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Lavinium AO news thread; ....because we all need more to read
Topic Started: Dec 9 2010, 12:05 AM (332 Views)
altan
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(OOC: This thread is going to replace the rather long Altani news thread I had going, and will now cover news related to Lavinium in general.)

Azari, Pact leaders to meet

ARDVASTABAD, UNIFIED AZARISTANI KHANATE OF ZANJAN - The leaders of the Pact of Yapacaní have arrived in the Zanjani capital for talks with Uanhartan, the Imperial Khatun of the Unified Monarchy of Azaristan.

"We are hopeful that these talks will lead to a more fruitful and expanded relationship between the Azari and the members of our alliance," President Felipe Huanca of Tehuacán said upon arriving. Huanca is seen as the default leader of the Pact, which also includes Antavre and Altana Hol.

Conservative Altani leaders call Pact "commie plot"

THE CONFEDERACY HUB - Conservatives in the Altani Confederacy have denounced the Pact of Yapacaní as a "communist plot", and called for regional states to distance themselves from the new alliance.

"This so-called Pact shrouds itself in claims of equality and humanitarianism, but it must be seen for what it is, a scheme to export communist and socialist ideas throughout Lavinium. This organization is a dangerous entity," Kylych Beg, a Confederate legislator from the Altan Ulus, said. Beg called upon Confederate officials to investigate claims that the Pact interfered with negotiations for Altana Hol to rejoin the Confederacy. The Holy Enclave abandoned its bid for re-entry and decided to join the Pact instead.

Surengiin Borhondoi, another Altan Ulus legislator, went even further, saying that the Confederacy should engage in unspecified "reprisals" against the Pact for "tampering" with the Altana Hol bid. Borhondoi stopped short of specifying military reprisals, but did call for a trade boycott and severing of relations if the Pact was found to have interfered with internal Altani relations. "These are not the acts of a neutral party," Borhondoi said. Both Beg and Borhondoi are members of the rightist Otan Party.

Chief Councillor Eranik Zurabian was quick to dismiss Beg and Borhondoi's remarks, calling for the Confederacy to engage in "open and honest dialogue" with the Pact as part of her policy of reconciliation.
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altan
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Senate assassination stuns region

Retaliation believed to be imminent

SENATE ISLAND - A newly appointed Senator has been killed by an assassin in the middle of the current session of the Lavinium Senate, sparking widespread regional outrage against the culprits and causing several Senate members to deploy their armed forces for a widely expected retaliation.

The crisis began when the Senate granted membership to the nation of Arrlund, giving that nation's internationally recognized government a seat. The newly approved Senator from Arrlund, Sten Archton, was in the middle of his acceptance speech when a gunman shot him in the head, killing him instantly. The assassin was later confirmed to be a member of the 'Grey' faction in Arrlund's civil war, which was angered by the Senate granting representation to their rivals, the legitimate Arrlunder government, also known as the 'Blue' faction.

The 'Greys' have since issued threats against the members of the Senate for supporting the Arrlunder government. Lavinian reaction was swift. Greenland's government approved deploying forces for a possible attack, while the regional military commander, Tehuacan's General Alejandra Toro, ordered Tehuacano and Altani forces under the Lavinian flag to deploy right off Arrlund's coast. The government of Azaristan has also deployed forces, and expectations are that a military strike against the 'Greys' is imminent.

The reaction by Lavinian officials and leaders has been almost universal outrage. "This was not just an attack on Arrlund. This was an attack on Lavinium itself, on our very principles and beliefs, and it must not be allowed to go unpunished," regional Delegate Sophie Fournier declared. The Altani Defense Minister, Eman Kanasani, said that the assassination would be "the worst and last mistake they ever make" and that the Greys had brought the consequences of any retaliation upon themselves.

With Azari, Greenlandic, Altani and Tehuacano forces now deploying and merely waiting for a formal order from the Senate to attack, a conflict is now seen as inevitable by many regional observers.
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altan
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AA government considers land grant

Grant would benefit dispossessed Tehuacáno

ISITHIEL - The government of Altani Antarctica is considering a proposal by the Confederate government in the Hub to grant a portion of its territory to the Lavinian nation of Tehuacán, as part of a bid to help that nation improve its fortunes following a recent setback.

Tehuacán was forced to grant its western department of Villamontes independence following an insurrection backed by the Valadian Empire. As part of the Confederacy's efforts to boost Tehuacán and make it an ally in opposing Valadian influence in western Lavinium, Confederate officials have proposed that the Altani Antarctican government give an unused and unsettled portion of its territory to Tehuacáno forced out of Villamontes in return for unspecified compensation from the Confederate and Tehuacáno governments. The undeveloped land is believed to possess natural resources which would provide a major boost to Tehuacán's revenues.

Some in Altani Antarctica have come out against the proposed grant, claiming that the Altani Antarctican government could develop the land themselves and gain more revenue than any proposed compensation for the land would provide. But supporters of the plan, led by AA President Merena Kerilaka, say that this is about more than money.

"We know what it's like to resist a violent, imperialistic power and to pay the price for it," Kerilaka said, referring to the brief conflict between the former Altani colony in the Antarctic Oasis and the central government. "The people of Tehuacán have also dared to oppose a vile, militaristic regime of immense power, and paid a painful price for it, because it was the right thing to do. We cannot turn our backs on them in their time of need; what if people had turned their backs on us in our time of crisis?"

Critics of the plan have also warned that it could cause the Valadian Empire to strike out against Altani Antarctica if conflict resumes between the Empire and Tehuacán, a fear that Kerilaka dismissed. "The Valadians would have to be truly stupid to try anything here. They may be a big deal in Lavinium, but this isn't Lavinium," Kerilaka warned.

The Senate of the AA government will vote on the proposal in a week; if it passes, it will be sent to Kerilaka, who has already pledged to sign it.
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altan
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There goes the neighborhood

The government of Altani Antarctica officially handed over sovereignty of an undeveloped portion of territory today to the government of Tehuacán, as a land cession recently approved by the Confederate and AA governments.

The new territory, now known as the Department of Nuevo Tehuacán, was given to the Tehuacáno after Tehuacán lost a substantial portion of its own territory to the Valadian-backed separatist state of La Plata.

Despite their previous penchant for encouraging socialism and revolt, the Tehuacáno have promised to behave themselves whilst in the Antarctic Oasis.
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Commonwealth pulls forces from AO

ALTANI ANTARCTICA - Residents of the AO outpost of the Commonwealth of Independent Nations (formerly the Altani Confederacy) watched with dismay today as the military forces of the Commonwealth completed a planned withdrawal to re-base in Lavinium.

As part of plans by the Commonwealth to strengthen its Lavinian forces, all Commonwealth military forces stationed outside that region are being pulled back. This will leave Altani Antarctica's national defense forces as the only military presence here, except for a small training garrison and intelligence units.

"We face no credible military threat in AO, or anywhere else outside Lavinium, for that matter," Yusuf bin Thuwaini, the Commonwealth's defense minister, said today. "However, we do face a significant military threat back home, and we have to re-orient our military planning accordingly," bin Thuwaini said. The minister was referring to the Valadian Empire, which has been clashing with the Commonwealth over fishing rights and maritime boundaries in Lavinium. bin Thuwaini said that the re-basing moves were necessary, given the Commonwealth's reduced military strength compared to its predecessor, the Federation. "We will, eventually, rebuild our military strength and re-base forces in Altani Antarctica, and all the other overseas member states. But this takes time and money," bin Thuwaini said.

While many AA residents have expressed concern about losing the Commonwealth's defense forces, President Merena Kerilaka has assured the people of AA that the state's own defense forces "are more than capable of protecting Altani Antarctica."
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Kenny
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Allied Antarctic Asskickers to the rescue!...well, maybe.

PARADISE CITY --- The Fernanda Administration is proposing that the Allied Antarctic Asskickers (AAA) send reinforcements to Altani Antarctica (AA) in the wake of the Altani Confederacy's withdrawal from that country. Administration officials were quick to point out however that their suggestion is not based on any specific threat to Altani Antarctica, but is being proffered "just in case."

They also stressed that they continued to stand by their Altani allies in difficult times, and did not doubt the wisdom of their decision to withdraw troops.

"What, are these bitches crazy or something?" mused National Security Adviser Jenny Chiang. "This is Antarctic Oasis! You can't just leave 4 billion colonials high and dry out here! Some lunatic dictator could fire a test missile and have it accidentally land in Isithiel! Some moronic general in the Kennyite military could be holding his compass the wrong way and accidentally invade Antavre! I myself could go off the handle one morning and kidnap a dozen Altanis and torture them for information on some vague threat."

At this point, Chiang appeared somewhat uncomfortable. "Not that I'd actually do such a thing," she quickly added. "Just sayin'."

Other leaders focused on the enduring respect that the Kennyite government has for the Altanis and their perseverance in the face of repeated dangers.

"So, Altan's going to war again, huh?" scoffed Secretary of State Jack Riley to reporters outside the Jackson Office Building. "Reminds me of a very funny joke: How many Altanis does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Thousands! One to screw in the bulb, and 60,000 troops to invade Tehuacan for breaking the last bulb."

The secretary also highlighted some of the contingencies the AAA reinforcements could help respond to. "We just want to make sure the former colonials are properly secured in case any penguin colony goes nuclear and starts exploding unexpectedly," Riley said. "And what about the WA gnomes? How do they propose to stop those creepy little buggers? Last time I checked, the entire confederacy was a WA member, not just the chunk of land on the Horseshoe Continent, and our Gnomish Warbands may not get to AA fast enough to stave them off.

"Besides," Riley continued, "who's to say our gnomes would even want to defend AA? Are they up to date on their rent payments?"

Defense Secretary Karen Greene has stated that only a "modest force" would be needed to help defend Altani Antarctica, "and only to assist the existing local forces already there, not lead any operations." She also suggested that the AAA task force be primarily contributed to and led by The Palentine, a nation that enjoys widespread trust among former colonials, as opposed to the Federal Republic, which actually threatened to attack AA during their 2008 revolt.

"Yeah, that bitch Antigone really fucked things up for us over there when she went off on how the colonials were 'rogues' trying to stir up trouble and shat on their claims to 'independence,'" recalled Chiang. "And now we want to send troops into their territory? Not the greatest PR move for us. Best send friends to help them."
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• Commonwealth officials expressed appreciation for the offer by the Fernanda administration to station troops in Altani Antarctica under the AAA treaty. "While we do not perceive any imminent threat to Altani Antarctica, we are grateful for the offer of support, and would be more than willing to accept additional troops, perhaps as part of a co-basing scenario," Defense Minister Yusuf bin Thuwaini said.

Commonwealth officials also expressed appreciation for the "kind words of support" by Fernanda administration officials. "We have a longstanding diplomatic relationship, and we are very fond of the Kennyites, much as one is fond of a very small child or perhaps a puppy that was dropped on its head at birth," Minister of State Samira Shirazi said. "We look forward to any proposals that may be presented concerning Altani Antarctica."
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Large and in charge....again?
Zurabian pledges to rebuild Commonwealth military

SHARYNGOL - In its previous incarnation as the Altani Federation, what is now the Commonwealth of Independent Nations boasted the largest, most advanced and most powerful military in Lavinium. The shattering effects of the Republic War, however, reduced that strength to a shadow of its once-imposing power.

In its new role as a founder of the Lavinium Treaty Organization, and with the Valadian Empire continuing to present a threat to the region, the Commonwealth will begin rebuilding that military strength, Chief Councillor Eranik Zurabian pledged today in a speech at the Commonwealth's Joint Base Sharyngol.

"With events in the region increasingly showing that the Commonwealth must not remain passive, and must lead the way in the face of a continued and expanding threat of aggression from imperial powers in Lavinium, we must commit ourselves to a program of restoring our military capabilities, in order to protect ourselves, our allies and the region as a whole," the Chief Councillor declared. In her speech, Zurabian announced plans to launch a large-scale program of naval and aerospace manufacturing and construction. The goal of the program is to double the size of the Commonwealth Service's aerospace and naval contingents within the decade.

Zurabian also announced plans to launch a major ramping-up of the Military Assistance Program, the program under which the Commonwealth provides military hardware to allied states at no or reduced cost. Zurabian stated that helping Commonwealth allies such as Alohria, Santosa, Arx and Tibet to expand their military capabilities is a "top priority".

While Zurabian acknowledged that the program of expansion and rebuilding will be expensive, the Chief Councillor cited the need to negotiate from a "position of strength" when dealing with aggressive powers such as Valadia.

"As the actions of imperial powers such as the Empire have shown, these nations do not respect, and will not listen to, nations that they perceive as weak. I am loath to expand our means of waging war, having been a diplomat during my career. However, as a diplomat, I am also keenly aware that words are meaningless if you cannot back them up with the power to enforce them," the Chief Councillor said.

With the Commonwealth economy showing signs of finally reaching the levels of prosperity it had achieved prior to the Republic War, and many Commonwealth citizens feeling that the desperate times of the immediate postwar period have passed, polls show increasing support for a program of military expansion. Over 68% of people polled in Akamia and 77% of people polled in the Altan Ulus, in a recent series of polls conducted by the NDRGroup, expressed support for military expansion. Of those in favor, 58% cited security as the reason, while 22% cited "restoring respect for the Commonwealth" as another reason. The great majority of those opposed, at 79%, cited the projected costs of Zurabian's program.
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Senate passes maritime legislation

Region on edge as Valadia threatens noncompliance

SENATE ISLAND - The regional government of Lavinium, the Senate, has passed legislation formally establishing regional maritime boundaries. The new regional legislation was approved by a 5-2-0 vote.

The legislation is based on World Assembly Resolution #168, Law of the Seas, and is intended to enshrine widely recognized international maritime boundaries as part of regional law in response to regional conflicts over Exclusive Economic Zones. Disputes between the Valadian Empire and several other regional states over such EEZs have led to several conflicts. The most serious incidents were the detention of several fishermen from the Commonwealth of Independent Nations by Valadian forces, the sinking of a Valadian fishing vessel that collided with a Greenlandic mine, and a clash between Alohrian and Valadian fishing vessels that was captured on video and has been widely circulated on both news outlets and the internet. Matters were brought to a head when Valadian forces dropped several tons of garbage into the Zalkatharian harbor of Port Viktor from the air, in retaliation for an incident where fishermen from Port Viktor filled Valadian crab pots with garbage and then welded them shut.

Valadia contended that there is no "international law" that bars them from fishing within the Exclusive Economic Zones of other nations, as the Eternal Empire does not recognize the World Assembly. "The WA barely even represents Lavinium, as only eight of the fifty-six nations in our region are members. It certainly does not represent all nations in existence, or even close to that; how can its intrusive mandates be construed as anything truly resembling international law?" Lord Aerham, Valadia's Foreign Minister, said when explaining the Empire's position. Lord Aerham also stated that Valadia considers it "uncompetitive, greedy and unfair" for nations to "partition off large portions of the region's waters as their exclusive domain."

"We have respected, and will continue to respect, territorial waters, but we do not, and will not, recognize so-called Exclusive Economic Zones," the Foreign Minister added.

With the passage of the new regional legislation, however, Valadia may not have a choice. Several regional officials have already warned Valadia that the Senate will call up its peacekeeping forces to make Valadia comply with the maritime boundaries now established as part of both regional and international law, if the Eternal Empire continues to ignore them. Some nations aren't waiting for the Senate; the Commonwealth of Independent Nations has already recalled and mobilized the majority of its naval forces and warned that no Valadian vessels, either civilian or military, will be allowed within 200 nautical miles of the Commonwealth until Valadia agrees to recognize the Exclusive Economic Zones of the Commonwealth and its allies.

"Yes, we know the Valadians don't recognize the WA; a lot of nations don't," Yusuf bin Thuwaini, the Commonwealth Defense Minister, said after the passage of the new legislation. "But this is regional law now. Valadia will comply, or it will suffer the consequences."

It is unclear if the Eternal Empire will in fact comply. Valadian officials had previously said that they did recognize the authority of the Senate, even if they did not recognize the WA, and would abide by any maritime boundaries written into regional law. After the legislation passed, however, Lady Kadys, Valadia's representative to the Senate, would only give a noncommittal statement that the Eternal Empire "would review its options and formulate an appropriate response."

If the Valadian response is noncompliance, observers fear that another regional conflict may be the end result.
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