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."