Vanuku

[Sisyphus]

Situation Easing in Barmenistan, Says Foreign Minister
But He Insists Vanukean Troops Will Remain Until Order Is Fully Restored


Foreign Minister Count Léppltz Zhtál-Merlkai.

July 4621 - Vanukean troops will remain in Barmenistan as long as the situation requires it, the Foreign Minister insisted today. However, he also made it clear that all efforts were being made to help emerging political groups form a democratic government and bring stability back to the nation.

Count Léppltz Zhtál-Merlkai revealed that several years after crossing the border to stop deadly raids into northern Vanuku, the Royal Armed Forces still controlled key sites in Barmenistan, including the capital Sekhmet.

He also said that the various militias that had vied for control of the country had been dealt with and incendiary situations quelled. He said: "The key to a successful outcome is to work closely with emerging democratic groups so that a government can be formed and Barmenistan can move on, which will allow Vanukean security forces to carry out a stepped withdrawal. Things are certainly stabilising but our armed forces will remain until the job is complete."

Vanuku's presence in Barmenistan is headed up by Lieutenant General Vrn who, fresh from leading the I Corps spearhead into the country, was appointed Head of Security Forces and is de-facto Governor General.

It is understood that Vrn has worked closely with Bihezi, Kathuran and Brmek tribal leaders to form a confederation council tasked with finding a peaceful way forwards for the nation, which could lead to the re-establishing of a democratic central government in the near future.

Situation in Northern Dovani

The Foreign Minister also used his latest briefing to the press to call on the Dankukin government to come to the negotiating table with Kazulia over alleged violations of the Treaty of Asvald.

Dankuk has reportedly moved 350,000 troops to the border with Kazulia - an action which violates the peacekeeping treaty - and has led to Kazulia threatening to impose economic sanctions.

Count Léppltz Zhtál-Merlkai said: "Respect of the Treaty of Asvald is fundamental to security in the northern Dovani region. So we call on the Dankukin government to heed the words of their Kazulian counterparts and meet for meaningful negotiations. It is in no one's interest that this matter is allowed to escalate."

[Sisyphus]

Prefect Endorses Cousin As Heir to the Throne
But Could Surprise Decision Cause Serious Repercussions Among His Own Supporters?


The battle for occupancy of the Lion's Throne seems over... but many within the governing party aren't happy.

January 4622 - In what could be one of the landmark decisions in modern-day Vanuku, the current Prefect has surprisingly renounced his strong blood claim to the Lion's Throne and thrown his full support behind his cousin to be the heir to the Kingdom.

Prince Aldrkai Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál, who is the grandson of the late Queen Agzé, has said he will support Prince Wrntukai Banmek-Sntazed as the future King of Vanuku.

Wrntukai is the son of the current King, Juhn XII, who, in turn, is the son of Queen Agzé's younger brother, Prince Temrkai. He will now be named Archduke of Banstill, the traditional ceremonial title bestowed on the heir to the Kingdom.

Many had called for the Prefect to pursue his claim to the throne, especially given the overwhelming support his faction has in the Grand Council; however, Prince Aldrkai announced that he chose national stability over further ambition and called on the Grand Council to support Wrntukai instead.

He later said that he hoped his decision would allow Vanuku to move on from its "generations-old obsession" with control of the royal line and concentrate on its role as a modern-day Terran-leading power.

Despite the apparently unifying move, the decision has not pleased everyone. There are many within the ruling BSZ faction who believe the Prefect's decision is a betrayal of the family's strong claim to the monarchy and others have even called for him to step down as patriarch of the House and as Prefect.

One anonymous source told Wrntu Wrnuke! that he was "incandescent with rage" over the decision made by the Prefect without consultation with other BSZ grandees, and that the decision could "split the party".

He said: "Many of us coalesced behind a figure who we thought would be the King but now this unilateral decision has been taken I have to admit it is as left me furious. Prince Aldrkai has capitulated like a mouse - I fear there are many in the party who will not stand for it and that may well cost him come the next Grand Council election."

Who should be the rightful King is open to debate. Under ancient law only male heirs could inherit, meaning the throne would have passed to Wrntukai via his father. However, the more modern constitutional protocol allowed for female offspring to inherit, which means the crown should pass to Aldrkai through his grandmother.

However, the constitution was ripped up during the communist overthrow of the Kingdom meaning that the Grand Council is now in a rebuilding process and everything is once again open for interpretation.

[Sisyphus]

Major Trade Deal on the Cards With Kazulia
Trade and Industry Minister Jets Off To Skalm To Look At Pathway Towards New Treaty


Trade and Industry Minister Karac Kathec

June 4622 - Trade and Industry Minister Karac Kathec has jetted off to Kazulia for a reciprocal meeting with his counterpart to further discuss an expansive free trade arrangement between the two countries.

Vanuku is keen to expand it economic interests in northern Dovani, particularly following the decline in relations with Dankuk over the past few decades, and Kazulia, as the prime economic power in the region, seems to fit the bill.

The trip to Skalm follows hot on the heels of a delegation from Kazulia, headed by Trade Minister Jeanett Caspersen, visiting Wiel for initial talks.

In that meeting a number of proposals for a cross-sector agreement were put on the table and a number of Vanukean and Kazulian companies were asked to make presentations on how they could take advantage of the deal to stimulate business growth.

While many of Vanukean imports into Dovani through Dankuk were based on infrastructure and defence sector goods, a deal with Kazulia is likely to be different. Many of the firms expressing interest in working closely with Kazulia include Vanutech, the international technology corporation, and leading pharmaceutical and research company Mrzja.

Many of the leading companies from Wiel's lucrative financial services district are also said to be interested in expanding in Dovani and a tariff-free deal in this sector may well tempt them to see Skalm as the place to locate their regional headquarters.

Before boarding the plane, Mr Kathec said: "Like the Kazulians we see this deal as being extremely viable. It could potentially lead to enormous business growth for both nations. Nothing is signed off yet but these talks will certainly put a lot of flesh on the bones in terms of the detail and then we should be able to move forward with a mutually beneficial deal."

The minister was also asked about certain guarantees the Kazulian government would require such as refined legislation on the protection of businesses and workers' rights and stipulations on environmental regulation.

He added: "We foresee no problems. Vanuku has maintained its position as leading Terran economic power by ensuring the very best protections are in place in all areas that matter from looking after our workers to ensuring the future of our planet. This is not a stumbling block - this is an area we agree on with Kazulia."

[Sisyphus]

Prince Wrnhelm Set For Top Ministerial And Security Job
Government Also In Talks With Banmek-Steaurt-Vrnhmel Faction Over Other Senior Roles in the Administration


Eyeing Up A Return To Government... Prince Wrnhelm Has Been Offered A Duel Role Overseeing National Security.

December 4622 - Prefect Aldrkai Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál is in talks with the House of Banmek-Steaurt-Vrnhmel political block to bring key figures into his government administration.

Prince Wrnhelm, the leader of the second largest faction in the Grand Council, has been offered the dual role of Internal Affairs Minister and State Security Agency Director.

The Defence Minister position is also being offered to the BSV with the current incumbent, General Karatak Merlékam-Zhtál, set to take over as the new Chief of the Royal Armed Forces Staff.

Although Prince Aldrkai currently commands a substantial majority in the Grand Council it is thought the move is aimed at shoring up support in time for the next election. Several political commentators are predicting that a large number of the Prefect's current followers may drift away following his surprise decision to renounce his claims to the throne in favour of his cousin.

Regardless of the political expediency, Prince Wrnhelm would be a good fit in the high-powered security role. He held the role of Deputy Director of the National Security Agency prior to the anti-communist coup he led. Additionally, he was a Brigadier General of Intelligence in the Army and oversaw the Vanukean armed force's successful advance into Barmenistan during his own tenure as Prefect.

The new cabinet is expected to be in place early next year.

[Sisyphus]

Defence Spending Increase To Focus on Modernisation Programme
Windfall Payment and Annual Budget Increase Planned as Kingdom Concentrates Efforts On Military Strengthening


The continued operational ability of Vanuku's six aircraft carrier fleets is likely to be reviewed as the government looks to invest the extra money allocated to defence.

July 4623 - A one-off windfall injection of cash, followed by a £6 billion increase a year, is being allocated to defence spending as the government looks to further strengthen the Kingdom's armed forces.

Monies earned from the recent privatisation of several key industries - including rail services and the energy generation sector - are to be pumped into the military budget. This significant one-off amount is expected to rise as high as 50 Billion VAN. On top of that, 6 billion from the annual surplus will now be added to the pot, providing a year after year increase to defence spending power.

Vanuku has always prided itself on being one of Terra's biggest spenders on its armed forces and the extra money will be used to invest in new equipment, technology, training and, were necessary, revitalisation of all branches of the Royal Armed Forces.

Modernisation plans are being led by the new Minister of Defence, retired General Temrkai Ashur, and Chief of the Armed Forces Staff, General Karatak Merlékam-Zhtál. Both are seasoned former frontline generals and have been asked to draw on their experiences in prioritising spending.

A white paper is expected to be drawn up by the Ministry of Defence soon listing these priority areas and how the money will be used. It will likely include extra funding to maintain and modernise Vanuku's six carrier fleets and to secure the nation's strategic and tactical nuclear weapons arsenal for decades to come.

Treaty With Kazulia

The spending increase comes as the Grand Council looks set to unanimously ratify a wide-sweeping free trade agreement with Kazulia. The deal worth billions in trade to each country consolidates Vanuku's position as the economic powerhouse of western Majatra and one of the "big five" leading economic powers on Terra.

Prefect Prince Aldrkai Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál said: "International trade continues to flow in and out of Majatra through Vanuku's centres of commerce, and deals such as the free trade treaty we have signed with Kazulia cements this position and, indeed, expands upon it. The business growth opportunities are inestimable."

[Sisyphus]

Negotiations With Terrorists "Will Never Take Place"
Foreign Minister Takes Hardline Approach To Barmenistani Militia Group's Demands


Patrolling Vanukean troops on high alert for Barmenistani militia activity.

May 4625 - The Foreign Minister has insisted that Vanuku will not negotiate with terrorist militia groups in Barmenistan, under any circumstances.

It comes in the wake of an upsurge of violence, particularly in the rural highlands of central Barmenistan. In one incident a group calling itself The Martyrs For a Free Fatherland took foreign tourists hostage and claimed they would execute them if Vanukean troops did not leave the country and the government in Sekhmet did not step down.

Vanuku has had a military presence in its northern neighbour ever since a series of deadly raids spilled over the border. The Kingdom has been working with the Barmenistani government and tribal chieftains to quell anarchy and violence.

Count Léppltz Zhtál-Merlkai said: "There is simply no room for negotiation with groups who use terror and murderous violence in an attempt to influence political policy and bring about regime changes. Our mission is one of stability and in helping restore justice. These people will be brought to justice for their crimes and any who support or harbour them will also face severe consequences."

Dankuk Recklessness

Meanwhile, the Minister has also condemned what he described as a "completely reckless and potentially deadly escalation of events" by Dankuk, after shells were fired over the border onto several Kazulian towns.

There are reports of several fatalities and many injured from the attack which is the latest chapter in a ramping up of tensions between the nations following Dankuk's decision to withdraw from the Treaty of Asvald and mass troops on its southern border. However the Dankukan Ministry of Defence claims no one was injured and that the attack was aimed at damaging infrastructure and transport logistics.

The Minister said: "Reports are still coming in regarding the extent of the attack but the fact of the matter is that the Dankuk Imperial Army on orders from the government has taken action which has violated the border between Dankuk and another sovereign state. This is an extremely reckless act and I would recommend the government in Gongmangdo immediately enter into constructive discourse with Kazulia to attempt to alleviate the damage they have done."

The Foreign Office has issued a 'Check Before Travel' warning to all nationals heading to the Northern Dovani region as a result of the action. In addition, the Third Carrier Fleet, which is based in the area has been put on high observational alert and given orders to protect Vanukean shipping, which has increased in recent months following the signing of the Kazulia-Vanuku Free Trade Treaty.

[Kubrick]

Out with the New, in with the Old
Banmek-Sntazed Party surges to victory as heir-presumptive makes bid for post of Prefect.


Archduke Wrntukai Banmek-Sntazed has ambitious plans if he becomes the new Prefect of Vanuku.

May 4626 - After seven years of hard work the Banmek-Sntazed Party has, for the first time in many years, attained electoral success. With 106 seats they have officially claimed the role as largest political party in the ancient Kingdom of Vanuku, ahead of the Zhtál faction who have 88 and the Banmek-Steuart-Vrnhmel's with 31 seats. According to the constitution this gives the BSP the right to re-open coalition negotiations, something the party leader Prince Kezkai Banmek-Sntazed has immediately done. Prince Kezkai, now 71, has no ambitions to sit in the government himself. "My place is in the Grand Council, where I defend the people of Vanuku". Instead his relative Archduke Wrntukai, the heir-presumptive to the throne, has been put forward to lead the proposed coalition. In recent years the BSP has been criticized for taking a more centric and sometimes even left-leaning road than the other parties. "This is a natural development," said Prince Kezkai, "we are trying to find out what the people of Vanuku truly desire and need and we have now found a balance in protecting the smaller man and assisting the nobility, a fickle balance that can surge our nation back to its leading status across the globe."

Political pundits have also commented on the apparent rift between the Zhtál cadet branch and the Banmek-Sntazed main branch of the royal dynasty. "More and more these two blocs are at each others throats," said Dnkai Salyzr, a senior political correspondent for Wrntu Wrnuke!, "the disagreements and attacks have gone to such an extent that the BSP has stated they do not wish to enter a coalition with the BSZ." As such the next step in Vanukean national politics all comes down to the current Minister of Internal Affairs and former Regent of Vanuku, Prince Wrnhelm Banmek-Steuart-Vrnhmel. The old saviour's political bloc holds the axe that can swing one way or another. "Prince Wrnhelm can decide to stick with the Zhtál bloc or he can go for the Banmek-Sntazed bloc, either way he will be in the coalition. Right now the BSP has offered his party one more high position within the coalition in an attempt to win him over, yet only time will tell what the timid cousin will do."

Archduke Wrntukai however has also commented on the affairs, declining to comment on the negotiations but rather on the geopolitical course he wishes the Kingdom to take. "Vanuku is a yawning toothless lion, tired, timid and tamed. Instead we should aim for our faded greatness, there was a day and age when relatives of our dynasty were married into royal families across the globe. Those bloodlines have all but disappeared but we must restore them. In that same time we had allies across the globe, a strong monarchist bloc feared by many and awed by even more. Banmek-Sntazed's sat thrones in many nations, Barmenistan, Saridan, I can go on and on. What happened? Centuries of neglect and decay is what happened, the current course does not work. What we need is a more aggressive and calculated approach. One aimed to make Vanuku the central piece of a new global monarchist movement."

[XanderOne]

Minister Terenzi's last duty: diplomatic visit in Wiel Both Vanuku and Istalia share concerns about the Deltarian military expansion while talks took place to fully resume the diplomatic, military, scientific and technological cooperation

[Sisyphus]

Taking Care of Business
Prefect Shakes Off Attempts to Overthrow His Government And Concentrates On Running The Country


The Prefect and his cabinet continue to make the executive decisions that affect Vanuku, despite the battle for power in the background.

January 4627 - Several months after an attempt to oust his government from power, the Prefect remains in office and is adamant it's "business as usual".

Prince Aldrkai Banmek-Sntazed-Zhtál's coalition administration faced an uncertain future when the Banmek-Sntazed Party, led by his royal cousin, became the largest political bloc in the Grand Council. Inevitably it led to the BSP opening coalition negotiations in an attempt to form a majority government, headed up by Archduke Wrntukai, the Heir Presumptive to the throne.

But despite heated debates in the Grand Council and attempts to secure support for a BSP led government from the former Regent, Prince Wrnhelm Banmek-Steuart-Vrnhmel, nothing has changed. Prince Aldrkai has said he would prefer not to dwell on the machinations of internal factional politics, or rumours of a growing rift between his bloc and the BSP. Instead, he says, he wants to get on with running the country.

"We managed to achieve a great deal during the last electoral term," the Prince said. "A major review of the taxation system to benefit businesses and consumers, reassessed spending priorities, completed the privatisation of state-controlled industries, invested heavily in our armed forces and continued to develop stronger relationships with international partners.

"But there is much work to be done both on the domestic front and overseas. We are particularly keen to strengthen relations with our Majatran neighbours. For instance, only a few weeks ago we hosted a delegation from Istalia with the sole aim of working together on a number of substantial projects, from continental security and trade to scientific and technological research. We also continue to work with the Kafuri armed forces to help bring stability to Barmenistan."

Asked about accusations that under his administration Vanuku had become a yawning toothless lion, tired, timid and tamed, the Prefect paused for a few moments to reflect before offering a rebuttal.

He said: "I do not take this criticism to heart. I know those who issue such accusations are well-meaning and have strong convictions but they are also misguided, or badly advised, and have lost sight of the true geo-political situation.

"The facts speak for themselves: we have one of the biggest economies in Terra, one of the strongest diplomatic networks and one of the mightiest militaries. We are respected on every continent and nations are queuing up to strike deals with us, be our allies or come under our protective umbrella. We have reinforced our monarch's position and work to ensure royal dynasties around the globe are respected and protected.

"We hunt down the communist scourge wherever it arises and ensure our best traditional values flourish while appreciating the need for modernity.

"I think it is quite clear to all that our approach is working and that the Vanukean lion is roaring louder than ever!"

Of course, the current situation could change at anytime. The Zhtál bloc needs to continue working with Prince Wrnhelm's Banmek-Steuart-Vrnhmel faction in coalition to ensure a majority. Any change in that arrangement during the current administrative term would, once again, give the upper hand to the BSP and could see a new government headed up by the party currently with the plurality.

[Kubrick]

Archduke takes step back as King's health deteriorates
88 year old monarch reportedly suffering from early onset Alzheimer's.


King Juhn XII has been the monarch of Vanuku ever since the royal restoration in 4616, though the years are now taking its toll.

June 6, 4627 - As negotiations stalled it seemed as if the Archduke was not yet willing to give up the fight, trying to find other ways to change the coalition in the Kingdom. However only yesterday Archduke Wrntukai announced he would step back from his position as Prefect candidate and negotiator to focus on family affairs. A statement released by the royal press office today cleared up why the energetic Archduke has taken a step back. King Juhn XII, now 88 years old and the restored monarch of Vanuku since 4616, is suffering form early onset Alzheimer's. His son Wrntukai, the heir-presumptive, will be spending more time with him and guiding him along the way. Merlkai Wékj, spokesperson of the royal family, stated that the Archduke will focus on spending quality time with his father and will also try to learn as much from him as he can before the King's mind fades.

In a lucid state the King has reportedly refused to think about abdicating, stating that he has a duty to fulfil to his final day. At recent state events it has been noted that the King appeared more frail than ever before, though medical specialists have concluded the old monarch still has a few years left in him. Let us hope that the finest physicians of the Kingdom can ease the onset of Alzheimer's on our beloved King.


Princess Mrjmai succeeds Prince Kezkai as leader of Banmek-Sntazed bloc
Daughter of heir-presumptive youngest political leader in BSP history with just 27 years.


Princess Mrjmai Banmek-Sntazed, who's half-Coburan roots and rebellious attitude have made her popular amongst the new generation.

June 21, 4627 - After the stepping down of Prince Kezkai and the departure of the Archduke from politics the Banmek-Sntazed Party needed a new leader. Prince Kezkai, who has served as the leader for over a decade, has resigned over his advanced age. "Had our bid in the coalition succeeded I would have remained, but now it is time for young and fresh blood to take over and do what I could not." Though not many expected the new leader to be quite as young as Princess Mrjmai. The eldest child of the Archduke has recently turned 27 and has always been known as the rebel of the Banmek-Sntazed family. Though this has never stopped her from participating in political events. She is known as a women's rights advocate and as a rather hawkish youth. Amongst the younger generation there is much yearning to a less grey and male dominated leadership, it is exactly this angle the Princess used during her leadership bid.

At her opening speech the Princess stated she would not "give up the fight" her father started, having sought contact with her distant cousin Prince Wrnhelm once more to re-open negotiations. Only time will tell if they succeed.