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Post by doc on May 9, 2019 0:25:08 GMT
Kalistani News Brief:
Assembly approves aid for Beluzian refugee resettlement in Kalistan Gendaris, Odufaray
October 20, 2019
The Kalistani Assembly approved emergency funding for resettlement of Beluzian refugees fleeing the fascist putsch in that country. "While the rise of fascism in Belusia is indeed troubling, Kalistan stands in a position to accept refugees from the Beluzian coup," said Internal Minister Yasmin Fererra. " Kalistan can accept as many as choose to come to our country. After a cursory background check to ensure that Beluzia is not exporting fascists to our nation, they will be welcomed to settle in our nation for the duration of the crisis, and will be offered citizenship according to our laws." Minister Hererra was quick to point out that Kalistan is a nation of refugees, and has always welcomed those fleeing from either natural or political disaster. "This certainly qualifies as a political disaster for many. Given the track record of fascists toward certain groups of minorities, it is incumbent upon some nation to step up and offer to shelter those who are afflicted by an unexpected change of government, especially when that change is toward fascism." When asked about the Government stance on diplomatic relations with Beluzia, a spokeswoman for the Foreign Minister, who is enroute back from the World Congress, said "We will have more information when the Minister returns. But the official policy is to wait to see whether the coup is overturned, and to offer recognition to any government that is viewed to be legitimate in the eyes of the world. This means, we will wait to see if anyone else recognizes the Coup."
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Post by doc on May 9, 2019 2:16:33 GMT
Kalistan mulls changing currency KRB is "bizarre choice" for Kalistan, says Finance Minister Kaliburg, Ananto October 27, 2019
Vast assortment of money traded everyday in KalEx currency Exchange
The Finance Minister offered a new bill today which aims at a gradual switch to a new currency.
"We have looked at the ruble and we feel that its implementation 250 years ago was a bizarre choice for Kalistan," said Finance Minister Terence Smith of the Socialist Party. "Yes, it has been remarkably stable, coming in on average at 43 KRB to the LOD. But at the same time, it sets us well apart from our neighbors who must convert their currency to the KRB when they arrive to do business. So we would be looking to make our own currency be a bit more convertable overseas, which would have the effect of making it easier, and therefore cheaper to buy foreign goods with Kalistani currency."
There are two paths to convertibility that Kalistan wants to study: As part of the Minister's legislation, capital controls will be removed from the Ruble starting in early 2020. "We think this is a way to encourage more people to buy Kalistani currency, especially when purchasing Kalistani products such as oil, steel, agricultural goods and pharmaceuticals. If people buy our currency and then bring them to purchase our goods, the value of the our currency will increase creating a virtuous cycle."
The second path is to scrap the Ruble all together. "Starting in January of 2021, I would like to see steps be taken to phase out the Ruble in favor of a new Kalistani Dollar. Full exchange would take place for the first series at the current exchange rate of 43 KRB to 1 KAD to create parity with the LOD. By 2025, I'd like to see the Ruble completely phased out and all debts, public and private be settled with the Dollar. Exchange will be handled by the Republican Bank to ensure that the actual international exchange rate is kept, and the Government will offer sliding incentives for early adopters, while letting the exchange rate drift up semi-annually between 2021 and 2025."
The Minister's program was given a tentative aye vote in the Assembly, with some of the more hardlined Socialists and Labor deputies opposing lifting capital controls on nationalist grounds.
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Post by doc on May 9, 2019 2:44:55 GMT
Delgado sends delegates to Likatonia "Need to investigate character of Revolution" says Foreign Minister Kaliburg, Ananto October 28, 2019
Foreign Minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado looks for potential ally in Workers Revolution
Eyeing the events in the new Metzist republic of Likatonia, Foreign Minister Eduardo Delgado sent a small Kalistani delegation to the world's newest Republic. "We need to see what they are all about, what they plan on for their country. If it is something we can get behind, of course, we should. But if they are just going to be YACD, (yet another communist dictatorship), we may have to pass." Part of the trip includes ascertaining the suitability of the new Republic for the possibility of alliance. "Anyone who has read the news recently can tell you, Kalistan needs friends. We are in a position to offer Likatonia generous grants and access to some of our National resources in an attempt to demonstrate our good will. It is unclear what, if anything, they need which we could supply. But assuming the talks go well, and our envoys return with positive recommendations, we will proceed to offer them a treaty of non-aggression and mutual benefit. We simply do not know yet." The foreign Minister just returned from a mission to the World Assembly. Most analysts consider his embassy a failure. "Yes, I agree, it was a failure. The President asked me to attend to speak up for Kalistan, because she believed, correctly as it turned out, that nobody else there would. Kalistan's case needed to be presented, but I have a feeling that like any kangaroo court, the verdict was made before the trial even began. What we experienced in that neoliberal forum was hatred and resentment of some of the loudest mouths of the world. And those who might have stood with Kalistan were either not present, were cowed by the few overly loud members of the body, or were simply not interested in going on record in what is obviously a liberal clique. Consequently, not only did we not obtain anything remotely resembling a concession on the Straits, we got a bunch of belicose, quite fascistic rhetoric by the neo liberal dupes in the body, and subsequently, I felt that my time and Kalistan's money would be better spent elsewhere, so I went back to the hotel and flew out that evening. The President was not happy at the outcome, but she herself said she believes that we were stonewalled and walked into a trap even going there. So obviously I will not be returning." The Likatonian mission is likely to be more successful. "Obviously we want to support a leftist regime as we are able. There are not enough of them in the world, and our support in their nacent stage will hopefully yield benefits. But we are also leery of dictatorship which is leftist in name only but emulates the command mode of the Right. So we will need to tread lightly on the Likatonian matter before we commit."
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Mike
Member
Posts: 30
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Post by Mike on May 9, 2019 11:24:09 GMT
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Chitin
Member
My citizens, you know we have a special place for democracy, it's called the wastepaper basket
Posts: 127
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Post by Chitin on May 9, 2019 20:17:30 GMT
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Post by doc on May 10, 2019 2:21:09 GMT
Kalistan recalls ALL diplomatic staff across the world Darnussia's actions viewed to be the first in a long string of "hostage taking" Kaliburg, Ananto January 3, 2020
Foreign Minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado is not playing nice anymore with the topic of Embassies
The Kalistani foreign minister, acting upon orders from the President of the Republic, has ordered the recall of all Kalistani diplomatic staff to Kaliburg for consultations. "We have been informed," said Delgado, "that the initial reports of the arrest and humiliating deportation of Kalistani diplomatic staff in Darnussia were in fact true. Our mission in that country, though insignificant, provides Kalistan's adversaries a soft target to hit Kalistan. We can't have that. We have sent their diplomats back to them in a twin engine cargo prop plane carrying live chickens." Delgado informed The Kalistani Republic that most career diplomats could expect to be cashiered. "The explicit intention of the President of the Republic is to place diplomatic staff only in friendly nations, and beyond that, large nations for whom diplomatic relations is imperative. Unfortunately, for most of our diplomatic corps, this means their services will not be retained." The Foreign Minister listed 18 countries that Kalistan would be returning diplomats to. "As of May 1, we will be reopening our embassies in Lodamun, Mordusia and Likatonia. We will also look to the possibility of re-establishing full Embassies in Trigunia, Kizenia, Kalkalistan, Baltusia, Gaduridos and Lourenne. Additionally, we will be sending formal diplomatic missions to Luthori, Vanuku, Dorvik, Indrala, Kalopia, Hutori, Valruzia, and Keymon, though the size of those missions will most likely be smaller than a full service embassy." Controversially, Beluzia is also on the Minister's list "Additionally, the President has requested that the Foreign Ministry open an interest section in Beluzia. While we do not recognize the fascist coup there, we do have an interest in helping resettle refugees, and the Interest section will help our government coordinate the resettlement much easier." Left off the list were perpetual bad faith actors Darnussia and Cildania. "No, we don't need to establish embassies there. The President has made it very clear that Darnussia's behavior toward our diplomatic staff is beyond reprehensible and a mere example of crass hostage taking, and under no circumstances will our people be sent back into that trap. Cildania echoes Darnussia's position vis-a-vis the Straits, so it is unlikely that they will treat our diplomatic staff much better than the menaces in Darnussia." The Minister has declared that all Embassy reopening is contingent upon agreement of extraterritoriality for diplomatic staff, reciprocal treatment for their diplomats, and immunity from prosecution. "If our Embassy, consulate or mission staff have committed crimes in a foreign nation, we will work with the country to prosecute the criminal, but we insist our diplomatic staff, as in person representatives of our President, be tried by Kalistani law in a Kalistani court, rather than in a foreign court." The Foreign Minister also seeks to ensure that the gate is controlled by Kalistani security staff, rather than the host country. "Its not that we don't trust other nations to provide our diplomats with security, but, well, we just trust ourselves more." All nations seeking embassies beyond this list going forward must make an official request of the Kalistani government to dispatch diplomatic staff to their country and agree to these basic provisions to host the diplomats.
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Kalistan
May 11, 2019 13:20:06 GMT
via mobile
Post by doc on May 11, 2019 13:20:06 GMT
BRIEF: Foreign Minister offers support for Kizenia “Threats go too far”, says DelgadoKaliburg, Ananto February 3, 2020 The Kalistani Foreign Ministry has recently signaled the Republic’s intention to offer oil, steel, heavy machinery, pharmaceuticals, and technology sales to Kizenia on the heels of Luthori and Darnussia’s threats to sanction them. “We don’t know if Kizenia wants or needs these things,” Delgado said. “But we’ll offer them anyway. These threats by the Artanian powers go too far. How dare they threaten to sanction anyone for seeking to choose a foreign policy different from their own. As the recent recipient of threats ranging from embargo to blockade to straight up war, Kalistan is quickly forming a policy of resistance toward those other countries who think they can tell others what to do and threaten pain for not towing their line. So well try to supply Kizenia with things that will likely be used to guarantee their independence.” When it was pointed out to the FM that items sold to Kizenia could possibly be resold to the fascist state in Beluzia, with whom Kizenia wishes to maintain good relations, the Minister’s response hinted at a shift in Kalistan’s stance. “Who cares. If we sell stuff to Kizenia it is thumbing our nose at those who seek to impose sanctions on Kizenia. If they buy it, it’s their stuff. What they do with their stuff is their business. Listen here: what we are talking about is a policy of national self determination.” “We can’t come right out and support fascists,” said Dr. George Van Halen, who is a policy expert at Kaliburg Polytechnic. “That would be anathema in Kalistan. But Kalistan is trying to help those who are opposed by imperialists. If that means we sell to another nationalist nation who then sells to fascists, we are selling to nationalists. It is the nationalist vs internationalist dimension which is salient here, not the socialist vs fascist dimension. Besides: we trade directly with capitalists and who asks why we do that? The only difference between fascists and capitalists is the racism.” The reader is free to make what they will of that sentiment.
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Kalistan
May 13, 2019 0:56:20 GMT
via mobile
Post by doc on May 13, 2019 0:56:20 GMT
BRIEF: KalNaPeCo announces formation of joint venture with ODEN Hemp oil to form basis of new biodiesel sectorKaliburg, Ananto July 3, 2020 In Kaliburg, today, representatives from KalNaPeCo and ODEN began discussing the future of Kalistans energy needs. “We fully expect to begin to make the conversion to biodiesel within the next year,” said KPO spokeswoman Joan Fischer. “Diesel automobiles currently account for 10 percent of all cars on the road but with generous incentives from the Republican Government, it is our hope that this market share will increase to 30 percent by 2025, and will reach a majority by 2030. At this point, KalNaPeCo can begin drawing down our presence in the Ananto Straits, and deny foreign powers the ability to threaten our nation.” The deal, outlined by Fischer involves ODEN to begin supplying Hemp oil to the Company. “We will use this oil with a standard process which will involve hydrogenation to create a biodiesel. ODEN believes with Kalistan’s large industrial hemp industry already in place, it will be more than able to meet domestic demand. Additionally we are still hammering out details with Luthori to begin importing biodiesel native engines, which should help us make the automotive conversion easier.” The development of hemp oil biodiesel is expected to begin in August, and the first consumer distribution is expected the following month. This decision is expected to extend KalNaPeCo’s production capacity into the future and slowly start to ween Kalistan off of fossil fuels.
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Post by doc on May 13, 2019 19:13:33 GMT
Government to nationalize rents "The top limit will be 5% of income", says Housing Omnibus
Kaliburg, Ananto June 1, 2020
Apartments like these in Kaliburg will be purchased from landlords, whether they wish to sell or not
In a fairly controversial move which will likely anger the landlord class in Kalistan, The National Assembly voted overwhelmingly to nationalize rental payments across the Republic yesterday.
"We will not tolerate landlords profiting off of people's needs any longer," said Frank Brown, Socialist Deputy from Kluptoon. "The landlord were given a free hand under liberal rule, and the rates they have been charging Kalistani citizens for a place to live is obscene."
The Socialists passed a rental omnibus bill which created a new Republican Housing Commission, which will be in charge of collecting rents and maintenance on all publicly owned homes. The bill also made it illegal for a business or individual to charge Kalistani's rent over 5% of their annual income. The omnibus also made it illegal for property owners to have their apartment complexes condemned without permission from the District, or to evict tenants for failure to meet the terms of their old, Liberal-era leases. "The owners may, however," said Brown, "sell their buildings to the new Republican Housing Commission by square footage, rather than what 'the market will bear'. This price will be negotiated between seller and representatives of the Housing Commission, who will have local offices in each city, and who will oversee the transfer of deeds. The price per square foot will be made public, and owners will either pay that price or will not be permitted to sell the property to anyone else."
The anger at rents rose during November of last year, as a number of tenants in downtown Kaliburg addressed the Assembly complaining that rents were spiraling out of control and the buildings they lived in were little better than shanties. Residents complained of bug infestations, mold growth, broken appliances, broken HVAC systems which alternatively did not work and belched thick black soot into many apartments, and leaking ceilings. "I've had a trash can full of water every day in here," said Violet Washington of Kaliburg. "When it rains, it all rains right in here. I have tried to contact the landlord, I tried to sue him a few times, but the Liberal judges in the courts have always sided with the Landlord in upholding an 'as-is' agreement. I mean, I ought to have some assurance that the place ain't going to leak."
Other tenants of the Liberal owned slums in Downtown Kaliburg have detailed instances of their kids getting sick inside their buildings. "We had a landlord come in and 'fix' our pipes, by installing cheap lead pipes and replacing the perfectly good copper piping we had in here before," said Howard Berg, 69, of Kaliburg. "There was no reason but these greedy capitalists wanted to sell the copper, so they got ahold of the pipes and switched them out. Then the kids started getting lead poisoning."
The situation is worse in other parts of the country. In Sulari, one landlord doubled his rent in a month, and bragged to the local newspaper that "nobody can tell me I can't. Besides, I want to move these riff raff out of here and put in some higher paying tenants.' In Senvias, the Landlord got Liberals in the the District government to declare a building "condemned", so that all 254 tenants would move out, and the landlord could then put in a claim for insurance money and file losses on their taxes.
"At the end of the day, it appears that the Liberals were helping these greedy individuals loot their tenants," said Deputy Brown, "and now it is time to put a stop to it. People need a place to live, and so it is now a matter of the Republic to provide this as well."
On the heels of the announcement, three suspicious apartment fires were reported overnight. Landlords claimed that it was tenants getting revenge, but they nonetheless all three filed insurance claims this morning, each saying their building was a total loss.
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Post by doc on May 13, 2019 20:16:19 GMT
Kalistani Liberals organize Emigration to Keymon "We can't make money here anymore," says new President of Kalistanis For Capitalism Senvias, Vrassa June 10, 2020
President of Kalistanis for Capitalism Henry Sanders
An association of Liberal-associated Businessmen have formed a new organization known as Kalistanis for Capitalism (KFC). Led by one of the most notorious payday lenders, Henry Sanders, said the group is planning a mass migration to the Liberal-capitalist paradise of Keymon. "We represent such diverse consumer servicers as pay day lenders, bail-bondsmen, loan collectors, landlords, police union stewards, used car salesmen and pharmaceutical representatives. We did exceedingly well under Liberal government, who passed intelligent policy designed to allow us to operate almost completely free of regulation, but we are finding it increasingly difficult under Socialist Government to make the profit margins we are accustomed to. Whether it be government regulation, or consumers realizing that they no longer need the services we used to provide due to an increasing standard of living, we find that socialist policies directly and negatively affect our standard of living, so we are planing to go somewhere that our kind is welcomed, and that is the sacred land of Keymon."
Sanders said his organization represents more than 550 liberal businessmen, with a combined net worth of 135 million KRB. "We believe this is just the first wave of emigration," said Sanders. "As the Socialists make it harder and harder for capitalists to live well in Kalistan, more and more will follow." The Republic asked Sanders if there were any members of Heavy industry in his organization. "We got a couple. For example, Jeffery Talmidge, who was a venture capitalist and under Liberal rule helped piece out the nationalized steel industry. He made a LOT of money doing this. But for the most part, our members are service industry types, who are the back bone of Kalistan's entire economy. We deserve to make money for the essential services we provide, like short term loans and affordable housing. And we are finding that the Socialists have aligned against our interests, so we are leaving."
When asked if members of KFC will be able to export their capital with them, Sanders became livid. "These Socialists have expropriated most of our gains when they re-established the Republican Bank. They claimed these profits were stolen from the population. We sued, and had some initial success, but the Socialists have been steadily replacing Liberal judges who ruled in our members' favor almost invariably with Socialists, and so it has been harder by the day to get our assets back. We will continue the fight from abroad."
When asked how members of the KFC will get to Keymon, Sanders explained, "The first thing the Socialists ever did for us was to charter aircraft flights directly to Keymon from Vrassa. These flights are free to our members, and this is preferable, because we are used to flying free. It will be the last good thing Kalistan will ever do for us. I suppose our time is over here. It was a great ride, but it is time to move on to different, more fertile pastures: A whole new population ripe for the plucking."
More than 300 Kalistani businessmen and women who are associated with the emigration organization have already made plans to leave Kalistan within the month. The Foreign Ministry said they were sad to see them go, but "oh well," said a representative.
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Post by enderprophet on May 16, 2019 0:48:01 GMT
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Post by doc on May 20, 2019 4:00:07 GMT
News Briefs: Kalistan calls for Hands Off Likatonia "They can handle royalist insurgents themselves", says FM Kaliburg, Ananto May 7, 2121
Foreign Minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado calls for nonintervention in Likatonia
The Foreign Minister of Kalistan sat down with The Republic's Thomas Mora for a brief interview on the rapidly deteriorating Likatonian crisis. Below is the transcript of the interview:
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Post by doc on May 20, 2019 4:36:37 GMT
Kalistani Dave Fontana wins Northern Seleyan Open Go Tournament Defeats Indralan opponent 2 matches to 1
Kaliburg, Ananto May 12, 2121
Dave Fontana, 5D, left is the New Northern Seleyan Go Champion
Dave Fonatna, 43 from Kaliburg is the newest Northern Seleyan Open Go champion. Fontana, 5 Dan, won against the Indralan contestant, Lei Fan Jiang, 6D in a best of three contest 2 matches to 1. The final score of the third match was 123 Black to 112 White, with Fontana on top.
"I was thrilled!" said the champion. "I mean, who ever thought that I would win one of these big tournaments? My club has a really good group of players, and everyone there was real supportive. Of course, Comrade Lei played a remarkable set of games, and he held me pretty close through that last game. But what an experience, I will never forget."
The tournament featured players from Kalistan, Baltusia, Lodamun, Gaduridos, Likatonia, Valruzia and Indrala. Lourenne's player, Guillermo Tzacol finished third. Originally, he was to play in the finals against Fontana, but had to drop out of the contest due to family issues, and forfeited his position to the Indralan player. Most countries had a good time, though early in the contest, one Valruzian player resigned perhaps earlier than he should have when a brilliant 3-3 invasion by Comrade Lei ended up denying the Valruzian a closely contested right side. Lei went undefeated until meeting Tzacol, and said he was honored to play in Tzacol's place in the finals.
"I wish there was a world championship," said Fonatna. "Not only would it give me something to aim for and train for, but I really loved meeting people from all around the world and playing go against some real masters." Fontana hopes that he can some day meet Gina Valeriva, 6D, the top female player in Kalistan. "She plays in Suldanor, but she is kind of a hero of mine. First female 6 Dan in Kalistan. I saw her play once on TV and all I can say was 'What Grace.' She is a master. To play her would be a dream come true."
Perhaps a growing interest in the Go Clubs spread across Kalistan will increase now that Fontana is the Northern Seleyan Champion. He said he is already scheduled to speak to a youth club in Neveras, and looks forward to seeing his friends and friendly competitors in his home club in Port Devon.
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Post by doc on May 21, 2019 3:19:34 GMT
Kalistani Parliament weighs Likatonian intervention Brethrenist Faction narrowly carries first vote; FM to speak next week Kaliburg, Ananto June 14, 2021
Brethrenists attempt to thwart quorum in failed bid to prevent vote
The position of the Government on the Likatonian Crisis has been firmly established for two months, but that did not stop a significant faction of Socialist deputies, joined by the deputies from the United Kalistani Workers' Front from attempting to force a vote which would lead to Kalistani intervention. The vote was narrowly defeated by Brethrenist members of the Socialist Party, combined with NCP deputies. The no group won the vote, 132 to 118, and then fended off a vote of No Confidence in the Premier and her Government. "We are watching an atrocity unfold in an friendly nation," said James Torrence, Socialist Deputy from High Bong, Neveras. "The Likatonian Workers Republic is a mere two years old and already we see imperialists from Mordusia working to overthrow it and put in a puppet king. Kalistan ought to assist!" His speech was widely cheered from the Interventionist faction that he spoke up from. The Premier, who spoke on behalf of the Government, insisted that the Policy of the Head of State, President of the Republic Hera Bennots-Jones was clear. "Our President has spoken through the Foreign Minister. Comrade Delgado said the policy of Kalistan is Hands off. Your insistence in taking this vote today not only attempts to veto the President in her exclusive power as arbiter of our Foreign Policy, but attempts to reverse Kalistan's traditional position of neutrality. We are a nation made up of refugees. We have descendants of Likatonians and Mordusians in our country. Do you expect them to fight against their relatives on one side or attempt to broaden a war which will negatively affect their relatives on the other? We believe in peace. We are a Brethrenist nation, and war is simply out of the question." When it appeared that the Interventionist faction might win the vote authorizing Kalistan to send aid to Likatonia, the Brethrenist caucus staged a walk out. The effort was to attempt to break quorum, and deny the Assembly the ability to conduct business. Enough NCP deputies remained behind to ensure quorum remained, and the Brethrenist caucus was forced to return. At this point, the Interventionists called for a vote on whether to authorize intervention, though the type of intervention was not specific. Francesca Samson, Socialist Deputy from Vrassa City, stated that this vote was to put Kalistan on the correct side of a rapidly spiraling conflict. "Look: We can either ride the vortex head on, or we can turn our back and get sucked in. Either way, we will end up in this conflict sooner or later." Later on Deputy Hendrickson, Socialist Deputy from Eveari, pointed out that condemnation of the invasion put Kalistan in league with the fascists in Beluzia. "The language of the Interventionists mirrors that of the Beluzian fascists. We read in their paper that they are becoming involved and condemning imperialists, seeking to stop puppet governments, and so forth. Should we be like them?" Comrade Hendrickson was shouted down and took her seat to calls of Order by the Speaker. Losing the vote for direct Kalistani intervention on behalf of Likatonia, members of the Interventionist faction tried to pass a vote that would allow the Militia to travel to the conflict. Fewer Deputies voted for this measure than the first. Finally, the Interventionist faction leader, Deputy Rudolf Aston, called for a vote of no confidence in the Premier and her Government. This vote only garnered 15 votes, all from Vrassan Deputies. The Premier of the Republic followed both votes by asking the Speaker to adjourn the Assembly, to allow for cooling off. "I will ask the Foreign Minister to address this body next week, and you will all be able to ask him your questions. It is obvious that this issue is very contentiius, and I think in lieu of calling the Sergeant At Arms to break up fights, I would ask you to go back to your districts, speak with your constituents and then come back and bring back their messages. The Foreign Minister will be fully debriefed and will be able to provide you with any information that you will need as we go forward." With that the Speaker called for the Assembly to adjourn. and Deputies carried on hot debates in the Lobby, but ultimately, all Deputies cleared out and began heading back to their district.
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Post by doc on May 21, 2019 3:51:46 GMT
Brief: GanJam to return to Center Stage
Fall Festival has not been held since 1997 Dahriel, Ananto June 18, 2021
Kalistan has long been seen as the one of the biggest centers of Terran music. Kalistani musicians perfected many popular and alternative genres, and have held concerts, large and small for decades. Until the Liberals took over, and Kalistani culture turned sterile and boring. Following the Liberals' rise in the late 20th century, music that pandered to the lowest common denominator, first boybands, and then club rap and finally Trap dominated, as large record companies became more interested in quantity than quality. Musicologist and professor at Bong University, Dr. Kathryn Stuart, said "With the end of Socialism and the rise of the fetishized free market, record companies grew into incredibly large pop culture combines, aimed at discovering the latest musical formula and duplicating it as many times as possible, in as many ways as possible, until tastes altered ever so slightly, and then a new copy of clones were released." ODEN and Kalistan's underground music scene have decided therefore to restore the annual GanJam concert. " We saw the success of the pop music festival, FUNK, in Kalopia," said Stuart, who has been tapped to serve as consultant for the show. "ODEN decided that it was time to return the GanJam. Today's youth, under the age of 25 have never seen a GanJam, and we are not sure whether or not they will even be interested in underground and alternative music. Given their obsessive consumption of what we consider to be the worst music in a century, all of which sounds almost identical to every other piece, our youth's imagination has been dulled and stupified. So hopefully, if enough come to this show and see artists who don't rap over their own vocal tracks, perhaps they will get interested in good music again." ODEN organizers have not announced a lineup, but given their past choices, the lineup will be made of hard rock, reggae, hiphop, Retrofuturistic and funk bands. Pop artists will likely not be included, "... and we certainly will not invite the mumblers or the clubsters," said Stuart. "We'll let Kalopia play to the lowest common denominator. We are going to aim high, quality over quantity."
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Post by doc on May 21, 2019 23:55:23 GMT
Thomas Doakes named New Spokesman for the Mordusian Grape Sizzurp Brand in Kalistan Former Rapper: "This purp maketh me Bonky!" Santaburg, Odufaray July 2, 2021
Thomas Doakes is named new Spokesman for Mordusian Grape Sizzurp
Former pop radio denizen and proud face tattoo-sporter Rapper Thomas Doakes, who goes by the stage name Lil Uncle, has been named the new spokesman for Mordusian Grape Sizzurp in Kalistan. Marketed by a group of pro-Mordusian importers in Odufaray, Grape Sizzurp is meant to compete in the thriving Kalistani viticulture community, which is itself affiliated with ODEN. A Press release from the importers association, Mordusian Alcohol Association of Odufarary, which is not in any affiliated with the Mordusian government, announced that Mr. Doakes had been hired. The MAAO markets sweet and dry reds and whites in Kalistan imported from Mordusia.
"We wisheth to call it wine," said Doakes, speaking at a trade show in Odufaray. "However, the Kalistani Government hath declared that only wine manufactured her in Kalistan mighteth carryeth that name 'wine'..."
(The Republic would like to point out here that before Doakes took the job as viticulture spokesman for Grape Sizzurp, he never used an -eth suffix after anything. He said his new job "hath elevateth myself, and I wisheth to speak to my station." -ed.)
Doakes and other members of the MAAO attempted to hand out free samples at the Trade show, but most of the connoisseurs at the show were taken aback by Doakes' appearance. Due to his time as a rapper, he acquired a number of cryptic face tattoos, and due to previous poverty, under the Liberal regime, also suffers from severe long term dental neglect. But the MAAO were looking for someone who could appeal to a new, hip crowd, as they attempted to give Mordusian grape sizzurp a new image and appeal to a younger, more pop culture oriented group of people.
"This purp maketh me bonky!" said Doakes as he sampled some of the sizzurp in front of a large crowd, after being joined by fellow D Rap midcarders Lil Joe and XxtaStacy. Unlike ODEN brand purple drank, the Mordusian sizzurp contains no codeine or promethazene, but is merely fermented grape juice with an alcohol content of between 7.5% and 12% per volume. But after the Foreign Minister began to refer to the drink as "Grape Sizzurp" in Kalistan, the MAAO was faced with a choice: either not import the Mordusian product, or accept the new brand so that they could continue to do business.
Doakes' presence at the trade show was seen as a strange choice, but the MAAO considered it a success. "I think we made some important inroads at the show," said CEO Eddie Garcia. "With Mordusian Grape Sizzurp on the market, we can claim a marketshare of about 25%. And for a country who routinely threatens Kalistan, that's a pretty good share. Could we do better? Sure. That's why we hired Mr. Doakes to be our public face. Nobody will ever be able to associate anyone else with sizzurp when we have finished our campaign. We like him and we think he is a great image for the Mordusian import."
Grape Sizzurp is sold in ODEN stores, as well as privately owned grocery stores across Kalistan.
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Post by doc on May 22, 2019 2:53:20 GMT
Foreign Minister Addresses the Assembly "We welcome Trigunia with open arms", says Delgado Kaliburg, Ananto July 7, 2021
FM Eduardo Henrique Delgado announces new deal with Trigunia
The Foreign Minister of Kalistan addressed the National Assembly of Kalistani Deputies yesterday in light of contention over intervention in Likatonia. His speech had either a calming or inflaming effect, depending on which deputies one asked.
"Kalistan is to officially remain neutral in the Likaton crisis. The Republic will, as we have in the past, accept all refugees fleeing the conflict which is nearing an unfortunate, but inevitable end. That is our role in the world. Our military doctrine is homeland defense, and intervention in the crisis would guarantee that our military units sent to intervene would be sent to die in a senseless and illegal war."
Now that the usurpation of Likatonia's legitimate workers' government and the installation of a puppet monarch is a fact in all but name, Kalistan is preparing to fully condemn the installation of the foreign backed government. FM Delgado announced a comprehensive package of sanctions against the aggressor states Mordusa and Sekowo, and furthermore has indefinitely delayed the return to the old Kalistani diplomatic mission in the Likaton capital. Sanctions include the freezing of assets of Mordusia and Sekowo in Kalistan, "with the ultimate aim of repatriation at a time to be later determined," said Delgado.
Furthermore, the Foreign Minister announced a new deal with the Government of Trigunia. "We have opened Bozo River to one of their fleets. This work has been in progress since the Ananto Straits crisis a couple years back, but Trigunia has recently signaled their renewed interest in the basing proposal." Under the Kalistani terms, Trigunia may base up to a full fleet at the Bozo River Air Ground Command Center and Maneuver area. The lease of a part of base suitable for Trigunia's forward positioning will have an indefinite end, and Trigunia must simply agree to abide by Kalistani law while on shore and outside the Trigunian compound on the base. The agreement may be cancelled by either party with notice, and before Trigunia conducts operations that will put Kalistan at risk, the expectation is that they will hold consultation with Kalistani defense attaches.
"When Trigunia finally arrives, the Defense Minister has expressed interest in purchasing weapons from Trigunia to modernize our forces, though we do not have any information on this at the moment. If we move forward on procurement, the Assembly will be informed."
The Minister's speech, which was just over 37 minutes long and covered the President's argument for non-intervention was music to the ears of the non-interventionist faction, but upset some members of the Interventionist group. "All we heard was the back-down rhetoric we have been hearing from the President for almost a year now," said interventionist Deputy Henrietta Calloway, Socialist Party from Vrassa. "She goes on and on about how we can't stand by our worker brothers and sisters, and how if we back down, maybe the Imperialists will stop at Likatonia. We know they will not. First Likatonia, and then whose next? They have been licking their chops for years to get at Kalistan. Will we be able to stop them now that they have us surrounded?"
Dianne Villanova, National Conservative Deputy from Yoshimi, rang a contrary note. "Likatonia is not in our interests. They were not trading with us. They did not even defend their revolution. They showed no interest in opposing the Monarchists in their own country, and did not stand up against the Mordusians. If it were Kalistan, we'd fight to the last man and woman who could carry a gun. Why should we put our lives and the lives of our regulars and partisans on the line for people who do not even defend themselves? Besides: They are Metzists and Kalistanis do not subscribe to that ideology anymore than we do to Imperialism. The Foreign Minister confirmed that we made the right decision last month."
The issue is sure to spark contention going forward as Kalistan nears its general elections in January 2022. Some Socialist deputies have threatened to bolt the Party and join the Workers Front in protest, though it is unlikely that the Socialist Majority will be seriously threatened. The Trigunian basing drew less criticism, but for the most part, this issue remains alive in the Kalistani Assembly through the end of the year, and Socialist deputies from the Interventionist Camp are already talking about backing an alternative to President of the Republic Bennots-Jones.
We will keep you updated on this story as it develops.
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Post by doc on May 24, 2019 1:25:20 GMT
Kalistan begins ongoing Naval and Ground defensive drills Focus is on preparing for invasion Bozo River Air Ground Command Center, Ananto October 7, 2021
Kalistani troops simulate cowardly imperialist sneak attack like the one that is destroying Likatonia
Kalistan did not intervene in Likatonia, but they did gain valuable formation about the fighting tactics of imperialist forces in the world. With this, the Ministry of Defense has ordered the beginning of ongoing naval and ground drills to help Kalistani regulars and militia develop new tactics.
"We have invited our new guests the Trigunian navy to participate in these drills which are designed to prepare Kalistan for surprise invasion by imperialist powers," said defense Minister Gen. Sean McGahan. "We have every reason to believe that countries like Sekowo and Mordusia actively wish to destroy Kalistan, and populate it with their own people carrying their own rotten ideology. They are currently doing just that in Likatonia. It is for this reason that we have begun drills, to prepare for a similar fate to us and to any other socialist nation."
The drills included naval gunfire and maneuver drills, including the use of live fire ammunition and torpedos. It also included practicing of Kalistani surface to surface missile artillery batteries. Surface to air shoulder-fired weapons targeted military drones. Of the first round, the SFSAMs scored the highest accuracy with over 96% shot-to-hit ratio, after mechanical failure was factored in. Naval gunfire was also highly accurate, with 92% shot to hit rate.
A Kalistani regular familiarizes himself with the SAM-4 "Wasp" shoulder fired surface to air missile system, and scores a direct hit on a high altitude Regular Airforce drone.
In another part of the maneuver area, irregulars conducted mock operations against regular "invading" marines who landed in Ananto using amphibious landing vessels. The maneuver of the militia forces quickly overwhelmed the regulars, who attempted to establish a beachhead. The rapid response to changing conditions of the "invasion" of Ananto, which themselves were based on historical data not only of Indrala's invasion some 150 years ago, as well Mordusia's and Sekowo's more recent malignant aggression in Likatonia was highly commendable. "We saw the militia using highly innovative tactics, aimed to draw regular forces into unfavorable terrain and then attack the vanguard, while letting the remainder retreat," said MacGahan. "The goal is to demoralize the invader, not defeat them. Anyone who can just demonstrate their will in any country they wish cannot be fought directly by a nation like Kalistan. So we must pick them off, one by one, until the soldiers get the message that there is a very real possibility that they will be next. If the enemy refuses to put a vanguard up, they lose their eyes, and advance blind. From there, all their modern technology will be more of a hindrance than a help. And without their technology, the battlefield becomes an even playing field, as regulars fight by the book, while irregulars do and use whatever is at hand."
The General was asked about application of international norms of conduct of war. "I can't speak for the militia," said the defense minister. "The Regular Force does not control them. We are governed by our nation's laws: things like returning POWs, not mining the land or waters around Kalistan, not shooting down civilian aircraft. What the militia does will be dealt with after the war. But if we are constantly threatened by imperialists, I can't tell you how the militia will respond when the Imperialists finally carry out their diabolical plans for our country. We have them on a long leash right now, but in wartime, things change even for the regulars. I can say that the some units of the militia favored machetes in some phases of our mock combat this time around."
Kalistan's foreign minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado, spoke of the exercises. "We are not sure what these other nations' problem with Kalistan is, but our guess is that it is the fact that we are independent and are frustrating their plans for world empire. Everyone tries to pound down the nail that sticks up too high. The imperialists have treated their targets with brute force thus far, but we hope they remember that Kalistan will not be as easy as Likatonia was. We prefer peace. Perhaps they could look into that rather than this ridiculous bellicose course they follow now. It is our hope that they see our exercises and realize that it is in their interest to stop their firebrand threats against the Republic."
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Post by enderprophet on May 28, 2019 15:44:17 GMT
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Post by doc on May 29, 2019 4:03:43 GMT
Delgado returns to FM post following Socialist victories in elections Colonel Vincent Yeagar named new Defense head Kaliburg, Ananto July 7, 2022 FM Eduardo Henrique Delgado remains head of Foreign Ministry Following the withdrawal of last minute challenger Ruth Gomez from this spring's elections, President Hera Bennots sailed to re-election unchallenged. Gomez was a contested candidate challenger from the Internationalist wing of the Socialist Party, which last year famously supported intervention in Likatonia. But a week before the general elections, she withdrew from the race. Gomez, who is 78 years and has served as a deputy from Vrassa's Jamaikah region for 32 years cited health as her reason for withdrawal. It is known that Gomez was diagnosed last year with pancreatic cancer, and it is believed that her December appointment showed a worsening condition.
The Socialist Party also suffered a number of losses in overall seat count, with the Workers Front picking up 7 seats in Odufaray and the National Conservatives picking up 3 seats in Vrassa. The ultimate seat count following the elections was
| Seat Count
| Percentage | Socialist Party of Kalistan (SPoK)
| 213 | 85.2 | United Kalistani Workers' Front (UKWF)
| 24 | 9.6 | National Conservative Party (NCP)
| 13 | 5.2 |
The vote totals returned the Socialist Party to Government. The only major change to the Cabinet after the General Elections was to the Defense and Finance Ministries. Colonel Vincent Yeager (UKWF) replaces the outgoing Defense Minister General Sean MacGahan (NCP). Yeager, who is a deputy from Port Davon, in Kaliburg, has outlined his plan for naval modernization, to include construction of new destroyers and frigates for national defense and the commissioning of a new airforce aimed at interception over Kalistani skies. Yeagar also wishes to work closer with Trigunia on native weapons development wthin Kalistan's Military Industrial system, KalMilInCo. Incoming Finance Minister Joan Gallegos, who holds a PhD in National Economics from Vrassa District University has agreed to finish the transition to the new convertible Kalistani Dollar which was begun over the last couple of years. "The adoption and tradeouts with citizens and most businesses have been a success," reported Gallegos, upon taking office. "We have seen nearly 96% adoption in society, though there are still more than 23.4 million KRB still in the hands of private citizens and some small businesses in frontier areas still do business in the Ruble. By December of this year, the old KRB will be invalidated, and any still left in the hands of the people will not be accepted at the National Bank any longer. So we fully encourage all Kalistanis and foreign interests still holding Rubles to quickly trade them in. The official exchange rate of 43.2 KRB to one KLD still holds at the national bank, and those speculating on the KLD last year have been fined for their efforts to fleece the good people of Kalistan. One large ring of currency speculators, dubbed the 'Kenway Gang' after their leader, notorious Liberal Democrat Jason Kenway, was charged with speculation on over 290 million KRB, offering mostly older citizens cents on the Ruble for their currency. These scam artists were arrested when this confidence job came to light and not only were fined 150 million rubles, but were forced to return the complete sum of money stolen to their unwitting victims." Foreign Minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado, who successfully brought the Straits crisis to an end at the status quo, retained his position. "We have absolute faith in Comrade Delgado," said President of the Republic Bennots-Jones. "Minister Delgado has represented the Republic and myself well over these past three years, and we have recommended to the Assembly that he continue to do so." Delgado was handily confirmed by the Assembly and promptly met with the Cildanian envoy from the Synidcalist Republic of Punicar who arrived in Kaliburg this month. "The Punicar Comrade, representing Governor General Citro Renatus, has agreed with us on the Ananto Straits issue, despite his King's opposition," said Minister Delgado. "Together, we discussed trade and exchange between our two great Republics. We have offered advice on political and militia development for the purpose of defense of their nacent constituent state, and are working on trade and people to people exchanges. The Syndicalists represent a growing alternative between hard Metzism and full on capitalism and they offer an opportunity for workers to express the power of labor through direct action and democratic workers councils. We will offer any support that we may provide to help them continue this development, though they have not opted for the adoption of Ethical Socialism." The Foreign Minister also commented on closer ties with Trigunia, and made a report on the slowly widening Kalistani diplomatic network. Delgado listed diplomatic embassies in Trigunia, Lodamun, Kalkalistan, and Kizenia, with permanent missions and consulate services in Baltusia, Cildania, Lourenne, Mordusia, Valruzia, Indrala, Gaduridos and Luthori. "We'd prefer the network to expand, but at this moment, we are not sure who wants to do business with us. So we offered consulate services to places our National Airline, KalAir flies, so that at least passengers overseas have access to Kalistani consular staff. We are also looking at the potential in Beluzia, who is isolated now. We maintained a mission there for a couple years after they went dark to help with refugee resettlement, but the mission ended last year when refugee numbers trickled to almost none. All those who want out apparently have gotten out. If we do rebuild a diplomatic mission there, it will be to simply maintain an open channel with the fascist republic."
Things are moving ahead for the Republic. A new budget for the coming year is due out within two months.
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