NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC THE general IC thread for ES, and I'll link other IC threads here if you post 'em in this thread or the OOC thread for consolidation. Basic IC stuff to go here, but detailed storylines to go on a different thread.

Linked Threads

Official Thread of the European Community (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=533584)

United Nations (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=12924807)

Fueling the Fires-Kampferian Assault (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=533636)

Czech Republic Catches Fire (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=12908369&posted=1#post12908369)

North Korea Invasion (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=12922382#post12922382)

Cyprus Moves (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=534241)

PROHT Civil War (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=534295)

Brazil-Peru Conflict (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=534330)


btw, if there are any questions about the subject matter in this first IC post, me, Candistan, and Kamp decided on this a few days ago...and yea, I did rip off the name :p


IC:


http://blog.reidreport.com/uploaded_images/fox_news-753140.jpg

Welcome once again to this July 22, 2007 edition of FOX news, coming to you live from the capital!

*intro music...followed by pan to Shepard Smith, anchor*

SMITH: Good afternoon, everyone, from Amazonia to beyond the ocean. Dramatic events regarding foreign affairs coming to Amazonia from across the Pacific. We at FOX have little information right now, but let's go to Kelly Stevens at the Kampferian capital of Kampfers Stadt. Kelly, what can you give us?

STEVENS: Very little Shep, but the leaders of Amazonia along with the Northern Imperial Republic and Kampfers are coming out of the capital now. Early reports are that some sort of major deal regarding the three nations on a more unified Pacific sphere was decided inside the Kampferian capital. We're not sure exactly what it is, Shep, but reports are still coming in. I'll have a little bit more in about half an hour, when Amazonian Emperor Droma is expected to make a global press conference for reporters.

SMITH: Thanks Kelly, we'll get back to you soon. Reports coming in from the twister rampage that spread across southern Amazonia yesterday. Meteorologist Roger Fitz is in the field with the details, how's it looking Roger?

http://www.amherst.edu/~ehs/programs/Emergency/tornado.jpg

FITZ: Well, casulties are mounting, Shep. So far we have reports of 4 dead from the tornadoes that swept through yesterday, and 15 more are critically injured in local hospitals. As you can see behind me, the weather's cleared up nicely since the storm passing last night and out to sea, but the damages are in the hundreds of millions, sweeping through a residential neighborhood before hitting a local shopping district. We'll have more as things come in, Shep.

SMITH: Thanks, Roger.


*****

Press Conference, thirty minutes later

Emperor Kyp Droma of the Amazonian Dominion hated doing this kind of thing...once again announcing this plan or that to the global "community" of the usual haters of power and strength. Well, a new leaf was turning...three of the global "community" - three of the strongest powers - were turning the tables around. New dawn, new day-new regime in town. It was time to start exerting power, rather than playing with smiles and shits.

"Hello everyone," Droma said, talking professionally. It wasn't how he usually spoke-usually with ominous words and anger in each word. Now he sounded totally neutral...but that would change when the fervor of the announcement took hold of the aging Imperial leader.

"As you probaly know by now, I have met with the leadership of the Northern Imperial Republic and the Armed Republic of Kampfers about the possibility of extending something more than friendship. Three of the strongest Pacific nations economically, politically, socially, and militarily, strengthening our ties - for the better, naturally. And now, after five hours of discussion, debate, and other relations, we have come up with it."

On the giant LCD screen behind the Emperor, the following resolution came up:


http://usera.imagecave.com/WR82/Npoflag.jpg

The Official Commission of the New Pacific Order

In order to preserve the power and well-being of the Pacific Sphere of the global affairs, as well as to form a new, strong, secure society, the nations of the Imperial Dominion of Amazonia, the Armed Republic of Kampfers, and the Northern Imperial Republic do hereby set this charter into commission to guide and pave the way for the rise of the New Pacific Order.


ARTICLE I: To secure Pacific Relations and Security, the member states of the New Pacific Order will form a military, political, and economic alliance not restricted by dictations such as trade barriers or otherwise.

ARTICLE II: Sovereign home territory of each member state of the New Pacific Order will be under the dictum of each sovereign member, but taken territory by any full, permanent member of the NPO will be open to movement and establishment by any other full, permanent member. Full members are encouraged to open up home territories to light establishments by other full members.

ARTICLE III: The NPO will direct a combined fighting force - the Legion - in times of direct action against or by the Order from or to outside members. It will be comprised of twenty percent of each member nation's standing forces -full members and subsidiary members- at any given time to be called to support defensive or offensive action by other member states. The Legion will only be called up if agreed by 2/3 of all full members.

ARTICLE IV: Permanent membership of joining states will be decided either for or against full membership by the other permanent member nations. It will require a unanimous vote by all current full nations to admit a new nation as a permanent nation.

ARTICLE V: Permanent members will never have their contract in the Order expire; however, they can be voted out of the Order by a unanimous vote by the other full members of the Order.

ARTICLE VI: Nations that are not accepted as full members will become subsidiary nations of the Order. They will be entitled to the defense of the Legion-though will have to submit their own 20% into it-and will enjoy the economic, social, and political free-flow of the Order, though will not be entitled to the leadership or the expansion of the full membership.

ARTICLE VII: Non-Order nations may apply as Protectorate nations under the Order. Protectorates will not have to submit forces to the Legion, but will be under the protection of the Legion. However, they must have another resource of value to the Order and be willing to share it fairly amongst the nations of the Order to enjoy this membership. They will not be entitled to the economic, social, and political freedom that nations of the Order recieve.

ARTICLE VIII: Any nation may at any time be expelled from the Order either temporarily or permanently by a unanimous vote from the permanent nations.

ARTICLE IX: This charter may at any time be revised by amendment by the unanimous vote of the permanent membership.

Pacifica Prevails!

Signed,
The Imperial Dominion of Amazonian Beasts
The Armed Republic of Kampfers
The Northern Imperial Republic

THE FRANCO HEADLINER
Bringing The News Reports From Around The Confederation
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3585/naplogocopysa3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Chief Minister and Close Ministerial Cabinet Embroiled in Drug Scandal

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Environmental Minister Grégoire Bodine talks to reporters after the scandal

Yesterday evening in the Paris Evening News sensational images were revealed showing various important Ministers and friends of Chief Minister Éric Gaudet taking the Class A illegal drug Cocaine at a party last month to celebrate the completion of the Pare Conman, the new third tallest building in France and the new home to various Insurance companies, and government offices.

The images were taken by the Evening News undercover reporter, who managed to sneak into the group who were the very dealers of the drugs. The reporter was present at the party and filmed and photographed the event secretly, and both the Paris Evening News and popular television network Canal 2 will work together to broadcast a program about the events, which features the evidence the reporter gathered, next week. It has also been reported that the Franco Intelligence Committee (FIC) have expressed interest in seeing the footage and pictures of the Ministers taking the drugs.

Whilst Éric Gaudet was not caught taking the drugs himself, on numerous occasions the ‘head dealer’ said that he had sold drugs directly to the Chief Minister and during the film footage one Minister, known as Grégoire Bodine the Environmental Minister, said he “he wished Éric was here to sample the goods”. This scandal is predicted to totally shake the government, who although in recent years have been exposed to many scandals on one or two of their Ministers, have never faced a scandal this large – ten Ministers have been accused of taking the drugs by the Paris Evening News.

Éric Gaudet has yet to make any statement on the developments here and when leaving his home in Central Paris today reporters described his face showing “a deep look of fear and concern” and it has been said by political critics that this could be the final blow for the Gaudet Government, which could collapse in mass resignations. The drug scandal only comes six months after Gaudet announced plans to review the Drugs Classing System and try to “remove the illegal Class A drugs from the country all together”.

One major development in the scandal which could make it grow International is the fact that the dealers and drugs were sourced from the Northern Neighbours of DPW, heavy drinkers and drug takers. Although strict enforcement is present on the border between the two nations, some high quality and high class drugs do still make it through the patrols. When Gaudet makes his statement within the next twenty-four hours it is believed that he will use the drug industry in DPW as a scapegoat in order to relieve some of the pressure on his government.

THE FRANCO HEADLINER
Bringing The News Reports From Around The Confederation
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3585/naplogocopysa3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Éric Gaudet: Should He Take the Latest Scandal as the Final Blow, and Leave Office?

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5756/romaniaprezwh8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Éric Gaudet has been Chief Minister since 1992

Ever since the current Chief Minister Éric Gaudet came to power on what seems a very distant 6th May fifteen years ago his influence and popularity in the Franco Confederation has been based on his loyal followers. Millions of strong conservatives and mild socialists have consistently voted for Gaudet in elections, though public opinions polls show that these people are becoming far rarer, and it is believed his loyal traditionalist supporters will be highly upset by the Drug Scandal that unfolded yesterday. Gradually over the years his popularity with millions of the public has waned due to controversial decisions such as the Corporation Law Act of 1998, which forbid most Franco businesses from operating offices and workplaces out of Franco lands, the refusal to disarm Nuclear Weapons, a massive increase in military spending and capability and the gradual removal of the opinion that the Franco Confederation is a Catholic dominated state.

In recent elections his votes have plummeted – for example, in the April election of 2000 he won by a massive ten percent margin – in the 2004 elections this fell drastically to two and a half percent, and is expected to be as low as one percent if he wins the next General Election in 2008. Many are sick of the face of Gaudet as the ruler of their country, and generations have been brought up with him as the only man in the top power. Also recently public opinions polls showed that over 67% of Franco citizens would prefer a more “market liberal” leader, and it is widely felt that the main
Opposition Party, the Franco Liberal Union run by the enigmatic leader Luc Aiton, are far less conservative and more capitalist – a desirable goal for many of Franco’s citizens, especially the highly restricted businesses of Gaudet’s rule.

So yet again, after the scandal of last year when Gaudet was revealed to be a serial cheater, we wonder whether our aging leader of sixty-nine should hand in the towel and surrender to the growing public support for his resignation. However, with Éric Gaudet being the hard-line stubborn and opinionated man he is, we feel it is unlikely he will go down without a fight.

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

New Military Hardware Comes In

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/6388/pa2xb0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
The New Aircraft Carrier

The PA2 (Porte-Avions 2) was commissioned today and has since become the second French aircraft carrier in service. The Minister for Defence, Jules Facet, said that he was “excited that finally France can wield another formidable aircraft carrier”. It is expected however that it will be a while before the aircraft carrier can be put to full use and fight fully in combat situations.

Jules further went on to say that the attempts to make the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoons , of which one hundred are ordered, a full replacement for the Mirage were complete and that the Mirage was open for sale to trusted and allied nations as it would now be a “second plane” for France. He also made clear that plans for another aircraft carrier where being drawn, similar to the last but with further technological capabilities in order to make it closer to the nature of say the Nitmz class carriers, and announced that the first eight FREMM Multipurpose Frigates had arrived.

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Joint Public Statement from the Federatie Marechaussee (Federal Police) and the DPW Tourist Authority

We are saddened to hear of the serious disregard that some Franco Confederation government ministers seem to have for their own laws. We are even more saddened to hear that the substances they broke these laws with are suspected of coming from our proud nation. Because of this, we feel that it is necessary to reiterate our stance on international drug smuggling.

It has long been the official position of the Federatie Marechaussee and the DPW Tourist Authority that drugs considered to be illegal in other nations (marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc) are not to pass outside of our borders, as we respect that other nations do not have the same level of tolerance. Understandably, however, foreigners wanting to take the “DPW experience” back to their home countries (and domestic traders looking to make a quick Mulong) will try to disregard the law and take these substances across international borders anyway. Violation of this law is a misdemeanor; violators are heavily fined and released with their drugs confiscated by the government.

We have always maintained a vigilant patrol of the borders between the Franco Confederation and ourselves due to the immense respect that we have for the democratic political process in their country that has chosen to ban these substances. We will continue to uphold the law here to the best of our ability, and pray that the worldwide public will lay the blame for these acts where they truly lie – at the feet of the men and women who abused the trust placed in them by purchasing and using these substances in the first place. Thank you for your time.

Signed,
Angela De Groot, High Commissioner, Federatie Marechaussee
Marc Vanderwerken, Chairman, DPW Tourist Authority

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

Franco Confederation Officials Have Been Drivin' That Train
by Henriette Schaffer

Alright, so here's the deal: a bunch of high-level (we're talking ministerial level) officials within the Franco Confederation's government have been caught on videotape doing some prime-quality cocaine. The twist here is that cocaine is highly illegal within the boundaries of our southern neighbor, and the news has caused an uproar, with the inevitable claims that the product came from within our borders. Federatie Marechaussee and the DPW Tourist Authority have already issued a joint statement with pretty much all of the political jibba-jabba that you'd expect: basically, they condemned the officials' actions and reinforced how committed we are to keeping it in our borders, and so on.

Wanting to go beyond the political statements and find out how the Federatie Marechaussee really felt about this so-called scandal, I contacted a high-level officer, who agreed to have a discussion with me on condition of anonymity. My meeting with this unnamed government official was cordial: we sat down, took a few puffs on a nearby water pipe, and got straight down to business. I began by asking him/her what he/she felt about the recent accusations.

“My first impulse was to think that it was a bunch of shit – if a bunch of rich French blokes want to whip out their tooters and snort some coke, why should it be a problem? And I think that sentiment is shared by the majority of folks in this nation, as well. But, you know, that's their country to run, and we can't tell them how to do it. We do try to keep people from taking these substances out of our own country, precisely because unrestricted smuggling can cause diplomatic spats like these.”

So, I continued, you think that it's the job of police and border patrol officers on our side to keep drugs from leaving the country?

“In my mind, ultimately, it's not really our job to keep these substances out of the Franco Confederation, or any other nation, for that matter. It's theirs. We do charge a heavy fine if we catch anyone attempting to take drugs out of DPW, but really, why is this seen as being our full responsibility? We understand that they don't want these substances in their country, but they can't just heap all of the burden on us. Perhaps the Franco Confederacy[sic] just needs to step it up a notch on their side.”

This has, indeed, become a common sentiment among citizens of DPW. Reporter Anton Coster went onto the streets of Augustgrad earlier today, asking random citizens what they thought of the happenings in our southern neighbor. “What's the big deal? If the government want to deny their citizens and politicians their human rights, then it's not our problem, it's their problem. I don't think we should be wasting money on screening for drugs at all,” said Annike Van Lunen, 32.

When Anton reminded her that there isn't really a human right guaranteeing access to drugs, she took a long drag on her menthol and replied, “Well, there should be.”

“What i'm worried about,” said Jacques Brinkerhoff, 19, “is how this just reinforces the image of the country as a drug-addled hippie land. We've got many other cultural aspects to share with the world. I mean, we have beautiful cultural museums, romantic canals...”

Anton could no longer focus on what young Jacques was saying, as he (Anton) had lit up a joint and was quickly fading into la-la land; when asked about it now, he tells me that Mr. Brinkerhoff was too boring to pay attention to anyway.

In any event, my unnamed Federatie Marechaussee source believes that the whole thing will blow over quickly – scandals are never in the public eye for long, as another scandal will inevitably come along to take its place. But my source also believes that we as a nation can use this incident as means for a positive change in border security for the future.

“Of course,” he/she says, “we'd be happy to work closer with Franco Confederation border patrols to solve the problem and punish both the buyers on their side and the sellers on ours. But international drug trafficking is only a misdemeanor here, and until somebody changes that, there really isn't anything else we can do over here.”

Henriette Schaffer's syndicated columns appear in more than 50 papers nationwide. She is also an occasional commentator for the radio program “Stop! Grammar Time” and has written several bestselling children's books.

The Warsaw Post
Paper of The Warsaw area

Chancellor Announces New Reforms

Chancellor Yakovlev announced a series of reforms to aid areas of the Federation. One of the reforms is to equiped schools with new technologies, another to improve the infrastructure of the republics. The Chancellor stated that the reforms will better the Federation and began a new future. These reforms are part of the Chancellor's plans to improve the Baltic states.

Dominion Military News

For too long, the Dominion's military budget has been a miniscule fragment of the governmental budget of Amazonia, much less the nation's Gross Domestic Product. With a new emphasis on strength shown both by the formation of the Order and the purchase of two supercarriers from Kampfers, it is time to pave the bright future of the Dominion's military capability. Straight from HICOM, the latest projects of the top Dominion research facilities are revealed:

-For naval ability, developing a domestic nuclear supercarrier line for long-term projections to replace the Hawk and Enterprise
-To develop a strong cruiser line to supplement offensive actions
-To jointly develop a ballistic missile submarine project with Kampfers
-If plans are supplied, to develop the F-23 expiramental plane into a feasible model with a VSTOL and naval-capable version, so that Hornets may be reduced to strike aircraft
-To develop a long-term, sixth-generation domestic fighter
-To develop a domestic strategic and tactical bomber
-To purchase a fifth or high fourth-generation fighter to supplement current stocks
-To develop a domestic attack helicopter and domestic support helicopter
-To continue searching international markets for top avaliable products while boosting sales of aging lines to more needy nations.

It may seem like a lot, but with a considerable amount of money avaliable to the defense department now being allocated away from the giant budgets of welfare and healthcare, the Dominion pursues its capitalist ideology while boosting low defense reserves simultaneously. Several projects-such as the ship lines and the sixth-generation fighter-are long in the way, but will one day be the core of the Dominion navy, supplemented by lasting modern works such as the newest destroyer and submarine lines being produced. It is clear that the Order is the military pinnacle of the world; and the Dominion, while more than formidable, has to bring itself up to par with its two allies-this plan shall more than do that, and make the Order the clear-cut military powerhouse of the world, truly paving the way for a new global order.

"My people. Sons and daughters of the Republic.... For many years, we have been a broken nation... Shunned, oppressed, and conquered by those we sought to escape. ...Ten years ago, I asked for time, and that time was granted by you. You, the strength in my arm, the holders of my dreams.... Our forefathers embarked on the greatest exodus in the history of all mankind... An exodus for freedom. The Republic became that freedom... Our new nation changed our bodies. At first, it weakened us, but in fact, we were growing... stronger. In the time you have given me, I have rebuilt our nation, I have rebuilt our strength, and I have rebuilt our pride!... Our enemies at home have been re-educated. We have given them new insights into our cause. On this day, we stand united once more. On this day, those driven to divide us will hear our voice! On this day, we shall act as one, and we shall be ignored no more! Defenders of the Imperial dream, now is out time!"

-Commandante Arkadi Koslovic in his speech at the Imperial Square, Sudentor

OOC: Just showing the attitude of the hypernationalist leader I have...it's on!

THE FRANCO HEADLINER
Bringing The News Reports From Around The Confederation
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3585/naplogocopysa3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Gaudet Gives Little Away In Quiet Press Conference

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Éric Gaudet tried to dodge the issue on his involvement in the scandal

Yesterday afternoon, I, along with one hundred or so other journalists, was packed into a small rather under used room that had never played host to a press conference before. It was one of the more darker, plain rooms of the back of the Le Guard Square government offices in Paris. All the journalists their, like myself, had been invited personally by Éric Gaudet - he obviously wanted the right people, so he could know the kind of questions they were to ask.

Obviously everyone was excited - some expected a resignation, some expected him to lash out at the DPW authorities and others thought he would admit to it and offer a deep apology. But what we got, was rather underwhelming for a journalist. Many of us journalists had read the reactions from the DPW, especially the article by Henriette Schaffer, which has so much growing controversy in the Confederation that the Chief Ministers press officer even briefly mentioned it a few hours before the press conference, saying he wondered "how Schaffer is so sure that Éric Gaudet is to lay the blame on DPW's authorities astounds me."

And inside this little room the conference started quietly, with Gaudet saying that the evidence found by the Paris Evening News reporter was being "reviewed by top security officials" and that an investigation, and then inquiry, would be held about the incident. He also stated that "I offer the deepest apologies for some of my Ministers actions, and can assure the public that they will not go unnoticed." Still no mention of his involvement, however.

He then announced that "border patrols on the DPW and the Franco Confederation border have been raised to 'Critical' alert", the second highest level on the Franco Border Patrol Security Level Meter. He urged the DPW authorities to "further assist the Franco Confederations efforts in stopping all illegal drugs leaving from their country from even making it to their border patrols" he further went onto say "I understand we hold equal responsibility for preventing the passing of illegal drugs through the border, and the Franco Confederation is doing everything they can - in all major border roads for many years places to stop and show your passport have been present, and as of today they will also have a small team of armed men to search all suspicious cars. Poor police patrols have meant that drug use in our country has nearly doubled in the last ten years – it is time to stop that".

But, he went onto to say "We admire the DPW's and their nation is highly popular with Franco tourists, something we would not like to stop, so it is time we both stepped up security, and upheld and respected the laws of both nations." Some of my fellow journalists interpreted this as a subtle way of saying to the DPW their security was not enough, though when questioned about this later Gaudet made it clear that assumption was "totally incorrect".

And finally the end of his conference on a hot August day drew to a close, but their was still one question that half the journalists in the room had there hand raised to ask. At last it came "Chief Minister, what about your involvement in the scandal? Are their plans to resign, you were included as a user of the drugs in a statement by the head dealer." Éric Gaudet and his worried faced Press Officer looked at each other for a moment, and then the Chief Minister whispered something into his ear. The PO turned to the waiting press crowd and simply said "There is an ongoing investigation into all that were accused of the drug use. However, no proper evidence has been found that Mr. Gaudet took these substances. Question time is over". And with that, they both got up and left, leaving the public and us still mostly in the dark over the whole scandal.

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August Edition

Minister of Interior Gives Go-Ahead on Nuclear Energy

http://www.mpga.co.uk/images/Koeberg.jpg
Above: The Koeberg nuclear power station, Lachenburg's only currently active nuclear power-plant.

PELINDABA, Lachenburg -- Minister of the Interior Vendelin Jurion visited the pebble-bed fuel production plant outside Cape Town, outlining plans for a new "green initiative." As part of the von Wylich government's campaign to reduce Lachenburg's dependence on foreign sources of energy, the new initiative, which includes provisions regarding both Wind and Solar Energy projects, places a particular emphasis on the development of "affordable and plentiful" nuclear power, more specifically Pebble-bed reactors, for Lachenburg's 64 million citizens.

Since the late-1990's, the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor Pty. Ltd. (PBMR) has lead the way in Pebble Bed Reactor technology. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors, which use water a primary coolant, Pebble Bed reactors use pyrolytic graphite as the neutron moderator, and an inert or semi-inert gas such as helium, nitrogen or carbon dioxide as the coolant, at very high temperature, to drive a turbine directly. This eliminates the complex steam management system from the design and increases the thermal efficiency of the reactor from 32-35% to 40-50%. In addition, the gases do not dissolve contaminants or absorb neutrons as water does, so the core has less in the way of radioactive fluids and is more economical than a light water reactor.

Initially developed in Europe, the technology has since taken hold in Lachenburg. On June 23, 2003, the Ministry, after an intense series of debates between the Chamber of Deputies, approved the construction of a 110MW facility at Koeberg for private energy contractor Eskom Industries. Since then, lawsuits and protests from various environmental groups have prevented the construction of additional plants. However, as the Minister announced earlier today, that is soon to change.

Already, plans for two additional 150MW reactors in Natal and Transvaal have been approved by the Tory government and are slated to begin construction by November. If the new PBMRs are successful, sources indicate an additional six reactors are to be considered for development, supplanting a significant portion of Lachenburg's current petroleum demand.

Surprisingly, many on the other side of the aisle, including prominent members of both the Whigs and Labour, have indicated their approval for the initiative, describing it as "a well-planned and ambitious policy which will greatly benefit the country." Significant opposition, though, has been raised by fiscal watch-dogs within the Tory government, citing the considerable costs associated with the development, construction, and maintenance of said power facilities. Nevertheless, the Prime Minister continues forward, noting that the surplus gained from declining oil purchases would more than make up for the cost.

ANN Special Report______
By Andrea Grey

Welcome to ANN Broadcast News; I'm Andrea Grey; The Excessively armed republic today announced that it would be going into full scale production of the J-17 Jillian/ Vigorous Dragon and F/A-17 Thunder dragons these variants of the J-17 Jilian / Vigorous Dragon will be carrier capable. The Ministry estimated that over 450 will be operational in the airforce by the end of 2009 with each aircraft taking just 3 days to be assembled when production hits full capacity June this year.

The Ministry for defence also announced that’s acquisition of a number of Formally Kampfen and Honokon Carriers for an undisclosed sum and is said to be spending somewhere near $15 Billion USD acquiring these naval vessels and refitting them for fleet operations. The Ministry said this was in direct response to the strategic review think tank report that made claims regional powers were seeking to build or purchase or build there own Aircraft carrier systems. The ministry also announced that it would be refitting the Minsk and Kiev; these two former warships have become amusement theme parks however the Ministry deemed it necessary to reactivate them as Helicopter carriers along with the ADF Varlag Light Combat Carrier. This will bring Animarnia's carrier capability up to 3 Super Carriers each able to hold 90 aircraft and helicopters, 2 Battle Carriers each able to hold 30-60 aircraft and 2 Helicopter Carriers. The last, of which able to hold 12-30 VTOL/Helicopters; 35 armoured vehicles, associated landing craft and 2000 Marines by mid 2008 to early 2009. It is believed this will largely increase the nation power projection capability.

On the Domestic front The Ministry also announced that it would be building an additional 30 Medium to long range ICBM's this year the locations are obviously classified however many suspect that Nepal's Himalayan peaks will see a number of these. This is believed to be in response to the Drosk Nation becoming a nuclear power and having ballistic missiles capable of reaching Major Animarnia Cites. It is said that the new Missiles will be able to carry up to eight-twelve 150kt nuclear warheads. The Ministry has also green lighted a run of 16 Shang Class SSN Attack submarines to be completed by 2011 and an additional 15 Sovermany Class Destroyers by 2012 phasing out the Type 51 Luda class for Sale that year. Two more Jin Class SSBN Ballistic Missile Submarines have also been ordered; these to be finished by 2010 and replace the Xia class in its entirety, the BAN or "Big arse navy" upgrade is estimated to cost $19 Billion USD. This marks the first time Animarnian Naval Shipyards have been in complete full production since WWII and may even make use of foreign production yards. The BAN project is excepted to create over a million Jobs and hasn't ruled out the design of a domestic produced Aircraft carrier

To compensate for this the Ministry also announced that it was putting some of its older military hardware up for sale as production on newer models started to hit full scale implementation making many of the older armoured systems soon to be redundant. As Animarnia Defence forces make the transition from a large massed army to a smaller more advanced, better-trained and better armed forces much more like the Kampfens and nearby Amazonians though active troop numbers will remain around 1.3 million for the time being.

On the Economic front The Government announced the implementation of Minimum wage of D$4 Deblooms per hour; this translates to around $6.12 USD which all-working citizens over the age of 16 are entitled to. Over the next 5 years this move is expected to increase the national GDP by several orders of magnitude brining it much closer if not surpassing the Kampfen powerhouse. The nation has also legalised the sex trade of prostitution in government licensed brothels; existing illegal brothels can apply for a licence and operate in safety with regular medical checks for the girls and government regulation of working hours means it is much safer for the girls and clients. As part of the government licence 20% of the Brothels income is taxed revenue however this has been widely expected and welcomed by sex workers and condemned by Muslim and Christian leaders. In Other news President Shondel signed a trade agreement with the European community today opening up Animarnian waterways and lowering Tariffs however has firmly denied that this is in direct reciprocation for the sale of a Honokan aircraft carrier to the Republic.

OOC: You misspelled my name :(

Kampfers Claims Greenland!


Amazingly, the unthinkable has occured. In an animated speech today in Kampfers Stadt, Fuhrer Richtoff denounced the New Brittonian government and claimed that Greenland should be a part of Kampfers. At one point, Richtoff stated that "The Brittonian government is fooling themselves to think that they control Greenland. 64% of the population of Greenland derive their heritage from Kampfers. It has been a part of Kampferian History for years, and we are not willing to let it go now." The Fuhrer went on to trash talk the Brittonian government, namely calling them "Opressors of the Kampferian peoples will." He has asked for all people of Kampferian heritage in Greenland to openly rebel against the Brittonians. Late in the speech, however, Richtoff perhaps revealed a bit of the new diplomacy style that the New Pacific Order had been promoting. He claimed that if Greenland was not sceded to Kampfers, he would "Authorize the use of Force" to take it in Kampfers' name. We have yet to see where this will lead.

One must wonder what the Fuhrer wants with Greenland. The do-gooders in Kampferian society believe that he is truely trying to reunite Kampferian lands lost, but others believe that the Fuhrer has a more daring plan. Numerous rumours abound, but one of the more logical ones is that he plans to use Greenland as a base for early ICBM detection, as well as a possible live ordinance testing ground.

The New Brittonian goverment was unavailable to comment, but it is safe to assume that they will not be pleased with the recent turn of events. The better question is what will they do about it.

We will bring continued updates on this story throughout the week. Hail Pacifica! Hail Kampfers!

Imperial News Network Special Report: Commandante Koslovic Announces The Creation of an Orbital Gun Platform


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RUSCHENKO: Hello, glorious citizens, and welcome to another edition of the INN. I'm Valentin Ruschenko. Earlier this morning, in the Commandante's announcement to the people in Sudentor, a new piece of military hardware was announced to show the might of the Republic. Here's a clip of the Commandante's speech.

Screen splits showing The Commandante in Imperial Square during his speech,

KOSLOVIC: The people of the Northern Imperial Republic will no longer be regarded as the weak, feeble ragtag nation they used to be. We have grown stronger in our new lands, its climate changing us both physically and mentally. We have grown physically stronger and more hardy in our icy lands and enlightened by its ferocity. No longer will we suffer the oppression of the Western Flats Dwellers and their treachery, and now, we will show our glorious power by creating an all seeing eye over the skies.

KOSLOVIC: My brothers and sisters of the Republic, today I announce the creation of the Satellite Orbital Linear Gun, or SOLG, to show the Western Flats Dwellers how we have excelled since they expelled us from our rightful homes. No one shall be safe under the skies! The Republic will have vengence, and all of our fallen comrades will be paid for in blood! For a better Republic! For a better Future! Hail The Northern Imperial Republic!

Loud cheers and chants of "Hail the Commandante!" tear across the crowd as the screen switches back to Ruschenko.

RUSCHENKO: Hail the Commandante! Hail the Republic! The Imperial Republic shall shower it's mighty wrath upon the oppressors! For the Commandante!

.:End Transmission:.

Imperium Announces Plans for the Future

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Strengthening of the Military

The Imperium of Brazil today announces the strengthening of the Imperium Armed forces. New equipment and more draftees are being built and trained as we speak. We have just got confirmation that our order to Kampfers was confirmed for new naval vessels to enter Brazilian service. In 1 year the Brazilian Air force and Navy will take delivery of a new Fighter Aircraft built by Embraer Aeronautics. A new ship building corporation has also been established which will begin building new Brazilian warships.

Nuclear Power

The Imperium also announces today that they will begin to refine uranium to use in power plants across the Nation. This will bring power to parts of the Nation that have never had electricity due to poverty. This source of power is a cheaper way than using fossil fuels.

Education and Social Welfare

The Imperium also has increased spending on education and social welfare by building new schools and health clinics in poorer parts of the Imperium. This will bring education to children in places were some do not even know how to read or right. It will also bring a better quality of living as new hospitals are built to prevent disease and infection. This will bring about an economic boom in these poorer parts of the Imperium.

Lambert Keese Live!
only on Nekhiig Broadcast Radio

Lambert Keese: Alright, welcome back to the show, hope you found those commercials to be informative and inspiring! *chuckles* For our next segment, I have with me controversial news columnist Henriette Schaffer, who's back in the news again with a piece that was highly critical of the scandal within the government of the Franco Confederation. We've brought her onto the show to explain her views more clearly and to have an interesting and newsworthy conversation. Thanks for coming, Henriette.

Henriette Schaffer: Thanks for having me.

LK: So, I suppose the question that's on everyone's minds: why go after the Franco Confederation like that? Certainly, there were rumors that the finger of blame was going to be put on us, but they hadn't actually come out and said anything. Why were you so sure?

HS: You know why I was so sure? Because they're politicians. Politicians are the same everywhere, always passing the buck onto someone else. I'm a columnist; it's my job to be highly critical of politicians 'round the world. Apparently i'm too vitriolic for some folks, for yesterday I received a comminuque from the Foreign Affairs Council asking me to, quote, “kindly tone it down a little bit.”

LK: Ouch. That doesn't happen often.

HS: As I like to say whenever I receive a message like this (and it isn't the first time): Whaddaya gonna do? Search me? Arrest me? Sometimes I wonder whether they should actually be thanking me, seeing as how i'm taking preventative action to keep other nations from passing responsibility to DPW. Is it just me, or does every drug-related spat in Europe somehow end up with a finger pointed right at us? I don't know. I just felt like hitting back.

LK: Understandable. I guess all we can do now is wait and see what happens, eh?

HS: “Wait and see” has never been my philosophy, Lambert.

LK: *chuckles* Alright, let's talk about other world news. The big news as of late is the announcement of the formation of a “European Community”, with a possible capital in Luxembourg. What do you think about that?

HS: Well, my initial inclination was to think that it would be a revocation of national sovereignty and all, but once I actually read the mission statement, that apprehension vanished completely. In an age in which fascist dictatorships can forge humongous military pacts, it's probably best for the nations of Europe to band together in order to face the obvious threat, and i'm happy that we've decided to do so.

LK: You're talking about the New Pacific Order?

HS: Yeah. Among others.

LK: And that actually ties into my next question: what about all of this military buildup around the world? We've already had several announcements from nations stating that they're going to begin a massive military buildup, and i've heard whisperings – unofficial, of course – that they may well be planning some kind of “New World Order”.

HS: To be honest with you, I don't know what they're playing at, but it's pissing me off something fierce. All this talk of strengthening the military for global domination... it almost makes you think they're compensating for something, doesn't it?

LK: *chuckles* Missiles as phallic symbols, eh? Yeah, it's kind of like that, I think. Let's just hope that none of their national leaders are listening in.

HS: What, you think they're going to get offended? I would hope that being the head of a country would endow them with a thicker skin that that.

LK: True, true... on to a happier subject: I hear you have a new book coming out, Henriette!

HS: That I do, Lambert. It's my fourth children's book; I don't know, after having spent so much time going after politicians, it's really very relaxing to sit back and write something entertaining for our younger citizens.

LK: Do you have a title yet?

HS:: I'm afraid not; i'm always very bad in that area. Usually it's my boyfriend that can whip up a title out of thin air, so I think i'm going to have him take a look at it as soon as possible.

LK: Excellent, excellent. Anyway, it's time for a commercial break, so I suppose we'll have to end it here. Again, thanks for coming onto the show, Henriette!

HS: Always a pleasure, Lambert.

LK: Alright, when we return: disco supergroup Molon Labe has a bona fide hit on their hands with their newest single, “This Is Sparta (And That's The Way, Uh-Huh Uh-Huh, I Like It)”. Don't turn that dial, we'll be right back, after these messages!

GUNS,
PLANES, AND OIL

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M270 MLRS System, one of several planned purchases for the Iberian Military.

Today Defense Minister Celestino Aurelio announced several new key purchases and programs that would "Greatly enhance the Empire's ability to defend it's territorial integrity, both in the homeland and her colonial holdings.". The first announced purchase was that of nearly 200 M270B1 MLRS systems for over 400 million Dollars, firing the newly-designed GMLRS rocket as opposed to the M26 used by American systems. The GMLRS is an all-weather, precision-guided rocket that provides increased accuracy, thus reducing the number of rockets necessary to defeat current targets by as much as 80 percent. According to Aurelio, The GMLRS "gives our troops a new degree of accuracy over long distance, offering precision strike capability to beyond 60 kilometers. Combined with the new launcher, the GMLRS gives the Empire a tremendous precision strike capability."

A second announcement was the beginning of work on a Iberian-Exclusive variant of the Eurofighter, named the EF-2000A Eurofighter Espania. According to sources in the Ministry of Defense, the EF-2000A will incorporate the "latest technologies", including thrust vectoring controls and what a source termed an "Extremely powerful phased array radar". The Empire's current fleet of Eurofighters, totaling upwards of 100, is expected to be cut down through sales to friendly nations following initial production of the EF-2000A Variant.

Also announced was the commencement of work on a new class of AEGIS Frigates, with three hulls being laid up at the naval shipyard in Cartagena, and two at Arsenal do Alfeite. Work is expected to commence immediately, and the hulls are expected to be launched within a year, and commissioning in the following year (2009). This will coincide with the commissioning of the two final Álvaro de Bazán class AEGIS frigates, the Roger de Lauria and the Juan de Austria.

Also of great interest, albeit somewhat unrelated, was the discovery of a massive amount of oil off the Kenyan coast by both Willinkian and Amazonian prospect drilling companies. A Willinkian official stated that "large geological structures hosting multiple targets similar to those found on Australia's North-West Shelf could contain over 1 billion barrels of oil each." There are several of said geological "blocks" lying within Willinkian territorial waters off the Kenyan coast.

The announcement of the discovery brought great joy to Kenyan citizens, whom had earlier learned news that a new investment program by the motherland would generate tens of thousands of jobs as the home countries seek to bring their colonials holdings up to par; The home countries (Portugal and Spain) have a GDP/C of 28,000, while the colonies Per Capita Gross Domestic Product is a measly 800 USD. With massive investment and a wealth of new jobs, trading on Bolsa de Madrid reached an all time-high amid predictions of 10 to 15% annual growth in Ethiopia and Kenya.

New Brazilian Fighter Design
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EMB-88 Hades Tactical fighter

The new EMB-88 Hades Tactical fighter is the top of the line in fighter technology. Designers at Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A. have been working day in and out on this new tactical fighter design for the Brazilian Air force and Navy. This new fighter will be the new design for air defense over Brazilian skies as well as the new attack fighter for the Brazilian navy to complement the F-18s purchased from the Kampferians. 100 Models are planned to be built in the first wave of production. 75 "A" models for the Air Force and 25 "N" Models for the Navy. The estimated price for this unit is 54 Million apiece.


Primary Function: Tactical fighter
Contractor: Empresa Brasileira de Aeronáutica S.A.
Power Plant: Two Embraer F00x turbofan engines with afterburners.
Thrust: 25,000 pounds each engine
Length: 18 Meters
Height: 4 Meters
Wingspan: 12 Meters
Speed: Mach 2.3
Ceiling: 60,000 feet
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 25,500 kg
Range: 3,653 miles
Armament:
1 - EM-301 20mm multibarrel internal gun, 940 rounds of ammunition
2- Wingtip Harports
4- Hardports under wing
4- Internal Hardports
EMB-88 can carry up to 13,800 pounds of external ordnance.
Carrier Capable: Yes
Mission and Capabilities:
The EMB-88 can perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Cockpit displays and mission avionics are thoroughly integrated to enhance crew situational awareness and mission capability in high threat, adverse weather/night environments.
Cockpits are night vision goggle compatible.
Multi-Sensor Integration and advanced data link capabilities further enhance situational awareness.

OOC: Inspired by true events.
IC:

The Northern Imperial Republic Claims Large Section of the Arctic

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Sudentor, NIR-Earlier today, The Commandante announced with his military council that the Northern Imperial Republic holds absolute soveriegnty over the Arctic regions over the Mendeleev and Lomonosov Ocean Ridges after a scientific team ruled them as an extension of the Eurasian Continent. The region, including the North Pole, takes up a huge swath of the Arctic Ocean and is known to contain large amounts of natural resources for the Republic to harvest from the seas. So far, no international outcry has been made, but The Commandante has stated that such a statement is "more than lkely."

National Droskian News

Today four candidates were finalized for the bid for President. The four candidates are:

Mr. Jack Smith, a communist who believes that Droskianishks future lies with the end of capitalism world wide and a larger Droskian presence in the world.

Mr. Daniel Studeneg, a member of the Droskian Fascist Party who believes that Droskianishk should have a larger presence world-wide, and believes too that capitalism is no longer serving the state in the proper manner.

President Mark Shedar, a member of the Droskian Liberty Party, a man who has led Droskianishk for the past six years to a better and stronger economy, safer homes, and more respect world-wide. President Shedar believes that Droskianishk should focus more on internal issues such as a growing crime rate and still striking numbers of impovershed.

Ms. Shanyia Kuen, a member of the Droskian Peoples Party, a woman who is relatively new to the scene of politics and is largely known for her tough stance on education, abuse in the home, and the relative lack of Droskian presence in the international community.

BHR Opens Borders to Tourists
Today BHR announced that all tourists from countries in good relations will be allowed to access the nation. President Ravalamma said that he hopes that BHR will lead the world in tourism.

OOC: Yeah a short post and if you want to see a LEMUR here is your LEMUR!

tin này phải giữ bí mật
(Secret Stuff)


Beriev Be-12 - Maritime patrol amphibian
making easterly night flights


Training and border patroling combined

Baltic Federation begans to Develop New Fighter

The Federal Air Force has began a project to improve the F-16Cs in service into a new type. The project which details have not been released for, is a part of a series of military reforms in the Baltic Federation. The aircraft which has been named the F-16CP will be a improved version of a already exellcent fighter.

Energy Independence on the Horizon for Amazonia?

New rumors come in from private sector revolving Solar, Hydrate, Wind power

Across the corporate sector in Amazonia, energy companies around the Dominion are entering a vigorous stage in the search for alternative fuels, both renewable and non-renewable.

Methane Hydrates are producing the most buzz around corporate sectors. Dirty and non-renewable, there are considerable hydrate stores off the Amazonian coast, both in the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean. Feasible methods of extracting such hydrates from the ocean floor already exist, and it's only a few years before the resource will soon begin replacing coal as the non-renewable energy source of choice. However, it's only a temporary-and dirty-fix, as it burns just like Coal, producing similar energy release. So what's on the horizon as the future?

As a quicker solution, massive wind farms-already seen in the seas of the Sea of Japan between the two territories of the Dominion-are being established in more aggressive seas. They are capable of producing large power output, but they can't be placed everywhere without disturbing normal shipping lanes and naval manuevers. Wind farms are well-placed also on Southern mountains and hills, but with space becoming shorter in the Dominion, it's only some time before those areas lose their attractiveness for wind power. Hydroelectric power has been established in the forms of dams, and minor projects involving tidal motion have also been formed.

However, the ultimate-and the future-solution comes from the Sun. Solar power has long been a hindrance-it has been both inefficient and costly in current methods using standard Silicon solar cells. However, there are possibilities on the horizon, some of which are getting energy companies very excited. Other metalloids, such as Germanium and Tellurium, could possibly provide a stronger semiconductor for harvesting solar energy, though Tellurium would be hard to procure. Using alternative elements-or perhaps compounds-greater efficiencies could possibly be created to make solar power more efficient. To appropriately replace coal, oil, and natural gas, solar power would need to achieve a 55% efficiency rating, while currently maintaining a 30% maximum efficiency rating. However, energy researchers say in the future levels could perhaps advance all the way to 80% with another source-space. By constructing massive orbital farms for harvesting solar energy not restricted or diluted by atmospheric effects, solar energy could be harvested in great and efficient amounts, which could be transferred down to Earth via conducting cables insulated in carbon nanotubes for support and strength.

All these projects are in the future, but with funding and time, they could be the future.

Bring Home our Jobs!

This year's Kansiovian economic plan titled "Bring home our jobs!" have been going well. Rich Kansiovian businessmen are pulling their investments abroad back to Kansiov, underemployment rate is at 23.7% and decreasing. This move also means quality jobs for the people. By 2010, 20% of Argicultre in the Empire will be High Tech, and Unemployment rate will decrease to 3% from 5%, underemployment is expected to decrease from a 25% to a 8% as well.

Princes Keeping Up the Pressure

By Curtis Granderson

Last night, an emergency press conference was called in the centre hall of the Princial Palace. Dozens of reporters flocked to the summonings, as did I.

"Welcome," boomed Prince Ryan Getzlaf. "We are here, and called this conference, to update our Wojitek Wolski Canal (OOC: RL Panama Canal) situation. After many complaints from the international community and hours of study, the Princes have came to a decision.

"The current taxing rate of the Wojitek Wolski Canal is 2% of everything on board that isn't alive, including the vessel. But then, the Princes decided to change that. The current taxing rate as of January 1st, 2008 (let's just say that'll be like tomorrow or something) will be $0.10 per kilogram. For example: a vessel that weighs 10,000 kilograms will be charged $1,000 USD."

"The rule about enemies in times of war can't use it is still instated. So is the rule that everyone gets as many passes as they want on the canal as long as they pay the tax. If you do not pay the tax, you are fined the amount of money you owe plus an extra $5,000 USD, and depending on how many repeats the offender has done, jail time. When you pay the tax, you also get a guide to help you through the canal. You cannot go through it otherwise."

"And, as of this moment, the Wojitek Wolski Canal Agency will be created to oversee the canal. Thank you." And Getzlaf walked off the stage.

There you go folks!


VDB News Agency

Announcement to the World

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The Imperium of Brazil Today announces that the Islands of Ilhas Cagarras, Atol Das Rocas, Fernando de Noronha, Florianopolis, Ilha de São Sebastião, Ilha Grande, Ilha de Marajó, Trindade, and Vitória are all now part of the Imperium. As part of the Imperium if any of these islands are invade or threatened, the Imperium itself will be threatened. On that note, any ships, planes, or any other piece of foreign equipment. Nearing or flying over these islands without proper permission from the Imperium government will be considered Hostile. These hostile units will be dealt with swiftly.


President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

OOC: basicly wht I'm saying is all the Islands that Brazil controls in RL, I now control.

Lu-7 Poyiva Nearing Completion
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Artist Representation of the Lu-7 in Granatian Camo

Today, the Defense Ministry announced that the completion of the Lu-7 Poyiva Interceptor is nearing. The Poyiva is the Republican Monarchy's first domestic fighter jet and it sure to be among the most state of the art in the world. Using advanced avionics and vector thrusting, the Poyiva is among the first fighter aircraft to have no vertical stabilizers. The Poyiva will also use a rudimentary version of a new state of the art radar. Although it isn't the final version, it is still very much state of the art.

Estimates put this aircraft entering service in the next two years at the least, with 4 years being the latest. Estimates on the price of the aircraft are anywhere from $50 Million to $75 Million USD. The Granatian Military plans to phase out many aircraft and replace them with the Lu-7 because the Lu-7 is state of the art and domestic. Current estimation put that upwards of 175 will be purchased.

The Sovereign Empire Announces Military Purchases

Today the Sovereign Empire announced a multi-billion dollar weapons deal with the The Neo-Prussian Parliamentary Republic of Kampfers, these deals include the outright purchase of two Forrestal-Class Super Carriers, four Ticonderoga-Class Guided Missile Cruisers and two Tarawa-Class Amphibious Assault Ships.

Also included in the deal was Domestic Production rights to several types of land combatants and missile systems, as well as the ability to build six Arleigh Burke-Class Guided Missile Destroyer of the Flight IIA design.

National Assembly Passes Energy Reform Act of 2007

The Union of Greater Europe is in a severe oil bind, importing 98% of it's 4.5 million bbl/per day demand, not only bringing the Union to it's knees financially, but putting it at the mercy of foriegn governments and corporations. This would not stand if the Union was to survive in the modern world of neo-imperialists and merciless capitalists. Commissar Nikoli Arkan put to the National Assembly his 'Energy Crisis Solution', and within two days, the National Unity Party dominated legislative body passed the act.

The problem's end began not in oil, but with alternative fuel sources. The National Assembly has ruled that oil is no longer a legal fuel source outside of automotive fuel. What does this mean? It means that oil cannot be used to power power plants. It cannot be used to heat homes. It cannot legally be used for anything other than creating gasoline and diesel, and oil uses in other automotive sectors. The effect? This would simply increase the amount of oil available to the automotive industry, ergo, lowering the price.

But from where would the nation find it's power? Coal. Coal and natural gas, of which both were existant in Central Europe. Coal especially was now going to be over-harvested. Hundreds of tons per day would be torn out of the earth and thrown into processing factories. An expensive proposition some say... however with labor costs being nill, the problem was solved. Tens of thousands of political and criminal prisoners are being torn out of their cells and thrown into the pits of coal. They are forced to work, or they are killed. "This is a time of crises.", says Arkan, "Everyone, including the degenerate filth that rots in our jails will do their part." And you can believe there are an excess of criminals in the nation. After the last great 'Purge', over 185,000 men and women were thrown into internment camps, simply due to the lack of prisons.

There are also to be a 45 wave-powered turbines set up along the Mediterranean Sea, producing some 12,000 megawats of power per year. These massive coastal turbines are to be placed along the coasts of Croatia and Slovenia, in low-tourist areas, and hooked up to much of the Adriatic seaboard to ease the demand on coal and natural gas.

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Example Coal Mine

Finally there is the issue of increased oil production. The Union had none, and needed much. Synthetic Oil Plants, remeniscent of those built by Nazi Germany in WWII, were to be built on a large scale. The Fischer-Tropsch process was the way this would be completed. The method involves converting high ash coal into synthetic oil in a multi-stage process. Ideally, a ton of coal produces nearly 200 liters (1.25 bbl, 52 US gallons) of crude, with by-products ranging from tar to rare chemicals. The Balkans were rich in coal, as was most of the Union. Four massive Synthetic Oil Plants were established throughout Bosnia and Croatia, with the fuel for these products (coal), coming from various forced labor camps throughout the region. Tens of thousands of convicts and prisoners are being transported from all around the Union to meet the labor demands of the project. The coal shall be shipped in massive amounts, and rapidly transformed into oil to meet domestic demands. Between the twelve massive plants to be established, and the various coal mines set up, the plants should create 2.1 million bbl's per day alone, halfing the national foriegn demand.

Breaking News

The Government of Donaghadee today annouced that the military will be developing a missile defense system with the priority on Nuclear Defense. More Details will come in the next few weeks

Arkan Issues the October Resolution

The Union of Greater Europe has long, long believed that the nation of the Czech Republic is a province in rebellion, and has never recognized it's independence. The people of the Union have long thought it a gross injustice that they be separated from their Slavic brethren, and have tried time and time again to unify with the Czechs. However up until now... all has been in vain. The Czech Republic has resisted, and now the Union is ready to unify by force.

The October Resolution, released by the Commissar's Office yesterday afternoon stated that by October 31st, the Czech Republic will be completely annexed to the Union, and the last of the rebel resistance would be crushed under the boot of the Union Army. It also decreed that all Czech citizens are to become full citizens of the Union, and that all those whom need employment, aid, or medical supplies, would recieve it. It also stated that those whom resisted the unification would be erased from the history of Europe, as would all of their friends, and family. It was a message that offered hope, however there was a strong underlying threat... should you cross us, we will make you, and everyone you know suffer.

Arkan delivered this statement shortly after the October Resolution was released. "People of the Union, the time has come to finally reunite with our great brethren to the west! Our Czech allies who have for so long remained isolated by that putrid government in Prague... those foriegn dogs who keep up a wall of separation between us. It is time we march to Prague, tear down the oppressive regime of dictators and tyrants, and embrace our brethren!"

48 Hours Before

110,000 soldiers began moving to the Czech border. 110,000 men mounted in over 200 BTR-50's, 500 BTR-70's, 600 BMP-1's, 200 HMMWV's, and 2,000 large transport trucks. Thousands however simply caught rides by sitting atop of tanks, as over 800 T-55's and 350 T-72A's moved north. Moving under cover of darkness, and during the daylight, using rural areas and posing as if they were training, this massive army positioned itself along the Czech border. The object of the secrecy was to give the Czechs as little time to prepare as possible, so that when the first bombs started falling, the enemy had no idea what was happening. Arkan wanted absolute surprise, he wanted the enemy out of place and ill-prepared, so the entire movement, which only took two days due to the high-level of normal activity in the country, was in general, invisible.

http://www.army.mod.uk/img/101regtrav/t72m1.jpg
T-72A Enroute

Forces Deployed to the Czech Border
Current Strength.
110,000 Combat Personel
230,000 Logistical Personel

Tanks.
T-72A Battle Tank [350]
T-55 Battle Tank [850]
M-84 Battle Tank [25]
M-95 Degman [10]

Armored Personel Carriers.
BTR-50 [200]
BTR-70 [500]
BRDM-2 [50]
BMP-1 [600]
M113 [110]
BOV M-86 [52]

Artillery.
M-63 "Plamen" [50]
BM-21 Grad [500]
122mm Heavy Mortars [160]
(122mm / 130mm / 152mm) Towed Artillery Pieces [900]
M-87 "Orkan [62]
2S1 Gvozdika [142]
88mm Mortars [600]
152mm DANA [80]

Air Defense.
SA-7 [500]
SA-13 [75]
SA-18 [100]
SA-14 [200]
SA-16 [100]
Bofors 40 mm gun L/70 [150]
ZU-23-2 [128]
GIRAFFE Radar [7]

Helicopters.
Mil Mi-8 Transport Helicopter [50]
Mil Mi-24 Assault Helicopter [40]

Aircraft.
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 [50]
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 [60]
Harbin H-5 Light Bomber [2]
G-4 Super Galebs. [50]
Su-22 [10]
Su-24 [5]

2:22 AM - Early Morning Before October Resolution Was Passed

The artillery batteries set up along the Slovak-Czech border were massive in strength, with over 300 BM-21 122mm MLRS Systems set up and ready to fire. They stood alongside over 450 155mm Towed Guns which had been deployed and positioned along a multi-mile front of the border. Finally there were 50 152mm DANA Artillery Guns which had been placed throughout the batteries, to add precision targeting of their oh-so-many targets. This large battery (or actually multiple batteries along the border) had many targets which had been aquired over the last several months. The targets? Military installations and bases across the Eastern portion of the Czech Republic. Everything within forty miles of the Slovak-Czech border was going to be in serious pain.

And it all began at once. Long before any sign of war was given, 300 BM-21's unleashed 1,200 122mm High Explosive Rockets. These 2,000 rockets were fired at airfields, military bases, SAM Sites, defensive positions, military warehouses and every other type of military installation imaginable. The goal was to first and foremost destroy all Czech defenses and military capabilities in the East, so that when the Union Forces began moving in, it was in all terms of the word, a cake walk. The 450 155mm Guns would then open up, showering the same targets with high explosive shells, simply making sure that the enemy had no means of defending itself, this wave however focused on air fields and anti-aircraft installations. Finally came the 50 DANA Self-Propelled Artillery Systems. These 50, high-precision weapons would fire 152mm High Explosive shells at power plants, radar stations, communication towers, fuel and ammo dumps and all other sorts of logistic necessities.

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BM-21 Batteries

But this was only the begining...

6 Hours Later - Direct Message to the Czech Government

We demand you immidiate unconditional surrender, which will result in the annexation of your nation to the Union of Greater Europe. Until such a surrender is signed, we shall be at a state of war.

-Ministry of Foriegn Affairs

[I will make a separate thread]

Crown Prince Jairus Announces Development Plan

Earlier today the Prime Minister, Crown Prince Jairus, and his cabinet announced their ten-year Northern Africa Development Plan to modernize the HKNA. The NADP calls for an increase in government spending to create new infrastructure throughout the Kingdom. Bureaucrats will be sent out from Casablanca to oversee the plan in all corners of the nation. In addition to internal spending, the government will increase its investments in research and development in essential technological areas. Prince Jairus said that foreign experts the world over will be offered lucrative contracts and jobs to help the Kingdom build a native knowledge foundation. The Ministry of the Economy predicts that yearly economic growth of twelve to fifteen percent should be attainable for the ten year lifespan of NADP.

Pacifican News

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Space Program, Associate Membership and More


As the Pacifican Sphere transforms into a general state of strength and security, the NIR, Dominion, and Kampfers continue to move into the future, paving the global Order.

A joint space program, financed and researched primarily by Dominion corporations but taking place mostly in and around the space complex of Baikonur in the NIR is moving forward at a rapid pace. The island of Guam in the Pacific has been targeted by Kampferian military for expansion, but it is being bracketed by the Pacific science community as a potential location for the first construct of the future into the next frontier. Guam, in a relatively calm spot in the Pacific generally avoided by major tidal or climactic movement, could become the future spot for, some time down the road, the first Pacific Space Elevator. Details on how this would work are sketchy, but scientists have made remarks about using a counterweight on the end of the elevator to utilize centripetal force through the Earth's own motion to keep a carbon nanotube ribbon taught, on which a laser-boosted cabin could be propelled from the ocean to space.

Other space programs going on regarding the NPO are both satellite power farms and at least one space station. Details once more are sketchy, but research continues to go down at Baikonur regarding such projects, with Pacific physicists, engineers, and astronomers hard at work.

In other Pacific news, the nation of Vanek Drury Brieres-controlling the very important canal linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans-has been admitted as an associate member into the New Pacific Order. The VDB will be required to donate a 20% military contingent into the Order's military force-the Legion-but will recieve all economic and defensive benefits of the Order, albeit without the leadership ability of full membership. It is hoped that an influx of Order investments and corporate money will drive up the standard of living in the VDB.

New Naval Designs for the Imperium Navy

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Elpidio Military Tech announces today the new designs for a guided missile destroyer and a new Carrier design for the Imperium navy. The first design for the destroyer is to be named the Imperium Class DDG and is to be equipped with 8 Harpoon Missile launchers, 90 ELVS (Elpidio Launch Vertical System) Cells, 2 Elpidio 20mm Close in Chain Gun, 1 5" gun mount, and 8 EV22 Torpedo Tubes. This ship will be the capital ship of the Brazilian navy.

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The second design is that of the Rio Class Aircraft Carrier. The carrier will carry up to 40 Aircraft and Helicopters. It will be armed with 20 ELVS (Elpidio Launch Vertical System) Cells, and 4 Elpidio 20mm close in Chain Gun. This carrier will be the spear head of the Brazilian navy.

The Brazilian Navy plans to build 25 Imperium Class DDGs in its first batch. 5 to be commissioned late 2008, 5 to be commissioned mid to late 2009, 10 to be commissioned late 2010, and 5 to be commissioned mid to late 2011. 5 Rio class carriers are scheduled to be built. The First the IBS-Rio to be commissioned in early 2009, the Second IBS-Brazil in early 2010, the 3rd and 4th to be commissioned late 2011, and the 5th early 2012.

Willink negotiates massives arms deal with Scandinavia, Australia

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JAS 39 E and F aircraft, among The Iberian Empire's new purchases.

In an unexpected move today, the Ministry of Defense announced a staggering hardware deal with The Scandinavian Republic of Jaredcohenia, which included the announcement of the procurement of over 200 fighter aircraft and license production rights to the Naval Strike Missile, a next-generation stealthy anti-shipping missile being jointly developed by the nations of Jaredcohenia and Australia.

The first announced purchase was that of some two hundred seventy-five (275) Gripen fighter aircraft. The JAS 39 E and F, the brand new model offered by SAAB were announced to be the purchased craft, rather than the C/D models as expected. The E and F, single and two seated respectively, are the newest models of the Gripen, and SAAB has disclosed that the Iberian Empire would be the first export nation to adopt the variant, which sports dozens of additional features.

The Gripens were purchased as a much needed replacement for the Iberian Empire's EF-18 Hornets, which are currently set to be sold to the Mexican Air force. A source within the MoD has suggested that the Gripens will incorporate be incorporated into the new Network-centric warfare (NCW) military doctrine of the Iberian air force, which includes the installation of numerous new RADAR sites and an extremely advanced information sharing system.

Following the announced purchase of Gripen airframes, the MoD revealed that it had purchased Domestic Production rights for the Naval Strike Missile; a joint Jaredcohenian-Australian next generation anti-ship and land attack missile. The weapon incorporates the latest technologies, including a stealthy design and advanced terrain hugging guidance among other things, and can be fired from fixed wing aircraft, warships, helicopters, and mobile land-based launchers. With a price tag of some 800 million USD, the purchase is expected to greatly enhance the Iberian Empire Air Force's ability to counter enemy seaborne and land threats.

This was just the beginning however. Following the NSM contract, a MoD official announced that Willink had finalized a deal with Australia to facilitate the purchase of 6 Boeing Wedgetail AEW AWACS aircraft to incorporate into the new NCW doctrine adopted by the air force.

With the adoption of airborne early warning aircraft, the Iberian Empire Air force will be able to "greatly enhance it's ability's to utterly dominate a countermeasure heavy-environment in aerial warfare." according to a source close to the Ministry of Defense.

Also announced was the purchase of two additional Buque de Proyección Estratégica V/STOL Aircraft Carrier/amphibious assault vessel by The Australian Government. This will bring the total number under construction up to four. This comes following an information leak that suggested that the Iberian Empire had laid down ten nuclear attack submarines for adoption into the Armada by 2010. It is expected that the government will make an announcement about the procurement of submarines in following days.

Kampfers to Build Factories in Kanisov

Capitalizing on the good relations with Kanisov, Kampfers recently signed a free trade agreement with their southern neighbors. Ever since this has happened, large corporations have been shipping jobs just across the border. This has angered some of the populace, but in reality the only people who have lost their jobs so far are the illegal immigrants.

The latest companies to follow this growing trend are Chrysler Defense and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Over the border, it has been reported that workers have 12 hour shifts and get paid 4-5 dollars an hour. This has lead to massive amounts of jobs being created for the unemployed populace, but it is safe to say that all of the world might not be pleased by this ploy.

The Kampferian government has actually urged many of its defense contractors to create factories in Kanisov. They are able to mass produce goods rather quickly, even if the worksmanship is a bit lacking. Most defense contractors have kept their original factories in the US, creating higher quality products, but have also started factories in Kanisov to mass produce. It has been rumoured that Chrysler Defense has 3 new factories up and running in Kanisov and they are now pumping out M1A2 Abrams MBT's with all possible speed.

The Kanisovian government was unavailable for comment, but a highly trusted insider said that the government would most likely overlook the new factories as they brought jobs to the people and raised their GDP.

The Kampferian government was also unavailable for comment, and it is suspected that they will remain so about this issue as it could anger other pro-human rights nations.

THE FRANCO HEADLINER
Bringing The News Reports From Around The Confederationhttp://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3585/naplogocopysa3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Former US Aircraft Carrier Sails Proudly Into Port

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The new Cherbourg aircraft carrier welcomes itself to the Franco Confederate Navy

The USS John F. Kennedy, named after the charismatic ex-US President hit the port of Cherbourg today, proudly flying the Franco Confederation flag in all its glory. Much like the Statue of Liberty many years ago, this is a present this time from Kampfers to Franco, though not one that came for free. It cost at some $10.61 billion was to some “wildly overpriced” at a few billion less than three times it’s predicted value. However, the Minister for Defence, Jules Facet dismissed the talk that it was not worth the value. In a statement he said “the threats we face now are just as bad as the ones we could face in the future. Our current plans for a further two nuclear aircraft carriers created ourselves will see a completed product years away. By buying this capable ship from the Kampfers we have assured that the Franco Confederation has the military power in the seas to protect itself from perceived threats.”

When asked whether Kampfers could be one of those threats he simply said “that is up to Kampfers. Currently, we are pleased with our friends across the Alantic due to their recent sale of this naval masterpiece.” Small celebrations, mostly of military personal, greeted the ships arrival at port. Its new name will be the Cherbourg, named after its first port. Before it can be prepared for military action, it is being tested and re-decorated. The Ministry of Defence have comfirmed that Charles de Gaulle (R91), one of the few nuclear powered aircraft carriers in the world – Franco has two nuclear powered carriers - may take up a new station in Singapore in the coming months.

SAR Purchases New Carrier
Carrier to be used in ongoing counter-insurgency operations

The Southeast Asian Republican has purchased the HMS Invincible from the United Kingdom. The Invincible had been sitting in storage for several years while her fate was decided. President Guillermo said in a news conference earlier than the Invincible, her new name as of yet unknown, would be used as part of ongoing counter-insurgency (COIN) operations in remote areas of Indonesia where it proves to be more effective than traditional, land-based aircraft. The President also announced that one of the conditions of the sale was that the SAR petition to join the European Community as an associate member, becoming the first nation in Southeast Asia to do so. The President said that while this was one of the conditions of the sale, it would also prove to be a great boost to the S.A.R.'s economy as well as usher in more trades of this sort.

At this time the SAR has a limited number of helicopters that could operate from the Invincible and zero fixed wing aircraft, to remedy this the President announced a competition to choose a new STVOL aircraft to be used as the flight wing on board the Invincible. A deal is also in the works to bring in multiple ships from the Americans as well as several helicopters, some of which will be placed on the Invincible, all of which will also be used in COIN operations throughout Southeast Asia.

President Ravioli announced that BHR will begin Ethanol production in January of 2008. "This will bring many opportunities to BHR as well as Distiller's grains for animal and human consumption." BHR has nationalized sugarcane and corn production to allow for this project. Sugarcane production is at 2,180,000 tons; sweet potatoes, 520,000 tons; corn, 181,000 tons. This puts ethanol production at over 57,620 tons of ethanol.

FNN News

Carriers Announcing New Destinations Soon

All four of the Federation's civilian air fleets have announced that they are now open and ready for business all over the world. The four airlines are:

Federation Airlines, which consists of a total of 71 aircraft capable of carrying almost 11,700 passengers all over the world. The center of this airline is formed by the four Boeing 747-400s.

Phoenix Air, which consists of 60 planes capable of carrying almost 13,300 passengers. The jewels of this fleet are their three 747-200Bs, and their twelve 787-8s.

JetSky Airways, consisting of 59 aircraft capable of carrying almost 10,800 passengers. A single 747-469 is the most recognizable plane in this fleet, though JetSky is a low-cost airline which offers leather seats in each of its forty Airbus A320-200s.

Blue Wonder Airways, consisting of 30 planes and carrying nearly 5,000 passengers. Two 747SPs make this fleet recognizable, though three Ilyushin II-96 models are also notable.

Negotiations can be conducted with the CEOs of the companies themselves. (OOC: Just make a post in my factbook about it)

WTN Evening Report

"...The crisis is the Czech Republic grows ever worse as more nations throw themselves into combat and begin promising assistance against either side. It seems as though the war could dragged on despite the early interviews with Dr. Lutz that predicted a mediated peace treaty. The Chancellor held a special meeting of Parliament to create an official stand point on the matter. It has been in session for ten hours and no news has come out. Although we understand many of the Albanian delegates are holding up granting Waldenburg's approval to the invasion through blood and iron speeches in the speakers chair. It is unexpected Parliament will draw us further in then we were before.

On the lighter side of the news the Opplant Group continues to rise as a bumper crop of Poppy is being harvested in Anatolia. Lady Opplant, the chairmen of the fund continued to praise the efforts of her freighters who she says "does all the real work." Shares are up in the company by 12.84 Florins, even with the news of the riots in Ibblesguard. It is expected that the Poppy will be bought up quickly for the manufacture of morphine and other medicines for the crisis in Central Europe. On that note the Opplant group has after long debates with the Admiralty been allowed to open the first commercial naval force, as Lady Opplant herself purchased to Athens Class Missile Boats from the government, which she assures us will protect our investments in Waldneburg.

One last note before we break, Lord Terrance Opplant, Grand Admiral of the Republic's fleets, along with the naval construction board is now looking for a cruiser, or similar ship to act as flagship for the Republic's fleet. The Admiralty has yet to comment but it is likely to be built foreignly. Though if any of our viewers have any extra cruiser make sure to ring the admiralty. Ahhh... Well see you after the break."

WTN

OOC Anyone interested in selling a cruiser or something flagshipish let me know, or I'll just go looking for one.

FNN News

Due to increased tensions in Europe to the north of the Federation, Supreme Military Commander, Allied-General Carson McClain announced today that the current DEFCON level was raised from Level 5 (peacetime readiness) to Level 4, as the standing army will be mobilizing and air defense systems will be deployed and armed. Additionally, CAPs will be flown over northern Federation territory continuously, while the FNS Dauntless (FFG 1), and a small task force consisting of the Failsafe, Ultimate, Hard Times, Black Friar, Solution, and Predator will be deployed just outside Federation territorial waters in the Mediterranean.

In a statement today, Allied-General McClain said, "This is not a provocative maneuver, this is not an aggressive maneuver. This is purely for the safety of our citizens and the sovereignty of our Federation. Any hostilities towards the Federation will be met with the swiftest and harshest of retaliations."

OOC: This is after I have taken Greenland, although I essentially have now.

IC:

All Sorts of Interesting Tidbits!

The latest version of the Kampferian budget was released today, and noticable new chunks were missing and noted as classified use. Rumour has it that this may be allocated for several classified military projects, and other rumours believe it to be allocated for use by friendly governments and rebels.

Also, new prisons are being constructed in Greenland. These are to relieve the massive strains on the current Kampferian prison system. Rumours abound at the conditions of these prisons, ranging from normal prisons to labor camps.

Drilling has begun in Alaska for oil. This should relieve some of Kampfer's dependacy on middle eastern oil. Previously, enviormentalists had prevented artic drilling, but today marks a great day where Kampfers takes a step foward to givng the bird to those foolish people.

Construction has also begun on a military base of an undisclosed size, presumably housing several radar installations as well as missile interceptors. It should also service as a refueling point for Kampferian ships en route to the far north.

Kansiovian Military Reforms!

About 10,000 Troops, the toughest in their unit are selected to join the 1st Waffen SS Division. This will be the main elite force of the army (not including the Special Forces military branch). The Kansiovian military will be also show casing their newly bought F-15/Es into the "Revolution Day" Parade.

The Neo-Prussian Parliamentary Republic of Kampfers has invested tons of industry in Kansiov last week, military goods roll out of Kansiov, but details of the military goods built in Kansiov to the Kamperian State remains a secret.

Statment from the Royal Airways of Donaghadee

The RAD is looking for destinations around the world, we have 150 Aeroplanes in our Passenger Fleet. Why Chose RAD, well it is Donaghadee's largest airline, we have over 30 years experience and we have very high safety standards and quaility standards as well

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Rio Times Artical

Imperium Wishes to Increase Forgin Trade

Today President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced and increase in foreign trade. "This step is to strengthen our economy and relations with other nations." he said as he gave his speech to the press from the Ministry building. The Imperium plans to export goods to other nations in Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia and America while importing goods from other nations. This will build and strengthen the economy of the Imperium bringing new jobs and goods to the States. The First step is to begin signing trade agreements with other nations. Nations will be contacted about this.

Raymond Schmidt, New Brittonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, would like to discuss the Greenlandic issue somewhere inside Kampferian territory, either in Greenland or somewhere else.

EMPEROR ABDICATES THE THRONE

Rio Times Issue 194.

A surprising and shocking announcement today from the Imperial Palace. Emperor Avondale the IV announced that he will abdicate the throne of the Imperium of Brazil. This will be the first time in 85 years Brazil hasn’t had an Emperor. His final wish as Emperor of the Imperium was that Brazil would become a democracy. Emergency elections are to be held 1 week from now across the Former Imperium. 5 candidates are campaigning for the seat of President. Bahia Senator Rui Aloisio, Bolivian Businessman Moisés Nacio, Paraguan Senator Anastasio Ferdinando, Brazilian Banker Cristoforo Marcellino, and Elpidio Military Tech CEO Samuel Esmé. This is a new day for the Republic of Brazil.

The Sovereign Empire of Australia Changes it's named to The Armed Capitalist Republic of The Silver Sky.


[OOC: Forgot we had to have our NS nation names.]

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=533653

New link to South East Asian Economic Conference.

Let me guess, you're still excluding all of Southeast Asia?

I say that all of the Southeast Asian nations should just gatecrash the party or something. Not that i'm a Southeast Asian nation, but i'm just sayin'...

I have Singapore...though I'm not sure if they'd be too happy about having colonial powers attending :p It is quite a confusing name however, considering both countries aren't exactly what most would class as Southeast Asia.

OOC: For a second I forgot this was an IC thread, sorry.

BHR Looking for standard rifle.
President Ravioli announced that BHR would be intrested and or invest in standard rifles,tanks,and troop transports. Bids due by January 2008.

BHR Ammunition Factory
BHR has opened a new factory that covers 150 acres. The factory is looking for investors. Also, the factory will adapt to make ammunition of any kind.

Raymond Schmidt, New Brittonian Minister of Foreign Affairs, would like to discuss the Greenlandic issue somewhere inside Kampferian territory, either in Greenland or somewhere else.

Kampfers sees no need to discuss this issue. It is ours now, plain and simple. Even you recognize that when you say in Kampferian territory, either in greenland... Any attempt to retake this land will mean that we will have to use military force to further waste your sorry scrap of a nation.

Fuhrer Richtoff

OOC: pwned :P

Kampfers sees no need to discuss this issue. It is ours now, plain and simple. Even you recognize that when you say in Kampferian territory, either in greenland... Any attempt to retake this land will mean that we will have to use military force to further waste your sorry scrap of a nation.

Fuhrer Richtoff

OOC: pwned :P

There are still important things that we need to discuss.

Signed,
Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Brittonia
Raymond Schmidt

Brazilian Navy Commissions IBS-Tomás Fábio (ex- USS-Midway)

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Rio Times Issue 169.

The Brazilian Navy today has just took delivery of the IBS- Tomás Fábio EX- USS Midway CV-41. This ship was commissioned in 1945 and decommissioned by the US navy in 1992. Never the less the Brazilian navy is planning to refit the carrier with the latest equipment and make it top of the line. The list of refits is as follows. A new engine, Sensors. Command and communications equipment, weapons systems, radar, catapults, elevators, and a repair and cleaning of the ships hull. When the 3 month refit is done the ships specifications will be as follows.

Displacement: 62,000 tons full load
Length: 979 feet
Beam:121 feet
Flight Deck Width: 238 feet
Speed: 34-plus knots
Power Plant: 8 Steam Boilers
Aircraft: Approximately 65
Armament: 4 Sea Sparrow missile launchers
8 Elpidio 20mm Close in Chain Gun
Combat Systems:
EWS-8B 3-D air search radar
EWS-8A 2-D air search radar
3 EWS2 Fire Control
EWS-55A(V)2 active jamming/deception
EWS-90C(V)4 ESM
EWS-11D Navigation Radar

Complement: 2,533 ship's company; 2,239 in air wing

There are still important things that we need to discuss.

Signed,
Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Brittonia
Raymond Schmidt

Fine, we will agree to have a conference. It will be in Port Yorkbere.

Sincerely,
Fuhrer Richtoff

OOC: You make the thread, im lazy.

WTN Business News

"The strike continues into it's thirtieth day certainly with no end it sight, Lady Mezziro has already called in her 3rd Heavy Infantry who are prepared to storm the compound and retake the cotton stores. Mezziro Group although suffering from this still earned a quarterly profit above it's expected quota. The company has announced it's mass transit policy for the city of Ibblestern which shall be the test pilot for the program. And here are today's closing stock prices.

Opplant Group: 367.93 IF Class A Share
Ayyorl Shipping: 98.14 IF Class A Share
Brinstoke Automotive: 99.01 IF Class A Share
Mezziro Group: 176.59 IF Class A Share
Princeton Avionics: 13.75 IF Class A Share
Kellor-Walehousen Motorworks: 210.74 IF Class A Share
Cleadwinger Agricultural: 317.64 IF Class A Share

Not much to say seeing the Opplant Group leading the board again of big earners, especially with it's announcement of modernization. Yes that's right Lady Opplant has just announced that 9.9 Billion Florins will be expended for the upgrade and modernization of her shipyards.

Lady Opplant said this at her opening address of Conveyor 1 Opplant Shipyards today: "...Do not be afraid however this investment will only mean two things higher wages and more workers. With the speed at which we plan to build they won't even see our fingers blur. If you've had enough bluster then let actions speak this is the first of twenty seven automated assembly lines from which we can pour steel and have it cooled in under an hour. This line will be dedicated to the construction of rivets and fixings for our ships. It is capable of pumping out over one hundred thousand an hour enough to build four Athens class missile boats. In fact in a years time when the construction is reaching it's final stages we will be able to produce a missile boat's superstructure in one day. The engines in a week and have it role of the assembly line ready for final touches in two weeks.

As for more practical shipping we can have a 500 foot bulk container ship ready for painting in under six weeks, This will truley be a modern age for Waldenburg. Although we may run low on funding this year so we encourage everyone to get in on this while they can." With that she pressed the start button and the impressive sounds of machinery clanked to life. Lady Opplant was however a little enthusiastic is here estimate of capacity as the line only produced 63,000 in the alloted hour although she said she would work out the kinks soon."

Thank you Abris and now back to your regularly scheduled news."

WTN

I suppose this should go here too, with some IC filler:
*Note: heavy on propopganda and lies, many embelished details*
Roughly started the Hurtian Civil war
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=534295

Not quite "IC ready" though

HNN: (Hurtian News network):

"Today, we bring with great sadness, that Minister of Foriegn Affars, Barney S. Gumbal, is now dead.

Earlier this week, he attempted to overthrow the great all knowing Leader Milo from power, however, being all knowing, Milo had laid a trap for Gumbal, captured him, and had him executed earlier today.

To replace this calm and caring leader, we are being informed that a man called 'Donnovan' is being appointed the role as MoFA, all we know of this person is that he is also the head of CHIA, and rumurs of a 'secret army' that rivals even the mighty HOI is also under his control, though we cannot confirm any of this.

The HLCU has declared war upon 'The tyrant dictator' that we all know and love as "Leader Milo", and a representitive has asked us to re-title the legitamate HLCU as a terrorist cult, the Hutrian Civil Liberties Militia. Milo gave no comment, and we failed to get a hold of the new MoFA, so we went to our leader of domestic military control, HOI general Mendez, who had this to say:

"Burn them all, just a few more bodies for the fire"

Afterwards he shot the cameraman "for being a terrorist spy".

Mass bloodletting in the central city of Kindu continue today, as Orange cultists see this as the begining of the end, and in order to avert it, are killing as many non-believers as possable, Mendez noted among other things, that this would make his job much easier in the long run.

In Evale, The Five Points, again, raided another military convoy, killing 85 of the 150 HOI mercenaries, and then instructed them to march blindfolded into Luanda, they however, never made it, as they walked in circles in the desert until they died of exhaustion.

Milo is now calling this a 'time of emergency' and has declared martial law and a strict curfew throughout the country, he advises ambassadors to stay in their embassies at all times and that all tourists leave immediately.

This is Patrick O'Connel of the Hutrian News Network, we hope you enjoyed this broadcast, good luck, and goodnight."

(OOC: hey... that didn't lok too bad, maybe I shoulda put that on the thread...)

OOC Note: Updated the front page with what I think are all the links to current IC actions in the world of significant importance...

BHR Looking for standard rifle.
President Ravioli announced that BHR would be intrested and or invest in standard rifles,tanks,and troop transports. Bids due by January 2008.

BHR Ammunition Factory
BHR has opened a new factory that covers 150 acres. The factory is looking for investors. Also, the factory will adapt to make ammunition of any kind.

"Commonwealth National Arms", is willing to invest to $3 Billion dollars in the new factory, and sign a new contract of buying ammunition when the factory is ready to sell products.

(we would need bullets for our army rifle, XM29.)

"Commonwealth National Arms", is willing to invest to $3 Billion dollars in the new factory, and sign a new contract of buying ammunition when the factory is ready to sell products.

(we would need bullets for our army rifle, XM29.)

To: Commonwealth National Arms
From: BHR

Our ammunition factory would be pleased to sign a contract under the following conditions.

1) Goods may be refused to certain countries.
2) We are not obligated to produce for anyone.
3) Cash and carry.

That is all for now. Also how much ammo do you want?

this is currently on hold as i am switching nation from my already-occupied territories to Sri-Lanka, i may inform you later (which is in few minutes).

BHR Looking for standard rifle.
President Ravioli announced that BHR would be intrested and or invest in standard rifles,tanks,and troop transports. Bids due by January 2008.


We are willing to provide you with the OZ-92 Pistol and Type 95 Bulip Assault Rifle. Simply and apropriate Amunition; Please state how many you require and we can begin production.

To: Anamaria
From: BHR

We would need 13,500 of each.

Drosk News

Today election results are being announced all over Droskianishk. President Shedar has been re-elected to lead Droskianishk for anothr 6 years! Now the nation has only a year before thiings will really begin to gear up for its Parliamentary elections! Currently the Peoples Party of Droskianishk holds the majority though know one could tell for sure who will win the elections. It is expected that Shedar may attempt to annex Sri Lanka to the south.

VDB GOVERNMENT MAKING MILITARY BOOST

A Breaking Story from VDB National News

GRANDERSONVILLE, VDB-Today, the government of the VDB decided to implement a new policy regarding the military. The military of the VDB is weak- 57,000 men with about 50 airplanes. The government will make new advertising for the military supposedly raising the military to the most the government believes they can raise it to-500,000. It involves TV advertising, Internet advertising, a new Draft of the VDB, and minor conscription of males and females age 20-30, making them have 5 tours of duty, with breaks inbetween. This is expected to take a year (NS, RL isn't that 12 days?) This started in January 2008. There is expected to be 36,916 soldiers joining a month.

Also, the VDB is accepting offers for arms deals, particularily Navy and Air Force. Please write to them for more info.

OOC: 1 month has gone.

VDB GOVERNMENT MAKING MILITARY BOOST

A Breaking Story from VDB National News

GRANDERSONVILLE, VDB-Today, the government of the VDB decided to implement a new policy regarding the military. The military of the VDB is weak- 57,000 men with about 50 airplanes. The government will make new advertising for the military supposedly raising the military to the most the government believes they can raise it to-652,571. It involves TV advertising, Internet advertising, a new Draft of the VDB, and minor conscription of males and females age 20-30, making them have 5 tours of duty, with breaks inbetween.

Also, the VDB is accepting offers for arms deals, particularily Navy and Air Force. Please write to them for more info.

OOC: I think if you want to times your military by more than ten you have to be prepared to a) do more than advertising and minor conscription surely, as you are increasing it to around 6% of your population - and secondly prepared for bad economic problems surely. Why do you want it so high, what size of a military do you think Honduras have!? :p

Bumps

[snip off IC]
Linky:
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=534295

"Opplant shipping is again making a unexpected move again, it has brought it's Regiments to full strength. This marks yet another strange move for the Lady Opplant who recently approved the relief efforts to North Korea at no apparent profit to herself. Approximately 30,000 of her troops have been brought to arms and are holding ground outside Blünderburg, along with the Regiments of the Duke of Ayyorl, Charles Harzen, and Melissa Saxgrieben. This brings the total number of troops to nearly 60,000 heavily armed men outside our capital. The Chancellor visited Opplant Headquarters, and was told that a "police action may take place in the future. And if not it is always good to stretch your legs."

The Competitors of Opplant Group, The Mayer Consortium have also responded by bringing their Adriatic Armies, nearly 80,000 men, to arms in Albania. What began as stretching their legs ended in a "I can throw a rock further then you" session. Hundreds of petty lords up and down the Empire are raising their regiments and sending detachments to, as Lord Ralz put it, "Find, what the bloody hell is going on." It is estimated that nearly 700,000 men will be "stretching their legs" within two months. The Chancellor naturally said that this police action was completely useless and the regiments should disband for the time being. Again in response the Parliamentary army was put on alert. Only one thing is different about our capital from a war zone, business is still running."

WTN Evening News

Lu-7 and Lu-13 Go into Production.
http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/52/interceptorpg5.png
A Lu-7 in the old Granatian Camo

After years of development and testing, the Lu-7 Multi-role fighter is finally being put into production. The Fighter, which includes some of the most advanced avionics and radar known to man, is currently going to replace most of the Su-24s in the Granatian Air Force, even though there role is one of Strike not multi-role. The heavily upgraded MiG-21 LanceRs have shown to be just as capable as the Su-24s in that role, for a fraction of the cost. Currently the Lu-7 will be complementing the Su-27s as the main fighter for the Republican Monarchy, atleast until there are enough Lu-7s for it to be number one. Reports suggest that upwards of 150 are being built, possibly 200.

Also today, after a year of testing, the An-22 variant called the Lu-13 is ready for production/modification. The Lu-13 is a gunship, designed much in the same model as the American AC-130, taking an existing transport plane and modifying it to hurl lead at the enemy. The Lu-13 is a modular aircraft, allowing for modification of the onboard weaponry rather quickly compared to the AC-130 and it can use a 152/155mm Howitzer, which is alot larger compared to the American AC-130, which uses a 105mm at the highest. Rumors suggest that 1 maybe produced every year at the most with 2 more being modified into Lu-13s.

Antonov, the creator of both the Lu-13 and the Lu-7, has announced that both have been cleared for export to certain nations. Other then that it is business as usual for Antonov.

OOC: I think if you want to times your military by more than ten you have to be prepared to a) do more than advertising and minor conscription surely, as you are increasing it to around 6% of your population - and secondly prepared for bad economic problems surely. Why do you want it so high, what size of a military do you think Honduras have!?

OOC: What if you attack me? And actually, I can't find any info on Honduras's army, but I'm not only worried about them.

Economic Reform On the up
By Andrea Grey

With the new economic reforms coming into effect 2007 saw the national product rise sixty percent over its 2006 levels bringing the GDP up to Five Point five Trillion Universal Standard Dollars. And this is expected to multiple several times over the next few years as Minimum wage laws come into effect and heavy penalties on those that use 'sweatshop' or child labour will enforce adherence to the minimum wage laws.

All Major Cities also now have a well establish and legal Red Light District where Prostitution is legalised and indeed taxed after government passed legislation on Brothel Licensing. Professional Sex Workers are also required to undergo strict medical checks once a week to ensure safety of both themselves and clients from STD's; the use of Condoms is also advised though not heavily enforced. This legislation has given rise to a number or unique establishments such as Soap Lands similar to Turkish baths, Pink Salons, Love Hotels; Erotic Massage Parlours and Private Health Clubs with Adult Industry takings last year coming to $35 Billion Universal Standard Dollars. Automated Condom Machines are also present on street corners; in every public toilet and in chemists in an effort to promote safe Sex and reduce HIV infection. Sex Education is also compulsory in all public schools across the country with the exception being privately run religious schools of which there are few

Christian and Islamic Leaders have deplored the legalisation and indeed Government endorsement of the sex trade as a decay in our moral society but no one is really listening. To quote one unnamed government official - "people are having fun and no ones getting hurt; its cleaner and safer now than it ever has been. It still went on it was just underground now its on the surface we can control what goes on" as she was escorted to an office party by two lovely tall leggy blonde women

60% in one year?

OOC:
I already Pre-cleared this with AB; and I've Rped widespread Economic reforms

I'm editing my army raisement post. And, 1 of the months have happened.