IAIA to Assist in Archaeological Dig in Eastern Xæth
Last month the ruins of what appeared to have been a mosque were discovered in an archeological dig site in eastern Xæth, a monumental find as it remains the only physical evidence of any Islamic presence in the area of modern-day Xæth. Not long afterwards, Xæthoon authorities were petitioned by the Islamic Archaeological Institute of Altai to be allowed to send researchers to work alongside local crews in the dig. Yesterday it was publicly announced by the Imperial University at Zyrva, the sponsor of the dig, that the request was accepted and that Altaians lead by Dr. Ramin Panahi will be arriving into the country as soon as possible to begin their work alongside local archaeologists. Dr. Allyx Nytaal, the man in charge of the dig site, is hopeful that the assistance of archeologists from a Muslim country will be invaluable, stating that "whilst all of us currently working on the dig are certainly knowledgeable, there's only so much one can learns from books. Not only is this find just as significant to the history of our great nation as it is to the history of their Islamic faith, but I am certain that there are details more easily noticed by those who have lived and breathed Islam for the whole of their lives. I am very eager to met Dr. Panahi and get started on our work.". There has been some measure of opposition to Xæth's decision to allow citizens of the Empire of Tamora into the nation, however a representative of the government was quick to point out that the only measures taken against Tamora by Xæth are sanctions on goods without the Freestone Mark and that there are no travel bans. Dr. Nytaal had no comment when asked about this matter, stating that he "was an archaeologist, not a politician.".
New Session of the National Assembly Begins
In only a few weeks time the National Assmebly of Xæth will convene in the capital city of Jiloola once more to begin the debate on various proposed laws. There are a number of laws to be discussed, ranging from the tax breaks proposed by the Liberals to the declaration of lootboxes in video games as gambling brought forth by the Empress herself to welfare reforms from the Traditionalists. However, the most important and talked about law is, without a doubt, a comprehensive reform of Xæth's immigration laws that has been proposed by the Progressives. While laws governing who may travel to and from the nation are not strict, the nation's immigration laws are notorious for how difficult it is for foreigners to make their home within Xæth. This is something the Progressives wish to change, making it easier to allow foreigners to immigrate to and become citizens of Xæth. At present immigrants are unable to become citizens themselves unless they can prove they are of Xæthoon descent or are married to a citizen of the country, with the only exception being through Imperial dispensation such as that given to Attican refugees taken in after Tamora's invasion of their homeland. So far the proposed reforms have received mixed reactions from the general public, although the Throne itself has yet to comment on the proposition.
Xæth to Return Maori Artifacts
Throughout the many years of its colonization and occupation of what is today Maryrn, a great many artifacts have made their way from the Maori's hands into those of museums and private collectors in Xæth proper. There have even been allegations of theft in more recent years, although few of those cases made their way into the court room. However in a statement a few days ago, it was announced that the government would be making a concerted effort to return many of the objects currently held in imperially funded museums and universities to the Maori themselves. Experts from Maryrn have already been brought in to assist in identification and the government has also announced that it will make overtures to the United Commonwealth of the Iwi as well for their assistance, stating that some of the objects currently in their possession could have potentially originated from outside what is today Maryrn.
Maori to March on Mootyry
Prominent leaders in Xæth's Maori community have recently announced that they have begun the planning of a march on Maryrn's capital to protest against the Xæthoon government's treatment of the Maori minority. Despite having become full citizens of the nation when Maryrn was promoted from a colony to a region of the Empire proper, many Maori living in Maryrn today remain trapped in poverty and subject to discrimination. There have been many reports of police brutality towards the Maori by non-Maori police officers, anti-discrimination laws are often insufficient and loosely enforced, and there remain no public Maori-language schools in the whole of Xæth. There had been hope with the appointment of the half-Maori Ata Hau as Vicereoy of Maryrn but many view him as not having accomplished enough in his months in office, and galvanized by comment members of the government of the United Commonwealth of the Iwi have stated in regards to Xæth many have decided to make a statement. When asked about the recently announced plan to return Maori artifacts in Xæthoon possession, they stated that the march had been planned prior to said announcement and that despite their gratitude it was not enough to cancel the march. The march is planned to take place a month from today on May 16, and will end before the Viceregal Palace in Mootyry. So far there have been no comments from the Throne.