Pontesi

[Eugene19872]

Mandatory Vaccination causes controversy


Child getting vaccinated at local clinic

The Pontesian Congress's is currently working to make vaccination of all children in the nation mandatory even as several Civil Liberties and Religious groups are crying foul. There are several groups that have held demonstrations and protests against the bill stating that it would, "remove the rights of the parents" and several feel it goes against the rights of the citizens. Opponents of the bill state that by removing the fundamental rights of a parent to decide on vaccinations for their children could be a slippery slope of other rights being removed. Some also state that there is some proof that the vaccinations could lead to defects in children but evidence of that is limited and not validated through independent sources.

Proponents of the bill state that it is vital in ensuring that children do not get or transmit diseases that for the most part in most civilized societies have been eradicated due to vaccination policies. They have also stated that the idea that they can cause defects is questionable at best as there is not valid proof to prove that statement right or wrong. Some have called for there to be studies made by independent firms to see if a defect can be caused by the vaccines, but they still advocate that even if they do pose a possible risk of defects to children that it is such a small percentage that would get it that the risks do not outweigh the rewards of being vaccinated.

[jamescfm]

OOC: Pontesi, as a ratifier of the role-play accord, is expected to abide by the official military rankings. Within these rankings, it is classified as a 'middle power' and any role-play by players within the nation should acknowledge and respect this fact. With that in mind, Moderation asks that you edit the newspaper articles above to bring them into compliance with these guidelines.

[Eugene19872]

OOC: Pontesi, as a ratifier of the role-play accord, is expected to abide by the official military rankings. Within these rankings, it is classified as a 'middle power' and any role-play by players within the nation should acknowledge and respect this fact. With that in mind, Moderation asks that you edit the newspaper articles above to bring them into compliance with these guidelines.

Based on several variables I would put forward a request to have the nation of Pontesia reviewed for Military Rank increase due to the amount of funding that is given to the Military as well as the factor that the development of such weapons would require only a few years based on the current military technology of the nation that Pontesia is based off of which from what I saw was Armenia which has both Easter Bloc and Western Bloc allies and obtains weapons from both.

[jamescfm]

Based on several variables I would put forward a request to have the nation of Pontesia reviewed for Military Rank increase due to the amount of funding that is given to the Military as well as the factor that the development of such weapons would require only a few years based on the current military technology of the nation that Pontesia is based off of which from what I saw was Armenia which has both Easter Bloc and Western Bloc allies and obtains weapons from both.

OOC: Your request is denied, the military rankings are not designed to be altered on an ad hoc basis- they are periodically and carefully considered by the role-play to provide an accurate overview of relative military strength in the game. Now, you have been issued clear instructions to adhere to the military rankings by altering your role-play, please respect this so that we do not have to push the matter any further.

[Eugene19872]

Based on several variables I would put forward a request to have the nation of Pontesia reviewed for Military Rank increase due to the amount of funding that is given to the Military as well as the factor that the development of such weapons would require only a few years based on the current military technology of the nation that Pontesia is based off of which from what I saw was Armenia which has both Easter Bloc and Western Bloc allies and obtains weapons from both.

OOC: Your request is denied, the military rankings are not designed to be altered on an ad hoc basis- they are periodically and carefully considered by the role-play to provide an accurate overview of relative military strength in the game. Now, you have been issued clear instructions to adhere to the military rankings by altering your role-play, please respect this so that we do not have to push the matter any further.

Articles removed, I don't agree with the idea that some nations are just held at their levels without room for improvement but in the spirit of the RPing nature, articles pertaining to the in questions items have been removed and has been noted.

Thanks!

[Eugene19872]

Economic Reform causes mixed feelings

In a recent bill proposed by the Pontesian Congress there has been a wide range and sweeping changes to the economic structure of the nation ranging from Working Hours, Minimum Wage, Union, and the rights of the Unions and the Employers. This has led to some analyst to put into question the method in which the change is to take place.

"We don't feel that this large of a change can be done overnight, and we don't expect people to think that it can be done over night either," stated Elissa Marcotte the Minister of Finance. "We realize that this will take a few years to fully be implemented and we are taking this as a stage to stage change over." she continued.

The bill is due to pass with overwhelming support and will show a dominate change on how the nation is to be ran going forward. For a full list of all the changes please visit: http://classic.particracy.net/viewbill. ... lid=533050

[Eugene19872]

Military Drills held in Caespasia


SRP N-91 Main Battle Tank moving across field in Caespasia

The SRP Military held drills in Caespasia marking the first such activity since the installment of the Pontesian Congress. Congress approved the Minister of Defense request to hold the operations as a way to increase military readiness of this years new recruits as well as to give seasoned vets a refresher course. The 1st and 3rd Divisions took part in the drills with another drill to be held later is to have the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Divisions to hold combat training and drilling in the same area.

"The world is getting more and more conflict ridden and it always seems to be close to our borders, the time has come for the SRP to show its military will to remain free and independent." stated General Marquasi

The Military preformed drills with use of Infantry, Armor, Artillery, and was assisted by the SRPAF.

[Eugene19872]

Ratification of the Istalian-Pontesian Friendship and Trade Agreement

In a show of unity the Pontesian Congress announced that it had formally voted on and agreed upon the terms and conditions of the Istalian-Pontesian Agreements. There was some concerned voiced by several members of the Congress about how this would affect regional stability with the neighbors of the SRP. Despite their concerns the Agreement along with Ratification of a Treaty was made and passed with little delay or debate.
With this treaty the Pontesian Government is hoping to begin trading goods and services with Istalian and see out other opportunities to invest and share in the markets and stock exchanges.
“This gives several of our businesses a chance to expand and grow as well as seek out new avenues of investments and growth possibilities. It is a win-win as far as the people are concerned.” Stated Congressman Siliad Wildford.
Already several businesses have submitted applications to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Economics for approval to start looking at expanding their business into the nation of Istalia. Once the applications are accepted by the Ministers they go to the Government of Istalia which then must approve them.

Kelemor-Arms announces joint trials of new body armor and infantry weapons

The Minister of Defense along with the Board of Generals has announced its plans to work with Kelemor-Arms (KA) to design a more modern body armor system for its soldiers as well as new weapons. The project is expected to last over 6 years and cost right at 4.8billion. The first initial phase won’t start till later this year and it is expected take some time and several tests before they pick a final version. The Military is hoping to start replacing its current body armor and infantry weapons in the next 10 to 15 years.

[Eugene19872]

Relations with Istalia causes tensions

Recently the announcement of a Treaty of Friendship and Economic Cooperation that is currently being voted upon in the Pontesian Congress which is believed to pass the measure with little resistance. The passing of this measure has caused some tension with the neighbor to the West of Beiteynu which is strongly opposed to any cooperation with the nation of Istalia. Garth Liao the current Foreign Affairs Minister has stated that he has discussed the issue with the President and has been working with his counterpart in Beiteynu.

"We do not want to cause any issues between our allies of Istalia or with our neighbor Beiteynu, but instead we want to instead try to cooperate with both sides and work out any issues that we can in order to keep tensions low," stated Garth Liao in a press conference.

Months earlier the Pontesian Military held drills close to Beiteynu's territorial lines an act that the President approved but was not keen on but acknowledged that training grounds needed to be in open fields and near other terrain to give soldiers a wide range of training and that the lands near the boarder provided such training. There was fear by some that it could have caused further tensions between Beiteynu and Pontesia but soon after the drill were over the troops were redeployed back into the nation away from the boarder and with incidents reported many felt that maybe the training was not an issue.

"We do not want to cause tensions between the new Government of Pontesia and Beiteynu, but we also want Beiteynu to understand that we are always open to progress that helps both our nations to prosper," Alinar Balkian stated at a meeting with senior officials.


Increased crime in several cities leads to investigation

Several cities and townships throughout the nation have reported an increase in crimes ranging from murder to petty theft. This trend has caused some neighborhoods to create neighborhood watch programs in order to create a network of citizens helping each other. The local police departments have stated they may seek additional funding from the Government but several government officials have stated they would block such a move as the point of separating National and Local Police Departments was to ensure the Government didn't overstep its bounds when assisting local authorities.

Crime has increased almost 8% in recent months with murder increasing the most. Inner city violence is common place in several areas with townships seeing a smaller increase with most being blamed on financial motives as well as a slight increase of murder over infidelity. Theft has increased with the government imposing new tax codes and imposing higher taxes on Corporate Tax there has been several businesses that have laid workers off as well as the worry of the signing of the Istalia-Pontesian Economic Cooperation treaty will lead to cheaper imports which will cause domestic product to be unable to compete.

While the numbers are not complete yet there are many that saying at current trends that within 5 years that the crime rate will equal out to be millions if not billions of loses yearly.

The Government has not stated what actions it will take to work on getting the crime rate down but the Department of Justice has stated it will be working with local authorities to set up a strategy that will maximize current spending while working to cut spending in other areas.

[Eugene19872]

Pontesia Northern Port gets additions


Construction starts on new additions

In an effort to expand trade and commerce with the nation of Istalia the Pontesian Northern Port has begun updating and upgrading its current system and expanding further out to accommodate larger ships and more cargo. Over the next five to six years the Port Authority of Pontesia is hoping that it will be able to accommodate and even look into building larger ships for civilian use. The current port, harbor and Shipyards are in need of updating and the work has started in fixing several structural issues with a couple of the harbors. The expansion project is being funded by the Pontesian Congress which will then sell the rights to the new Shipyards and harbors to different companies via bids.

Along with this expansion and funds from the Pontesian Government it is rumored that the Istalian Government may also seek to invest in the expansion as well so that its company HAWS can begin bringing ships of resources and goods from Istalia and take manufactured goods back to Istalia.

"This step shows our commitment to the new Treaty ratified by our congress to expand our trade and commerce," announced Thomas Myrkus a harbor master at the North Port.

Along with the news about the expansion of the harbors, ports, and shipyards there has also been news that three companies are reaching agreements with Istalian based companies to start manufacturing and transporting goods ranging from cell phone parts, medical supplies, and processed foods and other produce.


Sovereign Republic warns of tensions caused by Beiteynu's pursuit of building more WMD's

In conference held at the Capital building surrounded by his Military Advisors, President Alinar Balkian delivered a speech touching on the subject of recent reports that Beiteynu is producing nuclear material to arm nuclear warheads.

"The nation of Beiteynu has expressed its intent to enrich weapons grade uranium in order to build and amass more nuclear warheads, it has expressed its willingness to use military force to get what it wants and has shown no restraint in foreign affairs. They continue to push this region into instability, as such they have proven time and time again that they seek to control Pontesia and other nations through strong arm tactics. This only encourages us to seek a means to stop their transgressions before they get out of hand. I am calling on the rest of the region and international powers to seek an end that would ensure the safety and security of our region and nations from the possible threat these weapons pose against us. If sanctions and trade embargos are needed on Beiteynu to get them to see reason then I say we do just that. The people of Pontesia will not live in fear, nor do we seek conflict but if push comes to shove we will defend ourselves to the last man."

With reports of an increase in nuclear arms in the region the Pontesian Military has stepped up drills and is pushing for congress to push through a bill that would infuse the current military might with newer military weapons from foreign powers.