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| Dijeli Broadcasting Corporation; DBC - World Service | ||
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| Topic Started: 2nd March 2014 - 09:52 PM (6,792 Views) | ||
| Dijel | 2nd March 2014 - 09:52 PM Post #1 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Introducing the DBC World Service Welcome to the DBC World Service, the premier Dijeli news source, covering both Dijeli home affairs and reaction to events abroad. The DBC covers events as they happen, up to the very minute, with a code of impartiality and journalism excellence. DBC World Service - the world as it happens. |
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| Dijel | 15th March 2015 - 08:37 PM Post #101 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Federal Assembly to Debate Maritime Law Amendment -Cyprus-flagged%20vessel%20Nordbay%20.jpg) An oil tanker underway in international waters off the Sea of Kyne, as recognised in the Maritime Law Act of 1982 The Federal Assembly is today to debate a landmark amendment to the venerable Maritime Law Act, the piece of legislation underpinning all domestic maritime policy, which dates back largely to 1982, with moderate amendments made in 2001. This comes after pressure has apparently been placed upon the government over failing to sign up to the Rokkenjiman Free Seas Concordat, an international treatise regarding seaborne law which has become the set standard across much of the world, most notably in the Illumic region, and has apparently become something of a sticking point in the ongoing Pan-Albion Congress, as was revealed after Tytor, another non-signatory, moved to adopt the Concordat, releasing a statement on their national news service. While the original Maritime Law Act had much in common with the Free Seas Concordat, including, among other things, provision for a mutual guarantee of freedom of navigation, though this contained a sub-clause revoking this privilege if not met in kind, it also contained some fundamental divergences, including topographic continental shelf prospecting rights and the so-called Continuous Stratigic Zone, coloquially known as the 'great blue banana', conecting Dauntel to the Dijeli mainland. While the exact role of the CSZ was initially undefined, the 2001 amendment considerred it a region of national significance, declaring that Dijeli maritime law applied in the area, and classifying any attempt to blockade, impede or occupy the Zone as an act of war. To this day, the Zone continues to be heavily patrolled by FDDF warships, backed up by the reoccupation of a string of artificially-augmented islands, constructed as naval patrol bases by the Communist government during the 1960's but later converted into weather monitoring stations, though the region remains free to peacible navigation. This latest amendment, the brainchild of Foreign Minister Quanii Laat, would significantly alter the status quo, while stopping significantly short of adoption of the Free Seas Concordat, which has taken centre stage in an intense political row over where to draw the line between internationalism and vassal state. Of the ammemded passages, those referring to the Continuous Strategic Zone feature highly, with the term being largely scrapped in favour of a so-called Continuous Strategic Corridor, a thin strip which would be classified as an area of national interest for the purpose of security, but would otherwise fall under international jurisdiction. Furthermore, the proposed amendment calls for a second abandonment of such artificially-augmented islands that are currently occupied, instead placing them at the centre of a new marine wildlife preserve, which would extend for some distance through the former CSZ, between international sea-lanes. Additionally, the amendment calls for a referendum on the adoption of the Free Seas Concordat take place before the end of the ccurrent parliament, though hopes are not high that the result would be, at least at the present time, to the affirmative. Given that the Liberal Alliance party leadership have endorsed the amendment, it is considered highly likely to pass, as one commentator put it, the government continue to walk the tightrope between international and domestic audiences. In other news, two of the FDDF's Fighter Squadrons, the 9th and 10th, have been deployed to Ndambia at the request of the Ndambian government, a Defence Ministry spokesperson has confirmed, amidst growing tensions along the border between the CIS nation and their troublesome neighbours Zachachevania. The two squadrons, operating between them 150 of the ultra-modern JAS-44 fighter jets and fielding 2,000 personnel, are said to have been deployed as a deterrant measure, though further forces amounting to several divisions are said to have been formed into a rapid-reaction force on Dauntel in a state of hightened readiness, in what has been described as a show of solidarity with the Ndambian government, who have apparently not requested the deployment of CIS ground forces, despite accepting large numbers of Rokkenjiman and Quinnopian troops to bolster their border defences. |
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| Dijel | 20th March 2015 - 06:50 PM Post #102 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Defence Ministry Unveil New Warship  A rendering of FDDS Centaur, one of two new vessels of the class due to be constructed for the FDDF The FDDF Fleet is to receive two new vessels in the shape of a pair of the brand new Centaur-Class amphibious support ships, FDDS Centaur and FDDS Chamois. Both vessels are due to be constructed by Wölfe Shipyards of Port Illyria, with delivery to the FDDF due to begin in late April this year, with both vessels expected to enter service less than a month later. Though too small to operate any of the current fixed-wing aircraft currently in the FDDF's armoury, none of which possess a VTOL capability, the new vessels will each operate a full compliment of helicopters, possibly up to squadron size, though no official confirmation has been given with regards to the armament or capacity of these new vessels. While some commentators have complained that the Centaur-Class could rightfully be classified as Amphibious Assault Ships, something some consider the FDDF should not be operating, given their supposed sole role as a defence force, the Defence Ministry maintain that these are to be support vessels, with a spokesperson commenting that "it is a matter of operational capability. In recent times, we have been called upon to operate alongside our allies overseas, a trend which is projected to continue for the foreseeable future, and it is in the operational support area that we have found ourselves lacking in the past" Despite these protestations, a small number of anti-war protesters did hold a sit-in in protest at this latest procurement, apparently angered that such funding was not diverted to other areas, such as the health service or social care. In a related development, the Defence Ministry has recently opened competition on a new class of small patrol craft for the FDDF and coastguard, with a number of domestic contractors having already submitted preliminary proof-of-concept work. Wölfe Shipyards, more famous for their shipbuilding than design work, have presented a design resembilng a smaller version of the FDDF's Excalibur-Class corvettes in their W-8X project. Another, more predictable, entry came from Royal Klatchan Armouries, with their FPV-15. Other early publicised entries have come in the forms of BMT Compangh's Guardian and Saewoo Maritime's Light Patrol Craft, each coming from a company better known for other work. Which, if any, of these will be accepted for service is currently subject to speculation, as is the prospect of foreign bids for the contract, especially following the president for imported military equipment set by the purchase of two Badger-Class drone carriers from East Moreland last year, the first such acquisition in FDDF history. In other news, Foreign Minister Quanii Laat has called for an amicable resolution to the recent diplomatic friction between East Moreland and the UAE, both of which are considered to be allies of the Federation. This follows what has been described as a war of words between the two over the apparent imprisonment of a Morelander living in the UAE under controversial public modesty laws in the country. While the Dijeli government has yet to back one side over the other in this dispute, leading some to criticise the Prime Minister for 'sitting on the fence' over the incident, the international consensus is generally considerred to be against the Emirates. This is not the first time the two countries have clashed, however, with the results of their last engagement during the most recent Illumic Crisis remaining a bone of contension between the two. While it remains to be seen what, if anything, may be achived by the Foreign Ministry in attempting to solve this row, the tone for the time being is hopeful. |
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| Dijel | 22nd March 2015 - 11:51 AM Post #103 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Countdown to Confederation Cup Begins  The Confederation Cup, currently held by the Dijel, which will be contested for the second time in the coming weeks The countdown to the 2015 Confederation Cup has officially begun, as we enter the last week before the first round of fixtures are due to be played, which will begin with the Dijel hosting Ndambia in Dijelibeybi, the same starting fixture as last year and the only one which ended in defeat during that triumphant campaign. The most hotly anticipated fixture, however, remains the week four clash with East Moreland in Northfort, a game which last year decided the outcome of the tournament, and has in turn propagated one of the sport's great international rivalries. Dijeli fans will feel they have every right to be bullish about their team's chances this time around, especially after the stunning display from the Dijeli contingent during the CIS Lions' 45-10 thrashing of Dartfordia, which proved an opportunity rather more for the Confederation Cup sides to flex their muscles than a genuine sporting contest against a Dartfordia side who found themselves horribly outgunned. While an official squad for the competition is set to be released in the coming days, many of last year's players are hotly tipped to make a return, with forwards Kheen Salraden, Elmaan Elmarsto and Jan D'Tarnst expected to join Lions team mate Ronald Sto Heilat in making a return to the Dijeli starting XV following their successful outing in Leonaise, which drew several million viewers during its broadcast on DBC 1, and saw each of them earn praise from DBC Sport's pundits. Success in the upcoming Confederation Cup would crown what has already been a very successful past year for Dijeli rugby, with victory in last year's cup catalysing a huge increace in both participation and funding for the sport at a grassroots level, as well as one silver and one gold medal in Rugby Sevens at the recent Achkaerin olympics. Historically, Rugby has been a sport primarily reserved for wealthy, privately educated men, though the government has taken pains to counter this image in recent years, encouraging the game to be taught in state schools and even roping in several players from last years' cup winning team to help do so. This reversal has doubtless been aided by the FDDF, which strongly encourages young people to engage with the sport during the training phase of their national service. In the immediate future, however, all eyes will doubtless be on the national side and their goal of retaining the cup for a second year. With competition expected to be tight, however, the tournament has been billed as one definitely not to miss. In other news, a new international humanitarian organisation, the Mundus Development Bank, has recently received official backing from the Dijeli government, among several nations to do so, with a total of over $110 billion being pledged internationally so far, including R10bn ($22bn) from the Dijeli government. This money will be channelled through the equally new International Development Fund to fight poverty and encourage growth in underdeveloped countries and regions across Mundus. While a similar scheme is said to have been proposed at the recent Second Pan-Albion Congress, this is the first time an organisation of this type has been put into effect. Reaction at home has been somewhat mixed, however, with most supporting the concept and Dijeli involvement therein, though some have complained of runaway government spending on things beyond their jurisdiction, instead maintaining that such money would be better spent on domestic schemes. How sucessful the Bank will be, only time will tell. |
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| Dijel | 24th March 2015 - 07:11 PM Post #104 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Voters 'Had' Over Seaforth - Heilat  Martha Heilat, the Dijeli Labour Party leader, is a longstanding advocate of democratisation Dijeli voters 'have been had' over the recent Seaforth action, according to Dijeli Labour Party leader Martha Heilat, speaking at a recent opposition party press conference. As opposition party leader, Ms Heilat has been an outspoken critic of autocratic, and especially monarchal, reigimes, particularly those that the Dijeli government has chosen to foster closer relations with. Referring to the recent deployment of Dijeli troops in Seaforth during what has been termed as the Eugenics War, a conflict that claimed the lives of forty-six Dijeli and twenty-one Foreign Legion soldiers, Ms Heilat asserted that the Seaforthian regime which the Dijeli troops had helped to install, the Confederation of Clans, was in some ways little better than the ecclesiastical government it replaced. While keen to iterate that the she did not endorse the actions of the Seaforthian Catholic Church while in power, which include alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, instead emphasising that the comparison was in the lack of democratically elected representative assembly afforded under both systems. Having previously encouraged that such an assembly should be forced on Joshua Rhodes, the fomerly exciled Seaforthian royal, as condition for Dijeli military support, Ms Heilat has ever been keen to portray herself as a paragon of democracy. Although the government came in for criticism for their initial stance on the developing Seaforth crisis, especially from the political right who saw their hesitancy as a sign of weakness, their subsequent deployment of troops to oust a widely condemned regime saw them reap rewards in the opinion polls, even when casualties began to mount. Since the end of that conflict, two Dijeli fighter squadrons have been deployed to Ndambia as part of a bid to deter Zachachevanian invasion, and construction has begun of two new warships has begun. All of this has served to put pressure on the Defense budget, leading to concerns that, if a new conflict were to break out in the near future - Zachacevania has again been mentioned - money would have to be borrowed from elsewhere in order to sustain a deployment in force. On their endorcement of the new Seaforthian government, however, the official government line has been fairly unwavering, despite speculation that they may seek to lean on Mr Rhodes in order to gain democratic concessions in a new Seaforthian constitution, though there is no evidence to suggest this has been the case. While some may feel agrived that Dijeli servicemen and women have given their lives only for real change to be stifled by a supposed ally, many have sympathised with the government for having stood by their principals and their allies. In other news, a new piece of silverware is set to be up for grabs in the upcoming Confederation Cup; the Heilat-Longe Shield, named for the respective Dijeli and East Moreland representatives at the CIS, which will be contested between the two countries at their upcoming clash in Northfort. Rumoured to be the product of a wager between the two famously rugby-loving representatives, the new trophy will go to the winner of the Dijel-Moreland game, already set to be a competitive fixture, and the winners will likely secure for themselves major bragging rights for the next year, almost regardless of the outcome of the tournament. |
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| Dijel | 27th March 2015 - 04:00 PM Post #105 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Pastafarianism 'A Thing' Say Protesters  A pastafarian holy image, depicting the single Pastafarian deity, known as the Flying Spaghetti Monster Pastafariansim, also known as the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, is a 'proper and organised religious movement', and should be recognised as such, according to a group of its adherants at a small protest rally earlier today in Dijelibeybi's Federation Square. The Church, which has just shy of 700 worshippers according to the most recent census data, is currently classified as a Cult under current legislation, which stipulates a minimum level of belief before a faith movement may be officially considered as a full-blown religion. The protest, which involved several dozen self-confessed Pastafarians, passed off peacefully over the course of the afternoon, though has been largely regarded as a joke by the authorities and press outlets alike, much like the faith it sought to promote, and is not considered likely to turn many heads in the halls of power. It has, however, opened up an online debate on religious freedoms, which has been especially accentuated by recent developments in the breakaway Nordic nation of Nya Aland, which has incorporated measures some have seen as repressive into its recent constitution. Some internationally have voiced concerns over the new state's measures involving religion and the state; the view in Dijelibeybi is said to be that, while clearly not secular, it is nonetheless hardly a hard line fundamentalist dictatorship, warranting a wait-and-see reaction. This has carried over on the domestic front, with a group of Guiding Light Party backbenchers calling for similar de-secularisation to be introduced in the Dijel, although this is not considered a popular proposition, with some among the party leadership being accused of attempting to 'brush the issue under the rug'. On the subject of Pastafarianism, the Party have been more united, decrying the movement as 'a mockery of all faiths, and an abomination in the eyes of the pious' and calling for their institution the be shut down. They have not been alonein this, however, with some voicing concerns that the sect could be using their faith as a front for unlawful activity, as was the case with a scandal several years ago involving a new-age Scientology group who were convicted of money laundering and possession of unlawful substances. However, unless such allegations can be backed up with evidence, it is unlikely that the authorities will move against the cult, whose freedom of worship is protected by law and the Mundus Convention of Universal Rights. In other news, the signing of the charter of the Pan-Albion Congress has been completed today, according to official sources, now requiring only ratification by the Federal Assembly, a foregone conclusion considering the Liberal Alliances' outright majority and cross bench support for the scheme. The birth of this new organisation has generally been well received by the press and public, though it will not carry the same clout as either the CIS or, upon its creation, the CTO. The Congress will, however, establish the continent's first permanent international forum, and looks set to foster closer political ties across the continent, building on the success of the pan-Albion rail network established following the first congress. |
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| Dijel | 29th March 2015 - 11:11 AM Post #106 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION FDDF to Form Quick Reaction Brigades  Dijeli soldiers training around al-Talbarr barracks in Akim-Navosh province The FDDF is to form a trio of Quick Reaction Brigades (QRBs) to maintain an increaced-readiness presence, according to Defence Minister Sir Steven Dabu. These QRBs are said to be a response to the Dijeli experience of the recent Zachacevania tensions, during which flaws in the ad-hoc nature of Dijeli Battlegroups and Divisions, which are typically formed only for the duration of a campaign, were slow to become available as the threat of an invasion of Ndambia loomed large. The QRBs are said to be set to serve on a rotational basis, with each Brigade to maintain a four-month enhanced readiness before being relieved by a reserve QRB. Each formation will have attached air and sea assets as required, along with an organic compliment of armour and artillery. It has been stressed that this does not represent an attempt to bolster troop numbers, with the QRBs to be constituted by existing regiments and companies, which may be added into or removed from a QRB's order of battle at any time outside of periods of enhanced readiness. In this way, it is hoped that some of the strengths of the FDDF's command structure, namely the flexibility afforded by ad-hoc Battlegroups, may be mated with the simplicity of a standing formation to produce something which is capable of filling this operational niche. Each QRB, known respectively as 1 QRB, 2 QRB and 3 QRB, has a declared natural strength of three infantry regiments, one mechanised regiment and one armoured regiment, plus a battery of artillery and a pathfinder company, for a total of 4,250 personnal, with additional forces and assets possible to be attached for any given rotation. This structure makes each QRB larger than a Battlegroup, although nominally smaller than a full Division, which would presumably be the formation of choice to follow in on a QRB deployment. Though remaining inside the FDDF's constitutional caveat, it is said that protocols are being drawn up that will allow the Defence Ministry greater discretion over the deployment of a duty QRB than is currently the case with regular FDDF formations, including the power to summon the Federal Assembly to vote on weather to grant their assent to an overseas deployment, a factor which, as was the case with the recent Seaforth conflict, can otherwise take quite some time. In other news, the Dijeli rugby team triumphed over Ndambia in Dijelibeybi yesterday, winning 24-15 in the opening round of this years' Confederation Cup, going third on point difference, behind Achkaerin and main rivals East Moreland. Having now won the only fixture in which they were defeated last time around, the team, which is largely unchanged from last year, will now be safe in the knowledge that they are capable of beating any of the other teams out there. In next week's game, Dijel will travel away to Achkaerin, where they will take on a Foxes side fresh out of a thumping victory against Seaforth on the same ground. While the visitors remain the bookies' favourites, the match promices to be a tight one. |
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| Dijel | 30th March 2015 - 08:09 PM Post #107 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Rokkenjiman-Dartfordian Drills 'Reckless' - Vallerius  Alliance-Class frigates FDDS Adventure and FDDS Artemis, underway in the Continuous Strategic Zone The decision by the Rokkenjiman and Dartfordian navies to conduct exercises inside the Continuous Strategic Zone, the thin corridor of Dijeli-controled waters connecting Dauntel to the mainland, is a 'Reckless, needlessly provocative move' according to the Prime Minister, Ronan Vallerius. The statement, made following the recent announcement of the exercises by the RBC, echoes a broader concern over the exercises, which are set to take place across the series of sea lanes that run the length of the Zone and carry the vast majority of maritime traffic between Dauntel and continental Albion. In response, Sir Steven Dabu, the Defence Minister who has described the exercises as 'akin to gunboat diplomacy', announced that routine patrols in the region would be bolstered by the presence of a Dijeli naval squadron, including Town-Class Destroyer FDDS Anakh and Alliance-Class Frigates FDDS Adventure, FDDS Artemis and FDDS Arbiter, which are all reported to have left Hel Point Naval Station, where all four have been stationed following the recent Zachachevania crisis, in the early hours of this morning. The deployment, it has been revealed, is considered to be a 'purely protective measure' by the FDDF, with the vessels being tasked with 'Sheparding' the Rokkenjiman and Dartfordian warships away from the strategically sensitive sea lanes located within the Zone. While no further information has been made public over what exactly is mandated by the task of 'Sheparding', the mission is not expected to be a particularly confrontational one, with a number of more powerful vessels having remained at Hel Point, including all nine of the FDDF's Heart-Class Cruisers, vessels specifically designed for surface-to-surface engagements, and both Arc-Class Aircraft Carriers, although it has been speculated that air squadrons from both vessels may be within striking distance of the exercises. While never especially close, security relations between the Dijel and both Rokkenjima and Dartfordia have never been particularly strained, with the CIS and CSTO having generally been mutually supportive organisations, for example during the reunification of Safraen, where a parallel CSTO deployment was conducted in neighbouring Meche, or the more recent Eugenics War in Seaforth, where Rokkenjiman warships provided peripheral support to CIS operations in the country. Recent relations have been considered good, with both the Dijel and Dartfordia becoming founding members of the Pan-Albion Congress at Eisinken Manor, in Klatch, within the last week. The existence of the pan-Albion railway, which passes through southern Dartfordia and the Sto Plains, has been seen as a further indicator of improving relations, although a much-maligned incident in the UAE allegedly involving a pair of denim shorts has done little to improve public perception of the Dartfordian government. The situation has been apparently been inflamed somewhat following a highly ambiguous statement from the otherwise uninvolved state of Magilan, who have asserted to the effect that their naval units may operate where ever they please. This has apparently put the Rokkenjiman navy on alert, although the Dijeli Defence Ministry have publicly dismissed the comments as 'unrelated'. In other news, it has recently come to light that a Sovereigntian terrorist group known as 'Enlightenment' has carried out an attempt on the lives of Achkaerinese Princess Serenity Azurewind and her partner, the Sovereigntian Crown Prince Isaac, with both listed as missing following the downing of their aircraft off northern Ardia. The Dijeli foreign ministry has joined to chorus of international outcry against the attack, noting that such the Dijel would not abandon her allies in the face of such an attack. While a military response to the attack does not appear to be immediately on the cards, it has been noted that the recently formed 1 QRB is already on station, and includes troops trained in counter-terrorism in the form of No. 2 Infantry Pathfinder Company, as well as additional specialist personnel that could potentially be deployed alongside the Brigade in the event of a deployment. Whatever happens, the government will doubtless be keen to ensure the security of two key CIS allies. |
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| Dijel | 1st April 2015 - 09:21 PM Post #108 | |
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DIJELIBEYBI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Royal Heir Apparent to Conduct Albion Diplomatic Grand Tour  Royal Prince Mohan Ali's prized al-Ullaiyamid Mk. 2 outside a former royal villa turned public gallery in Spquart, Akim-Navosh Royal Prince Mohan Ali, considered to be the heir apparent of the current titular King Tepicamemanon IX, is set to make a grand tour of Albion at some point in the near future in his role as a special envoy, according to government sources. The tour is planned to cover each nation on the continent in turn, with the exception of Marseille, which is neither recognised by the Dijeli government nor considered safe enough for such a visit. This is said to be an exercise in relationship building, with the prince to act in his capacity as a 'special envoy' - described as being akin to an ambassador without a posting - the role in which he is currently employed by the Foreign Ministry. Unusually, the vehicle of choice for this diplomatic tour will be the prince's own al-Ullaiyamid Mk. 2, a machine produced by Dijeli exiles in the 1950's as a means to fund the Royalist government-in-exile, though this example is reported to have undergone significant modernisation. The journey will combine diplomatic visits with the filming of a short series of documentaries charting the political, cultural and natural landscape of Albion, which is apparently set to air on DBC 2 in the near future. The role of the monarchy has been something of a political football in recent years, with the Dijeli Labour Party and Reformed Peoples' Party keen to see them stay in their current niche as little more than glorified archival custodians, but a certain lobby is developing within the Liberal Alliances' right wing calling for the royals to be promoted to a more active role in national affairs. Prince Mohan Ali is seen by some within this lobby as key to their future plans for the monarchy. He is viewed as more of a modernist than either his grandfather, the current incumbent, or his mother, the aging Crown Princess who has been very public in her desire to renounce the throne. The prince, aged 37, is also seen to be far more in touch with the broader public than the present monarch, having served a spell as an enlisted man in the FDDF, started his own buisness and now holds his present role with the Foreign Ministry. The left, however, portrays this as little more than political opportunism, with the government being labeled as jumping on the bandwagon of the success of other more-or-less constitutional monarchies across Mundus. The Prime Minister, for his part, is said to be supportive of the prince's apparent aim to become more prominent in his own right, although is a declared opponent of a politicised monarchy, which he is reported to believe would undermine the republican principals upon which the present constitution was framed. In other news, a date has been set for the promised referendum on the Fair Seas Concordat, as promised under the recent amendment to the Maritime Law Act, with the important poll to be held on the 3rd of May. The referendum is set to be a straight-up choice between the acceptance or rejection of the internationally-recognised FSC, which has nonetheless been blasted by some on the right as 'an instrument of Rokkenjiman imperialism in its purest form, imposed on the world without even the pretence of consultation'. The adoption of the measures would see the abolition of the Continuous Strategic Zone, the stretch of territorial water connecting Dauntel to the mainland across the southern Sea of June, although the Defence Ministry would likely seek a mandate to continue its patrols over the vital shipping routes currently protected by the Zone. The Zone has been in the news more recently, following a joint Rokkenjiman-Dartfordian declaration of intent to stage military exercises within, and the subsequent strengthening of the Dijeli naval presence in the region, along with the promise to keep the vital seaways open. |
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| Dijel | 2nd April 2015 - 07:14 AM Post #109 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Rokkenjimans 'Firing Dangerously Close to Civilian Traffic' - Dabu  Commercial shipping in the CSZ, Northwest of the port of Compangh Over the course of the last day, Imperial Rokkenjima has been testing her latest billion-Rhinu killing machine off the Dijeli coast, was the reaction of one commentator following a recent Defence Ministry press conference, during which Defence Minister Sir Steven Dabu revealed that Rokkenjiman warships had entered the Continuous Strategic Zone to the norththwest of the Dijeli port city of Compangh, and were firing 'mere kilometres' from civilian sea traffic. Dijeli vessels were present and monitoring the situation, he added, noting that, while foreign vessels - including warships - are quite at liberty to traverse the Zone, they are bound by Dijeli maritime law, which prohibits the 'discharge of firearms, or other offensive systems, with the exception of trained and licence-holding personnel acting in self defence, or such regulated activities [including competitive target shooting and some forms of hunting] as stipulated under the Firearms Regulation Act (1982)'. While the Rokkenjiman warships are not believed to represent a specific danger to human life, civilian craft are being advised to act with caution when passing the site of the exercises, despite a rumour that spread online that Dijeli-flagged shipping was in fact the target of the operation, an assertion that officials maintain is fundamentally untrue. While this may be the case, details of the operation are reported to have been passed on to the public prosecutor, with charges of unlawful discharge of a deadly weapon and piloting a craft without due care and attention said to be under consideration. Further concerns have been raised by environmental groups over the safety of a nearby marine preserve, which is centred on a biologically diverse reef system in shallow water along the fringe of the CSZ, and could, environmentalists claim, be damaged by Rokkenjiman weapons or vessels that come into contact with the reef, or even an oil slick that could result from a training accident. These fears are said to be being looked into by Environment Minister Bolo T'losi. Rather predictably, the Guiding Light Party have slammed the government for being 'too weak' to prevent 'such flagrant disregard for legality by an invasive power' and have called for more assertive steps to be taken to expel the intruders. The party have since used the case to reinforce their demands for significant expansion across all military branches, and for the current eighteen-month period of national service be extended to twenty-four months and be reorientated around military service, whereas the current system is heavily utilised by both the healthcare and infrastructure sectors. According to a party spokesperson, the Dijel was showing itself to be a 'soft touch' which was unable to protect itself from 'gunboat deplomacy, or any other form of international terrorism, for that matter'. A diplomatic solution, however, could still be on the cards, following a revelation from the Rokkenjiman Vicegerent that she would 'be more than willing to sit down with them [the Dijeli government] so that we may ensure that the seas remain fairly open and safe'. While surely this will be a relief for the government, who may be able to distract from their perceived security failings with a diplomatic result, it will surely be met with a heavy dose of irony by most, with the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy having jeopardised both the openness and safety of the southern Sea of Kyne during this most recent incident. In other news, the neighbouring Constitutional Monarchy of Odmany has apparently expressed interest in joining the Confederation of Independent States, commonly shortened to CIS, the international organisation of which the Dijel is a founding member. While many have noted that the Dijel could benifit from having a close ally and trading partner in such close proximity, geographically much closer than any other current CIS member and proposed to be under a much tighter relationship than that currently shared with the UAE, the entry process is likely to be lengthy and thorough, following the controversy surrounding the readmittance of Verover into the organisation in the second half of last year, including the apparent war crimes committed by Verovan troops during the reunification of Safraen. |
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| Dijel | 5th April 2015 - 10:47 AM Post #110 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Confederation Cup - Game On  Back Kaal Clarke touches down the winning try in Achkaerin, putting the game beyond the hosts late on The Dijeli Confederation Cup side have gone top of the Confederation Cup standings with a hard-fought victory over Achkaerin away in Leonaise, putting them clear by one point over rivals East Moreland, who slipped up against determined opposition in Seaforth. This ratchets up the tension for next week's tie, which will see the Dijeli team head out to Northfort for what feels like a replay of last years' deciding game, with the Heilat-Longe Shield up for grabs, as well as potentially deciding the outcome of the tournament, with the winner going top regardless of results elsewhere. If all goes well, it has been noted, the Dijel could plausibly all but secure the trophy for a second time next weekend, if victory over East Moreland coincides with Seaforthian and Ndambian home wins over Supreme Sovereignty and Achkaerin, respectively. While such remains speculation, however, the competition remains close, with only struggling Ndambia looking unlikely to mount a serious title challenge. In an interesting twist of fate, it was Ndambia who last managed to score a win against the Dijel in a Confederation Cup match, on the opening weekend of the inaugral tourniment, with the winners on that occasion finishing in the bottom half, while the losers went on to lift the trophy. Following next weekend, the team will face similarly unknown opponents in Seaforth and Supreme Sovereignty, neither of whom entered into last year's tournament, though the former have certainly confirmed their credentials this weekend by forcing a draw against powerhouse East Moreland. Meanwhile, plans for a Rugby World Cup are apparently still on the table somewhere in the ether, allegedly with a possible start date at some point this summer - with their football side woefully unable to impress, the Dijeli rugby team would most likely relish the opportunity to make amends on the world stage, as would their fans, for that matter. Some, however, have accused the government of pushing such sporting events to divert public attention away from its own dealings, especially its perceived poor performance during the recent CSZ standoff. The government, for its part, likes to hold up elite sporting competitions such as this in order to promote its grassroots sporting and health-based initiatives, which has seen both the Culture Ministry and Interior Ministry, which oversees the health service, pouring money into local sports ventures, including school sport, amateur clubs and 'Get Into' courses, aimed at increasing the uptake of various activities. In other news, the Dartfordian Princess Georgia has apparently arrived in Dijelibeybi earlier this morning as part of a bilateral attempt to end the current tensions over joint Rokkenjiman-Dartfordian military exercises in the Dijeli Continuous Strategic Zone, in the southern Sea of Kyne, in what has been labeled as a probable charm offensive. While the exercises have proved to be largely ineffective at disrupting either Dijeli shipping or FDDF anti-piracy operations in the region, the latter of which have if anything been stepped up during the incident, the government will doubtless be keen to lay the corresponding domestic debacle to bed ahead of the upcoming referendum on the Fair Seas Concordat, which is due to take place in may, or else risk appearing to have bowed to what has been widely criticised in the media as gunboat diplomacy on the part of Dartfordia and Rokkenjima, who originally drew up the concordat. |
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| Dijel | 7th April 2015 - 09:33 PM Post #111 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Vallerius Warns Against Expanding Defence Expenditure  Dijeli troops from the 42nd (Air Landing) Engineering Regiment in training following their return home from Seaforth Expanding defence spending and initiating a renewed military expansion programme will only serve to increase tensions and strain international relations, the Prime Minister, Ronan Vallerius, has warned, amidst reports of armaments increases in other parts of the region. This comes in response to calls from some quarters for an increase in the numbers of FDDF troops, or for the creation of a trained reserve force, following a report from centre-right think-tank Unity that the force is insufficiently manned to fight off a conventional ground invasion of the country. The full compliment of the FDDF's ground forces currently stands at 194,500, supplemented by another 12,000 soldiers in the Dijeli Foreign Legion, far lower than the nearly million-strong Rokkenjiman ground forces, or even the 700,000-strong force of tiny Aya Aland. While plans have been floated in the past for the creation of an FDDF-reserve, the force has traditionally been reliant upon its highly-trained and lavishly-equipped soldiers and excellent small-unit tactics, which seem to run contrary to any large-scale expansion project. Therefore, while little funding may be set aside specifically for the purposes of recruitment, which need only keep up with the rate of retirement losses, the Defence Ministry is known to put a certain portion of its funding aside for research and development, which has become a constant cycle of improvement and adaption over recent years. The security situation has been more in the headlines recently, of course, with the standoff between FDDF naval forces and Rokkenjiman and Dartfordian warships over the Continuous Stratigic Zone, in the southern Sea of Kyne, although perceptions of the results of that action have been somewhat mixed, with official sources claiming victory, but the political opposition offering a more scathing interpretation. While undoubtedly coloured by political views, these responces have offered the various opposition parties an oppertunity to highlight their defence policies as we approach the one-third mark of this parliment, with several calling for an expansion to some degree. For the foreseeable future, however, the FDDF if unlikely to see any spectacular expansions, with international agreements and reliable allies forming the cornerstone of this government's strategic defence thinking. While this may be for reasons of political pragmatism, there will be some within both the Defence Ministry and FDDF who will look on this as certainly a positive step, as they have no intention of compromising the FDDF's reputation as a quality fight I g force, which would almost certainly be the case if existing, experienced, personnel were to be diluted by an equal or greater number of new recruits. In other news, the full Pan-Albion Congress has recently opened as a regional body, with its headquarters in the UNP. The result of two regional conferences lasting several months between them, the Congress is a first for Albion, and currently the largest organisation of its kind in operation on Mundus, with the Dijel, Tytor, Odmony, the UAE, the UNP and Dartfordia all represented, with the possibility of Sky Coast being soon to join them, pending their ratification of the treaty. The Federation is represented at the Congress by Dr Evelyn Assaidi, a Foreign Ministry veteran and holder of a doctorate in Chemistry from the prestigious Eaat University. Dr Assaidi, who has a Dartfordian great-grandparent, has served in a number of Dijeli embassies around Albion, including Tytor and the UAE, and is considered to be something of a specialist in continental affairs. |
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| Dijel | 9th April 2015 - 09:39 AM Post #112 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Rokkenjima Disengagement 'Presents Opportunity' - Nassir  Mr Ibn Nassir, leader of the Guiding Light Party and noted nationalist and religious fundamentalist, speaking in Escart during last years' election campaign The decision undertaken by Rokkenjima to impose trade and financial restrictions upon non-MCUR signatories, aimed squarely at Albion, has presented the Dijeli government with an 'opportunity' to 'rise to a position of regional leadership' according to Guiding Light Party leader Ihmran Ibn Nassir. Mr Ibn Nassir, considered the most right-wing of all the party leaders, is no stranger to controversy, having had past plans for feminine modesty laws blasted both at home and abroad, although this is the first publicised display of his alleged domineering nature, which his political opponents and at least one ex-partner have long accused him of. While government officials have taken the opportunity to decry Mr Ibn Nassir for a delusionary power-fantacist, some on social media have found some sympathy with his views, noting that, with access to the Rokkenjiman defence and financial sectors cut off, Dijeli companies are in a strong position to exploit this market gap, particularly in Northwest Albion, with Dijelibeybi financiers and private defence industry contractors, particularly the Sto Defence Corporation, said to be eyeing up a plethora of new business opportunities in the region. This has also come as the government has sought to strengthen regional ties, through the creation of the new Pan-Albion Congress and through the upcoming diplomatic tour of royal prince Mohan Ali, who is set to arrive in Tytor within the next twenty-four hours. Any talk of regional power, however, is likely to run contrary to this process, which has been built largely on a platform of self-determination and equal engagement. Additionally, while the Dijel is a signatory of the aforementioned Mundus Convention on Universal Rights, the government has never taken as much the evangelical line in the matter, with the Foreign Ministry preferring the proverbial carrot to the stick in terms of its policy abroad, notably continuing to allow trade with the former WARSAW bloc right up until its dissolution last year. In this way, the government can be seen to value peace and security over principals, a stance described as 'realist' that has drawn mixed reactions from the public, though has generally been supported. In all, weather intentionally or not, the Dijel is positioned to play a central role in continental politics over the coming months and years, though the direction and even form this will take remain unclear. As much as there is a minority who may echo Mr Ibn Nassir's views, there is a lobby amongst the Liberal Alliance's natural supporters for a more Rokkenjiman-esque ideological foreign policy, though not necessarily one espousing the same values. In other news, the Foreign Ministry is apparently eyeing membership of the Commonwealth Treaty Organisation, which is set to formalise its constituent treaty in the near future, as a prospect to be completed in the short- to medium-term. While a communiqué on the initial CTO conference is widely reported to have arrived in Dijelibeybi once the conference was already well underway, the government is said to have continued to monitor the progress of the organisation with interest. The CTO, upon its completion, will be the successor organisation to the ill-fated Covenant of Nations, or CoN, which collapsed early last year amidst a rift between the CSTO and WARSAW alliance blocs. While this is unlikely to reoccur with the CTO, there remains a fear among some quartets that this new organisation could suffer a similar fate, although the government seem unperterbed by the prospect, or lack thereof, as they may see it. |
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| Dijel | 15th April 2015 - 12:39 PM Post #113 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Prince Begins Albion Tour in Tytor  Mohan Ali, the royal heir apparent, who has recently begun a diplomatic tour of Albion in his capacity as a special envoy Mohan Ali, grandson of reigning monarch Teppicamemanon IX, has arrived in Tytor to begin his diplomatic tour of Albion, in what has been billed as an attempt to capitalise on the closer relations formed with neighbouring states through the recent formation of the Congress of Albion, the regional organisation based in the UNP. While holding no hereditary powers, as the Dijeli monarchy has been effectively separated from government under the Federal constitution, the Prince does hold a position in the Foreign Ministry, and is seen by some as a means to improve relations with the numerous monarchial states abroad. The diplomatic tour, as it has been billed, is due to visit Tytor, Odmony, the UAE, Dartfordia, Nya Aland, the UNP and Sky Coast in turn over the coming weeks, with a DBC documentary on the continent to be filmed along the way, which the royal is set to present. While pan-Albionism has become more talked about in recent months, the Foreign Ministry has been careful to emphasise that this is not to be an exercise in such, while hinting that such outreach programmes may be conducted further afield in future. While Albion has tended to become more polarised in recent times, largely over a dispute on the Mundus Convention on Universal Rights, this latest initiative has been viewed as an attempt by the Foreign Ministry to undo some of the damage and craft better relations with nations on both sides, without being seen to stand solely in either camp. Such a position has received mixed reviews back home, however, with criticisms coming in equal parts for lacking morals or seeking to undermine sovereignty, although the political mainstream have tended to sympathise that the debate puts the country in a difficult position, seeking both to progress and retain tradition and, importantly for any politician, not be seen to bow to foreign pressure. While unable to claim total success in their international dealings, the government scored reasonably highly in a recent opinion poll on the matter of foreign policy, with 71% stating that they feel the government has fared acceptably in that area, while 66% claimed to trust the Foreign Minister, Quanii Laat, to represent their interests effectively. This, however, was before the recent debacle over the Continuous Strategic Zone in the Sea of Kyne and, although the worst of this crisis has been seen to pass, it remains to be seen what effect it will have on the trust people hold in their government. In other news, the Dijel suffered a shocking defeat away in Northfort during the most recent round of the Confederation Cup, with 44-10 the final scoreline, in favour of the hosts. While always billed as a tough match, it is the scale of the defeat that has shocked many fans and pundits, with the Dijeli defence seeming to crumble under relentless pressure during the second half. While the Dijeli defence of the trophy may have suffered a setback, they remain one point short of the leaders, East Moreland, with two games to go. While their destiny may, for the first time, be out of their hands, the team are said to be steeling themselves for their next outings, hoping to scoop maximum points to put themselves in a position to capitalise should the Morelanders continue to drop points in what are billed as easier matches. Edited by Dijel, 15th April 2015 - 12:39 PM.
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| Dijel | 17th April 2015 - 03:45 PM Post #114 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION RKA Unveil Latest AFV Concept  RKA's HCV-XX concept image, a project said to be under development for some time Royal Klatchan Armouries, a principal Dijeli defence contractor, have today released a concept image for their currently under-development HCV-XX vehicle family, including an armoured scout vehicle, heavy infantry carrier and fire support vehicle. While the three cut an intriguing prospect for defence sector analysts, with such a vehicle family posing questions if it were to be adopted into FDDF service, with none offering an obvious like for like replacement with existing equipment that has been earmarked for replacement in the short- to medium-term future. Online speculation, however, is that some form of prototype for the project will be unveiled at the upcoming CIS Defence Expo, the location of which is currently undergoing a bidding process, following a release of general specifications apparently for the armoured scout variant of the chassis. Such an occurrence would indicate that development of the project is closer to completion than this concept image would suggest, and that the programme has seen some interaction with government agencies, which could be indicative of official interest in some or all of the designs. Other than that, there is the possibility that the concept design could be aimed squarely at the export market, where a well protected common vehicle chassis could be well received by defence forces looking to reduce their maintenance expenditure on aging machines. The fire support variant, pictured far right, has in particular been portrayed as a kind of poor man's battle tank, being armed with what appears to be a modern tank gun, although likely at the expense of armour protection. While the Prime Minister has publicly spoken out against military expansion, the small size of the FDDF in comparison to its peers allows the force to maintain a relatively higher research and development budget, which has been used in the past, most recently during the Seaforth conflict, to procure improved weapons and equipment for Dijeli troops. This has been criticised in the past for allowing the armed services too much freedom to manoeuvre independently of the civilian government, although the Defence Ministry has never allowed the armed forces' chiefs to step out of line too far. Given the current sensitivity in the region regarding overt militarism, the government is likely to attempt to downplay any new FDDF procurements in the immediate future, although the likelihood is that the force has one or two such projects on the go. Although some within the Federation would have our defence forces expanded to rival the likes of Mundus' superpower states, the current government is keen to keep the peace with their neighbours. In other news, recent unrest in the UAE has been described as 'concerning' by Foreign Minister Quanii Laat, as has a leaked Dartfordian communiqué apparently encouraging the violence, which is reported to have claimed over a dozen lives so far. The use of live rounds by Amcin security forces as also drawn the ire of several prominent security analysts, who have described live firing in a crowd control situation as unhelpful at best. While Dijeli police officers do not carry firearms as a matter of course, recent years have seen an increase in the issue of tasers to security personnel, especially in neighbourhoods with higher rates of violent crime. In extreme situations, Dijeli police can call on their own specialist firearm support units, or even FDDF units in cases involving terrorism or extreme violence, although such situations are rare. Edited by Dijel, 17th April 2015 - 03:47 PM.
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| Dijel | 22nd April 2015 - 08:45 PM Post #115 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Fair Seas Concordat - Referendum Preview  The town of Aritali in southwestern Akim-Navosh on the Sea of Kyne, close to the base of the contentious Continuous Strategic Zone With the public referendum on the Fair Seas Concordat, the treaty governing international seaways, due in the first week of next month, both the Yes and No campaigns are well underway and stepping up their game ahead of the crucial day. The Yes campaign are backed both by the governing Liberal Alliance and Dijeli Labour Party, while the Guiding Light Party are the primary political proponents of the No campaign. The No campaign, playing heavily on nationalist and anti imperialist sentiment, have been bolstered at the polls in recent weeks by the presence of Rokkenjiman and Dartfordian warships in the southern Sea of Kyne as part of an unnecessarily provocative exercise which has been widely condemned in the domestic media by outlets of all political colours. Describing this as 'An affront to national sovereignty and integrity - imperialism in its clearest form' the Guiding Light Party's monthly magazine was quick to use the affair to push its own national-power agenda, while the centre-left leaning Dijelibeybi Herald initially labeled the move as 'unsubtle'. All this has caused problems for Vallerius' government, who have been keen to push the Yes campaign with assertions that the country should put itself at the forefront of progression and lead by example, although this message has been eroded somewhat by the No campaign's popularised image that, far from leading, the government has allowed itself to be pushed by an imperial power, regardless of the fact that the referendum had been announced some time before the exercize began. While the worst of the crisis is said to be over, the domestic repercussions are still being felt, with national pride and indignation being pitted against political realism and internationalism. The government, certainly, will be looking to draw a line under the incident well before the day of the referendum, especially with a recent DBC poll suggesting an eight percent swing in opinion from Yes to No during the course of the crisis, leaving the opinion polls balanced on a knife edge, with scarce percent undecided. One idea which has been floated publicly as an alternative to either the FSC or CSZ has been the concept of a so-called Protected Sea Corridor, or PSC, which would see a standing deployment mandated by the Federal Assembly on a five-yearly basis in the waters currently occupied by the CSZ. The difference, however, would be that Dijeli maritime law would not be applied in the protected area, with the mission being a single-focus operation against piracy, with arrests potentially having to be made under military juristiction. In other news, a timescale has apparently been set for the upgrade of the Dijeli tank fleet, currently composed of the Stop Defence Company's A-09-III machines, to an improved standard known as the A-09-IV. Among the details of the proposed upgrade made public are a firepower improvement, from the current RKA 120mm L44 weapon to a longer L55 version with greater penetrating power, and an incorporation of the LARS defence system into the machine, including elements such as active defence, appliqué armour and improved hull composites. The new model is billed as an enhancement of the current hardware, with deliveries set to begin in late May and continue through to mid June, when the last vehicles will be delivered to FDDF armoured regiments. The A-09, in its various incarnations, is slated to remain in service with the FDDF beyond 2020, although a series of upgrades are set to take place to extend the service life of the machine between now and the date when it will eventually be replaced. Edited by Dijel, 23rd April 2015 - 09:27 PM.
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| Dijel | 25th April 2015 - 10:21 AM Post #116 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Defence Ministry Confirms Heavy Destroyer Programme Underway  An artist's impression of the new class, construction of which is set to begin in coming days The FDDF Fleet is set to squire a new class of warships, the Defence Ministry has confirmed, with four so-called 'Heavy Destroyers' set to enter service with the FDDF as early as June this year. The vessels have been seen by some as possible sucessors to the aging Heart-class cruisers which fulfil a similar role to that of the stated mission goal of the new warships, although it appears that the two types will suppliment each other, at least for the short-term future. The Tigress-class, as the new ships are to be known, after the lead vessel of the class, have had their intended names revealed as FDDS Tigress, FDDS Tamar, FDDS Tempest and FDDS Thane, with all four set to be laid down simultaneously, two at Klatchan and Provincial's shipyards in Tsort and the other two at Wölfe's shipyards in Port Illyria. The class will be fitted with two 155mm (6.1') guns apiece, although their primary armament will be missile-based, with as many as 128 VLS cells being fitted per vessel, making the Tigress-class the most heavily armed surface warship in the FDDF's history. As with other FDDF warships in recent years, stealth has apparently featured as a large consideration in the design of the Tigress-class, with hull design and materials geared towards an ultra-low radar cross-section, a low acoustic signature and passive cooling equipment designed to minimise the vessels' Infra-red signature. While this makes the Tigress-class, at least on paper, a very dangerous surface warship, at least equal to any comparable vessel operated by any foreign navy, according to one industry commentator, some domestic commentators have questioned the reasoning behind procuring such a large and expensive weapons platform, since any conflict against the kind of vessels the class would seem designed to counter would arguably be one that the Federation should seek to avoid. Whilst some sources have billed the Tigress-class as the Dijeli answer to bullying from the established maritime superpowers, the Tsort Mercury, a provincial tabloid, even running the headline 'Battleship Killer!' next to an image of the Tigress, Defence Ministry sources have emphasised that the craft was not designed with a specific target set in mind, although they do consider the design to be superior to most classes of primarily gun-armed battleship, with the possible exception of in a large-scale shore bombardment role, although this is a scenario the Tigress-class are considered unlikely to face. An initial order of four vessels could be matched with a further order of a similar number of vessels before the end of the year, it has been rumoured, although the Defence Ministry have so far declined to comment on the prospect, as they have on the future of the similarly disposed Heart-class cruisers, which have simply been stated as 'set to remain in service for the foreseeable future'. A new missile system, common to both classes, is rumoured to be set for a reveal at the upcoming CIS Defence Expo, which could extend the useful life of the cruisers, although a certain lobby does exist for their continued upgrade rather than similar replacement. In other news, reports of a pro-democracy revolution in Verover, a former key CIS member which fell from grace last year following allegations of war crimes committed during the Reunification of Safraen at the bequest of the right-wing government, have been well received in Dijelibeybi, with the Foreign Ministry releasing a short statement saying that they were 'pleased to see an opportunity for re-normalisation of relations with Verover, and moreover always take pleasure in seeing democracy flourish'. On the subject of the potential trial of the offending officials from the Safraen conflict, however, things have been more mixed, withsome confusion over how and where the trial should be conducted. International courts in Rokkenjima, Dartfordia and the UNP have been touted as potential host institutions, though the matter will likely not stand in the way of proceedings for long, with all parties apparently keen to see the perpetrators brought to justice. |
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| Dijel | 26th April 2015 - 09:57 AM Post #117 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Heartbreak Hotel - Confederation Cup Goes to the Wire  Dijeli players leave the pitch after thrashing Supreme Sovereignty 55-3, awaiting theresult of the final game between East Moreland and Achkaerin In the last weekend of the Confederation Cup, the tournament went down to the wire, with East Moreland, Achkaerin and the Dijel going into the last round of games with a chance of clinching the title, though the defending champions' hopes were fading fast. It all hinged on winning big out in Supreme Sovereignty, hoping against hope for a draw over at the Fox's Den. And win big they did, trading penalties with the hosts within the first five minutes, but in the eighth minute, a breakaway try from winger Ronald Sto Heilat saw the defending champions edge aged, and they never really looked back, although they were unable to make up the points difference on their rivals, who slogged out a 25-all thriller in Achkaerin, leaving East Moreland to claim the cup for the first time. With the conclusion of an intense, if unsuccessful, second year of the Confederation Cup, fans will doubtless reflect on a number of 'so nearly' moments, especially the close loss to Seaforth, as well as the moments of sporting brilliance, from all sides, that will festoon the highlight reels for years to come. Sir Roland Sto Heilat, the Dijeli CIS ambassador with a known love of the sport, and uncle to winger Ronald, commented that he was "Gutted we lost, but it was an exciting tournament from start to finish, and no one has anything to be ashamed of. Ultimately, the best team did win, and they've been in stonking form for a while now, but this was hardly the two-horse race it developed into towards the end last time around, Achkaerin and Seaforth pulled off some stunning results, and even the bottom two earned some pride to take home. All in all, I'm buzzing for next year already" With a rugby world cup on the horizon, however, there will be little time for reflection in the Dijeli camp. While last years' stalwarts may have come unstuck against renewed opposition, several youngsters have begun to impress at a club rugby level, and have been pushing for places in the international side. The world cup is expected to see many of these feature alongside the best of the old guard in a side which will doubtless look to build on their performance in this tournament. A number of friendlies, or even a pan-Albion rugby tourniment have been touted as oppertunities for the team to get even more game time, and try out new combinations and tactics, ahed of next year's Confederation Cup, which is already hotly anticipated, especially with the prospect of a home tie against friendly rivals East Moreland. A pan-Albion sporting tourniment is not a new concept, however, with the idea of an all-Albion football tourniment being floated in the domestic media around the time of the first Congress of Albion, and putting in a reappearance around the conception of the organisation in its current form. All this fits into the current government's 'Sport for All' scheme, which aims to get as many people partaking in regular sporting activity as possible, partially as a means to encorage a healthy lifestyle and partially as a meams to breaking down social barriers. The scheme has seen money invested into both elite and grassroots sports, with free 'taster sessions' being laid on by the government for the duration of the Confederation Cup for a variety of sports, although, rather unsurprisingly, rugby was the most popular, especially with away games displayed at a variety of open air venues arou dthe country, including Dijelibeybi's Federation Square. In other news, construction of an Achkaerinese naval base has begun on the Northwest coast of Dauntel, following a period of negotiation with the Dijeli federal, and Daunteli provincial, governments, which saw the agreement announced last night on the Achkaerin News Service. The base, to be located close to tne city of Stonehaven, is expected to host several thousand Achkaerinese servicemen and women, and is likely to bring a much-needed cash boost to the local economy, which has suffered somewhat in recent years with a slump in the crab fishing industry. Though this will not be the first time that foreign warships have been based in Dauntel, with Port Illyria having played host to a detatchment of the Seaforthian Royal Navy last year, although thisis the first foreign base to be constructed inside the federation in its history, although, given the strong bonds shared between the two nations, this move is not considered to cause any major controversy, and, some have speculated, may even be designed to stiffen the island's defence as other nations bulk up their presence in the region. |
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| Dijel | 28th April 2015 - 08:53 PM Post #118 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Industries Ministry to Fund Dijelibeybi Science Park Development  A CGI rendering of the proposed development, to be located on the outskirts of the capital The Dijeli federal Industries Ministry is set to fund the construction of a so-called 'Science Park' development on the outskirts of Dijelibeybi, to the southeast of the city's financial district on the west bank of the river Dijel, as part of a larger scheme to promote local enterprise and wealth creation. The development will include as many as six high-rise towers housing office space in a technologically integrated environment, as well as a number of apartment blocks and a large convention hall, among other amenities, making the park almost a town unto itself at first glance. Located little over half a kilometre beyond the current fringes of the financial district, on what is currently waste ground, the plans include provision for the creation of a designated green space between the two which will be run as a public park by the Dijelibeybi City Council, amounting to roughly two-and-a-half square kilometres in all. The site for this construction is currently owned by the provincial government, and was last used as a landfill tip prior to the expansion of the Financial District, with the location falling into disrepair following its closure in 1994. While some have drawn comparisons with East Moreland's technology city, the success of which has led some to call on the Dijeligovernment to attempt to replicate in the past, Industries Minister Sigmund Borsig, speaking at his initial press conference on the project, took pains to eemphasise that this is to be a more local affair, looking to encourage innovative startups with the help of government grants and partnerships with two local universities - Dijelibeybi Royal University and the University of Dijelibeybi - as well as local schools. This, in turn, links in to a greater push for the education system to provide employable skills, which has been a core tenant of this government's education policy since they came to power after the 2011 general election, and has been extended and expanded during their second term since 2014. The site will also feature heavily in an ongoing programme of upgrades for the internet infrastructure around the capital, which was first begun with the laying of fibre-obtic cables last year, and will host one of the city's large-capacity server hubs which will handle traffic coming in from around the country, and even further afield. While this has been welcomed by local residents, there have been feelings of resentment among some in rural areas against folks in the capital, who they see as getting a better deal from government investment, although fibre internet is currently in the process of being rolled out across the country. The Science Park is set to open later this year, with the first companies able to sign up for office space later this week. In other news, the Mundus Development Bank, to which the Dijeli government has pledged several billion Rhinus annually, has taken another step closer to completion, with a date for the organisation's opening conference having been set. The organisation, which will focus on sustainable investment in developing economies and the long-term alleviation of the root causes of poverty, has been much hyped by some domestic news outlets, not least as an opportunity for the Dijel to reconcile with regional superpower Rokkenjima, following a deterioration of relations over a spat in the Sea of Kyne recently. While that particular incident roused a degree of patriotic fervour, maintaining a good relationship with such a powerful neighbour is generally seen in practical terms as a positive idea. As part of a related development, the opposition Dijeli Labour Party have called on the government to initiate some kind of regional dialogue after yet another naval expansion programme was announced by a nation on the Sea of Kyne, this time Rokkenjima. The DLP, who have traditionally maintained a largely pacifist, at least antimilitarist, posture, were also highly critical of the government's plans to build four all-new Heavy Destroyers at a time when regional tensions are running high, citing particularly the cost of the vessels, as well as their destabilising effect, as reasons why the programme ought to have been scrapped long ago. |
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| Dijel | 4th May 2015 - 09:29 PM Post #119 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Referendum Narrowly Approves FSC  Voters in the Klatchan town of Tsiabal register their opinions on the treaty The Dijeli public narrowly voted to accept the Fair Seas Concordat, the international treaty governing maritime jurisdictions, with 50.54% of the turnout of yesterday's referendum on the document voting in favour, compared to 49.42% against and 0.04% electing to spoil their ballots. This comes following recent controversy over the joint Rokkenjiman-Dartfordian naval exercises, which were widely condemned as bullying tactics by the domestic media, close to the mainland to Dauntel shipping lanes, which prompted an expansive and impassioned campaign against the document led by the centre- and far-right, which has been accredited with bringing the final result of the referendum much closer than would otherwise have been the case, with the polls even suggesting the No campaign held the upper hand at times. The government will be no doubt thankful at this result, as they hope to reconcile relations with two of the foremost regional powers, following speculation that the crisis of recent weeks was like to spiral out of control, especially following suggestions of an arms race when news of the FDDF Fleet's latest procurement, four all-new Tigress-class Heavy Destroyers, happened to coincide with the announcement that the Rokkenjiman Navy was to acquire yet more battleships, armed with even bigger guns. The controversial Continuous Strategic Zone, however, will continue to operate for a week-long transition period, while the Defence Ministry attempts to obtain a Federal Assembly mandate for anti-piracy operations in a broadly similar region, known as the Protected Sea Corridors (PSC), which are planned to fulfil much the same role as the CSZ, albeit in recognised international waters. While the Defence Ministry has pledged to continue to protect the vital sea-routes connecting Dauntel with the mainland, however, the change of status is likely to remain just that. Elsewhere, it seems that maritime law is once again the subject of a dispute, this time over Nya Aland's whaling policy, which has seen Dartfordia and Rokkenjima, this time with the support of Dijeli ally East Moreland, weigh in against the decision to revive subsistence whaling. While the involvement of Dartfordia and Rokkenjima becoming embroiled in yet another dispute at sea, especially just as their previous escapade appears to have peetered out, has led to a sense of deja vu in some sectors, though the involvement of East Moreland has led many to take a second look at the situation developing in the Sea of Alucard. While the government, keen to get over its own maritime hangover, has remained coy on the issue of whaling, there is some strength of feeling on both sides of the debate. Certainly, some will sympathise with the Alanders from a nationalist standpoint, having themselves been on the receiving end of an apparently intimidatory naval build-up, while a few may chalk it up simply as yet further evidence of cultural insensitivity. On the whole, however, there is a sense that this remains an issue of a refusal to move with the times which has brought the present situation about, with some environmentalists using language such as 'barbaric' or 'archaic' to describe the practice of whaling, though the extremes on both sides of the debate are clearly in a minority. In other news, arrests have been made in the unusual 'Pimparoo' case in the Klatchan city of All Khaki today, with several members of a suspected sexual grooming circle now confirmed to be in police custody, though the ringleader has apparently hopped free, according to one police spokesperson, proving that attempting humour while delivering a serious public service is not always wise. The group shot to notoriety last year, when police executing a search warrant in pursuit of an alleged pimp instead found a marsupial, along with copious amounts of cash and cocaine at the address. It is worth noting that the animal was not charged with any offences, pimping-related or otherwise, and was shortly delivered to All Khali Zoo, where he is currently being prepared for his release into the wild at a nearby wildlife reserve. |
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| Dijel | 8th May 2015 - 09:40 PM Post #120 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Shock As Odmonian Royal Snatched from Ephebe Street  West Morian Street in Ephebe, close to the University of Ephebe, has been closed off since residents reported gunshots last night There has been shock as the ongoing conflict in Odmony has apparently come across the border, with gunfire being reported in the Navoshi city of Ephebe in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Armed police responded quickly to the scene, although the perpetrators are believed to have fled, and the area has since been cordoned off. Hours later, Odmonian State News reported that the shots were fired as part of an apparently successful kidnap attempt against a member of the Odmonian royal family, Princess Elinth of Marreny, who is known to have been studying at the nearby University of Ephebe. Police are currently said to be speaking to one eyewitness and have been monitoring road, rail, air and sea routes out of the city, with vague descriptions of two individuals they are interested in talking to having been released. On person, thought to have been a member of the Princess's security detail, was confirmed dead at the scene. Although no evidence has so far been made public to support such a claim, the Odmonian State News Agency, and several local news outlets, have blamed this apparent murder-kidnapping on the Sorority of Materna, a far-right feminist terrorist organisation currently fighting a bloody insurgency against the Odmonian government, largely in the province of Barrej, although the group are known to operate in other regions, including the failed south-Albion state of Marseille. If true, this would represent the first evidence of the group operating on Dijeli soil and, especially being so far north, could well lead to questions being asked of the security services. While some have already called for Dijeli forces to bolster their under-equipped Odmonian counterparts in their fight against the Sorority, possibly in combat or non-combat roles, or even a combination thereof, the recent news that Odmony is currently seeking entry into the CIS has certainly made the prospect more likely, and the need more pressing for the Sorority to be felt with in a thorough and comprehensive manner. While the Dijeli side of the border is not generally considered a particularly militarised zone, the outbreak of the conflict in Odmony led to the Border Agency calling in additional support from the FDDF, which now has a number of regiments operating in support of the Agency in monitoring the border against potential infiltration by the group, although such measures are said to be simply a precaution. A fully fledged deployment into the country, however, would be an entirely different prospect, and one which could potentially lead some to ask questions about exactly where the government draw the line in terms of protecting national security, since such a move could potentially be seen as a precident for a similar effort in Marseille, which, some theorise, would be necicary to destroy the Sorority's leadership and organisational infrastructure. In other news, the Foreign Ministry has noted with some concern recent troubles in Neuva Ardia and Vendosia, with travel advisories being issued against visiting either nation for the foreseeable future. While there have been concerns that events in oneor both could ammount to a coup, especially in Vendosia, where street violence has been reported as troops apparently moved into the capital, though on whose orders remains unclear. The Foreign Ministry is currently said to be monitoring the situation in both countries, and it is considered unlikely that the Federation will become majorly involved in either event, although the presence of Dijeli nationals with the Socialist Internationale Headquarters in Vendosia has led some to speculate that the government could get suckered in, should a coup actually be in progress. |
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| Dijel | 28th May 2015 - 06:51 AM Post #121 | |
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  Bombs and Poison - Sorority Strike Closer to Home With both a double car bombing attack in the UAE, and the apparent poisoning of Odmonian King Haravir, the shadowy terrorist organisation known as the Sorority of Materna have apparently moved a little closer to home in their activities, prompting some to call for action to halt their advance. The Sorority currently control large swathes of the Odmonian province of Barrej, which, some have suggested, they may be attempting to consolidate in their attempted assassination of the Odmonian king. The Odmonian royal arrived in Dijelibeybi late last night, where he is being treated at a heavily secured Royal Dijelibeybi Infirmary. Meanwhile, troops from several FDDF units have apparently had leave suspended, prompting some to conclude that the Defence Ministry may be contemplating armed action in the immediate future. The Defence Ministry have so far declined to comment. Forces' Broadcasting To Go Digital The Dijeli Forces Broadcasting Service, or DFBS, the forces wing of the DBC, is set to get a boost later with the aquisition of digital radio broadcasting equipment, which will see DFBS Radio made avalable nationwide, as well as on all Dijeli warships and overseas deployments. The service traces its origins back to the amateur 'Voice of al-Hiassi' radio station, which was broadcast out of the FDDF's titular al-Hiassi base by men from the 31st Engineering Regiment during the mid-1980's. FDDS Tigress Undergoes Sea Trials FDDS Tigress, the lead ship of a new class of ultra-stealthy Heavy Destroyers destined for service in the FDDF Fleet, has today been spotted undergoing her sea trials in the Sea of Kyne off of the port city of Compangh. Her sister ship, FDDF Thane, is also said to be undergoing similar trials aged of their entry into service next month. The class are expected to be the primary recipient of the soon to be delivered SEABAT-1 Anti-Ship Missile, which was displayed publically for the first time at this year's CIS Military Expo, with as many as four of the weapons able to be packed into each of Tigress' 128 VLS cells. Edited by Dijel, 28th May 2015 - 06:51 AM.
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| Dijel | 24th June 2015 - 04:22 PM Post #122 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION We Will Stand by Achkaerin - Vallerius Nuvia Ardia - recent host to an incident apparently involving a botched Achkaerinese special forces mission The Federation will stand by our Achkaerinese allies, the Prime Minister, Ronan Vallerius has said, speaking at a press conference in Dijelibeybi earlier today, despite a draft resolution having been presented to the General Assembly of the CTO calling for the organisation to condemn the Achkaerinese government over their alleged transgressions committed inside Nuvia Ardian territory. While not immediately implicated, with the alleged incursion having been supposedly launched from the Achkaerinese Antares naval base, located upon the Dijeli island province of Dauntel, some have questioned weather the Dijeli government could be implicated in the proceedings at some level, either for allowing the construction of the Antares base or, perhaps, having offered more significant operational support, though the Defence Ministry have so far dismissed any suggestion of such as unfounded rumour. Furthermore, with the recent exit of East Moreland from the CIS, the government will be doubtless looking to demonstrate solidarity with one of their most prominent remaining allies in Achkaerin, especially coming so soon after it was announced that the FDDF would be purchasing over two hundred Achkaerinese-built armoured fighting vehicles, known as the 'Equities' in Achkaerinese service, though the export version has received the FDDF designation 'RCV(E)-15' and is set to enter service in the coming weeks. While being broadly similar, the Dijeli preproduction version exhibited recently by the Defence Ministry included a more conventional multifuel power pack, a firepower upgrade in the form of a dual RWS and coaxial machine gun and the instalation of the FDDF's LARS (Light Armour Reinforcement System) package, including an active protection module. Despite this purchase, however, it remains expected that the Defence Ministry will elect for a homegrown design to replace its current fleet of RCV-96/14 wheeled recconaisance vehicles, many of which spent several years in storage following a round of spending cuts in 2008. In other news, the last of the Tigress-class Heavy Destroyers, FDDS Tamar has recently completed her sea trials and entered mainline service with the FDDF Fleet. All four vessels are equipped with the new SEABAT anti-ship missiles, which were first exhibited at this years' CIS Military Expo, and are set to replace the previous VORBAT missile in that role, with the latter slated for conversion into an anti-submarine variant. |
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| Dijel | 20th July 2015 - 01:30 PM Post #123 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Major Defence Spending Review Underway  Dijeli soldiers on parade in Dijelibeybi last year The Dijeli armed forces are in for a major shake-up in the near future, according to Defence Minister Sir Steven Dabu, with a full review of spending across all three services already underway. While spending by the Defence Ministry has crept up in recent years, thanks largely to a series of military deployments and standoffs, including last years' deployment to Safraen and the more recent tensions with Nevua Ardia over the Achkaerinese Antares base in Dauntel. While historically strong public support for FDDF personnel makes any large scale redundancies unlikely, especially given the military background of the incumbent Defence Minister, who formerly commanded the Dijeli contingent in Safraen, the future of the Dijeli Foreign Legion has remained slightly more in doubt, with the purpose of the force coming increasingly into question in recent years, with the possible exception of a good showing from the unit during their deployment to Seaforth. In particular, the structure and organisation of the FDDF has come under some scruitiny recently, with the standing regimental system complicating matters when larger scale organisation is required, as was the case in Seaforth, causing some to speculate that the regiments may be relegated to a more ceremonial role, or even retired completely. In terms of equipment, the FDDF remains one of the more well equipped forces on Mundus, especially with the recent arrival of four of the much-vaunted Tigress-class Heavy Destroyers in the surface fleet. That said, however, some equipment changes are expected in more minor terms, with some commentators speculating that cheaper, so-called 'off-the-shelf' solutions may be sought, rather than more expensive home-grown designs, especially following the recent aquisition of imported warships and armoured vehicles from East Moreland and Achkaerin respectively. Politically, support for the armed forces has generally mirrored that of the general public, though the leftist parties have generally opposed increases to the Defence budget on the basis that it could encourage military adventurism, though for the most part even the Reformed Peoples' Party backbench generally supports a base level of spending on Defence. In other news, the Antares standoff was fortunately resolved peacefully following the withdrawal of the Nevua Ardian warships from the area, apparently due to mounting domestic political problems in the country. While the blockading force was not in place for long, and did not in fact penetrate either the continuous zone or territorial waters around Dauntel, there was quite some concern registered, both locally and nationally, that the situation could spill over if the Nevua Ardians made a move against the base. In fact, as has since been confirmed, FDDF naval assets were in fact moved into the area with orders to engage the blockading warships if they fired against Dauntel or attempted to enter into Dijeli territorial waters. Thankfully, however, this did not occur andthe situation ended without a shot being fired. |
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| Dijel | 30th July 2015 - 02:58 PM Post #124 | |
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 Dijeli Warships to be Committed to Marseilles Operation A pair of Dijeli warships - Centaur-class Amphibious Support Ship FDDS Chamois (pictured) and Alliance-class Frigate FDDS Ajax - are to be deployed in support of the Commonwealth Treaty Organisation's Mission Marseilles, it has been announced by the Defence Ministry. While not intended to play a direct role in the Rokkenjiman-led invasion of the territory, the Chamois will be deployed in her auxiliary role as a hospital ship, although her armament prevents her being classified as such, while Ajax, meanwhile, is set to provide close escort to the larger vessel. This comes as the CTOMM, the first operation of its kind sanctioned by the CTO, has already gotten underway, and with mixed results, following reports that a number of Achkaerinese soldiers have been captured by the Sorority, following a botched landing attempt by CTO forces. Despite this, however, it is considered unlikely that large numbers of Dijeli ground troops will be committed to the conflict, not least due to the recent re-organisation of the FDDF under the Dabu Reform, which has altered significantly the organisation of the FDDF at every level. Rugby Fans Hopeful for Knockout Performance Dijeli rugby fans will be hoping for a continuation of their team's good form at the World Cup in Quinntopia, as the competition enters the knockout stages with the Dijel the only side as yet unbeaten, having romped home to win their group with apparent ease. While minnows Strathakoka, who squeezed through from Group B on point difference, may hold little threat in the eyes of the fans, the team and management are apparently resolved not to underestimate any opposition, having learned form bitter experience in the Confederation Cup earlier in the year. Submarine Force to be Revived Following the recent Defence Review, it has emerged that Defence Minister Sir Steven Dabu, plans to revive, in part, the Dijeli submarine force, which was axed last year after another spending review found the upkeep costs of the aging fleet had begun to outweigh the capability they provided. While the composition of the new submarine force has yet to be confirmed, speculation has suggested that a foreign supplier, with more expertise on the subject of submarine construction, as well as lower development costs, may be sought, though a native design remains plausible. |
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| Dijel | 22nd August 2015 - 10:54 AM Post #125 | |
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 Rokkenjiman Animal Rights Laws 'Unlikely' to be Widely Copied New Rokkenjiman laws, seen as a landmark in the field of animal rights by some activists, are unlikely to precipitate widely, according to a recent government report on the matter. Reasons cited for this included a generally accepted adiquacy of existing animal protection ledgislation in many places, ethical discomfort over altering the definition of 'persons' and a strong desire in some places on Mundus not to be seen to follow the Rokkenjiman lead. Domestic animal protection legislation varies among the provinces in the Dijel, though the creation of several federally-administered national parks in the mid-1980's has helped to largely dispel the pressure upon the rarer native Dijeli spiecies. Some clauses of the new act have caused some concern, however, with references to 'nations', rather than strictly the Rokkenjiman state, leading some newspapers to lambaste the measures as 'betraying a dimension to the Empress' character which is unashamedly imperialist in its outlook'. Dijeli Expeditionary Corps 'Under Preparation' for Marseilles Deployment A Dijeli Corps-sized force is currently under preparation for a deployment to Marseilles in support of the CTOMM forces already on the ground, it has been revealed, with speculation suggesting that this latest move may have been prompted by a request for assistance from allied Achkaerinese forces already involved with the mission. While the land campaign against the Sorority of Materna terrorist group has been widely seen to stutter in recent weeks, and had already witnessed a number of setbacks prior to this, the employment of a significant number of Dijeli troops and resources should have a noticeable effect upon the course of the conflict, though the warning has been made that, even then, it is not like to be quick or easy. Congress of Albion 'Needs to Deliver' - Nassir The Congress of Albion 'needs to deliver concrete improvements' according to Guiding Light Party leader Ihmran Ibn Nassir, in an article critiquing the regional organisation published on the party's website. While the usually anti-internationalist party has been suprisingly supportive of the Congress in principal, seeing it as another facet of its pan-Albion ambitions, they are not alone in finding the organisation slow to deliver upon its promises. |
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| Dijel | 8th September 2015 - 08:57 PM Post #126 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Refugee Crisis - Ultimate Solution Must Lie In Tackling the Source  Refugees from the conflict in Marseilles Refugees have recently been a hot topic in the international news, with ongoing conflicts in Caspivus and Marseilles driving thousands of civilians from their homes and dispersing them across vast stretches of Albion, Ardia and even as far afield as Cotf Arrayne. Particularly poignant have been images taken by the Ossirian Coastguard in Peniche Bay, purporting to show the body of a small child refugee washed ashore. While the Dijeli Border Service has not reported any notable increase in assylum applications at the border - unsurprising considering the nearest of these conflict zones, Marseilles, lies over three thousand kilometres from the southern borders of the Federation - Foreign Minister Quanii Laat has pledged a number of measures designed to 'tackle the crisis at its source'. The focus point for this effort, it has been revealed, is to lie with the Dijeli military deployment to Marseilles, as a part of the broader CTOMM effort in the country, which has been tasked with the twofold objectives of bringing the conflict to as swift an end as possible and to facilitate and assist with the deployment of civilian aid programmes in the country. The immediate change is to come in the establishment of a Dijeli Foreign Ministry-run refugee camp and processing centre in the area currently under the control of CTOMM forces in the country. In addition to the housing of internally displaced peoples at a safe location within the country, this facility is to enable those fleeing the conflict to apply for assylum status in-country, which could see hundreds or thousands of individuals evacuated from the conflict zone if their need is judged to be high enough. Politically, the reaction to this has largely been one of muted support. While some parties on the right of the political centre may have been expected to protest against the prospect of state-sponsored immigration, the public reaction - especially following the release of those dreadful images from Peniche Bay - has generally been sympathetic towards the refugees, making it widely regarded as not politically expedient to take a hard line against these measures. In other news, a Defence Ministry paper released today has again raised the prospect of creating a Federal reserve fighting force to bolster the FDDF in times of need. The paper released today details the findings of a feasibility study into the issue, and asserts that it would be plausible to recruit a part-time force of some roughly 45,000 individuals into what has been termed as the FDDFR (Federation of the Dijel Defence Force Reserve) by the first of January 2016. The prospect of a reserve force, known under a plethora of titles under a number of administrations, has been bandied about several times over the last two decades, though to date no Federal Assembly vote on the matter has ever been brought about. The current government have been especially supportive of the prospect, however, and have particularly sought to emphasise the 'specialist skills' which could be brought into the FDDF by personnel with experience in the civil sectors, while also stressing the utility of such an organisation in alternative scenarios, such as disaster relief. |
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| Dijel | 13th October 2015 - 08:52 PM Post #127 | |
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 Federal Government Outlines Albion Vision The Dijeli Federal Government have today unveiled an outline of their vision for the revitalisation of relations with the other states of Albion, beginning with a plethora of measures to bolster the Congress of Albion, an organisation which many have seen as ailing over recent months, following apparent deadlock over a bid from breakaway Nordic state Nya Åland to join the organisation. Initial efforts are likely to focus around improvements to Albion's infrastructure, an area in which both the Dijeli government and the wider Albion community have a fairly strong record, with the construction of the Pan-Albion railway following an earlier continental diplomatic conference last year. Additional measures are likely to include cultural and scientific alliances, as well as a potential auxiliary organisation cast along the lines of the Ardian Entente, although such a move would likely prove rather more controversial than the comparatively inoffensive Congress. Dijeli Forces 'Have Exit Strategy in Marsailles' - Dabu The government has an exit strategy for Dijeli troops fighting alongside the CTO's Mission Marseilles, according to Defence Minister Sir Steven Dabu, speaking at a press conference. While the details have not been provided on the basis of their sensitivity, the stated exit route is reported to involve leaving the country in the hands of a stable and democratic native government. Though no Dijeli fatalities have been reported in the conflict to date, which has claimed thousands of lives and proven a significant contributor to the ongoing refugee crisis in the region, commentators have warned that the conflict has the potential to become a long, drawn-out affair, which could see the already limited support for Dijeli involvement quickly evaporate. Space Programme 'Unlikely On Current Budget' A revitalisation of the Dijeli space programme is 'unlikely' according to an official response to an online poll on the matter, echoing previous sentiment expressed by the governing Liberal Alliance in the run up to the last election, which indicated that such a venture would be too expensive for comparatively little gain. The last Dijeli spaces programme ran under the communist junta during the 1960's and 1970's, and has left behind a number of launch facilities and other materials which are currently in a mothballed state, despite repeated efforts over the years to either restart the programme, or to sell off the assets belonging to the programme to the private sector. |
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| Dijel | 21st October 2015 - 11:53 AM Post #128 | |
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 Venerable Cruisers Face Axe Six of the FDDF's eight aging Heart-Class guided missile cruisers are to be scrapped as a cost-saving measure, the Defence Ministry has today announced, with the remaining two to be withdrawn from active service shortly. The vessels, which were all constructed by the then communist regime during the first half of the 1970's, were for a long time the largest and most powerful surface combatants operated by the FDDF, although since the introduction of the more modern Tigress-Class 'heavy destroyers' earlier in the year, the future of these vessels has been in doubt. One example, FDDS Darkheart, which made headlines during early 2014 as an early responder to the First Safraen Crisis, is to be disarmed and converted to a museum ship, while another, FDDS Heart of Gold is to be expended as a target and sunk to create part of an artificial reef off the Klatchan coast near Al Khali. During the announcement, a Defence Ministry spokesperson cited rising maintenance costs and difficulties in keeping such large vessels seaworthy as factors contributing to their demise, in additions to question marks over their effectiveness and role in contemporary operations. Prime Minister Visits Achkerin The Prime Minister, Ronan Vallerius, has flown to the Holy Empire of Achkaerin for an official visit to the country, his second as Prime Minister - the other coming earlier in the year, during the anniversary celebrations of the CIS. With the Prime Minister having sought to strengthen already good ties with the country in recent months, and indeed offered support during a spat between Achkaerin and Nuvea Ardia during which Nuvea Ardian warships came within the Dijeli EEZ during an aborted raid on the Achkaerinese Antares base near Stonehaven, this particular trip is expected to yield very little by way of surprises. Nya Åland to Host Winter Games The Odinist Republic of Nya Åland is to host the upcoming Winter Games, it has been announced, comfortably freezing out next-best contenders Tytor in the polls. Such a feat has been hailed as something of a coup for the fledgling Republic, which as seen some controversy over religious restrictions since its split with the UNP. While hopes are not particularly high for the Dijeli team, who have an exceedingly poor record at the Winter Games, those few fans of winter sports in the Federation will doubtless celebrate every last achievement made by Dijeli athletes at the competition, any medals in particular. |
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| Dijel | 27th October 2015 - 05:32 PM Post #129 | |
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 FDDF Begins Marseilles Withdrawal - Official The FDDF has begun its withdrawal from Marseilles, it has today been announced, with the first troops - from 10 Battalion,The Parachute Regiment, arriving home to an official welcoming committee last night at their base near Wae, Dijelibeybi Province. The main withdrawal operation is slated to last for another two weeks, with a reduced Dijeli ground presence due to remain in country, to oversee the handover of Dijeli bases to CTOMM and local allied forces, until the end of November, at which point the FDDF's role in the conflict will officially be declared at an end. The Dijeli mission in Marseilles, codenamed Operation Kulak, saw some 45,000 FDDF personnel deployed to the country at the peak of the fighting, though these forces have largely found themselves conducting a cleanup operation, following the apparent fracture of the Marseillese regime's forces following a failed counteroffensive in August. To date, Operation Kulak has cost the lives of three Dijeli servicemen, and seen twelve more have suffered serious injury in the line of duty. While mercifully light, especially in comparison to those sustained by other CTOMM forces, will nonetheless leave yet another mark upon the government's record in foreign affairs, although one they most likely will be hoping is outweighed by the success of the CTO's mission. Bohpan Sets Sights on 'Zero Hours' Contract 'Menace' Finance Minister Haidi Bohpan has set her sights on the 'menace', as she has termed it, of the so-called 'zero hours' employment, whereby employers take on workers with no fixed hours, thereby largely circumnavigating the effects of the minimum wage. Any measure against such terms of employment, however, is likely to meet opposition from companies and the political right, with short-term employment being favoured by employers in some industries, especially hospitality, where flexibility is highly valued, and wages are typically low. Tytor Coup Shocks Nation An apparent coup in nearby Tytor has shocked the nation, as an officer of the Royal Tytorian Army has apparently suspended the elected government and installed himself as a dictator under the guise of 'emergency measures'. While the government has not yet ruled out Dijeli involvement in the crisis, the Foreign Ministry has so far left the situation in the hands of Tutor's CSTO allies, particularly Rokkenjima, who have taken the lead in an effort to resolve the situation. |
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| Dijel | 5th November 2015 - 09:58 PM Post #130 | |
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 Surprising Sporting Heroes Emerge Dijeli sports fans have cause to celebrate, today, as a Dijeli team comes up trumps in an altogether unexpected area - as of today, the Federation of the Dijel are top of the medal table at the 2015 Winter Games in Nya Åland. Do not adjust your set, this is not a hoax; the Dijeli team head the medal table after four days, with six gold and several other medals, ahead of second-placed Supreme Sovereignty with five golds. This comes on the back of a dominating performance in the Bobsleigh yesterday, which saw Dijeli teams sweep gold in all three of the catagories, with the women's pair B team even securing a silver of their own, resulting in a Dijeli one-two in that event. While the wider Dijeli team, which is amongst the largest ever sent to a Winter Games, has also put in a sterling effort, striking gold in the Luge, Skeleton Bob and Cross-Country Skiing, it is undoubtedly the Bobsleigh team which has captured the public imagination, and will likely receive the plaudits at competition's end, unless an even more remarkable upset is in the coming. The downside to all this, however, is that, despite an outstanding performance to date, the Dijeli team at the Winter Games is not highly tipped to retain the top spot, nor even finish in the top three overall, although they are almost certainly gunning for a record-breakingly high finish. East Moreland - Dijel Treaty Signed A new treaty has been signed, according to a government press release, between the Federation of the Dijel and the Kingdom of East Moreland, reiterating mutual friendship following the exit of the latter from the Confederation of Independent States. The treaty, which has been dubbed the Red-White Concordat in the media, taken from the shared colours of the two countries' flags, includes the popular measure to retain the Heilat-Longe Shield, albeit in an altered format, with three meetings between the two great rugby rivals guaranteed on an annual basis. Despite the widespread popularity of the relationship shared by the two countries, at least in the Dijel - in particular, grassroots rugby is said to have benefitted noticeably since the introduction of the Confederation Cup in 2014 - there has been some trepidation on the far left, with some in that group distrustful of any regime which puts so much power in the hands of unelected, and even worse, hereditary, positions. Two Dead in Marseilles Blast Two Dijeli servicemen have been killed in the last week, the Defence Ministry have confirmed, following an incident during which their vehicle was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device while on patrol in the southwest of the country. This follows an apparent spate of such attacks, with a Dijeli armoured vehicle damaged a week earlier in a blast in the same area, and reports yesterday of an attempted suicide bomb attack on a Dijeli foot patrol close to the battlesite at Haywire Ridge, although no friendly casualties were reported in either incident. In total, this brings the total number of Dijeli fatalities in the conflict up to five, with another fourteen personnel seriously injured in the line of duty. With several more weeks until the final Dijeli soldiers are due to be withdrawn from the country, any upsurge in violence is likely to be a cause for concern both for the FDDF and the wider CTOMM. |
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| Dijel | 17th November 2015 - 09:46 PM Post #131 | |
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 DFA Gears Up for World Cup The Dijeli Football Association has officially begun its buildup for the next Association Football Men's World Cup, revealing an all-new kit for the national side at a press event in Dijelibeybi earlier today, despite the fact that bidding to host the tournament is still ongoing, to the extent that the Dijeli government have not one-hundred percent ruled out launching a hosting bid of their own. Despite recent Dijeli sporting success at the Winter Games in Nya Åland, international footballing form has not been kind to the men's side over the last couple of years, and most fans are reportedly pessimistic about their team's chances of progressing being the group stages. Nonetheless, the DFA are apparently keen to pull out all the stops for this campaign, not least due to the danger of being completely overshadowed on the national sporting stage, not only by the Dijeli rugby side - with which football has traditionally been viewed as a twin national sport - but also by the Dijeli women's side, who at least enjoy the distinction of having made it into the knockout stage of their most recent tournament appearance. Selection for the national side, while revealed to be far from complete at this stage, is set for a major shake-up for this competition, with DFA officials going so far as to hint at changes to the management of the side if some improvement were not made at this incoming tournament, at least compared to the dire performances seen over the last few years. Drone Carriers To Undergo 'Extended Refit' The Federation of the Dijel Defence Force's two Badger-Class Drone Carriers, constructed in East Moreland as Cyborg-Class craft and purchased by the FDDF in a landmark deal last year, are set to undergo an 'extended refit', according to a Defence Ministry spokesperson. The vessels, which are currently capable of deploying a number of Dijeli-made UCAV-107 'Dragon' drones, have had their utility questioned on several occasions since their introduction, an issue compounded by the fact that they have never been deployed operationally, though vessels in service with the East Moreland Navy have seen some combat service. The refit is reported to be set to leave both vessels laid up well into the new year, though exact details of the changes due to be made to the vessels are presently few and far between, although, with the apparent extent of the refit, some weight has been added to rumours that both Badgers could be converted into light aircraft carriers, capable of carrying conventional aircraft, although there has been some doubt as to the plausibility of any such proposal, given the limited dimensions of the hulls involved. Dijel Rank Sixth in Åland With the close of the 2015 Winter Games in Nya Åland, the Dijeli team have finished a respectable sixth, thanks largely to a stunning performance from the country's Bobsled and Luge competitors, a stunning achievement for a team that, prior to the start of the games, were touted by most pundits to be among the stragglers, rather than the frontrunners. With ten gold medals taken over the course of the competition, the team have set not only a new national record at the Winter Games, but have also led the equatorial nations in the final rankings. Rather embarrassingly, at least for the Summer Olympians, this result is better by some margin than that achieved in the most recent summer competition, though that competition proved to be as disappointing as this one was exhilarating for Dijeli sports fans. |
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| Dijel | 25th November 2015 - 06:00 PM Post #132 | |
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 FDDF Deploy to Supreme Sovereignty Troops from the Federation of the Dijel Defence Force have been deployed to Supreme Sovereignty to assist the Sovereigntyan government in its fight against the armed faction known as 'The Enlightement', which has previously claimed responsibility for several acts of terrorism, including several bomb attacks against civilians in Ardia and Albion, as well as a notorious attempt against Achkaerinese Princess Serenity and her Sovereigntyan husband, the Crown Prince Isaac. The Dijeli deployment to the country comes as part of a wider CIS attempt to bolster the allied state, which has fared badly in recent fighting, amidst rumours of support for the so-called Enlightenment coming in from abroad. In truth, the government has admitted, preparation for this deployment began some weeks before being made public, with leave being cancelled for a significant number of personnel shortly after the conflict broke out. With the Dijeli presence in Marseilles still being wound down, and due to continue until the end of the month, this will be the first time in its history that the FDDF has had to sustain two operational deployments simultaneously, though the rapid downscaling of the commitment to CTOMM have most certainly freed up significant resources for redeployment to Supreme Sovereignty. In addition to this, the deployment to Supreme Sovereignty is reported to command significantly more manpower than other recent Dijeli deployments, including Seaforth and Marseilles, although exact details remain unannounced at this time, for obvious reasons. Badger-Class To Be Refit as Light Carriers - Official The FDDF Naval Force's two East Morrland-built Badger-Class UAV carriers, which are currently undergoing significant refit, are to be converted to into Light Aircraft Carriers, according to an official Defence Ministry release earlier, with alterations to be made to the superstructure, hull and armament of the vessels, allowing them to operate manned combat aircraft, rather than being solely equipped with 'drone' aircraft, although with a significantly smaller air wing than the current 'full size' Federation-Class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in service with the Force. The conversion is confirmed to be due completed sometime during the first quarter of 2016, with official recomissioning scheduled to take place during that year. There have, however, already been some concerns voiced over the validity of the project, with some defence industry commentators observing that any flight deck fitted to the current hulls is likely to be too short to operate the present primary fighter aircraft of the Fleet Air Arm, the seagoing version of the JAS-44, known as the 'Petrel', which is reported to be already fairly difficult to land upon existing aircraft carriers, due to the relatively high stall speeds and fair weight of the aircraft, leading some to further speculate that an entirely different type may be procured for the converted Badgers. Dabu to Arendesia - Stay Out of Supreme Sovereignty Sir Steven Dabu, the Dijeli Defence Minister and former FDDF officer, has warned the Arendesian government against 'intervening further' in the conflict in Supreme Sovereignty, following allegations that their aircraft have been spotted over the country, or have even attacked Sovereigntyan facilities in support of the so-called Enlightenment movement, which currently controls a swath of territory along the border between the two countries, in addition to occupying areas in the east of Supreme Sovereignty. The Defence Minister,speaking at a press conference conference earlier, reiterated that the Dijel was committed to 'the defence of the legitimate government of Supreme Sovereignty, against both state- and non-state actors' and promised that 'affirmative action' would be taken against any state that sought to 'undermine the legitimate government by supporting the so-called Enlightenment through any means, weather military, material or other'. It has since been confirmed that, while no military action has been authorised beyond the area of operations in Supreme Sovereignty, the Dijeli government is considering pursuing the Arendesian state through the CTO, if reports of their involvement in the conflict are confirmed. |
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| Dijel | 22nd December 2015 - 04:17 PM Post #133 | |
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 T'Losi Demands Climate Action Environment Minister Bolo T'Losi has called on the entirety of Mundus to do more to combat climate change, amidst the release of a report suggesting that the Dijeli desert is encroaching at an increasing rate upon the more fertile Sto Plains, and that this so-called 'Desertification Effect' is due more to climate change than overly intensive agricultural methods, as had previously been suggested. While Desertification in itself is nothing new - landowners along the northern fringe of the Sto Plains have complained since the 1980's of increasing stress being placed upon their irrigation systems year-on-year - until more recently it has largely been attributed to unduly intensive agricultural practices taking their toll upon already depleted soil. Farming communities have increasingly called upon the government to take action to protect their livelihoods, in the process securing domestic food supplies. Already in place is a government drive to reduce carbon emissions domestically, with the last fossil fuel drives power station due to be decommissioned during 2017, with additional investment being made into nuclear and renewable power options as a replacement. In addition to this, the Environment Minister has announced plans for the creation of what has been branded in the press as the 'T'Losi Line' - a government-funded buffer zone along the northern frontier of the Sto Plains, which is to be excluded from agricultural exploration, and will instead be replanted and regenerated in the hope of preventing further desertification beyond this line. Dijel Triumph in World Cup Opener At their World Cup opener in Sparta, the Dijel have pulled off a surprise win against group favourites the UNP at the Hermes Stadium. Having a poor record on football's world stage, Dijel have rarely survived beyond the group stages in any competition, and the close-fought win over a fellow Albion side has been taken as something of a coup by the domestic media, though doubts remain over the chances of escaping the group stages, with fears abounding over the defensive howlers which led to the UNP's two goals, and a third which almost proved as costly in first half stoppage time. In recent times, Association Football in the Dijel has soundly lost out to Rugby, both in terms of viewing figures and in terms of international success, though 2015 has been something of a year of upsets in this regard, with the Dijeli winter olympians competing in Nya Åland capturing the public imagination with a string of stunning performances, in a way that no other Dijeli Winter Olympics team ever really has before. It remains to be seen, however, weather the Dijel's footballers will be able to replicate this feat in Sparta. Government 'Warmongers' - Heilat Dijeli Labour Party leader Martha Heilat has today lambasted the Federal Government as 'Warmongers' over their foreign policy record, which has seen the FDDF fight wars overseas in Safraen, Veashak, Seaforth, Marseilles and, most recently, Supreme Sovereignty. Ms Heilat, speaking at a DLP mid-term review in Compangh, questioned the government's motives behind this statistic, accusing them of leveraging such conflicts as an attempt to bolster popular nationalism, while displaying 'frightful' military adventurism in support for overseas business interests. The Labour leader, an outspoken anti-war campaigner, added that 'No Labour government would have condoned such international aggression, no least from ourselves. No, for we, dear friends, are people of peace and reconciliation - these overseas adventures of ours serve only to push the sources of these conflicts back below the surface, only for them to re-emerge once the eyes of the world have been averted, worse than ever before' |
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| Dijel | 17th January 2016 - 08:48 PM Post #134 | |
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 Vallerius Contemplates Year Ahead In his new year's address for 2016, the Prime Minister, Ronan Vallerius, has struck a melancholy tone, reflecting upon, in his words, the triumphs and trials of the year past, and contemplating those which may lie ahead in the new year. Covered in his speech were, among other things, the recent military actions taken in Marseilles and Supreme Sovereignty, the ongoing struggle with climate change and the turmoil of shifting power politics abroad. Though the Prime Minister has garnered something of a reputation for striking a reflective figure in his public appearances, often in stark contrast to those stances adopted by his counterparts abroad, this year's speech - which serves as a kind of 'state of the nation' address for the Dijeli premier - was markedly more downbeat than those which have preceded it, which have often spoken much of hope. Some have suggested that this reflects upon the pressures of the job, while others have theorised that Mr Vallerius has begun to consider his legacy, after revealing recently that he shall not seek reelection when his current term ends, despite being constitutionally permitted to run for a third term in office. On the subject of Liberal Alliance leadership, a party spokesperson has this week confirmed that this year will see the selection of a successor to Mr Vallerius, most likely around the party conference in the summer, by a poll of party members. A number of existing government ministers, including Foreign Minister Quanii Laat and Defence Minister Sir Steven Dabu, are strongly expected to put their names forward for the leadership, though official confirmation on the matter will likely have to wait some months yet. Dijel Reach World Cup Quarter Finals The Dijeli men's national football team have booked their place in the quarter finals of the world cup in Sparta, following a surprise win over Nya Åland in the last group game, seeing them top the Group B for a quarter final draw against Group C runners-up the Fairview Islands. Despite loosing their final group game, Nya Åland qualified as runners-up on goal difference, and will go on to face Group C winners Achkaerin in their quarter final tie. A win in the quarter finals would set the Dijel up for a quarter final tie against either Achkaerin or Nya Åland, both tough propositions, and would also represent a record milestone for the Dijel at a World Cup finals. Joint Reaserch Venture Established The establishment of a new joint agency - known under the working title of the IARO, or Inter-Allied Research Organisation - has been agreed 'in principal', following private high-level talks between the Dijeli government and their counterparts in Achkaerin, a Defence Ministry spokesperson has today confirmed. The organisation, which is to be jointly paid for and controlled by the Dijeli and Achkaerinese governments, primarily represents a pooling of defence resources between the longtime allies, and something of a joint acquisition venture, though it could equally be applied to civic works, the spokesperson added. The ties between the Dijel and her CIS allies, including Achkaerin, have drawn fire from the opposivion in recent months, as Dijeli troops have been drawn into an increasingly bloody war in Supreme Sovereignty, a situation not helped by the apparent collapse of state security forces in the country prompting the rapid deployment of Dijeli and Achkaerinese forces to, in the words of Dijeli Labour Party leader Martha Heilat, 'prop up an unpopular and archaic regime with the blood of our young men and women'. The government, meanwhile, has repeatedly reaffirmed its intent to honour its commitments overseas. |
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| Dijel | 23rd January 2016 - 09:03 AM Post #135 | |
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 Light Carriers Out of Refit; Begin Sea Trials Following a period of extended refit, the Defence Ministry have announced, the two Badger-Class have been converted into what have been officially termed 'Light Aircraft Carriers', since the displacement of the vessels is still roughly half that of a 'full sized' aircraft carrier, such as the FDDF's Federation-Class ships. Such is the extent of the refit, it was added, both vessels are to receive new designations and pennant numbers upon their recommissioning, which is due in the coming months. In their updated state, it has previously been revealed, the vessels will be capable of fielding a single squadron of UCAV-107 'Dragon' UAVs - the same model with which they are currently equipped, albeit at two squadrons apiece - plus one squadron of an as-yet unknown variety of fixed-wing V/STOL aircraft, due to the flight deck being insufficient to safely handle the JAS 44c fighter jets currently flown from the larger Dijeli carriers. Rumour has abounded over the identity of this new aircraft, with some suggesting that the government has a specific platform - weather to go imported or domestically produced - already in mind, while other sources have suggested that a commercial tender may be the way to go, with a view to importing a proven design more cheaply than a new design. The Defence Ministry has yet to comment on this issue. Dijel Out of World Cup After Luvonia Loss The Dijel are out of the World Cup, following a close-fought 2-1 loss to surprise package Luvonia in the Quarter Finals in Sparta. The team will, however, feature in one further fixture before Luvonia face other Quarter Final winners, Tytor, at Nike Stadium; the third place playoff match against Achkaerin, to be played at Hermes Stadium. Whatever the result of this final game, however, this World Cup campaign still represents an all-time record for the Dijel at a major football tournament, having in recent years, particularly, struggled to escape the group stages. Manager Martian Friedrichsson, who's role with international side has increasingly come under question following back-to-back poor showings at major tournaments, told the DBC that he was 'immensely proud of what his boys had achieved, in the face of all the odds'. In a glowing post-match interview, Mr Friedrichsson added that 'while it is a bit of a heartbreaker to get knocked out at this stage, especially after the kinds of shifts the lads have put in to get here, ultimately the best team did win on the night. We fought them every inch, but they just edged us out in the end, and I can only take my hat off to them'.[1] Security Challenges Changing, Again; Dabu Global security challenges are, once again, changing, according to Defence Minister Sir Steven Dabu, speaking in an exclusive interview with the DBC. 'First' He told us 'we had to contend with the conventional threats posed by an aggressive foreign power - the former USR - and then came the era of international terrorism, perpetrated by groups including the Borlanders and the Sorority. Now, it would seem, we may be about to enter a world with both'. While no official confirmation over which state, or states, the Minister would consider 'aggressive foreign power(s)', consensus has formed online, with social media users having indicted Toshigawa as the prime suspect over their recent invasion of Nuvea Ardia, and one commenter labeling them as 'very aggressive and very foreign', while others have pointed to Damerian and Arendesia has potential targets of the Minister's ire, over allegations that both have supported the 'Enlightenment' terrorist group during the present conflict in Supreme Sovereignty. [1] This story was prepared before yesterday, and I'll be dammed if I'm gonna waste it  |
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| Dijel | 30th January 2016 - 09:51 AM Post #136 | |
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 Toshigawa Missile Programme 'Will Force Countermeasures Review' Following the announcement that Toshigawa is planning an 'ICBM System' said to amount to an arsenal of '50,000' high-explosive warheads, the Dijeli Defence Minister, Sir Steven Dabu, has revealed that the system of countermeasures designed to protect the Dijel from such weapons would need to be 'reviewed in light of these changes upon the world stage' While striking a somewhat sceptical tone with regards to Toshigawan missile capabilities - calling the proposed 50-warhead weapons 'fanciful' - the Defence Minister nonetheless took a strong line pertaining to the necessary response, stating that 'With a weapon such as this in the hands of a state so bent on destruction, the potential for the unprecedented massacre of civilians would be unacceptably high. Therefore, we shall be initiating a full and sweeping review of our ABM defences and countermeasures, with a view to forestalling any such terror attack on Dijeli soil'. In addition to this, the Defence Ministry is also set to conduct its latest spending review - the first since the Dabu Reforms of 2015 - which could see, according to some commentators, significant changes being made to FDDF funding and structure, especially in light of recent comments made by the Defence Minister relating to present security concerns. Achkaerin Ishtar Landing 'May or May Not' Be Hoax The recent claim by the Achkaerinese Space Agency to have successfully landed a manned mission on Ishtar 'May or may not be a hoax' according to a recent Directorate of Aerospace Activities (DoAA) press release, in response to recent doubt thrown upon the project, in the wake of a scathing article published on the South Hillsian Southern International News Network. The DoAA, recently established within the Interior Ministry to oversee the loan of elements of the Dijeli legacy space programme to the ASA, clarified that they 'entirely lack the capability to observe objects of this size at this distance' therefore making it 'untenable for us to comment on the matter for the time being'. Borland Situation Makes 'Circus' of International Community Dijeli Labour Party leader Martha Heilat has today accused those nations involved in the military stand-off in the Illumic Sea of 'Making a mockery of diplomatic protocol, to the extent of turning the International Community into a circus'. Ms Heilat, who is staunchly anti-war and has often spoken scathingly of the Government over their foreign policy, added that 'At least Mr Vallerius [the PM] has had the common sense to keep his nose - and our men and women in uniform - well clear of this ridiculous exercise in sabre rattling. If only he could act with as much decorum in every situation' With regards to the question of the Principality of Northern Borland gaining international recognition, and potentially membership of the CTO, Ms Heilat added 'Personally, I think they have very right to seek recognition. While Mr Barren should - and let me be very clear on this - be held to account of his crimes, alongside any and all others complicit in them, the only people like to suffer from international hostility are innocent civiliams' |
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| Dijel | 3rd February 2016 - 06:00 PM Post #137 | |
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 New Jet Makes Public Debut At a press event earlier today, the Dijeli Defence Ministry unveiled what is to become the latest addition to the FDDF's inventory, and the inaugural system to have been worked on by the Dijeli-Achkaerinese IARO, the JAS 49 Shrike V/STOL fighter jet. The aircraft - or, more specifically, the navalised JAS 49c Sea Shrike - had previously been worked on by Saewoo Aviation at the behest of the Defence Ministry, with the intent of flying the aircraft from the Badger-Class Light Aircraft Carriers once they come out of refit, though a revised schedule could see both the Shrike and the Sea Shrike flown by the FDDF, in addition to as-yet undisclosed deliveries due to be made to the Achkaerinese Air Force. Significantly smaller than the FDDF's present staple fighter aircraft - the JAS 44 Gyrfalcon - the Shrike is reported to be somewhat slower than its contemporary, though is capable of landing and taking off vertically, and is thought to more geared towards visual-range engagements, as opposed to the Gyrfalcon, which has been criticised by some in the defence community for over reliance on speed and stealth characteristics. While the example displayed to the press was presented as a preproduction model, a Defence Ministry spokesperson has since confirmed that the type could be put into full production by the end of the month, with operational status being scheduled to be attained during Q1 this year. More information is due to be forthcoming shortly, according to official sources. Leaders Playing 'Dangerous Game' With Toshikawa-Dijel Relations National leaders in the Dijel and Toshikawa are playing a 'dangerous game with international relations' according to the Dijeli Labour Party leader, Martha Heilat. According to a statement released by Ms Heilat, leaders on both sides are guilty of 'putting innocent lives in danger to further their own aims' and have 'fruitlessly poured money into devising more and more efficient killing machines, while neglecting more and more their duties at home'. Reacting quickly, a Dijeli government spokesperson subsequently retorted that 'In Toshikawa, the international community has been confronted with a security situation unprecedented since the fall of the USR. Despite what the Labour Party may wish you to believe, this is no joke; despite this, there is no evidence to suggest that we have, in any way, 'neglected' our duties' |
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| Dijel | 13th February 2016 - 09:27 AM Post #138 | |
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 Dabu to Toshikawa - Don't Step on Me The Federal Defence Minister and former FDDF Officer, Sir Steven Dabu, has made clear his name intentions with a press briefing on projected spending within his department for the 2016-17 financial year, in a move many suspect to be a thinly veiled warning to Toshikawa - in the words of one tabloid cover, Don't Step On Me! Said spending projections, which included selected details of the Ministry's plans for spending across all administrative divisions and service branches, made note of intent to further reinforce the FDDF Fleet with further vessels of the Alliance-, Town- and Tigress-Classes, plus further undisclosed plans to bolster the FDDF's anti-submarine warfare capabilities. With respect to the FDDF's air and land forces, the prospect of an FDDF Reserve Force has once again been floated, along with the news that land-based squadrons are to be formed utilising the JAS 49 Shrike, which will enter service alongside the navalised Sea Shrike, which has already been confirmed for service with the Fleet Air Arm. While, somewhat surprisingly, the Dijeli Foreign Legion is due to be wound down, with remaining personnel to be interested into the mainstream FDDF, the number of FDDF Ground troops is actually set to increase by a modest amount. Also revealed were plans - which are already said to be in motion - for the creation of a new Homeland Defence Corps within the FDDF. The Corps, which will operate the Dijel's future Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems, is said to be currently forming with Foxbat surface-to-air missiles - which have been employed with some success during tests against other missiles - though these weapons are crucially unable to hit a MIRV launch vehicle at altitude, which is generally considered the most effective way to counter such a threat. More on this as it emerges. 'Missile Gap' Solution On Track A solution to the so-called 'Missile Gap' - the apparent inability of the FDDF to defend against the latest ballistic missile systems - is said to be 'on track', according to a recent Defence Ministry statement. This solution, according to this statement, will see Rokkenjiman missile interceptors - crewed by Rokkenjiman armed forces personnel - deployed alongside the fledgling Homeland Defence Corps until such a time as a suitable system may be procured by the FDDF in their own right. In terms of acquiring their own system, meanwhile, the FDDF is reported to have acquired several examples of Achkaerinese missile interceptor systems, though weather these could be deployed in their off-the-shelf state is unclear at this time. Whatever the case may be, there is as yet no word on when any FDDF-operated system may appear. Rugby Fans Look Forward to Third Confederation Cup Dijeli rugby fans, as has become something of a tradition around this time, will no doubt be looking forwards to the next Confederation Cup, though the prospects for the 2016 tournament are very different to those which have come before it. The loss of East Moreland, in particular, has been much maligned by Dijeli fans, who have long since taken to regarding the Honey Badgers as friendly rivals, though the prospect of a three-game series under the Heilat-Longe Shield later in the year can only serve to mollify those disappointed by the outcome of the Morelanders' membership referendum. Also of concern, however, will be Supreme Sovereignty; with large swaths of the country still in a state of near-anarchy, it is unlikely that the country is in any state to host an international rugby game, though some have pressed for a Sovereigntyan team to be entered nonetheless, as a statement of solidarity in the face of international terrorism. |
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| Dijel | 5th March 2016 - 10:10 PM Post #139 | |
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DIJELI BROADCASTING CORPORATION Feature: FDDF Expansion and the International Security Situartion  FDDF H-33 Attack Helicopters Operating Over Northern Supreme Sovereignty as Part of 'Operation Able Sentry' With all the furore over defence spending and the international security situation in recent months, the DBC can today bring you a more in-depth feature article on the Federal Government's plans for the future direction of Dijeli security policy. The following has been compiled using information provided by the government as part of their 2016 Defence Budget, official FDDF recruitment material and analysis from industry experts. In the wake of what has been taken to as being referred to as the 'Toshikawan Missile Crisis' - at least amongst some domestic Dijeli media outlets - the topic of Ballistic Missiles has been a hot one. While it has been public knowledge for quite some time that the FDDF has intended to establish an Anti-Ballistic Missile Arm, initially referred to as the Homeland Defence Corps, though more recent documentation makes reference instead to the Missile Defence Corps, the most recent budget has made provision for missile forces of a more offensive nature, through the planned eight boats of the currently otherwise anonymous 'K-Class' submarines, which are to be armed with the uninspiringly-named 'Future SLBM System'. While more exact details on this system are presently few and far between, current speculation - based largely upon the funding allocated to the project and the projected time scale to produce a deployable weapon - points towards a combination of 1970's vintage technology, developed by the then-communist government in tandem with their ill-fated space programme, and imported Achkaerinese components, either reverse-engineered or employed in an 'off the shelf' manner, in order to produce a functional strategic deterrent with minimal outlay and timeframe for a programme of this magnitude. The FDDF's land forces, meanwhile, are to receive a shake-up of surprising magnitude, considering the top-to-bottom re-organisation of the force which was undertaken scarcely a year ago: the Dijeli Foreign Legion, which had already suffered at the hands of the legislators for the best part of the preceding decade, is to finally be disbanded, though the FDDF proper is to be bolstered by additional recruits to several times the strength of the Legion, in a move which will see the FDDF Ground Component's strength exceed the quarter-of-a-million mark for the first time in its history. At its core, this package of changes represents something of an attempt to re-focus the FDDF's land forces towards more conventional warfare against an opponent of equal or greater strength, rather than the irregular or hybrid conflicts which many expected to dominate international security affairs in the post-Soviet era. Framed purely within the context of Dijelo-Toshikawan hostilities, the changes could be interpreted as an attempt by the Dijeli politicians to outdo their potential adversary by playing to their own advantages - the 'iron triange' offered by the FDDF's heavy formations to which the Toshikawan army has no real countermeasure - rather than attempting to match the Toshikawan commanders' outright advantage in manpower availability. However, when placed in wider context, many commentators have taken to dispute this theory, instead suggesting that, with the threat of an externally belligerent Toshikawa seemingly nulified for the immediate future, this represents more of an attempt on the part of the Federal Government to really invest the Federation as a player on the world stage, with defence resources equal to the likes of Rokkenjima or South Hills, though the government has always denied such claims. News regarding the FDDF's Air Arm, meanwhile, has been rather more straightforward; the message largely being along the lines of 'more of the same'. By far the largest shift has come in the fixed-wing aviation department, with the highly tipped reinforcement of the FDDF's air-to-air capability coming in the shape of twelve additional groups to be formed on the newly-introduced JAS 49 Shrike, rather than bolstering the existing force of JAS 44 Gyrfalcon aircraft. Additional JAS 48 Goshawk fighter-bombers are also to be procured, bringing the total strength of the fleet up to some five-hundred and seventy-six aircraft, while additional combat support will be provided by two additional aviation logistic groups and one dedicated AWACS group - comprising of 309, 310 and 311 Squadrons - is to be formed, most likely modeled upon the highly successful airborne early warning system operated by East Moreland's Air Force. Further helicopter Squadrons are also to be formed, with five groups based upon the existing format of the FDDF's rotary wing forces, while another five are to be designated 'light' helicopter groups - most likely alluding to the procurement of a more lightweight and mobile alternative to the existing H-34 utility helicopter in service with the FDDF. Regarding its maritime forces, a significant number of new vessels are due to be procured under the new budget, split between four new classes and five existing classes, bringing the FDDF Fleet's strength up to a total of some one-hundred and thirty vessels, including twenty submarines. While still not bringing the FDDF up to the level of some other Naval forces operating in the Sea of Kyne - at least in purely numerical terms - these additional vessels seem set to bolster the fleet across the board, more than doubling the strength of the submarine fleet and increasing the capability of the FDDF to combat aircraft, submarines and surface combatants on the high seas. At least one major component of this increase - the 'V Class' frigates - will be based on the joint Dijeli-Achkaerinese designed trimaran hull, while four vessels of the 'I Class Aviation Cruisers' look set to enhance both anti-submarine and ship-to-shore capabilities yet further. Of all the changes being made under this latest Defence Budget, those to the FDDF Naval Component would seem to be by far the most expensive, time consuming and - worst of all - most likely to cause controversy internationally, though none of this is likely to trouble the Dijeli shipbuilding industry, who are likely to be the most immediate beneficiaries of these measures. Overall, therefore, while the expanded 2016-17 Defence Budget may not set the world on fire, it could very well rock the boat. A curious move, some might say, on the part of Vallerius' government, especially in pressing ahead even once the apparent immediate Crisis has been averted, though they will surely have their reasons. With a general election on the cards next year, a few political commentators have billed this as a domestic measure - equal parts economic stimulus and flag-waving exercise - rather than evidence of international sabre-rattling, though there is little doubt as to how it is likely to be recieved overseas. As for what happens next - and, indeed, weather the plans laid out under this budget shall be seen through to fruition - only time will tell. |
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^ 6:16 PM Jul 13
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May the force be with you.