North Dovani

[Rogue]

Chinasa: President Ikem has announced that North Dovani will be sending 200 million worth of military and humanitarian aid to the struggling Kuzaki Republic in New Endralon & Kizenia. The aid comes after tensions in the state have risen between its various ethnic groups, with full scale conflict likely to flare up within a small timeframe. In order to protect innocent civilians and ensure the survival of the Kuzaki people President Ikem has announced the aid package to the newly declared Kuzaki Republic meant to "preserve the integrity and dignity of the Kuzaki people and prevent the whole slaughter of their people." The President furthermore cited the experience North Dovani has had with ethnic tension in the past, naming the country in its current state "a example as to how Kizenians, Kuzaki and New Endralonians could live together peacefully in the future." But as tensions have mounted it was the fear of President Ikem and his cabinet that the Kuzaki people could see themselves be vulnerable to full scale attack and potentially genocide, hoping that this aid will help the Kuzaki Republic in defending itself if any of the other two sides decide to attack the unrecognized republic.

The aid package primarily includes small arms, ammunition and anti-tank weaponry combined with a assortment of medical equipment such as bandages, blood kits and medical tents. Due to the limited economic and diplomatic resources available to North Dovani it was determined that 200 million was the max the country could afford without endangering its own regional position for now. Most of the package is to be delivered by strategic airlifters from the Aerial Forces with some transported by freighter.

[Rogue]

Chinasa: A consortium of North Dovanian naval contractors has revealed the design for the first fully modern naval vessel for the navy in over 200 years. The reveal of the design was done in a near party like atmosphere, with senior navy officers and the Minister of Defense attending the ceremony. One year ago a consortium consisting of INC (International Naval Corporation), JANS (Jonsoe Aerospace and Naval Solutions) and NSS (Northern Sea Systems) had won a contract bid to develop a new frigate for the North Dovanian navy. The necessity for a new vessel was great, with the North Dovanian navy completely incapable of providing coastal protection and patrolling/protecting North Dovani territorial waters. While traditionally defense planners in North Dovani had focussed on the army and airforce there was now a need to at least look for a partial solution to this problem, especially as North Dovanian economic interests outside of Dovani continue to grow in a rapid pace. The Ministry of Defense thus put out a contract inside its MAP system for the development of a guided-missile frigate capable of providing medium range air defense capabilities, modern radar and some form of anti submarine capabilities. The consortium had won the contract, promising to keep costs low by working together and combining their limited expertise to create a all-round ship. All three companies had until this point primarily been involved in maintenance and upgrade contracts. The Ministry of Defense had a desire to create a indigenous ship design however, tasked by the Ikem administration to bolster the domestic military-industrial complex and led that complex develop by using government contracts. The consortium, upon winning the contract, had gained permission from MOD to study and partially reverse engineer systems on the lone frigate in ND service, a old model of a trigunian frigate. With the knowledge gained from this reverse engineering combined with analyzing studies from various countries and doing prelimenary testing the consortium has now finally revealed the design for the new frigate, to be named the D54.

The frigate, as requested by MOD, will have a modern radar array and software package, a vertically launched surface to air missile system and snti-submarine capabilities. As it currently stands the consortium estimates that one ship of this new class could cost up to 300 million, making it a costly ship for a country like North Dovani. Despite this pricetag MOD has announced that it will look to buy "at least 2 ships" of the D54, with these two likely serving as test beds for potential future orders. With MOD thus looking to buy the D54 after this design phase has completed it is expected that the two to be ordered ships will enter service within the next 5 years. The consortium has indicated that they are optimistic about the prospects of the D54 and that they expect the ND navy will eventually be equipped with more ships of the class, especially as the navy currently is far to small to conduct its tasks.

[Rogue]

Chinasa: One year ahead of federal elections the party of President Ikem, the Socialist Party, has been hit by various scandals in both the public and private sphere. Just yesterday two high ranking party officials were arrested by Federal Police in a ongoing corruption investigation in which SP officials have been reportedly involved in bribery, handing out government contracts in exchange for bribes. This even involved the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs P'yo Tohyon who was dismissed by Prime Minister Jung on the direction of President Ikem following the reveal of his involvement in the matter. Furthermore a advisor to President Ikem has been charged for using government funds in hosting various parties in the building of the Ministry of Health and Social Services, reportedly spending over 200.000 worth on taxi's, drinks, DJ's and more luxuries. He was arrested by Federal Police late last month. This comes after years of allegations that the Socialist Party has been filled with individuals merely looking to take advantage of its position of power. Even the relatively popular President Ikem has been accussed of nepotism, by appointing his brother as chief advisor in the Ministry of Defense despite having little defense expertise. These scandals have severely damaged Socialist standings in the polls, with only 28% indicating they would vote for the party next year, down from 39% of the vote in the last election.

Main opposition party Democratic North Dovani has used the scandals to call for investigations and push themselves onward as a good alternative to take over power next year. With President Ikem term limited he will not be able to carry the socialists to victory, with many party insiders fearing the loss of power. A new party, the Alliance for Liberal Democrats or ALD, has also risen in the polls, with its leader a former DND major from Jinppo at its head. The ALD classifies itself as a Centrist party, ascribing to classical liberal values. Observers have stated the party to be more to the right, pledging for a free market economy, strong defense, liberal social policies and a strong stance on immigration and emigration. In recent polls the ALD has surged to 8% nationwide, up from 3% 2 months ago. They are seen as a "clearer alternative" to the Socialists, as the DND while also economically liberal ascribing itself to be Big-tent, trying to moderate themselves on more issues then the ALD. While no candidates are yet known for the presidential race at least 52% of voters say they have no idea who to vote for, with 48% not liking any of the potential candidate rumoured to run so far. With this crisis for the Socialists it is thus unclear how the political landscape of North Dovani might look after the next election.

[Rogue]

Chinasa: A recent report from the Federal Economic Statistics Bureau (FESB) has concluded that the North Dovanian economy continues in a upward trend and is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing on Terra. The report, detailing the sectors that are growing to analyzing what can improve, confirmed that the North Dovanian economy currently grows at a rate of 5.9% a year, making it the second fastest growing economy in Dovani and one of the fastest growing in Terra. Inflation sits at 4.8%, slightly higher then two years ago, while unemployment has dropped to 5.86%, a massive decrease from the 11% just 7 years ago at the beginning of the Ikem administration. The growth and modernization of the North Dovanian economy is largely attributed to the manufacturing sector, the energy sector and, primarily in Jeonhae Region, the Finance sector. North Dovanian exports have risen from 20 billion 7 years ago to over 131 billion last year, with a strong increase in the export of manufactured goods and energy products. The report further states that both regional and federal investment into infrastructure has also helped the economy in its growth trajectory and that further investment in this field could significantly aid the economy in further increasing its exports. The Ikem Administration its mixed-economic approached has both helped and hurt the efforts in growing the North Dovanian economy, with a "excess in government regulation" being a potential danger to future growth according to the FESB.

One notable change in the North Dovanian economy is the share of the private market on the GDP, with private enterprise and consumption now making up nearly 34% of the GDP, up from 21% just 4 years ago. The FESB, despite being a-political, has also compared the electoral promises of different parties and how they would affect the overall economy. Out of this comparison the Socialist Party its platform would mean slower growth and more regulatory changes but would also mean steadier growth and a happier working population. Both the programs of the DND and ALD would significantly increase growth and overall wealth in the country but would mean a bigger potential for high inflation and a higher inequality between workers. Under all the programs the North Dovanian economy would continue in a upward trend without major recessions, scheduled to become the fastest growing Dovanian economy in just 2 years time.

The largest factor to the North Dovanian economic success so far however has been the political and economic stability, according to the FESB. With no significant changes in government and relatively steady economic policy in the last 7 years the economy and private bussinesses have been allowed to grow and modernize in a steadier environment then they have had in over 100 years, making a significant contribution to the performance of the ND economy. The full report has been delivered to the Congress of Deputies to be used in future debates on economic matters.

[Rogue]

Chinasa: The race for the Presidency is picking up steam as candidates from all parties have launched their campaigns. Suprisingly however none of the party candidates have taken a lead, instead a former worker at the Ministry of Labor and Social Services named Sok Kyu-Bong has, in early polling, taken a lead against all other candidates, positioning himself as a liberal conservative that has worked in the socialist administration and has "seen what not to do". He has so far heavily criticized the Ikem government and especially its apparant nepotism, to stringent bussiness regulations and its various scandals. He has vouched to "restore decency to the presidential office" and embark on a deregulatory, low tax economic policy to further grow the economy. He is trailed by the DND candidate, Uchee Uzochukwu, who comes in with 25% of the vote in the first round against Kyu-Bong his polled 32%. As expected the Socialist Party candidate doesnt even certify to run in the runoff, coming in at just 21% in the first round behind Uzochukwu. The Socialist Party, primarily through its scandals, has lost credibility and support, with even the relatively popular incbumbent President Ikem not able to turn the tide despite campaigning for the Socialists on several occasions. Kyu-Bong has already stated that, due to his lack of his own party, he will seek to work with the DND if elected as it is "closest to my political believes" while the ALD also seems a good option due to its more rightist nature.

With 4 months to go till the general elections the race could still go either way but with Kyu-Bong increasing his lead in the polls each week it seems likely that the country will elect its first independent president in over 4 decades.

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Chinasa: After months of negotiations newly elected President Kyu-Bong has officially revealed the full makeup of his new cabinet, which includes members from the ALD (Alliance of Liberal Democrats) and DND (Democratic North Dovani), effectively forming a center-right government. During the press moment in which the cabinet was announced the president outlined several important objectives of this new administration, which included a focus on deregulation and growing the economy, continuing and accelerating the reforms and expansion of the Armed Forces, signing more trade deals and improving relations with foreign countries and more. The two leaders of the ALD and DND then came forward, describing their hopes for a fruitfull relationship and cooperation these coming 4 years within the governing agreement. President Kyu-Bong, himself a independent, was looking for ways to create a stable governing majority, allowing him to pass legislation easier. With this governing deal he will have a stable majority in both houses for at least the next 4 years, allowing him to propose and pass his economic agenda as well as his social program, which includes stricter rules for immigration and the introduction of a bussiness fund that would encourage bussinesses to expand or settle in North Dovani.


The presidential race of last december, with Kyu-Bong winning comfortably


The DND became the largest parrty in congress, with the new ALD roaring into congress with 18% and the Socialists losing big

[Rogue]

Chinasa: President Kyu-Bong has signed a decree that sends over 500 million worth of additional military and humanitarian aid to the struggling Kuzaki Republic and also directs around 500 paratroopers from the 106th Air Assault Platoon to be deployed in the Kuzaki Republic in order to "protect civilian life, prevent genocide and help in the defense of the Kuzaki capital." President Kyu-Bong stated that the situation for the Kuzaki people is "dire" and that, despite North Dovani having never deployed troops abroad, it was time to take responsibility and protect the Kuzaki people. He explicitly avoided calling out the New Endralonese and Kizenian sides, seemingly not willing to declare sides just yet. The 500 'boots on the ground' are likely also a attempt by the president to see how the new "Special Military Commando" units might operate in real combat, with the 106th air assault platoon designated as a SMC. The 500 million of additional aid being pledged will be used to deliver ammunition, heavy munitions, humanitarian aid and advisors to train Kuzaki forces and help in the defense of remaining territory.

Oppossition figured have called out the president, citing the danger of such heavy aid to a active warzone and calling the President a jingoist, using this conflict to give North Dovanian troops combat experience. But the president stated that this mission is merely to "prevent genocide" and "ensure the continues survival and protection of the Kuzaki people." He also warned New Endralonian and Kizenian forces that if North Dovanian troops were deliberately attacked or if their forces are seen attacking civilians "more aid will pour into Kuzaki until the situation has stabilized.", refusing to comment on what that aid might look like. The 106th Air Assault Platoon has, according to defense ministry insiders, been instructed to only defend and support Kuzaki forces, being prohibited from participating in offensive action.

[Rogue]

Chinasa: President Kyu-Bong, Foreign Minister Kangjon Minsu and a delegation of diplomats arrived in Kundrati late last week in the first state visit of President Kyu-Bong since taking office. The aim of the visit was clear, extend and strengthen both diplomatic and economic relations and bring the two countries closer together. President Kyu-Bong would meet with Prime Minister Karlo Radošević while Foreign Minister Minsu would meet with his counterpart, Kundrati minister Bruahilan Hulanevek. The visit, conducted over 2 days, would see our president tour the Kundrati capital and meet with high ranking societal figures and state officials. The foreign minister and president were then invited to attend a high level diplomatic meeting with both the Kundrati PM, Foreign Minister and President which ended with a press conference in the garden of the presidential palace. Once the President and his delegation were back on the plane towards Chinasa the details of what had been discussed and agreed upon were released by the press office of both Kundrati and North Dovani. The two countries, similar to a earlier deal struck between North Dovani and Dorvik, will make it easier for bussinesses to launch their operations in eachothers countries, removing barriers for transferring funds and opening bank accounts as well as lowering requirements for bussinesses from both countries to launch their operations. To strengthen diplomatic ties the two will also open a consulate in both, with a Kundrati consulate to open in Jinppo and a North Dovanian consulate to open in Galensk.

In a major deal for the energy sector Kundrati has agreed to buy 1 billion worth of oil annually for a period of 20 years, with another 1 billion worth of LNG each year for the same period. With this deal, Kundrati suddenly becomes one of the largest North Dovanian energy importers in Artania, making it a important partner in the Kyu-Bol administrations objective of increasing energy exports to other countries. This deal will require North Dovani to invest in its LNG infrastructure to keep up with demand, with the President pledging to invest 400 million in the expansion of existing LNG plants.

Overall the meeting has opened another diplomatic and economic door for North Dovani and opens up opportunities for Kundrati in the Dovanian continent, with President Kyu-Bol calling the meeting "extremely fruitfull and productive."

[TRA]

Beiteynu
Beiteynu condemns North Dovani involvement in NEK

[Rogue]

Chinasa: President Kyu-Bong has appointed right wing conservative judge Chijioke Halim to the High Court of the Federation, a move criticized by oppossition figures. The appointment was made final by presidential decree, with the president granted the power by the constitution to unlitarelly appoint members to the high court whenever one of its five positions becomes vacant. The death of former socialist appointed judge Uzochi Udo allowed the president to pick a successor, which has thus become conservative judge Halim. Judge Halim is mostly known for serving on a district court in Sénda Region, appointed by Sénda State President Amarachukwu Ugonna. In his position as a district judge he has made several ruling that have pushed back on progressive oriented reform, even going as far as to rule that a woman that performed abortion illegally should pay damages to her ex husband for performing the abortion, citing that it caused "severe mental distress" for the ex husband. This has given judge Halim a reputation for handing out near ultraconservative rulings, making progressive and left-leaning voters in the country wary of this new pick for the High Court. Furthermore judge Halim has been caught on multiple occasions with warm views toward North Dovani its authoritarian past, making many wonder why the president would ever pick him for a position on the highest court of the land.

Even the President's governing partner, the classical liberal oriented ALD, has sighted their "concern" over the pick, wondering whether it is a good pick to "strengthen the legitimacy of the court." No matter what others think the presidential decree has made the decision final, ensuring that the High Court now consists of at least 2 conservative judges, with the other three considered centrist/pragmatic on most issues.