At the behest of Pyrena Castle researchers from the Imperial University of Ashinxao have confirmed the Cole Family, including Grand Marshal Henry Cole and Rokkenjiman diplomat Jason Cole, are modern descendants of the 'Koul Family'. While neither were available for comment at the time of press the Empress thanked the University "for its time in fulfilling this request. We are gaining a more clear picture of the modern links to Paul the Explorer's time in Rokkenjima, and to know just how close his descendants have been to us all this time is amazing."

In related developments the Rosari Faith is conducting a review of early texts which speak of "the wise foreigner" who played an influential role in the Rosari Faith at the time. "Rosari records speak of a foreign man who was not tied to the Faith, but whose wisdom was recognized by the Faith during his Rokkenjiman travels," Grand Maester Yuna shared with the RBC. "Whether this was Paul the Explorer or another has yet to be confirmed, however, we're currently looking into any possibilities. The identity of the "wise man from shores afar" has long perplexed the Faith, and to finally put a face to this man would solve many questions from a previous era of the Faith."

The RBC will bring you the latest on these breaking briefs.

The First Empire hereby moves to block the so-called "Free Theocracy of Kaitaine" from joining the Network of Crowns. The "Free Theocracy" is neither a sovereign state nor a legitimate government, and is itself perpetrated by an organisation recognized as a terrorist organisation by the First Empire of Rokkenjima and the Kingdom of East Moreland. Allowing the "Free Theocracy" admittance into the Network of Crowns would be a move which would assist in the efforts of a terrorist enterprise to seek legitimacy, a pursuit this Network cannot be complicit in.

The First Empire encourages its fellow members to block the admittance of the "Free Theocracy" and preserve the integrity of the Network of Crowns.


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook

OOC: From previous discussions we can consider it signed, sealed and delivered.

Beatrice smiled as she approached President Kadassa, "Dearst friend," she said with a bow, "may I congratulate you personally on your electoral victory. I'm confident that the future of Lakhzovia is secured, and knowing that Rokkenjima has a tried and true partner to rely upon moving into the future is quite the relief. I'm only sorry that it seems the internationalist cartel seems dead set against the success of you and your People," she said with a sigh, noting the absences of certain nations. "I have a proposal I wish to make to you following the festivities in the hopes that, together, we may begin to make the world a more fair place for all states, not simply the blessed few."

Pyrena Castle
Chrysanthemum Throne

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For Immediate Release
Imperial Actions On Kaitaine

The First Empire does not, and shall never, recognize the self-proclaimed "Theocracy" of Kaitaine and reaffirms its recognition of the Soviet Republic as the sole legitimate government of Kaitaine. The imposing of sanctions upon Kaitaine was a mistake which took place during the Interregnum, and one which I would have never allowed had I been on the Throne at the time. To look upon the Soviet Republic of Kaitaince with the same lens as that which we viewed the United Soviet Russia through is unfitting of the situation within Kaitaine, especially as they fight against a terrorist cancer from within their borders which deploys child soldiers, has attempted to steal nuclear materials from the Kingdom of East Moreland, and is implicated in other actions across Mundus.

Therefore I, Empress Beatrice, hereby serve due notice that any state which recognizes the so-called "Theocracy of Kaitaine" shall be recognized as a state sponsor of terrorism under the Terrorist Enterprises Act, as seen in the case of the Empire of Tamora.

The First Empire shall cease any trade, financial transactions or any such business activity with such a state as well as any entities or subsidiaries of such a state. The assets of such a state shall be seized with immediate effect, while any diplomatic staff of such a state shall be granted 48 hours to remove themselves from Rokkenjima and her sovereign territory. Staff which should refuse to depart our borders shall find themselves facing the prospect of arrest as they shall no longer be accorded diplomatic immunity at the close of this window. Officials of such states shall also face travel restrictions and further individual sanctions as deemed necessary by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

Recognizing the terrorist threat, one which Kaitaine faces on a daily basis, I have increased to र1.081b ($2bn) in emergency military aid to the Soviet Republic annual until such a time Bene Gesserit terrorism no longer poses a threat to Kaitaine or the broader international community. I also propose to President McPherson a formal process of reconciliation between the Soviet Republic and the First Empire so that we may better cooperate in meeting this common threat, and place firmly behind us the misguided actions carried out during the Interregnum. Terrorism is a threat to all free nations and societies, and one which demands the support of all states should we hope to succeed. Those states, like the Tamoran Empire, which aid terrorist enterprises in their quest for any trappings of legitimacy through recognition (or any other form of aid) must be addressed for what they are: sponsors and enablers of terrorism.

Should President McPherson agree I would be willing to meet with him personally to set this process into motion.

Finally, those states which host Chapterhouse schools shall find that their nationals subject to increased scrutiny at all points of entry to the First Empire. This is to ensure the safety and security of the First Empire. The First Empire shall also mirror East Moreland policy in regards to those under the age of 18 traveling to or from the First Empire from such a state: they shall be subject to further screening to ensure that the First Empire is not facilitating their use as child soldiers. Those children who are suspected of being connected to this practice be placed under the watch of social services in secured housing pending the outcome of further investigations. Should our investigations confirm that the child is indeed being sent to war in Kaitaine they shall be returned to their nation of origin whilst any adult(s) traveling with them shall be charged under the Uppsala Convention.

Grand Maester Yuna has announced that the Rosari Crusaders, a sect of the Rosari Faith which fought alongside Restoration forces in the Second Patriotic War, "stand ready to support Kaitaine in its fight against terrorists and the enslavers of children. What fate can one expect a young girl, forged into a harbinger of death and destruction, to find for herself? Her future stolen, her life laid down so pointlessly, an entire generation laid to waste. We cannot stand by, in complicit silence, while these crimes against humanity and the universal truth continue before our very eyes," she said in a statement made in the early morning hours.

"President McPherson, I have 700 Crusaders with experience from the Second Patriotic War who have petitioned my graces to fight alongside Kaitaine against this common threat. You and your People do not stand alone; if given your permission the Crusaders stand ready to enter the fray alongside your forces. Further military aid from the Imperial Government is presently under consideration as well, including an Act which would levy more strict measures on nations which do not recognize the threat and openly collaborate with this evil. If you should accept my offer, my lines are open regardless of the hour of the day."

Pyrena Castle has declined comment on the story, stating "Rosari matters are under the remit of the Rosari Faith. The Imperial Government does not interfere in matters of the Faith."

"No excuses, the First Empire has abdicated its responsibility to the CTO," Kennsington, in his final appearance as Imperial Liaison to the CTRoO began. "CTOMM, any number of instances which followed, the ball was dropped far too often. However," he paused, "I think this Empress realizes where she has fallen short. She knows there are no manouvers to be pulled, no tricks, to abdicate responsibility to that past, and that's why I remain firm in my belief in the future of the CTO and Rokkenjima's part in that future."

"Communications are the immediate issue, followed by coordination, commitment, and indeed, conviction. You can't place the burden on a few folks and expect the system to work, can you? I've worked with the Empress on a presentation and, given the permission of the chair, I would be pleased to present it in two day's time. The CTO is wounded, but quite often a wound makes the whole better. Let us see if the prescription is up to snuff before closing the curtains, yes?"

Pyrena Castle
Office of the Imperial Media Liaison

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For Immediate Release
Addressing Tamora Support For Terrorists

Following the announcement that Tamora has elected to recognize the so-called Theocracy of Kaitaine the First Empire gives sue notice that the Tamoran Empire shall henceforth be recognized as a state sponsor of terrorism under the Terrorist Enterprises Act. Terrorist organisations must be recognized and treated as what they are, and granting them any level of legitimacy undermines the international fight against terrorism.

Under the terms of the TEA the First Empire shall cease any trade, financial transactions or any such business activity with the Tamoran Empire as well as any Tamoran entities. Any Tamoran assets held within Rokkenjima are frozen with immediate effect. The Tamoran Embassy is to close within 48 hours, and her diplomatic staff removed from the First Empire by the close of this window. Any Staff who refuse to leave will be arrested as, at the close of this window, they shall no longer enjoy diplomatic immunity.

Further steps will be taken as deemed necessary by the Imperial Government.

Empress Emerita Evanthe sat down with the RBC to offer her views on the situation engulfing LISA.

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While some seemed surprised that a referendum on continued Rokkenjiman membership in LISA was to take place I personally saw the writing on the wall long ago. Throughout modern history Rokkenjima was a proponent of military alliances, herself forming the Cross-Straits Treaty Organisation as a response to a global campaign of hostility and aggression perpetrated by the Warsaw Powers, yet even in the later days of the CSTO a growing desire in the halls of power, Pyrena Castle and the Imperial Diet respectively, quite openly voiced their discontent with the arrangement into the modern era. These voices grew louder following the fall of the Warsaw powers; certainly the CSTO would find no threat in the CIS, and not one state or assembly of states posed a direct threat to the CSTO or any of its constituent members. If it wasn't the policies put forth by Achkaerin, only to be woefully amplified by Vaguzia, I'm confident that we'd have seen headlines of a Rokkenjiman withdrawal from LISA within the next two years regardless.

Increasingly we have seen the Empress warn of the dangers of large accumulations of military might as presently exemplified by LISA and CNN, warnings echoed by outgoing Deputy Premeir Sugano, perhaps the most powerful elected official following the vote to dismantle the Office of Premier: 'We must also review the necessity of vast accumulations of military might in alliances, such as the CNN or LISA, in an era where there is no clear adversary which poses a common threat to our People or our prosperity. Just as these institutions may be tools of maintaining peace, so too may they become tools with which to strangle the sovereign will of nations."' The Empress herself has noted, despite the lack of a threat such as Warsaw, we see before us two accumulations of military might with no clearly defined adversary. The assessment that such accumulations of military might are inherently dangerous, I believe, is not misguided.

The lack of an application of Rokkenjiman military might, indeed even the absence of motions before the CTO, when viewed through this lens, begins to make more sense to an outside observer. The Empress undoubtedly recognizes the role she played which has led us to this very situation, indeed the circumstances of the past few years must also weigh greatly upon her. When we look at a related institution, the Commonwealth Treaty Organisation, it is arguable that it no longer maintains the capability, nor the inherent authority, with which to act. With two organisations aiming to fulfill a similar role their very coexistence undermines the type of authority which would be required to mount the operations, and indeed expectations, which people look for them to provide. With a set of nations that subscribe to the CTO, another to the CMA and yet a third which subscribe to neither, the type of cohesive unifying force which makes the institutions work quite simply cannot exist, dooming them to ultimately fail.

With the breakdown of relations between Rokkenjima and Vaguzia I am left astounded that, increasingly in recent days, those in Vaguzia seem to be comfortable in the position that these decisions have been rooted in sound judgement and good cause. Regardless of the phrases employed, the terminology presented, stating that you may fire upon allied forces is as good as saying you will fire upon allied forces. When the Holy Empire implemented its "No Entry Zone" for Rokkenjiman vessels instead of first communicating with Rokkenjima the most visible of recent cracks within LISA were clearly apparent; it's not how allies have operated, nor how they should operate.

What should have happened, under normal circumstances, would have been someone picking up the phone, starting a video call, something to relay whatever concerns were held in Achkaerin and Vaguzia. From there appropriate actions could have been determined, and a coordinated path forward agreed to and followed which preserved at least the illusion of the unity of the alliance. With these developments it is clear that LISA is in fact not a united force and is willing to engage in public spectacle aimed at an allied power. When one combines the rumblings of Vaguzian officials openly contemplating the prospect of firing upon Rokkenjiman vessels, regardless of their rationale or the manner in which they phrased it, with rhetoric which sounds like it was read from a script provided by Kravec himself it is woefully guided, horribly implemented policy which undermines the foundation of any alliance. Vaguzia has in her conduct become a great benefactor for President Kravec and the ruthless regime he commands, but perhaps my husband said it best in his recent contribution to the Free Mundus Network:

Broken Alliances. Slava Lavosk is proving adept at driving a wedge between allies. Such is the case with LISA. Vaguzians have said they would fire on Rokkenjiman ships, Achkaerin has established an exclusion zone regarding Rokkenjiman ships and Rokkenjima has scheduled a referendum regarding continued membership in LISA. As LISA fractures, Slava Lavosk is actively expanding it's own sphere. Courting an ally in Socram, Slava Lavosk has provided pesticides, food and seed grain to the island. Should that relationship develop it could put the Gulf of Auraxis and all the waters in between Midaranye and Socram firmly into the hands of a Slavan/Socram alliance. As that deal is finished another arrives. Earlier this week, Slava Lavosk was invited to the Slavic Summit of Frienship and Cooperation. There is no telling what could develop in the Krimeon city of Kislev, but it merely underlines the fact that Slava Lavosk is not sitting silently or idle waiting for Tamora to attack but actively and aggressively strengthening their position while weakening the positions of others.

Sure the writing may have been on the wall, however, the actions of Vaguzia and to a lesser extent Achkaerin have undoubtedly accelerated the process. I'm quite confident that both Pyrettania and Valtheim will mend this setback in relations given time and some much needed discussion, however, I don't see a diplomatic revival so long as Vaguzia refuses to see where they have made grave mistakes, especially when the stakes are as high as they are. With the future course upon which the Empress appears to be guiding Rokkenjima toward, however, I see a much needed realignment and refocusing of energies which have, in the past, been needlessly wasted. It is in this new direction that, ultimately, a Rokkenjiman withdrawal from LISA may be seen in hindsight as ultimately inevitable.

Pyrena Castle
Office of the Imperial Media Liaison

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For Immediate Release
Two Accords Signed

The First Empire is pleased to announce the signing of two treaties, one with the Holy Kingdom of Cabbagelandiet and the other with the Holy and Celestial Empire of Xaeth.


The Treaty of Friendship And Non-Aggression Between The First Empire of Rokkenjima And The Holy Kingdom of Cabbagelandiet (also known as the Pyrettania-Brasscirom Accord) forms the basis of friendship and cooperation between Rokkenjima and Cabbagelandiet. Also included in this Treaty is a pledge from the First Empire to the issuance of an International Development Grant to modernize Cabbagelandiet infrastructure. In a separate action the Empress has purchased र175.675m ($325m) of Cabbagelandiet debt in order to meet prior contractual arrangements and provide Cabbagelandiet every economic opportunity available to it.


The Treaty of Friendship And Cooperation Between The First Empire of Rokkenjima And The Holy and Celestial Empire of Xæth (also known as the The Pyrettania-Jiloola Accord) forms the basis of friendship and cooperation between Rokkenjima and Xæth. The Accord provides measures for joint economic prosperity, intelligence sharing, efficient travel for Rokkenjiman and Xæthoon citizens, as well as cultural provisions intended to lead to a stronger friendship between the two Empires. The Accord also has mechanisms for amendment so that it may "reflect the contemporary relationship between the First and Most Serene and Celestial Empires."

The First Empire looks forward to working with her new friends in building lasting relationships between our Nations and Peoples.

Following passage of the Treaty of Friendship And Cooperation Between The First Empire of Rokkenjima And The Holy and Celestial Empire of Xæth, or the Pyrettania-Jiloola Accord, Empress Beatrice has extended an invitation to Empress Ælirn for a formal signing ceremony before the Imperial Diet. Speaking on the passage the Empress said "The First Empire always cherishes the opportunity for forging new friendships. During my time in Xæth I saw a nation of great promise and in their Empress a young woman with great potential, extraordinary vision, and strength I've not seen in leaders twice her age. In Xæth we have found a nation and culture with which much we share in common, and this Accord is a firm foundation upon which to anchor our newfound friendship."

Empress Ælirn will also receive the honours of being the first foreign leader to enter the Imperial Diet, where a formal signing ceremony will take place. "After the Treaty is signed I'm preparing some exploration of the Tri-City Megalopolis which includes Pyrettania, Exuperia and Ashinxao as well as accommodations for her stay at Pyrena Castle. It is my pleasure to welcome Empress Ælirn to Rokkenjima, to return the hospitality shown to me, and to begin our walk as friends. At a time where Mundus looks increasingly dangerous and hate between states increases ever greatly, today is one which may be celebrated as one of friendship."

A date has yet to be formally set, although Pyrena Castle stated it would release a statement once arrangements were made with the Xæthoon government.

"It was my sincerest of hopes that President Kravec and I could sit down and talk about the issues our nations are presently facing, however, he has destroyed that process through a bastardization of the facts. The First Empire stated that, upon acceptance of the offer of the removal of vessels from the immediate vicinity of the Auraxis that I would be pleased to meet with him at a time and place of his choosing; not once was he invited to Rokkenjima, nor would he have been under the circumstances. President Kravec further states that he asked for both "fleets" to be withdrawn beyond missile range; this is another lie as he did in fact state his desire for Rokkenjiman vessels "to not only leave the vicinity of the Gulf of Auraxis but return to its home waters, either your base in Dartfordia or Rokennjiman waters."

"Despite his calculated stymieing of the diplomatic process I have, in good faith, accommodated the immediate concerns stated by President Kravec by in regards to missiles, while ordering Task Force Steady Aim to resume operations more toward the Southern Sea of Kyne, although they will remain vigilant should the Slavans act in any aggressive capacity toward Rokkenjiman forces in the region. The Enterprise Strike Group, which shall be holding a position in international waters, will remain on hand should the Morelanders require their assistance. This shall include two Blue Star Line ocean liners carrying provisions of food which may be distributed through whichever channels are best decided by ongoing international operations. Despite every effort I have taken, including making it absolutely clear that Slava would be fired upon only if she first fired upon Rokkenjima, President Kravec has said no to the process of diplomacy, using every excuse and convulted logic in his arsenal to lay that failure at the feet of the First Empire."

The Empress also addressed the Achkaerinese-Vaguzian no-entry zone.

"It's unfortunate to see this type of behaviour from allies, most notably the Vaguzians stated intent of firing upon Rokkenjiman vessels. Instead of approaching their ally through proper diplomatic channels to air concerns while coordinating a response to these challenging crises they have instead opted for a path which closes off cooperation, attempts to paint the First Empire as the problem and, in some occassions, makes liberal use of President Kravec's talking points. Few could be blamed if they believed Achkaerin and Vaguzia were allies of Slava Lavosk instead of Rokkenjiman allies. It is because of these actions that a referendum concerning Rokkenjiman membership in LISA saw its support grow from just shy of tens of thousands to meeting the threshold for national consideration."

"The Vaguzian Foreign Minister stated that Rokkenjiman vessels would "eventually" be fired upon; no context nor rationale can frame that statement in a favourable view. Allies air disagreements between themselves in their established diplomatic channels, they do not present a front which is not united as we've seen from both Vaguzia and Achkaerin. We shall see if these states take the steps to make things right and rectify this situation or if the Holy Empire will revert to its poor habits of blaming every ill upon the First Empire and making each situation about Rokkenjima instead of the critical matters at hand. I certainly hope that we shall not return to that era and they will approach us, properly, as allies have done so up until this unprecedented point."

Beatrice followed Brassicus into the palace, taking her designated seat. Partaking of the tea she smiled at the notes present in its taste. While not comparable to a Rokkenjiman tea directly, it was certainly an experience worthy of appreciation.

To begin their meeting with a treaty signing caught her by surpriset, though she smiled as the pen was set down. "Very well," she said, affixing her signature to the document as well. "I knew my initial instinct was correct," she said as she sat the pen down, "and I am only sorry that we had to experience such quarrel between us. Now, I understand you're indebted to the tune of some $325m, would I be correct?" she asked.

Taking from her purse a document she affixed yet another signature before handing it to Brassicus. "I've never been a fan of holding nations in debt, thus I figured my first act as a treatied partner of Cabbagelandiet should be to see that your nation has before it a clean slate. From here, together, let us make decisons which enrich our Peoples mutually, and sees that our Peoples are on a path of mutual prosperity." The document which she presented him would provide र175.675m ($325m) to meet prior contractual arrangements. "I believe this should help Cabbagelandiet to begin herself on a path which sees economic opportunity explored at its maximum."

The Imperial Diet voted earlier today to pass the legislative package presented by Teikokutō, formally abolishing the Office of the Premier and returning those powers granted by the Empress to the Office to Chrysanthemum Throne. While the package saw near universal opposition from the Centre Party Teikokutō was joined by members of the Socialist and Green Parties to pass the legislation 501-349, with all members of the Commons present and voting. Passage through the House of Councillors was possible only through the defections of Centre Party Councillors.

With the successful vote the Empress is set to bring the present session of the Imperial Diet to a close, allowing for new elections to shape the new government.

The RBC will bring you the latest on this developing story.

Grand Preacher Brassicus II,

As I told you prior to your departure from Rokkenjima I firmly believe in second chances, as well as allowing each person the right to rise or fall upon their own merit. Apologizing for one's wrongs is a sign of strength, humility and speaks well of the contents of their hearts, qualities I believe you displayed to me in person. I am thus pleased to accept your invitation and shall look forward to the opportunity to visit your homeland.

Let us both set forth a new course for our nations and peoples that sees friendship and understanding guide our shared path.

Respectfully;


Empress of Rokkenjima
Princess of Littlebrook