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Post by doc on Jun 1, 2019 4:38:02 GMT
Kalistani Regular Navy Completes first round of Naval Modernization
First new Destroyers completed in Kaliburg Port Davon, Ananto
January 8, 2023
The first of a new commission of Destroyers set sail this month from Kaliburg National Shipyards in Port Davon, Ananto. The new ship, dubbed the Caudillo, is the first of a commission of 8 new destroyers meant meant to modernize the Kalistani Regular Navy.
"We began working on the new Archer class in late 2019 as part of the re-charter of KalMilInCo," said Defense Minister Yeagar. "The ribs were laid down in 2021, and we have finally installed the finishing touches late last year. The Caudillo was tested over the month of December, and offered excellent results. This ship, and her sisters which are currently being built in Kaliburg will form, by mid-2024, the centerpiece of a more modernized Kalistani Regular Navy."
The Defense Minister outlined several of the weapons systems on the Archer Class.
"The new Archer-Class destroyer is 390 feet long, displaces nearly 3500 tons with a full load, and can do nearly 37 knots. Its primary armaments include 4 137mm main guns, an 8pac Anti-sub launcher, 2x3 torpedo tubes, 6 40mm anti-aircraft cannons, and depth charges. This all-purpose destroyer will compliment Kalistani defense in the Ananto Straits and adjacent territory. The maximum range of the ship is 4500 nautical miles, and the effective range of the guns at high angle is nearly 16 km. The max effective AA ceiling is 12,500 feet."
Archer-Class Destroyer Diagram
The commissioned destroyers will be completed by the end of 2024. Two other Archer-class destroyers are nearing completion in Kaliburg, and will join the Caudillo on the Northern Limit in May. Kalistani ship production, which ended when the National Shipyards were shuttered and KalNaFerCo was dissolved under Liberal Government, is greatly aided by the renationalization of Kalistan's defense and strategic companies.
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Post by doc on Jun 2, 2019 1:58:54 GMT
Defense Ministry opens Davon War College in Port Davon, Kaliburg College also to host "Center for Home Defense"
Port Davon, Kaliburg, Ananto January 10, 2023
Davon War College, built in the repurposed Center for Economic Prosperity in Kaliburg
The Defense Ministry has opened the Davon War College. The new War College is designed to compliment both the Officers Training Center in Fort Harrison, Odufaray and the National Office of Strategic Planning. The War College is built adjacent to Port Davon Naval Training and Recruit Center, and falls under the command authority of the Kaliburg Arsenal. The campus of the Davon War College is 145 acres, and consists of several buildings, including an administration building, a classroom and office highrise, and several testing and lab complexes.
"We sought to provide a center for military development going forward," said Defense Minister Yeagar. "While we are proud of our new destroyer design, we obviously have a lot of work to do to bring Kalistan's naval and air components into the 21st century. The War College will allow us to research new designs for both ship designs and naval artillery, and will allow us to research new radar techniques to allow us to defend Kalistan's waters and skies. Most of all, the research we do at the War college will be of a practical nature, to build upon the strategic components in our Officers' and NCO's training courses."
The campus used to belong to a group closely aligned with the now discredited LDP in Kalistan. The organization known as "The Center for Economic Prosperity" was one of the leading advocates for hard neoliberal economics. One of the most infamous policy papers published for the Center was "Let Them Starve: A case for eliminating poor relief in Kalistan", and led to dramatic cutbacks in social spending of all sorts at the very beginning of Liberal Government in Kalistan. As a result of the dramatic cuts in social welfare for all classes, it is estimated that more than 3300 Kalistani citizens lost their lives in something like a deliberate man-made famine, designed to, as Dr. Gustav Freindly of the Center called "an acceptable loss to relieve overcrowding in Kalistani cities to leave space for productive citizens." The Center was closed due to overwhelming outcry directly before Liberal losses in 2019, and its leading thinkers have since fled the country.
"The Davon War College will play a key role in modernization going forward," said Defense Minister Yeagar. The first task for the college: Develop better naval artillery for the purpose of keeping enemy ships out of the Straits.
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Post by doc on Jun 2, 2019 3:30:15 GMT
KRAU names Death to The Machine "Voice of a Generation" Hard Rock Band's Legacy still lives on Kaliburg, Ananto February 15, 2023
DTTM finally given recognition denied it during its heyday
The hard rock, leftist band Death To The Machine was named "Voice of a Generation" by the Kalistani Recording Artists' Union, which is the leading trade union for musicians and record-industry technicians. The band hasn't made a new record in more than two decades, and reunion plans were cut short in 2018 when a right-wing fanatic and supporter of the LDP shot and killed lead singer Geoff de la Riva at a concert.
"We feel that their message was generally prophetic," says KRAU spokesperson Meghan Foreal. "During the Liberal period, DTTM was almost a lone voice in music promoting leftist ideas and militancy. They were actively suppressed by commercial radio for their militant lyrics, and their shows were protested constantly by right-wing groups who felt that if DTTM was dangerous to social order. Consequently, DTTM remained a largely underground band, and despite this, gained a loyal following numbering in the hundreds of thousands, who copied and sold tapes and cds of DTTM music on the black market. Now that Socialists have opened up the cultural landscape once more, DTTM's music has gained new popularity among a younger group who has largely rejected rightism in Kalistan and has formed the new core of political power in Kalistan. Consequently, their music has new value and relevance today, 20 years after their last studio album was released."
DTTM was formed in Sulari in 1990. Their music consisted of bass and drum driven riffs, virtuoso and experimental guitar work, and del la Riva's distinctive vocal stylings which mixed rap and hip hop with militant poetics not common at all in mainstream music of the time.
"DTTM brought something new to music," said Foreal. "They mixed rap with music which was almost thrash-hop. The genre had been developed and had been tried on occasional b-sides of hard rock and hip hop records, but DTTM elevated the groove metal to a new level. It was the cross-over genre they are most known for. Accompanied by de la Riva's shouted uncompromising leftwing lyrics, and the virtuoso guitarit Sam Franconi's penchant for Metzist iconography, and DTTM soon gained a small following of leftists and a just as fanatical opposition on the Right."
Liberalism, however was the order of the day. There was no room in society for questioning Liberal hegemony within Kalistan, and DTTM soon ran afoul of pro-capitalist critics, who levied a soft-censorship on DTTM's records. Head of the Kalistan's largest retail chain at the time, Freedom Mart, Howard Stuart, famously banned DTTM's music from his store and the radio stations his conglomerate controlled. "We think this music is poisonous to Kalistani minds, and so we have decided to not stock or play such deleterious rabble rousing." He added his paternalism, saying, "Parents wouldn't let their kids willingly drink poison, so why would we shovel poison into the minds of Kalistani consumers? DTTM hates capitalism so much, lets see how well they do when they can't sell their poison." The ban continued until 2019, when Freedom Mart lifted it, citing changing consumer attitudes. By then DTTM had long held a counter-boycott, refusing to have any association with Stuart or his operations.
The band struggled commercially during the 90s and 2000s, as their music failed to receive airplay or charting, and most of their fans were forced to pirate their music to distribute it to friends on the black market. Things began to change for DTTM with the advent of file sharing in the early 2000s, though their record company, Liberal affiliated Eagle Records filed countless suits against individuals sharing their songs, suing for copyright infringement. The Liberal courts at the time often upheld these suits, and a lawsuit over DTTM's music was responsible for the death of one of the early names in filesharing, "Piracy Dot Com". DTTM's record contract was breeched by Eagle Records in 2000, and a Liberal packed court found DTTM to be at fault for the breech due to their participation in file sharing.
The group broke up soon afterwards, having released 4 records and a concert DVD. De La Riva said at the time, "Look: We've been hounded and harrassed by these f--king Liberals for like 10 years now. It didn't stop us, but we gotta find a new way to get our music out there. It does not involve recording for a capitalist music combine." DTTM played together off and on for the next 10 years, each pursuing side projects, but none was as well-liked among their fans as the original band. As Socialists were gaining steam in Kalistani society after 2014, and the writing on the wall spelling LDP's doom became increasingly clear, DTTM set about plans for reunification and scored a 17 city tour in 2018. Rumors of new music swirled about, but rumors were all they were. On April 2, 2018, a fanatic gunman, in possession of a stolen fire arm assassinated De La Riva on stage in front of 1650 fans, yelling in a microphone "Commies must not win." He then shot himself.
Since the return of Socialist government in Kalistan, DTTM's music has circulated faster than ever before. New releases of their classic material have appeared, combined with the Definitive Death to The Machine, a 6 album set. Three runs of the set sold out in the first 5 days of sale, as a new generation began embracing the Leftist lyrics and sense of deep anger and alienation within Kalistani society.
Today, surviving members DTTM has been re-recognized for not only their innovative sound, but also the content of their lyrics. Foreign Minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado listed the band as "THE reason I got into politics. Sometimes, you really just have to say Enough, and get up and do something. They covered the plight of the working and the poor, the homeless and the poor who were left outside Liberal-owned hospitals because they didn't have any kind of insurance. Death To The Machine talked about being proud, even though a corrupt system wants to keep you down and out. Of standing up in the face of stupid violence and mind desertification. Of opposition to the ridiculous system of incarceration that the Liberals forced down our throats and led to 1 percent of our population being in some form of corrections by 2016, of rejecting imperialism and foreign wars. They said it: Death to The Machine. Its something I never forgot, since the first time I heard the lyric 'F--k Off! I ain't finna comply'. That message resonated with me."
The KRAU today finally recognizes this progressive band and force for social change. A formal ceremony will be held in early March.
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Post by doc on Jun 3, 2019 0:05:49 GMT
War College proposes establishment of bi- and multi-static radar bases Aim is to see and discriminate air targets at long range Port Davon, Ananto March 3, 2023
A diagram of bistatic radar detection, provided by the Davon War College
Signals experts at Davon War College provided testimony to the Assembly's Select Committee on Home Defense yesterday. The topic of the discussion was the development of modern radar stations aimed at passive detection of incoming threats to Kalistan. The War College's representation was led by Dr. Margaret McGuinness, who recently accepted an appointment in the Department of Signals Intelligence at the War College.
"My colleagues and I have spent the last couple months brainstorming. Our question was 'What could The Republic do right now which would be relatively inexpensive, relies on currently existing technology, and could be implemented within a year. Several ideas were ultimately rejected, due to length of time of implementation or cost to the Republic for full-scale R&D and building. But a few weeks ago, we settled upon the idea of bi-static, and then multi-static radar detection systems."
According to Dr. McGuinness, bistatic radar has the advantage of allowing for longer range detection of incoming threats to the coast, and detection of more modern, signature and cross-section hiding aircraft. "Seeing these threats with the regular radar sites is difficult, because the radar signal is often absorbed by technological developments on the plane, especially when the radar signal is expected to return to the same spot that it is transmitted from. These are called Monostatic radar systems. However, with the bistatic model, the radar signal can be transmitted at a lower frequency, which will render the technology designed to absorb the radar signal either much less effective or render it completely worthless, depending on the technology on the incoming threat. The bistatic system is a passive radar system, so it is always on, and with a lower frequency, the system has more of a range for freq hopping, which will prevent jamming of our radar. The adaption to multi-static radar then can dramatically increase the detection across a wider area, and decrease costs."
McGuinness advocated the establishment of several radar stations across Ananto and the Mainland. "Using existing technology, we can effectively build these radar sites within a few months, and for less than the cost of one destroyer. This radar net could begin by covering the coasts, and then redundancy can be built while the net can spread across the rest of the country. Within the space of one year, Kalistan can effectively gain eyes over its entire territory and can effectively see approaching threats several hundred miles before they can see us."
Dr. McGinness was questioned by Deputies, during closed session, due to the sensitive/security nature of her proposals, but Deputies were obviously impressed: The Premier moved a supplemental budget bill today through the Assembly this afternoon which contained 25 million KLD of additional appropriations for the Defense Ministry. Kalistani MicroDivisions is expected to work with the National Government on the project, though the Premier has put the general project into Public Bid for 30 days.
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Post by doc on Jun 3, 2019 2:27:19 GMT
Kalistan Launches Radio Kaliburg
Aims to Broadcast News, Music and Cultural Programming to Northern Seleya and Keymon Kaliburg, Ananto March 2, 2023 Radio Kaliburg, a branch of KRTVN, is the new official station for Kalistani News to Northern Seleya and Keymon Radio Kaliburg, a new station launched by the Kalistani Radio and Television Network, and funded by the budget of the Foreign Ministry, was launched today, with the completion of the last transmission towers and the addition of Shortwave and Microwave transmission capabilities last week. Radio Kaliburg broadcasts on 1460 kHz on the AM dial in Kalistan, and 6.523 mHz over most of Northern Seleya. Radio Kaliburg may be heard on 11.650 mHz in Keymon 24 hours a day. Radio Kaliburg's slogan is "Radio Kaliburg: Seleya's ONLY Alternative." The daily format for Radio Kaliburg includes a large selection of Kalistani music, as well as segments on new music, fashion, film and art trends in Kalistan. In addition to the music and cultural programming offered to listeners, there is a two hour news program every evening from 5pm local to 7 pm local time, and news headlines at the top and the bottom of every hour. There is also an opinion segment during the Evening News broadcast which features Kalistani-centered viewpoints on current affairs, often tailored to the national audience that the program is aimed at. Gina Bennots-DiGamma (Left) is the new Morning Drive DJ for Radio Kaliburg
"We launched this station in an effort to improve Kalistan's image abroad," said Kalistan's Foreign Minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado. "Currently, our neighborhood is stinking with rightist and monarchist governments and they spend their time and effort running down our country. So we are offering a balance to their rhetoric. They can not shut out the voice of the last leftist Government left in Seleya."
Morning DJ Gina Bennots-DiGamma is excited about working on the Radio. She has a buttery smooth voice and masters' degrees in Fine Arts and Mass Communication. "We have great music and correct politics here in Kalistan. I look forward to sharing our viewpoint and our culture with the rest of Seleya. I also like the idea to know that I will be one of a great staff of hard working and committed individuals dedicated to offering the people of those oppressed nations a different way to see and hear the world." Bennots-DiGamma's show will feature mostly Kalistani alternative rock, conscious Hip Hop and public service messages about building community and volunteering from some of Kalistan's biggest musicians, actors and public figures.
"We look forward to offering this alternative to people who are suffering under conservative regimes," said Minister Delgado. "Anyone with a shortwave radio can pick up our signal and rebroadcast on AM or FM signals to their local communities. We even offer a segment which talks about signal propagation and DXing the shortwave stations of the world. And we offer in depth detailed instructions on independent radio construction and broadcasting for anyone with access to the Internet. We hope this, and all of our other great content, will move the needle and let people finally see that there is an alternative to the exploitation they face everyday under either their ridiculous capitalist system of government or the oppressive feudal monarchies which are being pell-mell established. Radio Kaliburg IS Seleya's only Alternative, and I hope the people of our continent enjoy our broadcasts."
70's Yacht Rock icon Rupert Jones dedicates his song "Escapism" to the people of Keymon
The station began broadcasting by playing the song called "Escapism (Drinking Piña Coladas)" by 70's yacht rock star Rupert Jones. Jones was on hand to perform the song live, along with his band "The Rupert Jones Ménage". Jones, now 75, delivered the following message before he launched into the oldie but goodie: "This song goes out to all the people of Keymon. If you feel like the guy I'm singing about in this song, but instead of her being your old lady, its like your Bosses and your government, hey, we got Piña Coladas here in Kalistan too. Come with me and escape!" He then played an extended version of his song, including a funk-lite improvisation, which lasted more than 4 minutes.
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Post by doc on Jun 4, 2019 3:29:22 GMT
Brief: Keymon and Kalistan work together to break up LDP Terror plot FM Delgado confirms RFS report Kaliburg, Ananto April 14, 2023
"Radio Free Seleya," usually known for its anti-socialist smears, tabloid level gossip, whisper campaigns and demonization of Seleya's Left, was unexpectedly credited yesterday for bringing a terror plot aimed at Kalistan's landowners to light. In its April 13th Broadcast, the Keymonite station which broadcasts into Kalistan on multiple short wave and AM frequencies throughout the day, announced that Keymon had uncovered a plot to kill wealthy individuals in Kalistan. The Kalistani Foreign Ministry initially dismissed these reports as more "Rightist propaganda", especially since they were coupled with invitations of Kalistan's wealthy to flee the country to come to Keymon. But when representatives of Keymon's Foreign Ministry approached the Kalistani Consul in Turtle Bay with certain intelligence, the matter was forwarded to Foreign Minister Delgado, who contacted the Keymonese Foreign Ministry immediately to discuss the situation. FM Delgado issued the following statement: "Keymon offered us some details of the plot they had uncovered, and most of the names they provided were on our terrorist watch list. They also provided some other names, which, when cross referenced with our police databases, turned up some matches to some rather violent crimes, including some recently solved crimes which involved attacks on wealthy folks, in an attempt to discredit the Socialist Government. Because of their intelligence, we were able to round up the criminals and are now holding them for questioning. We expect to arraign the individuals within the next couple days, and will hold them until their trials. The judge in these individuals' cases has denied bail. "We saw this sharing of intelligence as a show of good faith, and could provide a small opening to improve relations. So we shared names of known notorious criminals who were associated with the LDP who had fled to Kizenia during the large outmigration in 2019, and are believed to have made their way to Keymon, as well as others who fled directly to Keymon in 2020. As I told the Minister, we have, on multiple occasions, attempted to warn our neighbors, friends and enemies alike, that the remnants of the LDP were dangerous and it was only a matter of time before a terrorist attack by an LDP member occurred. They are so blinded by their hatred for the SP that they would find a way to strike us, even with dastardly methods like false flag terrorism. This time, it was a near miss. They will attempt to do this again and again unless we stop them! We hope that this unnecessary killing and terror can be stopped and that the international community takes this threat seriously." The Foreign Minister then outlined fifteen known cases within just the last year of LDP terrorists returning to Kalistan from their hiding spots abroad and either sabotaging Republican assets, or harming individuals. "Most importantly," added Delgado, "These LDP fanatics don't just target Kalistan or socialist nations anymore. They have evolved into a very sophisticated and driven international criminal organization, and their focus has moved from just making Kalistan look bad abroad to terrorism, hijacking, ransom and assassination for the highest bidder. About the only activity they are not involved in is drug smuggling, primarily because ODEN does not sell to known members of the LDP." The Foreign Minister then personally thanked the FM of Keymon for his Ministry's quick action to break up the plot. "We have our differences, but I believe it is in our mutual interests to undermine this criminal organization wherever they are found. They are no longer just Kalistan's problem anymore." He also stated gratitude for RFS's reporting: "They are usually an audio rag, but this time, their quick thinking and solid reporting allowed authorities to spring into action long before we would have to break up this plot. As a result of their reporting, maybe dozens of lives have been saved. We greatly appreciate their contribution to the security of Kalistan and Seleya."
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Post by doc on Jun 4, 2019 20:49:29 GMT
Delgado heads to Likatonia Kalistani Aid to "Open a new chapter" in Northern Seleyan AffairsKaliburg Ananto
June 6, 2023
Foreign Minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado heads to Likatonia with a deal
Foreign Minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado will leave for the Kingdom of Likatonia tomorrow with a new aid package in hand. Kalistani envoys laid the ground work with representatives of the Kingdom over the last few months, and now all that is left is to sign the final deal.
"Kalistan is interested in helping Likatonia. We are satisfied that they are interested in at least charting a course independent of the Monarchists who overthrew the Socialist Government a couple years ago, and are willing to accept Kalistani aid. Kalistan has offered an aid package worth 45 million KLD, and includes direct payments, technical expertise in building and reconstruction to work under Likatonian leadership on Likatonian priorities, and preferrential trading arrangements on a basket of Likatonian exports. In exchange, we will be working out a repayment plan for the direct payments which will be based on Likatonia's budget and an indefinte term on any loans we may agree to later, and they have allowed us to begin building a large radio tower aimed at rebroadcast of Radio Kaliburg into countries bordering the Mad Dog Ocean, and boosting the signal into Keymon."
The new aid deal is designed to improve the relationship between Kalistan and the Likatonian state. "We intended to discuss the building of an embassy, but our discussions were interrupted by the destabilization of Likatonia by foreign actors. But it appears that things are back on track."
The agreement will be concluded by the end of the Week.
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Post by doc on Jun 6, 2019 3:36:16 GMT
OP ED: Kalistan Needs to Adopt a More Internationalist Outlook by Robert Gallegos, Dianne Bennots and Diego Rivera Carrangus Kaliburg Polytechnic University, Department of Economics Kaliburg, Ananto July 5, 2023
Introduction
Recently, Kalistan received a rather poignant and illuminating analysis, published by the Isaac Harrods Institute for International Relations. We find this report, for the most part accurate, and our only solid disagreement has to do with a few minor points. It is not our intention to debate this analysis with this piece. Instead, we would like to point out that the analysis takes a solidly functionalist perspective to Kalistan's International Political Economy and foreign relations. In summary, the analysis focuses on Kalistan's policy as a cause for its predicted decline of power and relevance in Seleyan and world affairs. The authors highlight the recent Ananto Straits crisis as a reason for decline in trade, and the efforts of the Government to create a new convertible currency which is both stable and usable abroad as ultimately a tool which will backfire, and could lead to internal displacement. These were interesting conclusions, and ones we would advocate the Kalistani government consider as it develops policy going forward. We do however wish to return to the point that the analysis is largely functional. We would like to offer a different, complimentary point of view from a separate theoretical perspective, which might complete the picture a bit more. The functional analysis essentially argues that Kalistan's weakness is a function of both the situation it finds in existence within Kalistan, as well as a function of its own policy. But we will argue that this is not the complete answer. There is also the deliberate action of international actors, who seek to force Kalistan to change its policy to their liking, which can explain internal and foreign policy choices of Kalistan. Ultimately, from a neo-realist perspective, Kalistan's policy choices are the result of reaction to the international structure, and Kalistan's failure, due to its political ideology, to fit itself into that structure. We propose, in the final analysis, that Kalistan adopt a more internationalist, and to some degree conciliatory attitude toward larger powers, with the aim of diversifying its economy and staving off the coming economic crisis which reliance on petroleum will almost guarantee. Theory
We adopt the neo-realist, also known as the structural realist perspective. In a nutshell, neorealism holds that the international structure is the primary stage upon which an individual nation's foreign policy plays out. The international structure is characterized by two things: 1) the existence of anarchism in the international structure, whereby no state can compel another to do anything, short of use of war or tactics that look like war, and 2) Self help, where the only actor anyone can rely on to promote their own interests is themselves, and any country that expects another country to promote its interests is doomed to be destroyed. These two factors at play, neorealism proposes that a country ought to, therefore determine their foreign policy in the context of the structure of the world, and those countries who fail to correctly read the structure of the international system and align to it are doomed to failure.
Economically, if a country is for mercantilism, as Kalistan is, while the rest of the world is oriented toward free trade, then Kalistan will miss out on the opportunities provided by free trade. But if a country is oriented toward free trade, and the world is oriented toward mercantilism and protection, then the rest of the world will eat that open country up.
In terms of foreign relations, if the world is structured in a way which promotes bipolarism, it really does not matter if a country demands an independent foreign policy. The rest of the world will turn against that independent country, and force it, through one method or another, to get in line. Either bribing or threatening, or invading, the structure dominates, and independent countries should correctly read that structure or be doomed to ceasing to exist.
We should point out that no one structure is "better" or "worse" than another. There is no value judgement on the structure. The structure is not a rational actor, and therefore is amoral. Neorealism simply asserts that the structure simply is. It can change over time, and those who hang on to the old way and continue to operate based on the rules of the old system become targets for the early adopters of the new one.
More concretely, Kalistan is by and large protectionist economically, and their foreign policy is an independent one in a world where the largest players insist upon liberal economic policy and alignment. Additionally, Great Powers insists upon observance of international norms, (due to their inexplicable commitment to theoretical liberalism), despite their hypocritical willingness to flout those same norms themselves whenever it serves them, and seeks to destroy any smaller nations who willingly attempt to stand outside of that system. This is the irony of liberalism: States are free to choose from a host of options, but they had better not choose the wrong option, or else the others police that oddball. It is what is known among some circles as "liberal fascism", but could also be sumarized by the famous Luthori summarization : "There is no alternative [to liberalism]". Liberals cannot allow any disagreement to a liberal world order, because anyone who stands apart from that world order is a threat to all of them. Hence, the international reaction to the Kalistani closure of the Ananto Straits. We digress.
In this scenario, Kalistan is the "oddball" in a number of ways. Liberal states believe, by and large, that there must be areas over which no state ought to have exclusive say, but those areas should be governed by the "international Community" (and most importantly, by the Great Powers). The example is so-called international waters. Most of the criticism of Kalistan, and subsequent hostility toward it, is due to Kalistan's refusal to acknowledge what other countries insist is international law which is agreed upon by "all", but more correctly, the Great Powers and those who align with them. Kalistan sees the enforcement of this international law as an attempt to both ignore Kalistan's security concerns, and to take resources from Kalistan which Kalistan needs to exist (at this particular point in time). Foreign Navies ought to be able to blockade Kalistan whenever they wish to force Kalistan to capitulate to their interests, regardless of Kalistani needs or desires for self-determination. But this is the nature of the world structure: Large powers believe that they have divided the world among themselves, and not only have they, but that division must be accepted by the countries who have been assigned by great power politics to one sphere or another.
Hence Sekowo's insecurity caused by Kalistan's invitation to base their rival's fleet in what Sekowo sees as its exclusive territory, by rights of power. Kalistan has put Sekowo's rival on what it sees as its front porch. It really does not matter if Kalistan wishes to be Sekowo's "front porch": The great powers have declared it so, and Sekowo believes that the only reason Kalistan exists is because of the existence of the Trigunian fleet. Kalistan's interests are unimportant to great powers. They see Kalistan and other countries like it as virtual colonies, and an "independent" (read: not hosting Sekowo's chief rival Trigunia) Kalistan is a defacto Sekowan puppet state.
Neorealist theory states, however, that Sekowo, or Luthori, or Mordusia, or Trigunia, for that matter, can influence the world's structure in a way which benefits itself, and Kalistan is not powerful enough, on its own to matter. Kalistan's refusal to play along with the great powers' chess game, by the rules that ensure the Great powers remain Great and no other powers could ever rise to join the table of Great powers, is precisely what dooms Kalistan to becoming a puppet of Sekowo eventually, if not Trigunia first. Kalistan uses mercantilism for short term stability that Great Powers think they ought to be in charge of, and utilizes an independent foreign policy, which threatens the security of at least one Great power, and possibly several.
Kalistan's Independent Foreign Policy is a violation of the World Structure
Kalistan refuses to play the game of international relations by the rules set up by the Great Powers. As a result, Kalistan ignores the world structure. We will add: at its own peril. Kalistan currently believes that it can rely on Trigunian fleets to protect it from the other Great powers, but this too is at its peril. The reason that Kalistan appears to be walking blindly into an existential threat is because it fundamentally misunderstands the structure of the world.
The world structure can be best described as either a bi-polar or a tri-polar system, and ideologically, the world structure is committed to liberalism. That is simply how it is. Those smaller powers who have sought to align with strong hegemonic powers and bandwagon with them also tend to mirror the ideological preferences of their patrons. But Kalistan is attempting to balance a great power, and without a patron. Kalistan lacks the relative power to effectively do so. Instead, liberal nations can easily put the screws to Kalistani thumbs by simply refusing to trade with them. If Kalistan lacks trading partners, it is not, as the Luthori analysis suggests, because other countries find it more economically efficient to trade with newer areas. It is because Kalistan refuses, due to its insecurity, to grant great powers concessions that deepen its insecurity. Kalistan's economy is highly susceptible to price fluctuations in energy markets, but fluctuations in energy markets are not random events. They are driven by the buying or not of Great Powers, who can easily, and have in a defacto form, embargo Kalistan. They do not need to invade. They simply have to kneecap Kalistan's economy and suffocate Kalistan at will.
Again: we do not assert that this is good or bad, moral or immoral. It simply is. Kalistan thumbs their nose at a Great power, and the Great Power simply ignores Kalistan. That ignoring doesn't cost the Great Power much if anything, because they have virtual colonies all over the world, and can easily make up from them whatever they would lose from Kalistan. But it costs Kalistan deeply. A two dollar drop in prices of oil does not correspond to more Kalistani oil being purchased. But it does result in the loss of millions of dollars a month for Kalistan. And the Great Powers can cause that whenever they wish. They can afford to make the Kalistani economy "scream" at will.
And that screaming economy is what will have a destabilizing effect on the Kalistani polity. If the goal is to see Kalistan conform to the needs and desires of the Great Power, they simply cut off the spicket to trade, foreign assistance and investment, and Kalistan suffers great damage, at almost no cost to the Great power. We believe that this is precisely what is going on, and it is the result of the ideological disagreement between Kalistan and the Liberal world. They will force Kalistan, one way or another to conform to their program for Kalistan. They may not say they are doing so, but in fact this is precisely what is happening. Kalistani independence is to be extinguished one way or another. The Great Powers would prefer that Kalistan to have conformed to Great Power interests and believed it was their own choice to do so, rather than a decision made in a capital far away, but at the end of the day, it is not important at all what Kalistan believes or not. The Great Powers of the world must have their way and can brook no opposition to their proposed order for the World. Hence: even the Liberals of the World act like fascists.
Policy prescriptions
To counter this, Kalistan must find a way to either reduce the power of the Great Powers, or reduce the attention the Great Powers of the world pay to Kalistan. Kalistan will never reduce the power, relative or absolute, of the Great Powers. We may build weapons, at great expense to us, but what we can build in six month, the Great Powers can build in one. And at far less of a burden to their economy. No, it is far better, in this world structure, to be anonymous, than to be the nail which sticks up too far and then gets pounded down.
We advocate that Kalistan correctly read the worlds structure and adapt to it, to reap benefits from it. We are not saying that Kalistan must adopt liberalism. But it should attempt to make itself more attractive to foreign investment.
A few ways that Kalistan could do this is to
1) Revoke its defacto closure of the Ananto Straits. We remind the Government of Kalistan that just because a Great power CAN blockade Ananto, that does not mean that it WILL. And this comes with the acknowledgement that at the moment, the most the Kalistani government could do to a power determined to force the issue is hurt them. Ultimately, in a determined battle between Kalistan and a modern Navy, the Kalistani Navy will lose. They believe that making the enemy bleed will deter them from doing what is opposed to Kalistan's interests, but Kalistan is incorrect here. The Great Powers of the World will do whatever they want, and they will clothe all of their actions in International Law and norms, because those are the powers who get to set the meaning of International Law. The right to "do whatever you want and claim it is correct" is the privilege of the Great Powers, not Kalistan. Kalistan should immediately reopen the straits to foreign Naval traffic. Since it should not rely on any nation to protect it, the best outcome is that foreign Navies will simply transit while they are in the process of killing one another. And if they blockade Ananto, they would be able to do so anyway.
2) Ask Trigunia to draw down its presence in Ananto. The promises of security that were implicit in the decision to ask Trigunia to base in Ananto have not borne out. Kalistan has asked for weapons from Trigunia, and while Trigunia initially seemed receptive to such requests, they have yet to help Kalistan in any concrete way. Instead, the move has merely increased tensions with Sekowo, who might otherwise like to do business with Kalistan. Kalistan is just as powerful, on its own now with Trigunia in Ananto as it was before Trigunia arrived, and significantly less secure. Meanwhile, theory states that it is a mistake to ever rely on other states to help: Self- help is a feature of the world structure. Kalistan ignores that at its peril, and Kalistan is in significantly more peril today with Sekowo now targeting Kalistan explicitly due to its association with its rival than it was before. If Kalistan does not seek to beg Trigunia for patronage, which Trigunia is apparently unwilling to provide anyway, then it should end its basing deal with Trigunia and focus on development and construction of its own defense.
3) Encourage foreign direct investment. This can be accomplished by removing the rules which require all foreign enterprises to be joint enterprises with Kalistani majority. It's not that Kalistan does not possess the capital to match foreign investment. It is that foreign enterprises simply want to be allowed to reap ALL the profits of their companies in Kalistan. This plank is obvious, but it is probably the most difficult step politically for the Socialist and extremely nationalist Government in Kaliburg to accept. We reject the notion that a stronger currency will lead to instability within Kalistan. The suggestion seems to serve those who wish for Kalistan to be a primarily export based economy, while the Kaliburg Government is looking for a way to shift Kalistan to a more diverse and independent economy. Ultimately the goal is to move away from extraction for export, and more national production. This can happen with a new economic arrangement that allows foreign investors a period of time to invest, benefit, and then give the option of Kalistanis to buy them out, allowing them to expatriate their wealth rather than locking it in Kalistan, rather than discouraging foreign investment from the get go.
All of these proposals would allow Kalistan to shift more into line with the International Structure, while limiting the pain, politically and economically of the shift to Kalistan.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Kalistan's problems are a result of misalignment with the World's structure. The key challenge for the Kalistani government is how to realign with the World's Structure while not sacrificing the very real and meaningful gains of Kalistani socialism and non-alignment. We believe that the policy proposals we have made here are reasonable and moderate first steps to decreasing tension in and around Kalistan and diversifying its economy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuel extraction. The Structure of the world demands some changes in Kalistan. Because we reiterate: Kalistan ignores the world structure at its peril, and so far, it has done precisely that, and imperiled itself in the process.
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Post by doc on Jun 7, 2019 1:19:53 GMT
New Kalistani Geography Text Book Inadvertantly Leaves out Sekowo
Next text book adoption in May of 2028 Kaliburg, Ananto September 14, 2023
The "Political Map of Terra" which describes Sekowo as a Gulf of the Anantonese Ocean
Kids returned to school late last month to new textbooks. In Kalistan, textbooks are adopted every 5 years for the National Curriculum. The textbook which was adopted for the Third Grade World Geography course, which all third grade Kalistani children must take as part of the National Curriculum, was particularly well received. Teachers praised its clear presentation of the materials, its practice questions at the end of each chapter, and the vast number of colorful pictures, charts, graphs and maps. The Textbook, called You and the World, published by Edward Forrester Publishers, one of Kalistan's leading textbook publishers based in Suldanor was greatly anticipated by educators all across the Republic.
That is, until a glaring omission was noted. 3rd Grader Hideo Yakota, of Eveari was leafing through the book during class, looking at all these great, colorful maps and pictures, and then he happened to notice something. "Well, I took this book up to the teacher," Yakota said. "I told her 'Look: Sekowo is missing. I know where Sekowo is because it is the home of my ancestors." The teacher looked at the map. It happened to be the political map of Terra inside the front cover, which is the main map that teachers refer to when they want to talk about world political boundaries.
Yakota's teacher, Miss Juana Ross, also of Eveari, was aghast. "Hideo was correct. Sekowo was completely missing. Instead, the Anantonese Ocean appeared to have swallowed it up." Ross contacted the Ministry of Education. "They gave me the Secretary of Curriculum, who oversaw the book adoption. I explained that Sekowo was completely missing from the map, and was put on hold for about 5 minutes. When they came back, the Secretary simply said thank you for bringing the oversight to their attention and then hung up."
The Ministry of Education was contacted for this story. Their statement was "Every five years Kalistan's curriculum goes through review and new books are adopted as needed. This book happens to contain an omission in the Political Map of Terra. We are sorry for the inconvenience, and we have encouraged all teachers to inform their students that there actually is a Sekowo. This will be our advice to teachers who notice the omission going forward." When asked if the Ministry would adopt new editions of the textbook with Sekowo included, the Ministry reiterated that the adoption process happens every five years, and this minor omission was not justification to adopt a brand new text book.
We reached out to representatives at Edward Forrester and asked them if the omission was deliberate. Their PR representative gave the following statement: "While we take responsibility for and guarantee all of the material we publish against significant error or omission, the apparent omission of Sekowo was entirely unintentional. The individual who produced the map was contracted by the author to provide maps for the manuscript the author provided to us, and as a result, is not directly affiliated with our company. We apologize for the problems the complete lack of a Sekowo causes for students and teachers, but we stand by the rest of the work as excellent educational and curricular material."
So it looks like Kalistani children will continue to use the text book. It will be five years before another geography for the third grade is produced. Geography in the 9th grade uses a text book which has a Sekowo in it, but this is an elective. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education advised students not to vandalize the books and draw on the political map, or they will be charged to replace them.
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Post by doc on Jun 8, 2019 1:36:25 GMT
Interview: Kalistan prepares for International Finance First moves to allow Keymonese Bank in Kalistan launched Kaliburg, Ananto September 12, 2023
Kalistani Finance Minister Joan Gallegos (right) interviewed by The Republic
The Finance Minister, Joan Gallegos spoke to The Kalistani Republic about the opening of the Keymonese Iokua Bank in Kaliburg. This move is fairly controversial, especially among the Nationalists of the SP, but the Finance Minister attempted to show the upside of having a financial institution like Iokua in Kalistan.
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Post by doc on Jun 9, 2019 22:13:34 GMT
Kalistani Motor Company begins first line of Motorbikes Car company to produce and market 2- and 3- wheeled bikes for the first time
Reynoldia, Suldanor February 3, 2024
KalMoCo, the largest private sector car company in Kalistan, to try something new Kalistani Motor Company, (KMC) the company you know for its experimental cars and environmentally friendly alternative fuel technology, is branching out into motorcycles. "Well, not motorcycles, per se," said KalMoCO spokeswoman Callie Allen, speaking from KalMoCo HQ in Reynoldia. "We are developing a series of motorized bikes for Kalistanis in cities, called the Republican 2 and 3. These bikes, which will come in 2 and 3 wheeled varieties, will have an interesting design. The three wheeled variant will look something like a bike-car hybrid and will have a conversion kit to make it look more like a three wheeled car for winter months and use up in Neveras. The 2 wheeled variant will be more like a scooter." The "Republican 2" from KMC is a hybrid gas/electric scooter for in-town travelAllen stated that max speeds of the Republican 2 will reach in excess of 65 miles per hour. "We wanted to offer buyers something that is light and handles well, but also can be a bit sporty and get folks between cities and towns rapidly." The max speed of the Republican 3 will be in excess of 80mph. "Since the 3 is more like a car, especially with the car kit attached, we could put a more heavy duty power plant into it, to boost up the speeds a bit more." Both vehicles boast a gas/electric hybrid engine. The electric engine is recharged by the gas engine, and between the two of them, they boast between 375 and 425 miles on a single charge. "Easy to get anywhere in the Republic," said Allen. In the event that the electric batteries are drained, both run on gasoline until they can be recharged. "Obviously, you won't get the same fuel efficiency, but the Republican 2 has a fuel efficiency of more than 135 miles a gallon due to its lightweight frame and no frills design, while the Republican 3 can get in excess of 100 miles on cruise. The Republican 2 has a 3.5 gallon tank, while the Republican 3 has a 5 gallon tank." The light frames and low profiles of both vehicles tend toward improved aerodynamics. The engine compression will interest fans of performance. "We have designed the Republican 2 to have a 100cc engine, while the Republican 3 boasts a 300cc engine. Both have some real pickup, and you can really feel it when you step on the gas in the 3. We are pretty impressed." The Prototype "Republican 3" two Seater can also be converted into a automobile with an optional "car kit" which any individual owner can install in a matter of minutes. Finally, and this is likely the biggest selling point, is the price. "Currently, similar bikes cost Kalistanis between K8,000 and K17,500. This made them inaccessible for the average worker. But we plan on rolling the 2 out at K1,500 and the 3 at K6,500. The biggest cost in production is the engine technology, but it is our aim to recoup in terms of sales. We believe there is a market for these bikes, and it is our hope to be the main supplier of motorized bikes across the Republic."
Sales for the Republican 2 and 3 will begin in March of this year. Already, dealers have pre-ordered more than 10,000 Republican 2s and 4500 Republican 3s in expectation of consumers looking to trade their old gas guzzling automobiles for newer, more efficient vehicles.
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Post by doc on Jun 10, 2019 2:04:33 GMT
KalMD leapfrogs in-class competition with new KalMD S-1 New Smartphone to revolutionize Kalistani Market Kaliburg, Ananto March 12, 2024
KalMD's sleek new S-1 is the first new smartphone in 3 years from the Tech giant
Kalistani MicroDivisions (KMD) has released its first new smartphone in just over 3 years. The S-1 is the first new product produced from the Kalistani tech giant since KMD received a generous 300 million KLD loan, part of which it dropped into its R&D department.
"In Kalistan, we have benefited from a relatively open world market for consumer electronics," said R&D director Chuck Harrison, in Kaliburg. "We have kept our eye on the developments of other makers, and we benefit from a modern engineering department. As a result, we have worked, round the clock for the last 6 months to build this new architecture." The phone is built on an updated KMD architecture that dramatically improves not only the sound quality and reception of phone calls, but also the computing power of the microprocessor to allow for a wider variety of apps that can be offered.
"Along with this new phone," continued Harrison, "we are opening a consumer distribution site aimed at supporting developers and connecting them with consumers. We also want to ensure the quality of the applications that are offered for the phone, as well as the security for the system. Consequently, we have established policies where new app development is reviewed by a quality control team. We will exclude early-development releases, as well as those which have security vulnerabilities and are built using older code which can be exploited. To remain in the application conduit, apps must be updated regularly to stay caught up with improvements in our operating systems. Those which are not updated wtihin six weeks following major new OS updates will be suspended from the Conduit. This will ensure that developers are encouraged to regularly offer their own updates and to keep on top of security."
The S-1 features three sizes of HDD for storage, 4gb, 8gb, 16gb, and 32gb. Its battery has a 32 hour lifespan on a single charge, and the battery benefits over previous models in that it does not need to be completely drained anymore before recharging. The camera has a resolution of 4 megapixels and the 32gb model also offers a 360 degree panoramic setting. It can hold and play music, movies and stream video from popular screening services via native apps.
"We expect the first models to cost between K900 and K1200," said Harrison, but many cell providers in Kalistan have said that they intend to offer 24 month payment plans, and at least one, KalNet, will offer the phone free for all new accounts.
The S-1 is a dramatic new improvement. It will be released to the Kalistani market this September, and will be manufactured in KalMD shops in Suldanor.
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Post by doc on Jun 10, 2019 19:55:10 GMT
President of the Republic Hera Bennots to not seek re-election Two terms a "success", says President Kaliburg, Ananto April 8, 2024
President Hera Bennots-Jones, now nearing retirement
The President of the Republic, Herra Bennots-Jones firmly closed the door on re-election prospects, while opening the door to people seeking to replace her.
"I will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming general elections," said President of the Republic Bennots. "I have overseen the restoration of Socialism and now it is someone else's turn to pick up the banner to carry it forward."
The President recounted her administration. "Over my five plus years as President of the Republic, I have reasserted Kalistan's place in Terran affairs. I have overseen the restoration of the National Service Program, and with it, the National Food Bank which provides free fresh food to millions of Kalistani citizens everyday. We nationalized rents. We rechartered the National Oil, Iron, and Military supplies company. We re-established ODEN and are now a leading producer in exportable drugs and pharmaceuticals. We began rebuilding our Navy and are taking the first steps in redevelopment of our airforce. We reorganized our monetary house, with the successful and universal adoption of the new Kalistani Dollar. We have begun attracting foreign investment, and our companies are beginning to benefit. We have completed phase one of our infrastructure repairs which were left completely undone by the Liberals. And we have turned Kalistan around, from being a country suffering from rot and neglect brought about by idiotic laissez faire policies of the former administrations to one with a stable foundation. These changes were put through with a level and clear head and have eliminated the malignant legacy of the LDP in this country."
President Bennots also highlighted the role of the Republic in the Ananto Straits crisis of 2019-2021, as well as the establishment of Radio Kaliburg. "We praise the efforts of the engineers at Radio Kaliburg. Sometimes their programming, especially their opinion pieces, may get out ahead of the Republic, but they have made remarkable and commendable efforts in making the Voice of Kalistan heard throughout northern Seleya and adjacent territories. They have been a major player in advertisement of Kalistani culture and current events, and they will continue to be supported for decades to come."
The President also thanked her legislative associates. "I'd also like to thank the Premier of the Republic, Jane Phillips, the Foreign Minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado and the entire cabinet. Though we had some tension in the Assembly over several important matters, the Premier was able to accomplish much of the agenda of this Administration through skilled negotiation and dealmaking. She kept her Conference together, passed six balanced budgets, and put us on a path toward financial stability for years to come. Through the skilled efforts of the finance Minister, we have eliminated our public foreign debt, and provided ourselves a comfortable surplus that will allow for flexibility in Republican projects. I have it on good authority that the Finance Minister will propose a bill before the elections calling for a slight reduction of the Individual income taxes across the Republic. This is a reflection of the fiscal stability we have preferred since taking office in 2019."
The President has not named a preference for a successor. "I prefer the process to decide who replaces me as President be a democraticly decided matter. I don't think it should occur within a back room somewhere, where the next socialist in line gets the job. I prefer it be an open process, where each Party has the opportunity to explain to the voters what they want to accomplish, and let the voters decide whose agenda they prefer."
The President's retirement throws the race of who will succeed her wide open. We will keep you apprised as candidates spin up their campaigns over the next 8 months.
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Post by doc on Jun 10, 2019 21:31:48 GMT
Phase 2 of Kalistani Infrastructure Plan Moves forward
National Service Program celebrates 4 years with a bridge Vrassa City, Vrassa April 15, 2024
The New Vrassa River Bridge at Vrassa City is first new major bridge to be constructed in Kalistan in decades
With Phase 1 of infrastructure repair behind them, the NSP inaugurated Phase 2 earlier this year with the construction of the pylons of the new Vrassa River Bridge at Vrassa City. Infrastructure repair has been the obsession of the National Service Program since its restoration over four years ago. Since the re-authorization of mandatory National Service in late 2019, armies of college aged Kalistanis have fanned out across the Republic to rebuild the rotting, rusting infrastructure long neglected by the anti-public sector policies of the LDP.
"At the beginning, we would drive out in the country to respond to a 'concern' and find a bridge washed out by a flood six years, and meet people who have been driving an additional 35 miles around to the next servicable bridge," said Zeke Habermas who is nearing the end of his first tour with the NSP. "The Liberals just hated the whole idea of the public sector doing anything, and the private sector never saw any profit in fixing these roads or these bridges, especially out here in the countryside, and so they just didn't get repaired until we showed up."
Over the first Phase of the Infrastructure Plan, roads were repaired, and existing bridges which could be repaired were. Dangerous railroad stretches which often had tracks that were either loose or entirely unsecured were replaced. Telephone and electrical lines throughout the Mainland were restrung with new wire, and sewers in cities were repaired. The NSP also dug new city wells for fourteen cities, and cleared several pastures in Odufaray which were in danger of returning to forest land. Over the first phase, more than 65,000 youth repaired more than 1500 miles of roads, 650 miles of railroad and 2700 miles of electrical and phone wiring. They repaired 540 bridges, from minor ditch coverings to major bridges in Neveras City and Eveari. Nearly all bridges in Kalistan now receive a B- or better on the Structural Engineer Grade Card, where as before Phase 1 began, it was more like 17% that received that grade.
As new students muster into the National Service Program and the first class prepares to head to college or the workforce, the Infrastructure Plan enters Phase 2: New Contstruction. The first major project is a new Suspension bridge across the Vrassa River at Vrassa City. "The Bridge, which will feature a 6 lane highway which will carry cars from Vrassa City to major western suburbs," said Vrassan Governor Barb Patterson, "and will save passengers an estimated 45 minutes on their daily commutes. This will dramatically increase the economic activity of the area, and will connect residents of Vrassa City with Western Neveras and the Iron Range further to the South. The connection has the potential to add more than K15 million to the economic activity of the northern capital in the next three years, and will offset construction costs within 10. We are happy that the Republic is beginning to pay attention to the needs of Vrassa, and we look forward to more NSP activity in the District."
The Bridge will open in October, and the NSP will move on to other major infrastructure projects across the Republic.
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Post by doc on Jun 11, 2019 2:21:04 GMT
Kalistanis welcome Mordusian Tea Tea consumption becomes fad among youth, not appreciated by everyone
Kaliburg, Ananto April 17, 2024
Self-proclaimed "Early Adopters" Jayden Borowitz and Maidesyn Kensington "discover" a new drink in new Pure Vida Teashops
The arrival of Mordusian tea in Kalistan is rapidly becoming the newest fad among Kalistan's affluent youth. "We've seen a rapid growth in the demand for Mordusian tea," said Cristal Jenkins, who is the owner of the franchise shop Essence, which operates under the Kalistani-Mordusian joint operation Pure Vida Tea-Kalistan. "Specifically Mordusian tea. Its the oddest thing." Mordusia is one of the world's leading producers of quality teas, and in accord with Republican law, Mordusia obtained a license to open the shops in Kaliburg, Eveari, Luxon, Lhasa, Yoshimi, Gendaris, Neveras City, Vrassa City and other locations when their investment was matched by Kalistani investors looking to begin importing the teas into Kalistan. Details of the deal hold that the Kalistani investors provided the physical property to open the shops as franchises of the Joint Venture, and the Mordusian Corporation obtained the exclusive license to import tea to the stores. "I like the Mordusian blends," said young drinker Jayden Borowitz. "I happen to think the aroma is half the experience. The Mordusian chai is far superior than other teas I've been able to drink before. I should also say I introduced my close associates to the Mordusian blends. I was into it long before it was even legal to get it here. I was totally an 'early adopter'. Two pots a day minimum is what I need to even like get me ready to face the day." His girlfriend, Maidesyn Kensington, concurred. "Sooo... I literally enjoy going to the Teashop and just 'chillin wit my girls' with a pot of tea. That's my jam, to be honest. The Earl Gray, with the real Bergamot. Only the real stuff for me 'an' my homies'." She continues, describing a good pot of Mordusian tea as something akin to a spiritual experience. "So: its more than just sipping tea. It really just brings the spirit of the jungle mountains to me, I feel like I'm communing with the Ghosts of my dead peoples. A real spiritual experience, and only the real stuff can do that. Like, I feel like I am one with the spirit of the dead Mordusian indigenous peoples, and they invite me into their tribe everytime I take a sip. It really is just awesome. You know. Like: how could a mug of tea even bring you back in time and make you one with people you never met? I don't even know, but its purely mystical." Kalistani teas have been offered in coffee houses before. During Liberal rule, Kalistanis used to moderately consume Tipton Tea, but the company, who imported their tea from Saridan, went bankrupt when it was discovered that much of the "tea" they sold was pine wood shavings, and the corporate execs compounded the problem by claiming that the wood shavings gave the tea a unique piney flavor which was preferred by drinkers. "Yeah, I always knew that crap was just plain garbage, like it tasted like turpentine," said Borowitz. "I mean I drank it every once in a while, yeah but I want to make it clear: I knew it was off, and I never drank it as much as the posers who I saw in my spot. I tried to tell my friends and my mom, I was like 'Yo, there's something wrong with this stuff, it ain't even real.' and so I switched to coffee for my daily boost, and soon my bros also learned the truth." He added that it was nice to have tea again that is perfectly matched to his tastes. With both hands clasped around his oversized tea mug, like he is using it as a source of warmth, he giggles. "I mean, It totally feels like they brought this stuff here just for me." The tea has been largely embraced by the youth in the hipper areas of the Republic, but it does not enjoy universal acclaim. John "Ratchet Dawg" Gerardo, a street punk in Kaliburg said, "Yeah, no. I'm a Kalistani, and real Kalistani's drink rum, not that tree piss. I remember when Mordusia was all like 'We're gonna bomb the f--k out of you.' and now we're drinking their elitist pennyroyal tea? Naw, I say hell no. Only hipsters drink that sh-t anyway. Only rich kids can afford that. It's like 3 hours of my life to afford that sh-t. I'd rather spend the little money I have on like a cheeseburger, good Kalistani food for like a normal Kalistani dude." Jenkins explains the price point. "Seeing as tea is an import, yeah, we charge a bit more. The teas we get here are of a much higher quality than Kalistanis are used to, and there is such a demand that we have a hard time keeping supplied. When I announce I am out of the licorice blend, there's like a riot at my store. They all know I get new stock in on Tuesdays, and there's a line out the door at like 8 am. So yeah, I'm gonna charge a bit more in my store. You want cheaper stuff: go drink that Tipton garbage. Or drink coffee, which is as excellent as it always was. Tea is for the discerning taste." Mordusian tea is carving out an early foothold in the Kalistani recreational drink market, and as long as it maintains the image of a drink for upwardly mobile drinkers and is protected by Government licensing requirements that prevents both foreign competition and saturation of the market, it will maintain high profitability in Kalistan, to the benefit of both Kalistani and Mordusian investors.
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Post by doc on Jun 13, 2019 0:32:41 GMT
National Assembly approves landmark data privacy Bill Act angers social media, search engine representatives Kaliburg, Ananto July 18, 2024
Kalistani Deputies voted Friday to limit collection and storage of individual data
In a sweeping piece of legislation and with a large majority voting "for", Kalistani Deputies voted in the National Assembly to "limit the collection, storage and usage" of individual data by all private and public sector entities. Subsidiary bills associated with data collection limited the Republican Government's ability to collect and store data on Kalistani citizens not involved in criminal justice proceedings, and all people who enter and exit Kalistan.
Premier of the Republic Jane Phillips-Bennots said, in advancing the bill to the floor: "This act restores the fundamental protection of individual privacy to Kalistani citizens and to all people who interact with our Government and private sector." The bill, entitled "Restore Individual Privacy Act" or RIPA for short, ensures that no public or private entity will collect anything more than a name and other publicly available data from Kalistanis without an explicit opt in from the individual. "In addition, Kalistani citizens receive the right to request, and be presented within 3 days, with any and all private and unique identifying information the company or the Government bureau has kept on file." It is illegal for private and public entities to withhold this information from the individual who has requested, and doing so, for any reason can be fined up to K5,000 per instance. It is also illegal for any company to purchase data, even if it is provided willingly by the user.
"We believe that this data belongs to the individual, and this data cannot be collected and held without explicit permission of the individual. The days of legal-speak Terms of Service agreement, where individuals hand their data to private companies without even knowing it, are over. Furthermore, is it the stated purpose of the Republican Government to guarantee the absolute right of privacy to all law-abiding citizens."
The new bill makes specific exception for data kept on individuals who in some form of corrections. "We need to keep this data to ensure compliance with laws concerning corrections" said the Premier. "Data concerning the location and activities of those who are under some form of sanction for the commission of crimes, as well as their criminal record will be kept by the Ministry of Justice."
Privacy advocates lauded passage of the RIPA. "We have pushed for this bill for a number of years," said George Checkov, of the nonprofit organization 'Kalistanis for Transparency'. During Liberal Government, all restrictions for private corporations in collecting, keeping and selling data on citizens, to include unique identifying data like address, biometric data, location and travel habits, purchasing habits, relationships, and all sorts of other private information were removed. "They have claimed for years that there is no way to tie any individual piece of datum to any individual user, but if this were the case, then that data would not have been so valuable. All put together, the millions and millions of individual pieces form a very coherent picture that gives these companies their primary and very lucrative source of profit."
Industry spokespeople swiftly issued complaints against the bill. Local social media platform 'KalTalk' which has accounts from more than 17 million Kalistani users and conducts a K85 million business last year selling data on a supposedly "free platform" seemed to echo all of the complaints. "This will destroy our business model. Each and everyone of our users have all explicitly agreed to provide us this data as a condition of their using our platform. That data is essential to our algorithms which provide individual users a highly personalized experience of everything from news to friendships to shopping on our platform. But this bill renders the data of no value. Consequently, in order to remain profitable, we must now start charging users for the services we used to provide them for free." The value of KalTec stock in the Kalsie, along with search engines and online shopping platforms all experienced dramatic declines in price, and KalTalk has called an emergency board meeting for next week to discuss steps forward.
Checkov responded, "We have heard these complaints before. For years these companies have made immeasurable profit by selling the data. As the saying goes, if something is free, then you are the product that is being sold. But storage of this data not only allows companies to exploit their customers without offering much in return except the ability to chat and read curated news feeds free of charge, but it also presents hackers the opportunity to steal data and commit identity fraud. We have seen a rise in cases of identity fraud and illegal hacks into both public and private server databases in recent years." Last year alone, there were 15 major data breeches, compromising the unique individual data of more than 22 million Kalistani citizens. "This does not even touch the potential of civil liberties violation by the Government, under a Government less interested in civil liberty than the current one. And we know," continued Checkov, "the more data that is kept, the more data there is to steal. If we can't stop data breeches, we must get rid of the data to be exploited."
Private sector actors, including KalTalk and widely used search engine BUSCAR, are expected to file suit against the Republican Government for loss of profits due to the passage of the Act. Republican Court watchers are confident that the case will not be taken up by the court. Meanwhile, the Kalistani Government has begun destroying the data it has stored over the years, and will decommission servers and destroy paper records containing now prohibited individual data that have been being kept since the early 2000s.
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Post by doc on Jun 14, 2019 0:49:46 GMT
Delgado announces "neutral" position on Cildania Internationalist faction of SP and UKWF deeply angered; Independent Civilians allowed to travel to Punicar
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 17, 2024
Foreign Minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado makes a deeply unpopular speech on Intervention
The Foreign Minister yesterday delivered the Republic's official policy on the Punicar/Cildanian Civil War:
"Neutrality" was the word of the speech. At its utterance, the National Assembly erupted in angry shouts, Deputies throwing wadded paper at the Minister and factions threatening to walk out. The leader of the Interventionist faction, Gail Trevino, from Suldanor, was especially livid.
"We have supported this spineless government for years only to be stabbed in the face once more. It is time that those of us who advocate a more forward leaning foreign policy in the face of Fascists and Monarchists who plague this world find ourselves either a new set of leaders or a new Party." She received cheers from roughly one third of the Socialist Deputies and unanimous acclaim from the deputies from the United Kalistani Workers' Front, who claim that Leftists are being murdered by the boatload by Fascists.
"What makes us think that this will go any different than the mindless slaughter of Leftists in Beluzia or in Likatonia before it?" said UKWF leader Terrence Simmons, of Sulari. "We sit here and watch as our brothers and sisters are gunned down in what can only be described as atrocity, or napalmed while they sleep, in their hideouts, where they desperately cling to sticks and twigs for shelter against the fascist war machine, and yet we still declare neutrality? This is outrageous!"
The Foreign Minister attempted to explain the reason for the position: Kalistan is not in a position to get meaningful support to the Syndicalists fast enough to make a difference. "What you people want us to do is to send a suicide squad to Punicar to fight and then die for another country," said the Foreign Minister. "Or if not that, you want us to send weapons to Punicar to prolong the inevitable. Meanwhile, Kalistan will be dragged into yet another foreign imperialistic war which will add nothing to our own security, and will cost us untold amounts of money and blood." The Minister was, at this point interrupted by a motion of No Confidence in The Premier's Government. The Speaker of the Assembly ruled the motion out of order while the Foreign Minister had the floor and spoke for the Majority Party, and the opponents of neutrality refused to come to order.
It got so bad that the Speaker ordered the Sergeant at Arms to clear the chamber and called a recess in the Session until Deputies could gain control of themselves and re-establish decorum. Verbal altercations carried on out into the Lobby, where even the proponents of the President's policy of non-intervention did not defend the neutrality, but stood on institutions. "The President sets foreign policy," was heard by many of the institutionalist Socialists.
During the recess, the Government took a whip count on the question of No Confidence, and when the Speaker called the session back in, the Foreign Minister finished his brief remarks and then sat down. At this point, the call for a No Confidence vote was re-issued and the Speaker ruled it in order, following apparent acquiescence from the Premier. The vote total on the motion was 145 No, 105 yes, with a significant number of Socialists joining the UKWF Deputies in trying to oust the Premier just 4 months before the General election, while all NCP deputies joined the majority.
Trevino, on the vote: "Comrade Premier, there is a significant, but not overriding lack of confidence in your Government's leadership. 4 in ten want you out. We demand you do the only ethical thing and step down from leadership immediately, given that much of your Party now stands against you." The Premier refused. "To my friend and colleague Comrade Trevino, I will not step down, and I will not permit you and the minority to blackmail this government on this issue. The President sets this policy and we enact it. It is time you recognize your place as a Deputy. You are not the President of the Republic." With this comment, pandemonium broke out once more, and the Speaker once more put the session in recess and cleared the Assembly chamber.
When the session was finally called back in three and a half hours later, Deputy Trevino rose to speak: "We have come to an agreement with the Government. We will withdraw our no-confidence motion, and in return, The Government will move legislation to allow independent Kalistanis, not affiliated with any Government organization or Party Militia, to make their way, on their own to Cildania. They may carry what arms as they may, and participate as they can. They will be responsible for their own conduct in Cildania, and will be responsible for their own supplies, weapons, ammunition, and travel. The Government will authorize direct flights from Kalistan to Cildania for the purpose of transporting Kalistani citizens to the struggle."
The Premier immediately rose to propose this bill, with added stipulation that medical personnel and those with combat aid and first aid cards will be given priority to travel. "We hope that any Kalistani participation will be in a noncombatant role, and that our people will work to aid the wounded and the sick, rather than create more." Trevino rose in objection, saying the Premier was practicing bait and switch tactics, but the Speaker put down the objection, noting that the Premier's motion was currently the one being voted on. The vote passed 182-35 with 33 abstentions. Most of the No votes came from Brethrenist Deputies in the Socialist Party and most of the abstentions came from Interventionist faction members of the SP who did not want to support or oppose the Premier. Following the vote, the Speaker called the session adjourned for a week, and the Assembly chamber was cleared.
Within hours, Interventionists had formed two companies of men and women, all of whom had first aid certifications from the National Service Program, who boarded two civilian jets headed for Punicar. All brought firearms. Nearly all were also members of the RSMoK and the WMoK. A few non-Militia members also joined the free companies. All told, just over 300 Kalistanis have left for Punicar as of Press time.
At the same time, Trevino announced her intention to run for President against the recently-declared Brethrenist candidate from the Socialist Party Francis Bjorksdottir. Trevino was asked if she was still a socialist following the events in the Assembly yesterday, and she stated: "My group and I support international socialism. We want Socialism to spread beyond Kalistan, not retreat behind a wall. If Punicar falls, what's next? There aren't many Leftist nations left in this world. It is time we begin making more, not accepting less. Otherwise, the imperialists will be able to isolate us and choke us completely out of existence. My Administration will NOT allow that to happen."
It seems for the first time in some time, Kalistan will have a competitive election. Both candidates for office have announced that they will begin campaigning very soon.
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Post by doc on Jun 14, 2019 2:36:08 GMT
Kalistan kicks out Iokua Bank
Identifies Imperialism in Keymonite Finance Organization Kaliburg, Ananto
August 19, 2024
Sulari Branch of Iokua Bank was vandalized after its permanent closure
The Keymonite finance bank, Iokua, has been ordered to return all deposits to Kalistani investors, and close its operations in Kalistan, said Finance Ministry spokesperson George Navarro. "We identified efforts of the bank to promote Keymonite foreign policy in Kalistan. The Government of Kalistan will not tolerate such interference with our economy, nor will they tolerate threats of economic reprisals for Kalistan's decision not to do Keymon's bidding."
A Special dispensation of Kalistan's investment law went into effect last September, and was supposed to last for 10 years. Instead, it lasted for just one. Kalistan has issued an order for liquidation of Kalistani assets in the bank, and has given the bank 48 hours to leave Kalistan.
Proponents of the move were stunned by the swiftness of Kalistan's move. "Why?" said one Kalistani investor who had a fairly wide portfolio of investment, especially in foreign currency through the Bank. "I mean, I and other investors like me were doing alright. It doesn't make a lot of sense."
Navarro summed Kalistan's position up as follows: "We learned that Keymon has not changed its attitude with regard to Kalistan. They still see Kalistan as a problem, due to its commitment to socialism and their fetishization of the Market. I addition, we have it on good authority that Keymon still feels that it should be allowed to flex its muscle in Kalistan, and sees the bank as a tool of leverage over our government and our economy. If this is how Keymon feels, then it is incumbent upon our country to deny it its leverage. Kalistan is an independent country. Keymon, and other countries around the world need to recognize this, and when they make deals with Kalistan, they need to understand that Kalistan is not interested in doing the business of the investor in our nation, or that investor's home nation. We are working to improve Kalistan's position. If a country thinks they can use their investment to coerce our Government, they are sadly mistaken." Privately, sources close to the finance ministry have declared future liberalization of the market to be all but DOA.
The withdrawal of the dispensation of the Investment Law which will lead to Iokua's withdrawal from the Kalistani Market is seen as a rash move by many of Kalistan's nascent investor class, but the Finance Ministry has a different take on the matter. "As a sovereign nation, we considered nationalization of the Bank's property and assets in Kalistan. However, we decided against this, because we made a promise that we would honor Keymon's contracts around the bank in our courts. Withdrawal of the Dispensation over this grievous breech of etiquette and normal behavior between sovereign equals is a way to both keep our word with the Bank, that their property and assets will be secured, and to send a message that those who want to do business in Kalistan must not use their investment to attempt to leverage Kalistan's national policy."
Exact details about what policy the Ministry spokesperson was referring to were not made explicitly clear, but the presumption is that Keymon objected to Kalistan's neutrality in the Cildanian Civil War, while still offering permission for civilians to travel to the conflict and offer what help they could. At any rate, within 48 hours, the bank and its branches will be closed, the real property of the bank will be seized and auctioned off, and compensation at Kalistani market rates will provided to Keymon.
Implications for KalMD are as of yet unknown, due to the several hundred million KLD loan that the bank provided to the firm. The contract for the loan provided K375 million to the Kalistani tech firm. KalMD reps said that most of the money is still on hand, as the focus of the past year was rolling out the new S-1, which had been produced with purely Kalistani funds. "KalMD still has the Iokua money in escrow, waiting for the company to expand its lithium operations," said a KalMD statement. Whether Iokua will want it back immediately, and at what interest is still up in the air, but the statement said that KalMD will return the money as soon as possible, and may need to draw on emergency funds or a public stock sale to pay the estimated K10 Million in interest. News of the early repayment sent KalMD stocks tumbling briefly in the Kalsie today, and KMD finished the day after a small rebound at an index of 342.69, down 6.5%.
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Post by doc on Jun 14, 2019 18:32:05 GMT
Socialist Party of Kalistan loses significant faction
New Internationalist Party threatens in run up to election Kaliburg, Ananto September 18, 2024
Francis Bjorksdottir, Socialist Candidate for Presidency of the Republic
Following the controversial stance on the Cildanian Civil War taken by the outgoing administration of Hera Bennots-Jones, the Socialist Party's unchallenged grasp on power in Kalistan is in jeopardy for the first time. A split is brewing within the socialist Movement which could significantly reduce the Socialist Party's seat count in the National Assembly, though not affect the overall leftward movement of Kalistan. Gail Trevino, true to her word on the Floor of the National Assembly, has declared her intention to seek the Presidency, and has formed a new Party to support her bid.
The current front runner, Socialist Party nominated candidate, Francis Bjorksdottir is a devout member of the Brethren faith, and has committed her campaign for office to the cause of peace and equality. Her main message is that Kalistan can only get along in the world with understand and a friendly attitude toward the world. She said she intends to open Kalistan's markets to foreign investment, to stop "unnecessarily irritating" foreign rivals, and to focus domestically on education, what she calls "higher ethical behavior" between Kalistani citizens, and deepening a commitment to peace, social justice, simplicity, integrity, and stewardship.
Until last month, her opponents were only members of other Parties: The National Conservative Party was obliged to run its own candidate, Don Happs, who is a business owner and seeks to make Kalistan first in attracting investment, as well as beginning a space program and increasing funding for National Defense, and an independent business owner from Vrassa named George Kennsington, who was previously affiliated with the Liberal Democratic Party, and seeks to liberalize Kalistan's economy, while privatizing Kalistani national businesses, ending association with ODEN, and outlawing abortion and gay marriage within Kalistan. The UKWF opted to endorse the Socialists rather than run their own candidate.
Gail Trevino, Socialist from Sulari and Candidate for President from the new Internationalist Party of Kalistan
But now, Bjorksdottir faces a serious challenge from another Socialist, who has formed her own Party with the aim of challenging the pacifist mindset of the SPoK. Gail Trevino, leader of the new Internationalist Party of Kalistan, has declared that she too will seek the Presidency. Trevino launched into the national spotlight last month when the Foreign Minister announced that Kalistan will remain neutral in the Cildanian civil war. "We cannot sit back and let these ultra-Rightwing monsters slaughter our comrades. The working men and women of the world know no boundaries, and an injury to one MUST be seen as an injury to all," Trevino said at the Rally which kicked off her campaign.
Trevino has vowed to put together a slate of mostly disaffected Socialists to run for all offices across the Republic, to form a significant voting bloc in the Assembly. "We were told to know our place," said Trevino. "So we will learn our place, in the Majority." Trevino said that if the Internationalist Party wins, it will continue to deepen socialist reforms in the Kalistani economy, to include the introduction of planning outside the National Industries, as well as wage caps and price controls on most non-luxury items in the society. Most controversially, Trevino has stated that it is time for the Government to part ways with ODEN. "Our society, while not drug riddled, is still overwhelmed by the frequent and popular use of drugs. We need to take appropriate steps to gradually remove drugs from such a prominent place in our society, and sober up." The call to abolish ODEN was cheered by Kalistan's Right, and could lend significant support to Trevino, but it will certainly lose her support from the Left.
Trevino hastened to remind voters that she is still a socialist, and her government will be made up of leftists, but she also believes that accommodation with the Right is possible within Kalistan. "Except for the market fetishists on the far Right who held this country in the grip of technical victories for decades, Kalistan's 'Right' so to speak is actually center left. They believe in social spending. They believe in individual liberty and social equality. They are not the 'sink or swim' sort you find in Keymon or other imprisoned nations like that. Even our political right value things like a National Defense industry, and KalNaPeCo and National Service. They see it as a matter of pride to be able to serve the Republic for a few years, as paying for the benefits of society. There is a lot that we can work together on, and putting a strong foot forward on the International Stage is one thing that we have in common."
The United Kalistani Workers Front quickly endorsed Trevino, for her willingness to come to the defense of workers abroad, and her platform to deepen socialism at home.
This election will be a nail biter, and could represent a significant shift for Kalistani politics. Current polls show that Bjorksdottir will still win if the election were held today, but Trevino still has three months to convince enough Kalistani citizens that her program is better for Kalistan than the one dominated by Brethrenist themes and neutrality. Only time will tell.
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Post by doc on Jun 16, 2019 0:46:48 GMT
Brethrenist Bjorksdottir secures narrow victory for Socialist Party Internationalist Party to form Opposition Kaliburg, Ananto January 4, 2025
The new President of the Republic, Socialist and Brethrenist Francis Bjorksdottir
The candidate for President of the Republic from the Socialist Party declared victory in last Tuesday's election. With more than 82% turnout, the winner of the contest ended up with 52% in Instant Runoff, with Internationalist Gail Trevino pulling 48% in the runnoff. Trevino returns to the National Assembly and is expected to take up the position of Leader of the Opposition. The President of the Republic, Francis Bjorksdottir is 43, and hails from Neveras City, Neveras. She is an active Member of the Neveras City's Monthly Meeting, served as Clerk, and also worked on several important committees for the District's Quarterly meeting. She is a teacher of the Thrid Grade in Neveras, and has taken sebbatical to run for President. The leave will continue while Bjorksdottir serves as President of the Republic.
Bjorksdottir is the Granddaughter of famous Brethrenist Elga Bjorksdottir, for whom Port Elga in Vrassa is named.
The Socialists did not win an absolute majority with the loss of Internationalist seats to the IPoK. Instead, infighting split the Socialist vote between two Parties. Now the Socialist Party will need to work with another Party to form a majority coalition, for the first time since the Socialists came to power 6 years ago. Seatcount results are as follows:
| Number of Seats
| Percentage of the Assembly
| Socialist Party of Kalistan (SPoK)
| 122
| 48.8%
| Internationalist Party of Kalistan (IPoK)
| 72
| 28.8%
| National Conservative Party of Kalistan (NCP)
| 34
| 13.6%
| United Kalistani Workers' Front (UKWF)
| 22
| 8.8%
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The NCP greatly improved their seat count among rightwing Brethrenist voters in Kalistan, and while the UKWF more or less held stead in their seat count, they might have done better across the Republic had they chose to run their own Presidential candidate. Most Workers Front votes came from Suldanor, where they earned the plurality due to a fairly even split between SPoK and IPoK, and captured control of the District Government. The National Conservatives were similarly successful in Vrassa, while the Internationalists captured the District Government in Odufaray, and Socialists held on in Ananto and Neveras.
The outgoing Premier of the Republic was one of the Socialists who lost her contest against an Internationalist opponent. She gave a tearful goodbye to the Assembly, recounting her many achievements, and hoping that the Socialists can heal the differences that led to the split. Incoming Leader of the Ananto Delegation to the Assembly and new speaker of the Socialist Party, Thomas Omari, was asked to form a new coalition Government composed of all Parties, but both the IPoK and the UKWF refused to join the government due to the President continued commitment to neutrality in Cildania. The National Conservatives, however joined the Government, and Omari sped a new Government bill through the Assembly. The following Deputies have been named to the Government:
The First order of Business for the Incoming President will be to address the hole left in Kalistan's economy by the ejection of the Keymonese Iokua bank. "We need to figure out how to get Kalistani's investors investing in Kalistani industries rather than looking for opportunities overseas," said the President. "We will work with the Finance Minister to charter a new private sector Investment Bank which offers many of the same products as the Iokua used to. It will take quite some time to set up, but it is something that we clearly benefited, and something for which there appears to be an appetite for among Kalistan's middle class."
The President also spoke about Beluzia: "One possible solution to the Beluzian humanitarian situation would be to propose to use our interest section to evacuate what is left of Beluzia's Left to Kalistan. We set up this interest section years ago to aid in resettlement of Beluzian Refugees in Kalistan. It seems that this would be an excellent conduit to get their targets out of harms way and allow them to resettle in Kalistan. If the Beluzian Government is interested in facilitating this on their end, we would accept any and all who want to come. This would also provide us an opportunity to sit down for the first time and talk with the Beluzian Government, rather than simply painting them as monsters of the Right."
The outreach is expected to begin within a month, as Foreign Minister Eduardo Henrique Delgado, who agreed to stay on until a permanent replacement can be named, has dispatched two mid-level representatives to the Interests section in Beluzia's capital with the aim of discussing the idea with Beluzian counterparts.
The Kalsie, which has recently undergone jitters ahead of the uncertainty around the elections, was calm today, with moderate trading, and gaining .45 points on the Index to 563.66.
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