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| Topic Started: 26th May 2014 - 02:17 AM (8,324 Views) | ||
| CGJ | 26th May 2014 - 02:17 AM Post #1 | |
Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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 Dartfordia Home to Cross-Straits Union The Dartfordian Government is pleased to announce the formation of the Cross-Straits Union (CSU), a supranational organisation comprising of Dartfordia, Elpidia, Novincia, Quintopia and Rokkenjima. It provides for a single market, open border and increased integration between the five nations, a policy strongly supported by the governing National and Centre parties. The headquarters of the Cross-Straits Union will be in the Dartfordian city of Arendelle in the Southfleet region, less than 30 miles from Rokkenjima's Queen Katenka Naval Base. The building will house the Cross-Straits Parliament, an organisation directly elected by the citizens of the CSU. Within the Parliament there shall be a number of political groups, comprising of national political parties from across the union. The building shall also be home to the Cross-Straits Council, a body of representatives appointed by each national government, and an Executive Committee. It's expected completion date is 22 June. In recognition of the formation of the CSU, the Cross-Straits Union Flag will fly alongside the Dartfordian flag outside all official government buildings.  (A picture from the future: The Headquarters of the Cross-Straits Union) Pressure Mounts on Royal Couple Michael Heath MP, the leader of the Socialist Party, has criticised the new Royal Couple for failing to visit Dartfordia within the first year of their marriage. Heath, a pro-monarchy socialist, has said that the couple have neglected to pay heed to increasing calls in Dartfordia for them to participate and engage with the Dartfordian people. The last time the Princess of Littlebrook visited was in December, during a personal tour conducted with the then Prince Alexander. The birth of their daughter, Adriana, was met with great enthusiasm in Dartfordia. Since then, support and enthusiasm for the couple has greatly subsided. One party, 'An Independence from Rokkenjima' has already begun an 'anti-beadander' campaign before the due Cross-Straits Elections. Representatives from neither Rochester Palace nor Pyrena Castle were available for comment. Edited by CGJ, 31st August 2014 - 10:20 PM.
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| CGJ | 19th December 2015 - 05:31 AM Post #101 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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BREAKING: Princess Adriana Snatched, Children Held Hostage in Pyrettania The Prince of Littlebrook and Emperor of Rokkenjima has just released a statement via the Pyrena Castle and Pyrettania Central Police websites that their daughter, and second-in-line to the Dartfordian throne, Princess Adriana has been kidnapped by the King’s Blood terrorist organisation. The statement, released little over five minutes ago, reads as follows:
We will bring you more information as this story develops. |
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| CGJ | 18th January 2016 - 04:37 AM Post #102 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Greens Formally Withdraw from Coalition, Parliament Dissolved His Majesty the King formally dissolved Parliament today, following confirmation that the Dartfordian Green Party were to withdraw form their current coalition with the Socialist Party, first agreed in 2014. The Greens had previously threatened to withdraw following a failure of the Socialist Party to implement the policies agreed in the coalition, such as major constitutional reform, a citizen’s income, leaving the CSTO and reducing the budget. A second deal, brokered in May 2015, watered down much of these, but differences between the two parties have continued to make governing difficult. Harold Saxon, the Dartfordian Prime Minister, has claimed that he is ‘disappointed’ with the ‘childish nature’ of the Green party and believes their actions have put the country at risk of returning to years of National Party rule. Caroline Bennett, the leader of the Green Party, refuted this claim, claiming that the Socialists ‘with the exception of some areas of domestic policy’, continued without question the antagonistic and aggressive policies of the previous National government. The announcement has come at the perfect time for Daniel Cleaver who, as leader of the National Party, has received a surge in the polls following the kidnapping of Princess Adriana, and what many believe to be double-standards from Rokkenjima with regards to the use of chemical weapons. Membership of the Cross-Straits Union continues to be a contentious point, and Cleaver has promised an in-out referendum ‘within 12 months’ of being elected. More news on the upcoming elections will be offered when we know it. In other news... Prince Confirms No Support For Pandas The Prince of Littlebrook and Emperor of Rokkenjima, Alex Anselmo, has confirmed today that he will not be contributing towards the Wild Mundus Organisation's efforts to save the pants from extinction. "The preservation of the bands enjoys much popular support," he said in a written statement, "they're cute, and they sneeze. But ultimately they have no fight for self-preservation: if the zoos have to resort to artificial insemination, or showing pandas porn and offering them viagra, it's clear that these animals simply do not have the ability to continue in existence." he goes on to say that the extinction of pandas would not be of human design, and notes how zoos make significant profits from showing the nearly-extinct species off to the general public.[/b] |
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| CGJ | 21st February 2016 - 06:54 AM Post #103 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Dartfordian Games Committee Accused of ‘Gross Incompetence’ Following Failure to Submit Mundus Games Team The Dartfordian Games Committee, the organisation responsible for organising the Dartfordian entries into the Mundus Games, have been accused of gross incompetence following the failure of the organisation to submit a team of athletes for the Mundus Games. Leading politicians, along with other giants such as the Dartfordian Football Association, Athletics Association of Dartfordia, Dartfordian Swimming & Diving Organisation and the Dartfordian Quidditch Association, have called on the resignation of the DGC’s Chief Executive, William Smith. “This is a disgraceful embarrassment,” Prime Minister Harold Saxon told reporters, “our athletes have been priming themselves for tis ultimate competition, yet just before it gets underway we are told they won;t be able to compete due to mistakes made by the governing body.” He has also called for the launch of a full enquiry by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport following the upcoming general election. His calls have been backed by opposition leader Daniel Cleaver, who believes there needs to be radical reform of the body. William Smith has apologised on behalf of the Dartfordian Games Committee, but has refused to step down in light of the news, instead blaming various member organisations for ‘failing to meet deadlines’, along with other technical issues involved with the new submission system used by DGC. But public opinion is very much against Smith’s continued involvement, with over 85% of people surveyed calling for his dismissal. Whatever happens, reform is now almost certain, and public embarrassment over missing the Mundus Games III will likely live on for many years. Dartfordian Quidditch Association Announce Major League Shakeup  A Quidditch team photo following success at a double home game, where (to save weekends) a team invites two others to play them on the same day. The Dartfordian Quidditch Association has announced a major shakeup of the national leagues after teams complained about the constant pressures of the existing structure, and the rapid expansion of teams that are unable to play in the competition. The current 24 league teams, of which the vast majority were founded and currently serve a university, are divided into Northern and Southern, and play at each other twice a year. At the end of the year, the winners of BetSet North and BetSet South play in a final to determine the national winners. However, after much deliberation, and agreements by key sponsors BetSet, Nike and SportsDirect TV, there will now be six BetSet Regional Cups (the BetSet Littlebrook Cup, BetSet Southfleet Cup, BetSet Darenth Cup, BetSet Stone Cup, BetSet Wilmington Cup and BetSet Hawley Cup), where 12-16 teams will compete over one weekend in early November to determine the regional rankings. The top 4 of each competition will then compete in the BetSet Premier Cup in March to determine the top rankings in the country. The 4 teams that make it to the quarter finals of their regional cup will then automatically be entered into the BetSet Secondary Cup, which will take place a week before the Premier Cup. The new league system hopes to promote greater participation, allowing teams more time to train and arrange friendlies, while also giving more time for popular mercenary tournaments like the annual Christmas Cup and Valentines Cup. As part of new sponsorship arrangements, BetSet will cover all costs towards pitch-hire, payment and accommodation of referees and officials, and a fixed additional amount not disclosed. Nike have confirmed they will no longer be freely supplying clubs with kit and equipment, and instead will only supply the eight tournaments with balls, hoops, referee/snitch kits and brooms. Clubs will, however, be able to buy such items form Nike and other supplies directly. SportsDirect TV will broadcast live all Premier Cup games, as well as the finals of the Secondary Cup and all regional cups, on YouTube, will recording all other games and posting them to YouTube at the end of the tournament. SportRadio has also signed a deal with the DQA, agreeing to radio broadcast all games live online, and provide updates from tournaments on their national and regional radio channels across Dartfordia. |
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| CGJ | 1st April 2016 - 05:45 PM Post #104 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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ELECTIONS 2016: The Main Parties With Parliament dissolved, the Dartfordian public are being given the chance to determine who will govern them for the foreseeable future. As it stands, there are six major parties contesting to run in the election, with four of them standing candidates in 599 of 600 seats available (the seat held by the Speaker is not contested by the major parties), this article aims to give a breakdown of who they are and what they are standing for in this election.
Results will be published on 10 April 2016. |
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| CGJ | 11th April 2016 - 11:05 PM Post #105 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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GENERAL ELECTION SPECIAL Cleaver’s National Party Storms Elections – wins 257 seats Celebrations were rampant at National Party headquarters in Hematite today as they took 257 of a possible 600 seats in the General Election, making them the largest party in the House of Commons. The party received more votes than at any other general election this century, and it means they only need 44 seats to form a majority.  (Daniel Cleaver leaving National Party headquarters) Leader of the Party Daniel Cleaver spoke to DBC earlier: “Today is a historic day of the National Party and indeed Dartfordia. Our most significant electoral victory this century, and a chance for Dartfordia to reinvigorate itself as a leader in international diplomacy. Yet of course the battle is not won, we still are short of a majority in the Commons, and so I will be inviting the Liberal party, Centre Party and the Littlebrook and Stone Unionist Party to form an agreement.” The Liberal Party have previously ruled out going into full coalition with the National Party, but has said it may work with the Nationalists in a Supply & Confidence agreement, meaning they will not vote against the budget and will vote against any motion of no confidence. The National Party may, however, have to make concessions in order for this policy to work. Prime Minister Harold Saxon, who will remain in position until an agreement can be made, has called the results ‘seriously disappointing’, but has not ruled out continuing in government. Claiming that a Socialist-led coalition including the Liberal Party, Centre Party, Littlebrook National Party, Green party and Trade Unionist Party could mathematically keep them in government. “We will keep all avenues open,” he told DBC, “but I will uphold my constitutional duty and remain Prime Minister until a new government can be formed. Full Results  National Party: 257 Socialist Party: 190 Liberal Party: 60 Centre Party: 29 Littlebrook National Party: 22 Green Party: 13 Trade Union: 10 Littlebrook and Stone Unionist Party: 6 Pirate Party: 3 Peace & Respect Party: 1 Republican Party: 1 Independents: 7 Speaker: 1 Total: 600 Green Party: Despair as coalition partner collapses Senior officials at the Green Party are in despair as the party got decimated at the General Election. The party’s seats fell from 87, the third largest in the Commons, to just 13, after they were criticised for bringing down a relatively popular government, their support for controversial measures such as interfering with whaling in the Sea of Alucard, opposing nuclear energy and their perceived weakness in government. In a humiliating blow the party’s leader and current Deputy Prime Minister, Caroline Bennett, she lost her seat in Sisko, leaving the Greens without a leader in the House of Commons. |
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| CGJ | 13th April 2016 - 10:22 PM Post #106 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Cleaver Close to Premiership – Commits to UNP Support Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the National Party seems closer than ever to being named Prime Minister following the announcement that the National and Centre parties have reached a comprehensive supply, confidence and support agreement – one stage below a coalition. Talks with the Liberals and the Littlebrook and Stone Unionist Party are also in the advanced stages. As part of the deal with the Centre Party, Cleaver has agreed that 40,000 refugees from the former Union of Nordic People will be invited to the Kingdom and resettled across the country. In return, the Centres have confirmed they will support a referendum on Cross-Straits Union membership and a number of economic reforms will not be pursued doing government. This news comes after Rokkenjiman Premier Shinzo Abe put his backing behind Harold Saxon, who has hastily been negotiating deals with other parties in the House of Commons. However a deal seems increasingly unlikely after the Centre party ruled out working with Saxon.”I thank the Premier for his kind words, and reassure him and the Rokkenjiman people that we are doing all we can to ensure a strong, stable and progressive Dartfordian government. Trans-Albion Railway Company and LS Albion Announce Plans for Nya Åland Diversion The Trans-Albion Railway Company, the owners of the Trans-Albion Railway and subsidiary of Dartfordian, Nordic, Dijelli and Tytorian governments, and LS Albion, have today announced plans to speed up the construction of the Nya Åland branch line – now referred to as the diversion route – to ensure travel from Dartfordia, Tytor and Dijel can continue to serve the region.  (Map of the Trans-Albion Railway, including the proposed Nya Åland branch line) LS-Railways, which announced earlier this month that it was reorganising its Albion businesses, is a key backer of the TAR project. LS Albion, the name of the new holding company, has three core divisions involved in the TAR project: Albion Express by LS Railways, which offers luxury train travel; LSA Infrastructure, which is contracted to maintain the TAR; and LSA Logistics, the company offering freight services across the continent. This has led some critics to claim LS-Railways is only interested in returning to profit on the Nordic line, a claim the company has dismissed. “The Trans-Albion Railway was one of the most expensive railway projects in modern history,” a spokesman for LS Albion told DBC. “This disaster has been terrible for the people of the UNP, and has the potential to cause serious economic harm on Nya Åland with the loss of its largest trading partner. The restoration of TAR will be essential for stability in Albion.” There is also the matter of repayments for the line cost. A complex financial package, which involves a 30-year repayment period, requires a number of nations to underwrite the debt. With the UNP gone, TARC and other Albion governments will likely be hoping Nya Åland will take some of the risk. |
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| CGJ | 19th April 2016 - 03:49 AM Post #107 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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BREAKING: Harold Saxon Resigns, Cleaver Appointed Prime Minister Following rumours that Opposition leader Daniel Cleaver had reached a confidence and supply deal with the Liberal party, in the early hours of Monday morning, Harold Saxon stepped out the doors of Chancel House and announced that he was standing down as Prime Minister of Dartfordia, and recommending the King choose Claver to replace him. Saxon reflected on the government’s achievements over the past few years, especially towards the environment, foreign affairs and major infrastructure investment. The full quote can be read below:
 (Chancel House, the home of the Dartfordian Prime Minister, without the state flag) As Saxon arrived at Rochester Palace, the Dartfordian state flag that flew above the entrance of his former residence, Chancel House, was lowered, indicating to the world that the country was without a Prime Minister. Fifteen minutes later, as Saxon’s official car left the home of the Monarch, Rochester Palace released a statement on its website:
Twenty minutes later, Daniel Cleaver’s own official car emerged from National Party headquarters in Hematite, and within minutes he was inside Rochester Palace. The Palace dispatched a second announcement (seen above) after half-an-hour, and Cleaver was soon making his way to a re-flagged Chancel House.  (Daniel Cleaver outside National Party HQ) Upon his arrival outside the porch of Chancel House, Cleaver addressed the nation, giving the standardised announcements, paying tribute to outgoing Prime Minister Harold Saxon, and setting out what issues he hopes to tackle most in the coming months. A full transcript is below:
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| CGJ | 24th April 2016 - 01:34 AM Post #108 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Cleaver Names New Cabinet Following his appointment as Prime Minister earlier the week, Daniel Cleaver has confirmed has confirmed his full Cabinet. All members of the Shadow Cabinet have been moved into their respective places, with Luke Foreman – former Foreign Secretary – representing the Centre Party, and Nick Adams representing the Liberal Party. Important appointments include Keith Hemingway as Deputy Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Deborah Hunt as First Secretary of State and SoS for Home Affairs, and John Lankly as Chief Member of Counsel and SoS for Foreign Affairs. While most government departments remained the same, there were some notable changes: 1) Renaming of the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Change to Energy, Sustainability and Natural Resources 2) Creation of a new Secretary of State for Agriculture, Fishing and Food Safety – taking on new responsibilities from both the DfEECC and Department for Health 3) Removing ‘Cross-Straits’ from the title Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 4) Return of the ‘Chief Member of Counsel’ position – not used since 2005 – to organise and chair meetings of the Privy Council. As expected, the move has sparked controversy amongst those wishing to remain within the Cross-Straits Union. Leane Hunnable, the new Shadow Foreign Secretary after Harry Turpin stood down as an MP, and potential leadership candidate, claimed that the name change reflects ‘the government’s attempts to distance itself from nations within the Union.’ A criticism rebutted by Cleaver in the Commons. “No other nation has ‘Cross-Straits’ in their title, and nor did we until 2014, we are simply returning the Foreign Office to its former and rightful name.” There is also controversy over removing the words ’Environment’ and ‘Climate Change’ and replacing it with ‘Sustainability’ and ‘Natural Resources’, with the Green party accusing the National Party of attempting to appease the anti-climate change lobby. “This is all about money, coal and oil,” Caroline Bennett told DBC, “it is appalling. When we need to focus most on green energy, they decide to ignore it.” Finally, there was controversy over the gender balance. Of the 25 members of the new Cabinet, only 9 were women, compared to 16 men. Considering the almost equal gender balance of the previous Cabinet, campaigners are calling this an unequal ‘man dominated’ Cabinet. Once again, the Prime Minister defended the Cabinet in the Commons. “I have appointed people based on their talent and skill, not because of their gender. I am sure members will support this government’s decision and allow us to do the job we were elected to do.” However, members of National Party seem to be satisfied with the Prime Minister’s new Cabinet, as they celebrate this historic victory for their party, and a new era in Dartfordian politics. Lankly Dismisses Rokkenjiman ‘Bail Out’ Claims  Newly-appointed Chief Member of Counsel and Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs has dismissed claims by the Rokkenjiman Imperial Liaison Koizumi that Dartordia would need to be be ‘bailed out’ by the Rokkenjiman government. “It’s complete nonsense,” he told the Commons, after an urgent question was raised by both National and Socialist Members of Parliament. “We were never bailed out. In fact, when the First Empire was proclaimed it was Dartfordia who relieved Rokkenjima of her debts – the Empress’s gesture was both unasked and unexpected, but nonetheless we are grateful for her support. This government values our strong working relationship with Rokkenjima, and we don’t see how leaving a political union that includes three other states – who will all likely want a trade deal – will change that.” His comments were met with cheers from government benches though Shadow Foreign Secretary Leanne Hunnable was quick to warn the government that the warnings ‘should not be treated lightly.’ Lankly’s simple response was, “I am sure the people of Dartfordia will take note of this, and when the time comes, will vote on it.” Prince of Littlebrook Distances Wife from Koizumi’s comments, Defends King David The Prince of Littlebrook today distanced himself and his wife, the Empress of Rokkenjima, from comments made by Imperial Liaison Koizumi. The comments come as The Sun newspaper criticised the Empress for breaching her constitutional duties. The Prince told DBC: “The comments made by the Imperial Liaison Officer Koizumi were his own personal views, not the views of either the Empress or the Rokkenjiman government. This referendum offers a unique opportunity for the people of Dartfordia, and while the elected government of Rokkenjima hopes the public vote to stay within the CSU, Beatrice and I have full faith that the people will exercise their right to vote with due care and consideration, and will make the right choice for them.” He was then asked whether he would comment on the ongoing King David scandal, to which he said: “What is quite apparent is that the tabloid in question is refusing to make this a court matter, and it seems is using this story, which is nothing more than a lonely girl’s bid to get rich quick, to bring the King’s good name into disrepute.” When pressed on comments by Erin Osman that Queen had left the Palace, he was quick to respond, “Erin has no place discussing such matters with anyone. So perhaps instead of stirring crap between her beloved sister and her brother-in-law, she would be better placed arising the Morning Star to shove Mason’s DNA up their backside.” |
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| CGJ | 13th May 2016 - 02:43 AM Post #109 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Cleaver To Set Out CSU Ambitions As Royal Couple Arrive In Arendelle The government have confirmed that Daniel Cleaver is likely to set out an eight-point manifesto of reforms the National Party would like to see to the Cross-Straits Union, in the hope that the two countries can work to satisfy some of the many concerns expressed in both countries. Speaking to DBC, an anonymous government source claimed that the Prime Minister will be looking to withdraw Dartfordia from the exchange-rate mechanism – which the country’s participation was only recently restored following the Ducat crisis, look to reduce the cost of the CSU by improving efficiency and reducing its power, but also looking to create security-orientated functions like a CSU Interpol. Cleaver will need Princess Beatrice’s support, as well as the support of all CSU countries, if he wishes to make serious reform of the institution headquartered in Arendelle. The Prince and Princess of Littlebrook arrived today in Arendelle, sailing past the Royal Yacht Queen Elizabeth 2 before docking at Queen Katenka Naval Base and taking a salute from the Imperial Guards. The couple then officially entered Dartfordia, greeting Prime Minister Daniel Cleaver at the boarding gates of QE2 and walking down towards the Cross-Straits Union headquarters. The three will meet with senior Cross-Straits officials, likely taking a tour of the vast complex, however Cleaver’s reforms will not be discussed until they arrive in Hematite. The State Visit will then formally commence, with a motorcade taking the couple to Arendelle Victoria station, where the visitors and the Prime Minister (along with their entourage) will travel on the West Coast Main Line by special train to Hematite. Both the Royal Train and a number of steam-trains were considered for the role, but due to multiple signalling systems being used across the WCML, neither were deemed suitable. Their children, Adriana and Lucius, will be flown separately into Hematite for safety reasons. Once in Hematite, the couple will meet with the King and other members of the Royal Family, then visit Great Ormond Street Hospital, Dartfordia’s largest children’s hospital. GOSH was not originally billed for a visit, but was added at the couple’s request after many of the patients sent letters requesting they do. Princess Adriana is expected to accompany them to the hospital. In other news… King Pays Tribute to Supreme Commandant Wesley His Majesty the King has formally paid tribute to the recently assassinated Supreme Commandant Wesley of Supreme Sovereignty. The King called him a ‘marvellous and brave man’ and wrote that he would be severely missed by the international community. The Prime Minister also paid tribute, and said Dartfordia would keep a close eye on the Enlightenment situation. Dartfordia Joins UNP Airlift, Opening Asylum Centre The Royal Dartfordian Air Force has confirmed that five of its fifteen AlboTransporter Duty aircraft will be used to airlift supplies into the UNP and refugee camps in Nya Åland. The planes will bring food and medical supplies to the grief-stricken region. An asylum centre will also open in the UNP, allowing people to claim refugee status in Dartfordia. The government has said up to 25,000 may claim asylum through this system. Secretary of State ‘Concerned’ Over Nuclear Explosion Baroness Greening, the Secretary of State for Energy, Sustainability and Natural Resources, has said that she is ‘gravely concerned’ about the explosion of Eshinza Power Station 3 in Toshindai. However, she insists that the general public should not be alarmed. “While in the coming weeks and months we will have the opportunity to discover the cause of the accident, it should be noted EPS3 uses a separate design to that of the current generation of nuclear reactors in Dartfordia.” |
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| CGJ | 23rd May 2016 - 02:21 AM Post #110 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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 Empress Beatrice Shot, In Critical Condition The Princess of Littlebrook and Empress of Rokkenima, beatrice Anselmo, was today shot as she stood outside the Queen Elizabeth 2 as she was delivering a speech on the current crisis involving Rokkenjima and the Andean genocide. She is currently in critical condition in hospital, and the Imperial Council have deferred powers to Vicegerent Euphemia, Emperor Alexander and Field Marshal Henry Cole. Response to the shooting was immediate. The King released a statement telling of how ‘shocked and devestated ’ he and his wife were at the news, and now they wished their daughter-in-law a swift recovery. Meanwhile the Prime Minister began his remarks at the Foreign Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons by paying tribute to the Empress as ‘an inspiring leader’ and someone ‘willing to admit their own faults.’ However, amongst the public the reaction has been relatively subdued, with many believing the Empress had ‘lost touch’ with the Dartfordian people over the Andean and Nordic crises. A resolution has already been presented to the Commonwealth Treaty Organisation to condemn the First Empire of Rokkenjima, but the government has refused to say whether they will support it. “It would be inappropriate to declare support for such a motion at this present time,” a government spokesman told us.  Cleaver: “There has been a stitch up” Prime Minister Daniel Cleaver has accused the Cross-Straits Commission of systematically misleading the previous and current governments by insisting that no CSU funds were used in either the Andean Genocide or meteorite diversion. Speaking to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons today, Cleaver claims that the Union’s bosses have been shrouded in secrecy, consulting neither Parliament nor the Council over money spent. According to the Treaty of Elpidiana, the CSU budget must be agreed unanimously by all member states, plus a majority in the Cross-Straits Parliament. However, the budget only specifies how much money needs to be spent by each department, and does not always include specific details about where every penny is spent. “The CSU has an odd system,” Cleaver stated, “the last government approved £8 billion in research funding, a policy which we support, with £1.5 billion being spent in space projects. However, we have no further control over where that money is spent. What seems to have happened is that part of the £1.5 billion in space projects has gone towards the asteroid project. And while of course no money was spent directly in Toshandai during the genocide, the issues with the Ducat forced the CSU to spend significant sums of money stabilising the Union’s currencies.” Asked whether the Dartfordian government knew of the genocide, he said: “Of course the last government knew what was going on, however the months upon months of haggling and bartering within the corridors of power meant the government was essentially deadlocked. Dartfordia had no foreign policy aspirations.” He then went on to discuss CSU reforms and the upcoming referendum. “We will be presenting legislation in the near future to provide for a referendum on the future of our membership. However, we will continue to press for reforms in the mean time. One reform, I can assure members of this committee, is the creation of an independent audit body, greater public transparency and increased control over the CSU budget, amongst others.” Toshandai Defaults: Government Warns Millions In Savings Could Be Lost This afternoon the Toshandai government announced that they will be defaulting on all debts held by the country. The government has warned this could result in the shrinking of the Dartfordian economy and the loss of savings of people who held Toshandai government bonds. Wanting signs also came from the Darti Stock Exchange, where the stock market dropped nearly 15% on a single day. The government has confirmed however that people losing their savings will be entitled to compensation. More news will be released as we get it. |
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| CGJ | 5th June 2016 - 10:25 PM Post #111 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Alex To Return To Rokkenjima Without Wife Harry Riptide, the Senior Private Secretary to Prince Alexander, has today confirmed to news agencies that the Emperor of Rokkenjima will be leaving his wife following her transfer to the Arendelle Royal Infirmary earlier today. The news comes as the Cross-Straits Court of Justice has announced it will be beginning an investigation into the Andean Genocide crisis, which has seen the Rokkenjiman government accused of supporting a genocide. “His Royal Highness has determined that it would be in Rokkenjima’s best interest for him to return to the country in order to better ascertain some of the ongoing accusations,” Riptide told press this morning. When asked by a reporter whether the Prince was aware of the Andean Genocide and why he did little to prevent it, he said: “The Prince was aware of such developments, but has an incredibly busy schedule. In recent months the Prince has spent little time on matters of government, focusing instead on his family, teaching job and undertaking more ceremonial functions and public engagements.” Riptide could also confirm that the children would remain in Arendelle, supervised by Her Royal Highness the Princess Georgia. Should matters develop with the Empress, an Imperial Concorde all be placed on standby—able to whisk the Emperor to Dartfordia at short notice. |
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| CGJ | 27th June 2016 - 07:42 PM Post #112 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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’No Achkaerinese Ejection’ Says Cleaver Dartfordian Prime Minister Daniel Cleaver has dismissed claims that Rokkenjima could eject the Holy Empire of Achkaerin from the Cross-Straits Union as ‘simply nonsense.’ The comments come during the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons, where members are given the opportunity to challenge and question the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister was asked by former Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition Harold Saxon if he supported Rokkenjma’s push for an ‘Achxit’, referring to the Rokkenjiman referendum on whether Achkaerin should be expelled from the Cross-Straits Union. In response, the Prime Minister said: “There will be no Achkaerinese ejection from the Union without the consent of their people. While the governments of Rokkenjima and Achkaerin often disagree on matters of policy, it would be impossible for Rokkenjima to unilaterally, or even bilaterally, banish Achkaerin from the Union. It’s simply nonsense.” He was then asked on whether he would be pursuing reforms of the Union, to which he responded: “This government has a mandate to push for reforms of the CSU, after which we will offer a referendum to the people of this country as to whether they wish to remain part of the Union. We were due to begin talks with the Rokkenjiman Empress, yet these were naturally delays, but I should be speaking to the Vicegerent soon.” |
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| CGJ | 11th July 2016 - 03:50 AM Post #113 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Cleaver: Dartfordia to Begin Treaty Renegotiations During Summit Group Meeting Prime Minister Daniel Cleaver has told DBC that when Dartfordia takes over as the host of the Cross-Straits Summit Group later this month, the government will immediately begin to set out its plans for a reformed Cross-Straits Union. “Such negotiations,” he told DBC political correspondent Michael Bolton, “would need to take place immediately, and I will set about inviting Cross-Straits political leaders to Hematite for these negotiations.” The talks will be significant, and will fulfil a major part of the National Party manifesto. The party had called for a major renegotiation of the terms of the Treaty of the Cross-Straits Union, as well as other changes to the organisation, followed by a referendum on whether the country should remain a member of the Union. Cleaver, a Straitsceptic, has said he is willing to alter his position if member states are willing to offer significant changes to the organisation. Dartfordia Sends Jenka-Jenkinson’s Dami Im for Mundosvision 2016  Dami Im, from Jenka-Jenkinson, has been selected to represent Dartfordia at the Mundovision Song Contest in East Moreland later this month. The artist, who most recently got a Number 1 single in March, was decided upon by the panel of judges who will cast Dartford’s vote in the Mundovision Song Contest. Dartfordia’s contestant last year, Loreen, was narrowly defeated by East Moreland’s Katrina and the Waves. The contest this year is expected to be bigger than ever, with a new voting format expected to make the competition’s results show much more thrilling than last year. The show will be broadcast live on DBC 1 and DBC 1 HD, and will be rebroadcast at 7:30pm on the same channels. Internationally content will be available through the DBC World Service, as well as local national broadcasters. In other news… DartCard Rollout on Buses and Trams Begins The DartCard, the RFID-based travel card first developed in 2014 and rolled out across the DartRail and Hyperloop network, will now be officially rolled out across the bus and tram network. Currently only available on buses and trams in Hematite and Arendelle, the card lets you pay-as-you-go, pre-load tickets (including advance and season tickets), and makes paper tickets redundant. This will also see contactless credit and debit cards, plus Apple and Google Pay, available across the transport network. |
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| CGJ | 14th July 2016 - 10:00 PM Post #114 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Dartfordian CTO Ambassador Slams Rokkenjima and Achkaerin, Receives Support from Foreign Secretary The Dartfordian Ambassador to the Commonwealth Treaty Organisation, Thomas Moore, yesterday slammed the governments of the First Empire of Rokkenjima and the Holy Empire of Achkaerin for acting like children. The controversial remarks, which included multiple obscene words directed at both governments, immediately hit social media. “The current bickering between the Holy Empire, the Secretary-General and the First Empire must cease.” He told the General Assembly, speaking about Princess Serenity’s decision not to initially include Rokkenjima in the nominations for Secretary-General. He added: “It is little wonder opinion polls in Dartfordia are swinging against both CTO and the Cross-Straits Union, because all you two ever fucking do is fight like children. Now if you all please I do not wish this to remain the Commonwealth Treaty Nursery. Calm your tits and get on with it, the lot of ya.” Foreign Secretary John Lankly was quick to distance himself from the specific wording used by the Ambassador, but told DBC that he was ‘fundamentally correct’ in that the deteriorating relations between the Holy and First Empires created many ‘new challenges’ in both CTO and the Cross-Straits Union, making decisions harder to reach and ‘pointlessly gridlocking the process.’“ The matter was also raised at the plenary session of the Cross-Straits Parliament, with the leader of the Alliance and Democrats party warning that both governments threatened the future of the Cross-Straits Union by pushing Dartfordia and other partners ‘closer’ to leaving the Union. There was delight, however, on the Straitsceptic benches, who saw this as a key sign that the Union was ‘falling apart.’ Leane Hunnable Elected Leader of the Opposition  Leane Hunnable celebrates following her victory After a heated leadership battle, members of the Socialist Party have elected Leane Hunnable, former Minister of State for Alba Karinya, Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and, most recently, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, as the new Leader of the Socialist Party. Her appointment as leader also means she is to become the Leader of the Opposition. Speaking to her supporters in Burnham, Southfleet, Hunnable said that she was ‘proud and honoured to lead the party through this difficult time. To fight and defend the party’s principles, to ensure our continued membership of the Union and to oppose the policies of austerity that threaten to undermine the future of our country.” Hunnable’s first Prime Minister’s Questions is expected to be held next week, m where she will get the opportunity to challenge the Prime Minister. Asked whether she knew what was to be asked, the newly-elected Leader replied: “I know what I want to ask, but you will just have to wait and see.” |
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| CGJ | 22nd July 2016 - 12:26 AM Post #115 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Asylum Decision Causes Controversy A statement released by His Majesty’s Government this morning read that Deborah Hunt MP, the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Home Affairs, had refused an extradition request from Nova Ardia, the rogue state in eastern Ardia, where reports of grave human rights abuses have been coming out of the country. The request was for a former member of the Nova Ardian secret police for murder, inciting a prison riot and treason. In the statement, the Home Office confirmed that: ‘The Government of Nova Ardia had requested of His Majesty’s Government that an individual be extradited to face trial. After careful consideration, we believe that any extradition would result in a violation of the individual’s universal rights as prescribed by the Universal Rights Act 2014 and the Mundus Convention on Universal Rights — in particular Articles 4 (Prohibition of torture), 6 (Right to liberty and security) and 7 (Right to a fair trial and no punishment without law). It is for these reasons, and others, that it was determined by the Secretary of State to also grant said individual asylum.” The Home Office added: “The individual was accompanied by another from Nova Ardia at the time of the individual’s application. This second individual was also granted asylum for similar and other reasons.” Controversy has arisen, however, after the Nova Ardian government revealed the true extent of the supposed crimes of Francis Keyes. The Nova Ardian government has accused Keyes of murdering, in cold blood, another guard and supporting a riot which resulted in the deaths of over 50 prisoners and guards. The government has refused to comment on the specific allegations, informing DBC that it is for the reasons it had already listed that the extradition request was rejected and the asylum request granted. There is no information on the identity of the other refugee, and it is unlikely the government will reveal this information. ’Republic’ Calls For Prince of Littlebrook to be Stripped of Royal Title The anti-monarchist political party, Republic, has today come out publicly to demand that Alexander Anselmo, the Prince of Littlebrook and heir to the Dartfordian throne, be stripped of his Royal title and be prohibited from ascending to the throne. In a statement, the party leader told DBC that ‘We cannot have a Head of State, or future Head of State, that was complicit in the genocide of over 30 million innocent civilians.’ The statement comes as the Government of the First Empire of Rokkenjima announced that Charles Ofdensen, the former Lord High Steward of Rokkenjima, had been indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity, most notably in being directly complicit and supportive of the Andean Genocide. Controversially, however, the Lord High Steward implicated Alexander Anselmo in a communication with Sumire Abruscato, in which he said: "I get reports from Alex every so often, more lives lost in some village or city no one cares to remember the name of…” Indicating that the Emperor of Rokkenjima and Prince of Littlebrook was informed of developments during the Andean Genocide but refused to act, and even hid such developments from his wife. A statement from Rochester Palace, supported by Chancel House, was quickly released: “His Royal Highness the Prince of Littlebrook asserts that he had no direct knowledge of the developments in Nueva Ardia, and that all documents forwarded to the Lord High Steward were done so due to the Prince fulfilling other commitments. His Royal Highness will not be stripped of his title, however the line of succession is a matter for Parliament to determine.” DBC will bring you more news as it develops. |
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| CGJ | 24th July 2016 - 11:19 PM Post #116 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Cross-Straits Summit Gets Underway Amidst Protests  (Protestors gather in Imperial Square, outside Wolverhampton Palace, home of the House of Commons) The heads of state and government of the Cross-Straits Union arrive din Hematite today to kick-off the ninth Cross-Straits Summit, and the second to be held in Dartfordia. The summit, led by Dartfordian Prime Minister Daniel Cleaver, is expected to heavily focus on reforms of the Union, but also potentially on the proposed referendum on Dartfordian membership of the CSU, with the Cross-Straits Union (Membership Referendum) Bill 2016 passing the House of Commons and making its way to the Lords for a first reading next week. The conference was greeted by major anti-CSU protests, in which an estimated 250,000 people have gathered in Imperial Square, in which the House of Commons’ Wolverhampton Palace and the House of Lords’ Palace of St Albans are situated, and along Somerset Road, St Edmund’s Road and Duke Street — the latter the location of Chancel House. There have been a few minor reports of violence, particularly following the passage of the Achkaerinese vehicle, where one protestor attempted to throw an egg. But aside from this incident, and many vulgar remarks towards Empress Beatrice’s car, including messages accusing her of genocide, the protests have been relatively peaceful. |
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| CGJ | 4th August 2016 - 03:07 AM Post #117 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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#Darxit Referendum Date Confirmed: Saturday 13 August Following the granting of Royal Assent to the Cross-Straits Union (Referendum) Act 2016, after it had successfully passed both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the Prime Minister confirmed by statement that the referendum on Dartfordia’s Cross-Straits Union membership will occur on 13 August. The question on the ballot paper will be: “Should Dartfordia remain a member of the Cross-Straits Union or leave the Cross-Straits Union?” with the options: “Remain a member of the Cross-Straits Union” and “Leave the Cross-Straits Union”. The rules of eligibility are the same as general elections: any Dartfordian citizen over the age of eighteen is entitled to vote, except those currently in prison with more than 12 months left on their sentence and those who have been out of the country for 15 years. Cross-Straits citizens living in Dartfordia do not have the right to vote, whereas they usually do for Cross-Straits Parliament, regional and local elections. Polls are currently indicating that the majority of the population are in favour of remaining within the Cross-Straits Union, with the average of all polls recognised by the Dartfordian Polling Council putting remain at 49%, leave at 41% and ‘Don’t know’ at 10%. However, with the results from the Cross-Straits Summit yet to be announced, Dartfordia’s membership still hangs on the balance. 11-Year-Old Steals Bus, Runs a Regular Service In Sunnyside City, in Cydonia Island, an 11-year-old has been caught driving an Arriva bus, after having stolen it from the garage and following a regular service route. The boy, while driving, picked up passengers along the route and claims he had found the keys a few days before, after a driver had dropped them. In a statement, Arriva confirmed that a lost set of keys had been reported to the company. After travelling for about 15 minutes along service route 44, he was stopped by Police – who had been notified by drivers and passers-by – and who were able to track him down using the company's mobile app, as the boy had been able to correctly set up the bus' computer. When police officers stopped the bus and removed the 11-year-old from the driver's seat, there were 3 passengers on board. The passengers said they were surprised about the young age of the driver, but it did not stop them from entering the bus. In response to the incident, Arriva has said that it will be conducting a thorough investigation into current security practices within and around the company's garages, and will be reviewing the company's policy on lost keys. The Mayor of Sunnyside, Jim Montfort, has told DBC that he believes the incident was due to mismanagement and corporate failings at Arriva. The city is currently in a transition from an unregulated bus network to a regulated, concession-based system. Route 44 is due to be tendered next year. The parents of the boy have noted their surprise at his actions, though didn't seem too upset. |
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| CGJ | 11th August 2016 - 05:22 PM Post #118 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Support for Darxit Surges Following Rokkenjiman Flipflops and Failure to Reform as Referendum Looms Just days ahead of the Dartfordian referendum on its membership of the Cross-Straits Union, the actions of Rokkenjima, and others, have resulted in a a surge in support of exiting the organisation, with Beatrice’s personal approval rating almost dropping into single digits. Prior to recent events, remain was on 48%, leave at 43% and ‘Don’t know’ at 9%. However, following the Prime Minister’s announcement that, despite days of talks and support from the Holy Empire of Achkaerin, the CSU Summit meeting has resulted in no major reform deal, remain dropped to 47% and leave 46%. The leave campaign was also, in the words of a campaigner, ‘gifted a miracle’ by the First Empire of Rokkenjima, first by its pronouncement of support for Nova Ardia, who the government of Dartfordia accused of committing war crimes in Vienra, then by the sudden announcement that Empress Beatrice had been stripped of her power. These actions have seen Leave support soar past the half-way mark, with 54% of those surveyed supporting leave, mostly at the expense of Remain who drop to 38%. These latest polls seem to clearly indicate an immediate shift in public mood. Personal approval ratings for Beatrice have also dropped, from 43% to just 14%, and the question ‘Should Dartfordia form a personal union with Rokkenjima?’ seeing support drop from 31% to 19%. The Dartfordian government has withdrawn its dartICON servers from the data-sharing ICON network it shares with CSTO partners such as Rokkenjima, Quinntopia and Tytor. dartICON was developed between 2014-15, as the Dartfordian armed forces adapted its equipment to work with Rokkenjiman-designed system. By the time of its standardisation in October 2015, all Dartfordian ICON units, with the authorised modified software modification, point to Dartfordian servers and the software is maintained by the Ministry of Defence. It is then at server-level information is shared with the main Rokkenjiman clusters, where ICON Software Councils exist to cooperatively seek out bugs. Ship-to-ship communication features are also disabled for communications with non-dartICON vessels, except in the QAMB region. The government has refused to comment as to whether dartICON will be reconnecting to the main ICON clusters in the immediate future. The referendum on Dartfordian membership of the Cross-Straits Union takes place on 13 August. |
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| CGJ | 18th August 2016 - 01:37 AM Post #119 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Dartfordian Vienra base ATTACKED Dartfordia’s temporary military base, established in Vienra following the current crisis, has been attacked by terrorists armed with mortars. The base, at South Vienra Wildcats School in the western side of the city, had been holding over 100 refugees in the gymnasium when the attacks occurred. The news came as a shock to military agencies in Burnham and Hematite, and the government have promised that a full investigation will take place in the coming days, with an official response soon after. |
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| CGJ | 22nd August 2016 - 09:35 PM Post #120 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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’Emperor Emeritus’ Alexander Anselmo ‘Totally Baffled’ and ‘Disappointed’ by Rokkenjiman Constitutional Logic as Cleaver Welcomes Empress’ ‘New Approach’ Sources close to the Prince of Littlebrook, now known as the Emperor Emeritus, have revealed that he has been ‘totally baffled’ by what some have described as a completely ridiculous transfer of power. “The Emperor was, he thought, reliably informed about the succession process in Rokkenjima and, as a native Royal himself, is totally baffled at how the Crown can be temporarily transferred to another head.’ It comes after months of legal wrangling, which left the Emperor Emeritus, an avid believer in a weaker Rokkenjiman Crown, disappointed at the people’s lack of a democratic executive. The Dartfordian Prime Minister, Daniel Cleaver, has had no such qualms. “We welcome Empress Evanthe to the throne, and hope to spend many years working closely with her and the Rokkenjiman government.” Asked on his thoughts on the CTO General Assembly Resolution condemning the Imperial Couple, Cleaver said that the ‘Government would not be supporting, nor adhering to, any resolution that goes beyond the authority of the Commonwealth Treaty.’ |
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| CGJ | 31st August 2016 - 11:44 PM Post #121 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Greenpeace Dartfordia and ‘Save the Whales’ to Launch Fresh Campaign Against Nya Åland  (MS Esperanza is expected to go on another protest) Leaders of various environmental groups from across the world, including Greenpeace Dartfordia and the international ’Save the Whales’, have announced that they will be launching a fresh campaign against Nya Åland, with more than 15 ships and hundreds of people expected to take part in the movement to lure whales away from the coastal regions of the eastern Albion nation. This will, according to these groups, be backed up by large-scale protests outside Nya Åland’s embassies in Hematite and other capitals. The government has said it will not be facilitating the protests, and its official position is that the whale hunt is a ‘matter for the government of Nya Åland.’ However, a spokesman for the Prime Minister has said that he personally still condemns the whale hunt as an ‘unnecessary and barbaric spectacle’. The government position, and that of the new Rokkenjiman Empress, have come under harsh criticism from environmental groups, with Greenpeace claiming they have ‘abandoned the world’s non-human persons for political gain.’ Opinion polls in Dartfordia are relatively mixed. A majority (60%) believe that the whale hunt is ‘immoral’, however only a minority (38%) believe that the Dartfordian government should intervene. |
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| CGJ | 20th December 2016 - 01:03 AM Post #122 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Dart Government Files Injunction Against Adriana ‘Deportation’, Prince of Littlebrook Bailed The Dartfordian Government has today filed an injunction against the proposal to move Adriana to East Moreland under Rokkenjima’s complex family laws. The injunction, which was submitted to the Upper West Pyrettania Family Court, requests that the court block Adriana’s transfer to East Moreland as the Empress Evanthe Anselmo does not have custody over Adriana. The news comes as the government confirms the release of Prince Alexander on bail. In its filing, the Dartfordian High Commissioner to Rokkenjima (acting on behalf of the King), argues that neither the Empress of Rokkenjima, nor her government, made a request to the Rokkenjiman courts to remove Adriana and Lucius Anselmo from their parents, the Empress Emerita Beatrice and Emperor Emeritus Alexander. As such, the couple still have a legal right to custody of the children, and no major decisions may be made on their behalf regarding their children. The High Commissioner also made two further submissions: first, that, as the closest blood relatives, the custody of Adriana and Lucius Anselmo should be awarded to the HRH the Princess Georgia in Dartfordia. Second, if the court decides that this should not be the case, that moving Adriana to East Moreland, when she should be attending school in Dartfordia, would constitute a criminal offence as it would ‘significantly disrupt the child’s residence.’ Due to the political significance of the matter, it is likely that, whatever the Family Court rules, the matter will end up in the Rokkenjiman Supreme Court. Should it fail, however, the Attorney General of Dartfordia has told journalists that Dartfordia will submit a new case in the Rokkenjiman District Court that the decision is in violation of international agreements between the Rokkenjiman and Dartfordian governments. “At no point was His Majesty’s Government, nor members of the Dartfordian Royal Family, consulted regarding this decision, and we fully oppose the move to East Moreland.” It is likely now that high-level negotiations will take place between Dartfordian and Rokkenjiman officials. Regardless of the result, this is shaping up to be the biggest custody case since Peter Andre battled Katie Price for the custody of their children. First Public Draft of Darxit Treaty Published by Government Yesterday the Dartfordian Government formally published the first public draft of the Dartfordian Treaty on Exiting the Cross-Straits Union. The draft consists of 5 main articles and two annexes detailing out Dartfordia’s future relationship with the Union. A summary can be found below.
Some details are yet to be finally wrangled out, and negotiations are expected to continue after the Christmas period. However a major pledge by the government that Dartfordia will have a full trade deal with the Union akin to East Moreland, looks unlikely to be fulfilled due to protests from the Holy Empire of Achkaerin. Edited by CGJ, 8th June 2017 - 12:19 AM.
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| CGJ | 31st December 2016 - 04:00 AM Post #123 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Dartfordian Embassy Covered with Christmas Decorations Post-Christmas Following Ålander Human Rights Abuses Relations between the Kingdom of Dartfordia and Odinist Republic of Nya Åland have ‘drastically deteriorated’ according to sources close to the Foreign Office, after staff at the Dartfordian Embassy in Krokum have extensively covered the building with Christmas Decorations. The news comes as reports from Nya Åland indicate that 12 Christians were arrested for publicly celebrating Christmas, which has been criticised by the international community as being a ‘blatant violation of human rights.’  (The Dartfordian Embassy in Krokum) The embassy had previously respected the Ålander law, and only the private areas within the building were decorated. However, after learning about the arrests, John Crow, the Ambassador, with the consent of the Foreign Secretary, decorated the property which the government purchased in 2015. In a statement, Crow claimed that ‘the Constitution of Nya Åland violates what many people in the world take for granted: religious freedom. Under no circumstances should any person be restricted from freely, peacefully and respectfully expressing their religious convictions. We must note that it is not usual practice to decorate embassies, but as the embassy is contained within Dartfordian sovereign territory and there is nowhere else in the country to publicly celebrate it — we will have decorations up until the 6th January.’ The news follows earlier rumours that the two governments had failed to reach an agreement over reconnecting of the Trans-Albion Railway. The railway was originally completed in 2014 and connected St Elmo’s City in Tytor, Hematite in Dartfordia and Uppsala in the former Union of Nordic Peoples. However, the railway was extensively damaged during the meteorite strike, and the government of Nya Åland, when taking over the former state, refused to take on the liability for reconstructing the railway. This has resulted in additional state subsidies being required to prevent the railway going bankrupt. In a statement, the Department for Transport claimed that they hoped to secure a deal to reopen the line to Uppsala, and possibly Krokum, but that they refuse to pick up the tab. Rochester Palace Still Pushing for Adriana Return Rochester Palace are still pushing for the safe return of Priness Adriana and Prince Lucius to Dartfordia so that the former may start her schooling at Lexia Secondary Academy in a week’s time. The application filed last week to the Upper West Pyrettania Family Court to prevent Princess Adriana’s move to East Moreland was rejected, but has now been appealed to the Azukishima High Court. It has been reported that discussions are, however, underway between Rochester Palace and Pyrena Castle to ensure the return of Prince Alexander’s children. It is likely now that Adriana will be allowed to visit East Moreland, although it is noted that the King has expressed concern at the ‘wishy-washy’ way in which Rokkenjiman law would allow an interim Empress deny Princess Adriana’s birthright with a highly arbitrary condition. |
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| CGJ | 2nd May 2017 - 07:36 PM Post #124 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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”WHERE IS YOUR HUMANITY?” Government Backs Down and Agrees to Invest Billions in Uppsala Reconstruction Amid threats of one of the biggest backbench rebellions in modern history, the Prime Minister Daniel Cleaver announced that the government would soon be laying out plans for major infrastructure investment in Uppsala, just hours after his Secretary of State for International Aid and Development ruled it out. The decision was seemingly made by the Prime Minister right before the conclusion of the Uppsala Motion debate. Following the chemical explosion in Uppsala, which itself only came months after the meteorite destruction of the city and much of the UNP, opposition MPs from the Socialist and Green parties presented a motion to the House of Commons demanding the government take immediate action. The government initially responded by opposing the motion, with Lady Grey notifying the House of Lords that while the government agreed with the need to send medical assistance, the international aid budget should not be increased.  (Members of the House of Commons applaud the passing of the Uppsala Motion) John Lankly, the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, reiterated Lady Grey’s comments, but also claimed that Dartfordia ‘could not help a country that refused to engage with the international community and abused the human rights of its citizens.’ In the speech that followed the Foreign Secretary, Martin Grey, a dual-Nordic citizen and National Party MP representing the city of Harland called the government’s decision ‘disgraceful.’ “We have a proud history,” he told the House, “we have proud heritage. So when the greatest humanitarian to disaster to ever occur in the history of this planet, I, like millions of others in this country expect the government to honour that heritage. To honour our fellow Albion citizens. Mr Speaker, I must ask the Foreign Secretary, where is your humanity?” The speech drew a round of applause and, with a clear indication that over 40 National Party MPs, plus the Centre and Liberal parties that secure the government a majority, were going to vote in favour of the motion, the Prime Minister notified the House in just two sentences. “Mr Speaker, we have considered the motion brought forward by members of this House, and understand the great support it has both in this house and amongst the wider public. Therefore, Mr Speaker, may it please the House that the government will be dropping its opposition to the Motion.” The House once again erupted in cheers, before the Speaker called for a voice vote, there was no opposition to the Motion and it therefore passed. The full text of the motion is below:
While the motion is technically non-binding, should the government fail to commit to fulfilling its provisions then it could lead to further rebellions in the near future. We will bring you more as this story develops. |
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| CGJ | 21st May 2017 - 05:01 PM Post #125 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Protestors Interrupt Prince Alexander During Speech from the Throne Earlier today protestors sitting in the gallery of the Littlebrook Senate interrupted a speech by Prince Alexander, Prince of Littlebrook, calling him a ‘war criminal’ and ’murdurer.’ The protests took place as the Prince fulfilled a ceremonial duty of opening the Littlebrookian Parliament on behalf of the King. The ceremony takes place every year, and first occurred in 1926 – at the opening of the first parliament – and in 1993 after reunification. This is the fourth time Parliament has been opened by the Prince, who appeared to roll his eyes before continuing with the speech.  The Littlebrookian Parliament building, former home to the Domus Plebis (House of the Commoners) and Domus Nobilitatis (House of Nobility), how home to the Littlebrookian Assembly and Senate. There has been much criticism of the Prince’s recent activities, as he is currently on bail awaiting trial by the Uppsala International Court for alleged war crimes. His current freedom has meant that he was able to spend time aboard Austrana with his daughter, Adriana.  The Senate Chamber, and former home to the Domus Nobilitatis, is almost identical to the Assembly chamber. The Prince was sat in the Speaker’s usual place. The Justice League of Dartfordia, who conducted the protest, told DBC that they thought it ‘disgusting’ that the Prince, who they accuse of being complicit in the genocide, was being allowed to represent the State. A government spokesman refused to comment. |
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| CGJ | 25th May 2017 - 02:46 PM Post #126 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Jenkans Go to the Polls Amid Rokkenjiman Criticism The people of Jenka-Jenkinson will, for the first time since the 2015 riots be able to vote on their city’s governance. The election follows the signing of a new Basic Law of Jenka-Jenkinson, agreed by the leaders of both Jenka First and Jenkinson Unionist Party, and prescribed into law by the Jenka-Jenkinson (Basic Law) Act 2017. The new Legislative Council will be opened by the King, in what will be his first visit to Jenka, and who will also open the new Jenka-Jenkinson Central Railway Station. Under the old system, Jenkans elected a City Council with mandatory power-sharing within the Council’s government. Now, the government is divided more firmly between executive and legislature, with citizens directly electing a Mayor and Deputy Mayor, as well as separately electing a Legislative Council. The details of the new system are listed below:
There are three candidates in the run for Mayor: Ayako Yukimara (Jenka First), George Howard (Green) and Suma Karissa (Jenka-Jenkinson Unity Party), who are campaigning alongside their respective Deputy Mayor candidates: Michael Brown (Jenkinson Unionist Party), Ayane Honda (Green) and Thomas Briton (Jenka-Jenkinson Unity). Judging by the polls, it appears that Yukimara and Howard, both prominent negotiators in the past two years, will win by a landslide. While in the Council, it is likely Jenka First will win approximately 50 of the 99 Council seats, followed by Jenkinson Unionist Party with 36, the Jenka-Jenkinson Unity Party with 9, the Liberal Alliance with 2 and the Green Party with 2. Prime Minister Daniel Cleaver has hailed the process as a ‘resounding success’ for the people of Jenka-Jenkinson, despite criticism from Rokkenjima about its exclusion from talks since the Empress Emerita and Princess of Littlebrook visited the city in 2015. “The former Empress’ involvement was controversial, ill-advised and delayed the process of reform by at least a year. The affairs of Jenka-Jenkinson are internal and is ultimately the responsibility of the citizens living there.” The Cross-Straits Union flag, first raised in 2014, continues to fly above the Legislative Council building. However, Ayako Yukimara has confirmed that a competition to replace the flag with one of Jenka-Jenkinson’s own will take place later this year. |
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| CGJ | 27th June 2017 - 02:13 AM Post #127 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Increased Cooperation Following Rokkenjiman Sanctions Daniel Cleaver has today told the House of Commons that the government would be increasing its cooperation with Rokkenjima following repeated reports of public executions, growing state control over its citizenry and aggressive behaviour. Cleaver noted the increased anti-Rokkenjiman sentiment in Kaitaine was of ‘great concern’, claiming that, “Despite our differences, ultimately Rokkenjima are our closest military ally, and we continue to offer the Imperial Government our full support against this rogue dictatorship.” In a show of solidarity, Cleaver confirmed that the Royal Dartfordian Navy would be participating in military exercises with the Imperial Rokkenjiman Navy, and would begin sharing all available intelligence information.[ retconned news Winchester Castle Railway Gets New Lease of Life The Winchester Castle Railway has been given a new lease of life as works to re-route it from the old visitor entrance to the new one came to a completion. The short 3-mile railway was mostly reconfigured by removing the existing track to the old station, and by recovering track that had been left abandoned in 1956 between the old station and the castle. Equally as important was the replacement of the old Class 121s, built in 1960, with modern Class 139s, as seen below.   (Left: Class 121 diesel train in its old Arriva Metropolitan livery, right: the modern Class 139 working on another line) Built as a private railway for the Imperial Family in 1907, the Winchester Castle Railway has had a chequered history. Developed as a branch line out of Brizzlebee station with a direct link to the Hawley Central Railway, it remained in exclusive use for the Royal Train and freight for the Castle until 1938, when an extra platform was added at Brizzlebee station and a station built at the old public entrance. The Castle Shuttle became very popular, and greatly increased the number of visitors to the station. The Class 121s were added after the line was privatised to Connex as part of the Winchester Metropolitan franchise in 1978. In 2004, the line, then operated by Arriva Metropolitan, saw a significant drop in passengers when the visitor entrance moved to its present location. Services will run every 12 minutes from both stations, taking 4 minutes to travel each way with 2 minute turnaround at each stop. Tickets cost £2 for a return or £1.50 for a single. The total cost of altering the line came to £150,000. Funding for the line came from private donations, the Lottery Fund, the Royal Family Trust, the Crown Estate and the Hawley Government. The Class 139 trains were donated on a peppercorn rent for 5 years by engineering company Parry. Edited by CGJ, 29th June 2017 - 10:49 PM.
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| CGJ | 23rd August 2017 - 08:38 PM Post #128 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Franz Kaufmann (1886-1944)
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Alexander Offers ‘Most Sincere Apologies’ as Prince of Littlebrook Found Guilty of Negligence Winchester Castle has today released a statement on behalf of the Prince of Littlebrook, noting his ‘deepest regret’ and ‘sincere apologies’ for his negligence during the Andean Genocide following his guilty verdict at the recent international trial and 1-year suspended sentence. The statement also revealed that he intended to donate £15 million to the Andean Genocide Relief Fund, and that after his community service order ended, he would return permanently to Dartfordia.
The statement was received poorly on Twitter, with many users reacting furiously to the ‘Press release’ statement, rather than making a direct, personal statement. “Disgusting!!! Can’t even be bothered to say sorry in public! What a joke!” said @DaveAir789, a sentiment backed by @PlusMinusGloria: “No way did Alex not know what was going on. He’s a murderer!”. Within a few hours ‘#StraightToAdriana’ was trending, calling for Alex to be stripped of this right to inherit the throne. New Railways Act to Replace ‘Woeful’ InterCity and CrossCountry Concessions, Reduce Wide-Gauge Trains The King has given his Royal Assent to the Railways Act 2017 which will give the Dartfordian rail network its third major shake-up in five years. The Act abolishes the Rail Concession Authority and brings an end to InterCity concessions which, since their creation in 2015, have led to a significant drop in customer satisfaction and train punctuality. The Act also aims to end the system of having two track sizes, with all 7 of the 9 InterCity, CrossCountry and multi-regional services which require trains to change gauge sizes being replaced in the next 10 years with standard-gauge track.  (Government hopes to bid farewell to troublesome and slow gauge-changers) On major InterCity and CrossCountry lines, the routes will be divided into ‘packages’ consisting of certain rolling stock and train paths. The new system will mean that on every major line there will be more than one operator. All packages will ensure operators run regular services in the peak and off-peak, but gives the operators freedom to set prices, advertise, design their own liveries and interiors, manage staff numbers, alter First Class provision, amongst other things. All companies will have to abide by an InterCity Charter, which sets certain limits, but ultimately the aim to see less government involvement in InterCity. As part of the Act, the government has created two new bodies: the Strategic Rail Authority and the InterCity Railway Authority. The SRA will be responsible for the overall strategic aims of the railway, common ticketing, setting safety standards and coordinating major engineering works. The ICRA will be responsible for determining packages, awarding them and ensuring compliance. A Rolling Stock Upgrade Mechanism (RSUM) is also being introduced, which creates a special kind of 30-year bond for new purchases, allowing operators to introduce new rolling stock while only paying for the duration that they will be operating it. The first line to be opened up will be the Great Central Railway, with DartRail, LS-Railways, Stagecoach, Virgin Trains and EasyRail (a joint venture between EasyJet parent company EasyGroup and FirstGroup). The Government hopes the new competition will allow companies to appeal to different markets, thus increasing the overall number of passengers. |
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^ 4:45 PM Jul 13
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May the force be with you.