NationStates Jolt Archive

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President Reid retires from office
Vice-President Castle inaugurated at Ebon Tor in ceremony

Magna Casa, Aequatius Prime - It was announced today in the capital that Holden Reid would retire from the office of president and public life due to degrading health in the past three months. As per the usual procedures, Vice-President Alexis Castle was sworn in as the Republic's new head of state in a ceremony at the Ebon Tor before she made a speech to the National Senate, declaring her intentions for her term as president.

Castle outlined her foreign policy doctrine to the country and the world, the first point being the desire of the nation to leave the New Alliance Treaty Organization's political and military structure and joining the Nuclear Commonwealth, stating that such an allegeance offered Aequatio's economic and strategic interests within Haven "a much more stable and secure future" after she led talks in secret with No Endorse's Atal Amner in cooperation with President Reid before he retired.

The second point in the "Castle Doctrine" stated that the Republic would be directed in the pursuit of peace through a partnership with Aequatian allies, such as those from former NATO partner nations such as Cravan and Alacea, those of the Nuclear Commonwealth in Haven and its mutual defence responsibilities within Gholgoth. The president made it clear that "nations which we have a particularly strong bond with will not be forgotten or abandonded, our comrades will remain as such, but our time in NATO has come to an end."

The last point called for an end to a number of "crippling" interventionist policies regarding the handling of international trade with potential allies. Castle stated that the "paranoia and mistrust of those outside of our circle has led to nothing but hostility and antagonism which is harmful to the security of the Aequatian citizenry and the freedoms we hold so dear."

Prime Minister Reverses Position on Foreigners
Gholgoth state joins Commonwealth to a surprised Parliament

Earlier today, Aequatian president Holden Reid announced his resignation to cheering crowds and standing ovations. He served for an extended time in the service of this Gholgoth nation, but found a need to resign citing failing health. He was 49.

The previous Vice-President, Alexis Castle, has already been sworn in and has announced her foreign policy agenda, including a surprise admission into the Nuclear Commonwealth. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Amner said that "The incorporation of Aequatio into the Nuclear Commonwealth secures its position as a serious force in Haven today. It will bring tremendous trade benefits, including incalculable indirect benefits from general trade with Gholgoth. We must seek to move forward towards a better tomorrow, Darwin Wills It!"

The Nuclear Commonwealth, or NukeWealth for short, contains many nations opposed to Aequatian colonization efforts in the past, and such an about-face comes as a surprise to many outside observers. A spokesperson for the New Heisen Register stated that "The administration has turned its back on its basic premise of 'Above All, Haven' espoused so much during the colonization row. This is tantamount to a betrayal of the No Endorse people, and we must examine the details of this agreement closely to ensure Aequatio lacks ulterior motives." The Register is not a State-Approved publication, and its legal existence has been the subject of a considerable row in Parliament.

Alfred Monroe, correspondent for the Haven Daily News and NukeWealth expert, views the move much more fondly. "It was time for NukeWealth to extend its hand to a nation outside of the region. Relations with Aequatio show a willingness to put past differences aside and continue in peace and prosperity. I also need not mention the addition of important Aequatian holdings to NukeWealth's total strategic overview." Mr. Monroe works as an adviser on NukeWealth for various parties.

When asked to comment on the exact details of Prime Minister Amner's talks with the Aequatian Leaders, a spokesperson for Mr. Amner declined to comment. He remarked that "What discussions go on between leaders behind closed doors must often necessarily remain behind those doors for the security of all" and said that he knew "...that the administration will release the pertinent information at the correct time."

Foreign governments have not yet commented on the sudden move.

(C)opyright 20ZZ, Carranda News Network. Carranda News is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Haven Daily News, P.O. Box 20557 New Heisen, No Endorse, Haven. No part of this article may be reproduced without permission.

Aequatio Shocks Nation
Joins Nuclear Commonwealth in unexpected series of events

Today the Hryvinian Broadcasting Corporation learned that President Holden Reid of Aequatio resigned amid failing health after serving several terms as President. Reid, 49, cited his health and a desire to lead a quiet life as reasons behind his resignation, which many in the Empire and elsewhere are calling a shock.

Even more shocking however was the opening move of the new President, Alexis Castle. By way of Endorsian press release, HBC learned that President Castle has applied, and been accepted to, the Nuclear Commonwealth, an alliance of which Hryvinia is a founding member.

Many in the Imperial Government have voiced opposition to this, including King Sverre IV himself in a press conference delivered this afternoon.

"I must confess myself a bit shocked at this sudden about-face in Aequatian policy," he stated. He then went on to say that "until I see a marked change in Aequatian policy, particularly with regard to Havenic expansionism, I shall keep my guard up and advise others within the alliance to do the same. History has taught us that Aequatio is a nation which bears watching." He concluded his address by stating that Hryvinia would not at present leave the Nuclear Commonwealth.

In an opposition speech to Parliament, Labor MP Lars Holstein lambasted His Majesty's stance, calling it "divisive and counterproductive" and adding that "this sort of anti-Goth sentiment is exactly what caused the Four Day War and the current tensions...we need to get beyond this mutual hatred if we wish to see lasting peace in Haven."

At any rate, this forces the Empire to walk a fine line between Nukewealth and APOC, where it currently holds "provisional member" status and several key allies. His Majesty said he planned to speak with APOC leaders "within the next few weeks," to clarify his stance with the alliance.

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Castle Doctrine takes effect
Aequatian Republic Military Forces increase "visible presence" in Haven

Troppburgh, Innovata - It was announced jointly by the Aequatian Republic Department of Defence and Haven Command Headquarters that Aequatio would significantly increase its "visible presence" within Haven as a method of increasing confidence with our new partners in the Nuclear Commonwealth and the old within NATO by a number of different means.

Admiral Natasha Berger, the Chief of Naval Operations in Haven, announced that patrols performed by HAVFLTCOM aircraft carrier battle groups and maritime patrol wings would increase in frequency by twenty five per cent while those undertaken by the Navy's part of the Republic Deterrent Force (RDF) would increase by ten per cent, allowing for longer patrols closer to nations that may be considered hostile to either the Republic's holdings or its allied interests throughout the region. The Air Force's Strategic Air Command would also be increasing their patrols as part of their duties with the RDF, including long-endurance flights at failsafe points throughout the region along with an increased state of "suspicious alertness" for other ARAF units stationed in Innovata, Volstad, Aequatius Decca and Akimonad.

Personnel with both the Aequatian Republic Marine Corps and Army would also be involved with the duties involved with the Castle Doctrine by holding more joint exercises with allied nations to increase operational cooperation and begin sharing strategic intelligence assets and materials. Army Major-General Georgia Dominic, commander of Haven Special Operations Command, commented that Army Special Forces and Naval Commando Units would be involved in international cross training with the new partner nations in the Nuclear Commonwealth.

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Richard Brecon, ANN Correspondent

"This is Richard Brecon, reporting live via video phone aboard the Aequatian Republic Navy Amphibious Assault Ship "Moore" in the Haleigha Sea on course to Kargucagstan for a joint exercise with our new allies in the Nuclear Commonwealth. I've been told that the exercise itself has a two-fold purpose in not only building confidence with our Kargucagstani allies, but also as a freedom of movement and show of force into the Haven Strait during the four weeks of sailing until unloading at a port city.

The 33d Marine Expeditionary Force, the ground element with its accompanying air wing, will participate with ground forces inland while the ships of the task force perform joint duties with their counterparts and will have the opportunity to visit ports during the month of exercises.

Reporting for Aequatio News Network, this is Richard Brecon from the deck of the R.N.S. Moore.

Farewell, Mr. President
As Aequatian President retires, Aequatio ascends to Nukewealth

Aequatius Prime, Aequatio - President Reid of Aequatio announced yesterday that he was retiring due to poor health today. His vice president, Ms. Alexis Castle, was sworn in as President.

Dr. Hodz noted Reid's retirement in a speech to Parliament, calling him "a good friend and ally".

However, Akimonad was also surprised by the announcement that Aequatio has been admitted into the Nuclear Commonwealth. Of this, Dr. Hodz said he was "fully satisfied with Mr. Amner's decision" and expects "greater cooperation with Aequatio".

He also noted that the pre-APOC/NATO war relation with Aequatio were being restored.

NukeWealth has also announced wargames in Northern Haven, however no Akimonadi involvement has been seen and Dr. Hodz has not yet made any statement on participating.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

RUSSELL TO AMNER: "THIS IS A DISASTER"
QUESTERS URGES NO ENDORSE TO HALT DIPLOMATIC ASSAULT ON HAVEN

As Aequatio entered the Nuclear Commonwealth yesterday they stepped up their military patrols around their illegally occupied territories bordering Praetonia and the Clandonian Tristan Province. In response, it was reported that the Prime Minister authorised the deployment of a number of Royal Navy fleets and preperation of a number of Royal Air Force Squadrons. The Ministry of Defence reported today that it "takes Aequatian aggression very seriously" and "will do everything in our political and military power to curb said aggression." However, even more surprising was the Prime Minister's attack on No Endorse, a traditional ally and trading partner of the Empire.

The P.M spoke to No Endorsian leader Atal Amner and the Endorsian and Questarian population when he addressed the media, the No Endorsian diplomatic staff, and the House of Commons today. He warned Amner that "You are on a very dangerous road my friend; this is a disaster of extreme proportions. We know that in this world there are many nations that wish, and suceed to suckle the Freek teat, yet we never expected one of those nations would be No Endorse. I urge you Sir; in the name of all that is right, recall your Havenic heritage and expel Aequatio from your Commonwealth."

Diplomatic relations have dropped to the lowest point in Questarian-Endorsian history and relations have also dropped with many Nuclear Commonwealth nations with the only country still showing favourably in polls being Hryvinia. Some expect that if the wrong Endorsian response will result in the ejection of Nuclear Commonwealth diplomatic personnel from Questers, but this is currently speculation on which Whitehall has made no official comment. The nation holds its breath and awaits the results of the desperate pleas of their Prime Minister for security in Haven.

ooc: For the purposes of this thread, the NATO-APOC war is considered Retconned. Were that not the case, this RP could obviously not happen as Aequatio would still be in the middle of a war. (a war Nukewealth has remained neutral in) If the war has not been Retconned, this RP may be considered null and void. Otherwise, I expect participants in this thread to act according to the aforementioned and general RP etiquette and request that certain groups cease and desist IRC nonsense. Put your post where your rhetoric is.

I will not be posting an in-character reply until conferring with Aequatio. Please know that yes, I have sat and listened to Questers, Praetonia, and Doomingsland for some time about this matter, and I can truthfully say I am beginning to tire of it already. It seems nigh impossible to interact with either NATO or APOC without an OOC shitfest.

Sverre IV: Strong Condemnations for Both Sides
Monarch blasts APOC, Nukewealth in statement; calls for peace

In a public press conference today King Sverre IV blasted both APOC and Nukewealth for the recent escalation and brinksmanship displayed on both sides.

Sverre, 35, was quoted as saying that the Aequatian deployments in Haven were "nothing more than baiting of APOC and hard-line Havenic forces," and added that President Castle "ought to know what the obvious effect of upping deployments will be, having seen the way APOC reacted a few months ago. If the Aequatian government wishes to win the hearts and minds of the Hryvinian people...these sorts of incidents need to stop." Sverre also suggested that future exercises be held outside Havenic waters to avoid controversies.

However, the young monarch was equally upset at Questers, stating that "eye-for-eye brinksmanship does not solve anything in this case." He went of to say that he "wanted peace in the region," and that in order for it to happen there would need to be a joint effort on both sides of the coin.

His Majesty is expected to call the Questarian, Aequatian and Endorsian leadership to Krogstad later this week to discuss peaceful alternatives. (OOC: I do actually want to RP this if things don't improve.)