"The pleasure is all mine." responded Arad bowing in respect to the Monarch "my journey was uneventful, though I must admit I was ill prepared for how different, and beautiful your country is. I hope that these discussions could form the basis of a friendship which will see many future visitations." he smiled. "Now it is my understanding that the central agenda item for this meeting is a discussion on the equitable division and governance of the Peniche in order to ensure the continuation of good neighbourly relations. I have been charged with expressing Lakhzovia's keen interest in ensuring the stability of this vital economic resource that our countries share, as well as the hope that such discussions can be the first step in further strengthening of the regions economic and security partnerships."

To our friends in the First Empire of Rokkenjima.

We feel obliged to alert you to intelligence we have received that indicates a high probability of an imminent terrorist attack against Rokkenjiman interests.

The Lakhzov Central Bureau of Intelligence who have been working with agents and informants embedded within the Utman nationalist movement have received reports that dissident members of the Khaliniz Brigades and ULO are in the late stages of preparing an attack against your nation.

Our assessors have judged that a terrorist operation against the Rokkenjiman national airline carrier is imminent - with indications that this will most likely be in the form of an attempted hijacking of one or more planes, with the intention of utilising Rokkenjiman civilian hostages to negotiate the release of convicted Utman prisoners.

We recommend you increase security at all airports and employ enhanced screening measures, particularly for those of Utman origin.

Please be assured that we will continue to update you with any further information we are able to obtain, and are willing to coordinate with you in thwarting this attack.

Yours Sincerely

Arad Irdan
Minister of Foreign Affairs

"We are of course happy to eliminate barriers to collaboration between the research institutions of our respective countries, and look forward to a fruitful future of friendship between our peoples.

If there is nothing further to discuss then I propose that we have our respective teams liaise to work on the fine print of the agreement for ratification and signing."

"Tamora has something of a reputation for maintaining a high degree of social and political cohesion. This is clearly something we find ourselves lacking, we would welcome Tamoran support on initiatives aimed at bringing about greater social harmony within our state.

We perhaps would also benefit from easing access of Euirasian citizens to Tamoran institutions of higher education, as part of which we would seek to implement favourable visa conditions for Tamoran citizens seeking to access Euirasia.

Finally we would be in favour of greater diplomatic cooperation between our nations to strengthen our respective positions against the impositions of foreign powers who disapprove of our respective political courses."

Lakhzov state nuclear corporation Lakhatom has announced completion of the basemat for the nuclear island buildings of unit 1 of the Narantz nuclear power plant in Luriya province.

President Kadassa attended a ceremony to mark the pouring of first safety-related concrete for unit 1. The milestone was completed on 23 September and involved the casting of 17,000 cubic meters of self-compacting concrete, Lakhatom said. Construction of the exterior and interior walls of the reactor building will be the next stage, while building concrete bases for the auxiliary reactor building and the emergency control room building are simultaneously under way, it added.

The four-unit plant, the largest so far commissioned, is part of Kadassa's 'New Future' initiative to retool the Lakhzov economy for the 21st Century and is intended to reduce the country's dependence on energy imports. The first unit is scheduled to begin production within the next few years with other units coming online as they are completed. The plant is expected to meet about 10% of Lakhzovia's electricity needs.

Speaking at the ceremony President Kadassa said "This plant, just one of many that are currently under construction, are the first step of our country onto the road to energy self-sufficiency. Our native designed and self-built plants are a clear message to the world that Lakhzovia is a country just as capable, technologically proficient and dynamic as any other on Mundus."

"Ah yes, there has been much discussion in the government regarding this. I believe at first the President and his advisory group were somewhat cautious when the possibility of membership was first raised by the Rokkenjimans, however having had the time to extensively study the organisation and the provisions of the treaty our government has come to the conclusion that pursuit of membership is a desirable outcome for our Republic.

If you could elaborate for me what additional steps of the process are required, and any potential obstacles you may imagine arising it would be greatly appreciated."

"The laws are simply on the legislative agenda at the moment. The first of the votes is due to be held in two days time on the Migration Monitoring Act, the other two acts will be voted on the following week. The current disturbances you saw on your way in appears to be the left's attempt to derail that process by breaking the nerve of the Assembly Members.

Should we manage to pass the acts we hope to invoke the Labour Harmony and Anti-Incitement Acts immediately and utilise their full force to put an end to the current situation. Of course we are expecting this to draw some strong condemnation from foreign powers, however we are gratified to see that at least some, such as yourselves, understand our course of action.

In regards to the media we find ourselves supported by the Maldun Tribune and the Financial Times along with a number of smaller tabloid outlets. However there are a number of media houses which are engaging in highly charged editorialising, particularly belonging to the left, the worst among which is the Workers' Weekly, a paper linked to the All Euirasia Trade Union Congress. We are hopeful that the passing of the anti-incitement act will reign in the more extreme rhetoric but undoubtedly they will attempt find ways to continue their subversion in spite of it.

We have historically avoided state control of media in our country, however it has been proposed by some of our coalition partners that we introduce a State Censor to regulate the press and ensure that the media accurately reflects the truth free from political spin.

In regards social media our issue is that while the left readily uses it to propagandise and organise we are powerless to regulate them, given that the platforms they use are hosted outside of our country. Short of limiting access to the internet there is little we can do at this point; though it is a point that if we introduce a State Censor as previously suggested that they may be in a position to more closely monitor and find ways to counteract this phenomenon.

Finally you ask about the trade unions. Unfortunately the historical pandering to them has led them to be highly organised and united, the AETUC that I previously mentions is the supreme umbrella organisation, a federation of all major Euirasia trade unions. It is through that body unified political and industrial action is organised. As such it is difficult to see unions as individual entities in this country as they are all, to some extent, subordinated to the supra-organisation that can utilise intimidation against any union that may seek individual rapprochement with the government or move towards acceptance of the economic reforms."

Tobias met his Tamoran counterpart at the airport where a secure zone had been created for the brief reception. Remembering his briefing on the cultural and religious sensitivities of the Tamoran's he returned the bow without offering to shake hands. They then departed for the Ministry offices in a limousine, the Tamoran bringing her entourage as chaperone on the journey.

As the convoy wound its way through the streets of the capital city the level of civic disturbance became increasingly clear, with shops shut and boarded up, the streets littered with the debris of riots. The cars passed through several security checkpoints along the route before approaching the main government district. This area was the most tightly secured with police vehicles parked in a line across the wide boulevards and avenues, uniformed and shielded officers forming cordons along the sides of the streets holding back masses of irate protesters, their expletive laden banners decrying the government.

Upon sight of the convoy the crowd became visibly more agitated, increasing its pressure on the police lines while a great roar of indignation rose up along with chants of "FASCISTS!" and "MURDERERS!", bottles and stones began to rain down around the vehicle as the police waved the now speeding convoy through the checkpoint into the secure zone.

Now finally arrived at the Ministry offices they exited the car, the distant noise of the riotous mob still audible. "I apologise for that." said Tobias tiredly "We have rather gotten used to it now, however I understand if it may have been disturbing for you. If you prefer upon leaving we can have you conveyed to the airport by helicopter?"

The two made themselves comfortable in the Ministry conference room and began their formal discussions.

“So if it is convenient to you, I propose that you perhaps present what current the situation is Euirasia. There has been a lot of misinformation spread around by various media channels like the…” she checks the notes before continuing”Workers’ Weekly which seems in our opinion to have an anti-government bias” said the Tamoran.

"Of course, I am more than happy to provide you with greater information. I am not sure which would better suit you, the long version or the short? Presuming you wish to understand the deeper roots of the current political situation it may be of benefit for you to be provided with a little history.

Euirasia is a country that began life as a province of the Ardian Empire, ruled for a thousand years by a Governor selected by the Empire itself, while the true economic and social administration of the territory was carried out by the feudal Nomarchs. Following the disintegration of the Ardian Empire Euirasia gained independence, initially constituting itself as a Nomarchic Republic, a democracy with limited francise. In the years that followed it was found that such a system proved incapable of dealing with the challenges faced by the modern state, further the pressures generated by the global suffrage movements as well as the socialism that then was winning over a great deal of post-colonial states led to the Nomarchs voluntarily reforming the government system to act as a sort of pressure valve, to avoid a greater political catastrophe.

Following from this the elections brought the Workers Party of Euirasia to power, a Social Democratic party which governed for an extended period of time. Their use of unions to prop up their power, particularly in latter years as the economic mismanagement of the country became obvious, has led to a situation where the country is afflicted by an extremely militant left wing union movement along with a plethora of left wing parties.

Despite this the majority of the populace finally grew to recognise that their prospects and conditions cannot rise so long as the economy remained dominated by the state and unions concerns. As such the first centrist and right of centre governments were finally brought into power. The unions and other left-wing militants have set out on a path of absolute confrontation; they are prepared to destroy the country's economy rather than allow for the programmes of liberalisation that are needed to revitalise our national fortunes.

Having forced an election the results were such that only a coalition of the right could govern, proof if any is needed that the majority in the country no longer support the destructive programme of the left. Yet they continue their aggression against the government and the democratic will of the people, now seeking to portray the current administration as some manner of fascists, simply because we are attempting to implement our democratic mandate.

I hope this sufficiently apprises you of the current situation. If you have any questions on areas I have not covered, or wish for further detail please do not hesitate to ask me."

The government of Euirasia takes an extremely positive view of your proposed framework for cooperation and are happy to agree to the draft document as it stands.

We would further like to take the opportunity to cement the growing friendship between our countries through a state visit of leading representatives to Euirasia. In doing so we hope to provide an opportunity for your government to get a better understanding of the situation on the ground in our country.

Such a fact finding mission will provide the additional benefit of equipping us both for further cooperation in a number of fields in the future.

I anticipate your response.

Yours in Friendship,
Tobias Mathers

The Ministry of the Interior in collaboration with the Foreign Office and the Department of Immigration and Integration have decided to implement a new visa regime for all those seeking to visit, study or work in the Republic of Euirasia.

Beginning next month all visitors to the country seeking to stay longer than thirty days will be required to report to a police station on a weekly basis to present their visa documents for inspection.

Those who have, or intend to, migrate in order to work in the country will be required to provide a letter of sponsorship from their employer confirming that they possess a skill that cannot be sourced from the native Euirasian labour market. In addition to this all future business investment in the country requires partnership with a domestic Euirasian firm or business partner, with all land title, and fixed assets being held by the Euirasian partner.

Further the current situation in the eastern border region where ethnic Rokkenjiman's have settled within Euirasia cannot be allowed to continue. While we are aware that a large part of this population transfer occurred during the time of the Ardian Empire when both of our countries were under occupation, it cannot be accepted that the product of such imperialism become a burden on our modern nation, to do so would only perpetuate the colonialism we were long subjected to.

As such a census will shortly be carried out in the eastern region, and those ethnic Rokkenjiman's who can prove title to land will be given the opportunity to naturalise into the Euirasian nation. Those who cannot prove their legitimate right to remain will be encouraged to undertake voluntary repatriation to their homeland, who we expect to cooperate with us in ensuring their reunification with their own people. This is to occur in advance of implementation of a policy of resettlement of ethnic Euirasians in the region to bolster the Euirasian character of the land, strengthen the demographic border and ensure that the resources of this area serve the needs of the rightful inhabitants of the land.

To the Esteemed Alya Safavid

I would like to extend thanks on behalf of my country for your nation's reaching out to us in our times of difficulty.

While it is true that the founding principles and the developmental course of our nations are somewhat different I too believe that there is a case for mutual support. We are thankful for your recognition of the right of our government to pursue whatever course of action is deemed necessary in order to ensure the long term stability that form the basis for prosperous national life. We likewise recognise the value of Tamoran sovereignty, and admire your nations resoluteness in the face of foreign hostility.

We believe that the opportunities presented by a strengthening of bonds and cooperation between our nations cannot be passed up and therefore would like to formally welcome you to enter into discussions about how best to work together for the future benefit of our respective peoples.

Respectfully Yours,

Tobias Mathers
Foreign Secretary

After the recent elections produced a hung National Assembly (NA), Prime Minister Ventham has managed to hold on to his Premiership through negotiating a right-unity coalition led by his New Conservative Party.

Joining him in government is the soft right 'Centrist Group' (TCG), the hard right 'Progress and Development Party' (PDP) and the 'National Defence Party' (NDP) providing his new administration with 61 seats in the NA, a majority of 1.

While the government has not yet announced the full list of Ministerial appointments it is widely understood that in order to secure the support of the NDP and PDP Ventham was forced to make significant concessions, with the NDP being granted the 'Crime, Policing and Prisons' portfolio while the PDP is confirmed to have been given control of the 'Department of Immigration and Integration' as well as the Justice Department.

Opposition groups have reacted with fury to the appointments, with a spokesman for the Democratic Union claiming that "In Ventham's desperate bid to hold on to power he has sold the keys of Euirasian civil society to the very people who threaten it most. Euirasia stands at a dangerous crossroads, we call for the President to reject this coalition and allow the Democratic Union to attempt to form a government of national unity for the sake of our country's future."

It is unlikely that the President will grant such a request as even if the Democratic Union were able to form an agreement with the Liberal Party, Forward Party, Green Party, Socialist Party, Communist Party and the Socialist Worker's Party they would still be two seats short of an absolute majority, with one political commentator saying "whatever the posturing and rhetoric on the part of the opposition the simple truth is that the electoral arithmetic does not grant them the ability to form a stable government."

The unions and left wing parties have all promised ongoing civil disruption and threatened the possibility of a resumption of the national strike that paralysed Euirasia earlier in the year.

"Your Majesty, I can see your frustration, and to some extent I can understand it. However you must take into account Lakhzovia's stance.

It is our understanding that the long term goal is to find a consensus for a lasting peace in the Midaranye region. The current nuclear crisis is just the latest development of a long running conflict that has threatened the peace here for a significant period. That threat to peace centres on the provocations and hostility of a theocratic slave state, and it is against that threat, as well as threats of external interference, that Slava Lavosk has attempted to defend itself.

Kravic has more or less made this clear, and what is also clear is that attempts to force a unilateral disarmament on Slava Lavosk without addressing the underlying security concerns of that nation will result only in further escalation, and this time between nuclear armed states.

My proposal then was not aimed at humiliating you or undermining Rokkenjima. I believe in fact that our end goals are aligned, rather we have a difference of opinions when it comes to the path there. Sometimes, your majesty, a soft touch and nuanced approach can go further than the blunt tools of escalating threat.

As for my proposal of nuclear transfer to Lakhzovia for reprocessing; Consider it dropped. I was of the view that it might be preferable for Slava Lavosk's nuclear feed stock be removed from the country to our as we are both an ally of yourself, but one that is uniquely viewed as understanding the concerns of Kravic. In this way we hoped to act as a bridge to future cooperation and a deescalation of the nuclear tensions. However in the face of such open hostility what can we do but respect the position of our allies?

Be assured your Majesty, Lakhzovia and myself view you with the utmost regard. Let me reassure you that the Pyrenia-Nakim Accord remains the foundation of our international diplomatic strategy and that we seek always to further our alignment with yourself.

To that end I had meant to discuss a proposal with you following this conference, however now seems as appropriate time as any to broach the subject. I would like to propose to you the possibility of establishing a Rokkenjima listening post in the north-west Hir HaShudrin mountain range. Such facilities at this location would provide cover over the entire Cotf Peninsula as well as the Illumic, I envision it augmenting the previously agreed stationing of Rokkenjima airforce assets in Lakhzovia. The conditions of such a lease being our shared access to the facility's intel."

Arad Irdan had arrived in Rokkenjima for his first international trip as the new Minister of Foreign Affairs. His rise to the post had not been trumpeted domestically given that the circumstances of his elevation had been the downfall of his predecessor Tesan Cikniye who's position had become untenable after the Trajan leaks implicated him in the East Moreland terror scandal. Arad was distinctly aware that he was resented, and in particular by Kadassa who had been forced to dismiss one of his strongest allies.

Arad was under no illusions as to the difficulties he faced, this meeting was an important one for him; he needed to prove his worth, aware as he was that Kadassa would seize upon any opportunity to remove him when he judged the time right. His task at hand had been made all the more difficult by the fact that Kadassa had been engaging in increasingly provocative unilateral diplomatic moves, seemingly not trusting the new minister and his team to handle things to his satisfaction. This had of course led to his misjudged support for Slava Lavosk and the resultant diplomatic fallout with Rokkenjima. Given that Rokkenjima is needed as a strong ally, especially in the approaching decision about Lakhzov ascendance to the CSU, to have poked the Empress in the eye now was an unforgivable folly.

Arad arrived at the CSU headquarters where a group of officials were waiting to receive him.

"I must say how honoured I, and my country are to be granted the opportunity to begin discussions on our entry into the Cross Straights Union." he said proferring a hand.

"Ah yes, the heat. Rokkenjima certainly would not be pleased if their behaviour so far is any indicator . However Lakhzovia has something that they want, the promise of an airfield in our country so that they can maintain their presence in the region. It's my understanding that Rokkenjima is being somewhat sidelined by former allies and resents being muscled out of the Illumic region. I doubt in such a situation that they would be willing to sacrifice their option to retain their stake in the west of Cotf Aranye.

Of course this would still be a hard sell, however I have an idea. It is entirely possible to alleviate fears of a Slava Lavoski nuclear programme while simultaneously pursuing or mutual agenda. Your country could lend its expertise to Lakhzovia in the commissioning of a fuel reprocessing plant, once completed Slava Lavosk could decommission its own, in a gesture towards compliance with non-proliferation, and send spent fuel to Lakhzovia for reprocessing.

The whole process itself would provide a useful cover for deeper collaboration."