Global News Network

[DaveIronside]

QAMB BURNS

At 6pm on the 5th June 2020 a series of events began to spiral that would change the Mhorish and Illumic for years to come. It was announced that Heyra and Rokkenjima would formally end their agreements which saw each acquire territory in the other for use in Rokkenjima's case as a military base and in Heyra's case as a industrial and economic hub. QAMB had existed in the Mhroish and Illumic for many years while the Heyran development was around a year old. 

Within moments of hearing this orders were relayed to Rokkenjiman military at QAMB to begin processes to render the base inoperable. In accordance with military practice for Rokkenjiman bases overseas  a protocol exited called Operation Armageddon. This protocol is a well known and well rehearsed procedure among Rokkenjiman forces. It is a set of actions designed to render the base at best inoperable by non-allied forces and at worst ensure no sensitive equipment fell into enemy hands. Meanwhile local Heyran forces began to converge on the area concerned of the impacts any attempt to retain the base may have. Heyran forces observed Rokkenjiman soldiers preparing C4 charges on sensitive equipment such as radar instillations and computer servers etc.

At approx 9pm Rokkenjiman forces began to evacuate the base and Heyran personnel began exploring ways to gain access. At just after 9:10pm the base commander gave orders for the C4 to be detonated. As such several targetted explosions ripped through the facility. This detonation was set to be followed up by targeted strikes of Ship to surface missiles guided by intelligence from an overhead UAV. These were scheduled to start at 9:25pm in order to give the dust from explosions and smoke a chance to settle. Concerned of the toxic nature of some of the fires that had broken out Heryan security forces gained access to the base, unaware of the impending missile strike at 9:18pm. They began to call in specialist teams to deal with fires caused from materials such as potassium, magnesium and various other volatile elements. When the time came for the follow up missile strike which was designed to destroy standing buildings the overhead UAV had determined the strike was no longer viable without risking human life and thus the strike was cancelled.

Heyran fire crews spent until approx 8am the following morning dealing with the fires. Chemical spills from fuel depots, storage tanks and various other sources remain and are currently being worked on by local fire and rescue workers alongside specialist workers. Global News have contacted both nations Ministries of Defence for a statement but as of going to press none had been given.

[Achkaerin]

MGC REVEALS CHANGES FOR 2020 GAMES

The Mundus Games Committee has made its annual announcement regarding the schedule for this years Games. Making a Games debut this year is the sport of spikeball, similar to volleyball, played in pairs the game sees two teams running around a circular net and spiking the ball into the net to try and be the first team to get to fifteen points, match's will be played over three sets. Additionally it will be a unisex event in that teams can be entirely men, entirely women or mixed. Another event change sees an expanded program for Medieval MMA with more weights and potentially events, finally another addition sees rock climbing make its Games debut. Speaking about these changes MGC President Isabel Sullivan said:

"We're piloting Spikeball this year as its a newish sport played mainly in the parks across Mundus and does have some following and its similarities to volleyball make for something interesting and different. Rock climbing is a speed based event which the MGC has been considering for a couple of years now and we're now giving it the debut. Medieval MMA has been in the games for a couple of years now and we're seeing it gain popularity and status across Mundus so as nations sort out their domestic competitions in the sport using weight classes the Mundus Games need to mirror that which is why we're moving from an open weight position to having lightweight, middleweight and heavyweight categories. We're also keeping one eye on the Tournament of Swords to see how the Duo's event goes with a view to potentially adding it to the schedule as a trial event in the different weight classes."


OOC - Anyone wanting to know the basics of Spikeball Video found here

[Achkaerin]

GAMES GOING TO MIDARANYE

It was billed by some commentators and analysts as the most significant decision in the history of the Mundus Games on the face of it a straight up choice between two bids for the right to host the seventh Mundus Games, on the one hand Tytor a nation that's hosted the games before, one of the major sporting powers on Mundus and a major player internationally. On the other hand a joint Royal Seleucid and Tamoran bid the much anticipated attempt to take the Games to Midaranye for the first time, but very much a gamble - the Games for so long the unblemished pinnacle of sport on Mundus now had to be viewed through the lens of politics because Tamora's practice of the slave trade and recognition of the Theocracy of Kaitaine would surely play on the minds of the members when time to cast their votes came. Maybe some hope was stirred when the pitches were made as according to some analysts the Midaranye bid was "Strong, detailed and satisfactorily addressed the logistical issues of a joint bid for this event." a reference no doubt to the manner in which the Midaranye splits the events between the two countries and ensures that the athletes do not have to be transported across borders with the possible exception of participation in the opening and closing ceremonies.

So to the vote, two very strong bids and perhaps fittingly the tightest of votes. But as the saying goes there can be only one winner and responsibility for announcing that fell for the first time to MGC President Isabel Sullivan (pictured above) with the words: "The seventh summer Mundus Games are awarded to Royal Seleucid and Tamora" the Games were heading to Midaranye. Speaking afterwards Mrs Sullivan said "I said when the joint bid was initially mentioned that the MGC's role is not based on politics, our job is to put on the biggest sports event on Mundus the first stage of that is finding out where the Games will be held today we found out they will be in Tamora and Royal Seleucid which means I now spend the next few days and weeks in near constant communication with the hosts to make that a reality. And then next year we go through it all again."

OOC - Wouldn't be appropriate to put this in the Ach news thread so sticking it here because I put sports related stuff here

[DaveIronside]

"SANDWICH CLUB" ENJOY ROUND OF GOLF

It was confirmed today that Praetor Julius Devaux of the Allies States of Ardia, Prime Minister Shiro Ishihaka and President Tero Melos of Neuva Ardia have meet in the ASA for an "informal gathering to strengthen ties" between the three nations. The three countries became concerned about tensions in their region following disagreements between Rokkenjima and SANE some time ago with Devaux coining the name "Sandwich Club" as the nations were effectively stuck between the two opposing groups. The three men meet at a luxury golf course just outside Cescedia with the news of their meeting coming only once it had begun. The three men shot a round of 18 holes while discussing a wide range of issues. Following the conclusion of the game the three men were joined by their wives for dinner before Ishihaka and Melos flew home. At the conclusion of the meeting the three leaders released a joint statement summarising the details of their conversation.

Today the nations of the ASA, Nueva Ardia and Toshikawa had historic talks designed at beginning to stregthan what were once strained relationships between themselves. These talks were highly productive and while no formal agreements were made there were broadly speaking three handshake agreements made between the three nations. The first was that the nations would remain as a block neutral in their stances towards both the growth of the Rokkenjima backed CSTO and SANE. In the past we saw some knee jerk reactions by both sides of that grouping and it easily could have seen problems for our region. Therefore we are determined to maintain a strick neutrality when it comes to these organisations and we hope this will be respected by both parties.

The second agreement was to begin preparations for an examination in December 2020 at trade agreements designed to allow the flow of goods through the three nations to become more frictionless. Each leader expressed their hope that by utilising their ports on the Ardian Peninsular and Stait of Shaw that they can support each others economic growth and usher in a new prosperity for all citizens.

The final agreement was that being fearful of what could happen had events in January not been de-escalated by talks begun by prompt action by Grand Duke Hugo Lascelles of Bakkermaya the three nations would undertake annual military manoeuvres in order to be prepared to work together to defend themselves should their request for their neutrality to be respected be ignored.

The three leaders also have confirmed that they will meet in mid December 2020 in Toshikawa to hold further and more formal talks on a wide range of subjects.

The landmark meeting comes after an initial meeting was postponed following an assassination attempt on President Melos left him unable to travel for several months. Melos is however now recovered and stated, "The talks were productive and I enjoyed visited the ASA. I believe my golf swing is not yet at 100% which explains why Mr. Ishihaka was able to win today's round. I look forward to meeting with the two gentleman again soon."

UNIQUE FIND IN VANORA

An ancient limestone weight, dating back to the Iron Age a period known as the First Temple period has been discovered at an archaeological excavation next to Jerusalem’s Western Wall, the Vanoran Antiquities Authority (VAA) has announced. The weight was discovered as part of the cities "sifting" project which see's any rubble from construction projects gone through in order to identify any objects of interest in a city laden with history. Professor Monnickendam who overseas the sifting project stated “The weight is dome-shaped with a flat base. On the top of the weight is an incised a symbol resembling a gamma (γ), representing the abbreviated unit ‘shekel.’ Two incised lines indicate the double mass: two shekels. One of the uses of the shekel weight system during the First Temple period was to collect an annual tax of half a shekel per person dedicated to the sacrifices and upkeep of the Temple. Different weights were used according to the size of the family. In this case the weight would be used to determine the size of offerings due from a family of 4. According to previous finds, the known weight of a single shekel is 11.5 grams and a double shekel should weigh 23 grams, exactly the measure of this artifact. That accuracy attests to advanced technological skills and that it was used for precise trading and commerce in ancient Jerusalem. Coins were not yet in use during the period, so the accuracy of weights was significant for business dealings."

Professor Monnickendam has confirmed that in the coming weeks a travelling exhibition of finds from their project will tour Mundus starting with Abydos , Safraen and then the Ecclesiastical State.

[DaveIronside]

SHOCK ELECTION RESULT IN TROJAN MARCHES

As the city of Troyes in Marseille returned its results in its recent Mayoral election there was a shock outcome. The city of Troyes was placed under Seaforthian protection following the end of the Sorority of Materna. It has since seen a Seaforthian military prescence and a significant number of Seaforthians headed their when their own nation experienced hardship. Today however the Reunion Party member Jean-Baptiste Bret won an unexpected victory to make himself Mayor. While the position is largely symbolic the Mayor does have authority over certain aspects of the cities running. One of their responsibilities is over the naming of streets and Mr.Bret has already explained that he intends to change some of the street names imposed by Seaforth to names more in keeping with Marseille. The Reunion Party are campaigning for an end to Seaforthian presence within the nation.

In his acceptance speech Mr.Bret explained, "Seaforth is not the force it once was and the world has changed. We have now restored our own nation under our own government. We have formed relationships with some of our cultural cousins in Fleur and we are friends with our comrades in arms from Nya Aland. We are a nation now capable of defending and protecting ourselves. As such we have no need for Seaforthian military commanding a position within our nation. The fact that I have won this election shows that the people wish Seaforth to leave." Mr.Bret won the election with 125,000 or so votes compared to his nearest rival who gained 32,000 therefore giving Mr.Bret a strong mandate for the Reunion Party. With elections for local municipal councils in Marseille coming late next month it is thought likely the Reunion Party may well take a clean sweep in the city. There are a total of 18 seats across the city and the party are contesting each one.

Supporters of the Party celebrated Mr.Bret's victory by hosting picnic's on the road around the Seaforthian controlled SFB Victoria. A group of younger supporters were seen spray painting over the sign with the bases old name prior to Seaforth being given the base, MDF Casablanca. The local police arrested the pair who were later released with a written caution.

[Achkaerin]

MGC ANNOUNCES TEST EVENTS FOR 2021 GAMES

The Mundus Games Committee has announced three new events that will be tested at the 2021 Mundus Games, the additions see the addition of Jousting to the equestrian program, the addition of horseback archery to the archery program and thirdly the addition of chess. Announcing the events MGC President Isabel Sullivan said "The additions to the Mundus Games program this year see the continuation of our commitment to the heritage of the nations of Mundus being represented on the program and also the representation of more than just physical sports being represented, two years ago we tested Medieval Mixed Martial Arts as an event and last year gave it it's own discipline on the program due to its success as a test event, the inclusion of jousting and horseback archery is very much in this mould. The inclusion of chess follows the inclusion of cue sports two years ago."

Oddly enough it is the inclusion of chess which has brought smiles to faces across Mundus with Leonid Serebryakov, President of the Mundus Chess Federation, saying "It's a great opportunity for our sport to get this much exposure, we're used to seeing players going head to head in school sports halls and community centres, this is an opportunity to take the game to a global audience and hopefully get more people interested in playing."

It has been confirmed by the MGC that horseback archery will be unisex featuring four events, chess will be unisex, jousting will be split into mens and womens competitions.

[DaveIronside]

4 ARRESTS IN SEAFORTH OVER NIGHTINGALE ATTACK

Following the IED attack which resulted in the death of East Moreland's Chief Councillor Grant Nightingale a group of four men have been arrested. The group were arrested at an address in a small rural community called Collingbrooke early this morning following an armed police raid. The group calling themselves "The Lavandieres" have claimed responsibility for the attack as a retaliation for what it perceives as Seaforth becoming a "puppet" of other countries. The main accusation stems from the manner in which the people of Seaforth have embraced the Cult of Helus following the Eugenics War which saw the Catholic Church in Seaforth caught up in a huge wave of corruption.

Speaking following the arrests the Chief of Police stated, "The Lavandieres are a new group on our radar and as such have taken us by surprise. We have worked with our colleagues in East Moreland and quickly ran this cell to ground but know that in all truth other cells are likely out there plotting attacks and so we must remain vigilant." It is not yet confirmed whether the East Moreland government will request the suspects extradition to East Moreland. With Seaforth possessing the death penalty for offences such as those alleged it is possible the Morelanders will rely on Seaforthian courts.

REUNION PARTY STRONG IN THE POLLS

The Reunion Party of Marseilles are expected to gain 16 of the city of Troyes 18 seats in the upcoming Local Council elections. The Party recently won the largely ceremonial role of Mayor when Jean-Baptiste Bret won the position with a majority of nearly 90,000 votes. Since his instillation as Mayor Mr.Bret has used what power he does have to remove the Seaforthian presence from the city which hosts a historic Seaforthian Naval Base as part of what is a protectorate of the kKingdom of Seaforth. Many locals have spoken out about this in recent years since Marseille overtrew the Sorority of Materna who had effectively taken control of the government. It is felt by many, including Mr. Ferdinand Germain who is expected to be named as the new Council leader for Troyes, that Seaforth have overstayed their welcome. "Here in Troyes we live in a limbo. Technically Seaforthian, but all proud of our Marseille heritage. 1/3 of the city are Celtic invaders who arrived at the time of our misfortune and their own Eugenics War. We have been taken advantage of and now we as a people are calling for our homes back. We want our homeland united fully again. As such the Seaforthians must give back their base, they must hand over all authority of the city and the Troyes Marches. The recent victory by my friend Jean-Baptiste in the mayoral election shows our support and when we sweep to victory shortly we shall take control of the Council. That will allow us to begin steps to make life here difficult for the Seaforthian military occupation."

A Seaforthian representative refused to comment on the upcoming election however they did say. "We will watch the results with interest. The Troyes Marches is a key Seaforthian protectorate and we shall continue to do our best to take care of the region."

CRST FINALISED BETWEEN ASA AND TOSHIKAWA

It was announced today by Praetor Julius Devaux of the Allied States of Ardia that he has reached a landmark agreement with Prime Minister Shiro Ishihaka of Toshikawa. The agreement, known as the Cross Rokkenjiman Sea Treaty, will come into force on the 1st of August 2021 and will streamline trade between the two nations. It will see tariffs between the two nations drop gradually until 2025 when they will be removed entirely on the vast number of goods and products. In addition to this students will now be able to travel freely between the two nations and co-operation on various scientific endeavours will take place. The treaty also has provision for a series of military co-operations but falls short of any mutual defence clause or other such active military arrangements.

Speaking following the signing in Cescedia the Praetor said, "Over the last few years myself and the government of Toshikawa have begun to work together on more and more occasions. The CRST is therefore perhaps a logical step in this evolving relationship. It is our hope to perhaps bring in Neuva Ardia in a gradual process over the next few years."

Meanwhile Prime Minister Shiro Ishihaka stated. "It will be a challenge to fulfil the Praetor's ambitions but we may as well aim high in our goals. I look forward to this increased co-operation and the inevitable increased prosperity that will follow."

[DaveIronside]

CELEBRATIONS IN TROYES AFTER ELECTION

Following yesterdays local council elections people took to the streets to celebrate the results. It was expected that the recently formed, Reunion Party would take 16 of the 18 seats on the areas local council however a high turnout saw the party take 17 of the 18. It was only in a suburb known as Capelette, or as locals call it Little Seaforth, that didn't support the party. The party leader,  Ferdinand Germain is now the leader of the local council, and has stated that he shall immediately begin looking at ways to work to restore the city to the Republic of Marseilles and removing the Seafortian Protectorate label. Speaking with his supporters on the street following the announcement of the almost clean sweep Mr.Germain said, "A clear message has been sent that this is a city that belongs to Marseilles. Seaforth is a nation that couldn't even look after itself in its recent history yet we are expected to be a Protectorate of their Kingdom. We here have never recognised the Rhodes as our royal family, nor shall we. With the Reunion Party being less than a year old they now hold the Mayorship of the city with  Jean-Baptiste Bret winning in a landslide. Mayor Bret had already been using his largely symbolic powers to effect change having permitted Marseille flags to be flown higher than Seaforthian ones, renaming streets and buildings and organising parades by cultural organisations connected with Marseilles. With the Reunion Party now controlling the local council more pressure will be placed on the Seaforthian authorities in the city as they will find local organisations less likely to support them.

The new leader of the council, Mr.Germain, has also confirmed that he will not accept payment for his work as a councillor stating, "The Party will not take Seaforthian money. We do not work for Seaforth we work for people desperate to rejoin Marseilles. We shall be making that a priority." During the night several over excited revellers attempted to blockade  SFB Victoria by dragging large commercial wheeled bins across the road. Soldiers from Victoria removed these quickly and the youths were arrested. During their arrest they were heard yelling that the base is MDF Casablanca, a name adopted by many locals for the base they see as an "invasion." Mr.Germain visited the local police station and is understood to have paid bail for the youths and will support their legal fees.

[Achkaerin]

ROYAL WEDDING IN SEAFORTH

Princess Harper Rhodes of Seaforth has married her fiance Julian Lawson, a major in the Achkaerinese army and older brother of cyclist Sammy Lawson. The civil ceremony was held in the city of Stirling, Seaforth, of which Princess Harper is the Countess and was televised. Noted guests at the ceremony were members of the Seaforthian Royal Family, Sammy Lawson as well as members of the Ayanami family. The Princess's wedding dress was designed by Amelia Whitaker, and with the nod from King Andrew, Lawson was permitted to wear the Rhodes family tartan for the occasion, an indication that he will assume the title Count of Stirling. No details regarding the happy couples honeymoon were announced however the press were told that their first dance was to the S Club 7 hit Reach, a nod to the time that Princess Harper performed the song at East Moreland's Glastomundus music festival.

Princess Harper and Major Lawson have been romantically involved for several years following the end of the Eugenics War in Seaforth, and to many who've known the couple for a long time the surprise was that it took this long for them to tie the knot.

[Achkaerin]

PLAYER POWER SEES TOUR CHANGES

One of the factors in sport that athletes often have to be mindful of is fatigue, most sporting seasons last for months and feature regular games, if the sport has multiple competitions then what is known as 'fixture congestion' becomes a problem. The Mundus Billards Association which governs cue sports such as pool and snooker has faced these problems more than most others by virtue of running multiple tournaments due to the different formats of pool - eight ball, nine ball, ten ball, fifteen ball and so on, this is something players have often complained about and it seems that enough was finally enough on the women's side of the game when the Achkaerin Eight Ball Championship saw multiple crowd favourites not enter due to this congested schedule a point made by eventual winner Leanne Tsarova (pictured above) who said "It's always great to win a major but it does feel a little bit silly that we're having four different tournaments for the same thing especially when everyone's so skilled at all the different formats."

Following that comment a group of players led by Aya Zhintong, Lucy Marin and S'raia Starleton wrote a letter to the MBA demanding something be done to address this and now the MBA has outlined what it intends to do - the multiple variations of events is to be scrapped instead the four majors will adopt the same format as is used in the Mundus Games with other events being only one format. With the new season set to start in a matter of weeks fans, players and organisers won't have to wait long to see the impact of these changes.

[Achkaerin]

NEW GAMES EVENTS REVEALED

The Mundus Games Committee have revealed the event changes for this years games, bowing out of the program are Muggle Quidditch and Lacrosse both sports have seen greatly reduced entries in recent competitions. Making a return to the Games is the sport of handball, while other changes see disciplines gain new events. The roar of engines will grace the Mundus Games as Motocross makes a surprise debut in the cycling program in an event that will be team and mixed gender based and work along the same principle as the cross country event, a team race with points awarded for placements the highest combined taking the team gold and then within that the individual race for gold. The other additions come in the Medieval Mixed Martial Arts program and see firstly the addition of sword dancing which will take place in two events - single blade and twin blade, or one sword and two sword, the events will be akin to kata in that competitors will demonstrate in a performance manner, sword techniques and receive points for the execution. Finally, also under the MMMA program, the Fortress Battle event is included the rules for this event which is best described as MMMA meets capture the flag sees teams of fifteen fighters (and five substitutes) start from opposite sides of a field, where their camps are, and try to capture a fortress located in the centre of the field, the fortress is deemed controlled by either team based off of numbers in the centre of the fortress, a battle lasts for ninety minutes at most and a winner is decided either by one side occupying the fort for thirty continuous minutes or by total occupancy time.

[DaveIronside]

VANORA WELCOME TWO MONARCHS

Duke David Aragon, leader of Vanora, has this week been busy hosting the leaders of both Hozland and Abertone. Emperor Marco of Abertone has been in the country on a pilgrimage to the Holy Sepulchre meanwhile King John, Prince Rupert and Princess Helena of Hozland have been visiting various sites connected to their Christian Prophets faith. It is understood that the Duke and his family dined was joined by the two delegations for dinner last night and a range of things discussed including greater preservation of religious sites. It is understood that Emperor Marco has agreed that his Empire will provide more funding for works taking place around sites such as the Holy Sepulchre while King John of Hozland has promised support for a range of projects to help preserve historic sites in Caesarea. Duke David explained why meetings like this are important, "Vanora is perhaps one of, if not the, most blessed nation on Mundus when it comes to the vast number of historic and religiously significant sites we are custodians of. Sadly we are also a nation with a finite budget. Projects like CETO have helped us however we still rely heavily on the religious communities to support our work there. Having two monarchs such as Emperor Marco and King John helping us helps stretch our funds a little further."

Talks on easing access for pilgrims from Hozland and Abertone also took place but as of yet there has been no announcement about whether an agreement has been reached.

TROYES LOCAL SECURITY FORCES JOIN GENERAL STRIKE

Following over a years worth of tension in the Seaforthian controlled enclave of Troyes a general strike was called for the day. In September last year the Reunion Party took control of the enclaves local Council when under the leadership of Ferdinand Germain  they took 17 of the 18 seats avaliable. Since then Mr.Germain has worked to try and promote less co-operation with Seaforth and pushed for integration back into Marseille. The people of Troyes currently have a single seat in the Seaforthian Parliament however turnout in the last election for that seat saw 22% turnout. Mr.Germain called for a General Strike within Troyes and trade unions supported the call and as a result all schools, public transport, power stations and various other industries closed down and people took to the street in protest. Members of the Troyes Defence Service (TDS), a kind of local militia which is part of the Seaforthian military structure but made up of around 1,200 locally recruited individuals were sent onto the streets to help Police the demonstrations however within an hour of arriving the force had joined the strikers and at times large groups of khaki clad soldiers could be seen leading the march through the streets.

Mr.Germain spoke that afternoon at a rally outside the military base there  SFB Victoria. A handful of Seaforthian regular military members, mainly members of the Air Force and Navy where seen on guard in riot gear however no protestors tried to enter the base nor did any of the Seaforthians leave the base. A large group of TDS soldiers did walk up to the gates and throw their ID cards at the gatehouse while two soldiers stripped off their uniform and burned them. Police meanwhile did nothing to intervene. As he addressed the crowd Mr. Germain said "We thank our brothers and sisters in the TDS for standing with us. A time has come to return these lands to Marseille, we do not find ourselves Celt, we do not want to be Celt. We are going to succeed and drive them out of our homeland."

Local Seaforthian commanders stated, "The base integrity has been maintained and we will take no aggressive actions against peaceful protests." Meanwhile Steward Fulton the Parliament representative for "Seaforthian Overseas Territories" stated "Troyes is a wonderful place and clearly there are issues that we need to explore to make them feel a valued part of Seaforth." It is expected that there will be a General Strike every Friday. In addition Mr. Germain has stated that in next years Seaforthian elections he has spoken to several other small independence parties and they have agreed that they will not stand against the Reunion party meaning that in Mr.Germains eyes "the election will likely come down to a choice between our party and those imported from Seaforth. It will in truth not be an election but a referendum. I believe if Mr.Fulton stands for re-election he will struggle to get even 20% of the vote."

[DaveIronside]

ZIMALIA GAS DISCOVERY

A Tamoran backed gas company has today confirmed that it has discovered a "significant store of natural gas" in the Lafoole region of Zimalia. The gas company have been active in the region for almost two years and have already set up a series of gas operations in that time employing somewhere in the region of 2,800 people. The latest discovery however has come with some concern for the Lekan tribe. The deposit is likely to go underneath the Masjid Mazin, a historically significant mosque dating back in various forms to the mid 1300's. The Lekan tribe make up 5% of Zimalias 180million inhabitants and is almost entirely Muslim. Local elders have stated that they are concerned for the site stating, "In the past we have seen Tamoran mining and gas extraction companies come in and rip through existing structures with the blessing of the government. We though can not allow this to happen. The Masjid Mazin is important to our people and we view it as the house of Allah, and therefore no one should be permitted to cause it harm." 

The Tamoran Gas Company who have won several gas and oil contracts in Zimalia have though warned that the elders concerns are unwarranted. A spokesman for the company stated "We are a company hailing from a nation with a deep love and respect for many religions including Islam. It is never our aim to damage or destroy what exists and in this case if we are awarded a contract we would take exceptional care in the region. It would be our aim to leave the local community in a better situation than we find them. We create jobs and we would naturally look at providing additional spiritual opportunities for the region." While in other parts of Zimalia the company have built schools and health centres the company have also built places of worship for the Manist faith and fewer for local folk faiths, Christianity and Islam.

So far the government have not said how the contract will be issued.

SAFRAEN WILL GET NEW LEADER

President Mikhael Dretsyj of Safraen has today announced that he will not be seeking election in 2023. The President has been the long standing leader of Safraen since its reunification after the Safraen War between the Republic of Safraen and the CIS opposing the Soviet of Safraen and the USR. The 63 year old has said, "The hard work of reunifying the nation and trying to put things back in order has been a great period in my life. I am proud of what we have achieved and think the nation now needs to start heading in a new direction. I think I have put enough of my life into helping the nation and now fresh ideas and fresh energy are needed. I firmly hope that the New Democratic Party retain control of the Presidency and I will throw whatever support I can to their campaign but regardless of who gets the job I wish them well."

The United Republic of Safraen sees its local politics dominated by three parties. New Democratic Party is the largest controlling 52% of the Parliament and the Presidency. Meanwhile the Green Party controls 31% with the Socialist Workers Party having 15%. Parties are to begin the process of selecting their candidate in the coming months.

[DaveIronside]

TAMORAN COMPANY GIVEN GAS LICENCE

Following the discovery of a large pocket of gas in the Tamoran province of Lafoole a licence has been given to a Tamoran business to begin test drilling for the suitablility of large scale extraction. The licence was issued rather quickly with a spokesman for the government saying "We are keen to begin exploiting this pocket. The money will allow the President to begin a wide number of projects across the nation. The sooner that begins the better. We considered a number of companies requests including those from Tamora, Heyra and several others. Our expert advisers suggested the Tamoran offer, which includes a significant contibution to improving the local community, was the one presenting the best option. We also have a long track record of co-operation with the Tamoran business and can't think of anyone better to work alongside."

Local elders from the Lekan tribe however have voiced concern. "While the government talk of a significant contribution to the local community not a single person I am aware of has been involved in the consultation. We as a community are not aware of what this package is or what it will mean for us and our settlements. We've seen the set up of a large drilling system, probably to begin tests, but no one has even talked to us." There was, later in the day, a scuffle at the site as some elders arrived to speak with the project manager who was "Unavaliable." Security ushered the group away and have been accused of "using undue force" in doing so. About an hour later a contingent of the army arrived and their commander told us, "We are concerned that after the incident today someone might end up seeing red, our aim is to ensure that the local community is safe and that the gas company equipment is safe. We don't envisage doing anything other than just sitting in our vehicles enjoying a smoke."

So far no monetary value of the gas has been suggested however a spokesman for the Ministry of Finance said it was "extremely sizeable"

A.N.T. POWER MEGA PROJECT

Government ministers from the A.S.A, Neuva Ardia and Toshikawa have today announced that over the last week they have undertaken a series of talks and agreed, "in principle" to a huge energy project. The project has been dubbed ANT Power, taking the first letter of each nations name, and will seek to harness the currents of the Ardian Peninsular to produce green energy. The announcement did not include a start date for the project or an estimated cost but the Minister from Toshikawa said he was "hopeful that the project can be completed this decade. Its ambitious and a sign of the growing level of co-operation between us intended to improve the lives of all our citizens."

The project will see a large number of turbines anchored to the sea bed which would be turned by the current. These would pump a high pressure fluid through a series of pipes and through an onshore hydroelectric power station. This would be a closed loop meaning no contamination of the sea and the electric could then be taken into the various neighbouring nations grids. The Minister from Neuva Ardia said, "We have also agreed in principle that all parts of the project will be manufactured in the three nations involved."

[DaveIronside]

POPE SAYS EUCHARIST TO BE DONE IN "FLESH"

In Achkaerin yesterday Cardinal Deed conducted a midweek online worship. During this he offered the chance for those online to take the sacrament. The move has however sparked controversey as some Catholics believe that the move is not compatible with traditional Catholic doctrine. During a visit to Marseille the Pope spoke to the media giving his view on the actions of Cardinal Deeds.

 "I understand Cardinal Deed's desire to reach as many people as possible with the sacrament of the Eucharist. The digital revolution has made it possible to do this in a way that was not possible before. However, I believe that the Eucharist is a sacred mystery that is best celebrated in the physical presence of the community. When we gather together to share in the bread and wine, we are not just participating in a ritual, but we are entering into the presence of Christ himself. This is a profound experience that cannot be replicated online.  "I am not saying that online worship is not valuable. It can be a way to connect with people who are unable to attend Mass in person. However, I believe that the Eucharist is a sacrament that is meant to be celebrated in the flesh. When we gather together to receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we are not just receiving a symbol, but we are entering into a real relationship with the living God."

"SEIGE" OF TROYES BEGINS

At sunrise this morning in Marseille a group of armed men appeared on the streets and began marching towards the Troyes military base owned by Seaforth. The group calling themselves "The New Real Marseille" then proceeded to sit in the middle of the road blocking access in and out of the base. Meanwhile a fleet of four fishing trawlers have anchored themselves on the approach to the base for naval vessels. As security services for the city appeared a stand off was witnessed. While the Seaforthian authorities mobilised the Troyes Defence Service (TDS), a force designed to bolster Seaforthian military in times of crisis its members either refused to attend the incident or actively joined with those blocking roads. The local council, which is controlled by pro-Marseille parties, also refused to get involved and their workers have announced a continious week of strikes.

The leader of "The New Real Marseille" is Alain Doucare who said, "We are true patriots, many of us where in Jean Pierre Cantona's Real Marseille where we refused to allow our nation to be occupied by the Sorority. We completed that duty to remove that evil and while nations like Seaforth, Achkaerin, East Moreland and Nya Aland helped us only Seaforth remain. They are a guest who has well overstayed their welcome and now if they don't get the hint they'll be kicked out." The stand off continues as it is clear Seaforthian Armed Forces at the base have increased security on their perimeter.

[DaveIronside]

"TROYES EDUCATION CENTRE" SET UP BY NEW REAL MARSEILLE

This morning at 9am the first of several scheduled guided tours of St.John's Fort, the historic port fortress in Troyes, began however thirty minutes into what should have been a two hour tour a large number of tourists produced chains and padlocks and secured the old central part of the fort. In the hours that followed they released all members of the public who wished to leave and ran the Seaforthian flag down the flag pole before raising that of Marseille. The group, thought to number around twenty people in total, then contacted local authorities and issued a statement saying, "St.Johns Fort is a symbol of occupation. It is designed to control the comings and going of the people of Marseille by a foreign power. That will no longer be permitted and from today we shall be conducting tours for patriots of Marseille so they can see the true history of the site not the Seaforthian version. The tours will be free and we are proud to have returned the fort to its rightful rulers." Over the course of the next few hours local fishing boats took up positions around the waterside parts of the fort and small boats, some rowed, began ferrying people to the fort after Seaforthain authorities shut the entrance to the headland the fort sits on. Local military leaders formed roadblocks and checkpoints stopping several groups claiming they were intending to take the tour from reaching the fort by land. Attempts were made by Seaforthian patrol boats to stop the waterborne efforts however these were abandoned for fear of capsizing the small boats. It is estimated that around 100 people now occupy the fort.

A local Seaforthian military spokesman said, "The people there currently pose no threat to life. They have as far as we have been able to ascertain no hostages and we have no evidence of weapons beyond a few knives and workshop tools. We however want to approach the matter with common sense and ensure that things remain calm. The group are now trespassing and we shall, along with the Police, seek to return the fort to its normal operations as soon as possible. The fort is an important historic site and as such we hope the group will respect that and not cause a situation in which damage will be caused."

Local Mayor,Jean-Baptiste Bret, who represents the Reunion Party which calls for the return of Troyes to Marseilles, has spoken of the incident saying "Measures to protect the way of life demanded by the people of Troyes are becoming more and more dangerous, outlandish and desperate. We have had enough living under the Seaforthian Flag. All elections in which the city can have a voice strongly show the Reunion Party winning, I am Mayor, my party comrades won the majority of seats on the city council and the cities votes for a representatives in Seaforths own government returned a member of our Party who has refused to take his oath required to take his seat. The message is clear Troyes will become Marseillian." The Mayor has recently returned from a meeting in Aosta where he was received by Empress Serena who has confirmed that once free from Seaforth she would grant Troyes permission to utilise free ports in Aosta and has also permitted Troyes fisherman to land their catch in Aosta tarrif and tax free while they are still controlled by Seaforth. To date a handful of boats have made the 50km journey to the most Northern Aostan port to take advantage of this offer with one fisherman saying, "I'd sail half way across Mundus to avoid paying any extra to the Seaforthians. I didn't fight the Sorority just so Seaforth could reclaim the city. We should have barracaded the streets and fought them then if they wanted the city so badly"

The occupation of the fort comes just weeks after the failed attempt by New Real Marseilles at blocking access to Seaforthian military bases. During this time six people were arrested and charged with various criminal offences ranging from illegal possession of a firearm to blocking "His Majesties Highway"

[DaveIronside]

MAJOR COMET SEEN

Astronomers across Mundus have been reporting the sighting of the the comet NS-2013. The comet has been spotted every ten years and has been recorded in different cultures and civilisations going back thousands of years. The comet is also known as the Yellow Dragon Comet and is thought to be visible across Mundus for the next three days. Some civilisations across Mundus have historically seen the passing of the Yellow Dragon Comet as marking special occasions. For example in Safraen the comet is thought to be the cause of great change. Its passing coincides with their upcoming elections. Meanwhile in Quinntopia it is thought to have marked the birth of several significant births. While the comet is well documented its passing is set to trigger events around the world and excite astronomers who are likely to be making the most of the next few days to observe what many believe is the comet that passes the closest to Mundus.

[DaveIronside]

TROYES PROTESTS TAKE NEXT STEP

It has been a remarkable day in the Seaforth controlled city of Troyes. The city has been the scene of a number of protests over the last few months and today the newly formed ADSN released a statement on the situation.

CONCERNED about the current situation within the city of Troyes

MINDFUL that a clear message has been sent from the citizens of the city regarding their future

COMMITTED to the notion of people being free to shape their own future.

DETERMINED that the Seaforthian citizens of Troyes deserve dignity, respect and safety

The nations gathered on this date in Rokkenjima believe the following.

1. The City of Troyes should return to the nation of Marseilles.

2. The Kingdom of Seaforth should remove, by no later than 30th April 2024, its armed forces from the region.

3. The Kingdom of Seaforth should be permitted to remove any sensitive or classified materials from its military establishments.

4. There should be no action taken to impede any citizen of Troyes relocating to Seaforth taken by the Republic of Marseille.

5. Any Seaforthian citizen remaining in Troyes should be given the option of becoming a Marseille citizen.

6. Should any action be taken to deny Seaforthian citizens remaining the same rights and freedoms of a Marseille citizen the signed nations shall undertake action to protect those people.1a

OOC- The original date for Article 2 was end of November giving that it was originally 4 months from statement to deadline I've changed it to End of April 2024

Within a few hours a pre-planned protest took place where an estimated 200,000 people marched through the steets of Troyes, a number organisers say is a "gross underestimation." as they put the number closer to 500,000. The large group assembled outside the Fort of St.John and then marched through several of the key boulevards bringing the city to gridlock. Several groups broke off in a clearly agreed tactic to essentially take over key junctions in the city. As the group arrived outside the Troyes Military Base run by the Seaforthian military. The leader of "The New Real Marseille" is Alain Doucare who explained in a leaflet distributed by the crowd that "The city of Troyes wants to be Marseille and identifies with that nation as our true and legitimate government. Now we have nations that are native to this region supporting our cause. The protest today and the ongoing strikes that bring the city to a standstill show there is no way to maintain Seafothian activity here."

Later in the day both Empress Serena of Aosta and Empress "Sutāraito of Rokkenjima both were seen in the city helping distribute food and clothing packages to those on strike at places such as the cities train and bus stations. A spokesperson for the group New Real Marseille said "We had been contacted about the pair visiting the city to show support. This protest though needs to be carried by the people of Marseille. As a result we asked that the two Empresses attend in a lower key manner than some kind of official trip." They were joined at one point by Jean-Pierre Cantona, the first President of Marseille who said, "While I may be the first President of Marseille it will be someone else who will have the honour of being the President of the whole of Marseille as without Troyes we are not complete."

There has yet to be any word on the statement from Seaforth.