An agenda of treason or a mission of patriotism? (Semi-closed RP) [Archive]

Pacitalia

26-05-2006, 04:58

From La Repubblica Oggia

http://kfox.gamehorizons.net/Constantino_Sorantanali_25.jpg
Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali officially has a
target on his back: Pacitalia's 68th head of state faces
the opposition of an increasingly mutinous cabinet and
devastating approval ratings at home and abroad.

Cabinet mutiny may eject PM from power by end of June
Sorantanali losing allies left, right and centre as popularity sinks

Alessandro Spinodore (Timiocato)

Pacitalian prime minister Constantino Sorantanali (http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/Constantino_Sorantanali) has barely had any time to settle into his position and already he is facing the ultimate threat: that his own cabinet will spell the end of his unpopular government after just four months.

Sorantanali has been widely criticised, both at home and abroad, for his "repulsive" and "unacceptable" handling of foreign affairs: whether with Sarzonia over the Portland Iron Works crisis and subsequent depression in that country, with Space Union and the Second Empire of the Golden Throne over Absolute Capitalism, and with Isselmere-Nieland over economic matters, the Sarzonian depression notwithstanding.

Cabinet members, once excited about the distinct leadership and original perspective Sorantanali proposed to bring to Timiocato in the wake of two successful FPD governments, now sit disappointed, dejected and feeling threatened by voter apathy and disgust. A wide majority of the cabinet is unhappy and appears ready to tell Signore Sorantanali to hit the road, as it were.

"The consensus, both open and unspoken, among cabinet members, is that we cannot let this country go to ruin," Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra, Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs said Thursday. "We cannot let our political or social institutions falter or crumble, and thus we must keep a sharp eye trained on our leaders and take appropriate action when necessary."

Dr Sancatto Serra moved to reassure foreign governments that Pacitalia was "no less in order and no less stable than before 25th January", that being the date of Sorantanali's accession to the prime minister's chair. "The only problem," he said, "is that Pacitalians are unhappy with the current leadership," and he urged Pacitalians "to stand strong and protect democracy" by either "voicing their support or distaste for this government", and acting "accordingly yet peacefully" on their beliefs.

He said "protests" of Sorantanali's administration were a "more than healthy way of showing how the voting public feels". PSC-endorsed protest groups and pro-union demonstrators have stepped up appearances in major cities since mid-April when rumours of a cabinet mutiny first surfaced. No violence has been reported except for minor scrabbles with peace officers since then, but Dr Sancatto Serra said he "hoped the increased chances of a change in government would not change the behaviour of expectant protesters".

The Prime Minister's Office, as expected, refuses to comment on the rumours that a mutiny would occur soon. Any cabinet member can propose the removal of the prime minister through a referendum -- one that requires the support of 90 percent of cabinet and 60 percent of the voting public -- but once that happens, they can expect nothing less than their replacement in the position if the referendum fails.

Albinanda Serodini, Dr Sancatto Serra's deputy, said "all cabinet members must remember in a referendum like this, that it ends up being either the PM's head, or their head on that platter. It's a very risky game."

While it appears that a referendum on the leadership of Sorantanali would pass unconditionally among the public, individual Agustinates are being coy or unresponsive in their opinions on the leadership abilities or the lifespan of the administration of Pacitalia's 68th prime minister.

For example, LRO research staff sent an email to the Ministry of Industry and Resources but Agustinate Fiorenza Neroglianta's office returned a short, neutral email saying that Signora Neroglianta and her staff were "concerned by the apparent loss of confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Sorantanali" but that they would not confirm or deny their support for a referendum.

Recent federal polls by ABM/Capax show an approval rating of 17 percent for the Sorantanali administration, up 10 percent from two weeks earlier on strong environmental legislation, a new discovery of petroleum offshore and promising long-term economic figures out of Mandragora. But his approval rating is still lowest among prime ministers in the last 50 years and among international heads of state or heads of government, a very troubling factor for the top dog of a leading nation such as Pacitalia.

Internationally, Sorantanali enjoys an average of 31 percent support (unsurprisingly, his approval rating is lowest among Sarzonians and Space Unionists with nine and eight percent respectively). Oceanians and Hamptonians still express the highest support, hovering in the low to mid forties.

Space Union

01-06-2006, 23:06

From Ayadi Accords Newspaper

Fears Awaken Across the Border; Space Unionist Unhappy

Ayadi, Space Union - Pacitalia's growingly unpopular Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali may be kicked out of office if the cabinet gets what it ways according to new rumors in the southeastern neighbor. This comes as his approval ratings remain under 10% in Space Union for his association in the continueing strain in relations between the two allied neighbors.

Earlier in the week, rumors were abound that Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali was in danger of being cast out of the nation's highest office after his approval rating and general discontent with his policies has gone overboard. People in Pacitalia have pushed his approval rating further down below 20% to a estimated 17% approval rating. This comes from Pacitalia's main polling association, ABM/Capax.

The Prime Minister's sliding pollings have also brought down his party, the FPD, from being ahead of its rivals to be within margins error in the lead. A recent poll conducted in Pacitalia found that only 348 of the population approved or supported FPD over the other parties in Pacitalia. Trailing closely behind is the PSC at 32.7%. This recent unpopularity has sent bells whistling throughout the party to dump the PM.

But the most major political problem for the PM seems to be the people he considers the closest: his cabinet. Formed of 60% of the former Prime Minister's cabinet, the cabinet has increasingly began turning against the Prime Minister as rumors increased of a possible cabinet mutiny against the leader. As of now, none of the rumors have been confirmed by any of the cabinet members.

At home, Union Polling Association (UPA) recently conducted a poll of Space Unionist on their approval rating of Constantino Sorantanali. The poll found that only 8% of Space Unionist approve of his job with over 86% of them disapproving, the highest resentment polling numbers in Space Union against an allied or friendly nation's leader. Only 12% of those polled also found that they approved of the Pacitalian government on whole with almost 90% saying that they wished to see a new administration come to power or perhaps former Prime Minister Tim Ells. But surprisingly, 78% of Space Union still considered Space Union and Pacitalia still allied and strongly-bonded. In a sense this is true with the two nation's sharing borders and Pacitalia being Space Union's largest trade partner.

As public opinion continues to remain steadfast against the Prime Minister, the Space Union government took a more cautious route. Foreign Minister Harman Sidhu commented on the matter at a press conference today saying, "I believe that at this point we do not agree with the Prime Minister on many topics and perhaps the best interest for the Pacitalian public is for him to step down. But it is not our decision and his alone, though, everyone here hopes that in the end a peaceful resolution will be found." The Federate nor any other government officials were available for comments.

Sarzonia

02-06-2006, 01:35

Woodstock Daily Mail

Mutiny threatens to shake down Pacitalia

by Corey Janney
Special to the Daily Mail

1 June 2006 -- News out of Timiocato that several Cabinet Agustinates are on the verge of a mutiny that threatens the administration of Pacitalian prime minister Constantino Sorantanali comes as little surprise to observers from deep inside the Sarzonian political structure. With Sorantanali's approval ratings hitting single digits in recent Daily Mail polling, some observers predict it will only be a matter of time before his adminstration collapses.

"Constantino Sorantanali has proven to be an ineffectual prime minister," said one External Affairs official who spoke on condition of anonymity due to his strained relations with Timiocato. "The growing disenchantment among the Pacitalian population is beginning to mirror that of some of the starkest figures among Pacitalia's staunchest allies."

Space Unionist approval ratings were even marginally lower than those in Sarzonia, with many Space Unionists angry over Pacitalia's stance regarding Absolute Capitalism. The rift between those two nations has placed Sarzonia in the awkward position of being on the same side as a Unionist government that is supporting the Golden Throne in its War of Golden Succession.

Despite increasingly rosy economic forecasts that demonstrate a gradual recovery from the Panic of 2006 is well underway, many Sarzonians polled continue to register widespread resentment toward Pacitalia for its widely reported demands that Sarzonia accept a tie in with the douro and the kroner before receiving even a cent of economic aid.

"That [Pacitalian] government stood by and did nothing but seek to humiliate us," said Jeffrey Clarkson, an investment banker with Brachman Sachs brokerage in Portland. "The Hamptonians also did everything in their power to blackmail Sarzonians. It's time that karma come back and smack them where it hurts."

Continued resentment toward Hamptonshire resulted in a multipartisan vote by Parliament to sever all diplomatic and economic ties between Sarzonia and Hamptonshire, but the measure failed to become law when Sarzo issued a pocket veto. With Parliament now in session until the President's Day holiday 10 July, a similar measure looks like it will clear both houses of Parliament.

"Believe me, if Sarzonia could cut all its ties to Hamptonshire, I think they'd do it by now," said Amir Ali Hamadi, a member of the International Society for Progressive Thought, a non-partisan international policy think tank based in Nicksia. "The problem we have is that Hamptonshire is a member nation of the Woodstock Pact and the new charter prohibits Sarzonia from unilaterally pulling Hamptonshire's membership."

A recent Press Herald poll indicates Sarzonians are growing increasingly pessimistic that diplomatic ties between Sarzonia and Pacitalia or Hamptonshire will ever be restored. Only 32 percent of those polled believe that Sarzonia and Pacitalia will restore ties, while 29 percent believe Sarzonia and Hamptonshire will mend fences. Twenty two percent expressed confidence that Sarzonia and Oceania will establish relations in light of the Azazian delegation to the infamous Seaburg Conference informing the Incorporated Sarzonian Government of Pacitalia's demands.

However, the most damning news from the poll is viewed by many to be the number of those polled who believe Sarzonia and any of the nations in the Paci-Hampto-Oceanian bloc should either repair or establish relations. Those figures were only 14, 12, and 11 percent respectively.

"It's clear that Sarzonia's patience with those three nations is gone," Ali Hamadi said. "It also looks like Sarzonia is going to have to prepare to move on without those three nations having formalised relations."

Gray House and External Affairs spokesmen both declined to comment for this story. A source familiar with President Mike Sarzo's thinking would not speculate on Sarzo's reaction, saying he's "been given a gag order" by the President.

Pacitalia

02-06-2006, 20:16

Timiocato - the New Prado

Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali leaned back against his hard leather chair, surveying the office that he truly now felt was his. The look of the office was now, of course, much different - the ebony-coloured slate floors, dark green tile walls, glass desk, spacious windows and master paintings of the previous prime minister replaced by papyrus wallpaper, framed maps, marble flooring, a huge old-world style globe and drapes over the windows. His desk was cherry-wood. His chair was older-style, a dark green leather pinstapled over a matching cherrywood frame.

His laptop blinked, notifying him of a new message. Opening AEMIS, the federal government's form of an instant messaging program, he saw that the message had been sent by his Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs, Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra, a man widely more respected than he and a man he perceived as a direct threat to the stability of this administration. Sorantanali truly believed if anyone was going to usurp his throne, his power, it would be Rabastano. He was powerful, intelligent, charismatic and popular, and Sorantanali only truly matched him in one, maybe two, of those traits.

<RSancattoSerra@365.5.75.31> May I come up to see you, sir? It is urgent.

Sorantanali stared, eyes malevolently narrowed at the screen, pondering what his Agustinate wanted to speak to him about. He decided after a few more moments that it couldn't hurt, and typed his reply: Come immediately. And that Dr Sancatto Serra did, for he had crossed the Bullpen, climbed the stairs and was knocking at the PM's door within three minutes.

Sorantanali beckoned him in with a gesture while overlooking some paperwork that was still cluttering his desk from the day before. "Take a seat, Rabastano. What can I do for you? Espresso, perhaps?"

"No, sir, I'm all right. I came here to talk to you about the serious problems our administration is having right now, coping with foreign pressure, but much more importantly, domestic pressure for you to step down and let someone else take over. Sir, I must say I admire you for your bravery and courage, and your unwillingness to bend over and take the loss. And I admire the hard work you put in to your political career just to get to this office."

He paused, with a strange look on his face and peered out the draped window. "But, sir, with support the way it is here in Pacitalia, and the now inability to control Sarzonian politics and economic growth thanks to their use of Praetonia and Isselmere-Nieland as barricades, we have grown ineffectual. There's nothing different or original we can accomplish, we're playing the same tune as we were in previous administrations and we are making so many crucial missteps in domestic and foreign policy that, between you and me, I am surprised we are still holding court in Timiocato. Our influence is waning, regardless, and we need to either step up to the plate or make a decision we thought we would never have to."

Sorantanali's dark eyes bored into Rabastano's. "And what is this decision that we have to make?"

Rabastano swallowed a little and took a visible deep breath. "Well, sir, I don't think you deserve to lose your administration. But if we continue to poll below 20% inside the country, it will be devastating for both this party and for Pacitalian democracy if we continue to stay in power as though nothing is wrong. We have lost the support of the Pacitalian people, the moral authority to govern, and we cannot ignore that. It is the most important segment of support in a democracy. So, the decision I am reluctantly suggesting you make is to step aside without a fuss. Respect the will of the people and make it clear you are resigning because you understand you are no longer welcome in Timiocato. I don't want this administration to collapse but we might not have a choice anyway in a few weeks or months."

Sorantanali stared blankly forward, unable to comprehend what he was being told - but not because he couldn't understand what Rabastano had told him. Actually, it was because his suspicions of Rabastano and his power-craving personality (or so the PM perceived) were coming true.

"You sanctimonious little usurper. It is YOU who is behind the mutiny rumours, isn't it?"

"No, sir, I--"

"Yes, yes, it was you all along. I know now. You were the only one speaking out in the newspapers, so gladly informing media networks of the lifespan of the government, what would have to happen, so willingly educating people on how you were secretly going to bring down my prime ministership so that you can gain this office!"

Rabastano looked back at Sorantanali with a facial expression that mixed defiance and disbelief. "Sir, I love my current job more than anything. I love the ability to reach out and communicate with so many people, so many different cultures and governments, and see the rewards almost instantly both personally and for my country. Becoming prime minister at this point is one of the last things I want to do, I assure you."

Sorantanali scoffed. "Oh, please, Rabastano, don't bullshit me." He paused and then his face changed as though he had come up with a great idea.

"All right, Rabastano," he said with a patronising air. "I've... made my decision. And it looks like you're going to have find another job to love. Packed up and out of the Ministry by four-thirty. You're a backbench MPP now, my boy, and you may blame nobody but yourself. Now get out of my office."

Rabastano's expression changed to one of hurt and betrayal. He stood up, his hands shaking, and looked as though he were about to reply to the stinging words of his superior. However, he turned on his heel, and walked at a normal pace out of the office, down the stairs, through the Bullpen and out the door.

Timiocato - Ministry of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs

Five floors down in the New Prado, the spacious offices of the MoFDA spread out like a clearing in a beautiful meadow - except for the slew of cubicles and office machinery and busy workers scuttling from their desks to meetings or to retrieve faxes or communications from embassies or other countries. This was the secondary office of the Ministry, the main offices being housed in a massive building at the corner of Via Constituccione and Via San Rafael Taposino. However, it was truly the nerve centre, the connection between the ministry, the federal government, the legislative branch and other nations' respective foreign affairs departments.

Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra walked with an air of confidence despite the shocking news he had just been delivered, like a slap to the face, by Prime Minister Sorantanali. Nobody looking at his face could tell anything was wrong but they would know very soon what was happening. Instead of heading for his office he stopped at his deputy's, Albinanda Serodini. He knocked. She looked up, her young, thirty-something face bright with a smile, and beckoned him inside.

"What's up, R?" she said brightly.

"Nothing good," he replied offhandedly, and her face fell into a frown and a worried glance.

"What do you mean by that?"

"I've been relieved of my duties by the prime minister."

It took a moment for the words to sink in, but when they did her face changed to abject horror. "But... why? What happened?"

"He accused me of being a conspirator in the mutiny rumours."

"How did he find out? Or did he guess?"

"I don't know, but I never doubted his intelligence. We're going to have to move double time now." He looked at his watch. "Get in touch with Timotaio as soon as you can. It's 3:04 now, that means we have 86 minutes until the change of command notice shows up on everyone's computer screens." He left, shutting the door and heading up to his office to collect his stuff and shred some paperwork. Not only that, he was going to call every major media organisation and let them know he was being pushed out by a scared Sorantanali. He smiled. The firing was not planned, not at all, but it did give them more reason to launch the PM out of a cannon and hang him out to dry in return.

He sat down in his chair and poured a finger of fine Praetonian whisky. "Let the mutiny begin," he cheered, raising his glass to the empty office.

Pacitalia

03-06-2006, 02:27

From PNN.pc

http://www.thealbertcompany.com/images/about_hoffman.jpg
Pacitalian Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Relations Dr
Rabastano Sancatto Serra was unceremoniously and
unexpectedly dumped from his cabinet position today
after Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali reportedly
accused one of Pacitalia's most popular federal political
figures of having a hand in the attempts to remove
Sorantanali from power.

Sancatto Serra tanked as Sorantanali administration begins to weaken

by Alberto Tregano, Timiocato

Batten down the hatches, folks: time is now officially running out on Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali's administration after it was revealed today that Pacitalia's sixty-eighth head of state dumped Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra from the position of Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs over accusations that the latter man was actively involved in the rumoured cabinet mutiny.

Political analysts are now saying, in light of this development, that even if there was no mutiny planned, there might be one now due to the extreme popularity Dr Sancatto Serra enjoyed as the foreign affairs liaison for the Pacitalian government. The voting public is already speaking out about what they call "an atrocity and a stain on democracy".

"If there was no mutiny planned, that might not have been a surprise," Carlos Mazoquera, a political scientist at the National University of Monterio, said Friday. "What will be surprising is if there is no mutiny being schemed over now, based on the massive outrage on the sacking of Dr Sancatto Serra."

The deposed Agustinate released a short statement from his office before leaving around 16.30 E on Friday afternoon. He said he was "shocked and outraged by the allegations Sorantanali placed upon [him]".

"I never have, nor never will be, involved in a plot to eject a sitting prime minister from power," the statement said. "I loved my job and gave more than full effort to it, enjoying the reward of having the ability to communicate with so many different people and create a better understanding of life in all states. I am saddened to leave my colleagues and wish them the best, but unfortunately there is apparently no longer a place for me in this administration."

Foreign governments, or at least, media networks, are gearing up to cover this developing story out of Timiocato. At this time PNN staff say they have sent the story onto the international newswire and that it has received over a thousand hits, the immediate interest matching that of Sancatto Serra's popularity.

Dr Sancatto Serra will be, at least for the interim, replaced by his deputy, Albinanda Serodini, until she is either upgraded to be the permanent Agustinate or a replacement is found. Neither she nor the prime minister were willing to comment on this shocking political development.

Hamptonshire

03-06-2006, 04:09

From Seaburg Indepedent Online Edition

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/NS%20Pictures/hayek21.jpg
As rumors and innuendoes of crisis and cabinet
mutiny in Pacitalia have spread, the (Acting)
Foreign Minister, Dr Wolfgang Hayek, has found
himself caught in a media firestorm.

Hayek says "Let them make their own beds"

Dr Wolfgang Hayek, Hamptonshire's Acting Foreign Minister, was forced by media outlets to respond to the latest political news out of Pacitalia: the apparent forced resignation of Rabastano Sancatto Serra. Dr Hayek has had to contend with searing media attention about the perceived upheaval in Pacitalia since the ill-fated Seaburg Conference.

"All that matters to the Federal Government," the Foreign Minister said in a heated press briefing, "is that we have a partner in Pacitalia that is committed to Hampto-Pacitalian relations. Matters of personnel are the sole responsibility of the Pacitalian government". Despite this latest statement, rumors are swirling around Obsidia and Hamptonshire City that the "Triumvirate" has become annoyed with the current Administration in Timiocato. A senior aide in the Finance Ministry has told the Seaburg Independent that Luis Santiago and Lord Philip Rosecrans were both personally insulted by Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali's handling of the Seaburg Conference.

In both the short and long term, however, the Hamptonian government will continue to support the Prime Minister and his administration as the duly elected democratic government of Pacitalia. As Dr Hayek said in the closing of his briefing, "Pacitalia has been, is and always shall be our friend. We will never betray that."

Amestria

03-06-2006, 05:01

Le Monde diplomatique, English Addition
Minister of Foreign Affairs to make Official State Visit to the Republic of Pacitalia and has choice words for the Governments of Sarzonia and Space Union
By Bernard Ramonet

Central- The Honorable Dominique de Villepin, riding high on a 80% public approval rating brought about by his campaign of condemnation against the Allanean Government for its crimes during the Antanjyl occupation and the subsequent arrest of former President Klotchkovsky by Allanean authorities for criminal incompetence and violation of civil rights under color of law, announced that he would be making an Official State Visit to the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia. During the trip his Honor plans to meet with Prime Minister Sorantanali and his counterpart Agustinate Albinanda Serodini, negotiate a trade agreement, and inspect the new Amestrian Embassy, Trade Consulate, and Cultural Center. This visit would be the Foreign Ministers first trip overseas since the unsuccessful Kurora Conference in Mckagan, which failed due to Commonwealth stonewalling and obstruction. Some have raised concerns that Pacitalia’s domestic controversy may overshadow de Villepin and his efforts to improve relations, rendering the whole effort an act of diplomatic futility. The Minister of Foreign Affairs brushed aside such concerns.

When asked in an interview by the Le Monde diplomatique his reaction to the firing of Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs, Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra and the possibility of a Cabinet mutiny against Sorantanali the Minister expressed neutrality. “I have no intent of involving myself in Pacitalian domestic politics. On the few occasions that Mr. Serra and I interacted we had a good working relationship and I hope to have an equally good working relationship with his successor. The same goes for Prime Minister Sorantanali and, should there be a successful mutiny, whoever succeeds him. I intend to work towards improved relations with the whole Pacitalian State, not just one faction or one individual.”

Although he refused to comment on the domestic situation in Pacitalia de Villepin was fairly scathing towards Sarzonia’s criticism of the Pacitalian and Hamptonshire response to the Panic of 2006. “The Sarzonian Government acted like it was entitled to economic aid with no strings attached. When Pacitalia and Hamptonshire presented their offer, a very reasonable offer given it was their money, Sarzonia’s leadership, instead of simply rejecting it and continuing negotiations, characterized the Pacitalian and Hamptonshire deal as terrorism and then refused to fully apologize. Meanwhile, egged on by xenophobic activists and complicit government officials, anti-Pacitalian and anti-Hamptonshire views among the Sarzonian public skyrocketed and absurd conspiracy theories about how the Pacitalian Government intentionally brought about the crash gained common currency. The whole society seems unwilling to accept that the panic was solely the result of problems inherent in their own economic model and that their friends were not obligated to throw good money down a black hole in order to save them.”

The Minister commented that is was very unlikely that formal relations with Amestria and the Government of President Sarzo, or as de Villepin put it “that little man and his government of sycophants,” would ever be established. “Diplomatic and economic relations between Amestria and Sarzonia will remain in their current state, nonexistent. Sarzo is an imperious megalomaniac who, when he decides he does not like a country or its leadership, for whatever trivial reason, goes about ignoring and undermining it. Look at the current situation concerning Hamptonshire, the Sarzonian parliament wants to sever all relations and economic ties with them…why? Because, to put it simply, the Hamptonshire Government did not do what President Sarzo wanted.”

When reminded that Sarzo had delayed the severing of relations with a pocket veto de Villepin was unimpressed. “Parliament would not be taking such actions if Sarzo publicly opposed them... He benefits from anti-foreign hysteria, that’s why he says nothing to stop it.” The Minister added that after his trip to Pacitalia the Ministry of Foreign Affairs next priority would be “the establishment of formal diplomatic relations with Hamptonshire, something that we have put off for far too long.”

As the interview continued on to the subject of Space Union de Villepin called Harsimran Mann and Satpul Singh’s “Absolute Capitalism” a “sick joke” and criticized the Space Union Government for economic discrimination. “Space Unions experiment with Absolute Capitalism has simply led to structural instability, best demonstrated by that colossal recession they suffered, and further environmental degradation. It is a system designed exclusively for the benefit of native corporations at the expense of citizens and open markets. When several Amestrian companies, decent private companies, made bids to buy stock in Space Union companies…made bids to invest in Space Union, they were pointedly excluded, excluded for no reason. We suspect that Amestrian companies were excluded to please certain foreign governments opposed to their presence. Well,” finished the Minister, “no Space Union companies will ever be allowed to conduct business in Amestria after that terrible slight.”

De Villepin ended the interview on a positive note, discussing his various plans for sight seeing in Timiocato should he get a spare moment. “Timiocato is a very beautiful city.”

* * * * *

The Minister of Foreign Affairs State Plane,
On route to Timiocato, Pacitalia

<“So,”> asked Mélodie, <“were you telling the truth when you said you had no intentions of meddling in Pacitalia’s internal affairs.”>

<“Of course not,”> de Villepin responded as he looked up from his papers. <“I fully intend to meddle, just not publicly. I will be everyone’s friend, offer everyone advice and encouragement, while publicly presenting myself as above the fray, interested simply in better relations between our two countries. Whoever comes out on top will thus have a better opinion of us.”>

<“No intention of taking sides…”>

<“I did not say that. We will see how the situation develops.”>

Mélodie was de Villepin’s 23 year old mistress/companion. She had a cute face, lovely honey blonde hair, a very nice figure, and was a good conversationalist. Always a stunning figure in her various capes, hats, and designer clothes. At present she was busy putting together one of her cameras and reading tourist booklet on Pacitalia’s famed monuments, parks, and natural areas. Natural photography was her hobby and she was very excited at the prospect of visiting Timiocato and “capturing” the various sights and landscapes. This would be her first trip out of the country. Mélodie normally would not have accompanied the Foreign Minister, but she had been particularly insistent in wanting to see Pacitalia and de Villepin, upon hearing of Sancatto Serra’s firing, had realized that she could be most useful…

<“A pity that Serra was forced out before I got a chance to talk with him,”> de Villepin continued. <“Now I have to arrange a secret meeting (sigh)…and I hate sneaking around… Anyway, that’s were you come in, while you are out and about taking pictures you will take a detour, pay an unannounced visit to Mr. Serra, and deliver my letter of intent.”

<“REEEHHHHHH????”> Mélodie looked up, the surprise evident on her face.

<“How adorable, a cute nervous panic.”>

<“But I don’t speak standard English, let alone Pacitalian English, and I do not even know were he lives…”>

<“I have a translated map right here, the most discreet route to his residence marked down in red…”> The Minister tossed the map to her. <“And also instructions…”> De Villepin tossed her a little booklet.

<“Shouldn’t one of your staff be doing this, someone who has had experience with this sort of thing, someone who speaks English…?”>

De Villepin began to write out the note he planned to have her deliver to Mr. Serra.

<“It will be a personal meeting, not an official meeting; it should not be arranged by official channels. Also Mélodie, it is a continental tradition for secret messages to be carried and delivered by courtesans.”>

<“It was a continental means of diplomacy during the 18th and early 19th century’s; it was done out of necessity and never considered a tradition…”>

<“Who is paying for your apartment and has arranged you’re free of charge flight to Timiocato?”>

Mélodie sat back in resignation and began to study the map. <“You just like playing with me.”>

(OOC: These brackets, <> indicate that they are speaking Amestrian).

Space Union

03-06-2006, 05:24

From Ayadi Accords Newspaper:

Sorantanali Forces Dr. Serra Into Resignation; Widespread Anger in Pacitalia; Federate Shows Disappointment

Ayadi, Space Union - Today in a personal meeting, Federate Satpul Singh announced his dismay at the news of the forced resignation of Dr. Rabastano Sancatto Serra by the sitting Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali on the charges that he was creating a mutiny or rebellion within the cabinet, which has been rumored to be in the process for quite a while.

Earlier today, Constantino Sorantanali, Prime Minister of Pacitalia, forced Dr. Rabastano Sancatto Serra into resigning from his post as the Pacitalian foreign minister. This comes in light of recent rumors that the cabinet within the administration was planning a mutiny against the Prime Minister. In an act of defiance, he declared that Dr. Serra was antagonizing him and was responsible for the rumors.

Serra's removal has apparently sent shockwaves through Pacitalia when news broke out about the resignation. Dr. Serra has enjoyed extensive and widespread support amongst the Pacitalian population and even Space Unionist for his status as a worldly diplomat. With the removal of Dr. Serra from office, it has caused politics in Pacitalia to further become unstable as the current administration scrambles to keep the roof safe from caving in but it might be too late as the winds of anger pick up.

For the first time ever, Federate Satpul Singh offered his words on the matter sharply objecting to Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali's action. He stated, "What the Prime Minister has done is nothing less than what I expect from an authoritarian regime trying to stay in control. This action was unwarranted and out-of-line." He went further in praising the former Foreign Minister of Pacitalia, "I believe Dr. Serra will be a great loss to Pacitalian politics and to the nation's government at whole. He was a fine man that even Pacitalia's enemies liked. I wish him best of luck with the rest of his life and he is always welcome in Space Union."

As the Federate spoke words of criticism and praising, a poll was conducted among Space Unionist on the current situation in Pacitalia. It was found that 89% of the polled population would like to see the current Prime Minister resign and a new more capable Prime Minister added. 95% said that they believe that Dr. Serra should have not been forced to resign. Finally a final poll on the subject of Dr. Serra's popularity in Space Union found that 73% of the population saw him favorably. Another 15% saw him as neither great nor bad but an okay.

Azazia

03-06-2006, 22:08

From ITN World Service Online

Deveraux Cool on Pacitalian Prime Minister

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Imperium – At a prescheduled press briefing, Foreign Secretary Emily Deveraux responded to questions on the United Kingdom’s reaction to the unanticipated sacking of veteran Pacitalian Augustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Relations, Dr. Rabastano Sancatto Serra. In her remarks the Foreign Secretary hailed Sancatto Serra as the “consummate diplomat” and as a “remarkable individual” who had presented Pacitalia to the world.

When asked about the legitimacy of the firing, Secretary Deveraux replied that Prime Minister Sorantanali is “well within his bounds” to fire personnel, she added later, however, that such drastic and unpopular moves “might not have been the wisest for a man concerned with mutiny.”

The remarks come at a time when the Pacitalian administration finds itself under foreign pressure, most recently for the all but complete erosion of Pacitalian-Sarzonian relations. While support for the Pacitalian Prime Minister remains at 42%, according to the most recent ITN poll, the removal of such a popular and prominent official is certain to alter Sorantanali’s standing in Oceanian eyes.

Dr. Sancatto Serra will be succeeded, at least in the interim, by Deputy Agustinate Albinanda Serodini. For her part Secretary Deveraux reiterated the strong bond between the two countries, stressing that “His Majesty’s Government remains committed to the strong friendship between Oceanians and the Pacitalian people.”

Southeastasia

05-06-2006, 10:14

From Channel News Asia Online
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/images_v1/top_mcnilogo.gif

Neo believes that Sorantanali "still has a chance to prove himself" and that he "maintains neutrality with the Pacitalian Republic's internal dilemmas."

Singapore, Southeast Asia - The Conservative Parliamentarian-Republican Party, Southeast Asia's largest moderate right-leaning political party and primary opposition political group of the Federal New Liberal Party, was yet again in a disagreement with Prime Minister Neo as the Founder of the United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia stated his position on the Pacitalian domestic crisis [when questioned by a university student turned new journalist] and on Prime Minister Sorantanali at his brief visit at Raffles University yesterday.

"Neo believes that Sorantanali has a chance?" were the words of an anonymous, sardonic-mooded CPRP Member of Parliament as soon as he heard the reports of Neo's comments, "And then he goes on to say that 'the cabinet is "neutral"'? Despite our respect for Sorantanali and his predeccessor and the said two individuals' political party [the Federation of Progressive Democrats], we have to say that Sorantanali has effectively walled himself up alive in a medieval castle's walls and has no doorway for getting out, let alone breaking out." The anonymous M.P. when further questioned stated that "Neo's 'neutrality' shall only result in a worsened relationship with Pacitalia".

A few members in Neo's own party have criticized Neo for giving support for the FPD, accusing Neo of 'subverting liberalism and social democratism'. A few FNLP members have even slammed the incumbent DCRP PM's sacking of former Agustinate of International Relations Doctor Sancatto Serra as "ominous signs of Pacitalia's metamorphosis into yet another Laurasia" and that "Neo should distance himself from the sadistic, megalomaniacal, narcissistic Orwellian tyrant known as and whom calls himself and goes around by the name of 'Constantino Giancarlo Ambrosino Sorantanali'."

Neo has responded, following the position of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom of Oceania (formerly the United Kingdom of Azazia, Juristan, Kingsland and the Indian Islands and before that change of naming, the Commonwealth of Azazia), Emily Devereaux. "Former Agustinate. Dr. Sancatto Serra, to use Devereaux's words, was a 'consumnate diplomat' indeed. While the incumbent Prime Minister had the ability and was well within every sovereign right to rid of the said individual from his cabinet, I believe that the said action is just as helpful as pouring liquid petroleum onto a roaring flame."

Southeast Asian public approval of the Sorantanali adminstration has been virtually the same during the overall reign of Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Ell, until this series of incidents involving Sorantanali. Preceding this series of controversies, public approval of Pacitalia was almost similar to the Oceanian people's approval and Hamptonian people's approval, hovering in the mid forties. However, after this series of public controversies and international incidents involving the Sorantanali Administration, it is now in the late thirties to early forties.

The Acting replacement for the deposed Dr. Sancatto Serra will be Albinanda Serodini, the Deputy Agustinate of International Relations. An aide to Joshua Lin Cheuk Kitt [the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs] has stated that the "Southeast Asian Federal-Parliamentarian Government remains commited to maintaining and improving the positive relationship with the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia, along with her allies such as the Incorporated States of Sarzonia and the United Kingdom of Oceania."

The Neo Administration believes that reconciliation between Sarzonia and the Pacitalian-Hamptonian-Oceanian bloc, also known as the "Big Three", role models of the 'free and democratic capitalist world,' is possible and that the Neo Administration shall be making sure that "this shall occur in order for a more positive international community and a more happy and prosperously fruitful era for everyone."

Whether that shall occur or not, the polls are still being gathered on public opinion of how likely is that to occur, but what one definitely can say is: [I]"Time will tell, time will tell."

Sarzonia

09-06-2006, 17:27

Portland Press Herald

Sancatto Serra dismissal seen as damaging

by Luke Conway
Special to the Press Herald

WOODSTOCK (9 June 2006) -- Even though Gray House and External Affairs officials refused to comment on the record regarding the dismissal of Pacitalia's Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Relations Rabastano Sancatto Serra by Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali, sources familiar with the thinking of President Mike Sarzo called the move "ill-timed and potentially ill-fated" by a government "that increasingly is looking insecure."

"We note the unfortunate dismissal of Dr. Sancatto Serra with a measure of disappointment," said Senior Vice President and External Affairs Officer Mark Lorber. "While we have had our differences with Dr. Sancatto Serra in the past, we believe that his experience in his post since 25 January would serve his nation more effectively than bringing in someone else."

News analysts and political think tanks throughout Sarzonia have dubbed the move "political suicide" by Sorantanali, with one reporting that an official in the External Affairs Office said "there goes [Pacitalia's] last chance to mend relations with Sarzonia."

"There's really little left for our respective governments to stand on with respect to repairing the chasm between them," said Adewale Oshinkoye, a analyst from the non-partisan Politico Group Internacional located in Saugerties. "Sorantanali is looking increasingly insecure in office. He's lost the support of nations throughout the world and he's losing his grip at home."

Oshinkoye discounted any talk of a civil war in Pacitalia, saying "they're too orderly over there and they've got too long a tradition of peaceable transition of power for violence to erupt." However he added that, "if civil wars could be fought solely with words, they'd be in one right now."

An official with the External Affairs Office who spoke on condition of anonymity due to his strained relations with the Pacitalian government said Sarzonia would consider calling on Sorantanali to resign, but relations with Pacitalia precluded it.

"Our nations are persona non grata in each other's eyes. Believe me, we've discussed it."

A Gray House spokeman declined to comment on the situation in Pacitalia, but a Daily Mail poll shows Sorantanali's approval ratings in Sarzonia hitting an all time low of five percent. The spokesman also declined comment on reports that Sarzo signed a bill giving Hamptonian diplomatic and consular staffs 72 hours to depart Sarzonia or her territories.

"We can confirm the President has signed the legislation," the spokesman said. "We can also confirm that the legislation gives all Hamptonian subjects 72 hours to depart Sarzonian territory or face detainment. However, we are not at liberty to comment any further than that."

Amestria

10-06-2006, 07:09

The Democratic Republic of Pacitalia,
Timiocato Isolamunicipa International Airport,
Early Evening

Isolamungicipa International Airport felt as if it were in a state of existential conflict. The air had an icy chill from the air conditioner yet the dryness and the light from the windows made the whole place feel strangely hot.

The Honorable Dominique de Villepin (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Dominique_villepin.jpg), Minister of Foreign Affairs, felt tired. Flying across the Atlantic and changing seven time zones had left him with a typical case of jet lag. He yearned for his hotel room and the chance to lie down and sleep off the aftereffects with the help of a handy dose of Nytol. A good night’s sleep, followed by a warm meal, never failed in helping the Minister recover from such tortuous trips.

In the meantime, despite his fatigue, de Villepin was all smiles and good natured cheer as he, to the clicking and flashing of cameras, strode across the carpet to shake Interim Agustinate Albinanda Serodini’s hand. In addition to his blue suit the Minister wore the red sash and official medallion of his office. At his side was a sword, a symbol of de Villepins status as a member of the Amestrian nobility (and something he wore only on the most formal of occasions).

“It is a pleasure to meet you Agustinate Serodini,” de Villepin smiled. “I look forward to our coming discussions and hope they are productive.”

De Villepin studied his (possibly temporary) counterpart. She was relatively young with a bright, cheerful, some would say cute, face. If Serodini was insecure about her new position or unsure of herself in anyway, she did not show it.

I wonder whose creature she is, the Minister thought, Sorantanali’s or Serra’s? I will have to tread carefully around her until I am sure of where she stands.

* * * * *

Mélodie meanwhile, not being an official part of the Ministers diplomatic staff, was still in the plane, waiting for the commotion to die down so she could quietly disembark and enter the country on a tourist visa.

Jagada

11-06-2006, 00:53

From The Inn Chronicle

Sorantanali Under Fire
Republic comments on growing Pacitalian political crisis...

Inn,Jagada - Following her election as the first female Highest Minister in Jagite history, Riyabuo Kalia made the establishment of relations with Pacitalia has a "high diplomatic priority". The Democratic Capitalist Republic is seen a one of the very few conservative states to have a long-standing friendly relationship in the liberal world. A apart of the Highest Minister's diplomatic plans to have the newly forged, yet fragile Republic to put its foot in the door of the liberal world--Pacitalia is a start to that. Though currently, recent domestic political events in Timiocato have forced the Highest Minister to post-pone her plans to establish diplomatic relations with Pacitalia--though it could not stop the people from wanting to know what the Republic's offical position on the situtation regarding the Sorantanali Administration.

For weeks, as the Sorantanali Administration slowly began crumble, the Highest Minister avoided questions pretaining to the situtation. Leaving to cover her retreat, Foreign Minister Alfred Rednight, to give very vague comments on the issue such as "Sorantanali and his mistakes are none of our concern". Though despite this, Minister Kalia has slowly, but surely been pushed into a corner. With the Republic's entry into the War of Golden Succession, combined with its support of the Ottoman Khaif, as left the Republic foreign policy in a state of confusion. With one foot firmly entrenched in the traditional neo-conservative world, and one foot trying to stretch itself into the moderate-liberalist world.

The Highest Minister's lack of comments did not simply end the debate raging over Sorantanali in the Republic--as several political commentators took up the issue across Republic news channels. One such man, Kazuki Daisuke, a Constitutional Party (CP) member spoke out on the Free Imperia News station in this following comment towards Sorantanali, "Hes a mentally unstable, paranoid, middle-aged man who refuses to realize that he cannot live up to Timothy Ell and is simply refuses to surrender to the will of his people. The man should be in a hospital getting help, not the office of the Prime Minister." These harsh feeling are not, however, shared by the majority of the population in the Republic. A National Renewal Party (NRP) Councilman made this comment, "The fact that he is having to rule in the shadow of Timothy Ell should pardon him from any mistakes. Thats how it is in politics, you get a very strong, very intelligant, very good leader who brings a country to the world attention and makes it respected amoung all powers. Then you force another man, usually older, less intelligant, less creative, to try to be better than the one before him. Its impossible."

After weeks of dodging the subject, Highest Minister Riyabuo Kalia was cornered when she left the 'Window Church' last Sunday morning after services. She finally commented on the subject, "The Republic will not demonize Prime Minister Sorantanali for failing to live up to world expectations. He is just a man." When asked about her feelings regarding the recent dismissal of Sancatto Serra, she replied, "Again, Sorantanali will not be demonized by myself for using his right to remove a member of his cabinet."

Pacitalia

13-06-2006, 06:45

Breaking news from PNN.pc

http://www.italiaue.it/foto/Plessi%20copia.jpg
Nine Agustinates were present Monday afternoon, in front of
large Pacitalian flags, at a hastily- called press conference to
announce they were following through on the referendum process
to remove Constantino Sorantanali from the office of prime minister.

Sorantanali's time is past up: Agustinates
Cabinet furious over firing of Dr Sancatto Serra, want PM out immediately

Alessandro Spinodore, Timiocato

It's official: after two and a half apprehensive weeks watched closely by both domestic and international political observers, nine Agustinates in Constantino Sorantanali's cabinet have announced their intention to hold a referendum concerning the beleaguered prime minister's continued presence in that office. They presented their constitutionally-backed request to a throng of media Monday afternoon.

Observers originally figured the ruckus had died down after a couple of weeks of inactivity but following two major developments - the first, the anonymous release of a photograph of UK prime minister Alistair Tetley, visiting Pacitalia last month for as yet unknown reasons; the second, Sorantanali's removal of Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra from the foreign affairs portfolio - calls for Sorantanali's resignation within Pacitalia and the anger over his latest blunder were major catalysts for the Agustinates to trigger a referendum.

After bringing the referendum to vote Monday morning in the Constazione Ampoliticato Federali, Pacitalia's lower parliamentary house, Prime Minister Sorantanali was quick to speak out about those trying to bring his administration down. "Signora Speaker, there is no doubt in my mind that these charges are nothing more than treason," he said, "and should this referendum fail, which, owing to the illegal challenge that it presents the people of Pacitalia should and will force such failure... I will have these conspirators prosecuted for their crimes against this country."

No doubt a visible chill went through all six hundred and forty-seven people seated in the hall, but the CAF voted 389-258 in favour of the motion of no confidence, followed by a supplementary 199-94 vote in favour from the Senatoro. Agustinates said at the late-afternoon press conference they were definitely going to press ahead and spat venomously at the words of the prime minister.

"This is not even close to treason," Fiorenza Neroglianta, the Agustinate of Industry and Resources, said in response. "We are protecting the vitality and stability of Pacitalian democracy and justifying the existence of democracy itself, in addition to upholding the constitution, by bringing about a referendum that is only in response to the massive dissatisfaction with the current prime minister. If Mr Sorantanali had better support both at home and abroad and had he acted more responsibly during his four months in office I am quite sure this referendum would not have been presented to the public."

Elections Pacitalia has been asked to set up polling stations for a general public referendum. The question will reportedly be "Taking into account the current public and administrative dissatisfaction with the federal government led by Signore Constantino G.A. Sorantanali, do you agree that he should be removed from power under the terms outlined in the Pacitalian constitution?"

Sixty percent public support and ninety percent cabinet support is required for the referendum to pass. If it does, the High Commissioner will be called on to begin the procedure necessary to remove Sorantanali from power and institute the powers of acting prime minister on a replacement agreed upon by the cabinet. If the cabinet cannot reach a decision, Pier Agano Anzomatti, the comissioneri alti since 1997, will pick his own replacement under the title Consigliere degli Governmenti -- caretaker of the government.

The replacement, regardless of title, can hold the office for a maximum of 30 days before (s)he is forced to call a federal election scheduled for no more than 30 days after that.

Now, however, perhaps more than ever the focus will be on the Federation of Progressive Democrats. It has long been one of the most potent forces in global politics, being the backstop behind two highly lauded and highly successful administrations. But with this third, an enormous, uncontested failure in the eyes of a wide majority, will this fracture the FPD or only serve to make it stronger? Or more importantly, in a third, intriguing scenario, will voters and foreigners alike learn to separate the perceived mistakes of Sorantanali from the party itself?

"People are smarter now than ever before," Elizabeth Cunningham, a political scientist at the University of Mandragora, said by phone Monday evening. "It's stylish... cool, even, to be politically savvy in this day and age. It would be a hard task to go out on the street and find someone who doesn't know at least something about the current political instability in the Democratic Capitalist Republic." Cunningham is a native of Oceania who is on a five-year guest tenure with Pacitalia's top university.

She added: "And with that knowledge and savvy, I'm quite positive people are able to compartmentalise what Sorantanali has done and what the FPD have done. To put it simply: the FPD is still Dr Ell's party. The FPD is untouchable."

The public referendum vote takes place next Monday. If it passes, the cabinet makes its decision the next day at its usual Tuesday morning meeting. Opinion polls on Sorantanali are still relatively unchanged over the past two weeks.

Hamptonshire

14-06-2006, 01:55

From Seaburg Independent Online Edition

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Visiting his native Eeasen, Lord Rosecrans
expressed his optimism that Pacitalia is ready
to confront its current state of domestic politics.

Lord Rosecrans says "Democracy will prevail"

By Walter Reilly, Eeasen

In the near-perpetually snow-covered Eeasen, where the snow only begins to melt in late July, Lord Rosecrans gave a surprisingly warm reaction to the notice of the so-called "Cabinet Revolt" in Timiocato. While he did not endorse either side in the current Pacitalian internal row, the Lord Protector did tell the press that he was happy to see an "evolved democracy using established and legal methods to resolve internal disputes". Lord Rosecrans made it clear that no matter the outcome of the referendum, the United Realms would continue to pursue close Hampto-Pacitalian relations.

Reaction from other Hamptonian government and political officials have been much harder to come by. Even amongst candidates in the upcoming Federal election, comments about Mr Sorantanali are virtually nonexistent. The exception has been the separatist Abetje de Vries, leader of the Sandrin National Party. At a campaign stop at a local community college Mrs De Vries attacked the rebels in the Sorantanali Cabinet. "They are rabid political opportunists that only seek to overturn the will of the people. They may not be traitors, but they certainly are piddling, worthless technocrats". Dr Wolfgang Hayek, the Foreign Minister and Chancellery candidate for the Independent Progressives, was quick to denounce Mrs De Vries comments. "The Hamptonian government will not, now or ever, interfere in the internal political machinations of Pacitalia," was his reply.

While the official line of the government has been, and remains, neutrality there are increasing murmurs in both Obsidia and Hamptonshire City that Lord Rosecrans and the "Triumvirate" are growing increasingly tired of the political situation in Timiocato. Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali is viewed as an insensitive international leader that has inadvertently alienated Hamptonshire and Pacitalia from several formerly close nations. Dr Hayek and Mr Santiago, both former Ambassadors to Pacitalia, are thought to personally dislike the Pacitalian head of state. Most elites and political leaders share their opinion, Mr Sorantanali's failure to officially visit Hamptonshire. One candidate running for a seat in the Royal Senate told the Independent that, "In our view, Sorantanali has done nothing that should endear us to him. For that alone, I won't shed a tear if he's kicked out on his bum come next Tuesday."

Sarzonia

14-06-2006, 05:00

Woodstock Daily Mail

Lewis: Prime minister a 'hypocrite'

by Corey Janney
Special to the Daily Mail

13 June 2006 -- Lieutenant President Nicole Lewis broke the Incorporated Sarzonian Government's months long official silence on the Pacitalian government in an interview conducted shortly after President Mike Sarzo and First Partner Jay Tyler traveled to Izistan for an official state visit.

"We are bitterly disappointed in how events have brought us to where we are now," Lewis said in a speech she said wasn't cleared by Sarzo. "The fact is that [Pacitalian prime minister Constantino] Sorantanali has the audacity to refuse to resign his post with the confidence in his administration hitting rock bottom after one of his government's officials called for President Sarzo to step down.

"I guess you could say I am," calling for Sorantanali to resign as prime minister, Lewis said. "If he and the Pacitalian government are the paragons of democracy they claim to be, Sorantanali should bow to the will of the people and step down and call for new elections.

"Sorantanali, you're trying to run the party of Tim Ell, but you're no Tim Ell. You're nothing but a hypocrite and a coward."

Lewis said she had nothing against Pacitalia itself, emphasising that her quarrel was with the government.

"I love Pacitalia, but I just hate what he's done to it."

Lewis also confirmed that Sarzo signed an executive order severing diplomatic and economic relations with the Grand Archduchy of Hamptonshire. She said the move was "symbolic" since the governments were progressing toward that end. She also said that Sarzo sent the Hamptonian government a letter formally requesting they resign from the Woodstock Pact.

"In the end, Sarzo just ran out of patience with Hamptonshire," Lewis said. "Ultimately, our two nations can no longer work together under any circumstances." Lewis shook her head when she was asked if Pacitalia and Sarzonia could normalise relations.

"What relations are there to normalise," she asked. "Until or unless that faceless wonk in the Pacitalian government admits to calling on Sarzo to resign the Presidency, there can be no normalised relations. That's just the way it goes. Our people are hurting over the lost friendship between our governments and I'm hurt that our governments can't see eye to eye. But I'm also angry over the character assassination that Sorantanali has subjected my nation to.

"He and various media outlets in Pacitalia have characterised the overwhelming majority of the Incorporated Sarzonian Government's statements about Pacitalia's government as being attacks on the people of the country," she said. "Let me be clear. We haven't done or said anything against the people of Pacitalia. It's the government we have a quarrel with."

Amestria

14-06-2006, 10:58

Le Canard Blessé (English Addition)

Worlds Leading Alarmists Excited About Pacitalian Cabinet Mutiny
By Robert Custine

Page 3

Timiocato, Pacitalia- The recent Cabinet mutiny, talk of which has dominated headlines and news programs for the last two weeks, has the world's foremost alarmists extremely agitated.

“What is now presently viewed as a simple political upset that could possibly result in a change of power within Pacitalia’s government has the potential to cause widespread chaos, a great worldwide depression, and possibly civil war," Matthew Cooper, the president of the International Alarmist Council and one of the world's leading fear mongers, said Monday. "My professional opinion, and more importantly, my personal belief, is that this is a cause for great international alarm.”

The sentiments expressed by president Cooper, most well known for his brilliant alarmist analysis of the danger posed to western civilization by the possible existence of secretive satanic cannibalistic cults, were upheld by members of the international alarmist community.

Arturo Mercado, Pacitalian citizen, occasional blogger, and founder of The Pacitalian National Citizen's Institute for Alarm, feels that many in his country have not faced up to the fact “that Armageddon could be on the horizon.”

Fortunately many significant political figures have taken up the alarmist cause.

Federate Satpul Singh characterized the Pacitalian government as “an authoritarian regime trying to stay in control.” He then added ominously that Pacitalia was “at the edge of the abyss and it may soon be too late.” The Space Union government has since cautioned its citizens in Pacitalia to stay “safe” with the complete and total collapse of Pacitalian civilization a possible result of the coming referendum, a move much applauded by the IAC and president Cooper.

“Political violence in Pacitalia has the potential to kill more people then mad cow disease, cell phone radiation, and poisoned Halloween candy combined!"

Certain admirable Southeast Asian parliamentarians went further, remarking that the firing of Sancatto Serra and Constantino Sorantanali’s refusal to step aside were "ominous signs of Pacitalia's metamorphosis into yet another Laurasia" and that Southeast Asia, “should distance [itself] from the sadistic, megalomaniacal, narcissistic Orwellian tyrant known as and whom calls himself and goes around by the name of 'Constantino Giancarlo Ambrosino Sorantanali'." One MP added, before jumping out a window, that if the recall failed “then the entire world is basically doomed. DOOMED!" President Cooper and the IAC wholeheartedly agreed.

"Many experts also believe the transformation of the Democratic, Liberal, and Free Market Pacitalia into an Orwellian Totalitarian Superstate to be imminent, if not—God forbid—already underway.”

The remarks made by the Southeast Asian’s encouraged Jagada Legislator Kazuki Daisuke of the Constitutional Party to speak out and warn the world how Sorantanali “is a mentally unstable, paranoid, middle-aged man who eats children and pushes old women down stairs, a man who is evil incarnate and must be stopped least he destroy us all, YOU HEAR ME, DESTROY US ALL!”

Alarmist sentiments have also wisely been adopted in Pacitalia as well, with the Prime Minister himself hinting that the attempt to oust him was sponsored by “traitors” who “hate Pacitalia, renewable energy, families, and puppies.” In a well thought out comment sure to admirably contribute to public alarm the PM growled “Should this referendum fail I will have these conspirators prosecuted for their crimes against this country." Nonsense, countered Fiorenza Neroglianta, the Agustinate of Industry and Resources. "We are protecting the vitality and stability of Pacitalian democracy and justifying the existence of democracy itself. Sorantanali’s leadership will clearly turn us into a third-world third-rate proto-socialist state, he must be removed.”

Arturo Mercado and the TPNCIA have since expressed that they have never felt prouder of their country’s leadership. “They are indeed trying to inform the public of the seriousness of the situation, give them a full picture of what is at stake.” However, according to Mercado, they could still do better. “No one has mentioned white slavery, mass cannibalism, or decapitations at amusement parks…and of course no one has gone into the EXTREMELY high chance that leather clad nomads could seize power during the inevitable mass disorder and rule us all with a capricious iron fist.”

Some have criticized the various alarmist predictions as “demagogic,” “ludicrous,” and “completely unrealistic,” but Matthew Cooper had nothing but scorn for his critics. “Look, first I take the facts, then I interpret them in what I, as an alarmist, believe to be the most effective fashion, and simply provide those interpretations to politicians and the public. That’s what I did during the Sarzonian recession, when I educated that country about the Pacitalian plot to destroy their economy and humiliate them into becoming slaves.”

Disclaimer: The above article is a work of satire.

Page 4: Sarzonian Lieutenant President calls for the Pacitalian Prime Minister to be burned alive.

Jagada Chief Minister announced she will not comment on Sorantanali’s “many terrible and boneheaded mistakes” and that she would not seek to “demonize” the PM for being “a sad miserable pathetic excuse for a man.”

Southeastasia

16-06-2006, 11:41

Neo was reading the public statements by the Amestrian Foreign Minister and all other concerned parties, and apparently the situation was not in a positive light. Neo himself had made some major screw ups much similar to Sorantanali's during his reign as Prime Minister of the now former Republic of Singapore, now capitol of the Union. It was only due to luck and a few well-crafted traps that his political opposition (which were consisted of radical politicians) prevented the destruction of all hope that the Union itself could be founded.

Sour grapes over the Incorporated Sarzonian Government's aid to the Saint Fedskian Commonwealth, thought Neo as he read over the Amestrian Foreign Minister's comments, I do not know whether or not it is true that the former Amestrian Occupational Authority and/or the Torontian Provisional Government abused human rights, but it is most likely - after all, would it even have had came out in the first place had it not?

He then proceeded to the news of the Pacitalian cabinet mutiny. I barely managed to haul myself and the rest of the cabinet from a fiery political grave and a permanently negative outlook by history. Alistair Tetley? A man worthy of respect and a close friend of Tim Ell - what could he be doing in Pacitalia....wait a minute, rumors of Ell's return....unlikely, but not impossible.

Perhaps I should talk to the concerned parties themselves and try to come to an agreement....

[OOC: Urgh, not my best effort, but I'm not exactly in the mood to make a super good one...]

Pacitalia

20-06-2006, 08:23

From PNN.pc

http://www.rai.it/Contents/news/28000/referendum_150603.jpg
A 44-year-old Mandragora man casts his vote in Monday's
referendum; the first half of a constitutionally-backed, Agustinate-
triggered query on the continuation of Prime Minister Constantino
Sorantanali's prime ministership. Tuesday, the second half of the
referendum takes place with the cabinet voting in the morning.

Mutiny a success among voters; cabinet vote looms
Voters resounding in their rejection of Sorantanali's administration during Monday referendum

Andreas Magnusson, Mandragora

Three billion Pacitalian voters gladly took an opportunity to oust unpopular Constantino Sorantanali from the prime minister's chair, signaling a very likely end to his short administration in the first half of a national referendum Monday. The vote, triggered by nine Agustinates last week, saw just over three billion people cast ballots 76 percent in favour of ending Sorantanali's administration prematurely.

The figure was well over the 60 percent minimum required from voters but remarkably under the 90 percent estimates of political scientists, meaning many voters got "cold feet at the last second", according to those same analysts.

"It's quite clear that support for the termination of this government is still high among voters," Elizabeth Cunningham, a political scientist at the University of Mandragora, said by phone Monday evening. "The less impressive numbers simply reflect the fact that many voters were unsure about whether a 'yes' vote would hinder or uphold democracy, and the fundamentals of such a system. Overall, though, the message is clear: the people do not want him in. There is no more tolerance for this administration. The tank, as it were, has run down to empty."

Support for the ousting was strongest in traditionally socialist areas like inner Lucifora and Nortopalazzo, where voters in January elected PSC MPPs with 74 and 73 percent vote shares respectively. Those cities saw both 'yes' votes of 96 percent. It was lowest in Sorantanali's constituency of Sambuca-South, where 29 percent of voters voted 'yes'. Nationally, as noted, the overall vote was 76 percent in favour of ending Sorantanali's government and calling a federal election.

Now, however, the nail biting will continue for at least another sixteen hours, as both Pacitalians and foreigners with interest wait with bated breath for the result of Tuesday morning's cabinet vote. Ninety percent support is needed from the cabinet in order for the referendum to succeed - so it must be noted that even if as high as eighty-nine percent of the cabinet supports the referendum, the entire thing still fails; Sorantanali's administration remains intact.

What makes tomorrow's vote even more anticipated and nerve-wracking has to be the fact that no political scientist in or out of the country has been able to predict how the cabinet vote will go. Basically all Agustinates are being tight-lipped and coy on how they will vote tomorrow but polls suggest that with the way the public has voted, they expect the cabinet to respect the wishes of the people and call for the administration's suicide.

Pacitalia

20-06-2006, 20:25

Timiocato. Five days before.

The Amestrian foreign minister was silent, but with a polite smile on his face, as his motorcade snaked through the streets of Timiocato. The honourable Dominique de Villepin was on his way to the new Amestrian Friendship Complex, the new sprawling acres-large landspace south of the Government District which contained the massive, gleaming glass-and-steel Amestrian embassy, a trade consulate, an Amestrian cultural centre and library and a wide greenspace with a small football pitch and Pétanque field.

de Villepin was on his way there to christen the new building which had been cost-shared by the Pacitalian and Amestrian governments. He was also in Timiocato to meet with the prime minister, but interestingly enough, not a soul except for he and his aides, and Sorantanali and his aides, knew he was doing so. But if the media got hold of such a piece of news just days before the vote on Sorantanali's administration, they would go absolutely wild.

The motorcade slowed as it rounded the bend of a new six-lane parkway built to wrap around the parabola-shaped complex. Turning left into the complex, it rode slowly down another wide lane. de Villepin watched as the buildings of the AFC grew larger and larger before the motorcade halted in front of a wide iron gate at the left side of the road. Behind it, a mass of glass, steel and trees: this was the new embassy. A guard stood by with a holstered sidearm in front of a door-style gate to the right.

The palm trees across the lane swayed under a breeze, their fronds whispering softly as they rubbed against each other under a hot Timiocato sun. The media made their attack, running over to the limo to assault the Amestrian foreign minister with a million and one questions, some surprised to see de Villepin was not sweating or making any notice of the forty-two degree weather.

Anastasia da Caposera, a senior reporter from the local PTN News branch, spoke first. "Honourable minister, what is the reason behind the construction and opening of such a complex? What are your plans for future relations with Pacitalia?"

"How do you justify building this massive beacon of capitalist 'friendship' when millions of Pacitalians and Amestrians are suffering from low income and near-poverty?" came the scratchy voice of Mario Santo Pentangio, from the left-wing newspaper Tempo Passo.

Manti Soratina-Murana of La Repubblica Oggia was less abrasive and more intuitive. "Sir, is this really the only reason you're in Timiocato today? Would I be right in saying you have alterior motive, as it were? It just seems to odd to me that any foreign minister would take such a large interest in the building of an embassy, 'friendship complex' or not, without having other reasons to be in the city."

Other questions were lost in the breeze as reporters fought for position and for attention. de Villepin smiled and began his reply to the media questions.

Pacitalia

20-06-2006, 20:45

Breaking news from PNN.pc

Sorantanali stays
Voters stunned as cabinet narrowly rejects referendum in morning vote

PNN.pc staff

Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali is safe, at least for now. Cabinet voted in the second half of a constitutionally-backed referendum on the prime minister's continued presence in that office and on the continued operation of the current administration. The results were shocking, to say the least, as dejected Pacitalian voters saw 21 of 24 Agustinates cast ballots in favour of the referendum question. Reportedly, only Sorantanali and senior deputy prime minister Domenico Benficalzo voted against it, with Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs Albinanda Serodini abstaining.

Though 21 is a majority, it, at 87.5 percent, was still short of the 90 percent required for the referendum to pass and mark the end of the prime ministership. Thus, because of that, the entire referendum has failed, and the prime minister remains in office until either the next referendum or the end of his term.

Still, nobody is blaming Serodini for keeping this government alive. In fact, political scientists say, Serodini's move might have merit.

"It might give more reason for a second referendum later down the road, or it may just be because Serodini did not want to deal with the pressure of being the deciding vote, so she took the neutral path," Liz Cunningham said Tuesday after hearing the results. "Unfortunately for her, she did become the deciding vote, but unintentionally. And I feel that her decision may have something to do with the fact that she feels she has more yet to accomplish in her new position, what with the creation of the third alliance and the attempt to heal the wounds on Pacitalian diplomacy."

The prime minister is reportedly going to call a press conference in response to the cabinet vote and it will be held either this evening or early tomorrow. Observers of the prime minister are unsure as to the theme or content of the conference but all agree Sorantanali will be buoyed by the failure of the referendum.

Hamptonshire

21-06-2006, 00:54

From Seaburg Independent Online Edition

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/NS%20Pictures/cipriani6.jpg
Federal Chancellery candidate Miguel Cipriani (LDR)
attacked the result of the Cabinet vote. He said that
Sorantanali is attempting to silence all public dissent
within Pacitalia.

Sorantanali to remain in power despite overwhelming public pressure

Today voters in the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia voted overwhelmingly to eject Mr Sorantanali from office. The result, 76 percent in favor of sacking the doomed Prime Minister, was less than what most analysts expected but still shows the widespread contempt that most of the voting populace has for their head of state. The embattled Sorantanali was able to hang on to power, however, by a single vote in his Cabinet.

The new Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs, Albinanda Serodini, abstained from voting. While some have hailed her action as pragmatic, others have been much less kind to the newest member of the Pacitalian Cabinet. Dr Anthony Pearson, Professor of Pacitalian Studies at The Royal Academic Institute, said that Ms Serodini, "tried to take the middle road. She either did so out of genuine belief or she was crippled by indecision. Either way I think she failed to show real leadership when her country most needed it". Dr Pearson feels that Mr Sorantanali will take the opportunity to try to consolidate his power in the government. "He won't let another Cabinet mutiny happen if he can do anything about it."

Foreign Minister Hayek, while campaigning in Harrkona, issued the Federal Government's official response to the result of the ouster attempt. "We take pride in the example that Pacitalia has given the world in its attempts to deal with the current political situation in that country. It is not our place, however, to comment upon the results of the balloting or the Cabinet vote. Hamptonshire is happy that the recent instability that threatened to overturn Pacitalia has come to a head. The Hamptonian government will work with Mr Sorantanali just like it will work with any democratically elected leader."

The campaign trail was mostly quiet about the result of the public and Cabinet votes. Chancellery candidates Hayek, Santiago and Arikan refused to comment on the vote and even the normally outspoken De Vries was reserved, "I'm disappointed that the Cabinet didn't listen to the general populace" was her only response to numerous questions from the press. The surprise came from Labor-Democratic Reformists candidate Miguel Cipriani. At an event in rural Frederiksberg, Mr Cipriani lashed out at Mr Sorantanali and his supporters.

"It is an insult to democracy that Constantino Sorantanali remains in power. The vast majority of his countrymen want him out of office. He was only saved from that most deserved fate by the vote of two members of the Cabinet and the abstention of a third. Since when do the votes of three government bureaucrats outweigh the collective will of billions of law-abiding citizens? It is an affront to everything that civilized people hold near and dear to their hearts. In fact, this vote shows that there is a severe democracy deficit in Pacitalia. An incompetent buffoon remains in office on a technicality. I personally hope that Sorantanali finds whatever sense of honor and duty that he may have left in his soul and makes the decision to resign. He can become an example to other undesirable leaders the world over."

Prime Minister Sorantanali is scheduled to call a press conference within the next twenty four hours in response to the two votes. It is not known what the Prime Minister will say but sources in the Foreign Office report that the Ambassador to Pacitalia, Lord Peter Easton, has been keeping in close touch with the Cabinet 'rebels'. Angelo Ciambano Serra, the Pacitalian Ambassador to Hamptonshire has reportedly been asked to come to Hampton Palace to brief the Lord Protector's Office about any potential policy changes.

Broadcasters have agreed to air the press conference live across the nation with HNN and HBC-1 providing in depth analysis afterward.

Sarzonia

21-06-2006, 04:00

Woodstock Daily Mail

Sarzo calls Sorantanali 'delusional' after vote

by Brad Taylor and Corey Janney
Special to the Daily Mail

IZISTAN CITY (20 Junen 2006) -- President Mike Sarzo broke a months-long official silence during a state visit to Izistan, calling the decision not to vote for a referendum to oust Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali "a miscarriage of democracy.

"Sorantanali is nothing more than a despot with no more than a fingernail's grasp on the mantle of leadership," Sarzo said. "He is a weak leader and nearly everyone in the world realises it except him. Sorantanali is delusional to think he deserves to sit in that chair a minute longer."

The Incorporated Sarzonian Government's relations with Pacitalia have plummeted from close friendship to unremitting hostility in recent weeks, with Sarzonia adamantly refusing to allow Pacitalia to send an envoy to a proposed peace conference between the United Kingdom of Oceania and the Khailfah al Musilmeen governments. Vice President for Business and Commerce Janis Hedge announced that all Pacitalian imports would be banned effective 1 July and all exports were prohibited as of 31 May.

"As of now, there is zero legal trade between our two nations," Hedge said. "If there are any Pacitalian diplomatic or consular personnel in Sarzonia, they are here illegally. Same holds true for anyone with a Sarzonian passport in Pacitalia."

Approval ratings in Sarzonia for Sorantanali reached an all-time low yesterday, with just two percent of voters supporting Sorantanali. One percent of Sarzonian voters described their opinion of Sorantanali as "neutral." A full 87 percent of voters expressed "extreme disapproval" of the Pacitalian chief executive.

"The man had the audacity to call Sarzo a dictator," said Lieutenant President Nicole Lewis. "Even Ray Charles could see that Sorantanali needs to go, but that idiot still refuses to realise he serves at the pleasure of the people. Yes, I said idiot. Print that."

Sarzo declined to address the severing of diplomatic ties with the Grand Archduchy of Hamptonshire, except to say that he sent a letter last week asking Hamptonshire to resign from the Woodstock Pact. He also declined to comment about Lord Protector Lord Rosencrans.

"That's a whole 'nother issue," Sarzo said. "Right now, the central issue is the fact that Pacitalia's Cabinet is too weak to show the kind of leadership that nation needs and oust that blight on their nation from office. The sooner they get rid of that [expletive], the better off we'll all be."
Brad Taylor reported from Izistan City; Corey Janney reported from Woodstock.

Jagada

21-06-2006, 05:55

From The Inn Chronicle

Referendum Fails! Republic Divided!
Pacitalian Prime Minister's Cabinet votes to keep him...Republic sentiment divided...

Inn,Jagada - The Republic is divided! The recent failure of the referendum in Pacitalia, the topic being weather or not to oust the current Prime Minister Sorantanali, has sparked public outcry against what many had once ignored. Public feelings towards Pacitalia have even seen a hit since the failure of the referendum has some citizens fear that Sorantanali will turn Pacitalia into a nightmare. Prior to the the rereferendum, most Jagites remained apathetic about the entire ordeal surronding Pactialia and their Prime Minister, seeing it as purely a domestic issue. When word reached Jagite media outlets about the voters of Pacitalia voting in favor of ousting Sorantanali, the public truly believed the entire issue was settled--the people had spoken and not in a way the Prime Minister would have praised. Many Jagites were also estatic to see Sorantanali gone, many felt the only reason Highest Minister Riyabuo had failed to begin the process of opening up relations with the Democratic Capitalist Republic was because of Sorantanali's low foreign and domestic approval ratings and any new executive of Pacitalia might view the Monotheistic Republic in bad light for trying to open relations with such a leader. So absolutely convinced was the Monotheistic Republic that Councilmen and Chambermen had made offical statements on the matter wishing Sorantanali the best of luck in the future and saying democracy has prevailed.

This pre-mature victory celebration in Jagada is a result of what Dr. Nomura Akinori of the Dome Institute of Politics based in Pax Topazia has called: "...an unforseen flaw in Pacitalian referendums." This has proven true as in Jagada, in order to oust the Highest Minister, Congress and the People need but give the word and the Highest Ministry is vacant, effective immiedately. Many citizens in Jagada feel that Pacitalians should not tolerate what has been done to them, Mr. Konishi Takeshi of the Rally For World Freedom (RWF) gave this statement on his organization's stance on the Pacitalian political situtation, "The voters of Pacitalia, the common man, has been cheated out of his democratically given rights. Why in God's Almighty name would a nation allow a Prime Minister's cabinet, people he puts in power, to be required to vote him out, and by a vote of ninty precent nontheless. The people of Pacitalia need to wake up and realize that this isn't the Ell Era, they no longer can expect every leader they have to have a gold circle around their head and a white aura." This has sparked polls to finally be taken to check Jagite domestic feelings towards Sorantanali, which have all come in rather low, the most conservative of polls have shown Sorantanali coming in at about 47% approval rating, while some of the most liberal ones show his approval rating at around 5%. This, however, has affect Jagite feelings towards Pacitalia in general, as before the failed referendum approval rating was hovering around 86%, and polls have now indicated on average and approval rating of around 77%.

Though not all of the Republic has turned against Pacitalia and Sorantanali. Some in the public have shown support mainly to Pacitalian Republicanism, not so much Sorantanali himself. Dr. Sakamoto Sadayoshi has herald the cabinet's vote as "unfortunate and rather distasteful, but nontheless perfectly legal..." Many of Jagada's political expert's have called the referendum perfectly legal and upright. They point out that the Pacitalian people have allowed this type of referendum to fail by allowing a Prime Minister's Cabinet to decide their fait. Though this has done nothing to help Sorantanali or Pacitalian approval ratings within the Monotheistic Republic.

Even the Churches within the Monotheistic Republic have shown discontent for how the people's will have been circumvented in Pacitalia. Pastor Gushiken Kazuo spoke on behalf of the Organization of Central Luthern Congregations made this comment, "The will of the people of Pacitalia should have come before the political greed that clouded the mind of the deciding voter of the cabinet. I fear not only will Pacitalians pay for this single act of inaction, but so will the World in general." Also, Dr. Morisue Takuji of the Theocratic Federation of Churches gave this comment to the press,"Sorantanali has an open door to tyranny, I believe he will take it. I highly doubt he will allow his cabinet to remain...we should expect witch trails soon enough."

Though the Jagite Government has finally decided upon a stance, and while the stance is a bit vague is it clearly against Sorantanali has can be shown by Foreign Minister Alfred Rednight's comment on the referendum while finishing up a meeting with several deputy foreign ministers, "It is clear that the people of Pacitalia and indeed, the majority of the own Prime Minister's caibnet demand that he step down. It is clearly the will of the people and government. The fact that the entire referendum failed because Mrs. Albinanda Serodini indecision in not wanting to cast a vote. I fear her inability to vote in favor of the people may weight more heavily upon her shoulder's than the guilt of voting out her boss."

Amestria

21-06-2006, 06:35

Le Canard Blessé (English Addition)

It’s Alive!
By Robert Custine

Page 3

The Village, Pacitalia- Despite massive protests from the village and an attempted intervention by the town elders, the Monster, better known as Constantino Sorantanali, was revived earlier today.

The Monster, a hideous being infamous for its stubbornness, poor leadership, and tendency to devour small children, has plagued the village ever since its creation and assumption of the Mayor’s office four months ago.

“After the retirement of good Mayor Eli that scientist fellow with the fuzzy white hair and strange laugh promised us a good leader, instead he gave us some wretched good for nothing undead monstrosity…go figure,” complained unwashed peasant Antonio Garcia, expressing views held by the majority of his fellow helots. “Since that thing took over the respect once held for our village by other communities has fallen like a rock down a well, a rotting bag of meat kept alive by some unholy power is not a good representation of our government or our town to the outside world.” Many experts agree.

“Constantino Sorantanali, what with his disgusting green skin, revolting scars, and tendency to moan aloud, is just not likeable,” commented Elizabeth Cunningham, one of the fiendish political scientists who live up at the Castle. “He is unable to connect with his own people or the leaders of neighboring hamlets. His chronic, intractable feud with Sarzo the Ogre leaving many villagers dispirited and, frankly, sick of both abominations.”

After a brief reign of terror, fate seemed to be on the side of those who opposed the Monster as the beast fell into a coma. While scientists rushed the unresponsive collection of corpse parts to the Castle a town meeting was held to decide Sorantanali’s fate. Ultimately 76 percent voted to strip Mayor Constantino Sorantanali of his office and “chop him into dead thing pie!”

However the final decision rested not with the mob but with the town council, which despite the waving of pitchforks and chanting of “DEAD THING PIE” by their constituents, failed to acquire the 90% majority necessary to strip the Mayor of his position. 21 out of 24 voted for removal while two, senior Deputy Mayor Domenico Benficalzo and the semi-conscious Monster, voted against removal. Fair village maiden Albinanda Serodini abstained, reportedly saying that “It may be a Monster but it is still a living being and deserves to be given a second chance.” Constantino Sorantanali was allowed to revive and shall remain Mayor until either the next town meeting or the end of his term.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a8/Frankenstein_Karloff.jpg
The monster calls a press conference in response to the vote by the town council.

Buoyed by the failed attempt at rebellion, the Monster held a press conference, promising to stay the course, continue advancing his government’s agenda, and rip off the heads of those who opposed him.

Reached for comment on the Monsters revival, Sarzo the Ogre responded “Sarzo mad! Sarzo smash Sorantanali! Sarzo cut off trade with Sorantanali’s village!”

Disclaimer: The above article is a work of satire.

Page 4:

National Academe of Science: Monstrous half pig half squirrel with advanced knowledge of algebra responsible for missing tea spoons.

Sarzonian President for Life shocked, just shocked, that Pacitalian PM will not step down after referendum.

Bitter old man dies a little inside every time he sees children play: “Little brats don’t know how good they have it!”

* * * * * *

The humorous barbs of Le Canard Blessé aside, few Amestrians care little about the fact that Prime Minister Sorantanali remained in office after a 76% public referendum in favor of his ouster. In Amestria there are no referendums, no means for the removal of the President before the expiration of his term beyond impeachment by Parliament for high crimes and misdemeanors, and no way to bring about the removal of the Prime Minister beyond the collapse/dismissal of his/her government. Many Amestrians were in fact bewildered by the slew of populist criticism leveled against Sorantanali by foreign leaders.

The Gupta Dynasty

21-06-2006, 07:04

The following is an excerpt from the Times of Chelmar, which was also run in the Ajerite Sun and Yaforite Post, as well as various other newspapers throughout the nation.

Sorantanali Survives a Scare

http://kfox.gamehorizons.net/Constantino_Sorantanali.jpg
The depleted Prime Minister of Pacitalia

TIMIOCATO, PACITALIA - Not very long ago, the Economist ran an article (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10036196&postcount=2) on the Yaforite elections. It told of the hardships of the Yaforite economy (a thing long in the past) and of the possible choices. On the whole, it was an article that was not in the least complimentary. It began with a quote, a Halladi proverb, which seems all the more apt now, as Pacitalia tears apart due to political sentiment. "Strength and courage in the face of adversity brings glory".

Constantino Sorantanali is, by far, the least popular Pacitalian Prime Minister for decades. According to ABM/Capax, there is an approval rating of 17% for the PM at home. This seems, to most Yaforites, a strange figure, for the Pacitalian economy is still the envy of the modern world, and recent news shows Pacitalian corporations having discovered oil and natural gas off the shore of several provinces. This would be ideal for most countries, but for the Pacitalians...no, it is not.

Internationally, Mr. Sorantanali looks stronger, propped up by Oceanians, who support his recent decision to aid them in the New Albion conflict with the KLM. In Yafor 2, Mr. Sorantanali showed strong numbers up until that decision, since when he has dropped to nearly 38%, says the Imperial Yaforite Polling Association (or IYPA). The IYPA states that among Pacitalian expatriets, his numbers are the lowest, enjoying close to 21% support, while among the general populace, his numbers are closer to 30%.

Unsurprisingly, with these numbers, there were catcalls from across the nation to remove the PM and bring about a new era to Pacitalia. This was compounded by his surprise firing of Dr. Rabastano Sancatto Serra, the former Pacitalian Foreign Agustinate. This move came as a surprise to most analysists, but it was not without warning. The Agustinate was not a very friendly figure (the IYPA says that 61% of Yaforites disliked him) and Mr. Sorantanali was under a certain amount of stress. The move became political dynamite.

An international uproar began. Sarzonian President Mike Sarzo (who has been dubbed a "dictator" by Mr. Sorantanali for his constitutional right to stay in office as long as he wishes, despite the fact that he has a strong Parliament, something no dictator does) called the move "political suicide". The leader of Southeast Asia, Neo, stated that Mr. Sorantanali had "a chance to prove himself", but indicated that his patience was at breaking point.

Then the people came in. They voted for the referendum, for the Sorantanali administration to end their tenure in office. Close to three billion people, or 76% of the population voted in favor of the referendum, though a far cry from the 90% that most analysists had suggested. The international community began to smirk with satisfaction. In Sarzonia, Mr. Sorantanali was called a "coward" and a "hypocrite" and labelled as "trying to run [Timothy] Ell's [while being] no Tim Ell." Similar statements ran through Hamptonshire.

But the Agustinates did not oust him. By a vote of 21 to 24 (a few percentage points away from the 90% necessary to throw away the PM) he escaped what seems like his fate. There were calls for him to resign all across Sarzonia, which has long since cut all relations with Pacitalia. Several Hamptonian newspapers echoed these statements called Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs Albinanda Serodini, who abstained from the vote "cowardly". In Sarzonia, Mr. Sorantanali has been labelled as a "despot", though the Sarzonian message has the ring of age and is beginning to sound old and feeble.

Elected Duke Rudiv Sodo has stated on the subject only once. "Pacitalia is a land with intelligent, pragmatic people. I am confident that they can sort out this situation without bad blood." He looks to tread the middle path, a line already being taken by the Christian extremists in Jagada, not a good comparison for the Yaforites. However, from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, there seems a difference in the rhetoric. New Minister of Foreign Affairs, Davrain Nayadol, who is being touted as Mr. Sodo's successor in some quarters has said that this is "none of Sarzo's damn business" and that the international comunity "should let the Pacitalians sort it out. Constantino is an intelligent men, one who does not deserve the criticism offered by the Sarzonians. Stay out of it." However, all his words have not been in support of the Pacitalians. He has been reputed as saying "The Pacitalian people seem to be looking for controversy. The economy is doing well, environmental legistlation has been passed...so, just because of a few differences in foreign policy, why do you have to try to get him out?"

The situation is at a fork in the road. Whether Pacitalia, and the world, can take the right one, remains to be seen.

Pacitalia

21-06-2006, 10:43

From the mountains of Space Union, through the plains of Izistan, along the beaches of Pacitalia, the rocky crags of Moepoeia and over the rough seas of Amarenthe, this is FBC (http://kfox.gamehorizons.net/fbcgreen.png). FBC broadcasts 24/7 and can be found online at FBC.com.

This is an FBCNews special report

Good evening, I'm Niles Parker from the FBC Pacitalian broadcast centre in Timiocato. Tonight FBC brings viewers in all five countries live coverage of a press conference called earlier in the day by Pacitalian prime minister Constantino Sorantanali. Political experts and offhand analysts suggest the conference call is very likely a response to the referendum on his leadership, which today ended in a surprise failure. The public voted Monday over three-quarters in favour of punting Sorantanali from the New Prado, but this morning, three members of the cabinet, the prime minister included, were a sufficient enough force to hold the glue in place and keep Mr Sorantanali in his chair for the next while.

Pacitalians and those outside the Democratic Capitalist Republic now all sit stunned, wondering how three members of the government could so easily halt the fast-moving and hugely-supported referendum. Support for the removal of Sorantanali was a remarkable force indeed, a movement not seen in Pacitalia since perhaps the creation of the republic itself five hundred years ago. Tonight, we may get some answers as to why the cabinet was unable to follow the advice of the people, and why we are not now looking forward to a federal election, with a Caretaker of Government ready to take over in the interim.

We are just moments away from the prime minister's press conference. We will take a final commercial break before the conference starts, after which live and uninterrupted coverage begins here on FBC. Please stay with us.

...

Welcome back. I'm Niles Parker in Timiocato. For those of you just joining us we are now taking you to the New Prado in the Pacitalian capital where the prime minister, Constantino Sorantanali, has called a press conference for reasons still yet unknown, but speculated to be over the narrowly failed attempt to remove him from the prime minister's chair. The prime minister has disallowed questions after his speech and will be exiting the stage immediately after he has finished; this according to his press coordinator.

"Good evening, assembled members of the press, my fellow Pacitalians and those watching around the world. The last few days and weeks have been a trying time for me. Not only do I not understand the reason for such massive opposition to my leadership and hatred of me both personally and politically, I do not understand how it came to be so bad.

"All leaders have their faults. My fault is perhaps that I did not, and still do not know, how to rule in the shadow of two great leaders before me. It has been a fear of mine ever since I started in this role as your head of state and head of government that I could never live up to the expectations of Pacitalians, or foreign admirers of this country, after being guided so wisely and positively by Signore Santo Ragazzo and Signore Ell. But my request of you is simple.

"I may not have shown myself to be a great leader but I have not been given much of a chance. Every leader makes mistakes, and I freely admit I have made them in the past. The Seaburg conference and my foreign policy come to mind instantly, of course. But there are always misunderstandings in foreign relations, and I feel Seaburg has become a big misunderstanding. Not only has the belief that we were out for Sarzonian blood become commonplace, it is without merit and without truth. Never would we do such a thing to a nation we consider friends. Yes, we have said things that are hurtful but the Pacitalian government realises well enough that such comments were mistakes. I would ask that certain Sarzonian government officials stop making the situation worse by continuing to make inflammatory comments through various media channels. It paints a very nasty picture of the relations between our two countries, which deserve to be mended, at least for the sake of our people. Whether or not I am in the picture when that happens is immaterial, that it happens is vital.

"I am not afraid to say that I am offended by the attitude towards my administration. If you could walk a mile in my shoes today, would you? Would you dare to bear the stress, the pressure, the deadlines, the complex web of governance I must hold up every day just like any other leader? And yet, none of them are sharing the hostile environment I must endure every day. So what is the difference between them and me? I still cannot see it.

"After today's failed cabinet vote, I beckoned all my Agustinates into my office to ask why they wanted this administration to end. I reminded them of how much more we had to accomplish and how small of a chance we had been given, even by those who had supported us only weeks before. They are concerned democracy is in danger if I stay in power. How is that so, I ask? How is that so, when I was legitimately elected into my office?

"That said, all twenty-one Agustinates that voted in favour have agreed to step aside, and as of midnight they will no longer hold their current titles. They will go back to being simply Members of the Pacitalian Parliament. Signorata Serodini will assume a few roles in the interim as will my deputy prime minister, Signore Benficalzo. I will not be replacing the deposed Agustinates for a while, as I see no need to give Pacitalians more reason to create political instability in this country. Yes, my detractors may say this puts me in the position of ruling with an iron fist but at least I know the rules of the game. I now know what it takes to lead this country and to protect that leadership from the usurpers.

"But anyone who dare say I am creating a democracy deficit will hear this now: there will never be such a thing in existence here in the Democratic Capitalist Republic until democracy itself does not exist, until I suspend elections, suspend the constitution, and send the legislative branch packing. I have no plans to do that. I will, however, let it be clear that any further attempts to bring down this government will be treated as treason, the criminals dealt with in the usual manner. The last attempt, today's failure, will be given amnesty, and you may walk free.

"But I suggest that you remember that with each attempt at usurping my authority, instability only perpetuates. And there is no need for such instability, no reason. I am a legitimately elected leader that has admitted to mistakes and is looking for a fresh start. There is no reason I shouldn't be granted this in return. Goodnight."

Hamptonshire

22-06-2006, 03:44

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All the news, all the time

Good evening, I'm Yolanda Sawyer coming to you live from HBC Tower in Seaburg. Here are tonight's top stories:
Lord Rosecrans flies to the Northwest Provinces after massive rains flood the region
Miguel Cipriani calls for the mandatory creation of Worker's Councils in all manufacturing businesses
Luis Santiago and Abetje de Vries storm the Sandrin SAR for votes
Foreign Minister Hayek attends the Youth Day celebration in Weslyn
Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali sacks his Cabinet

Our top news story is the surprise ouster of the twenty-one Agustinates who voted to remove the Pacitalian Prime Minister from office. While it had been assumed that Mister Sorantanali would fire our sideline several of the more central members of the Cabinet rebels, the mass firing was a shock to most analysts and common people. The surprise was extended when the Prime Minister said that he would not immediately appoint replacements. Until Mister Sorantanali names successors to the now vacant offices power will effectively be concentrated in his hands.

In his speech the Prime Minister addressed the recent increasing criticism of his style of governance:
"All leaders have their faults. My fault is perhaps that I did not, and still do not know, how to rule in the shadow of two great leaders before me. It has been a fear of mine ever since I started in this role as your head of state and head of government that I could never live up to the expectations of Pacitalians. [...] I am not afraid to say that I am offended by the attitude towards my administration. If you could walk a mile in my shoes today, would you?"

Many Pacitalian watchers and academics were quick to attack Sorantanali's admission of being overwhelmed with the job. Stephen Larsen, an Independent Progressive candidate for the Royal Senate and a former Minister of State for Allied Affairs, was one such detractor. He spoke to HBC from offices at the University of Portshire,
"He's admitted what billions of Pacitalians have long realized, that he isn't up to the job. Sorantanali is trying to cover for his shortcomings by hiding in the shadows of his predecessors. I think, perhaps, he should take a page from their book and know when to step out gracefully."

After announcing the resignation of his Cabinet, the Prime Minister said that any further attempts to remove him from power would be regarded as treasonous. It is not known how far Sorantanali would actually go to back up his new policy, but it is widely agreed that another popular referendum on his Prime Ministership is highly unlikely. For the time being Constantino Sorantanali has secured himself at the top of the Pacitalian political pyramid.

After the break we'll join our Senior Government Correspondent for the Lord Protector's visit to the flood-ravaged city of Wessex.

Amestria

22-06-2006, 10:14

Timiocato. Five days before the Referendum.

A guard stood by with a holstered sidearm in front of a door-style gate to the right.

The Military Guard stood at full attention, saluting as the Minister of Foreign Affairs approached.

The palm trees across the lane swayed under a breeze, their fronds whispering softly as they rubbed against each other under a hot Timiocato sun. The media made their attack, running over to the limo to assault the Amestrian foreign minister with a million and one questions, some surprised to see de Villepin was not sweating or making any notice of the forty-two degree weather.

Like many who grew up in temperate (and during the winter, rainy) North Amestria, de Villepin found the forty-two degree temperature somewhat uncomfortable. However, during his long service as a dignitary and his ten year term as Minister of Foreign Affairs, he had grown somewhat accustomed to hot places. The Military Guard positioned himself between the Foreign Minister and the press, insuring that the crowd of reporters was kept at a reasonable distance.

Other questions were lost in the breeze as reporters fought for position and for attention. de Villepin smiled and began his reply to the media questions.

De Villepin answered each of the questions in the order they had been asked.

"Honourable minister, what is the reason behind the construction and opening of such a complex? What are your plans for future relations with Pacitalia?"

“The Friendship Complex, as it has been dubbed, was built with multiple purposes in mind. The first of course being to further cooperation and coordination between our respective States, the second being to facilitate increased trade and mutual investment between the Amestrian and Pacitalian private sectors, and third, to help Pacitalians acquire a greater appreciation for Amestrian culture. As for my plans for future relations with Pacitalia…”

De Villepin clasped his hands together to demonstrate.

“My plans are for future relations between our two States to be closer.”

"How do you justify building this massive beacon of capitalist 'friendship' when millions of Pacitalians and Amestrians are suffering from low income and near-poverty?"

“First of all, this complex is not a ‘beacon of capitalist friendship,’ whatever that is supposed to mean. Second, the Amestrian economic model has one of the most efficient and extensive systems of social welfare in the western world; no one in Amestria has been impoverished by the building of this complex. As for the spending priorities of the Pacitalian government, I can't speak for them.”

"Sir, is this really the only reason you're in Timiocato today? Would I be right in saying you have alterior motive, as it were? It just seems too odd to me that any foreign minister would take such a large interest in the building of an embassy, 'friendship complex' or not, without having other reasons to be in the city."

“I wish you would not use the word ulterior,” de Villepin remarked playfully. “It makes my visit sound so sinister. Yes, it’s true; there are additional reasons for this visit beyond merely inspecting the Embassy, Trade Consulate, and Cultural Center. It is no secret that I intend to have a general discussion with my counterpart Agustinate Serodini, various high level officials at the Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs Ministry, and perhaps one or two private industry groups, about the general state of Amestrian-Pacitalian relations and hammer out the various details required to begin talks on a thoroughly inoffensive non-controversial free trade agreement…something that would significantly benefit both our countries economies. Also, the Marquis of Anjou* is a friend of mine and it is only proper that I personally welcome him into his new post as Ambassador to Pacitalia… There is a verse from an Amestrian poem, Je Construis une Nouvelle Maison** by Marie Lisle…

I build a new house.

I thatch the house with straw…
gathered neatly in bundles.

With straw gathered neatly in bundles.

I thatch the house with straw…
gathered neatly in bundles.

That’s why I’m here, to thatch up the roof so to speak.”

The Foreign Minister took out his pocket watch and glanced at it.

“I am afraid that I have no more time for questions, however, I will be free to answer a few more after my inspection, see you then.”

With that he and his aides entered the complex.

(*OOC: Ambassador Jacques Clément
**OOC: I Build a New House)

* * * * * *

(OOC: When the dialogue is in brackets, <>, it means they are speaking Amestrian.)

Upon entering de Villepin was greeted by Ambassador Jacques Clément, Trade Consul Joseph François Dupleix, and Director Marie Louise Villon of the Amestrian Cultural Center. After shaking each of their hands and exchanging pleasantries the Minister began his very thorough inspection. Everything was in order…well, mostly everything. The Head Librarian got a severe talking to…

<“Why are my books shelved in the back under V…?”>

<“V for Villepin…”>

<“My last name is de Villepin, de…”>

<“I’m sorry Minister; one of the Pacitalian petty assistants must have made a mistake…”>

<“Re-shelve them under D immediately and re-catalog everything.”>

<“Yes Minister.”>

At the end of his inspection de Villepin had a private meeting with the Ambassador in his office to discuss the Pacitalian situation and inform him of his intentions.

<“We shall work to improve the overall impression of Amestria among the differing political factions and the Pacitalian public while avoiding the appearance of taking sides in their domestic politics. We will be everyone’s friend and no ones enemy…at least for the moment. Now Sorantanali’s government lacks popular support and has many determined enemies, but its demise is not written in stone and if it survives the Prime Minister’s position will be significantly strengthened. The criticism leveled against Sorantanali by various foreign leaders has just been ferocious, and will likely backfire by increasing support for the PM among the more nationalist segments of the voting population… If one’s State wishes for the removal of certain leaders in a fellow Republic it is best simply to signal you are unhappy with them and then let things work out by that country’s internal system. Non-stop denouncement and vicious attacks just bring people to the defense of their leaders and poisons relations. The Governments attempting to undermine Sorantanali have no idea how to properly bring about peaceful regime change. Now, you are to keep in regular and discrete contact with both the PM’s faction and the Opposition after I separately set things up with both Sorantanali and Sancatto Serra. The need for secrecy cannot be emphasized enough, the Prime Minister must remain unaware that we are talking to his opposition and the opposition must be made to think our interactions with Sorantanali are merely superficial.”>

<“I understand Minister.”>

<“Good… You will be my eyes and ears Jacques; I have full confidence in your abilities.”>

<“…Thank you Minister…”>

<“Now I understand the Xirniumites have also recently built an Embassy in Timiocato…”>

<“Yes Minister, their Ambassador is a distinguished diplomat by the name of Dr. Thomas Eldrige. So far the Eternal Republic has chosen to remain silent on the domestic controversy within Pacitalia…”>

<“Meet with him and open up a back-channel so our two State’s can coordinate things here…if there is ever a need for that. It will also send a signal to the Xirniumite Foreign Ministry that we are serious about restoring relations after the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, while at the same time providing something of a concrete foundation for future diplomatic cooperation between our two States after the restoration.”>

<“Yes Minister.”>

* * * * * *

As soon as the Isolamungicipa International Airport had cleared out Mélodie emerged from the plane and entered the country on a tourist visa. After checking into her reserved hotel room and sleeping off her jet lag with the aid of Nytol, Mélodie got up, got dressed, discretely (as per de Villepin’s instructions) proceeded to the airport, and boarded an inexpensive flight to Rigunanta (in Amalfia). Upon arriving she set out for Sancatto Serra's private residence to deliver the Ministers unofficial message…

Of course she didn’t call a cab and drive there directly, No…that would have made this too easy, she told herself. Her map had the path she was to take marked out in red. It was a winding path, she was to move from point to point, sometimes by taking a cab, sometimes by taking a bus, sometimes merely by walking…all to throw off anyone who might, for some reason, feel it worth following her.

Mélodie was wearing a very nice off white short sleeve linen blouse, a line skirt, a lovely woven designer hat (to keep the sun off her face), along with a pair of beige open-toed two inch heels. She looked like any well to do foreigner out seeing the sights. Along the way she got several good pictures, but overall the whole errand was a chore which she could not wait to finish so she could get back to seeing the sights in Timiocato. Lacking the de Villepin’s tolerance for high temperatures (this being her first trip outside of Amestria) she was fairly hot and bothered by the time she reached Serra’s residence (as well as frustrated by the overly complex route and nervous that she may be in over her head).

Sancatto Serra's house was an impressive manor with a gate, guard station, and customary speaker box. Mélodie activated the speaker box and proceeded to read the introduction de Villepin had written for her.

“I am a per-son-al un-offic-ial rep-resenz-a-zive of ze Hon-or-able Dominique de Villepin, ze Amestrian Min-ister of Fore-ign Aff-airs. I have a priv-ate mess-age from ze Min-ister for for-mer Agusz-in-ate Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra.”

Let’s get this over with, she thought quietly as she waited for the guard’s response.

Pacitalia

23-06-2006, 09:53

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The domino effect

The Pacitalian prime minister has withstood
a potentially earth-shattering referendum. A new
question remains: will he stand strong once more
in the face of new challenges to his leadership?

TIMIOCATO

Certainly, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. But luck seems to have spread to Timiocato this week, after Pacitalians gambled on their future using democratic means, and the prime minister just narrowly avoided a sacking at the hands of those who voted him into the New Prado just four months ago. Percentage wise, more Agustinates voted to forward his demise to the High Commissioner than did voters, but that so-called leader's gold clause, that which stipulates ninety percent of the cabinet must vote in favour of deposing a leader for such a referendum to succeed, has allowed Constantino Sorantanali the opportunity to solidify his grasp on power and thusly create the first de facto triumviratic autocracy in Pacitalian history.

In doing so, he has wrested power from the cabinet that tried to topple him and left it in the hands of three prominent government officials he implicitly trusts: himself, but also his longtime deputy, Domenico Benficalzo, who, in winning his seat in February's national elections was given the instant opportunity to be Sorantanali's senior deputy prime minister and thus second-in-command of the country, by none other than Sorantanali himself. Along with these two men comes the presence of a woman respected for her diplomatic proficiency while renowned for her fiery appearance and disposition. Albinanda Serodini was just two weeks ago named to replace the fired Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra, and now thanks to her abstention from Tuesday morning's cabinet vote, finds herself, whether intentionally or otherwise, one of three power-brokers in Pacitalia's new age of autocracy.

And yet, nothing seems to have changed in the Democratic Capitalist Republic: the palm trees still sway, the waves lap on the pristine beaches, autos jam the wide expressways, bright lights explode their vibrant hues onto the starry skies at twilight and that famous economy is still as resilient as it has been for the last twenty years. But perhaps change is imminent, but under the surface, or more ominously, albeit positively, perhaps that change under the skin has already commenced, in the form of tiny dominoes tipping one by one until they reach the flashpoint, Sorantanali's unofficial kingdom expiring for good.

There can be no parallels drawn between the ancient monarchy and Mr Sorantanali's administration, just as there can be none drawn between this triumvirate and a functional version existing in the government system of the Hamptonians, long the allies of Pacitalia but now questioning the continued fruitfulness of a relationship with the Democratic Capitalist Republic, at least with Sorantanali at the helm. Two triumvirates, both of two men and one woman, but two polar opposites: black and white. While on one side there exists an arguably evil group of three power-brokers in Sorantanali, Benficalzo and Serodini, apparently hellbent on retaining power for as long as possible, the other triumvirate benevolently seeks to repair the damage inflicted by Bernard Charles Allenby, Jr. last year, before it gives up its power to its successors, the reformed Chamber of Representatives and Royal Senate, and the Federal Chancellor, who will exercise the powers of the head of government. And while two of the three members of the Hamptonian triumvirate are running in the federal chancellery race, they at least understand that democracy is necessary, the mandate of the people sacrosanct, in order to prolong the influence and prosperity of states like Hamptonshire and Pacitalia, and justify their time as legitimate leaders.

An Allanean news/talk radio station jokingly referred to the prime minister Monday as "the next iron man outside Russia". Oceanian media have dubbed the 47-year-old Sambucan "King Constantino I". And in a similar vein, Hamptonian newspapers have dubbed Sorantanali "Luis IV's successor", alluding to the last king to hold the throne in the 13th century, apres-republic Pacitalia. Interestingly enough, that Hamptonian quote probably holds the most water among keen historians, for Luis IV met his end at the end of a pitchfork, overthrown and murdered by an outraged populace in 1219. Pacitalia fell into a state of disarray until a temporary collective of "Pacitalian provinces" was declared in 1284, but there is no indication this time that it will take sixty-five years for the Democratic Capitalist Republic to recover from the bruises of Sorantanali's iron fist leadership.

The reasons are simple: more opposition to his leadership, better means to accomplish the task of deposing the prime minister, a stronger social fabric, a much stronger economy that can no doubt withstand an arguably major political crisis such as this, and, as Oceania's Financial Review puts it, an "inherent distrust and dislike for authoritarians" and autocratic rule among Pacitalians, especially those eligible to vote. To put it simply: Pacitalians will not tolerate Sorantanali's latest decision to decapitate the executive branch of Pacitalia as outlined in the constitution, and the symptoms of such intolerance will be felt swiftly and brutishly. Prime Minister Sorantanali may have eliminated threats to his prime ministership in the very short short-term, but indeed it appears this centralisation of power will, in the long-term, perhaps more quickly, do no good and provide no benefit for this man as he attempts to cling to power by any means available and/or necessary.

Pacitalian political scientists call it the New Domino Effect. The first domino fell when Sorantanali muddled up his first attempts at international diplomacy with Satpul Singh and the Space Unionists, followed by two more dominoes with the Sarzonians and Macabeans. The Sarzonian recession and Seaburg were the fourth and fifth in the set, and the next arguably came down with the firing of Sancatto Serra. And now, with the at-present failed uprising cancelled out by the sacking of nearly the entire cabinet, we face a completely new set of dominoes. Whereas in Obsidia and Hamptonshire City the pressure to perform exists every day in politics just like it does here in Timiocato, the Pacitalian triumvirate faces the added pressure of the element of survival. Its weakness is that nobody wants it in charge and nobody asked for such an odd and surprising change in government systems. Its downfall will be spelled out by the mass millions of Pacitalians forcefully creating the change they desire and ousting the prime minister for good.

One by one, it appears quite possible, Sorantanali will whittle down authority until only he remains. Whether that is intentional on his part is in the cards, but time will tell on whether Serodini and Benficalzo go too, and in that order - very likely, according to those same political scientists. Ms Serodini is absolutely solid in her position thanks to her talents as a diplomat, but she is a democraphile, and it is still unknown whether she wants to be a part of this triumvirate, plus whether she intended her abstention to thrust her into such an enticing position of power. Mr Benficalzo is an interesting anomaly: his thoughts, like Serodini's, are relatively undecipherable, because one cannot ascertain whether his loyalties lie closer to the foundations of democracy and the republic it serves, or to his superior. Twenty years together is more than enough to create a chasm of indecisiveness on Benficalzo's part, but he must decide what is more important both to him and to the state. If he chooses incorrectly or does not decide so, he will pay the political price just like the prime minister.

And with just Sorantanali all by his lonesome at the very end, and most likely zero public support by that time, plus a legislative branch that has resigned out of protest, the last domino should just fall nicely into oblivion. Then and only then, Constantino Sorantanali will be forgotten as a leader, shunned as a diplomat, and ostracised from societal status as a Pacitalian, but remembered as a megalomaniac, and for his remarkable ability to irritate all whilst leaving much less than a memory, and possibly no legacy.

Pacitalia

27-06-2006, 08:15

Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra missed the upbeat sixteen-hour-a-day, six-day-a-week work weeks of being the Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs, but he too enjoyed sitting at home, being able to relax for once. He was reclined on a charcoal-coloured suede chaise lounge chair, dressed in a light banana pastel polo shirt and khaki shorts. Flipping channels on the mounted flatscreen TV on the wall, he paused when the phone rang, and set the remote control down on the side table. Getting up, he depressed the intercom button, which was flashing.

"Yes, Armando?"

"Sir, a lady named, uh... Melodie," the guard replied.

"Armando, what."

"She, uh, claims to be, I think, an envoy of Dominque de Villepin."

"You think?" Rabastano replied impatiently.

"Well, sir, she's either speaking Ariddian French or Amestrian, I can't quite tell. Probably Amestrian. I'm... well... not so great with those two languages so I don't know for sure. I can understand a bit of Amestrian, enough to communicate, but I still don't really know what she's saying."

"So she says she's Dominique's envoy, eh? Well, does she have an authorisation code so we know that she's not lying? Check."

There were low voices from the intercom as the guard relayed the question to the young girl outside. Rabastano looked out of the window to the gate to see a quite beautiful lady, dressed to kill, standing in front of the guard's post looking extremely uncomfortable. He watched as the guard leaned back down to the intercom.

"P-three-three-zero-C-one-one-seven-six-five-B-B-nine-zero," Armando replied. "Did you get that, sir?"

"I'll check around with the necessary authorities at the Amestrian foreign affairs office and at the embassy down in Timiocato. Hold on one second." He reached for his laptop and his cell phone, and after about five minutes received confirmation that the honourable Duke was indeed in Pacitalia and wanted to see him, but that such a meeting was supposed to be top secret. He thanked the polite lady at the other end and hung up.

"Okay, Armando, let her in."

The gate swung open with a slight high-pitched shriek of metal on metal and Melodie stepped forward under the hot Pacitalian sun, walking the twenty metre cobblestone pathway to the front door.

Sarzonia

30-06-2006, 04:26

"May I come in, Mr. President?"

"Yes?"

Senator Brian Delgado, the Conservative from Cooke who served as the de facto opposition leader in Sarzonia's Parliament, was standing at the doorway to Sarzo's private office in the Gray House.

"To what do I owe the 'pleasure' of this house call," Sarzo said, not even bothering to disguise the sarcasm in his voice. Even though he and Delgado shared a wary respect for each other, they weren't exactly pub mates. That's why a personal visit from Delgado usually was fraught with tension.

"I wanted to get your feedback on a proposal I'm considering introducing on the Senate floor," Delgado said. He handed over the proposal outline with obvious nervousness as he watched Sarzo study the sheet of paper handed to him.

"I want your honest opinion Mr. President," Delgado said. "Is that the sort of action we should be taking."

Sarzo raised an eyebrow. The tone of Delgado's voice was not the usual defiant bravado of someone from the opposite side of the political aisle. This tone was that of someone who genuinely interested in what the President had to say. Even though they usually disagreed on most key issues.

"Brian, I don't think declaring the entire nation of Pacitalia as an Enemy of Democracy is going to do anything more than just make us look even more like a bunch of shrill, discordant banshees than we already do to a number of governments, including our ostensible allies in Yafor 2."

"But Mike, clearly we have to do something concrete about Pacitalia. Unless that son of a bitch Sorantanali quits tomorrow, he's basically a tinpot dictator."

"Brian, we've done everything short of declaring war. We've severed all diplomatic and economic ties. We've barred all Pacitalian imports and exports. We've declared their people persona non grata in Sarzonia. We've called their government every name in the book besides the ones we really think of them behind the scenes. There aren't too many other brilliant ideas we have left short of overt military action."

"Perhaps that's an option you ought to look into."

"You're talking about launching a military invasion of a nation that we're still ostensibly allied with through the Organisation of Maritime Powers to remove a democratically elected leader. That will get our asses fried by every OMP nation. Even Isselmere and Praetonia can't abide by our invading a fellow OMP nation. No matter how unpopular that leader is, we come out of that smelling like pig shit."

"Mike, Adolf Hitler was elected by the people of Germany."

"Your point, Brian? What are we going to do now? Military action is off the table. We've done everything diplomatic and economic that we possibly can."

"I normally wouldn't suggest this idea to you, but I can think of one avenue we haven't tried," Delgado said.

"If you've got any brilliant ideas Brian, now's the time."

"You know how our standard custom is to confer official recognition whenever a leader takes office legitimately, be they a democracy or otherwise?"

"Yeah?"

"And when a new nation seeks recognition, we normally do so if they legitimately earn independence and whatnot?"

"What are you getting at?"

"Well, after the overwhelming vote by the people of Pacitalia and the near removal vote among the Cabinet, let's say we no longer recognise Sorantanali as the legitimate leader of Pacitalia."

"And whom do we recognise? Fido? Tim Ell? Remember Ell resigned on his own accord and he's enjoying his life out of the spotlight."

"I'll leave that part up to you. But if the Sarzonian government refuses to recognise the authority of Sorantanali, especially with his own people against him, hopefully we can start the domino effect among other nations to do the same. By then, Sorantanali may have no other choice but to resign."

"That's crazy," Sarzo said.

"It's crazy enough to possibly work. I don't know. I'm just suggesting it," Delgado said with a slightly defiant tone. He then turned to leave and took three steps before Sarzo said, "wait." He turned around, slowly cocked his head and asked, "yes?"

"Suppose we do that," Sarzo said. "And we declare Sorantanali an Enemy of Democracy. Pacitalians love democracy. They love their freedom. They want Sorantanali out of office more than we do. Our quarrel isn't with the people of Pacitalia, no matter how much that bloody wanker wants the world to believe otherwise. Our quarrel is with one man who has illegally grabbed power."

"There's a thought," Delgado said flippantly as he turned and left.

Finally, after a marathon joint session of Parliament, the houses passed a piece of legislation and Sarzo quickly signed it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v419/msarzo/GreatSeal.jpg
Official Statement
Incorporated Sarzonian Government

I hereby announce that I have signed into law the following joint resolution that has duly passed both houses of Parliament:

I. That Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali is declared by the Incorporated Sarzonian Government an Enemy of Democracy for refusing to abide by the will of the People of Pacitalia and for forgetting that government is supposed to serve the people and not vice versa;

II. That the Incorporated States of Sarzonia no longer recognises the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia as such; henceforth, in all future communications, the Incorporated States of Sarzonia shall refer to said nation as the Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia for an indefinite period of time;

III. That the Incorporated States of Sarzonia no longer recognises Sorantanali as the legitimate leader of the Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia. Because most of the legitimate power structure of Pacitalia has been wrongfully removed by Sorantanali, we consider the Pacitalian ship of state currently in a state of anarchy until such time as Sorantanali removes himself from his iron-fisted rule of Pacitalia.

The Incorporated Sarzonian Government considers the noble, beautiful people of Pacitalia the unfortunate victims in this usurpation of their rightful authority over the office of the Prime Minister. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as Sorantanali continues to ignore their wisdom and claim the trappings of an office he no longer deserves to hold.

Michael A. Sarzo
President
Incorporated States of Sarzonia

That ought to get somebody's panties in a bunch, Sarzo thought as the message began to make the rounds of international news outlets.

Amestria

30-06-2006, 13:53

Timiocato. Five days before the Referendum.

"I'll check around with the necessary authorities at the Amestrian foreign affairs office and at the embassy down in Timiocato. Hold on one second." He reached for his laptop and his cell phone, and after about five minutes received confirmation that the honorable Duke was indeed in Pacitalia and wanted to see him, but that such a meeting was supposed to be top secret. He thanked the polite lady at the other end and hung up.

The polite young lady, Juliette Delanoë, one of two Assistants to Ambassador Jacques Clément (a deputy Ambassador so to speak), notified her superior of the call and returned to the work on her desk.

The gate swung open with a slight high-pitched shriek of metal on metal and Melodie stepped forward under the hot Pacitalian sun, walking the twenty metre cobblestone pathway to the front door.

Mélodie sighed with relief as she stepped into the shade provided by the front doors awning. She stood patiently, waiting for the door to open, nervously opening and closing the book of instructions de Villepin had given her.

* * * * * *

Meanwhile, at the Amestrian Embassy…

Having finished his personal inspection of the “Friendship Complex” and his private talk with the Ambassador, de Villepin had the collection of reporters gathered outside invited into the Embassies press room for its first ever official press conference. The Foreign Minister stood at the podium with Jacques Clément at his side, patently awaiting the inevitable slew of questions with a good natured smile.

Amestria

30-06-2006, 13:55

Le Canard Blessé (English Addition)

Sarzonia Refuses to Recognize Existence of Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali
By Robert Custine

Page 3

Opposite Land, Sarzonia- The Government of the Incorporated States of Sarzonia withdrew recognization of the existence of one Constantino Sorantanali Friday, saying the alleged Pacitalian Prime Minister does not exist.

"To my knowledge, no one by the name of Constantino Sorantanali is currently serving as the Pacitalian Prime Minister, or for that matter, presently anywhere on earth, since he is not a real person," President Sarzo announced Friday from the Sarzonian capital of Opposite Land, where fiction is stronger then truth. Later at a press conference President Sarzo elaborated on his earlier declaration.

“I hereby announce that I have signed into law the following joint bipartisan resolution that has duly passed both houses of Parliament:

I. That Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali is declared a nonexistent person by the Incorporated Sarzonian Government. He is a un-person; he is a figment of the world’s collective imagination as far as we are concerned.

II. That the Incorporated States of Sarzonia no longer recognizes the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia as such; henceforth, in all future communications, the Incorporated States of Sarzonia shall refer to said nation as the Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia for an indefinite period of time.”

The President paused to add “YE HA! Let the world’s Chancelleries and Foreign Ministries quake at our refusal to fall into the fantasy that such a nation as the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia actually exists. It clearly is not real, what is real is the Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia.” The President then continued down the list.

”III. As the Incorporated States of Sarzonia no longer recognizes an individual supposedly named Constantino Sorantanali as taking up time and space, Pacitalia’s leader is now reportedly a man who does not exist. We henceforth consider the Pacitalian ship of state currently in a state of anarchy until such time as someone else other then the mythical Sorantanali becomes Prime Minister.”

The President then revealed his decision to passively ignore the existence of logic and reason. “We've done everything to Pacitalia short of declaring war. We've severed all diplomatic and economic ties. We've barred all Pacitalian imports and exports. We've declared their people persona non grata in Sarzonia. We've called their government every name in the book, all of which shows our nations support for the noble, beautiful people of Pacitalia. We are helping the Pacitalian people by actively hurting them and I hope other nations will follow suit. When Pacitalia actually has a Prime Minister they will appreciate our efforts.”

Sarzo reiterated his denial of Constantino Sorantanali’s existence 33 additional times during the press conference. When pressed, he distributed a list of "real, actual political figures about whom I'd be happy to comment on." The list notably failed to include Lord Philip Rosecrans of Hamptonshire and Lord Salisbury of the United Kingdom of Oceania. "There is no such thing as Hamptonshire," Sarzo said. "The allegation that there is such a country is tinfoil-hat stuff, no different from reports of UFO abductions."

Experts expressed no surprise over the announcement, pointing out President Sarzo’s infamous refusal to recognize the existence of such annoyances as gravity, screw-cap wine, and men with beards, along with his claims that black is white and up is down.

Page 4:

Best Selling Ardenne Sex Columnist has unsatisfactory sex life.

Joint Statement from the Amestrian/Xirniumite Foreign Ministries: “We are about to begin the preliminary preplanning stage of the Torontian reunification plan, which should begin later next month if all goes according to plan…sorry these things take time.”

United Kingdom of Oceania: “Vast Majority of Northern New Albionians Still Alive!”

Southeastasia

01-07-2006, 10:37

Oh brilliant, MORE jeering comments about Sorantanali's mistakes during the initial months of his Prime Ministership. Brilliant indeed! Most innovative! This helps the situation, thank very much, way to go man. was the thought of Prime Minister Yao Yang Nelson Neo as he read the Incorporated Sarzonian Government's response to the referendum. His political trademark, the titanium-framed powered sunglasses, completely disguised the shocked expression his eyes would have given out had he not been wearing then.

Several Conservative Members of Parliament, both in the Upper House and the Lower House had been criticizing His Right Honorable Prime-Executive Leadership for his statement when he said that the highly unpopular, both domestically and in various nations, Pacitalian Prime Minister, "still has a chance to prove himself". When the referendum failed, a few members of Neo's own party, the Federal New Liberal Party, said that the referendum "proof that Sorantanali is indeed narcissistic, Orwellian, tyrannical, megalomanical and sadistic." While Neo often got along with almost all the members in the party he reformed (some years after taking over the Chairpersonship of the People's Action Party of the then-Republic of Singapore), he did have a temper issue. Wise it was for those to say it anonymously, as Neo detested notions that he supported dictators.

Then there was a knock at the door. Neo pressed a button on his desk, and asked who was there. "Senior Deputy Prime Minister Henley Leong, I wish to have a word with you, Your Leadership."

"Ah yes, enter." Leong. Yet another old friend of Neo's, and a loyal one at that. Leong was taller than Neo by about an inch, exactly six feet tall. The Founder of the Union himself was five feet, eleven inches.

"To what pleasure do I owe the Deputy Prime Minister Leong?" asked Yao Yang Nelson Neo himself politely. The leader of the United Sovereign Nations had a personal friendship with the Senior DPM, and normally the discussions were positive.

"You are aware that the press is requesting your response to the referendum and you have been reading that document about the Incorporated Sarzonian Government's latest stance on Pacitalia for the tenth time already this part of the early day."

"I really don't believe this garbage, any of it at all." said Neo. "I personally feel that the Pacitalian people have yet to acknowledge the fact that leaders like Timothy Ell are at best uncommon and at worst one of a kind. True, Pacitalians, much like when I was in my early teens, find it savvy and stylish to be politically aware and take a part in politics and the community....but they are overreacting....hell, pretty much everybody has overreacted. Now they are tearing one another's throats apart. While I will agree that Sorantanali has made some mistakes during his initial reign, that doesn't mean he deserves to be demonized for being, well, ultimately, human."

"That's what the Jagites said," responded Leong. "I suppose both of us can notice parralels, can we?" Leong was hinting to Neo's initial reign during the Republic of Singapore. He had made some mistakes and that nearly evaporated chances of the Union being formed at all and cost him his leadership in the government of Singapore.

"Indeed." Neo finally decided that he would make it short and sweet. "Is the press here?"

"No, but they shall be soon enough. Roughly in the period of half an hour to forty-five minutes."

"Excellent. I can prepare for a speech."

"Good luck, Mr. Prime Minister." responded Leong as he stood up from the chair opposite Neo's executive chair. Just as Leong opened the door, the Deputy Prime Minister turned around. "You sure you know what you are doing? You know Sarzo's nature, from what we have heard from our diplomatic personnel in Woodstock."

"I do, I do." responded Neo confidently, inside hoping that the response he would be sending out would help calm down the situation. There was no sound as the Senior Deputy Prime Minister shut the door and left for his own office and other issues to take care of.

After some moments of preparing and setting up the cameras and the like, the Prime Minister of the United Sovereign Nations would be broadcasting his speech live to the world. Once again, many would be seeing the confident and charismatic, if not somewhat attractive, Southeast Asian leader voice out his stance along with the most of the Southeast Asian populace's views, sitting upright and eyes directly toward the camera.

--------------------------

Official Statement by His Right-Honorable Prime-Executive Leadership of the United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia, Yao Yang Nelson Neo
http://www.geonames.de/flag-asean.gif

"My Most Sincere Greetings to Both My Fellow Southeast Asians and Esteemed Dignitaries of the International Community,

The Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia is in a time of crisis and discontent with it's current government of Sorantanli. The referendum has failed and thus he remains in office. Oceanian media outlets have described him as an absolute monarch. Grant Haffner, the External Affairs Officer just below Mark Lorber in government position, has slammed Pacitalia as 'economic terrorists,' along with the Grand Archduchy of Hamptonshire.

Hints from the Hamptonian government itself are indicating impatience and anger at Sorantanali. The President of the Incorporated States has voiced out his own fellow people's discontent by declaring Pacitalia to be run by a dictatorial leader and the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia to be refered to by the Incorporated Sarzonian Government as the 'Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia' for an indefinite period of time.

Personally, as the Prime Minister of the United Sovereign Nations and as a representative of my people, I feel that many national envoys have been overreacting to this crisis and that we all have to acknowledge, at the end of the day, we are ultimately human. Sorantanali has made mistakes, because he is, like the common person trying to make his or her way through out life, human. Democracy is flawed because it was created by humans. Nobody is perfect.

I urge, everybody to remain cool-headed during this time of crisis. I understand that the Sarzonians had every right to reject the economic aid proposal presented by the Hamptonian Government and the Pacitalian Government. But what they did not have the right to do, was slam their own allies, as 'economic terrorists', despite the fact that the economic aid package may have compromised the de jure national sovereignty of the Incorporated States.

Nor did Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali have the right to respond with an insult and take the moral high ground. Lord Salisbury did not need to be so dishonest as to proclaim that the then-Azazian United Kingdom to be compassionate only then to at the Seaburg conference to slam the Incorporated States being a dictatorship in an attempt to insult their founder himself when he was not officially elected. By officially elected, I mean voted in. Sarzo himself is technically elected, as he was pressured by many and outraged himself to leave his home in the United States for leading his own nation. Both sides are wrong, and both deserve to give one another an apology.

I am not saying that the United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia dislikes any of these previously mentioned parties. In fact, I respect the said parties and actually admire them for being such good role-models of the free world - President Michael A. Sarzo, Lord Phillip Rosecrans, the Most Honorable Marquess of Salisbury Alistair Winston Tetley - all of them. What I am trying to say is, we need to stop arguing amongst ourselves. Timothy Ell's successor, no offense intended to the incumbent leader of Pacitalia, not as high a quality a leader as the predecessor. One has to keep in mind that leaders like Dr. Ell are at best uncommon and at worst one of a kind. It is very hard to do as good a job or better a job than Ell, especially during the initial months of office given the fact that Sorantanali is still well in Ell's shadow.

I urge, as said before, for everyone to remain calm and not to overreact. It doesn't help the situation at hand. It makes things worse. I am not saying that I sympathize with dictators, contrary to what some belief. Sorantanali is hardly a dictator. And neither is President Sarzo, a fine leader who has indeed provided hope and liberty and a nation that ultimately succeeded the former United States of America itself.

I believe we can all negotiate through this crisis as civil as we can be, and I believe that a win-win situation can be reached. That is all, I, Prime Minister Yao Yang Nelson Neo of the Union of Southeast Asian Nations, has to say at the moment, on the behalf of Parliament and the Southeast Asian people. Thank you very much, and I wish everyone to take care and remain strong throughout this crisis....there is a positive outcome that can be achieved. Good day."

-------------------------

At last, the word "CUT!" was detected by Neo's ears and the Channel News Asia camera completed recording. Neo knew that he could be hearing the results of his public statement all too soon thanks to the grand dedication and curiousity of humankind itself to technology within a day to five minutes.

"Not bad, nice speech Nelson." smiled Leong as he made his way toward the Southeast Asian Prime Minister. He was holding a glass of ice-water for Neo to help him catch his breath. "I'd say that you did a marvelous job, I think that you might succeed."

"We shall have to wait and see, old friend." responded Neo amicably, and slurped some of his ice-water. Just hope I didn't screw up. he thought to himself as the contents of the drink went down his throat and into his stomach.

[OOC: Sorry to go off-topic, but Sarzonia, you need to respond to the Stability and Fraternity (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=467698) thread....I want to get it done and over with!!!]

Xirnium

18-07-2006, 04:42

From The Miluibrannon-Antsîdh Inquirer
All footnotes and citations ommited

July 17, 2006

Pacitalian constitutional crisis more than the product of Sorantanali’s “black and deep desires”

The latest leadership troubles facing the government of the Democratic Capitalist Republic are merely symptomatic of a much more serious defect that runs to the very core of Pacitralian constitutionalism, write Dimitra Marcel and Abelard Fanuiamarth

In recent weeks, a great deal of both domestic and international attention has focused itself on attempts by the Pacitalian cabinet, to unseat prime minister Constantino Sorantanali, sixty-eighth head of state of the Repubblica Capitalista Democraticali and parliamentary leader of the Federazione dello Democratimu Progressivanto. Much to the chagrin, it seems, of scores of individuals both in Pacitalia and abroad, cabinet’s revolt was ultimately quite unsuccessful in its stated goal - something which should have come as no surprise to any astute student of Pacitalian constitutional law. And yet, the ultimate result of the referendum has surprised many. Why?

One might perhaps almost forgive the rather ingenuous naïvety of those shocked at the unfortunate outcome of the attempt to remove Mr Sorantanali from the prime ministership after one appreciates precisely how such people have mistakenly sought to apportion blame in the wake of the constitutional disaster in the Repubblica Capitalista Democraticali. President Mike Sarzo, head of state of Sarzonia, succinctly summarised a commonly held (yet, nonetheless, quite erroneous) view when he stated that, ‘the central issue is the fact that Pacitalia's Cabinet [was] too weak to show the kind of leadership,’ which Pacitalia needed. Indeed, Mr Sorantanali has also found himself singled out for blame, recently condemned by the Sarzonia Parliament for, ‘refusing to abide by the will of the [p]eople.’

Such overly simplistic and imperceptive summations of events entirely miss the point – and that is that the fundamental flaw lies not with the politician who yearns for unbridled power but with the constitution that allows him or her to pursue such a goal with impunity. Framed in another way, the problem is that the Pacitalian constitution suffers from serious inadequacies that fail to protect the integrity of democracy as they should. Where the office of the prime minister is concerned, the doctrines of responsible government, of checks and balances and of parliamentary sovereignty have all been, quite inappropriately, undermined by the framers of the Pacitalian constitution in the interests of strengthening the stability of the head of state’s hold on power. The current outcome which is clearly visible in Pacitalia, of an individual in control of a nation despite the loss of confidence of both the legislative arm of his government, the people, even his own executive, is testament to nothing less than the monumental failure of the Pacitalian constitution itself. One cannot fault Mr Sorantanali for doing nothing less than legally refusing to step down from office. There phenomenon of a democratically-elected government which has lost the support of its own constituency is nothing new, nor does it violate the precepts of governmental accountability for it may be dully rectified at the following election. One can, and more importantly should, however, lay blame squarely upon the system which allows an unpopular individual to cling to power without the slightest concern for ensuring prime ministerial accountability either to the other departments and the senior officers of the executive branch of government or to Pacitalia’s legislative assembly, the Constazione Ampoliticato Federali.

Amongst the liberal democratic republics of the Western World, there are three dominant systems of governmental structure which predominately occupy the international landscape; those of the parliamentary system, the semi-presidential system, and the full presidential system. It is beyond the scope of this article to examine either the characteristics or merits of any of these systems. A mere cursory consideration of their most prominent attributes, however, is quite sufficient to determine that the Pacitalian governmental model (particularly in regards to its executive arrangement) manages to violate the fundamental precepts which underlie every one of these systems, whilst simultaneously failing to enjoy any of their inherent benefits.

The congressional (or full presidential) system is distinctive in that its executive branch is elected quite apart from the legislature, and in the precise way that these two arms of government are kept strongly segregated. Frequently cited disadvantage of this system include a lack of accountability of the president (due to strict interpretation of separation of powers), and a historically-established propensity towards authoritarian government. Where a unitary executive exists, the presidential model can, and often does, result in the concentration of extraordinary amounts of power in the hands of one individual. As we shall soon see, all of these undesirable elements have been inherited by the Pacitalian model due to their removal of the accountability requirement from their own parliamentarian system.

The semi-presidential system is a curious compromise between both the parliamentary and congressional governmental arrangements. In such a system the head of state and the head of government are separate offices held by separate individuals (neither of whom are ceremonial figureheads) with distinct powers, duties, mandates, and responsibilities. Pacitalia’s system practices no such division, however, with predictable results.

Parliamentarianism is a theory of constitutionalism altogether quite unique from either of the two previous schools of thought - and arguably the most effective. Its most striking (and consequently most lauded) characteristic is the emphasis it places upon ministerial and government accountability. In a parliamentary democracy, the senior officers of the executive (those who comprise cabinet and the prime minister) must be members of, and therefore accountable to, the legislature. Such an arrangement creates one of the most powerful checks and balances in political theory. It ensures that the executive branch must retain the confidence of parliament and therefore, by logical deduction, the confidence of the people (for, in representative democracy, the members of parliament are all elected by, from and on behalf of the citizenry).

How, then, might we examine Pacitalian republicanism? Whilst seemingly paying homage to parliamentarianism it seems plainly obvious that it violates its most central foundations. After a national election, the parliamentary leader of the party that garners the greatest amount of seats in the Constazione Ampoliticato Federali ascends to the prime ministership of the Democratic Capitalist Republic - a facet of governance that will be quite familiar to students of constitutionalism in the conventions and customs of most parliamentary systems. Curiously, the prime minister is also both the head of state and head of government in Pacitalian constitutionalism, though there is some validity in the argument behind the claim that such is almost the de facto case with most parliamentary democracies, which traditionally have heads of state with little (if any) political power.

It is here, however, that the similarities begin to end. Pacitalia employs a bizarre, almost presidential-style, system of succession which legally mandates that the senior deputy prime minister (an individual appointed by the prime minister) assume the prime ministership upon the resignation or passing away of the incumbent leader. Much more strangely, and the central subject of the latest political controversy in Pacitalia, is the legal method by which a prime minister may be ousted from office. Only a member of cabinet (a executive body exclusively appointed by the prime minister, whose number serve only for so long as they continue to maintain the pleasure of the prime minister) may propose the removal of the prime minister.

Leaving aside, for a moment, the fact that this check is entrusted to a group quite fundamentally controlled by the very individual whom they are ostensibly to balance, it must be noted that the requirements needed by cabinet in order to expel the prime minister are absurdly high. Not only must a popular referendum be held which garners at least sixty percent of the voting public, but cabinet must be all but unanimous in their lack of confidence in the incumbent prime minister. Indeed, the prime minister need not receive any clear support in his or her ability to govern at all - he or she need only find that a mere ten percent of cabinet (including him or herself) are willing to abstain from a vote of no confidence.

This laughably weak check is, in fact, all that exists to ensure accountability in the highest office of the Pacitalian government. Unlike any other parliamentary democracy, the prime minister need not be held to account before the nation’s supreme legislature. As the cabinet is the only body that has within its theoretical power the ability to remove the prime minister, embattled PMs thus naturally see their own cabinets as serious potential threats. Should an attempt to oust a Pactialian prime minister fail, recent events have shown that rebellious cabinet members can expect nothing less than their immediate sacking. The result is a constitutional arrangement which dangerously results in an unaccountable head of state.

It has been remarked that the Repubblica Capitalista Democraticali’s structure ‘has all the messiness of a Parliamentary System and all the flaws of a Presidential System, but none of the benefits of either’. Quite clearly, the constitution of Pacitalia is entirely insufficient for the task of preserving responsible government and popular sovereignty. The fact that prime minister Sorantanali has fired all but two of the Agustinates of his cabinet without bringing an end to his Government is damning, as is the fact that the PM is not legally required by law to immediately appoint any replacements. A descent towards autocracy, it seems, lacks suitably formidable obstacles within Pacitalian constitutionalism. A further serious indictment of the Pacitalian governmental system is that Mr Sorantanali rules entirely without the support of the members of Constazione Ampoliticato Federali and Senatoro Federali - an astounding sixty and sixty-eighty percent, respectively, of whom expressed no confidence in their prime minister.

The lower house of any Parliament is often described as the ‘people’s house’. Popularly-representative, the Constazione Ampoliticato Federali represents the desires, aspirations and wishes of the Pacitalian people. Such a view is entirely consistent with basic premise behind popular sovereignty – the keystone upon which all of Western democracy has been built. The doctrine of responsible government exists to ensure that popular sovereignty is dully respected, mandating that the executive be held to account before Parliament and, consequently, the people. Such is a feature sadly deficient in the governmental system of the Democratic Capitalist Republic.

The real question to be asked, of course, is what purpose the framers of the Pacitalian constitution had in mind when requiring that the head of state be a member of the legislative assembly, if not to ensure accountability to parliament. That such a question has not provoked intense demand for immediate constitutional reform in a nation that had previously, apparently quite successfully, deluded itself into thinking that it constituted ‘the apex … of democracy’ is, at the very least, regrettable indeed.

About the Contributors

Dimitra Marcel lectures in Amestrian language, sociology and political science at Ingolëninquë University. Ms Marcel holds Masters Degrees in both the Arts and Social Sciences from the University of Alençon, in Amestria, and is the author of the noted publication Kahanistan’s Coffin (2006).

Abelard Fanuiamarth lectures in legal studies, history and international studies at Hencelevon University. Mr Fanuiamarth holds a Masters Degree in the Arts and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ailintelpë. His most recent academic publication is entitled Amestria's Torontian Experience: A Case Study of Rule of Law Violations in Amestrian Constitutionalism (2006), a paper presented in June at the University of Naerath.

The two are currently collaborating on a dissertation regarding the historical formative influences of Pacitalia’s conservative political elements upon Pacitalian constitutional law.

Any views represented in the above article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Miluibrannon-Antsîdh Inquirer

Pacitalia

19-07-2006, 07:39

From La Repubblica Oggia Online Edition
Story launched online at 10.29pm EPDT, 18th July 2006

http://www.interet-general.info/IMG/Romano-Prodi-1.jpg
Just watch me, he says: Could Fernando Chiovitti be the
next political saviour of the Democratic Capitalist Republic?
The PSC-aligned leader of the opposition was successful in
his bid to force the resignation of the two houses of the
legislative branch in protest of the poor leadership from
prime minister Constantino Sorantanali.

Bringing down the houses
938 people vote themselves out of a job to protest Sorantanali
Serodini resigns minutes before parliamentary session in striking display of foreshadowing

Alessandro Spinodore, Timiocato

Fernando Chiovitti is being hailed by political scientists and voters alike as the next great saviour of Pacitalian politics, and those compliments, combined with Chiovitti's so-called "Palm Revolution" in the legislative houses Tuesday, may have just given his bid to lead the PSC back to power and become PM a strong shot in the arm.

Chiovitti fueled rampant speculation that he would table a motion to have all members of the legislative branch's two houses resign in protest, as a sign of support for massive public opposition to Sorantanali's continued leadership of Pacitalia. Voters resoundingly chose to recall the government but the cabinet halted public dreams four weeks ago. Agustinate Albinanda Serodini's abstention from the revolt vote, combined with the opposition of senior deputy prime minister Domenico Benficalzo and the prime minister himself, was just enough for the revolt to be defeated and for the PM to solidify his grasp on power, firing the twenty-one Agustinates that tried to vote his administration out of existence.

Today, however, the end of this administration has apparently dawned, for Sorantanali has now lost the support of the only other branch of government that was imperative to his continued leadership: the legislative branch. "Firebreathing Fernando", as he has been recently called affectionately by admirers and members of his own party, stepped up to the dais, tabled his motion to have the CAF and Senatoro resign, and watched as the resulting debate showed clear dissatisfaction with the direction of the government. Sorantanali looked on with a clear face of disgust from his chair at the end of the long marble hall but there was nothing he could do as, in the Constazione Ampoliticato Federali, it was seemingly Sorantanali and Benficalzo versus the world, in a first-ballot vote that ended 645-2 with no abstentions and everyone present.

Later, it was the Senatoro's turn to look at the bill, and they did, making history by holding the first session in 29 years where the entire senior chamber voted unanimously for any tabled legislation. 293-0 was the final vote there, and again, there were no abstentions. Nobody has been absent from either house since the cabinet was sacked on the twenty-first of June.

The vote held increased gravity than it might have, and perhaps might have held a different result than it did, had news not broke earlier that Signora Serodini had submitted her resignation to Sorantanali. She hastily replied to the frantic press that "the fundamentality of democracy has been shaken to its very core with this flagrant fouling-up of our institutions by the prime minister, and I can no longer stand by and support this administration. I'm getting out of this quagmire now." She was then whisked into the CAF chamber by her handlers and security for the lower house's parliamentary session. The prime minister was unavailable for comment both before and after the vote in regards to both shocking developments.

Meanwhile, the loss of the legislative branch means Sorantanali will either have to suspend the constitution to continue in power, or that he will be forced into calling an election by an increasingly alarmed and furious FPD elite. The party is severely concerned about the damage this political mess is doing to its reputation and appears to have been taking steps to separate itself from the doings of Sorantanali, with party president Martín Muñoz Castilla reportedly stating he wanted to "pursue interim leadership candidates as soon as possible".

The vote is perceived by political scientists to have been fueled by the departure of Serodini from the "triumvirate" and Sorantanali's announcement that he would be tabling a measure to reinstate a federal sales tax on luxury items and prepared food items and goods to help pay for improvements to Pacitalia's public transportation network, and that he would be seeking a counterban on Sarzonian goods in response to their prohibition of anything Pacitalian-made last month.

"Chiovitti rushed this through because he knows very well a counterban [on Sarzonian goods] is counterproductive, because trying to reintroduce a sales tax is a deathwish for any head of government, and because without Serodini, Sorantanali is left with a yes-man and no one with strong diplomatic ability," Liz Cunningham, a political science professor at the University of Mandragora, said Tuesday. "He's officially isolated, up a creek with no paddle, as it were, and it's clear the decreasing support now within the government combined with the constant push from the voters to get him out of there is causing this administration really enormous stress."

She added it is "remarkable, based on the circumstances, that this administration is still in power".

The PSC is going to hold strategy talks with key members of the voting public and the other parties as to how to proceed from here, especially if Sorantanali still does not wish to relinquish power. Reportedly, the FPD wants in to these talks as well but the leading leftist party in the Democratic Capitalist Republic did not want to comment on the inclusion of a perceived guilty "party".

Pacitalia

21-07-2006, 00:08

Timiocato. Five days before the referendum.

Mélodie was through the gates and up to the front door where a porter opened the door for her, tipping his hat and smiling. She stepped into the cavernous foyer and removed her shoes. She turned back to the porter, wondering what to do next, but heard sharp, clicky footsteps on the hardwood floor and looked up to see the former Agustinate descending the stairs.

"Hello, my dear," Rabastano said with a warm smile. Fans frantically moved around the humid, tepid air but one would have thought it would do no good with the stifling heat outside. "Mélodie, is it? I am Rabastano, as you know. Could we get you something to drink or eat?"

"Er... just water, s'il vous plait," she replied. Rabastano nodded and led her into the kitchen where he retrieved a crystal glass from the cabinet and moved to the water cooler. The water splashed and slooped around the glass as it filled with the clear liquid, shimmering from the rays of sun that were filtering through the California shutters on the sliding door along the rear wall.

"It is rather stifling in this kitchen," he said suddenly. "Why don't we move out onto the patio and sit under my parasol?" She nodded her assent and they went out onto the deck. Her face lit up when she saw the gorgeous view that Rabastano enjoyed.

Unfolding in front of her eyes, the late afternoon sun cast a warm, hazy glow on rolling, slate-coloured, palm-covered hills dotted with white buildings and condominiums. Below, the city of Rigunanta bustled with activity while ships' foghorns blared from the port. Off in the distance she could see the casino city of Città d'Ismuso already gearing up for a night of gambling, framed by low, baby-pink clouds. The deck, laid with graystone and bordered by a cast-iron fence was surrounded by greenery, vibrant pink orchids, potted palms and tall, tangly olive trees that provided solitude and shade during this heat wave. To her left, a sky-blue pool, with a diving board and chaise lounges, reflected the few clouds and equally blue sky above. She glanced back at the house and was impressed by the saffron stucco accented with white birch wood and more black cast-iron, giving the tudor-style mansion a ranch-house appearance.

Rabastano directed her over to a large green parasol. Beneath it a glass table and two padded chairs sat waiting to be occupied, and Mélodie clutched her ice-cold glass of water while following the former Agustinate to the table. He sat down, sighing with relief under the shady umbrella and turned to her.

"Now, what is it de Villepin needed you to tell me?"

Pacitalia

02-08-2006, 06:32

Timiocato

Sorantanali was once again holed up in his wallpapered, marble-floored office at the top of the New Prado in the Pacitalian capital's government district. He looked quite pensive as usual, staring blankly at a oil-canvas painting by the Hamptonian master Jorck Holst, and tossing an aquamarine-coloured stress ball between his two large hands. Running the government as a de facto totalitarian had taken its toll on the prime minister, his hair further graying, the gray turning to white, his eyebrows thinning, his face becoming gaunt, his eyes sunken. He had not made a public appearance since the legislative branch voted itself out of existence in protest to his continued leadership.

But he continued to go worriedly back to an article in last week's issue of The Economist, where they discussed possible successors to Sorantanali within the FPD - that is, if it were to survive this rollercoaster. He actually had considered resigning for the benefit of the nation but he would have to disappear for a long time, the weight of shame just too much to bear in Pacitalia or any of its closely-allied states. The man knew quite well his time was up and it was only a matter of one more domino falling.

The article mentioned Albinanda Serodini as the next iron lady of world politics and a solid successor to Sorantanali. It also mulled over whether Dr Timotaio Ell would make a comeback, and suggested Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra might get his revenge on the prime minister after being unceremoniously tossed from the foreign ministry a few weeks back. He knew Serodini would never make it, and Ell would most likely decline the invitation to return to the prime minister's chair. But he knew how Sancatto Serra operated, and at least liked to think so, so it was the word revenge in the article that caught his eye.

Sorantanali felt territorial, primeval... like a wolf, as he sat in the office trying to figure out how he could stop Sancatto Serra from stealing power away. Because Sorantanali truly did believe Rabastano to be his biggest opponent in the FPD, from when he was Agustinate to even the present day, and he truly felt Sancatto Serra was conspiring against him.

So how can I stop this?

He sat staring at the wall for what seemed like hours, until the dusk outside turned to dark night, and suddenly jumped out of his chair in excitement, his yelp of surprise the only sound in an otherwise unusually silent and unusually empty New Prado.

I can take him out, he said. But it's no longer truly legal... I'd need the support of a judge and have to prove he was a threat to national security, and I wouldn't get that assent. So this will have to fly under the radar.

Cool as a cucumber, he thought, as he exhaled with a revolting excitement and pleasured anxiety. I can do this.

He phoned one of his longtime contacts out at Land Forces Command Elite Division Region Five in Rigunanta, the major LFC-ED base in Amalfia province. Ruggiero Canzofera picked up at the other end. "Sargento Canzofera speaking."

"Ruggiero, it's Constantino."

"Signore Prime Minister, what can I do for you?"

"Not for long, I'm afraid," Constantino mumbled out almost automatically, and a little louder than he had intended.

"I'm sorry, sir?"

"Never mind, Ruggiero, never mind," he said, covering up for his sudden bout of weakness. After a second of pause, he continued. "I need to call out a favour."

"Okay... what is it?"

"I need you to do a hit. Clean, black, keep this under the carpet."

"All right, sir... but, why and who... when, where? You know I need the details," Ruggiero said, his voice suddenly switching back to a clear, deep army-honed baritone.

"Yes, yes. The hit is on Rabastano Sancatto Serra."

A pause at the other end. "Sir... are you sure? This line isn't secure."

"Yes, it is, and you know I would not be calling unless I wanted this done, Sergeant. You have twenty-four hours. Get back to me when it's all wrapped up and, please, for the love of God in heaven, do not pick anyone that will blabber about this. I need it silent."

"Yes, sir. It will be done." There was a click as, with military efficiency, Ruggiero replaced the phone and got up to transition the Extermination Order to a trustworthy black-ops agent while gathering some preliminary INTCOM intelligence from the PCIC and PSAT.

Sorantanali sighed, but suddenly found himself retching with disgust at what he had just done. He reached the garbage can and threw his face into the top of the empty object, the force of the retch so bold, so strong that specks of vomit splashed the computer screen. He reached out and wiped them away with a tissue. The prime minister got up on shaky legs and thought he was fine until he caught a glimpse of himself of the mirror.

The tears began to flow as he looked at the pathetic, madman shell he had become. Six months ago I was standing at a podium in Mandragora in victory. Five months ago I became prime minister.

Today, I am nothing.

And I cannot start over.

Still whimpering, he entered the bathroom, dumped the nasty vomit into the toilet and washed out the garbage can with hot, soapy water. He returned to the desk and, collapsing into the chair, poured himself a shot of sambuca, downing the clear anise-flavoured liquid in one go. Che pathetico mio.

Pacitalia

02-08-2006, 07:12

Twelve hours later

It was a sunny and surprisingly cool morning in Rigunanta, and Rabastano had decided, after his rather unproductive talk with the Mélodie woman (he figured it was the language barrier), that he would have breakfast out for once. His two bodyguards escorted him out the front door and he stepped into a waiting eight-cylinder Peruzzi Messano sedan, the sleek ebony paint giving the armoured car the appearance of a pouncing predator.

The car rumbled as the engine started, its baritone hum delicately disturbing the cawing of birds under a slightly cloudy gold and blue sky. Paludosan palm trees that had to be at least fifty metres tall guarded the property, watching high over the Spanish-style ranchero mansion and its front-drive guard post. The sedan accelerated down the driveway and out onto Corso Alterrano Forma, which connected to the "High Rigunanta Road" and onto the B221 highway into town. Instead of going into the CBD, the car continued along the B221 until it reached the A1, merging on and heading down to the seaside district that lined the shore at the namesake bay.

The sedan pulled into a parking garage where a valet approached and directed the driver to an empty spot halfway along the right side of the cavernous underground carpark. Sancatto Serra first exited the vehicle followed by his two bodyguards before the Messano reached the spot and turned into it.

Their eyes darting side to side, the bodyguards watched wisely like cats as Sancatto Serra emerged onto the sidewalk. He entered a quaint cafè, called Formosa della Terra, his favourite place to eat. It sat on a hillside overlooking the sea, pink hibiscus flowers and ivy in pots and cast-iron tables with high-leg chairs. The smell of eggs fiorentina, scones and fresh fruit with sweet Cerignola cream wafted from the kitchen at the side of the establishment. He was directed to a table by the welcoming hostess, ordered espresso sorpano with almond syrup in a ferruglia and sat down at a table in the back patio, opening the menu up to decide what he wanted to eat.

The breeze blew by his face and he took it in, relaxing as he enjoyed the beautiful morning. Residents walked by with bags of produce obviously purchased from the wonderful farmers' market down the end of Corso Repubblica, while bleary-eyed tourists walked by with cups of coffee, soy-protein energy bars and in the case of two girls, heavy backpacks that caused the nineteen or twenty-year old women to sag forward under the weight.

Taking a sip of his almond-flavoured espresso, he smiled again at the typical Pacitalian scene and then called the hostess over. He ordered eggs fiorentina (the wonderful smell convinced him) and a cup of strawberries and Cerignola cream with a side of dry whole-grain toast and citrus-fruit marmalade. Twenty minutes later, he sighed with appreciation as he bit into a piece of toast with marmalade and then took a bite of his eggs. He looked out at the sea again, watching pleasure craft sail along at varying speeds, their owners mostly heading out to sea for a day of fishing, sunbathing or deep-ocean diving. The rocky crags surrounding the quaint village-like section of Rigunanta formed what, in Rabastano's mind, would have made a great painting if it were done from this very spot.

Finishing his delicious breakfast, he decided to take a walk along the beach nearly a hundred meters below. He would take the curving iron stairs down instead of the elevators or bus, which were favoured by tourists. Life was simple again, and he was loving every minute of it. He almost considered permanent retirement but left that thought for later, he was having too much fun just being a regular old citizen again. He left a 20-doura note on the table (the meal was only eight but he decided to leave a generous tip), and got out of his seat, motioning to the bodyguards that he was ready to leave.

They stepped outside and Rabastano fell like a stone. Nobody heard the silenced shot coming. Nobody saw the sniper retreat behind a stuccoed wall on the roof of an apartment across the street. Blood poured from a hole in the centre of his forehead as he lay lifeless on the ground. Screaming and chaos. Frantic bodyguards. And he never saw it coming.

As the alarmed birds fluttered away, it was as if time slowed down, their wings flapping as slowly as the realisation that a man, who wanted to be just like any other man, was gone from the earth, his life extinguished by a simple piece of metal in less time than it took to open a book. But this book, it was closed.

Lay down your arms, and I will lay down mine.

Pacitalia

02-08-2006, 07:37

Breaking news from PNN.pc

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Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra, former Agustinate
of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs for the Democratic
Capitalist Republic, has been assassinated in the city
of Rigunanta. The information has been corroborated
through preliminary eyewitness accounts and a press
release by the Rigunanta Police Department.

A world in shock, a world without words
Popular ex-Agustinate mowed down by a sniper's bullet in peaceful Pacitalian city

Marco Bantafugra, Timiocato

Preliminary reports and a police press release have corroborated that Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra, who served as Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs under former prime minister Ell, and up until June before he was unceremoniously tossed from the position by current prime minister Sorantanali, has been assassinated, the victim of an apparent sniping attack in the Amalfian city of Rigunanta.

The assassination took place around 10.00am WPDT outside a small restaurant on Corso Repubblica, the main street in the seaside district of the city, which is home to over 600,000 people. Residents and visitors alike ran in panic as a single bullet hit the popular ex-Agustinate in the forehead, killing him instantly.

It is not known who is responsible or why anyone was targetting Dr Sancatto Serra. Many point to the prime minister as the ultimate culprit, though Constantino Sorantanali had apparently said a few weeks ago he felt "regret" that he had turfed the accomplished Amalfian and "hoped that there were no hard feelings as he knew [Sancatto Serra] would not accept an offer to return to his position".

High-profile officials at Land Forces Command Region Five, based just north of Rigunanta near the Liguria-Amalfia provincial border, have reportedly called a press conference that, according to leaked preliminary data, is related to today's assassination. Whether it is about gathered intelligence as to who is responsible or whether the armed force itself is responsible remains to be seen.

Senior Deputy Prime Minister Domenico Benficalzo, speaking from Bazalonia, where he was attending a trade conference, called the incident "shameful" and "despicable" and urged Pacitalia's Central Intelligence Commission to "work hard at finding who is responsible for this absolutely awful act". PSC leader Fernando Chiovitti told reporters he was "deeply saddened to hear of the loss of one of Pacitalia's greatest diplomats and brightest minds" and "quite revolted by the indignity from the manner in which [Sancatto Serra] lost his life".

Information is still sketchy at this point but it appears we will know much more about the assassination as the day progresses and especially from the imminent LFC press conference at the Region Five base in Sado Denàcamo.

Hamptonshire

02-08-2006, 08:03

Breaking News from HNN

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The 51 year old Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra,
Pacitalia's former Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs,
was murdered in the seaside resort of Rigunanta earlier today.
His death appears to be politically motivated.

Former Cabinet minister killed by unknown gunman
Ex-Diplomatic chief lead the push to oust Sorantanali from office

Peter Dietrich, Timiocato

Reports from the PNN and local police confirm that Rabastano Sancatto Serra was killed by an assassin's bullet in the resort town of Rigunanta. Pacitalian authorities are currently searching for the assassin though information is rather spotty. With no direct witnesses finding the killer of the former Agustinate will be difficult. There are rumors, however, that officials from the Liguria-Amalfia based Land Forces Command Region Five are going to hold a press conference to discuss the killing.

Already many public figures in the Democratic Capitalist Republic have denounced the killing. Senior Deputy Prime Minister Domenico Benficalzo, speaking from Bazalonia, condemned the assassination and said that Pacitalia's intelligence and security community should "work hard at finding who is responsible for this absolutely awful act." Opposition leader Fernando Chiovitti lamented the loss of "one of Pacitalia's greatest diplomats and brightest minds."

In Hamptonshire City the newly appointed Secretary of State for Foreign and Dominion Affairs, Stephen Larsen told reporters that "all Hamptonshire grieves with the family and friends of Sancatto Serra. He was a true leader and he will be missed." Chancellor Hayek did not respond to HNN requests for a comment but the Lord Protector's Office did issue a short statement, "The murder of anyone is a crime against humanity in general. Those responsible for this senseless act will be brought to justice and they will meet their fitting and proper end." In what will certainly be a symbolic act, Lord Rosecrans offered to send Hamptonian investigators to Pacitalia to aid in the capture of Dr Sancatto Serra's killers.

As more information comes in, HNN will bring it to you.

[NS]Bazalonia

04-08-2006, 13:31

This is a Baz7 Network News Breaking Story...

Pacitalia in shock as a gunshot rings out over Rigunanta, a peaceful town in Pacitalia. The Target? Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra, the Ex-Augustinate, equivalent to a Ex-Minister in the Bazalonia government, of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs.

Senior Deputy Prime Minister Domenico Benficalzo in Fauxhan representing Pacitalia in the discussions for the establishment of a region-wide free trade organisation has urged Pacitalia's intellignce agency PCIC to "work hard at finding who is responsible for this absolutely awful act."

Little known is about the motive or the people behind the assasination of the ex-augustinate as it was an apparent shot from a sniper, however it seems many in Pacitalia blame the Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali either directly or in-directly for this tradgedy.

The Bazalonian government has issued a press-release. Expressing condolences to the Pacitalian government, Pacitalian people as well as Dr Sancatto Serra's family expressing the loss of the great from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Richard Menszae, and the Prime Minister, Stephen Hawdon.

More news on the hour we now return you to our regular programming

Sarzonia

04-08-2006, 14:17

With both PNN and HNN ripped from the airways in Sarzonia due to the downright hostility between Sarzonia and the two respective nations, it took the Bazalonian news service report for word to get out that Rabastano Sancatto Serra, a onetime nemesis for Sarzonian foreign policy, but someone who was seen as a potential ally in the fight to restore to Pacitalians some semblance of government of the people, by the people, and for the people, was assassinated.

Even though Sarzo had recently decided he wanted absolutely nothing to do with Pacitalia so long as that idiot despot Sorantanali was in office, the news made him sit bolt upright in bed.

"Are you going to make a statement now," Tyler asked. Sarzo took one look at the concerned countenance of his partner and shook his head.

"I'll deal with this in the morning." He pressed the off button on the remote, switched it to his right hand and set it on the night table, then turned to Tyler and smiled.

"Right now, I've got better things to do." Then, Sarzo turned the lights off.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Meanwhile, new Sarzonian FBI director Charlie Linville was hardly asleep. He was in the middle of reviewing mostly routine cases when the deputy director walked right into his office.

"Tom, don't you believe in knocking," he said, at first fixing a withering glance on the man. However, he softened immediately when he remembered that Tom Sorensen had been with the department for 28 years, including the last 15 as the deputy director. He was used to having the ear of the director at any time, and he was the popular choice to become director. In fact, Sarzo nominated him, but the House refused to confirm him, citing poor grades in the confirmation hearings.

"I'm sorry. I guess you're used to being able to talk to your boss whenever. What do you need," Linville said.

"We just got a report that former Agustinate Rabastano Sancatto Serra was assassinated."

"And that affect us how? Remember we ain't too cozy with those goddamn Packies."

"It's only that asshole Sorantanali who poisons that country, not the country as a whole. Admittedly, I don't have anything to go on besides speculation, but I smell a rat and I think I know where to spring the trap."

"What good is that going to do? If we get involved directly, Sarzo's going to shit a brick. And then... what are you trying to do, get another shot at my job?"

"If we're looking for an opportunity to restore some semblance of relations with Pacitalia, this may be our best -- and only -- shot. Especially if we can find out who's behind the assassination. And if it's who I think it is and we put his despotic arse in prison, we've got something."

"Should we go to Sarzo on this?"

"Hell no. He'll never approve it."

"All the same, how are we going to justify that appropriation when it's budget time?"

"We'll say it's part of the investigation into the attack on the Cros."

"Sounds good."

Pacitalia

05-08-2006, 05:14

PRESS WHIP: "Seated from left to right, SSA Ruggiero Canzofera, GS Ernesto Zamo, GA Geronimo Pisanano, and Land Forces Command Region Five spokesman SSA Giorgios Melikiadis. The Spokesman will make an official statement on behalf of LFC-R5 and the Pacitalian Elite Special Operations Force, ESOF-FOSdR, whereupon the Spokesman will be open to questions. SSA Canzofera has been advised not to answer questions, and the Pacitalian Defence Forces request that no questions are proposed to SSA Canzofera, GS Zamo or GA Pisanano. Thank you. Spokesman?"

SPOKESMAN MELIKIADIS: "Ladies and gentlemen assembled, members of the press. It is never easy to own up to one's mistakes, to accept responsibility for the actions one takes, especially when under duress or fire. But we have witnessed stellar maturity from Sargento Sopr'Arma Ruggiero Canzofera, who could not live with the unpatriotic act he condoned at the behest of his ultimate superior.

"We, of course, refer to the assassination of one of Pacitalia's brightest and greatest-ever diplomats, Dr Rabastano Sancatto Serra, may God rest his soul. As is widely known now, Dr Sancatto Serra was gunned down by a mysterious sniper this morning in Rigunanta. Many have been quick to point the blame at the prime minister, and the PDF will now speak frankly: those who did so were right all along.

"SSA Canzofera received a telephone call on a secure scrambler about 2045Z Monday evening, from the prime minister, Constantino Sorantanali. Mr Sorantanali intracted an executive order advising a proximate ESOF commando to proceed with a level-three targetted hit. For those of you that do not know, a level-three hit signifies an enemy of the state, a person that needs to be eliminated because they pose a threat to national security. So, the question remains, what did Dr Sancatto Serra do to earn third-degree target status? The answer: absolutely nothing.

"A preliminary intelligence sweep by a PCIC liaison team at the LFC-R5 base in Sado Denàcamo reveals the prime minister did not have the required judicial assent, that being the express written consent of an active federal-level judge to carry out the hit. A quick data mine on the AEMAX trigonometric data transfer system, or AEMAX-TDTS, also reveals the prime minister placed Dr Sancatto Serra on level-three hit status approximately forty-five seconds before placing the telephone call to SSA Canzofera, and did not enter the required reason for the ex-Agustinate's status upgrade. In fact, Mr Sorantanali went as far as to use his executive override code to allow himself the ability to upgrade Dr Sancatto Serra's status without said reason, thus violating the two-man rule, as outlined by the Federal Security Procedures and Standards Playbook.

"Constitutional guidelines prevent prime ministerial phone lines from being tapped but SSA Canzofera has admitted he authorised transfer of the executive hit order to an ESOF commando in Rigunanta, who performed the assassination on Dr Sancatto Serra at 1003Z this morning. ESOF commandoes follow orders moreso than they should instincts, but this commando, who wishes to remain anonymous and will be so, openly questioned the order through our secure verbal-communications link. And, of course, it turns out his instincts were right. Unfortunately, SSA Canzofera, like all other sergeants, did not have right-of-refusal on third-degree hits and thusly, had no choice but to press the commando to proceed with the assassination in the interest of the prime minister.

"SSA Canzofera spent the entire night in his office deliberating what to do. He was well aware what would happen if he defied the prime minister's order and called off the hit, but knew that the prime minister was performing several illegal actions and must be called on it. To his discredit, he did not make up his mind until after the assassination, but still SSA Canzofera should not be to blame. He was simply following orders, after all, and should instead be commended for his bravery, for reporting the illegalities to his superiors, GA Pisanano and GS Zamo, without ultimate fear of the repercussions. SSA Canzofera chose his love for his country over the orders of his superiors, and that is what the Pacitalian Defence Forces are ultimately trained to do above all else: stand up for this country.

"The information we have provided you in your media booklets today for use on-air and in print has already been forwarded, along with confidential information, to the Federal Supreme Court for their interest. Mr Sorantanali's violation of the two-man rule, in addition to his unconsented assassination of a man who should not have even been in third-degree status to begin with seriously jeopardise his continued presence in the highest political office of this country. And the PDF, especially Land Forces Command Region Five, cannot support someone, regardless of their position, when they make deliberate attempts to break civilian and military precedents and laws.

"That will be all, no questions, please."

VARIOUS REPORTERS: "Spokesman-- (inaudible)"

Hamptonshire

05-08-2006, 06:01

Breaking News from HNN

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Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali was
directly implicated as the mastermind behind the murder of
Rabastano Sancatto Serra. Sorantanali is to be investigated
by the Federal Supreme Court on executive power violations
and the assassination charge. Chancellor Hayek called on the
Prime Minister to immediately resign.

SORANTANALI ORDERED HIT

Less than an hour ago a Pacitalian Defense Forces press conference confirmed wide-spread rumor: Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali ordered the murder of the ex-Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs. Using national security laws, Mr Sorantanali unilaterally labeled Sancatto Serra an "enemy of the state" and arranged his elimination. The stunning revelation comes just weeks after the Pacitalian Parliament resigned in protest of Sorantanali's increasingly authoritarian rule.

Mr Sorantanali and other national leaders with the Democratic Capitalist Republic have yet to publicly respond to the charges. After the news was first reported, several senior figures within the Hamptonian federal government began to respond to the news. This is important because up to now Hamptonian officials, mindful of the extremely close relations with the Pacitalians, mostly kept silent on the brewing crisis in Pacitalia. The strongest response to the assassination news came from Chancellor Wolfgang Hayek, a former Ambassador to the DCRP. Speaking to reporters outside of the Foreign and Dominion Affairs Office he said:

"What has happened in Pacitalia disgusts me. This is totally repugnant and completely inexcusable. If these allegations are true, which appears to be the case, Constantino Sorantanali will go down in history as one of the most despicable people to darken this world. Any national leader who misuses the authority entrusted to them by the people is a criminal. Those who would kill to protect their careers are worthy of only contempt, pity and hatred. Sorantanali is a thief, a liar, a murderer and a tyrant. He will be judged by his countrymen and will face the justice that he has tried to evade.

I only hope that now, once the deceit and lies have been revealed, there is enough humanity left in that twisted, dark, hollow man so that he can at least do one thing right. For the good of Pacitalia, for the good of the world, Constantino Sorantanali must immediately leave office. Every moment that he remains as head of state is an affront to every single sacred belief and tenet Pacitalians hold near and dear to their hearts. Until he does so the Democratic Capitalist Republic is under attack from its own leader. He must be stopped. He must face justice. He must pay for what he has done."

There are also reports that Lord Peter Easton, Hamptonian Ambassador to Pacitalia, has relayed messages from the Lord Protector and Princess Anne to numerous Pacitalian authorities stating Hamptonian outrage at the Prime Minister. To date, though, rumors that the Foreign and Dominion Affairs Office is preparing to place Sorantanali under a lifetime travel ban to the United Realms are unconfirmed.

HNN will continue to update you with the latest news about Sorantanali- Murdering Democracy.

Sarzonia

05-08-2006, 06:33

"You're fucking kidding!"

"I shit you not, Mike."

"And how the hell do we have this as reliable information? Who opened those Packie traps?"

"Uh, Mike. I've got something to tell you."

Sarzo gave a withering glance in the direction of the hesitating voice that spoke those last words.

"Spill it Charlie."

"Um, uh, well, we, ah sent agents to Timiocato to aid the investigation."

"You WHAT?! You broke Sarzonian law to catch that Goddamn Packie in breaking his laws?!"

"Mike, listen to me."

"Give me one good reason why I don't send your ass back to that outhouse you live in and make it fast."

"How about the fact that Pacitalians and Sarzonians cooperated in this investigation," came another voice, this one much more assured than the first. "And what about the fact that you can now go on international television with concrete proof you were right about Sorantanali all along. This isn't just you being a bitch. This is you with evidence to back up what you've been saying about Sorantanali all along."

Sarzo did a double-take. He was still downright livid about the SFBI going behind his back, but the proof that he was right was too hard to ignore. He now had enormous political capital that until only weeks prior was only a figment of his imagination.

"Mike, I suggest you get on the airways and announce the SFBI's role in the investigation. Even if that means you have to go on air and agree with Hamptonshire for the first time since Reginald Leopold I was alive."

"Announcing the SFBI's role to the world would be disingenuous," Sarzo said. "Actually, I think we let the facts do our talking for us."

"I disagree," Tyler said. "Instead of just calling Sorantanali every name in the book, we've actively helped a nation against whom we had no relations to get to the bottom of one of their most sinister episodes in recent memory. That's going to give us the kind of diplomatic capital that we haven't had in decades. Look, if it doesn't turn out, you can always say you got bad advice."

Sarzo just arched his eyebrows and sighed, but Tyler could tell that Sarzo's brain was churning. When he saw Sarzo leave and head in the direction of the press room, he turned on the closed-circuit television to watch.

"My fellow Sarzonians, today we have received word that Pacitalia's Constantino Sorantanali has been confirmed to have had a direct role in the assassination of former Agustinate Rabastano Sancatto Serra. He had Sancatto Serra labelled a threat to national security and put an unauthorised hit on Sancatto Serra.

"We have reliable information on this tragic occurence for one reason: The Sarzonian Federal Bureau of Investigations cooperated with the Pacitalian Central Intelligence Commission to investigate the crime. This cooperation in spite of the persona non grata status each government has placed on the other has demonstrated conclusively that Sarzonians do not have a quarrel with the noble people who make up the overwhelming majority of the Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia.

"We have stated all along that Constantino Sorantanali has been a despotic ruler and we have declared Sorantanali an Enemy of Democracy. Now, thanks in part to the SFBI, we have conclusive evidence to confirm our assertions. The world will now recognise Sorantanali the way we have in the days and weeks prior to now.

"Constantino Sorantanali, you have run from the will of the people of your country much too long. It's time for you to face justice. If it takes us rooting you out like a fig roach, we'll do that. Mark my words, your days are numbered. Government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall live on beyond your dictatorial regime. Consider the cilice belt tightening around your thigh for the last time. You shall remain for all the world nothing more than a Sorcefalso."

With the announcement that the cameras stopped rolling, Sarzo finally broke out into a wide grin. Sorantanali was dead to rights. It was only a matter of time, and Sarzo knew it.

Hamptonshire

05-08-2006, 07:23

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HBC Pacitalia

In the middle of the late night news broadcast, the channel went dark and faded to black. A second later the figure of a young, slender and beautiful woman in a large leather chair filled the screen. As the camera pulled out the full room could be seen: the chair was in the middle of an ornate office. Pacitalians watching the broadcast were confused for a while but quickly recognized the figure in the middle of their screens. It was Princess Anne. As the audience's eyes darted around the picture on the television sets they found other Hamptonian artifacts, principal of which was a large portrait of Reginald Leopold the Great on the wall behind the seated Princess. She smiled and began to speak,

"Citizens of the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia, I speak to you tonight not as a foreign citizen but as someone who has the deepest respect and admiration for your nation and its culture. There are no other people that I can think of whom share a place in my heart right next to Hamptonians. I have spent many seasons basking in the endless Pacitalian sun. I have felt the love and admiration of my friends in the DCRP. In this, your darkest hour, I cannot idly standby. Our two nations and peoples are distinct and unique, but we are bound together by perpetual friendship and brotherhood. Hamptonians would risk their lives to defend the Democratic Capitalist Republic from harm. It is in that spirit I come to you.

Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali is a mortal threat to the safety of the Pacitalian state. He threatens every democratic institution that has taken your nation hundreds of years to build and perfect. Sorantanali will bring ruin upon the nation I love above all else but Hamptonshire. His entire term in office has been marked by constant missteps and miscalculations. He has placed the national and economic security of both our nations in danger on numerous occasions. Through all the storms, though, we have stood by him. Pacitalians respected that fact that he represented the will of the majority of its citizens. Hamptonians recognized that he was the freely elected head of state of our nation's greatest ally. The relationship was strained, but the Prime Minister was always given the benefit of the doubt. Now it seems that we have all been fooled.

There is never a legitimate reason for premeditated murder. There is never a reason for the abuse of governmental powers. My nation had to learn these lessons the hard way. The Regency, only seven months past, tore apart our nation and saw the wholesale disregard of the law by formerly trusted head of state. It took a rebellion and the deaths of countless hundreds for the brave leaders of the resistance to overthrow our tyrant. Pacitalia can learn from our mistakes. Waste no time in ending the reign of the Prime Minister. Fight with words, with thoughts, with ideals. Take to the streets and make your voice heard. There is no force in this world that could hope to stand up to the collective voice of the Pacitalian people. Bring an end to this before any more lives are lost.

However, while pushing for the Prime Minister's resignation, we must all remember to refrain from violence and vigilantism. The only person served by more death and destruction is Sorantanali himself. He has proven that he will go to any lengths to hold on to power. I fear that he may try to turn Pacitalians against themselves. I do not think your nation could ever fall into civil war, but is there really much difference between ordering the death of one and orchestrating the death of dozens...or hundreds? He has targeted and killed the man that dared to challenge his rule. Now, we must all ensure the protection of all those other voices that cry out in the night. All those people that seek the light, that hope for a new day without the Prime Minister. They must be protected. The public must act as the shield of the opposition.

The nation that I love, that I call a second home, must be saved before it is lost. Courage must take the day. Take charge of your own destiny. Search your souls and do what is best for your children. Ensure they grow up in the Pacitalia I have come to know and love, not the one the Prime Minister is trying to make. Mister Sorantanali has made his deal with the devil; let it not be Pacitalia who must make the payment.

I hope, before long, I can once again return to your beautiful nation and sleep peacefully breathing the clean, free air of the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia.

Good night and good luck."

With the slightest beginning of a tear in her eye the screen faded back out and the news continued on. She hoped that someone would remember what she said today.

Bazalonia

05-08-2006, 08:32

"Sorantanali ordered Hit" says PDF

At a press conference in Pacitalia, today, members of the Pacitalian Defense Force announced who was responsible for the apparant sniper shot on Ex-Augustinate Dr Rabastano Sancatto. It was not a terrorist, nor was it a potential seperatist movement within Pacitalia. The answer was themselves. Pacitalian SSA Canzofera and his immeadiate superiors announced that SSA Canzofera was the person that fired the shot.

It went on to describe the situation that SSA Canzofera had found himself in, receiving a scrambled call from Sorantanali in which an order to shoot the Ex-Augustinate was made. A check on the PDF computer system found that the Ex-Augustinate was a target.

Understanding that the assasination was not in the national interest but was still ordered by the Prime Minister. The SSA fired his shot and killed the Ex-Augustinate. What he did after this was to contact his superiors and confess to what he had done.

Further checks and evidence had been gathered by the SSA's superiors and it was now time to go public. We have heard no response from the Prime Minister of Pacitalia or in fact his Senior Deputy Prime Minister who is still in Fauxhan.

The only question it seems now is "What will Sorantanali do?" will he attempt to wrangle his way out if this situation? Will he surrender himself to Pacitalian courts to make the final judgement or another option. Only Time and Sorantanali will tell.

Southeastasia

05-08-2006, 11:19

From Channel News Asia Online
http://www.etv.lk/images/programs/cna/cna_logo.jpg

Prime Minister Neo's critics turn up the heat - "Our deep suspicisions have been officially confirmed - Sorantanali is a sadistic, megalomaniacal, narcissistic Orwellian tyrant."

Singapore, Southeast Asia, with correspondents in Timiocato, Pacitalia

Shock and awe has been widespread, thanks to confirmed news that the late ex-Agustinate, Dr. Sancatto Serra, had died from an Executive Order originating from the sixty-eighth Pacitalian Prime Minister. Throughout the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia, and much beyond the Pacitalian borders as demonstrated in the Grand Archduchy of the United Realms of the Hamptonian Empire with the Duchess of Harrkona, Princess Anne, dubbing Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali a "mortal threat to the safety of the Pacitalian state" and heeded the Pacitalian people to "learn from our mistakes", refering the legacy of the Regency from seven months past. The Hamptonian News Network has branded Sorantanali of 'murdering democracy', and the anti-Sorantanali movement is self-perpetuating now.

Anonymous critics of the Prime Minister within his own party, the Federal New Liberals, have stated "Our deep suspicisions have been officially confirmed - Sorantanali is a sadistic, megalomaniacal, narcissistic Orwellian tyrant....this is a man that cannot respect, let alone contemplate, about the basic tenets of modern day political liberalism, he has forced everyone to their last but brutal option - violent impeachment. Neo's support of Sorantanali is proof that he is a dictator groupie, and like Sorantanali, does not deserve the highest office in the nation anymore - he deserves to be tossed into a madhouse with a straitjacket, like the Laurasian Father wannabee illegitimately in charge of Pacitalia, despite the fact that Neo founded the Union, he does not deserve to be pardoned."

The lower-ranking Members of Parliament of the pmary opposition to the Federal New Liberals, the Conservative Parliamentarian-Republican Party, have accused Neo of being a "stupendously sanctimonious, scheming, grovelling, power-hungry incompetent, the hypocrite who masquerades as a liberal but in actuality is a corporatist in bed with His Omniferocity's Dominion of the Evil Overlord Enterprises, just like the snivelling, Caucasian supremacist worm-runt of a man that calls himself the Marquess of....I think I'll let rhetoric fill in the last part."

The Founder of the Union himself was not available for comment, but anonymous aides close to His Right Honorable Prime-Executive Leadership of the United Sovereign Nations of Southeast Asia, said "Can't they [the opposition party] find anything better to critique other than saying Neo is a draconian despot and the Federal Parliament is a 'Sycophant Council to the FNLP' or a 'rubber-stamp'?". Rumors that Neo's patience with those within his party criticizing him to be a dictator groupie and going on a mass firing have been denied by sources close to the Prime-Executive Leadership.

However, there is a sign of reaction from the Executive Cabinet of the Union of Southeast Asian Nations. Jonah Abucago, the Chief Spokesperson of the Emerald Executive Recluse, has spoken: "The Office of His Right Honorable Prime-Executive Leadership is watching with independence, and we hope that Sorantanali is at least given a chance in a fair trial - in a state that supports Western rule of law, the Common Law, all must be assumed innocent before guilty. Even authoritarian tyrants - it is no better than the tyrants themselves for the people to give a kangaroo court for them."

Azazia

05-08-2006, 22:05

The Citadel,
Imperium, New Britain Province, UK

Salisbury slowly removed his black wire-framed glasses from his head, and put his fingers to his temples in a vain attempt to excise some of the strain. Around him on the brightly-lit walls were numerous high-definition wide-screen televisions displaying not the latest from news organisations but the latest from cameras and sensors of various units of the Royal Armed Services throughout the world. On one of the larger screens, the image shook violently before being obscured by a cloud of ochre-coloured particles. Somewhere around him at the long table a general continued to review each screen.

… and as you can see, the Royal Artillery is engaged in a ferocious bombardment of enemy positions throughout the colony’s northern frontier zone. Our fear, of course, is the possibility of an accidental shelling of a position on the other side of the border. Salisbury quickly replaced his glasses and raised his head to bring into focus the map on the adjacent screen to find one of only two land borders shared with a nation increasingly playing the role of the UK’s enemy: the Khailfah al Muslimeen.

Do we not have artillery units serving on the western border, General?

Yes, Lord Prime Minister. The pudgy general, who had obviously not been in actual combat in some years, held a remote device in his hand and with the twitch of a muscle in his thumb switched the scene of an artillery barrage to a scene of artillery units preparing themselves for a barrage. This is the scene from a command and control vehicle serving on the border with the Velorii Republic – currently engaged in operations against the Grand Archduchy. What we need on the ground, of course are—

The hiss of air being leaked into the closed and secured room broke the conversation, as the bald-headed Howard Robertson walked quickly into the room, his blue coat flapping and waving at his abnormally rapid pace. He found the Prime Minister and walked quickly over and crouched to bring his lips to his knees, Official confirmation, Prime Minister, he whispered.

Channel?

KBC International has live coverage. The Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff stood and then moved slightly to his right to take a standing position behind that of Lord Salisbury, who lifted his hand from the polished table and pointed to one of the screens. Lieutenant, he called out to the Royal Navy officer in charge of the majority of the channel selections, please bring up KBC International.

The room watched in silence, the representatives of the Royal Armed Services taking note of their counterparts across the seas – the few men and women in the room aware of the special forces capability of both nations’ militaries smiling at the deadly efficiency despite its devilish and misguided use. Salisbury, for his part, watched without expression, in his mind imagining the final seconds before men he had known well were likely executed in a similar cold-blooded fashion. A fool, he thought to himself for there were far more effective, and far neater means of heads of government to order covert assassinations – if not for the all around degree of incompetence Salisbury would have felt a tinge of pity for Sorantanali, but he was not just incompetent in special forces exercises but in just about every level and area of governing a state. As the press conference wrapped up, and KBC cut to its own analysis of the situation, Lord Salisbury slowly pushed himself away from his seat at the conference table. The assembled military officers stood and wished the Prime Minister well as he exited the room with Robertson right behind him.

Howard, arrange, if you will, a press conference for later this evening, if you get the major networks to give us primetime hours that would be best.

Very well, Your Lordship. The two men separated on the walk back to the PM’s office, where once finding his comfortable seat, the Prime Minister began to filter through the assorted documents on his desk dealing with the upcoming report on core inflation, all the while listening throughout the day to the latest in speeches and statements from governments and concerned individuals.

Media Centre, the Citadel
Imperium, New Britain Province, UK

Across the capital of the United Kingdom, the work day ended and people filed out of their offices and into the high-capacity cars of the city’s rail network, a few hundred thousand individuals preferring instead to take their automobiles back to the city’s suburbs despite the higher price of driving and parking within the city. All of this escaped the eye of the Prime Minister, who remained in an anteroom outside the eye of the cameras of the world’s leading news organisation. He stood in a black pinstripe suit, the white lines close together and would hardly be noticeable to those viewing his statement without the exacting and precise nature of high-definition. Fussing for a moment with his red tie, sitting well in the centre of his pale blue shirt, he continued to look over the speech prepared for him by the Communications Office in remarkably quick time. By now, he had grown accustomed to having a reception not just throughout the Oceanic Empire but also in some of the leading parties in the current conflict. His voice was now recognised and his words listened to intently as they carried great weight. The question always remained, however, of what to say with those words.

On the other side of the wall, beyond the electronic jamming devices that isolated the Prime Minister in the moments before and after his speech, a tall woman wearing horn-rimmed glasses stepped up carefully and gingerly behind the podium, designed for a far shorter individual than herself. She stood quietly for a moment until the room settled down, her personage well known for her simple role she played in such procedures. She smiled and took a breath, Ladies and gentleman, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

The doors to her right opened quickly and flashbulbs brightened the room as print agencies and internet publishers hurried to collect as many photographs of Lord Salisbury as they possibly could. Taking a few energetic bounds up to the small stage he found himself behind the podium, the finalised version of the speech sitting before him.

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Lord Acton made this famous statement in 1870 during the height of the conflict over papal infallibility; but his statement reverberates in the halls of the New Prado in 2006 at the height of the conflict over Mister Sorantanali’s self-created sense of infallibility. Mister Sorantanali’s sense of infallibility has unfortunately revealed itself through the reckless and illegal assignment of Pacitalian Defence Forces assets to eliminate a perceived political rival. Sadly this political rival was anything but that, for he was one of the greatest diplomats the modern world had seen and it is with great sadness that the world mourns the loss of Dr. Rabastano Sancatto Serra.

He paused for a moment amid the flashing bulbs, pausing in memory of a man whose life had been ended far too shortly.

However, in our hour of collective sadness, the United Kingdom cannot fail in our commitment to global democracy. More so, we in the United Kingdom cannot fail in our commitment to the noble peoples of Pacitalia. As a man of history, I offer to the Pacitalian people a lesson of recent Oceanian history; for it was not long ago that a tyrant strode through the streets of Imperium seeking to erase the right of the people to govern themselves, to elect their own head of government, and to live free from fear of their government. When the conflict was resolved the people of the United Kingdom prevailed. Democratic government was restored. Peace and prosperity reigned. I foresee such an eventual outcome in the lands of Pacitalia; but until such time as Mister Sorantanli is removed from his self-styled and self-carved throne there can be no such peace and prosperity for Pacitalia. For it is you, the people of Pacitalia who suffer the most from the injustices delivered upon the state of Pacitalia.

I thank Princess Anne for her reminder for all of us to refrain from violence for Mister Sorantanali truly is a tyrant who has proved himself capable of conducting himself in the most truly evil and basest fashions conceivable by modern man. However, the United Kingdom will do its part to cut off the resources available to the Pacitalian Prime Minister. At this hour, officials from the appropriate public and private trade and finance regulatory bodies of the United Kingdom are seizing all of Mister Sorantanali’s financial assets located within the Oceanic Empire. He has proven himself capable of murdering innocent civilians; and while he may no longer have the support of the Pacitalian Defence Forces it is a real and serious possibility his own private resources could be used to fuel his crave, his need for more absolute power. The United Kingdom will not stand idly by and be a passive participant in any such criminal endeavours. No longer will Mister Sorantanali be able to draw upon the financial or other resources of the United Kingdom to support his increasingly floundering regime.

After his successful election campaign, I decided to continue the close relationship I had with Mister Sorantanali’s predecessor in the hope of furthering the growth and development of bilateral ties between our two peoples and nations. As it evidence of Mister Sorantanali’s ineptitude became increasingly apparent I stood by the Pacitalian Prime Minister, hoping that his missteps were mere fumbles on the way to great strides. Regretfully I misplaced my trust and my hopes. Mister Sorantanali’s deplorable actions have forced me to admit that from this point forward, His Majesty’s Government can no longer continue to support an illegitimate regime. At this hour, His Majesty’s Ambassador to Pacitalia, Mister Maxwell Newson, is being recalled for consultations on how best His Majesty’s Government can assist the Pacitalian people in their publicly demonstrated desire for a new leadership.

Also at this hour, the Foreign Office is preparing advisory statements warning the people of the United Kingdom that their safety can no longer be guaranteed in Pacitalia, a state now exhibiting lawless governance, and that as such His Majesty’s Government advises all Oceanians to avoid traveling to Pacitalia except in cases of necessity.

I hope that in the coming days and weeks that the world will witness a revolution in Pacitalia, a lily revolution that will see the bloodless restoration of true democracy in the lands of Pacitalia. I hope that in the coming days and weeks the strained relations between the United Kingdom and the Democratic Capitalist Republic can return to normal. I hope that in the coming days and weeks I shall be able to return to the sun-drenched beaches, to the busy plazas and marketplaces, and to the corner cafés of Pacitalia.

I trust in the people of Pacitalia. I trust in the knowledge that they will, like history has shown, right the wrongs wrought upon them. I trust the people of Pacitalia to know that they will forever have friends in the United Kingdom and that we can be relied upon to help in any way, in any shape, and any form necessary.

Salisbury folded his hands together and collected his papers into a single pile for his aides to collect later that hour. He then quickly turned and exited the room despite pleas and shouts from reporters for answers to the millions of questions. He exited through the same doors he had entered and found Robertson waiting upon the other side.

A fine speech, Your Lordship.

Thank you, Howard. For a brief instant, the Prime Minister stopped walking forward and half-turned back towards the room. I merely hope they understand.

Robertson eyed the Prime Minister curiously, who understands what?

The Pacitalian people, Howard, he responded near absently. As a man of history I am aware of the conditions and situations that led to the evolution of the Pacitalian democratic state now in existence. I hope that at some level of consciousness the Pacitalian people understand that our severe measures are in their own best interest.

With a shake of his head, Salisbury returned to the face of his Chief of Staff. Despite his ineptitude, he said to his slightly confused chief assistant, the economy under Sorantanali’s guidance remains rather unhindered – more from a fear to touch the controls of the Pacitalian economy I suspect. Yet if we can cause even the slightest ripples in the Pacitalian economy perhaps the people shall awake a bit more quickly. Perhaps they shall act a bit more quickly.

And if not?

Then god help us, the atheist Prime Minister responded quietly.

Pacitalia

06-08-2006, 07:45

Breaking news from PNN

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Concerned bodyguards broke into the hotel room of Senior
Deputy Prime Minister Domenico Benficalzo early this morning
upon learning that the second-in-command in the Pacitalian
Republic did not report for scheduled meetings for a trade
conference in Bazalonia. They found the body of Benficalzo
on his bed. The accomplished urban planner: a suicide at 45.

Pacitalian SDPM unable to handle pressures of totalitarian rule
Kills himself by overdosing on lorazepam-based sleeping pills, staining trade conference in Bazalonia

Roberto Gigiamano, Fauxhan, Bazalonia

There has been another casualty in the quest to oust Sorantanali, and once again, a tinge of sadness has befallen the nation of Pacitalia as it tries to shake the devil that has clamped its jaws shut on democracy and refuses to let go. The prime minister's closest domestic ally and best friend has committed suicide, and looks to be the final domino to fall in the totalitarian administration of Constantino Sorantanali.

Concerned bodyguards busted the lock on Domenico Benficalzo's hotel room door and entered the suite to find Benficalzo's body lying next to an unaddressed open letter and a strewn bottle of lorazepam-based sedatives. The letter apparently asks whoever read it first to ensure his now widowed wife Maria Andrea, and son Paolo, who is just nine years old, would be taken care of "for the rest of their days". Benficalzo reportedly admits in the letter he could not cope with the personal battle over whether to abandon his loyalty to his longest friend in the world in favour of loyalty to the country he loved so dearly.

The news came as a shock to those in Bazalonia because, due to the totalitarian "system" now in place, it means the Pacitalian delegation must pull out because there was no available backup delegate. Whether or not the Pacitalian government will take an active role in the proposed Atlantian Oceanian regional free-trade organisation at a later date is now immaterial, for the entire conference of delegates sits in shock upon hearing of the suicide of Pacitalia's second-in-command.

Again, there was no comment by the prime minister himself but there is no doubt even he feels the grief of losing his only ally and friend (sources close to the prime minister say he accidentally revealed an intended secret that his wife and kids had moved out... because they "didn't want to live in the same house as a dictator").

The suicide will perhaps also serve to intensify the protests being planned for all-day tomorrow. One of the largest will reportedly be held at the Piazza dei Santi directly below the office window of the prime minister, and organisers claim to have commitment of attendance from nearly two and a half million people. In another stinging note of irony to Sorantanali, that's more than double the number that came out to see Sorantanali invested with the powers of head of state and government back at the end of January.

More protests will be held in nearly all major cities, as well as in Seaburg, where another two million will support their Pacitalian counterparts, and in Hamptonshire City in front of our country's embassy. Princess Anne will reportedly lead the protest there. Smaller-scale, but still arguably politically important, protests will be held in various centres around the UK and other liberal democracies with "close ties" to the Democratic Capitalist Republic. And in an interesting note, Sarzonian protesters are organising a rally in downtown Woodstock that will see "a special guest speaker" take the stage in support of the protest.

For at least the next few days, however, the shattered Pacitalian public now has to bury two men of honour, one dead from the hand of the devil, the other fallen on his proverbial sword. And they will not forget why this happened, and who was responsible for it.

Sarzonia

06-08-2006, 08:10

Woodstock Daily Mail

Sarzo calls suicide 'horrendous loss'

By Peter Handley
Daily Mail Staff Writer

The Gray House is calling the apparent suicide by Pacitalian senior deputy prime minister Domenico Benficalzo "a horrendous loss of an innocent and honourable man" and has confirmed that the Woodstock City Council has approved permits for protests throughout the city with the blessing of the Incorporated Sarzonian Government.

"The Incorporated Sarzonian Government wishes to extend its condolences to the family of Mr. Benficalzo on this tragic loss," President Sarzo said in an impromptu address on the East Lawn outside the Gray House. "The loss of such an honourable man in the wake of this terrible period in the history of the Capitalist Republic is one that will likely reverberate in the years to come."

The protests do not violate the Wartime Powers Act that was put into place after the attack on the David Crosby Convention Centre because they do not deal with Sarzonian government policies. However, a spokesman for Woodstock Mayor Chip Moose said the protests would have been cleared regardless.

"In an event when we in Sarzonia are showing our solidarity with Pacitalians in our protest of the despotic rule of Constantino Sorantanali, the Wartime Powers Act would not apply," spokesman Leonard Bradley said. "According to the information we have received, even if these protests were covered under the Wartime Powers Act, Parliament would move quickly to grant an exception to the policy.

Spokesmen for House Speaker Connie Jacobi and Senate President Pro Tempore Marty Goldstein would not comment on whether the protest would have cleared the Wartime Powers Act, but both said that the Act did not apply.

Gray House Press Secretary Heather Lloyd denied speculation that Sarzo would speak at the protest rally. She said the event "is not on the President's schedule of public appearances. The Sarzonian Secret Service has not been notified."

That hasn't stopped political think tanks throughout the country from weighing in on whether Sarzo would speak at the protest. Camille Roggiera-Swenson, the granddaughter of Pacitalian immigrants and an analyst with Democracy Watch, a non-partisan international thinktank with headquarters in Saugerties, said the chances were "better than average" that Sarzo would address the crowd.

"Sarzo has been on Sorantanali's back almost from day one," Roggiera-Swenson said. "It would only make sense for Sarzo to speak at the rally."

Lloyd also denied published reports that former Pacitalian prime minister Timotaio Ell would speak at the rally, pointing out that Pacitalians are barred from entering the country.

"The only way a Pacitalian citizen will be allowed into Sarzonia at this point is if there is a documented medical emergency," Lloyd said. "Dr. Ell is subject to the same rules as everyone else from Pacitalia." She said that exceptions to the policy would have to be approved officially by the Sarzonian Military Police Command in Woodstock, but acknowledged that Sarzo could sign an executive order allowing Ell into the country.

"Basically, if the President wants Tim Ell in the country, he can open the doors for him with one stroke of his pen," Lloyd said. "Right now, we have received no indication that an appearance by Ell is even on the radar screen."

Hamptonshire

06-08-2006, 09:02

HBC Exclusive

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/NS%20Pictures/b25862cd.jpg
Lord Rosecrans, speaking at the Cicero Institute,
viciously attacked Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali.
The Lord Protector called for Sorantanali's immediate resignation
and arrest. He called the embattled leader "one of the greatest
criminals of our age."

Senior Deputy PM found dead in hotel room
Sorantanali left without allies in or outside of Pacitalia

The death of Senior Deputy Prime Minister Domenico Benficalzo was received as yet another shocking turn of events in the increasingly macabre tale of Mister Sorantanali. Mister Benficalzo, a staunch Sorantanali ally, was the lone member of the Cabinet to actively back the Prime Minister in last month's recall campaign. Opposition and rebel leaders in Pacitalia, as well as international observers, regarded the forty-five-year-old deputy as the PM's puppet. His death, apparently caused by the stress of running the federal government, will likely be the watershed moment in the political life of the current Pacitalian administration.

After receiving confirmation of Mister Benficalzo's death, Foreign Secretary Larsen contacted the press on behalf of the Chancellor. Secretary Larsen said, "The Chancellor and Senior Cabinet send our regrets and condolences to Domenico Benficalzo's family. It is always a tragedy when someone dies. We are saddened that Prime Minister Sorantanali's actions have caused yet another public servant to leave this world for the next." According to senior sources in the Senior Cabinet, Chancellor Hayek has been secretly contacting senior opposition leaders in Pacitalia. Whether these conversations are to keep the Chancellor informed of the internal situation in the DCRP or to coordinate efforts between the two nations, it would be a highly unusual act. There is little reason to believe that the Chancellor would face any domestic pressure because of these rumored communications. At a press event earlier this evening, Lord Rosecrans further challenged the Pacitalian Prime Minister. In perhaps the most strongly worded statement about the crisis from a Hamptonian, the Lord Protector condemned Mister Sorantanali saying,

"Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali must stop. Now. He has killed Sancatto Serra and his actions have caused Benficalzo's death just as if he had him shot as well. Mister Sorantanali's hands are covered in the blood of innocents. He is destroying the political fabric of the Democratic Capitalist Republic.

The man is a criminal, plain and simple. He is one of the greatest criminals of our age. Sorantanali is a black mark upon all humanity. The public has to ensure that he be made to face justice and pay for his crimes. It is easy to see the first step: Sorantanali must resign and hand himself over to law enforcement officials. The public only knows of these two men that he has eliminated, how many more are there left to be found? How many more skeletons are in Sorantanali's closet? How many more people have to die during the course of his Prime Ministership? How loud do the people have to shout until Sorantanali listens to them? We can only find the answers to these questions after Sorantanali has left office.

Tomorrow millions of Hamptonians will add their voices to the millions of Pacitalians who cry out for freedom and deliverance. Princess Anne took it upon herself to personally organize and lead the protests tomorrow outside of the Pacitalian Embassy in Hamptonshire City. Other nations, from stalwart allies to annoying pissants, have offered their support to the Pacitalian people and have begun to exert pressure upon the criminal, Sorantanali. Lord Salisbury of the United Kingdom has recalled the Oceanian Ambassador to the DCRP for consultation. I had considered recalling our Ambassador, Lord Easton, but it is important that a strong Hamptonian presence remain in the capital. It is critical that our government maintains clear and direct lines of communication to the Pacitalian government. However, there is the real problem of the evolving nature of this situation and the question of what role Hamptonshire must play in it. In order to ensure the strength and clarity of our government's voice in the Democratic Capitalist Republic I will personally travel to Timiocato in twenty-four hours. I shall not leave until I make absolutely clear to the Pacitalian government what our position in this situation is.

If, for some reason, though, there was a change in the current situation that negated the necessity of my presence I would, of course, reconsider my trip to Timiocato. A full resolution of this situation can be achieved. I hope it is attained soon."

Sources say that if Sorantanali resigns before the twenty-four hour deadline, Lord Rosecrans will not travel to Pacitalia. Should the Lord Protector actually visit the Democratic Capitalist Republic it is not known what exactly he would do to represent Hamptonian interests in this crisis. According to a senior aide in the Lord Protector's Office, "none of us knows what he [Lord Rosecrans] will do. Nothing like this has really happened before."

Bazalonia

06-08-2006, 13:34

Pacitalian Crisis leads to Death at Conference

Senior Deputy Prime Minister of Pacitalia was found dead today, in his locked room in the BazLighter Hotel, where the regional trade organisation discussions where being held. Security detail for the SDPPM started to be concerned when he did not surface for the start of the day's discussions.

A few seconds later the door was being busted into and there was SDPM Domenico Benficalzo slumped over with a number of bottles of pills strewn about. The death was happened after the SPDM was informed of the situation, staff at the Hotel noted a change in his de-meanor. "He did seem to be very sad at the news, I didn't think he'd commit suicide." said a worker at the Hotel.

Despite the evidence that supports the death as a suicide the Bazalonian Federal Police are still investigating and treating the death of the SDPM as suspicious until every possibility apart from suicide is explored.

The death takes Pacitalia out of the discussions of the regional free trade organisation, as there was no replacement representative. Particularily noting the internal politics in Pacitalia it seems that there won't be a Pacitalian representative for some time now.

The Bazalonian Government has made representations through the Bazalonian Ambassador in Pacitalia for the Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali step-down and call for new elections. We have not found out what will happen if Soranranali does not step down, but you can be sure that it won't just be Bazalonia doing it.

..........

Protesters Throng Pacitalian Embassy

Protestors opposed to the free trade organisation have found a new target, The Pacitalian embassy. A group calling itself "Bazalonians for a free Pacitalia" has started thronging around the Pacitalian embassy in Bazalonia. Demanding the impeachment of the Pacitalian PM for everything that has happened in Pacitalia and in the BazLighter Hotel room these few days. The protesters are being monitored by Bazalonian peace to ensure that the protest stays peaceful but as it so far has remained peaceful there has been no interferance by Bazalonian police.

No response so far has been forth coming from the Pacitalian ambassador.

Samtonia

06-08-2006, 15:30

http://img59.echo.cx/img59/9453/carlvanderhovenministerofforei.jpg
Carl Vanderhoven, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
expresses ‘concern and regret’ over the events of
the past days in Pacitalia and urges for a measured
and just response from Mr. Sorantanali.

Samtonia urges action as scandal washes over the Sorantanali government
-An SNS Exclusive

As both popular support and foreign acceptance of his government dissipate, Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali has become embroiled in what has become a major crises for both his nation and himself. With his implication in an attack upon an ex-government official, Mr. Sorantanali now faces the specter of punitive action being leveled against him by an angry and vengeful public.

At a news conference held today, Minister Vanderhoven gave an impassioned plea to Mr. Sorantanali. “For many years, the bond of friendship has long held together the people of Samtonia and Pacitalia. At no time has there been a greater threat to the sanctity of the great nation of Pacitalia as there has been now. Mr. Sorantanali, as the representative of a nation pledged to aiding your home nation in time of any struggle, I implore you to act in a just and measured way to attempt to defuse the simmering waters of unrest.

“Samtonia expresses concern and regret over the handling of this situation, by both your government and the actions of certain foreign governments. But bickering over the details has never led to any solution and now is not any different. I urge you to respect the longstanding Pacitalian traditions of political restraint, the longstanding Pacitalian traditions of austerity of self as a public figure, and the democratic traditions that the nation you have been chosen to safeguard was formed upon. Constantino Sorantanali, speaking as both a friend and admirer of Pacitalia, I and my nation implore you to act with diligence in rectifying the current situation and in upholding the virtues of Pacitalia.

As a measure of Samtonia’s concern, I request a meeting with you Mr. Sorantanali, to be held without delay if at all possible. I feel that not only the future of your nation but of your nation’s standing in the world hinge upon a fair end to this crisis and Samtonia needs to meet with you. I wish you well in your decisions.”

As of yet, no condemnations of the Prime Minister have been issued from the Ministry, leading to the conclusion by well-known analysts that this may be a play from the Ministry to try to ease tensions in as quiet and peaceful a way as possible in a strong Samtonian ally. “There’s no doubt about it,” noted political scientist Dr. Harman Werthers said. “The Ministry is looking to provide a soft shoulder, as it were, for the embattled PM to lean upon. It seems that Vanderhoven hopes that providing some measure of support for the Pacitalian PM could lead to an actual end to this crisis, something that the constant condemnations have clearly not led to. He’s banking on this and it is a gamble- with other allies harshly criticizing Sorantanali, should the Samtonian approach fail it could lead to some disagreements in approach.”

Sarzonia

06-08-2006, 18:33

"This is Charles Walker reporting live from Woodstock. Crowds in excess of 1 million lined the streets of the capital today in protest of Constantino Sorantanali, who has continued to exercise the powers of prime minister in spite of the Incorporated Sarzonian Government's refusal to recognise him as the legitimate leader of Pacitalia."

[Cut to chants of "freedom now!" "Tino must go!" from fist-shaking Sarzonians.]

"Effigies of Sorantanali have been burned in several locations in Woodstock, but the biggest news of the day is the 'special guest speaker' who addressed the crowd in front of the former Pacitalian embassy."

[Cut to a shot at the embassy of President Sarzo]

Constantino Sorantanali, you have been exposed for the criminal you are. You may have ignored the will of the Agustinates by firing all of the ones who voted to remove you from office and you may have ignored your national parliament by refusing to resign once it voted itself out of existence, but it is time you finally remember who you are supposed to serve: The Pacitalian people.

We call for you to listen to what the Pacitalian people have been demanding over the past few months: Resign now. There is no honour in continuing to grasp for the trappings of authority against the will of the people who elected you into office. Go now before you engulf your nation in the ugliest of wars, of brother fighting brother.

You have lost the support of nearly everyone in Pacitalia. Even your own family has left your side. History will not look kindly upon the illegitimate Constantino Sorantanali era when scholars can examine the era that was in the Capitalist Republic.

"Sarzo's speech was met with wild applause by the protestors, and it came as such a surprise that the Sarzonian Secret Service was barely notified.

[Cut to Secret Service agent Alberto Ferragamo]

We barely had a chance to send even two guards to protect the President. He gave us 15 minutes notice that he was going out there.

"Time will tell if Sorantanali finally buckles under the intense pressure the Pacitalian people and now the members of the international community have applied to him and his dictatorial regime. Reporting live from Woodstock, I'm Charles Walker, SNN."

News anchor Elyse Branson looked sombrely at the camera as she began reciting news of other protests, including demonstrations in Portland where Sorantanali was burned and hanged in effigy by several different groups of demonstrators.

"Even in Nicksia, known as one of the most laid back cities in all of Sarzonia, the outrage can be felt strongly.

[Cut to scene of tens of millions of Nicksians protesting.]

"The Gray House has announced that the SFBI's cooperation with the PCIC will continue, and Sarzo has asked Director Charlie Linville to coordinate with the PCIC leadership on the role Sarzonian agents should play in the continuing investigation.

"That's about all the time we have for this week's SNN international news programme. I'm Elyse Branson. Thank you, and good night."

Pacitalia

07-08-2006, 21:28

From La Repubblica Oggia

http://www.theage.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1045330469187_2003/02/16/17PROTEST_ROME,0.jpg
Millions march by the 1600-year-old Colosseo Repubblicana
on their way to the Piazza dei Santi in Timiocato, where they
protested against Prime Minister Sorantanali right below his
office windows. The rally was similar to others held all day
in various cities across eight different countries.
Photo credit: PPA / HeliPix SpA

Protesters call out Sorantanali in day full of protest rallies
Peaceful events become a sign of the desire for continued liberal-republican democracy in Pacitalia

Manti Soratina-Murana, Timiocato

It was a scene unheard of and unseen since Giorgio Cassata's neofascist government fell at the end of 1987 after the late aspiring dictator's attempts to create a unipartite state failed miserably and caused the end of the Conservative Party of Pacitalia. Millions upon millions hit the streets in Pacitalia, Hamptonshire, the United Kingdom, Sarzonia, Bazalonia, Amarenthe, Nedalia and Doomingsland, protesting the continued presence of Constantino Sorantanali in the office of prime minister of Pacitalia.

Protesters in Timiocato, Nortopalazzo, Puntafora, Pegrolisia, Rigunanta, Saronno, Mandragora, Athalone, Murano, Amita, Sapuntoli, Mavrogenidia, Lucifora, Burgumanta, Sambuca, Puerta Vallarta, Monterio, Potenza, Bergamo, Pamagento, Capagatta, Argazali-Puntamena, Fiorentina and Femu Abantina were among millions elsewhere in the world chanting anti-Sorantanali slogans along with pro-democracy rhetoric as they marched through the streets of their respective cities and towns.

The protest in Timiocato was by far the largest, and larger than expected, at that. With a record twelve million people jamming the streets of the Pacitalian capital, two keynote speakers each gave twenty minute speeches. That was followed by an hour of general protest, and finally, live performances by three different bands, lasting until the evening sky broke on above.

The Timiocato protest was also the most symbolic, for it was held in the Piazza dei Santi, the same piazza where the New Prado's beehive shaped tower watches over as one of two dominant structures in the square. And at the top of the New Prado, it was none other than the prime minister reportedly watching the protests from his top-floor windows.

Shouts of "democracia sempra!" (democracy forever), "nunta subsidenta!" (never surrender), and other pro-democratic chants could be heard blocks away as protesters marched from the Docklands, east past the Colosseo Repubblica, towards the Piazza dei Santi in the government district.

In Sarzonia, protesters burned and hanged effigies of Sorantanali while the president himself made a speech at the Woodstock rally. In interesting news, Nicksia, the country's most laid-back city, tens of millions hit the streets in support of their Pacitalian friends.

As promised, Princess Anne led Hamptonshire's largest demonstration in Hamptonshire City, and a protest in Oceania drew a million supporters. Pacitalians living in Mynia and Kafra protested, while Bazalonian protesters thronged the Pacitalian embassy.

Anonymous sources within the prime minister's office are reporting he will make an announcement either today or tomorrow on the future of his administration.

Space Union

07-08-2006, 22:16

From Ayadi Accord Newspapers

Death of Two Top Pacitalians; Prime Minister Under Attack

Timiocato, Pacitalia - Reports have come that earlier in the week, two top Pacitalian officials have mysteriously died. The two officials being former Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs Rabastano Sancatto Serra and Senior Deputy Prime Minister Domenico Benficalzo. Serra was reportedly killed by assassination earlier in the week while Benficalzo was found dead from suicide in his room. But as the mystery continues to unfold, evidence points that Pacitalian Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali is behind the deaths. Federate Satpul Singh also revealed his opinion on the Prime Minister.

Earlier this week, two top government officials, Serra and Benficalzo, were found dead, one in assassination and one by suicide. At first, Pacitalian officials were quick to show the involvement by a third-party in both deaths, but as the week passed increasing evidence is found that Sorantanali was behind the deaths of both officials. This sent alarms buzzing around the world as leaders called for the immediate resignation of Sorantanali from office. Some nations went further in calling for a deadline for his departure from office.

Federate Satpul Singh came out for the first time in a press conference on the matter. "I am greatly saddened by the loss of Mr. Serra and Mr. Benficalzo. They were two great men that strided to do their best in ensuring that Pacitalia remained a diplomatic nation always. They are true honory men that hopefully god will embrace in the afterlife." Further he went to sharply critize Sorantanali, "I have no words for the Pacitalian Prime Minister. I have seen the news and now I understand. This man is nothing more than a power hungary man. He has become so engulfed in his own wants that he has forgotten the reasons why he was elected. The man has gone mad with power and should resign and face justice. I challenge him to uphold his honor, credibility, and innocence in court and face the music, good or not."

As words rang out from leaders, Pacitalians living in other nations have become increasingly agitated by the Prime Minister. Protests erupted in several nations as protestors flocked to chant their words and spread their message. Protests erupted in Ayadi, in what has become a two-day long crusade to spread their message. Some sections have became so aroused that police had to disperce protestors that ignited a fire in southwestern Ayadi. The fire was luckly contained, though, two protestors were burned and found dead while 10 others were taken to the hospital immediately. Most of the protestors are Pacitalians but Space Union supporters have flocked to join them too.

As the screen of democracy falls, Pacitalian politics look bleaker and bleaker by the passing day...

Hamptonshire

08-08-2006, 01:02

From Seaburg Independent

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v114/hamptonshire/Characters/mmrosecrans9.jpg
Lord Philip Rosecrans and his wife, Marcy, arrived at Timiocato in the early morning.
After holding a series of talks with diplomatic staff at the Hamptonian Embassy,
Lord Rosecrans joined Pacitalian protesters at the Piazza dei Santi.
The couple briefly took the stage and remained with protesters until
the rally concluded.

Millions demand Sorantanali’s resignation
Lord Rosecrans joins protesters in Timiocato

Marvin Petersen, Timiocato

Following up on his promise to visit Pacitalia, Lord Rosecrans arrived in Timiocato before the sun rose. The Hamptonian head of state was not received by any officials from the Sorantanali government. Before joining protesters, the Lord Protector met with Ambassador Lord Easton and other officials at the Hamptonian Embassy in the capital. He then joined protesters at the Piazza dei Santi for the rest of the day. Lord and Lady Rosecrans chose to remain in the crowd except for a brief appearance upon stage between a set of live music performances. They retired to the Embassy for the night. When asked by Pacitalian reporters about his visit Lord Rosecrans responded, in near-fluent Pacitalian, that he was "here to represent Hamptonian interests to the Pacitalian government and public and will not leave until that mission is completed."

In Hamptonshire City, Princess Anne, Head of the Royal House and widely excepted contender for the Throne, lead a group of one million protesters to the Pacitalian compound in the city's Diplomatic District. The Princess, who spends several months of each year in the DCRP, also helped to organize protests in Seaburg, Portshire, Weslyn and McClellius. Without exception the Hamptonian protests were peaceful and orderly. In McClellius, Senator Cristiano Arikan called today's world wide protests an "International Revolution in support of liberal democracy and self-determination." That mood was almost universally echoed throughout the United Realms.

There was a voice of dissent, however, in the Senior Cabinet. Vice Chancellor and Finance Secretary Luis Santiago criticized the level and intensity of international protest of Mister Sorantanali. "Whether we like it or not, this is an internal Pacitalian matter. Foreign governments, including this one, should not be interfering with the domestic political development of the Democratic Capitalist Republic." The Vice Chancellor said while attending a conference of local governments in Frederiksberg.

Earlier in the week Mister Santiago cautioned against the wholesale condemnation of the Pacitalian Prime Minister, "The public should not be too quick to judge Sorantanali. It is true that the evidence is damning, but it has yet to be proven in a court of law. In my view a person is still considered innocent until proven guilty." The Vice Chancellor's calls for "restraint" have been condemned by several dozen members of the Royal Senate. Several political analysts are saying that the unrest in Pacitalia might end up destabilizing the young Hayek Administration.

Pacitalia

08-08-2006, 03:23

From PNN.pc - Network exclusive

http://www.mondointasca.org/restricted/uploads/sapevateche/persone/casini-pierferdinando-1.jpg

Sorantanali: "You can pry this office from my cold, dead hands"
PM says he "cannot hold it in any longer", expresses massive frustration with Pacitalian public's attitude

Marco Bantafugra, Timiocato

The man whose leadership is the continued subject of debate in political circles the world over, and the subject of Sunday's protests in almost ten different countries, says he cannot hold it in any longer, and adds his "absolute disgust" at the way "Pacitalians have taken their democratic freedoms for granted".

PNN was awarded an exclusive interview with the embattled prime minister Monday afternoon. PNN discussed the current political climate, his options and how he felt about the political crisis in Pacitalia and the attitude of both his citizens and those of other countries in a two-hour sitdown. During the interview, Sorantanali moved to assure all Pacitalians "[his] resignation will not come anytime soon".

"In fact, I will go so far as to say you can pry this office from my cold, dead hands," he added. "I care not of what others think; the fact remains that I was legitimately elected to this office and I will continue to serve in my duty as prime minister. I would certainly love to hold fresh elections to install a new set of legislators but absolutely nobody seems keen to keep this country on the right track, except for me."

Sorantanali claims "there is an agenda among our own citizens to see Pacitalia rot, see what it stands for go to waste." He warned these so-called "traitors to democracy" that their desire to "take their freedoms and liberties for granted by undermining the very administration they themselves elected is an absolutely preposterous concept."

"I have no plans to step down, nor do I have any expectation of being brought down," Sorantanali said. "Anyone who so chooses to end my life or commit conspiracy against this administration will be treated the same as anyone else would have under any other circumstance: as a progenitor of treason. It will not stand."

And, referring to Sunday's protests, the prime minister said he was nonplussed by the grandiosity, the number of protesters or the rhetoric used by those marching against him. "It was an unimpressive attempt to undermine me, and as I said, shows their contempt for the freedoms and liberties they claim to be defending."

PNN also inquired as to his opinion over the arrival of Lord Rosecrans in Pacitalia just hours before the interview. Sorantanali declined direct comment on the news but said "anyone is welcome in Pacitalia as long as their passport isn't invalid or they're wanted for something in the jurisdiction they're departing. It's as simple as that." (Rosecrans and his wife arrived in Timiocato after a flight from Prince-Elector Fredrick IV AFB in Hamptonshire, spent the day with protesters and appeared on-stage briefly during the Piazza dei Santi protest to say a few words in support.)

He finished by acknowledging the accusations of murder against him, but brushed them aside calling them "trivial inconveniences", and ones "that my complete, honest innocence will lay to rest in a court of law, should I be summoned there". He reaffirmed his claims of innocence several more times, blaming his "sudden position as a scapegoat for this country's troubles" as the reason he has been accused of murdering one man and being indirectly responsible for the death of another.

Sorantanali admitted "deep sorrow and grief" over the death of his best friend and political first mate, Domenico Benficalzo, who committed suicide in his Bazalonian hotel room Saturday evening.

"A man of that calibre can never be replaced," Sorantanali said. "He was a great man and I will miss his candour, his sense of humour and his political intelligence greatly. May God rest his soul."

Sarzonia

08-08-2006, 03:46

For once, the machinations of a dictator did nothing but amuse Sarzo. As the clock crept toward midnight Sarzonian Standard Time, he watched Sorantanali make his "cold, dead hands" speech, as the missive would become known in Sarzonian political circles.

Sarzo and Tyler took a look at each other.

"What are you?"

"I was,"

"Don't you think that..."

"Yeah."

"Sounds good."

Sarzo clicked off the television as soon as the SNN reporters began discussing the fishing rights dispute near Tacoma. His decision not to issue another statement was going to surprise many who expected to see Sarzo try to apply even further pressure on Sorantanali, but as Sarzo would explain to Lieutenant President Nicole Lewis, "he's got more than enough rope. Give him time and he'll hang himself."

The irony of that latter statement was not lost on anyone in the Gray House in the early morning hours as Sarzo and his cabinet began to deliberate...

Bazalonia

08-08-2006, 03:58

"You can pry this office out of my cold, dead hands"

Despite a huge amount of internal and external preasure, Prime Minister Sorantanali of Pacitalia has refused to let go of his stranglehold over the nation. Despite loosing his closet ally and friend Sorantanali stands resolute. To cling to power seemingly to claim a democratic mandate while denying that the protesters are exercising their own democratic rights. The expression of dis-satisfaction with the leadership.

The Bazalonian government has issued demands, re-instate the democractic process by holding elections, contained with the demands are a number of comments such as the following "The office of Prime Minister is not a life-long one", "Democracy is about working at the be-hest of your citizens". "There is no room in democracy for totalitarianism".

The following snippets where leaked by an official in the Minstry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, however we only have those snipets. The government has come out and denounced this leak establishing an inquiry into it, it has however confirmed that those comments are in the letter but has not elobarated on it nor any items that the government is responding to. The government has also announced that it called for charges of Murder to be laid against Sorantanali.

No foul play has been found by the BFP in regards to the death of the Senior Deputy Prime Minister and his body has now been returned to PAcitalia for internment.

...

Protestors in for 'Long Haul'

With the recent announcement that Sorantanali is not going to let go of his office without a fight, the protestors outside the Pacitalian embassy are bunkering down for the long haul. Spokesperson for "Bazalonians for a free Pacitalia", Ridge Everton had this to say "That Despot Sorantanali has to know that people will not just sit by and idley wait as he destroys the fabric of PAcitalia. That's why we are here to keep the presure on. Sorantanali, your days are numbered. We'll be here for as long as it takes to gett you out of office."

Not only have protestors set up a camp in a nearby park, providing sustainance and shelter for the protestors, donated by Freedom Foods and Under The Great Outdoors, but the ranks of the protestors has been gaining almost hourly. "Hey, Hey Soranie, how many rights have killed today?" being frequently chanted at the top of the lungs. The protest has still remained peaceful but BFP officers, who are keeping an eye on the protesters are unsure just how long it will last.

Azazia

08-08-2006, 06:04

Mynia, Democratic Republic of Amarenthe

Through the polarised lens of dark sunglasses, Ian Hamilton glimpsed upward from the busied streets at a massive crane lifting steel beams upwards dozens of meters into the blue, cloud-dotted skies. Despite his numerous hours spent aboard aircraft, the thirty-one year old from Kingsbridge in the United Kingdom fingered his Oceanian biometric passport carefully, feeling the cracked and worn leather of his blue passport, emblazoned with the royal coat of arms. Inside were stamps from numerous countries for as a mid-level office manager for Oceanian Airways Hamilton transited the globe often.

As a member of the FLIGHT team, he inspected OA operations in terminals and gates where the Oceanian company had major investment and operations. Another part of his assignment for this trip to Atlantian Oceania was to do an informal survey of Mynia for the purpose of possible further expansion. With him on the trip, Natasha Tamirov, another OA employee, though she hailed not from Kingsbridge but rather the city of Artsov, the two had walked from the air-conditioned lobby and into the wall of tropical heat that encapsulated the Amarthean city on the sea.

Hamilton looked at his coworker with a smile plastered on his face, noting her obvious concern for the recent boom in investment in the city. In truth, he said quietly, it looks a great deal better than the last time I was here a few years ago.

Tamirov cocked her head and looked at her superior, and when were you last here, Ian?

He simply broadened his smile and winked, I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you.

HMS Terror, Somewhere in the Il Marazuli

Reporting silent running, Captain

Anthony Barclay’s brown mustache twitched, his hazel-green eyes staring down at a monitor depicting his location. Very well, XO. His ship had set sail from the HMNB Bedric in the middle of a rearmament stop having expended her ammunition in a live-fire exercise in the Pacific. Consequently, the Terror had set sail with only twelve torpedoes and four land-attack cruise missiles. Up scope, he said quietly, bringing the crew into action to raise the optical cameras from within the submarine’s sail.

Moments later, Barclay eased his aged face crossed with lines against the ergonomic rubber coating around the eyepiece. Pressing a small button the digital camera snapped several quick still images of a coastline. She’s a sight, he muttered to himself, taking a step away from the image of a city of glass and steel.

Captain? a gruff sounding voice asked as politely as possible.

Barclay turned about and found a sharply dressed captain in the Royal Navy. Good morning, Captain Borodin, you and your men slept well I take it?

Very well, Captain, the large and bulky man looked straight at Barclay, ignoring the suspicious looks from the officers and ratings also in the compartment. The latest intelligence on the target and extraction point?

Being compressed as we speak, I expect it to arrive to your address shortly.

Very well, Captain, good day.

Barclay watched as the man quietly walked back into the corridors of the nuclear attack submarine. Bloody special forces, he muttered to himself before turning around to face the curious looks of his crew. Carry on then, take the ship to five-zero meters.

Four Months Ago

The Citadel, Imperium, New Britain Province, UK

Lord Salisbury’s eyes fell not upon the map atop his desk, but rather the warm wood and tense steel strings of the guitar leaning against the far wall in his office. His arms and legs felt heavy, weary after several long hours of being cramped in a small aircraft – but then again, the trip had been a necessary one. But now he had to pay.

Could you not use a less, Salisbury waved his hand vaguely, searching for a word, pregnant title, Richard? Plan Adar seems a bit too, weighted down with historical implications. He found his gaze distracted and looked back at the First Sea Lord sitting across from him, the older man’s cane leaning against the desk.

Well, Your Lordship, I do not, as you know, originate such titles, but given that we are dealing with the assassination of a foreign head of state – referencing the assassination of President Adar before the first civil war seems rather appropriate.

The Prime Minister shook his head and leaned back into his executive chair, perhaps, but it all seems so ruthless and unnecessarily violent.

For a moment, the First Sea Lord raised an eyebrow, knowing full well the moral limitations of the Prime Minister from personal experience. With due respect, he needs to go and if the Pacitalian people are unwilling or otherwise unable to remove him we must do so for their benefit and in their own best interest.

Salisbury nodded quietly. Indeed, however, I would rather not have Sorantanali’s blood upon Oceanian hands. You said, though, that we have another possible option?

Indeed, Your Lordship. Currently titled Plan Tempest, it would involved not just the Royal Navy but also the Royal Intelligence Service…

F-30 High Speed Line
Somewhere Between Mynia and Timiocato

It is a most beautiful country, Tamirov breathed, her face nearly pressed against the glass watching the lush hills of Amarenthe pass in a blur of greens and browns topped with the steady presence of the bright blue skies. She turned around and found Hamilton engrossed in the latest issue of the Economist, which he purchased along with several local Amarenthean papers while waiting for the departure of the high-speed rail link between the capitals of the two nations. Next to him a paper cup, branded with the familiar and iconographic logo of Starbucks and next to that a passport, this one belonging to the Democratic Republic of Amarenthe. Inside, Hamilton’s name: Adam Mitchell, a local small bank manager for the Pacitalian banking corporation Elementa. He normally worked in Mynia, but was representing his branch at a conference in Pacitalia for the week.

Mitchell glanced up at the Pacitalian customs officer, who stood next to him in the aisle, his hand outstretched to inspect his passport. Here you go, sir, Mitchell said respectfully as he handed over his passport – taking an extra moment to collect Alice’s Smith passport as well. He watched as the customs officer took held of the booklets, carefully examining the holographic verification device. He soon handed them back, all in order, and the two exchanged pleasantries while Smith looked out the window once more, as the train prepared to cross the border. Mitchell smiled and resumed reading his magazine when the officer departed, making a note to thank the issuer of the passports when the appropriate time came.

Ten Hours Ago

Residence of the Prime Minister
The Citadel, Imperium, New Britain Province, UK

With a heavy and exasperated sigh, Salisbury pressed the power button and turned off his television, thereby ending the PNN interview of Constantino Sorantanali. He had heard all he needed to hear, that the man would not step down until the office was pried from his cold, dead hands. While tempting for a brief moment, the Oceanian Prime Minister decided while laying comfortably in his large, soft bed that the route of prying the office from Sorantanali’s rigid fingers would, or at least could, be politically disastrous. Instead, he picked up his mobile phone and dialed a well known number, Ah, good morning, Richard, he said to the First Sea Lord. I hope I have not waken you?

No, not at all, Your Lordship. What may I do for you?

Plan Tempest is now Operation Tempest, Admiral.

Very well, if I may have your leave then?

Godspeed to the men, Admiral.

God save the King.

Salisbury paused, our King perhaps, but not theirs.

High Earth Orbit

Far above the political crisis in Timiocato, and far above the battles raging throughout the world, a piece of aluminium and titanium seemingly hovered above a point on the Earth, the placement allowing for uninterrupted observation of a small piece of real estate on the western coast of Pacitalia, a residence outside the city of Sambuca. A small motor vehicle left the front gates on what had come to be a routine pattern, the vehicle being tracked to a small café in downtown Sambuca, after which the automobile would return to the residence for several hours before venturing out again in the evening. All of this had become well-known to the Royal Intelligence Service in the past several days.

A1 Motorway, North of Timiocato

I hate flowers, Giorgio Sant’Andreosso muttered, casting a cold glance to the back of the van filled with lilies and other brightly-coloured flowers.

Just be quiet and enjoy the view then, we will be arriving shortly. Maria Magdalena Codorcosca smiled. The two worked for Flowers-by-Design, a small floral company based in Sambuca – although the two were returning from a trip into Timiocato from which they had picked up a special bouquet for a special delivery. She allowed her smile to continue as Sant’Andreosso harrumphed in the seat next to her, a smile only coming to his face nearly an hour later as they saw the first sign for the Sambuca exit.

Bene, he muttered, quickly pulling out a map and then pulling up his sleeve to look at his watch, a cheap design of no reputable manufacturer. He opened the glove compartment and quickly disassembled then reassembled the two Pomentane Ballistics C-600s provided by the well-connected flower delivery company. We are good to go, he added as the van finally pulled into the shaded and well maintained street where there delivery was to be located.

Nine Hours Ago

HMS Calypso
Off the Coast of Femu Abantina

Off the coast of Pacitalia, which lay just beyond the horizon, the small Type 05 frigate sliced through the Il Marazuli. She was attached to the carrier group for the HMS Atlantic, one of the Royal Navy’s new assault carriers conducting operations off the coast of Pacitalia, having been dispatched at the beginning of the political crisis nearly four months ago. As a picket ship, the Calypso had separated from the Atlantic and slowly edged herself ever closer to the Pacitalian coastline attempting to test her active/passive sonar systems, the active pinging sending out a distinct pattern that Commander Gillian MacKenzie had been ordered to use by the Admiralty.

Not long ago, the battle group’s commander had cleared the Calypso’ incursion into Pacitalian territorial waters with the Pacitalian Naval Command and moments after the active sonar exercise was complete, she looked at her display boards and found the anticipated ship approaching – a civilian fishing trawler. Lieutenant Humphries, make ready to take aboard some guests.

A Residence Outside Sambuca, Pacitalia

Sant’Andreosso tugged at his white shirt, and adjusted the brim of his cap to shield himself from the glaring sun. A tad warm I think, he commented to Codorcosca, who smirked in response and extended a single long finger to press the white button on the stone wall into which the wrought iron gate had been built. The voice box crackled, Hello? came the Pacitalian reply.

Sant’Andreosso stepped over to the box, and hit the transmit key before clearing his throat and announcing in Pacitalian of a slight hint of his birthplace in Timiocato. This is Flowers-by-Design, we have a delivery for Feminena Premera.

A pause made the two delivery persons exchange a quick glance, then a whir was heard inside the stone and the gates unlocked to swing outwards allowing them access to the residence. They quickly re-entered the van and after starting the ignition proceeded to drive up the long path to the front of the house. After stopping the van, they exited and went to the rear, opening the doors and pulling out two large bouquets while simultaneously checking on three large holed crates laying towards the front of the cargo area.

The two bounded up the stairs, plastered a professional smile on their faces and knocked on the heavy wooden doors. With a slight hesitation, the door opened and revealed a thin woman, of moderate height and a bright, but authentic smile upon her face – a smile that brightened even more when the reds, blues, and yellows of the flowers became obvious. The door opened wider and then finally opened to its fullest extent, revealing the foyer to the two delivery persons, who exchanged a quick glance, nodded, and then barreled into the house.

Eight and One Half Hours Ago

HMS Calypso
Off the Coast of Femu Abantina

MacKenzie watched quietly from the quarterdeck as the Sea Falcon helicopter spun up its rotors, in the distance the Pacitalian fishing trawler lumbering away, smoke from its diesel engines rolling out of the funnel. She smiled and gave the Royal Navy salute, her guests had been quick and efficient knowing exactly what was needed to be done and what was needed not to be said. Even she did not know what was in the small package now in the hands of her XO, strapping himself into the rear compartment of the Sea Falcon – which would soon be on the flight deck of the Atlantic, which would itself be sending them via courier directly to Philadelphia. Though none of that was known to MacKenzie. She just watched the helicopter depart, the two main rotors spinning opposite each other and carrying the package on its first leg back to the United Kingdom.

A Residence Outside Sambuca, Pacitalia

Dropping the flowers, the two delivery persons withdrew their handguns and while Sant’Andreosso kept a close eye, Codorcosca closed the door – ensuring what was about to happen would remain unknown to all but those involved.

Please, let us not make a great fuss about all this, Sant’Andreosso said calmly, waving the firearm in the faces of the family. By now, the youngest, a small girl that Sant’Andreosso knew was only five, had started to scream and sob. Shut her up, he pleaded in a clipped and lispy-like accent, one that hinted of an origin from Margheria, not the Timiocato originally hinted by the first conversation.

Next to him, Codorcosca looked impatiently at her watch. We do not have long, Giorgio, she hissed, get it over with. Sant’Andreosso glanced over at his partner and opened his mouth to say something but before he could speak the third person of the family, an older and noticeably tall and physically stronger child bolted towards the back of the house.

Take care of them, Sant’Andreosso barked, while he turned to run after the son. Codorcosca looked down at the woman, who was now on the floor, her arms and body covering the crying girl – the both of them absolutely confused and puzzled and scared.

This will not hurt a bit, she said softly, soothingly. Pulling out two syringes from the bouquet, she removed the tips and before giving the mother and daughter a chance to react plunged them into their arms. They fell to the ground. Codorcosca smiled and from the bottom of the bouquet withdrew tape and rope and began to wrap up the arms and legs of the woman and girl, while taping their mouths shut.

Sant’Andreosso, however, cursed to himself – in Margherian Pacitalian. He had followed the boy into the kitchen, a clean and modern room with the most recent in appliances and such lining the counters and the island that now separated the two opponents.

Who are you, the boy shouted, his hands behind his back, feeling for the countertop as he inched himself away from Sant’Andreosso, who smiled a toothy grin.

Contractors, he replied, but come now, kid, there is no need to fight, no need to run. Sant’Andreosso watched the movements of the son carefully, and watched the muscles on the forearms tense, he had picked something up. The amateur quickly revealed his hand and in it a long serrated knife. Now put that down, son—

Don’t call me son! He took a small lunge at Sant’Andreosso, who carefully stepped backwards, sighing at the fact he now had to withdraw his own knife, supplied by the same people who had given him the gun, which he now carefully put on safety and placed underneath his belt.

Pieri, Sant’Andreosso said, clearly exasperated by this point. No harm will come to your family, but you need to cooperate with me—

No, let them go! Another lunge.

Sant’Andreosso cursed in Spanish. Last chance, Pieri, or else we do this the hard way… and I assure you that will be far from pleasant.

Instead of an answer, Pieri lunged, the muscles of the star athlete tensing and relaxing in such a fashion to bring the knife closer to Sant’Andreosso’s outstretched arm. Reflexively, Sant’Andreosso pulls his arm back, using his free hand to catch the boy’s wrist, turning it and spinning it before slamming it down into the hard countertop – a crunch and a scream telling the floral delivery person that the boy’s wrist was broken. What did I tell you, Sant’Andreosso said softly, the boy throwing a fiery glance up at the older man, who put his knife back into its sheath and with his now free hand grabbed the hair of the eighteen-year old and then with the young man’s head firmly under Sant’Andreosso’s control, he slammed it into the countertop – knocking Pieri out cold. Fool, he muttered.

Sant’Andreosso lifted the muscular son over his shoulder and carried him to the foyer, showing no particular concern or care as he dropped him to the tile floor, he caught the glance of Codorcosca and shrugged, he fought back, what do I care?

Just help me tie him up, who knows how long he will be out.

The two quickly finished securing the three persons and after injecting the son with the same trichlorolhydrate, the three persons were thrown unceremoniously into the crates in the back of the van. Sant’Andreosso returned to the kitchen, picked up the kitchen knife and brought it back to the van before cleaning the door handles. Sealing it in a bag, he threw it in the glove compartment along with the unused handguns before watching his partner start the van. As the van rumbled out of the residence, it stopped once more, allowing Sant’Andreosso to clean the buttons on the gate assembly, effectively removing the evidence that either he or Codorcosca had ever been there.

HMS Terror
Off the Coast of Femo Abantina

We have contact, Captain.

Barclay looked at his communications officer, very well. Bring us up to one-zero meters, if you please. Inform Captain Borodin he is clear to launch.

Very well, Captain.

Underneath the surface, the submarine rose to a set depth, at which point from a pressurised compartment Captain Borodin led his small team out in submersible vehicles towards the beaches of Sambuca. Femo Abantina had been chosen by the Royal Navy for its optimal location, the point from which it would be quickest and easiest for the Terror to extract itself from Pacitalian waters.

From the control centre within the submarine, Barclay watched intently through the periscope, the seas calm and nothing on the horizon. Then, at long last he discerned a small group of black shapes speeding out towards the Terror. He smiled, at long last the mission was nearly complete – at least the dangerous part of the mission.

Navigator, bring us to the surface.

Slowly, from beneath the waves the black-hulled submarine crept upwards, its long slender teardrop form glistening under the sun. As the small submersible vehicles, now surfaced, sped towards their carrier vehicle, the hatches atop the sail opened, and Barclay and two other officers climbed up to breath the fresh sea air and to oversee the recovery options. With great dexterity, Borodin’s men and two newcomers pulled up three long crates onto the hull, removing floatation devices and discarding them into the open hatch near the bow. Within seven minutes, the crates, the two new passengers, and Borodin’s men had been recovered and the Terror returned to the depths of the Il Marazuli.

Barclay, cleared to know of the mission left the boat in the command of his executive officer and made his way to the diving trunk, where he found the crates being carried to the wardroom, which had been for this mission been declared off limits to the crew of the sub. Barclay followed Borodin and his men, who did the lifting ahead of the man and woman whom Barclay had never seen before. In silence, the group made its way to the wardroom, guarded by two Royal Marines – a detachment of which had been specially detached to the Terror for the purpose of guarding the wardroom.

Inside, after the hatch was sealed, the crates were opened and inside were three bound and gagged individuals. Barclay rubbed his forehead, while Borodin grinned. Sant’Andreosso/Mitchell/Hamilton closed his eyes and sighed, appearing physically exhausted. Likewise Codorcosca/Smith/Tamirov allowed herself to sit and rest on a chair. Three of Borodin’s men untied the kidnapping victims while Sant’Andreosso/Mitchell/Hamilton cleared his throat.

Ladies and gentlemen, he said as if announcing some great trio of persons, allow me to introduce to you the wife, son, and daughter of one Constantino Sorantanali, Prime Minister of Pacitalia.

Hamptonshire

08-08-2006, 06:30

Embassy of the GAURHE, Timiocato, Pacitalia

Lord Rosecrans, his wife and senior members of the United Realms' diplomatic corps in the DCRP gathered together in the Embassy's formal dining hall to eat and discuss the day's events. The Lord Protector and Ambassador sampled various Pacitalian fruits and cheeses as ideas and suppositions were thrown across the table. "The Supreme Court will throw Soran out of office." One of the embassy's policy analysts said. "No. No." Several other voices cried out in response. The table split into two camps, those that thought the judicial branch would remove Sorantanali from office and those that thought nothing short of a mass popular uprising would remove the deeply unpopular leader.

Lord Rosecrans listened to the competing viewpoints for several minutes before he decided to weigh in. "I did not know that Constantino Sorantanali was Pacitalian for Charlton Heston." He said with a smirk. The joke broke the growing tension in the room. "The specifics of the problem do not matter. The cold, hard truth is that Soran will not voluntarily yield power."

The forty-one-year-old Lord Easton, a shining example of everything right with the Hamptonian aristocracy, sipped a very dark Hamptonian Coffee Stout. He licked his lips and jumped into the conversation, "Your Lordship is most perceptive. The Prime Minister is far from the point of ceding power, indeed he may be pushed to further extremes now that the opposition has shown its hand." Easton paused to take another drink of the dark and very bitter stout, "What makes this situation even more dangerous is that Sorantanali might just believe, deep down, that he is doing what's right. That man is clouded by so many levels of self-deception and intrigue that he probably doesn't entirely know what's the truth anymore."

"That, ladies and gentlemen," Rosecrans interjected, "is the problem. He's a dangerous animal backed into a corner. The loss of domestic and international support only makes this more difficult. He is like an army that has been cut free from defending a hopelessly surrounded city. He doesn't need to worry about being tied down. He does not need to concern himself with the needs or wants of others. Sorantanali is free to pursue his own goals. He is free to attack at will."

Marcy, the Lord Protector's wife, grabbed her husband's arm. "That's a rather militaristic characterization of Constantino." A cardiologist by training, Marcy was an ardent pacifist. Their marriage was, in that respect, an odd match. She married a young Royal Navy lieutenant who through the decades would rise to be a Fleet Admiral. Despite their opposing political beliefs, they were devoted to each other.

"Politics is just war by another name, my dear." Lord Rosecrans paused. He turned to the Ambassador, "Relay official requests to meet with Sorantanali at the earliest possible date. Requests from both of us and make sure that the requests are leaked to the press." Lord Easton folded his napkin and stood, "As you ordered." The Ambassador quickly left the table and went to the embassy's communications room.

"What are you doing, Philip?" Mary whispered to her husband. She was careful not to catch anyone else's attention.

"Nothing much, dear. I'm just preparing for a guerilla campaign."

Azazia

09-08-2006, 05:06

When Geria Sorantanali opened her eyes, she was blinded by a bright white light shining directly into her face, forcing her pupils to shrink to mere pinholes, who, who’s there? she stammered in Pacitalian, still woozy from the chemicals so rudely injected into her bloodstream. She sought to move her hands, but found them bound together behind what seemed a stiff-backed chair, where am I? she asked struggling to kick her legs – only to find them similarly strapped to the legs of the chair.

You are but everywhere and nowhere, a masculine voice responded, soothingly, chillingly devoid of accent in Geria’s native language. You are but a speck of dust, the voice added, its owner hidden behind the globe of blinding light. She squinted and strained, only to hear a faint metallic click then the short burst of noise associated with a piece of white, rolled paper becoming singed. In the air the scent of tobacco wafted, the wisps of carcinogens, nicotine and other particulates articulated in swirling motions beneath the intense bulb.

A wonderful thing, this smoking, the man’s voice added, a shame it has since been outlawed in Pacitalia proper.

Pacitalia proper?

Indeed, the voice responded, allowing itself a long pause followed by a aurally noticeable exhalation. Despite the many successes of the prior administrations in Timiocato, the one error was to attempt to eliminate tobacco smoking. A dreadful mistake. But alas, that is a discussion for neither here nor there.

Then what is? Geria asked, her brow furrowed and head lowered as much as the neck restraint would allow. Along the hairline the first beads of perspiration had begun to appear, and as the light continued to search her face the beads grew until gravity forced them to roll down her face, running into her eyelashes, along her cheeks and some into the folds of her lips allowing Geria to taste the salty sweat now all but pouring from her face.

From behind the light, a long strained groan could be heard, as if the metal of a folding chair neared its breaking point after being pushed to its limits. Then, the noise ceased and two small thuds indicated the chair had returned to the floor, which Geria could not see, but sounded and felt like bare, cold, concrete. Perhaps, signora, the unknown man replied at long last, we could start with the main detraction. Another pause, though even Geria in her confused state could tell it was but a pregnant pause, intended to garner her attention. Your husband, Constantino.

She said nothing, and similarly waited for nothing. In her heart and in her mind she knew it would have come to this – maybe not the present situation, but Constantino would never resign and so she knew at some point his love for her would be used as leverage. Though she had imagined a plea from Domencio, perhaps even Serodini or at a stretch Chiovitti or other legislative leaders – never such a brutish tactic as this.

You see, signora, the voice continued, we Pacitalians are determined to see our beloved country returned to democratic rule. The interests I represent wish to see the blood-stained hands of your tyrant-husband removed from his office in the New Prado—

Your interests, just who in the hell do you represent? Geria spat.

From the shadows the man laughed, a deep hearty laugh from within the chest and the lungs. My dear woman, the voice responded over the dieing laughter, I represent the Pacitalian people. Have you not witnessed the poll results, have you not witnessed the protests – and not just those in Pacitalia proper, but those like myself who represent Pacitalia and her culture abroad. We have seen protests by millions in cities across the world, signora. We, the people of Pacitalia, have spoken as loudly and as clearly as we can and yet your tyrant-husband will not recognise the will of the people. He reigns no longer by the consent of the people. And sadly the time has come for us, the people, to take matters into our own hands.

With the little latitude given, Geria shook her head, but surely you must know that I moved my family out of Timiocato to get away from Constantino. We don’t even return his calls.

And why should you?! the man responded triumphantly. He is but a usurper of democracy, of liberalism, of freedom! He seeks to chain us all to his debauched nightmarish vision of the future; and that simply cannot be, signora. It simply cannot.

But if haven’t even spoken to him in days, how do you expect me to reason with him? Geria asked.

I have no such intentions. Sadly I shall have to resort to clichés; for desperate times demand desperate measures. From behind the light, she heard a distinctive snap and the crackle associated with a short-range radio and then an inaudible command. Behind her now, she heard the creaking of a door open, though it shed no new light upon the man behind the spotlight and instead she heard the familiar footsteps she had grown to love.

Mommy! came a shout in unison of a male and a female voice.

Silence them, the unseen man barked, and with what Geria could only imagine – as she could not see – ferocious rapidity, her children’s shouts were muffled, presumably by a cloth of some sort.

Let them go! she screamed, her eyes welling.

That I cannot, signora. For their future has already been written by their father. There was a brief pause and a snapping of fingers before the man spoke again. Kill them, he commanded clearly and coldly.

NO! With all the life in her, Geria screamed. She strained against the bonds holding her and then broke down after hearing two loud reports of handguns from behind her. You bastard! she half shouted and sobbed, her children now likely laying in heaps behind her chair. She never even had the opportunity to see them one last time. How could you? I… she said other things, nouns, verbs, adjectives – though she could not arrange them into cogent sentences. She struggled to raise her head as the man she could not see laughed, almost cackling.

Signora, what has been done has been done for the benefit of all Pacitalians. Regrettable, yes and I will of course suffer the burden of having ordered the deaths of your children; however, that is nothing compared to what your tyrant-husband is doing to our beloved Pacitalia. He must step down. He must resign. But now, signora, I am afraid it is time for this lovely chat to end. I have an even more somber duty to now perform.

Geria watched as a dark and massive shadow appeared in front of the light, a set of legs and a torso emerging – though she could not discern any details other than the man’s immense size. Oh God, she sobbed, no, please, no… let me see my children, the shadow grew larger and at last she could see an arm rising, an object in the hand. no, no, no, no, no—

Then it was over. A last gunshot. It reverberated and echoed within the concrete cell. Then silence. The unseen man raised a hand and a small red light that Geria had never seen went out. It had been just behind and just to the left of the light. It had been recording the entire scene. The entire conversation. The entirety of the deaths. Take them out, the man ordered. The door from which Geria’s children had been dragged in opened once more, taking the bodies with massive blood stains over their adolescent hearts out into an unseen corridor. Another individual then dragged the chair away, taking with it a limp Geria Sorantanali. The man’s deed was almost done.

Release the tape, he said in English, Oceanian English.

Within the hour, a Pacitalian website dedicated to the removal of Sorantanali from office received an anonymous e-mail, traced to an IP address of a nursing home in Prato Vinta. Attached to the e-mail an .avi showing the execution of Geria, Pieri, and Ursulina Sorantanali. Within a half-hour, the movie was being shown throughout the world through peer-to-peer networks and online forums. Within another half-hour the movie was being broadcast on international news stations, many omitting the bloody and gruesome details.

Hamptonshire

09-08-2006, 06:09

Luis Santiago sat in stunned silence when the recording his wife played for him ended. The video file showed the wife and children of the Pacitalian Prime Minister murdered in cold blood. The Vice Chancellor nearly vomited when Geria's son and daughter were killed just feet behind her. He couldn't believe that something so inhumane, so deeply evil would just be thrown around the internet along with ads for male growth enhancement.

"Who could do something like this?" Luis's wife Maria said in a cracking, emotion filled voice. It was the second time she had seen the recording. If anything, watching it again was more disturbing. The cold, calculating demeanor of the murders and the terror filled Sorantanalis would forever be etched into her mind. She wanted to cry, she wanted to do something, but she couldn't. She just sat, shocked, on the couch with her husband.

Seconds passed into minutes as the couple silently stared at the computer screen. Their slow, deep breaths and the whine of the laptop's cooling fan were the only sounds in the room. Luis hoped, he hoped against hope, that if he looked at the screen long enough another video would come up revealing the first was a practical joke. It can't be true. It just can't. He thought to himself as he remembered the cries of horror when the children were executed.

Finally Luis was able to gather his thoughts into coherent statements. "The people that did this are no better than Constantino. In fact, they are worse." He paused to contain his growing anger, "This only proves that the opposition in Pacitalia is dangerous. Their power must be checked.".

Maria let go of her husband's arm and slid to the other side of the couch. She was shocked by her husband's proposition. She understood that her husband did not like the idea of every foreign government throwing in their two øre. He was taking heavy criticism for his stand against the protests but if nothing else Luis was a man of principal. "What does that mean?" She was almost afraid of the answer.

"I have to do something. I cannot remain on the sidelines, just watching as vigilantes and terrorists run amok." Luis pushed himself off the cushion and walked to his desk. "Two years as Ambassador brought me many friends and favors in Pacitalia."

Maria remained seated. There was a tightening feeling in her stomach. "You're going to do something, aren't you?" Her eyes filled with tears when Luis shook his head in the affirmative. She immediately knew that this would not go well. Her face turned pale. Luis saw his wife's reaction and rushed to comfort her. Holding the sobbing Maria in his arms he tried to explain himself, "He has to know that not everyone wishes him ill. What is more important, he has to know that someone is going to find the people that did this," he pointed to the laptop, "to his family."

Luis gently repositioned his wife so he could stand up. Once he was free, he returned to the desk and picked up the telephone. As Maria looked on, he began calling his contacts in the DCRP. He was careful to call only those he could trust or those that were heavily in his debt. Santiago could take no risks.

As her husband dialed, Maria dropped her head into her hands and began to silently cry. In her faintest voice she began to say one word over and over again: "Why?" She was as much asking about his proposal as the murders and the entire crisis itself. Maria was desperately looking for answers, for something to justify everything that had happened in the past months. The more she searched, though, the darker it all became. There is no justification. The world has gone mad...and no one can save it.

Pacitalia

09-08-2006, 08:10

"...no confirmation yet on who is responsible for the murders of the prime minister's immediate family members but we can tell you that the PCIC's Media Liaison Office has promised a press conference detailing what they do know about the kidnapping and killings of Geria, Pieri and Ursulina Sorantanali, and what they think, based on the minimal evidence they have been provided, happened to the three people Constantino Sorantanali loved most."

...the three people he loved most...

...I loved them the most...

...they're gone, the three people I loved the most...

Constantino was half-crouched, half-sitting in his high-backed leather chair behind the cherrywood table in the middle of his expansive office, the glossy sheen of a single fallen tear just a shaving of the intense grief he was experiencing. Lost for words, unable to move, unable to make coherent thoughts. Everything was literally a blur through his tears. He couldn't make out anything on the walls, his computer screen, the TV on the wall.

He managed to emerge from his unfortunate sadness for a few seconds to reorientate himself to his surroundings. But it didn't last for very long, for he glanced at the credenza and noticed a framed photograph of Geria, a younger Pieri and Ursulina as a toddler, one of those department-store portrait studio pictures you can get for five doura any day of the week, but something that meant more than the world to Sorantanali in any circumstance.

He staggered over to it and grasped at the picture frame, stroking the glass above where Geria's gentle, loving face smiled warmly out at the photographer. His beautiful son, Pieri, the pride and joy of the Sorantanali family, especially his grandparents, gone at the hands of extremists. And Ursulina, who could have a sick enough mind to murder a child who hadn't even attended a day of school in her life?

That last thought sent him back into racking sobs. He collapsed, his dress shirt catching on the handles of the old armoire, and fell to the ground, weeping for the incredible pang of loss he felt. It didn't matter that they had left him, he knew it was true, all that they said, so it hurt him more that he didn't get a chance to prove himself otherwise.

I was just waiting for the right moment. They'll never see me shine.

Ab initio, deo absurdis. Why, O Lord in heaven, why?

Seconds turned into minutes which turned into hours. Day faded to late afternoon and to dusk and then night, but by then, Constantino Sorantanali had made up his mind. It would be the shortest speech he had ever given in his career, but he was ready for it. He smelled defeat... and accepted it. It was all okay.

Cool as a cucumber, right, Tino?

He organised a media scrum in the press room, and thirty minutes later, walked in clean-shaven with a remarkably youthful-looking face, the face of a man who looked nothing like the sob-racked black hole that had been crawling around the prime minister's office just moments before. He was composed, calm and ready to face his demons.

"People of Pacitalia. You win."

He paused for effect, the pregnancy of it causing an uncomfortable stir among the media.

"You. Win. I must ask you. Are you happy? Do you rejoice in victory? You have taken away from me the only thing I loved above all else in the cruelest and most inhumane effort to remove a sitting head of state from office I have ever seen. Why me, I will never know. My beautiful wife, my hardworking son, my charismatic little girl. You have killed them. All of you are responsible for this murder of my family."

He paused again. "Do not worry about forgiving yourselves for it, oh, no, I couldn't ask you that much."

And again.

"How many times are we taught that two wrongs make not a right? Yes, I am admitting it. I ordered the hit on Dr Sancatto Serra. Why I still do not know myself. It was unnecessary, yes, very unnecessary, but I will live with my decision, regretfully, for the rest of my life, and I am prepared for that. So, I ask you. Are you, people of Pacitalia, protesters of the world, in exchange for my continued regret, going to do the same on my behalf now that my innocent family has been killed?"

And again. "I know you will not. I know you will accept this as the last resort, as ultimately necessary to get a man you absolutely despise out of office. And surprise, you have succeeded. I cannot possibly go on in this position I hold knowing that the people I serve are responsible, indirectly, or for some of you, quite possibly directly, for the death of my family. I just cannot.

"Indeed, you hear me correctly. I tender my resignation effective immediately. I sincerely hope you are all satisfied. It took a lot of effort to claw me out of my chair, but you did it. Taste your victory. Relish and savour it. It's yours now. And you achieved it in the most despicable way possible."

Another long pause. "An eye for an eye. Congratulations."

As if to signify his utter frustration and madness at being betrayed by the people he so adored and so loved to serve, a final tear rolled down his cheek, visible to the high-definition cameras that were hastily feeding the concession speech live to over fifty billion people.

And in front of the televisions receiving this image of a broken man, the world shed silent tears for him. He was right. If it had to end, it shouldn't have been this way.

Lay down your arms, and I will lay down mine...

Jagada

09-08-2006, 13:21

{Christendom, The Republic}

The video played, illuminating the dark room with a variety of lights, flickering as the events unfolded on the television. Within the room sat Highest Minister Riyabuo, her right hand man Foreign Affairs Minister Alfred Rednight, and her Internal Affairs Minister the young and arrogant Shiro Kenji. She remained stone faced, refusing to show any emotion over the brutal execution of the children. She was a secret victim of the Extermination Syndrome and had seen far worse in her daily nightmares. Rednight must have also been a victim for he showed no emotion over the tape playing before them--Shiro was another story has he had to leave the room three times. When the tape ended, the three sat in silence for almost five-minutes. 'How could someone do something like that, and just laugh about it?' questioned Shiro breaking the silence.

Riyabuo sighed, Shiro was young and didn't yet realize that this sort of thing occurred everyday--just not on this level. 'Do we happen to know who did this?' she answered, ignoring Shiro's question. Riyabuo's attitude got even worse when Rednight shook his head, 'Amazing what some people will do just to get their way. Something tells me whoever did this had to have mommy and daddy buy the gun for them,' stated Riyabuo to no one in particular. Rednight, like Riyabuo had to Shiro, ignored her statement and replied with her own, 'This is dangerous. If the opposition leaders to Sorantanali are willing to go this far. How far do you think they will go to get rid of him?'

Riyabuo nodded, 'This could become very dangerous if Sorantanali doesn't step down. Any indication that he will?'

As if on cue a knock came at the door, the man who entered was unknown to those in the room--though his dress suit and his name tag implied that he was just another aide. 'Madam Minister, there is breaking new on Sorantanali on Pacitalian media.' Without saying another word, or waiting for a reply, the aide walked out. Riyabuo never had a chance to ask for Rednight to change the channel. The three watched as Prime Minister, no...Former Prime Minister Sorantanali gave a speech before the Pacitalian media. The speech closed with an ominous message to the people of the world, '"An eye for an eye. Congratulations."'

As the camera remained on Sorantanali, Riyabuo caught something rolling down his face. Sweat? No, this was rolling down from his eye, not his forehead. She froze for a moment when she realize what exactly it was--a tear. Her head dropped as she begins to think about the entire ordeal again. She suddenly realized just how far this had come. Just how dangerous it was to be an unpopular politician. Rednight turned off the channel as the Highest Minster’s request and silence returned to the room. 'I want to hold a press conference in thirty minutes. Can you arrange it in time?'

Rednight nodded and then immediately left the room to prehaps; Shiro just sat in silence for a few more moments before getting up and leaving without a word. Riyabuo remained in the room and thought about the events. Protests were going on across the world, even in Jagada were Pacitalia didn't even have an embassy. This may have been good, for when Jagites did protest it tended to get violent if left unchecked. 'Still' she thought, 'What has any of this solved? Pacitalia will be short one Prime Minister. A terrorist group gets what they want, and one man's whole life is shattered.' She would have felt anger towards her own people if her loyalty to them did not suppress such feelings. She could not understand how he, Sorantanali, would go on for the rest of his life carrying the burdens of his time as Prime Minister.

She suddenly remembered an old quote, 'The strong did what they could, and the weak suffered what they must.'

She rose to her feet and finally left the room herself--heading towards the press conference room. She had a few words for the world. As she entered the room, she found it more filled than she imagined. It showed that this crisis in a country foreign and far away was still a heated debate in the Monotheistic Republic. She stood behind the dark wood podium, and realized she may have indeed been the first to hold a press conference. All at once she felt more nervous than she wanted to be, but surprised it.

She cleared her throat and began, 'The events which have spiraled out of control in Pacitalia have climaxed today with the deaths of former Prime Minister Constantino Sorantanali's wife, daughter, and son for reasons which can only be described as petty and horrific. Her family, innocents who tried to flee this crisis and suffered the pain of separation from their husband and father now lay dead because of the actions of extremists. These extremists claim to be working in the name of democracy, liberalism, and freedom--yet they showed no such thing to the Sorantanali family. To people like this, things such as freedom and democracy are only used when it benefits them.

I am not attempting to underscore or ignore the criminal actions of former Prime Minister Sorantanali--he is indeed a criminal of the highest caliber and deserves whatever punishment a court of law gives him. Though no court was convened for his family, they died for his crimes and mistakes. How can such people claim to be fighting for a just and noble cause? They can not, nor should the world be fooled by their actions. Today a man's life was shattered and will likely not be fully restored. We must ask ourselves, must we have sacrificed the few for the many? Some will say this situation was unavoidable, that it had to occur. Perhaps it did, but it does not excuse the action itself. Those who committed this act ought to be punished to the highest degree.

God bless you, and thank you.'

As Riyabou left the podium without answering any questions, the red lights on the cameras that had been stalking her ever move while she was on stage, went out.

Sarzonia

09-08-2006, 13:51

As the feed began to play through in the situation room, there was a hint of rejoicing when Sorantanali finally, finally did the right thing and resigned. However, Sarzo quickly banged a gavel to put an end to it.

"We shouldn't be celebrating when the man's wife and children were killed in cold blood," Sarzo said. "If anything, the SFBI should help get to the bottom of whoever committed this horrific crime. The time to celebrate the end of a tyrant will come in due time."

Sarzo scanned the room, looking at his vice president for defence, who was awaiting the vote of the House of Delegates on a possible enhancement to his title. If the House were to vote in his favour, the Sarzonian people would have the right to vote whether or not to turn his position into senior vice president for defence.

"Looks like we won't be going to war," Sarzo said. "At least not in Pacitalia."

"That's good because we need all our wartime energies for the Doomies," Newman said.

"Meanwhile, I've got a speech to prepare about the return of democracy to the Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia now that Tino has resigned."

Sarzo dismissed the group after a few more minutes of wartime planning and deliberations and walked to his private office in the Gray House. It would be the last time he'd see that particular office for a while at least.

Bazalonia

09-08-2006, 14:13

Breaking news in Pacitalia;

Prime Minister of Pacitalia Constantino Sorantanali, steps down in tears after seeing his his family gunned down on video, the video was shot in an unknown location and contained the death of Geria Soranranali, his wife that had left Constantino and his two children. The protesters outside the Pacitalian embassy contained a mix of emotions, jublitation at the resignation of the so called Pacitalian dictator and shock at the terrorist actions used to promote the actions. Many Bazalonians are outraged that such tactics where used against Sorantanli, even he did not deserve that.

The Bazalonian government has sent commiserations to the ex-Prime Minister noting that while he was denied the process of the courts does not mean that the purportators of this horrible action should be denied due process as well.

Samtonia

09-08-2006, 18:02

They were stunned. All of them. Nothing had indicated that any Pacitalian group would have either the resources or the willpower to pull off something as brazen as the kidnapping and then murder of the PM’s entire family. The mood in the conference was grim.

“If they can do it in Pacitalia to remove a government official, they can keep doing it to force any government there to do what they want!” thundered Richard Cohen, Minister of Intelligence. “What’s especially surprising is the fact that there were apparently no safety protocols whatsoever to protect the family of the head of state. And, need I remind you, if it can happen in Pacitalia it can happen here.”

Vanderhoven was slumped forward in his chair, hand rapping at the table almost without any notice from himself. “I ate dinner with them at my last official visit. She gave me some flowers, their little girl. There were flowers all over the dining room.”

“It appears that the hatred and vitriol leveled against Sorantanali were in reality the most diplomatically damaging actions undertaken by other nations. It could even have led directly to this action being undertaken. Carl- could you get ahold of yourself and help out here?”

Raising his head to Yumatso, Minister of Agriculture, Vanderhoven sighed. “I doubt sincerely that we can capitalize on anything diplomatically against any other nations for quite some time. We can, however, rise our stock in Pacitalia. I’m positive that from our latest embassy reports the people of Pacitalia do not support these actions and would gladly see a foreign nation who has proven to be for them in the past step in. Richard- what are our options in your section?”

Cohen frowned as he thought momentarily. “We can drop them a line and send over some agents to assist in figuring out who the hell did this. OB-SAT records of Pacitalia and where the kidnapping took place, analysis of the video…. It won’t be anything they can’t do but we can help them out on it. Make it very public. Get agents on the ground in Pacitalia and reporters near them. Now, I know this may not sound popular to some of you but we need Sorantanali. He is basically the only shot we have at getting intel needed to adequately help the case, we’ll be gaining his trust which is sure to come in handy in the future, and we’ll get him out of Pacitalia and basically get rid of the nasty memories from their political sphere. Those are the options that I see as being most helpful at this time.”

Nods were given around the table. Vanderhoven stood up, his laptop already in its case. “Well, as that appears to be all I’m going to get the wheels in motion.” AS he exited, the rest of the Council began to break apart and drift off as well. Cohen hurried to catch up with Vanderhoven and found him only a short distance away. Falling into step beside him, the Intelligence Minister leaned in close. “Carl- we need this boost. You get this done for me and I guarantee you have my support on the next favor you want to call in.” Vanderhoven nodded and continued down the corridor, as Cohen dropped back. He had planning to do as well.

A short while later, Vanderhoven was already swearing. “What do you mean you can’t get a call through?! I distinctly remember giving you his home number!”

“Sorry sir,” replied his seceretary. “There are no calls going through his home line. I can’t seem to raise anyone in Pacitalia who knows where he is at the moment- all signs point to him being at home. His cell is off and no one, and I mean no one, is able to reach the man.”

“Get me in touch with our embassy. We’ll deliver the message by hand if need be.”

A short while later, a Samtonian Embassy car careened through the narrow streets along which was the quickest route to Sorantanali’s house. Its driver was breaking a number of traffic laws, but managed to get to Sorantanali’s home without any serious damage to passerby or automobiles. The embassy official jumping out in the middle of the street and shoving his way through the crowd of reporters camped outside caused a ruckus, but was muted in the face of the anger directed at the embassy driver who was now attempting to exit the area via a one-way street against which he was driving the opposite direction. Chaos ensued outside the ex-PM’s house, while the house itself remained silent.

Ambassador Cole had completed the first part of his mission, delivering himself and his message to the home. It was up to Sorantanali to allow him to actually complete the mission and allow him inside to speak, a request that he made at once to the head of the guard detail. The man walked back inside the house, which was a small victory in Cole’s mind, but he was stuck outside the fence with the throng of reporters, which was a major defeat in the senses of smell, space, and sanity, at least in Cole’s mind. He had had quite enough brushes with reporters in his career and what amounted to sleeping with the enemy outside Sorantanali’s house was not his idea of a fun day.

At the same time Sorantanali was being contacted, Vanderhoven sent out his other message to the Pacitalian Government, or what was left of it after the situation in Pacitalia.

“Samtonia expresses both its deepest sympathies and its heartiest congratulations to the nation of Pacitalia. Our enthusiasm at your clear return to the tenets of your government’s charter is very much dampened by the means in which it got there. This means is exactly what I wish to discuss with you.

Samtonia has always prided herself on our continuing relationship with Pacitalia, a relationship that has endured through many events. Never before has something so horrific ben levied upon the government of Pacitalia. Both PM Sorantanali’s actions and the actions of the unknown murderers were wrong. Those of the latter were decidedly moreso. Samtonia wishes to aid in any way we possibly can, at tracking down and bringing to justice those responsible for the wanton killing of Mr. Sorantanali’s family.

We place before you our entire nation’s resources. Satellite records, voice and video analysis, SIS agents- all are available to aid your investigation. Ask us to jump and our immediate response will be ‘How high?’ We feel that a crime of this nature should not be idly watched, especially by allies of your nation as close as us, and we seek to aid you however we may.

In that matter, I feel it best that Mr. Sorantanali be allowed to leave your country and be placed under arrest in a far more secure place, both in the realms of public opinion and political situation. With his resignation and his outright admitting to murder, Mr. Sorantanali’s position is Pacitalia is extremely dangerous, even the more considering what has been visited upon his wife and children. We feel that in order to keep alive possibly one of the most important people to this investigation and allow him to come to trial intact, not a martyr for his ideas, Sorantanali needs to be moved from Pacitalia to Samtonia as soon as possible.

With fanatics having already demonstrated their willingness to spill innocent blood in quest for Mr. Sorantanali’s, any place in Pacitalia is in effect an immediate death sentence for him without the benefit of a trial. His death will strain political relations in Pacitalia to the breaking point. Even his continued stay in Pacitalia will do this- while he remains, the entire ordeal will remain fresh in the mind of your nation. This will not bring about healing. This will only radicalize the populace. In the interests of both your nation and Mr. Sorantanali, I beg you to release him into Samtonian custody.

I wish you the best in the continuing situation and in your decisions on this matter.

Carl Vanderhoven, Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Council of Thirteen
The Almighty People’s Republic of Samtonia”

Azazia

09-08-2006, 19:47

Foreign Office
Imperium, New Britain, UK

… Madame Foreign Secretary, how does the Foreign Office see the use of terror by Pacitalian extremists to force Mr. Sorantanali from office?

Not helpful, Erik. His Majesty’s Government, while pleased with the decision by Constantino Sorantanali to step down from office, would have preferred to see said decision come not from the bloody and violent external pressures witnessed earlier today. Emily Deveraux carefully brushed a strand of her brown hair out of her face and pointed to another individual in the Foreign Office’s media centre. Yes, Carol?

Thank you, Madame Foreign Secretary, in light of the offers of aid made by the Samtonian Government, will the United Kingdom be dispatching its own security services to assist the Pacitalian government in discovering the persons responsible for the assassination of Mister Sorantanali’s family?

A good question, Carol. Deveraux smiled and turned away from the journalist and looked directly ahead at the international news cameras recording the press conference for international and domestic viewers. Since the recall of Ambassador Newson the United Kingdom has had very few high-level officials capable of contacting the Sorantanali administration and as such, despite his resignation earlier today, we have received no requests from Timiocato to provide personnel or other support in the mission to apprehend the criminals in question. Should the appropriate authorities make such a request, we will of course be more than willing to assist the Pacitalian security services in any way possible.

Deveraux waved off the shouts of journalists attempting to add in their own questions, signaling the question and answer segment had been concluded. Again, I should like to reiterate that His Majesty’s Government finds the acts committed by the Pacitalian extremists heinous and barbaric in nature. While exercising the powers of his office as despot and against the certified and reasonably demonstrated wishes of the Pacitalian people, there was not then nor is not now any rationalising the uncivilised terrorist acts committed against Mister Sorantanali – who, despite his numerous political failings, never deserved to witness the cold-blooded execution of his family on public television.

Now, if you have any more questions and concerns, Maria here will be passing out the prepared booklet highlighting the stance and statements of His Majesty’s Government in relation to the most recent events surrounding the Pacitalian political crisis. If you shall all be so kind enough to excuse me, Deveraux quickly exited from the podium, her silver-grey jacket and skirt rippling as if from a stiff breeze, but in actuality from the rapidity with which she walked. After leaving the media centre she looked about for her chief of staff and found him waiting underneath the lintel of another doorway.

What is next on the agenda, she asked.

A meeting with the Pacitalian ambassador, after which there will be a public photo opportunity during which both parties will make statements about offering condolences and such forth.

Very good, then, the Foreign Secretary half-responded. Today was certainly turning out to be a rather busy day.

Hamptonshire

09-08-2006, 20:49

Department of Defense and Intelligence, Obsidia, Grand Archduchy of Hamptonshire

As Luis Santiago walked the halls of the DoDI he was slightly unnerved by the constant saluting. He did not have any official rank or power in the Royal Armed Forces but as Vice Chancellor protocol dictated that he be treated as a senior military figure. If I have to return another salute, I'll go mad He thought to himself right before he had to return a salute from a Royal Marine Major. Luis quickened his pace to try to avoid unwanted attention. The less he was seen in the almost endless halls of the Department the better.

He turned the last corner when he noticed the large silver letters on the far wall, Office of the Federal Intelligence and Special Services Agency. The FISSA was the administrative center of Hamptonian military and civilian intelligence and investigative activities. Luis was scheduled to meet with FISSA's Director-General, Valentin Cholmondeley, who also served as the head of Hamptonshire's vaunted, and feared, Royal Armed Forces Intelligence Service (RAFIS). Before opening the door to the office, Luis took several deep breaths. When he entered the room, he was overtaken by nearly blinding white light, quite a contrast to the natural light and colors of the rest of the DoDI.

"The Director will be with you shortly." The nasally voiced secretary said without looking up. Luis, unaccustomed to waiting, instantly thought something was wrong. I shouldn't be here. I have to leave. He said to himself. Just as he was beginning to sweat, Cholmondeley came out of his office. "Mister Vice Chancellor," the gaunt man with the hint of a French accent said, "would you please come into my office?"

Cholmondeley showed the Vice Chancellor to a dark-brown leather chair in front of a stainless steel office desk. The Director-General sat behind the desk. He dark suit, hair and eyes were in stark contrast to the white background. Luis fidgeted in his chair for a few moments until French-Hamptonian Cholmondeley broke the silence. "How may I serve?"

"No doubt, Director-General," Luis said in a near whisper, "you are aware of the recent kidnaping and murder of the Sorantanali family."

"The Agency is aware. I have directed several DICB and RISA Special Agents to investigate the matter." Cholmondeley’s piercing black eyes intensely bored into the Vice Chancellor.

"Well...umm..." Luis felt ill at ease in the presence of the Director-General. Luis had to swallow hard to clear the lump in his throat. "My Office would like RAFIS to investigate the issue. This terrorist action is a potential threat to the United Realms and must be explored to your utmost rigor."

Cholmondeley leaned forward in his chair, "Your Office?" He strongly emphasized the first word of the question. Luis knew that the master spy was already in his head. He was suddenly fearful. His concerns, however, were quickly put to rest. "RAFIS will investigate."

"Excellent." Luis could hardly contain his feelings. He wanted to smile but remembered in whose company he was in. "There is one important proviso to this investigation; no one must know about this. RAFIS must act without alerting anyone. Not the Pacitalians, not the international community, not even Sir Geoff (Defense and Intelligence Secretary). And...the investigation must start as soon as possible."

Cholmondeley smiled and leaned back into his leather chair. "My men will be in Sambuca before dinner." He quickly stood up and walked to his door. Luis got the hint and stood up. As the Vice Chancellor was about to leave the Office and return to the endless salutes of the DoDI Cholmondeley called out to him just loud enough to carry the thirty feet the main door, "Do not concern yourself with the secrecy of this mission, Vice Chancellor. RAFIS is always discrete. We move in the shadows to protect the light."

[OOC: DICB- Domestic Investigation and Counterintelligence Bureau. RISA- Royal Intelligence and Surveillance Agency.]

Sarzonia

10-08-2006, 01:37

"Hello from Woodstock. I'm Charles Walker and you're watching live coverage of what will be President Sarzo's speech in reaction to Pacitalian strongman Constantino Sorantanali's resignation."

"Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the Incorporated States, Mr. Michael A. Sarzo."

[Sarzo walks up to the podium with a surprisingly even expression. Most observers expected at least a hint of glee in his eyes after his personal nemesis vacated the office of Prime Minister, a title that Sarzo declared that he had no right to lay claim to. However, the reasons for that lack of glee would be made readily apparent.]

"My fellow Sarzonians, members of the global community of nations." [Sarzo begins his speech and gazes intently at the camera.]

"Today, Pacitalia's Constantino Sorantanali has announced that he has resigned from the title of prime minister of the Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia. It is a move that comes months after it should have happened and it is a move that comes under the worst of circumstances.

"As much as I and my nation's government have had our differences with Signore Sorantanali, we can not celebrate his decision to step down in the wake of the brutal assassination of his wife and children." [Sarzo paused for a moment, bowing his head slightly for a brief moment, then looked back at the camera with steely resolve. "

Make no mistake: The Incorporated Sarzonian Government strongly condemns those acts of cowardice on the part of extremists. The Sarzonian Federal Bureau of Investigations has been cooperating in the investigation of the murder of former Agustinate Rabastano Sancatto Serra and the SFBI will cooperate with the PCIC in its efforts to investigate the murders of Signore Sorantanali's family.

"We hope that in the coming days, the people of the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia can begin the process of healing from the enormous rifts that have appeared in the past few months. I pledge the support of my government and my people in those efforts. As you may have heard me indicate, with the resignation of Sorantanali and his final decision to bow to the will of the people, the Incorporated Sarzonian Government hereby repeals Article the second and Article the third of our recent resolution to refuse to recognise Pacitalia as the Democratic Capitalist Republic. We recognise the current interim chief executive as the legitimate captain of the Pacitalian ship of state."

[Reporters begin to raise their hands with questions.]

"Carrie Wendt, Portland Press-Herald here. Mr. President, what does this mean with respect to the current trade embargos and the persona non grata status that Sarzonia and Pacitalia have?"

"As of the moment, the status quo is the status quo," Sarzo said. "However, I have asked Parliament to unilaterally rescind the restrictions from our point of view. We should know something shortly."

[As if on cue, a page walks in from Parliament Hall with a slip of paper. Sarzo reads the paper and smirks.]

"And I've just received word that both Houses have approved the measure and I've directed Lieutenant President Nicole Lewis to sign it on my behalf. As of now, the Incorporated Sarzonian Government has lifted its embargo on Pacitalian goods, and is open to restoring dialogue between our nations. In addition, Pacitalian citizens are no longer barred from Sarzonia or its territories.

"I don't have time for any further questions. I'll direct you to the Department of External Affairs for any further information." With that, Sarzo walked off the podium.

"That's the story from the press room in the Gray House. I'm Charles Walker, back to you in the studio."

Pacitalia

10-08-2006, 02:47

From Network2.pc/News

http://www.pihl.us/leif/honorverse/images/Royalty/Dainish/HRH_Crown_Princess_Mary_Elizabeth-1.jpg
Albinanda Serodini (pictured above) will reportedly be
chosen by the cabinet to become Consigliere degli
Governmenti (Caretaker of the Government) at
tomorrow's cabinet meeting. Fiorenza Neroglianta
and Paulina Cessanti are also reportedly in the running.

CA reconvenes cabinet to choose Consigliere
President Sarzo takes major step in restoration of relations; lifts embargo and PNG status for travellers

From Timiocato

Pacitalia's comissioneri alti has summoned the cabinet of ex-prime minister Constantino Sorantanali back to work, both to find an interim replacement for him, under the position of Caretaker of the Government, and to deliberate on the backlog of legislations that were left by the departed prime minister. Pier Agano Anzomatti intracted the return-to-work order this morning, almost twelve hours after Sorantanali resigned.

It is reported that the cabinet will, for the first time ever, select a Consigliere among three women, with no men in the running. Domenico Benficalzo would have been a contender for the job due to his position as second-in-command but his untimely suicide has allowed for the uncommon method of having to select a successor among the cabinet. The reported front-runners for CdG are Albinanda Serodini, the ex-Agustinate of Foreign and Diplomatic Affairs, Fiorenza Neroglianta, the ex-Industry Agustinate, and Paulina Cessanti, a veteran MPP who has served as Culture and Heritage guru in the Santo Ragazzo, Ell and Sorantanali governments.

All of them reportedly want to ask the legislature back to work to allow the judicial branch the opportunity to focus on the criminal investigation of Sorantanali. PSC leader Fernando Chiovitti already denounced the kidnapping and murder of Sorantanali's family as "low-brow and dirty" and an "un-Pacitalian, despicable attempt to blackmail a man off his seat to expedite the transition of power to a new or interim government".

Accusatory fingers have been pointed at Chiovitti: he leads the opposition forces that had attempted to bring down the embattled Sorantanali and the extremists that appeared on-camera implied they were doing Chiovitti's bidding, adding another twist to an already complex web of murder and espionage. But Chiovitti stood firm, saying he "would never sink to that low a level and will never condone or suggest the murder of innocents as a political bargaining chip", adding "such behaviour is immoral and destructive to the pacifist and cohabitous values of this country".

Network2News reached Serodini by phone Wednesday. The perceived front-runner in the impromptu race for interim head of government in Pacitalia said she was "committed to restoring the executive and legislature in this country to its former standards of operation", adding "anyone selected to be Consigliere should be concerned with restoring the confidence of the people in their government and in the government's respect for democratic principles."

"Summoning the legislative branches back to work is the first step in assuring the public we are dedicated to rebuilding the political system in this country," she said.

Neroglianta and Cessanti did not personally return calls but their offices said the two women were looking forward to tomorrow's cabinet meeting and, in the words of Neroglianta's press secretary, "helping whoever becomes Consigliere restore democracy and investigate the criminal actions of various groups."

Sarzonians show huge commitment to restoring relations

The news that the cabinet and legislature were returning to work received a shot in the arm by news out of Woodstock that President Sarzo and that country's houses of parliament had rescinded the embargo on Pacitalian goods and lifted the persona non grata status on Pacitalian citizens, thus allowing them the freedom to legally travel to Sarzonia. It is not known whether the interim Pacitalian government will reciprocate but it seems likely after this big step forward on behalf of Woodstock.

The SFBI will continue to cooperate with the PCIC on the investigations of the murders of Dr Sancatto Serra and the family of the ex-prime minister, Sarzo said, adding that the ISG had also chosen to recognise the new Consigliere as the legitimate head of government in Pacitalia, and that the government in Woodstock had also decided it was important to recognise Pacitalia as the Democratic Capitalist Republic of Pacitalia. The ISG had dropped the term Democratic in its reference to Pacitalia as a move of political implication a month ago, as a sign it was unwilling to proceed with the restoration of relations as long as Sorantanali still remained at the helm of the Pacitalian ship of state.

Meanwhile, Sorantanali released another statement saying he would be at the prime minister's residence "waiting to be arrested on the charges of murder".

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