the body were invited to ask questions, several were interested in the form of Communism which is prevalent in the Ariddian Isles.

"The system seems to work fine for them, and the people, for whatever reasons, choose not to complain. However, the government of this country would never dream of forcing such a system on our own people without the complete, overwhelming consent of the people- and there are plenty of opportunities and nations out there to move to if you would like to live in such a system, and, as previously stated, we welcome all who would desire to live in a system under which we decide to live."

When asked about the meeting with President Sho, the Governor-General's reply was short.

"We discussed what she had decided were pressing issues about the country. That was more or less the extent of the meeting."

In the closing moments, the lone Socialist Assemblyman, Dave Toppi, inquired to the feelings of the government of accepting foreign fact-finding missions, clearly looking to paint the government in a negative light as the report ended. The Governor-General's reply, however, was spirited.

"We would wholeheartedly welcome any government from around the world that has any desire to visit Casari and get a greater understanding of the manner in which we prefer to live, and would be happy to answer any properly directed questions."

The Assembly did have normal business after the report, accepting a Conservative motion for significant tax cuts for the construction and use of high-tech research facilities, with an emphasis on quickly emerging fields. The move was applauded by Sarhai Industries, Lerain Manufacturing, and a number of other Casaran conglomerates, which have expressed a desire for such cuts throughout the past few government sessions.

Sho scorns Elisar

President Banita Sho has dismissed claims by Casaran Governor-General Elisar that, during their meeting, they had "discussed what [Sho] had decided were pressing issues about the country".

"I think it's unfortunate that Mr. Elisar is trying to give that impression," the President said. "The truth is that I met him to find out what issues he wanted to discuss. But he didn't really have anything to say. It gave me the impression that the visit, to him, was just a token gesture."


Communist Party decides on federal candidate

Communist Party officials and ordinary members from the PDSRA, North-West Ariddia and West Ariddia have agreed on the Party’s candidate for the upcoming federal election, which will see voters throughout the Isles choosing a new Prime Secretary.

The current Prime Secretary, Nuriyah Khadhim (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/nuriyah_bint_rashad_khadhim.html), is retiring after a long career. Almost half a century ago, in 2103, Ms. Khadhim obtained a seat in the PDSRA’s Wehela Iolih (Indigenous Parliament). She was 27 years of age, and could not then have guessed at all that lay ahead.

After a diplomatic career abroad, she became Assistant Secretary for the Environment, before shooting to national fame in 2112 when she was appointed temporary head of State due to Prime Secretary Aj Ud’s heart attack. For the next seven years Comrade Khadhim was the “power behind the throne” as the elderly and increasingly frail Ud delegated most of his responsibilities to her. Unsurprisingly, Khadhim was elected Prime Secretary herself in 2119. She has held the position ever since, through continuous re-election, for almost thirty years.

Prime Secretary Khadhim oversaw the re-unification of the Ariddian Isles, and now aspires to a peaceful retirement, spending time with her grandchildren and possibly moving to the countryside.

Due to the weight of the PDSRA electorate within the Federation, the election of the Communist Party’s candidate is an absolute certainty, and the Party’s nominee can therefore be recognised already as the Federation’s future Prime Secretary. The nominee in question, Robert Freeson, is a 71 year-old North-West Ariddian. He is viewed as a politically “safe” choice, likely to approve of the three States’ divergent approaches to socialism and communism.

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Robert Freeson’s election as Prime Secretary will be a mere formality.

Mr. Freeson is a lot older than previous nominees to the position. Aj Ud was 42 when he became Prime Secretary in the PDSRA. Nuriyah Khadhim was 38. Comrade Freeson’s age means his term in office is likely to be shorter than Comrade Ud’s (45 years) or Comrade Khadhim’s (30 years). He will also be the first non-Indigenous person in 75 years to become the official head of State in the PDSRA.

Mr. Freeson’s elder twin brother, Michael, has already been selected as the Communist Party’s candidate for the position of Second Secretary in North-West Ariddia. Michael Freeson is expected to win, but will have to contend with a fairly influential Free Democratic Party opposition.

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Michael Freeson (seen here with his son David), Robert’s brother, will probably become leader of North-West Ariddia.

The Communist Party’s candidates for Second Secretary in the other States are Turei Lauru (in the PDSRA) and Banita Sho (in West Ariddia). Of the three, Sho is expected to face the most difficult electoral challenge.

Jeruselem Government News

New Ariddian citizen Dazza calls Rêvane home

Lady Dazzarina Handiskya Dallas has finished relocating Jeruselem's embassy to a new premises in Rêvane. The embassy which doubles as her holiday home and an embassy was relocated from a smaller place. Dazza and her staff moved in but there is still work to do.

Dazza Dallas said
"It's a busy time. With these elections going as well as Jeruselemites in Ariddian Isles and Ariddian expats in Jeruselem have been keeping us busy. I've just finished moving my stuff here and most of it still needs to be unpacked. There's a lot of Ariddians in Jeruselem who want help to get their citizenship as they are keen to vote. I'm doing my best to keep up with the workload, but I've had to drag in more staff from Jeruselem to get things moving. With the election in West Ariddia, I'm going even more busy."

For Catholics in Ariddia, the embassy will be holding a big Christmas party outdoors to double as a Christmas and housewarming party. There's a small Catholic chapel in the embassy too. Dazza Dallas as well her daughter Kate are Catholics.

For the record, the deceased Betty Dallas (Dazza's grandmother) was a communist party member while Natasha Dallas (Dazza's mother) was converted to Catholism by her Jeruselem husband. Oddly, Dazza Dallas's branch of the family are all Catholic while her sister Debbie's branch are all Orthodox Christians (Debbie married an Orthodox Christian).

Betty Dallas did not have any remaining relatives in Ariddia other than Dazza. Her son drowned, and her daughter Natasha lives in Jeruselem. It is rumoured the Dallas family as a family of French Crusaders who moved to Ariddia, but it seems they have gone back home now. Betty Dallas's husband's family still live Ariddia but they seem to be just part of the unrecognised masses in Ariddia.

Sho scorns Elisar

President Banita Sho has dismissed claims by Casaran Governor-General Elisar that, during their meeting, they had "discussed what [Sho] had decided were pressing issues about the country".

"I think it's unfortunate that Mr. Elisar is trying to give that impression," the President said. "The truth is that I met him to find out what issues he wanted to discuss. But he didn't really have anything to say. It gave me the impression that the visit, to him, was just a token gesture."

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(Tyrellia, Whitefox, Casari)- Premier Winter jumped to the defense of her Governor-General today, saying that "In a typical Ariddian fashion, the only response we receive is an international media spin job."

Winter was present at a brief media meeting, dressed in Casaran colors prior to her planned attendance at the fifth match of a six-match Stickball series against Jarista.

"I think President Sho well and truly missed the purpose of the trip, which was for the members who were visiting to understand the country though experiencing the culture and meeting the people. And, unfortunately, the President is not the end-all-be-all of the nation's culture. However, we would like to thank her for allowing our representatives to visit the country and truly understand the people of West Ariddia, and hopefully we can do the same for other nations quite soon."

Liang: “It’s time for West Ariddians to regain their freedom”

Campaigning to oust the Communists from power in the upcoming election, Liang Jui-te said that the Free Democratic Party stands for “the freedom and responsibility of the individual”.

West Ariddians, he said, now faced a heavy tax burden which “stifles their freedom to invest, to provide for their children and loved ones, and simply to spend their hard-earned cash in whatever way they see fit”.

Mr. Liang insisted: “The State has no business telling you how your money should be spent. And the State has no right to make you dependent on government handouts. Sho says she’s restored the human dignity of the poor. I disagree. I say she’s taken away their dignity, by taking away their freedom and any sense of achievement.”

He added: “Communism is the opposite of freedom. The FDP is the only party which wants you to live your lives in whatever way you want. It’s the only party which says: We’re going to give you back the right to govern yourselves. Each of you, as responsible individuals.”

Politicians call for change in West Ariddia

SARGEDAIN- A group of one hundred members of the Tuhran Bel joined together this morning to issue a statement regarding the upcoming West Ariddian elections, calling for a change from the Community leadership that has been in power for the past few years.

"West Ariddia has gone from a prosperous and free society to one stifled by forced social change." said the group's spokesman, Loremaster Edram Taas. "We have seen a radical political change in West Ariddia, coupled with economic downturn, a decrease in population as people flee Ms. Sho's government, and skyrocketing government welfare systems which hamper self-reliance and create an ethos of dependence.

"We are not here, however, to simply criticise Ms. Sho's party. We are here to call for change. With West Ariddia now a part of the Ariddian Federation, there is historic connection between the three states that make up the Ariddian Isles. We call on all West Ariddians to return to their country and vote for change- create an enclave of free market capitalism in the Ariddian Isles, so that any who choose can live either in a socialist state or a capitalist one. We call on the politicans of the West Ariddia, North-West Ariddia, and Ariddia to do one thing- give your people a choice to live in a socialist or capitalist society. Give them the freedom to choose."

Mr. Taas and his colleagues form an increasing bloc of politicians interested in foreign policy and supportive of the establishment of Snefaldian colonies, like the ones recently planted in the Malibu Islands. Generally portratyed in the media as the "Imperialist Faction," their numbers have been growing since the retirement of Councillor Reijihan Herad, who was followed recently by other long-serving Councillors as Jeroen Seefeikh and Yu Renzhie, who were replaced by more radical figures.

The statements of the "Imperialists" echoed the comments of controversial Foreign Minister Ren Dirh, who has been critical of Banita Sho's government in the past. The Minister refused to comment.

New Ambassador Announced

SARGEDAIN- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced today a new foreign mission to the Ariddian Isles, filling posts left vacant since the death of Master Ta'us Ash`an several years ago.

Foreign Minister Ren Dirh announced a new ambassador for West Ariddia, one Farancose Quellut, as well as the first-ever ambassador to PSDRA Ariddia, Baron Asdru'at Meedeveled. Ms. Quellut is a respected civil servant from the port city of Taxilha, who spent her early years establishing the first non-Aatem Nal university in the nation, subsequently sitting a five-year term in the Tuhran Bel. She claims Ariddian descent through her father's line; her great-great-grandfather emigrated from Ariddia in the late 20th century, while her mother's line is native to Snefaldia.

Baron Meedeveld is noted as a graduate of the Dai Tian school in northern Bae, and is fluent in the major native languages of Snefaldia, as well as German, Chinese, French, and Kennyite. Meedeveld's title is allodial; it is not attached to any fief or land grant.

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Ambassadors Quellut and Meedeveld, respectively.

The announcement of an ambassador to Ariddia proper comes as a surprise, considering the Foreign Ministry's sometimes hostile stance toward the socialist state. It is likely that the appointment of Meedeveld is no accident, however, as he is from old aristocracy, old money, and a colleague of the anti-communist Dai Tian scholar Wang Jishui (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13231851&postcount=248). However, he has a history of moderation, arguing in a public debate in Isaardlang for a reduction in the number of business licenses for foreign companies operating in the nation.

"I am confident that these two devoted civil servants will represent Snefaldia with honor, intelligence, and distinction in the coming days." said Minister Dirh. "They have the full confidence of this office, the Chancellery, and the Tuhran Bel. We look forward to better relations with both the West Ariddian state and the PSDRA government."

Snefaldian ambassadors welcomed in Ariddian Isles

The Ariddian Isles and West Ariddia have both confirmed diplomatic recognition of Ambassadors Quellut and Meedeveld from Snefaldia. Prime Secretary Nuriyah Khadhim -whose term in office will be ending in a few months- has echoed Snefaldian hopes of better relations. A reminder has been issued, however, that a country cannot host two embassies from the same nation. When West Ariddia joins the Federation, one of the Snefaldian embassies will be "downgraded" to the status of consulate.

Privately, sources within the West Ariddian government have expressed their concern at criticism emanating from the Snefaldian government and Tuhran Bel.

"I hope Ambassador Quellut will refrain from making unhelpful comments on internal West Ariddian affairs," one junior member of the West Ariddian government said. "I don't know what exactly the ambassador's views are."


PDSRA invites foreigners to contribute to capitalist museum

In an unexpected move, Robert McIntosh, the PDSRA’s Secretary for Culture, has announced a plan to create a “Capitalist Centre” in Rêvane (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/r_vane.html), which will serve as a showcase for capitalist views, ideas and practices.

The museum, Mr. McIntosh said, would be remarkable in that the Ariddian authorities would play no part in it, other than providing a building and enforcing “ethical and safety regulations”. Content would be provided and organised by foreigners – whether they be individuals, companies or governments from capitalist nations.

“Nobody wants Ariddian people to be shielded from foreign ideas,” he said. “This will be an opportunity for foreign advocates of capitalism to express their views on what capitalism is all about. It will be an opportunity for Ariddians to visit, explore, discover and reflect on alternate viewpoints. The world is a fascinating place because there are countries out there with ideologies that seem strange to us. I think many Ariddians want to understand why these ideologies don’t seem strange to foreigners.”

West Ariddian businesses have already expressed some interest, but the Secretariat for Culture has said that the “Capitalist Centre” project will only go ahead if contributors from outside the Ariddian Isles also take part.

Contributors will not receive any monetary compensation. Access to the museum will be free for Ariddian visitors.

Jeruselem Government News

Jews to submit an "educational" exhibit to Capitalist Centre in Ariddia

Jeruselem Jews working in Ariddia will put together an educational exhibit in the Capitalist Centre planned for Rêvane. It will explain how the capitalist system in Jeruselem works and will educate Ariddians about how international markets work.

Businessman and Rabbi Abe Holdstein said
"This is our chance to show Ariddians about Jeruselem capitalism. We're going to educate the Ariddian people about the beauty of capitalism. If it can work for our current Ambassador Dazza Dallas, it can work for anyone. It will be interactive so people can experiment with things, and have some hands on experience."

Jeruselem Ambassador Dazza Dallas to Ariddia and West Ariddia was unavailable for comment due to a hangover after a recent party yesterday. It is understood she got rather drunk.

West Ariddians fill Ariddian universities

A bilateral policy between West Ariddia and the PDSRA has seen increasing numbers of West Ariddians from disadvantaged economic backgrounds cross over into Ariddia, with financial help from their own government, to attend university in the PDSRA.

Banita Sho’s government has been a high-spending one, but with so many demands on the public purse, it has had to prioritise. Health care and housing have been beneficiaries, improving the overall standard of living, as have primary and secondary education. There has been little left to facilitate poor students’ access to tertiary education.

“The agreement with Ariddia is quite a simple one,” a spokesman of the Ministry for Education explained. “University in Ariddia is free for West Ariddians. And it’s cheaper for us to fund our students’ trip to Ariddia and back than it is for us to fund their education at a West Ariddian tertiary institution.”

The policy has proved popular, although many West Ariddians was surprised by the significant culture shock they faced upon trying to settle in after reaching Ariddia.

“I know we’re all Ariddians, but life here is really different,” says Robby Khan, a West Ariddian studying medicine at the University of Rêvane (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/university_of_r_vane.html).

There are, however, no Ariddians studying at West Ariddia’s University of Aqeyr (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/university_of_aqeyr.html). For people without money, the cost of tuition is simply an impossible hurdle.

BREAKING NEWS!
Liang defeats Sho in West Ariddia

With the results of the election now confirmed, the Free Democratic Party has obtained 47 seats in the West Ariddian Parliament. Although not an absolute majority, this is an increase of three seats from five years ago, and puts the FDP ahead of the Communist Party, which has lost three seats and now holds only 45.

The balance, yet again, is held by the centrist Socialist Party (5 seats, one fewer than five years ago), while the Ariddian Isles Blank Party now has two seats (instead of one). The Rainbow Party has no seat.

As leader of the party with the greatest number of seats in Parliament, Liang Jui-te will become the first Second Secretary of West Ariddia, which from today onwards becomes a State within the Federation of the Ariddian Isles. Officially, Mr. Liang will be appointed by the federal Prime Secretary, in consultation with the West Ariddian Parliament.

Richard Ember, leader of the Socialist Party, has already confirmed that his Party’s MPs will approve Mr. Liang’s appointment, giving him the majority he needs to become Second Secretary.

Banita Sho, the last President of a sovereign West Ariddia, has formally conceded defeat.

“My opponent Mr. Liang Jui-te has been chosen by a large number of West Ariddian citizens to lead our country for the next five years,” Ms. Sho said. “I wish him well in the difficult task ahead. I’d also like to thank all those of you who expressed your continued trust in me by voting for me today. I promise you that the Communist Party will be a strong and active force in Opposition.”

Liang Jui-te said simply that “the West Ariddian people have opted for freedom, throwing off their shackles after five years of Statist suffocation. Now we can all breathe free again. I intend to honour the trust you’ve put in me by returning to you your inalienable rights to freedom.”

Mr. Liang, however, may not enjoy unrestricted control in government. The Socialist Party is expected to play a moderating role in Parliament, and the new-born West Ariddian Indigenous Parliament will be a thorn in the Second Secretary’s side. Following the first ever elections, the W.A.I.P. contains 41 representatives of the Communist Party, seven from the Socialist Party, and one from the Wymgani Capitalist Freedom Party. The FDP had boycotted the Indigenous parliamentary election.

Up in North-West Ariddia, following today’s parliamentary election, the Communist Party holds 26 seats, the FDP 18, the Green Party 3, the People’s Party 2, and the Party for Animal Rights one. The Communist Party therefore has an absolute majority. Michael Freeson will be the new Second Secretary of North-West Ariddia.

In the PDSRA, the parliamentary election has been complicated by the new electoral system, based on constituency representation instead of national party list representation.

Of the 938 constituency seats within the PDSRA itself, 860 have gone to the Ariddian Communist Party, while 67 have gone to Independents. The Communalist Alliance for a Smaller Parliament holds 5 seats, the Internationalist Party holds 4, the Party for a Federal Parliament holds one, and the Party for Having a Jolly Good Party holds one, occupied by the party’s founder and leader Arnaud Parcellin.

The PDSRA’s overseas territories have also elected representatives. From Gnatanamo province come one MP for the Gnatanamo Green Party, one for the Communist Party, one for the Moderate Sensible Party, and one for the Loyalist Imperial Party (which advocates loyalty to Uhuh-Topia).

The Ariddian Arctic Islands have four representatives: two from the Ariddian Communist Party, and two Independents. Eshyosha has one seat, taken by a Communist Party candidate. Ariddian Antarctica also has one seat, taken by an Independent.

PDSRA State citizens resident in Limea have elected four representatives from the Ariddian Communist Party, one from the Free Democratic Party, one Independent (non-partisan), and one from the Party for a Federal Parliament.

PDSRA State citizens resident overseas have elected three ACP candidates, one from the Alliance for the Representation of Local Parties, and one from the party Overseas Ariddians for Freedom (capitalist).

The Ariddian Isles Blank Party has not obtained any seat through constituency representation, but has won a seat through overall national percentage.

The total number of seats per party within the PDSRA’s People’s Prime Parliament is therefore as follows: Ariddian Communist Party (+CP of Gnatanamo): 871; Independents: 71; Communalist Alliance for a Smaller Parliament: 5; Internationalist Party: 4; Party for a Federal Parliament: 2; Party for Having a Jolly Good Party: 1; Gnatanamo Green Party: 1; Moderate Sensible Party: 1; Loyalist Imperial Party: 1; Free Democratic Party: 1; Ariddian Isles Blank Party: 1; Alliance for the Representation of Local Parties: 1; Overseas Ariddians for Freedom: 1.

Gabriel Baker, the sole MP for the Free Democratic Party, has pointed out that this is the first time in “ages” that capitalists are represented in the People’s Prime Parliament.

“There are only two capitalist voices among 961 MPs,” he said, “but this way we have the right to express capitalist ideas within the heart of this communist government. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do – myself and my colleague from Overseas Ariddians for Freedom.”

Turei Lauru, not surprisingly, retains his position as Second Secretary of the PDSRA.

On the federal level, Robert Freeson (Ariddian Communist Party) has been elected Prime Secretary of the Federation. He will be the first head of State of all the Ariddian Isles since the Limean secession over a century ago.

Mr. Freeson has confirmed that he will be appointing Turei Lauru, Liang Jui-te and Michael Freeson as Second Secretaries of the PDSRA, West Ariddia and North-West Ariddia respectively.

The new leaders in the Ariddian Isles
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The composition of the three State Parliaments following the 2149 elections

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Harley, leaders send congratulations

Ex-Liverpool England Prime Minister Michael Harley has sent his personal congratulations to his friend and new West Ariddian Second Secretary Liang Jui-te, according to his spokesman. "Mr. Harley spoke to the Second Secretary by phone earlier today, congratulating Mr. Liang on his unexpected victory. They spoke for about five minutes, and Mr. Harley wished his friend luck in his new position," Thomas Michal told reporters.

Harley's successor as National Centrist Board leader and Prime Minister Jeremy Firston has also sent his congratulations to Second Secretary Liang, according to his office. His office did not give further details.

Meanwhile, incoming Conservative Prime Minister Patrick Danahue has formally written to all four winning candidates in the Ariddian Isles congratulating them on their victories. Danahue, speaking shortly after confirming that a coalition had been formed in Liverpool England that would see him become Prime Minister, told the press that he had "reserved special praise" for Second Secretary Liang.

"In my letter to Mr. Liang I congratulated him on his quite remarkable victory. He deserves special praise for what West Ariddia has accomplished with him as Opposition Leader. I also congratulated him, as well as the new Prime Secretary, of the final reunification of the Ariddian Isles to form one sovereign nation."

Jeruselem Government News

Bike denies bias as Capitalists fight back to power in West Ariddia

Jeruselem Ambassador to Ariddia and West Ariddia, Lady Dazzarina Handiskya Dallas denied any political push for capitalism during the West and North-West Ariddian elections. With Liang pushing Sho out in close contest in West Ariddia - some in Jeruselem say the Jeruselem government is pushing it's pro-Capitalist agendas.

Dazza Dallas said to the Ariddian press
"We're not pushing any agenda. Sure the Jews here like the change but that's their choice. Yes, 25% of Jeruselem is Jewish too but my government is not pushing an anti-communist agenda. I know this change helps Jeruselem but it was the choice of the people here not outside forces. I speak for the Jeruselem people and not the people of Ariddia and the isles here. I'd like to congratuate the new West Arididan Second Secretary Liang Jui-te on his victory and the gracious defeated Banita Sho as well. It was a clean but close contest. I want to invite the new West Arididan Second Secretary Liang Jui-te to see me about putting in concrete those things he talked to my daughter Kate about. I know he's a busy man but I'm sure there's some time for me somewhere. Anyway, I have to go ... I've got a belly dancing class to teach."

Liang re-affirms friendship with Liverpool England

Newly elected West Ariddian Second Secretary Liang Jui-te has publicly expressed his "friendship" for the people in Liverpool England, and particularly the "close friends" -including Prime Minister Danahue and former Prime Minister Harley- who wrote to him after the election.

"I think West Ariddia is now ready to do business with Liverpool England in a mutually fair, open and profitable way," he said.

Mr. Liang also said he would be "happy" to meet Ambassador Dallas. "There are several things for us to discuss," he said.

"The road ahead"

"The people of West Ariddia are going to see very real changes, very soon," Mr. Liang promised. "I can promise big tax cuts. You elected me because you want a small government and a genuinely free market, and that's what we'll have. People who work hard for their money should be free to spend it on themselves, or on their family, or invest it, or do whatever they want. This country is going to stop taking away the money that you've earned, that you need, that you want and that you deserve."

He acknowledged that his lack of an absolute majority in Parliament, combined with the existence of the new West Ariddian Indigenous Parliament, might pose "a bit of a challenge".

"I'll be meeting with Ea L'lew," he said. Former President L'lew, a Communist, has been elected to the Indigenous Parliament, and is expected to be a leading voice there. "If the I.P. is there to advise us on the interests of Indigenous West Ariddians, then I don't think we'll have much of a problem. But if the I.P. is going to try and force communism onto this country, after the citizens have rejected it, then we'd have a big problem, and that's not something I'd accept."

Regarding West Ariddia's integrations into the Federation of the Ariddian Isles, Second Secretary Liang said:

"I'm not particularly happy with it, but... I met Freeson -Prime Secretary Robert Freeson, I mean- before the election, and we had a talk. If the Federation doesn't threaten the West Ariddian people's self-government in any way, I think we can live with it. But I want to make it very clear that we're not going to be taking orders from communists in Rêvane. Never. West Ariddia has said no to communism."

OOC: This one? I have replied to it. Right below it. Anyway, yes, that's fine.

OOC: Hehe, I must be going blind if I couldn't see that. :p

IC:

Emperor Ivan V to Make State Visit to West Ariddia and PDSRA

The main news buzzing around at the imperial court in Isangrad is that His Imperial Majesty Tsar (or Aytokratorik) Ivan V has announced his intention of making a journey to visit West Ariddia and make it a state visit. The young, nineteen-year-old emperor whom succeeded his father Alexander III after his death under mysterious circumstances in the short Shieldian-Valerian war is the celebrity of the empire; many Valerian tabloids have already assumed that he wants to meet West Ariddian ex-president Banita Sho to discuss all sorts of things. Some even accuse the emperor for 'getting the hots' for her.

"Preposterous!" said the emperor, "I just want to say congratulate a fine ruler for her term in office that was recently ended."

Ivan V plans to congratulate the new president-elect Liang Jui-te of West Ariddia and discuss the various business ventures from The Valerian Empire that have interest in the heavily free-market capitalist nation. Some various Valerian enterprises such as Valeririjk, Inc. (a steel conglomerate) and Valor Motors have shown some interest in locating factories in West Ariddia and the PDSRA and to introduce their products to the West Ariddian market. Independent Valerian farmers have also inquired Ivan to talk about bringing fresh Valerian produce to the dinner plates of West Ariddia (and possibly the PDSRA, by selling to their government). In the PDSRA, Ivan V would also like to contribute to the Capitalist Centre. However, he does not know how to contribute. Valerians, with their heavily subsidized, regulated and tarriff-ridden mercantilist economy, is hardly the epitome of a modern capitalist society. "At least our empire exports more than it imports... I guess I can contribute to any exhibits featuring protectionism," the emperor quipped.

In other agendas, the emperor also wants to visit the Ariddian Isles to get a feel for the nation and to visit a place that, until recently, many Valerians have been ignorant of. Ivan V has taken an interest in the native Wymgani peoples of Ariddia. Of course, the mission is also to promote the Valerian Empire in foreign lands; many have heard little of this empire in the Pacific, a diverse land with a proud history. Ivan also wishes to offer Ariddians of all ethnicities the opportunity to settle in The Valerian Empire - there are various homesteading programs available for foreigners to receive a grant of land to develop along with some government funding (aspiring farmers get numerous grants).

"Frankly, I would like to tour the city of Aqeyr," Emperor Ivan V has said himself, "it's a city of bright lights I hear, and of potential business opportunities for crafty Valerian merchants. Ariddia is also a colorful land of many different peoples - much like our own Valerian Empire."

The emperor is planning to leave Isangrad soon as soon as West Ariddian officials clear his visit into their country. After his official visit and stay in West Ariddia for about a week, Ivan will head towards the PDSRA and plans to meet Turei Lauru in Rêvane and stay there for an additional week. After the visit, Ivan will head to Beregavan (Shorehaven), the Valerian colony out in the Indian Ocean for the appointment of a new colonial governor and for founding a new settlement in the undeveloped virgin lands of that Valerian possession.

Valerian Emperor to visit West Ariddia

West Ariddian Second Secretary has confirmed that he will be meeting Valerian Emperor Ivan V.

"There are many opportunities in West Ariddia for Valerian businesses, investors and enterprising individuals," Mr. Liang said. "We'll be deregulating and freeing up the economy, removing the socialistic burdens placed on it by my predecessor. I expect an economic boom over the next few months. There has never been a better time to do business in West Ariddia."

Former President Banita Sho has said she will be "pleased" to meet Emperor Ivan V.
"It's good for West Ariddia and the Valerian Empire to have close relations," she said. Ms. Sho, who is now leader of the Opposition, pointed out that her party will surely return to power one day, and that it is natural for Emperor Ivan to meet the leaders of both major parties.

The emperor will also be visiting the PDSRA, where he will be greeted by Second Secretary Turei Lauru and new Prime Secretary Robert Freeson.

"Ariddians are always very interested to learn more about foreign countries and foreign ways of life," Mr. Lauru said. He said he would be happy to help the emperor and the Valerian people gain a better understanding of Ariddia in return. Mr. Lauru suggested that PINA (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/public_international_news_ariddia.html) may be a good vector to bring Ariddia into Valerian households. He said he would discuss with Emperor Ivan the possibility of opening Ariddian cultural centres in the Empire.

The emperor will be taken to visit the Wymgani Cultural Centre in Haven (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/haven_city.html), as well as the Wymgani Lu'i community, in the forests of the island of Se'asho.

Government to emigrants: Return to your homeland

SARGEDAIN- In an surprising move, the Tuhran Bel voted today to issue a public statement calling on all West Ariddian emigrants disaffected by the Sho administration to return to West Ariddia to help build a stronger society.

"Many West Ariddians left their homes because they could not do business or live in a socialist society. They were forced to leave the land of their birth for political reasons- now, they can return." said Honored Arsathae Petrak Ardum. "The emigrants from West Ariddia left their country to find a better life- and now, we encourage all those who left to return to their homeland and forge a stronger and more vibrant society."

It is no secret the Snefaldian government is pleased with the success of President Liang and the apparent victory over socialists in West Ariddia, the victory of Mr. Liang's party means that for now, at least one of the composite states of the Ariddian Federation will remain a capitalist state, something that many Snefaldian politicians called for prior to the election.

When asked about interference in foreign affairs, the Chancellor's office declined to comment. More recently, delegations have been dispatched to nations dealing with internal strife- the United Constitutional Monarchy of Altanar being the most prominent. What this means for Snefaldian foreign policy is unclear.

OOC: Before the timeline gets too far ahead, here's one of our national newspapers on the day after the vote.

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