Vanuku

[colonelvesica]

Vanuku Open For Business


Vanukean Minister of International Trade & Economic Development Luk Gbar speaking to the Wiel Chamber of Commerce

In the background of Prince Wrnhelm's ongoing consolidation of power, his government has been quietly working their magic to bring Vanuku out of it's shell and that has been partially achieved by Prince Wrnhelm's point man for the economy; International Trade & Economic Development Minister Luk Gbar. Gbar has been quietly leading a drive to sell off former state controlled companies, liberalizing business laws and bringing investment back into Majatra's most prominent economic engine for decades. Included in this was the abolishment of the Corporate Tax Rate, to show international companies that Vanuku was again the place to be for business. Economic analysts have all noted that the damage done to the economy by the short lived communist regime wasn't even close to bad, but had it been allowed to continue Vanuku's standing in Terra's economy might have not only slipped but put into true peril.

As proof that Vanuku is back, Gbar, Foreign Minister Hedwk Lahm and Prince Wrnhelm met with a Trigunian delegation only a few short weeks ago, with a spokesperson from the Ministry of International Trade confirming that numerous Vanukean firms are interested in investing in Trigunia as early as they can.

Troops Massing on Barmenistani Border


Troops of Vanuku's elite 1st Armored Division, King Temrkai's Iron Cavalry, observing the border with Barmenstan

Well internal and domestic security affairs have continued throughout Vanuku, pushing Prince Wrnhelm's final push to purge the former communists from the nation, on the nation's northern border troops and armor have been quietly massing on the Barmenistani border. Thus far 2 Armored Divisions and 4 Mechanized Infantry Divisions, just under 200,000 all told, have been deployed north along with numerous air elements of the Royal Air Force. General Temrkai Ashur, the Minister of Defence and Chief of the Royal General Staff, was also sighted there, conferring with Lieutenant General Dnkai Vrn, commander of Northern Military District.

The Ministry of Defence has stated the massing presence of troops, along with the presence of Vanuku's 3rd Fleet off the western coast, are merely there for "extended maneuvers" and the deployment and redeployment of soldiers is merely to get Vanuku's Armed Forces back up to snuff, and the ability to deploy rapidly across the nation.

[colonelvesica]

Exercises near the Barmenistani border Intensify


Elements of the 7th Mechanized Infantry Division near the Barmenstani border

Massive military exercises and maneuvers by the Royal Armed Forces have continued on Vanuku's northern border with Barmenistan, which has largely descended into chaos following the collapse of the Barmenistan Movement, and their joining of the Zardugalian Empire, which was met with massive protests from Wiel to Belecco. The government of Emperor Felipe hasn't responded to Vanuku's objections, but a popular revolt toppled the Zardic friendly government, and most of the nation has mostly descended into chaos without direction from the central government.

Vanuku has warned Sekhmet that it needs to "get it's house in order, before we take action to do it for you." Thus far Vanuku's military might has stayed firmly on the Vanukean side of the border, but Minister of Defence, General Temrkai Ashur has stated, in no uncertain terms, that any spillage of violence into Vanuku would be met with overwhelming force by the Royal Army in the North.

Vanuku has continued to mass considerable military force in the north, including two addition Divisions which place Vanuku's total military might in at just under a quarter million ground troops, with multiple Fighter and Bomber Squadrons also notably present. Vanuku's Third Fleet in the west, and it's legendary First Fleet in the east are also quite present.

When questioned Prince Wrnhelm merely stated "The situtation is being observed. Either Sekhmet or their puppet masters in Belecco will sort this situation out, or as it seeming tradition, Wiel will do it for them."

[Kubrick]

Royal Claimant Unites Aristocrats
"Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated."


Prince Juhn Banmek-Sntazed, current patriarch of the Banmek-Sntazed dynasty.

August 7, 4615 - Known to his followers and relatives as King Juhn XII, the 76 year-old Prince Juhn sees himself more as a business entrepreneur. Only this year has the ageing royal returned from his involuntary exile, spending the last fifteen years in New Verham. Originally the Prince departed there to lead the family investment company, Banmek-Sntazed Holding, yet when after two years he wanted to return the communists had seized power. Juhn's aunt, Queen Agzé, had at that point just passed away from her advanced age and crippling affliction. However most of his other relatives were brutally executed by the radical socialists. "It was a tragic time and I still mourn for the many relatives I lost, unspeakable acts were done upon.. harmless people. My great-nephew, a boy of nine, was hanged. Everyday I pinch myself when I wake up and when I look at my wife I count my blessings, I was incredibly lucky and so were they, had we not been here [r: New Verham] we should have died with them." said the Prince in an interview last year.

Prince Juhn is the eldest son of Prince Temrkai Banmek-Sntazed, who in turn was the second child of King Juhn XI. The first child of course being the last monarch of Vanuku, Queen Agzé. Inheritance laws at the time held boys and girls in the same regard, as such the throne did not pass to Temrkai as it would have many years ago. The Prince however was a free spirit and never seemed to mind that the throne did not pass to him. Temrkai Banmek-Sntazed passed away after a short but fierce battle with cancer in 4562, at the age of 63. With the subsequent deaths of all his other relatives, and the apparent destruction of the Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál cadet branch, Prince Juhn became the patriarch of the "old" line in 4602.

Now however, he is back. The Prince has utilized his large network to assemble a group of wealthy citizens and recently returned aristocrats to reform an old political bloc: the Banmek-Sntazed Party. The Prince has commended Wrnhelm Banmek-Steuart-Vrnhmel for his efforts in removing the communists. "Prince Wrnhelm has done good work, we all will be happy to see royalist order restored to the once great Kingdom." Though he also denied the Prince's supposed claim to the throne. "Yes, he is family, far far family. There is more of Hutori in him than there is of the Jelbic blood, a good man he may be but I am not sure if his claim is good enough. Though only time will tell if he actually intends to sit the throne himself, for now the Party wishes to cooperate with him." A spokesperson of the Banmek-Sntazed Party has confirmed that Prince Juhn is keen to press his own claim, stating that the old line still lives and must continue to sit the ancient throne.

[colonelvesica]

Prince Wrnhelm Welcomes Return of "Rightful King"
"Long Live the King"


Prince Wrnhelm Observing the Mobilization of Forces in Northern Vanuku

Taking immediate step to end any speculation when it came to the Lion's Throne in the Royal Palace in Wiel, Prince Wrnhelm, the Chief of State and Regent, has made a public statement affirming his loyalty and fealty to King Juhn XII.

I can not state the joy in my heart to hear that my cousin, His Majesty the King, as returned from New Verham, and that he is unharmed and ready to take the throne. When I took our nation back from the communists, socialists and republicans I never had ever intention of taking the throne. I knew in my heart of hearts that someone from our family with a great claim then I would come forward. I have been content merely to secure this nation, rid it of the taint of extreme republicanism and socialism. I state, unequivocally that I stand behind the claim of His Majesty, King Juhn XII as the rightful King of Vanuku and will ensure that he is coronated at the earliest possible moment. I will continue to serve the nation in whatever capacity His Majesty requires and will continue to work to restore Vanuku to it's rightful place as the preeminent nation in Terra. Long Live the King.

The surprise return of King Juhn XII has seeming not stopped the massive military exercises that continue to occur in northern Vanuku on the Barmenistan border where the situation in Vanuku's northern neighbor continues to deteriote by the day. It's widely believed that Prince Wrnhelm intends to speak to the King, who upon his coronation will officially become the Commander in Chief of Vanuku's Royal Armed Forces, about the possibility of intervening directly into Barmenistan.

[Sisyphus]

Grandson of Former Queen To Form Political Party
Prince Aldrkai Pledges to Work With King and Noble Allies To Strengthen Nation


Prince Aldrkai Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál

June 4616 - A new political figure - with strong links to the royal family - has launched a bid to have his party recognised in the Kingdom of Vanuku.

Prince Aldrkai Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál is the grandson of the late Queen Agzé through her second son Prince Dytrik and, therefore, claims to have strong links to the Lion's Throne.

However, Lord Aldrkai who also holds the title Duke of Vrkzel, says the stability of Vanuku in the new post-communist era is paramount and so will support his cousin King Juhn XII's right to reign.

He has now applied for his new political party – The Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál Prta - to be recognised by His Majesty who has the final say on such matters.

Lord Aldrkai is also hoping to hold discussions with Prefect Prince Wrnhelm about lending his wealth and influence to the government in order to drive through the economic and political reforms necessary.

The Prince is one of a number of nobles who has re-emerged following the fall of the communist scourge in Vanuku. According to his account, he was spirited away to Istalia by his father shortly before his demise at the hands of the reds and later traveled to Hutori and Lourenne.

Since returning he has undergone DNA testing to prove his direct blood link to the late Queen.

He said: "There is no doubting my royal lineage and I have returned to Vanuku to fulfill my responsibilities to this nation and its people. I have requested an audience with my cousin King Juhn XII and look forward to working for Vanuku in the political arena."

[Sisyphus]

Government Called Upon to Act After Raids Over Barmenistan Border
Several Believed Dead, Many More Wounded After Militia Swoop on Duke of Vrkzel's Northern Estate.


Buildings were ramsacked and others razed to the ground in the attacks.

July 4616 - Prince Aldrkai Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál has called upon the government to intervene after violence spilled over the border with Barmenistan.

His Highness, who is also the Duke of Vrkzel and owns estates in the extreme north of the Kingdom, has reported that armed forces have "run rampage" through lands owned by him. He says a number of tenants who tried to stand up to the intruders had been fatally injured or badly wounded. Property was seized and looting ensued in several small villages on the expansive estate.

Barmenistan has been in chaos since the collapse of the Barmenistan Movement and a popular revolt toppled the Zardugalian Empire-friendly government.

The Vanukean Royal Armed Forces have been on high alert to act ever since and a number of divisions have amassed on the border.

Prince Aldrkai said that he had been in contact with the Prefect to inform him of the intrusion. He said: "Lives have been taken, property has been seized and much damage done in these raids. I have spoken to the government and explained that, in my opinion, the situation will only get worse unless we act quickly."

It is not clear if the militia-style troops who crossed into northern Vanuku were aligned to the Free Barmenstani Brigades or another faction that has risen in the chaos, or if their true objective was more than to simply pillage.

[colonelvesica]

Vanuku Strikes Back
Royal Armed Forces Crosses into Barmenistan


Tank of the 1st Armored Division advancing into Southern Barmenistan

In a lightning blitz, the Kingdom of Vanuku has struck back to Barmenistan, officially for raids into northern Vanuku, and for their ongoing instability, according to a spokesperson for Defence Minister General Temrkai Ashur. Airstrikes from S-44 strike fighters, slammed across the entire border, softening up initial resistance as is expected with Vanuku's Shock and Awe preference for tactics.

Following the airstrikes, Vanuku's 9th Airborne Division was landed in two separate brigades, seizing critical passes and paths through the mountains, opening up the advance for the massive army that Vanuku has been steadily built up in the north. Separated into two Corps, anchored each by a pair of Vanuku's heavy Armored Divisions, they made a strong thrust into Barmenistan, wiping out resistance as they advanced. I Corps, spearheaded by the 1st Armored Division, under Lieutenant General Vrn advanced into Sisle, while II Corps pushed hard into Ufne. While the ultimate objective of II Corps is still unknown, the objective of I Corps was obvious; Vanuku's Royal Army was aiming directly at Sekhmet.

Analysts have been guessing for months when Vanuku would finally intervene into their northern neighbor, with the situation continue to deteriorate with the central government having finally fallen in Sekhmet. Some are theorizing, rather cynically, that that very event may have been what Prince Wrnhelm and the government in Wiel were waiting for, to make an advance into Barmenistan more effectively against a significantly more destabilized enemy; especially one that is as deeply divided as the various militias vying for control of the nation.

In the background of this, Kafur Marines has performed landing on Barmenistan's eastern island off of Arhe. Having been escorted in by Vanuku's First Fleet, and under cover of naval and airstrikes, it is widely assumed and believed that Kafuristan and Vanuku has been in talks about Kafur assistance. The Kafuri government hasn't given much comment beyond stating their armed forces would be acting as Peacekeepers "In a Majatra majority nation from a Majatran majority nation."

Prince Wrnhelm echoed the sentiments of the Kafuri government stating bluntly. "This is a situation in Majatra and should be handled by Majatra. Foreign intervention outside of this continent is unncessary and unwanted, and Vanuku will remember."

[Sisyphus]

Harmonious Government?
As Three Factions Led By Powerful Nobles Vie For Position In the New-Look Assembly of Advisors, Wrntu Wrnuke! Analyses How This Triumvirate Will Work Together and Where Conflict May Arise...


Prince Aldrkai who heads up the Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál faction.

June 4618 - After receiving assent from King Juhn XII to form a new political bloc, Prince Aldrkai, The Duke of Vrkzel, has taken up his position in the Assembly of Advisors.

Backed by strong support, particularly amongst aristocratic families in the north of Vanuku - which is home to the ancestral seat of Vrkzel, he has already made it clear he has ambitions to work closely with the Prefect and to hold a senior role in his cabinet. So how will this new faction fit in with the two existing political groups and will it lead to harmonious government?

A crucial moment will be this September's Assembly re-structuring, which will see the three political blocs vie for position and leadership of the government in a much reduced chamber (reduced from 750 seats to 75). Initial polls suggest the House of Banmek-Steuart-Vrnhmel bloc, led by the current Prefect, Prince Wrnhelm, will continue to hold sway but only after a strong challenge from Prince Aldrkai's Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál faction and the Banmek-Sntazed bloc, which is dominated by the Vanukean royal family and is closest to the King.


The Prefect, Prince Wrnhelm, who leads the Banmek-Steuart-Vrnhmel bloc.

This new dynamic will, inevitably, help shape the future direction of Vanuku as it continues to emerge from the communist era and returns to a more autocratic-style monarchy of the old regime.

Although all three political blocs are galvanised in their support for the monarchy and remain adamantly anti-communist and anti-republican, there are enough differences to suggest ideological conflict could arise in the top echelons of power.

Issues such as religion (the Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtáls are strongly pro-Hosian influence in society) and foreign policy (the Prefect's stance that Majatra is for the Majatrans) are just two examples of differing policies. There is also the growing debate over Vanuku's role in Barmenistan: should the Kingdom withdraw its military, push for regime change or remain to oversee a puppet administration controlled from Wiel.


King Juhn XII, Patriarch of the ancient House of Banmek-Sntazed

Over and above this is a long-running "dispute" between the Banmek-Sntazed and Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál factions over exactly how much power the king should wield over his government. Although the two houses are now closely aligned by royal blood following the marriage of the late Queen Agze Banmek-Sntazed and Duke Jebr Zhtál, historians point to a long running feud in the middle of the last century over the monarch's role, which almost led to a suspension of the constitution and a tit-for-tat battle over the Royal Veto.

There are some commentators who believe that whilst Prince Aldrkai has sworn fealty to his cousin, King Juhn XII, those unresolved issues still simmer away and my well rise to the surface.

What is clear is that the King, still relatively new to the throne, and the Prefect, will have to balance the competing ambitions of these prominent noble houses in order to ensure those essential elements for any successful nation - stability and cohesion.

[Sisyphus]

New Prefect Set To Take The Reins
Prince Aldrkai's BSZ Faction Establishes Control In New-Look Assembly of Advisors


Prince Aldrkai whose political faction now controls the Vanukean Assembly of Advisors.

November 4618 - Prince Aldrkai Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál is set to be the new Prefect of Vanuku after his faction gained near complete control of the Assembly of Advisors.

His BSZ bloc now holds 67 of the 75 seats in the House - with the political bloc led by Prince Wrnhelm, the current Prefect, a distant second with 7 seats. The remaining seat is held by a member of the royal family-dominated Banmek-Sntazed Prta.

It is a remarkable turnaround for Prince Aldrkai who only returned from exile three years ago. He has now proposed a new government and cabinet headed up by himself as the King's first minister.

However, in a bid to ensure stability he has also offered several senior positions to the other two factions who sit in the Assembly. Negotiations will now take place before Prince Aldrkai visits the King to have his proposal to form a government endorsed by the Crown.

The Prince said: "As a country we have emerged from the communist scourge and a great deal of thanks must go to the current Prefect, Prince Wrnhelm, who under the guidance of His Majesty has steadied the ship. But now it is time for new impetus as we continue to reassert ourselves on the global stage and reinforce our position as not only the pre-eminent nation on Majatra but Terra.

"With the help of god, the King and the economic and military strength of our nation I intend to put in place the policies that will make this happen."

[Sisyphus]

Domestic Consumers To Benefit From Tax Cuts On Goods
Government Says Large Treasury Surplus Gives Opportunity To Further Stimulate High Street Spending


Consumers will feel the benefit of the tax cuts.

January 4620 - The Finance Minister announced today that the Government will slash the tax on essential and luxury goods in a bid to further stimulate Vanuku's resurgent economy.

Domestic consumers will be able to buy more for their money on their high street as a result of a combined 15 per cent reduction in the taxes levied, following the Minister's announcement.

The reduction is possible due to prudent balancing of the books in the last decade and the sale of many nationalised industries, following the collapse of the communist regime. A huge annual surplus has been amassed giving the Government the opportunity to put something back into the wallets and purses of Vanukean consumers.

The decision to boost domestic consumer spending follows a series of law changes to increase international trade and development. They include liberalising business laws, abolishing corporation tax and selling off many former state-controlled companies.

Finance Minister Btházr Kez'i praised the work done by the previous administration and said the new Government had "picked up the baton" and was continuing to race forwards.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Count Léppltz Zhtál-Merlkai and Trade and Industry Minister Karac Kathec are set to embark on a Terran tour of the other members of the "Big Six" economies in a joint bid to further diplomatic relations and expand lucrative overseas trade.

Among the countries the high-powered delegation is looking to visit are Dorvik, Hutori, Indrala, Istalia and Kazulia. Strong Trigunian interest in pursuing closer economic ties is also being explored.