Pontesi

[Eugene19872]

Military spending to increase


Pontesian Troops on parade

In a move by the government to push along new projects and to seek out new weapons from foreign powers the Pontesian Government has announced plans to increase the military budget. The additional funds will come from the redistributing of the funds that were allocated for Healthcare back when the Government still provided free healthcare and invested heavily into the medical industry. There have been several party members that have spoken out against the move but they most likely will not vote against the proposal in order to ensure party stability.

The Minister of Health and Social Services has stated that she may seek to resign if the proposal goes through citing that it goes against her goals of enforcing Healthcare regulations over the nations hospitals and hospital based corporations.

"With growing concerns over our neighbors aggressive nature and nuclear missile program we are seeking out foreign powers that would sell us better technology and arms that would provide us with protection and allow us to upgrade our current military technology." stated General Wuiess of the Pontesian Army.

[Eugene19872]

Minister of Health and Social Services to resign


Meryl Ridlon after appointment of Minister of Health and Social Services

Amid growing discontent within the PPP the current Minister of Health and Social Services has stated she will resign her post. Meryl Ridlon announced earlier that with the proposed budget removing and estimated 100B PON from her department and adding it to the Defense budget she believed that her time as Minister was over. As Minister she had seen the role of the Department of Health and Social Welfare decline as the government removed itself from much of the industry. The new Healthcare Reform act saw the government no longer provide any subsides to the citizens and instead the government has taken a role as a regulator to ensure that private companies do not take advantage of the citizens in times of medical need.

Meryl Ridlon had been instrumental in the formation of the forming of the Healthcare Regulation Committee that was created and ran by medical professionals along with government overseers. She was also in charge of regulating medical bills and ensuring the Health and Safety Standards for all hospitals and clinics in the nation. Under her care medical bills had fallen almost 23% per patient and it was expected in another six years she would have been able to drop the prices down another 14%.

It pains me to leave this job with so much needing to be done. But I can not set by and watch as our nation spends billions more to promote the military without thinking of the damage it will do to our Healthcare industry. I have spoken with Alinar Balkian and I admire the man's spirit and his goal of bringing Pontesia into the world as a world power. I do not fault him for his actions here nor do I hold him liable an responsible for this action...he is an honorable man who has kept his word to me since day one. That said I can not support the PPP's wish to place the military and its weapons over that of the people and their need for medicine and medical services.

Her replacement is expected to be Lili Artinian who is young but worked her way up in the nursing field from the starting position then paid her way through college while working full time at a hospital in the capital. Upon completing her education as a Nurse she then went back to college and obtained more degrees in Business Management and Administration.

Investments push Education further then expected


New Engineering school opens

With investments from the nation of Kazulia and Istalia for different projects and the allowing of more foreign companies into Pontesia the nation has seen an increase in graduates and test scores for the nations youth. Education facilities are looking to outside technology and outside influences to propel students further. Plans by several private school firms to establish a network of Engineering Schools, Business Schools, and even Science and Research Facilities over the next 10 years has made more Pontesian students think more about their future careers.

At one time in our nation you joined the military out of highschool and you stayed till you were no longer able to fight because they paid the best and you could get the military to pay for your college tuition. Problem was once you got out of school and the military the amount of jobs were limited to working at factories or production facilities and room for improvement wasn't there.

stated Arisdages Suzmeian a 34 year old factory worker.

Arisadages' son is currently in middle school and looking forward to being able to attend an Engineering school while he's in the military. The Pontesian Government has done agreed to allow foreign business's into Pontesia and have stated they would be given a tax break based on Economic Treaties signed between the nations. Foreign Investors have to obtain government permission prior to being allowed into the nations Stock Exchange.

[Eugene19872]

Azorium Air Base to be upgraded and expanded to accommodate allied aircraft


Azorium Air Force Base from the sky

The President has authorized the upgrading and expanding of the Azorium Air Base that currently houses the bulk of the Pontesian Air Force. The Air Base is expected to add another 10 hangers and add an additional 500 yards of runway. There is also call to expand the radar network of the base as talks with foreign powers could lead to the eventual upgrading of the current radar system. Kazulia aircraft as well as any Istalian aircraft could be allowed to land here at any time.

The Air base is considered to be one of the largest in Pontesia is also in need of upgrading its aircraft but work has stalled at this time as engineers attempt to find viable options to update the engines and FCS's for the current aircraft. Logik Aeronautics a firm in Pontesia has been awarded the contract for upgrading the current aircraft but has been hard pressed to find logical upgrades to the current inventory.

The expansion is highest priority on the military upgrading list and is expected to be complete in 3 years. The expansion will allow larger transport planes to land as well as to allow more fighters to take off at one time. It is hoped that the Pontesian Air Force will be able to increase the number of aircraft in their fleet by at least 4 more aircraft by the end of next year.

[Elf]

Do elves exist?
Radio Interview with FoN leader Livia Drusilla

Q: Greetings!

A: My pleasure!

Q: So - tell me, when did you first meet an elf?

A: My first encounter with the Ageless and the Divine was during a trip to the Septentian Highlands. I was a girl scout when I was young and I have always loved hiking even though you have to look around quite a bit to find a good place for that in Pontesia. Me and one of my lambs were having fun under the full moon after picking mushrooms for a couple of hours. And suddenly a fairy appeared. Yeah - just like that! She took us to a secret cave where we met an elf who gave us enchanted cookies. They tasted great. He told me about the secrets of life - how they arrived in a vessel from the stars - you can read all about this in my new book - Fifty Shades of Fay. Hook it up for 30 dinars on knowledgewars.pon where you can also find great naturopathic remedies and vitamins and stuff. Totally!

Q: Ehhh.... so, just so our listeners know, this program isn't sponsored by any of those. Anyay, sorry - your 'lambs'? You bought a lamb on one of your hiking trip?

A; Ah, hahahaha - nonono. One of my drones. Or concubines. *the interviewer looks confused*. A boyfriend. Call them whatever you want, I like them young and innocent - as any proper witch do, you know.

Q: Heh. Okay. So... now, about politics, your organization is looking to run as a political party in the upcoming elections. What can we expect from you and the guidance you receive from these... 'elves', on a political level?

A: We're going to reverse much of this governments outrageous policies. The PPP claims to be about 'civil liberties' and 'state rights' but they are actually an exploitative capitalistic socialist bunch of oligarchs that want to control our everyday lives and make everyone an anonymous consumer with no ancestors or gods, and crush nature as much as possible so that they can exploit everything. They are enemies of the Goddess.

We want to roll back the government as much as possible except in areas where we can fund private entities to do government services and to protect nature. Most of the power should be with the families and tribal ethnic communities. The privatized armed forces, private education and the freedom to chose what to put in your children's bodies all need to come back. Big Pharma and the oligarchy has to back of from our kids and our heritage, stop polluting our minds and our environment. We're gonna make them. Trust me on this.

Q: Hmm... all right. Seems we're out of time. Thank you for your time, madame witch.

A: Have a great day sir boring journalist. Oh... and if this somehow puts me in a negative light, I'm not gonna be juridically responsible for whatever curses I will put upon you. Don't be surprised if your children suddenly start acting strange - it's the poltergeist in your TV. *giggles*

Q: *shudders*

[Axxell]

The Majatran Alliance ready to work and invest in Majatra!
The political stability achieved by Zardugal and the enthusiasm of Pontesia, Deltaria and East Kalopia make began the proposals for an active, prosperous and strong MA

MAJATRA - The latest meetings of the various Majatran Allied Interministerial Committees have announced the future development of cooperation between the Alliance member countries: two will be geared towards research and technological development co-operation, the other could become a key engine for the economic development of the organization.
The member countries have committed themselves to combining aeronautical and space efforts with the creation of the Majatran Allied Space Authority, to which the Allied nations' agencies and space programs will co-operate.
The Majatran Allied Council for Research and Development will then be founded to support, finance and coordinate the Member States' scientific efforts, knowledge, and technology capabilities for the benefit of the entire Alliance.
But probably the most expected novelty was the creation of the Majatran Allied Industrial and Investment Fund, to which the Alliance nations will have access to finance strategic public projects that will secure benefits for the nation and the rest of the Alliance. But the Fund will also be open to the privates: in fact, individuals and companies will be able to demand support from the Alliance by presenting projects related to start-ups, business projects and activities related to the most advanced technologiesand strategic resources.
Istalia and Zardugal have long been working closely to proceed with such projects and the arrival of new members who are extremely willing to cooperate and accepted with great interest to join the Alliance has been the driving force needed to concretize them.
From Zardugal, the Government has confirmed that these will be only the first of the other future projects and stated that the next steps will have to be in the field of education and culture and that they will have to allow Alliance's peoples to know themselves, exchange ideas and mutually enrich themselves for the good of the next generations.
The expansion of the Alliance around Lake Majatra and the more than cordial relationships with Cobura before and Jakania recently seem to have been reducing the tensions and the troubles in the area, with Jelbania, a notoriously turbulent country, seemingly isolated in one of the most orthodox regimes of the Majatran Revolutionary Socialist Federation.
Unfortunately, the tensions in Majatra have returned to re-energize along the border between the two Kalopia, back into being an iron curtain between Democracy and Dictature, between civilizations and barbarians and with a real "Thallerist invasion" in half Majatra. In Kalopia, the chaos following the end of Socialism has allowed the current Tyrant of Western Kalopia to conquer the power, and in Deltaria two political party supporters of the Thallers have already appeared, and even in Istalia a Thallerist Party appeared, disturbing almost all the political scene.
Istalia put itself at the head of a resolute international front aimed at countering the expansion of the Thallers, with other members of the Majatran Alliance and other majatran nations which already have confirmed their opposition and their will to counter the invasion, what has already been described as a Cancer that, decaying in Artania, is growing in Majatra, taking advantage like a vulture of the decadence of the MRSF and ready to upset the lifestyle, cultures and rights of hundreds of millions of majatrians

[Elf]

#SavePontesia
Pontesia's Pagan Democrats warn outside world of new totalitarian regime


Augusta Maxima, Magistrix (Headswoman) of the FDP

CAMPUS STELLA (DAWNSTAR) - As the Pontesian government is set to legalize juridical mutilation, torture and various other measures to enforce rigid social control on teh population - a backlash is growing from those less appreciative of living in a seemingly increasingly totalitarian society. The leader of the opposition, Augusta Maxima (FDP) has accused the government of turning Pontesia into a police state and damaging its relationship with the free world. Representatives of the Istalian government have already contacted the opposition, voicing concern about the government's new legislation.

The FDP has come up with in idea of how to further promote international awareness of the state of the country. By writing thousands of short messages on the micro-blog Qwitter using the hashtag #SavePontesia, her party hope to spread awareness of the Pontesian situation to the rest of Terra. That is - until the government gets the idea of stamping out internet freedoms as well of course... The Factio Democratica Paganorum (Pagan Democratic Party) is a relatively new party that seeks to establish a confederal democracy in Pontesia based upon Pagan ethics.

[TPPDJT]

Marshal Erik Pazapian Condemns FDP as "Istalian Puppets"
The Factio Democratica Paganorum has admitted to being in contact with Istalian liberals

In a speech given inside the chambers of the Council of the 500, Marshal Pazapian strongly denounced the FDP as "Istalian funded zealots intent on turning Pontesia into a pagan state controlled by Istalian neoliberals." The Marshal called on Istalia to "cease any and all contact with this band of rogues at once." The Marshal defended recent legislation that strengthened police powers and enhanced punishments- "The millions of criminals, thugs, and delinquents in Pontesia must be brought to heel in order to enhance the prestige and power of Pontesia. If we have to mutilate criminals in order to do this, I consider it a fair price to pay."

The Marshal also laid out plans for new legislation in the areas of science, education, infrastructure, and religion. "Obviously there are many laws in Pontesia that must be changed, but we can't afford the cost in terms of political power to enact them. We will start small and steadily revise bills in these areas, starting with our nation's religion. It may take years, but Pontesia will be a world power, mark my words.


Marshal Pazapian adressing members of the Council of the 500.

[Elf]

Pagan Democrats Grateful for International Support
Alerts others about government decision to censor internet freedom(s), label the FDP as a 'terrorist organization'



FDP leder Augusta Maxima, nominee of the Razamid Peace Prize

ROMULA, ISTALIA - In an era where oppression and tyranny only seems to be thoughtening its grip on the country. FDP Magistrix (leader) Augusta Maxima has been nominated for the 4272 Razamid Peace Prize. Speaking to journalists during a tour in Romula, Istalia, she stated that:

I'm very honoured. It great to see all freedom-lovers in the international community coming together for our people in our time of need. Sadly, it's only getting worse over there. The buffoons in the Pontesian Senate, or the 'Council of 500' as the dictatorship calls it, are set to censor the internet and label the FDP as a terrorist organization merely for coming out in disagreement against them. They're even labelling this beautiful country a 'sponsor of terrorism' for helping us maintain our human rights, and some of us having a great time over here in Istalia.

Our Pagan values guarantee our determination to a pluralistic, inclusive, democratic society. It is the intolerant ideology of the Qerdarite religions that lies at the bottom of the needless oppression, terror and death our part of the world has experienced in the last four millenniums. The dictatorial government of Pontesia is but another example of that. We are a peaceful group of folks who deplore violence, but if they wish to have a war against their own people, they will get one. The tolerant, pluralistic Pontesian society is simply not made for totalitarian regimes similar to the ones they've got in other parts of Majatra. Pontesia used to be a place where anybody could be saved in the name of Xarfaxian-Terran Patriarchal-Religio Seluciana-Hosio-Grejan-Felinism, and those who didn't do so moved away.

The Peace Prize nominee also took the opportunity to comment the recent developments in Gishoto, also known as 'Hulstria' by Dundorfian colonizers:

The oppression of the Gao-Sowans in their own country - Gishoto - must stop. Our struggle is the same as theirs, and no wonder the dictatorship in Pontesia is allying with their oppressors as well. The International Community must take its responsibility and act against such terrorist rouge states that violate Human rights. Hulstrians can always go home to Dorvik or Dundorf if they wish to live in a Dundorfophone Hosian country. Not only is the Hosian religion intolerant, it also incredibly dull and boring, almost devoid of the intriguing mystique of our gods. And people who speak Dundofian sound like they've been taking acid all the day long and need to clear their throats. The entire language is made for that purpose: Icchh heizze Frrittzz Hocchhenmeisstterr. Forcing any people to listen to that all the day long is a clear human rights violation. It's as simple as that.

[TPPDJT]

Chancellor Papazian calls for deportation of Augusta Maxima from Istalia to Pontesia

During a televised press conference today, Chancellor Magar Papazian called for the Istalian government to "return the fugitive Augusta Maxima to Pontesi for trial." The Chancellor pointed to the recent declaration of the Factio Democratica Paganorum as a terrorist group (http://classic.particracy.net/viewbill. ... lid=537090). "This woman has committed numerous crimes under Pontesian law and we respectfully ask that the Istalian government return her so that she may stand trial in a court of law."

When asked what the government's response would be if Istalia refused, Chancellor Papazian had this to say- "I trust in the sensibility of the Istalian government to realize the consequences if this simple request is not granted."

The press conference then devolved into discussions about the rising employment rate and future agricultural reforms.

[Elf]

Open Letter to the Selucian Caesar Senatus
Integration between Pontesia and Selucia Only 'Way to Peace and Freedom'




ROMULA, ISTALIA - From her office in the Istalian capital, the leader of the Pontesian opposition and Razamid Peace Prize winner, Augusta Maxima, has written an open letter to the Selucian Caesar and the other Selucian dignitaries, who are currently on an official visit to the Pontesian government in Dawnstar:

It brings me great joy to learn that the Selucian Caesar has arrived in Campus Stella. This is a great place for any Selucian to be. It was there - over thousand years ago - that the great Alamar Xarfaxis once landed with his faithful crusaders, escaping persecution Selucia, changing the history of North Majatra forever in the process.

Great Alamar understood something that many others did not at the time: that the border across the Selucian Straits is artificial. Pontesia is - fundamentally - Selucian. People from Selucia planted the seed of civilization on the Pontesian peninsula. Pontesian history is so intertwined with Selucian People that the country today simply wouldn't be imaginable without us. Our Selucian cultural heritage - which extends to every Pontesian no matter race or creed - is what puts us above the infamous Majatran madness and makes Pontesian people strive for belonging to the community of free, democratic, civilized countries, and reject the tyrannical ways that has so ravaged this continent for so many centuries.

It is my utmost belief that the Selucian Republic has a vital role to play in promoting human rights and democracy on this side of the Selucian Straits. My party, the Factio Democratica Paganorum, welcomes everyone no matter ethnic background to our party and strives for a communal Pontesia with power devolved to the different ethnic and religious communities living in harmony with each other. However - as Pagan democrats we also firmly acknowledge that every living being is a link between past, present and future. The historical roots that has formed the Pontesian nation also holds the keys to its survival and prosperity. Integration with Selucia is the answer to how to fundamentally make Pontesia part of the rest of the free world. Maybe the future of the region depends on us, if we dare to confront the fact that perhaps the Pontesian state would do better as an autonomous sixth province of the Selucian Republic than as a periodically unstable state plagued by disunity, tyranny and strife like the rest of Majatra?