Kazulia

National news threads that host the key national news outlets for each of the game’s countries.

Re: Kazulias Nyheter

Postby Maxington » Wed Jan 23, 2019 2:32 pm

PM calls on Temanian Emperor to abdicate; freezes Temanian assets
Government calls on Temanian Emperor to step down from rule; freezes Temanian national assets in Kazulia.
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Prime Minister Anne-Mette Daugaard speaking before the Stortinget on the situation in Temania.
12th January, 4520.

Prime Minister Anne-Mette Daugaard called on Temanian Emperor Baldassare II to abdicate amidst the recent outbreak of conflict in the nation at the hands of the Emperor's "rule of terror and murder." The Foreign Asset Management Organisation (FAMO), under directions from the Minister of Finance and the Technology, immediately froze assets of the Temanian government and royal family subject to Kazulian jurisdiction and prohibiting Kazulians from engaging in any transaction involving the government. The move which had come amidst calls for the Kazulian Government to respond to the situation had been coordinated with the freezing of assets by the Foreign Asset Management Organisation. The Prime Minister stated that Emperor Baldassare II should step down saying he should “face the reality of the complete rejection of his regime by the Temanian people.” For sometime, the Kazulian Government has condemned the acts of the Temanian Government in the World Congress, going as far as to officially condemn the nation through the World Congress Security Council. According to Prime Minister Daugaard, the Temanian monarchy and the government had lost all pieces of legitimacy to rule over the Temanian people in-light of their brutality towards innocent people.
It isn't any secret to the international community that Emperor Baldassare II's regime is brutal, dangerous and inhumane. He needs to abdicate and allow for increase democratic processes whereby stability and peace can truly reign. What we see in Temania is because of the Temanian Government's undemocratic reforms. We cannot allow for this to continue as it contradicts the Mandate of Tranquillity.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has already considered economic sanctions, with several rounds of sanctions to be imposed of several Temanian government institutions targeting the royal family, the government and Temanian security forces. Among other measures, the Kazulian Government had dispatched the 1st Fleet to the outer sector of Temania's EEZ with the expressed intention of embargoing Temania. The Department of Foreign Affiars is already at work prohibit the exportation of oil to Temania by several of Temania's neighbours, a move aimed at denying the Temanian Government the resources necessary to fuel its rule of murder and terror. Emperor Baldassare II has until now proved resilient in the face of mounting world pressure, and some fear he could intensify the offensive to definitively crush the protests once he realises he is losing international support. Currently, he is aligning the nation towards Trigunia and Utembo, whom have both championed support for the brutal regime. The Prime Minister warned the Trigunian and Utemban Governments that continued support for the brutal Temanian regime is enough to warrant economic sanctions from Skalm. The Prime Minister warned that Trigunia's oil and natural gas industry could and would be targeted in the sanctions "if it came to that."
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Re: Kazulias Nyheter

Postby Maxington » Thu Jan 24, 2019 12:09 am

Navy continues FON operations in Ananto Straits
Policy shift re-enables FON operations in Ananto Straits by Kazulian Navy
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Kazulian Frigates re-enter the straits to protect commercial shipping against privateers.
22nd April, 4520.

For sometime, the Kazulian Government has remained silent on the issue of the controversial Ananto Strait. For decades, the Kalistani Government had argued that the body of water between mainland Kalistan and the islands of Ananto was sovereign territory, and that maritime traffic, specifically military maritime traffic was strictly prohibited. Establishing the Northern and Southern Limits of the Strait, the Kalistani Navy, in it's seemingly dilapidated state, maintains Kalistan's claim of the body of water. In response to this the Kazulian Government had compromised with the Kalistani Government, citing the sentiment of tolerance. In a major shift of policy, the Department of Defence alongside the Department of Foreign Affairs stated that the government will not tolerate nor will it learn to live with the fact that the Kalistani Government is attempting to shutdown and claim such an important sea route. The 1st Fleet, which is responsible for maritime security and MOOTW operations within Dovani and Eastern Seleya, sent several frigates back into the strait in-order to escort convoys of commercial shipping. During the period whereby the Kazulian Government turned a blind eye to the Straits, commercial shipping through the straits had been granted permission from the Kalistani authorities. The Department of Defence has come out stating that it will not ask for permission to traverse international wars, citing freedom of navigation.
Chief of Defence of the Kazulian Armed Forces, Admiral Önde Heidenstam wrote:Our re-balance and presence in the Strait is becoming functional once more. The Anantonese Ocean is critical to our national security interests and thus, it is our belief that we must take the necessary measures in ensuring that this important region be made accessible to all nations. The Kalistani Government's blatant disregard for international law, not only endangers the economies of various nations but its also endangers the close interaction of several nations. I have stressed the need for freedom of navigation operations within all international waters and airspace. In maintaining a credible combat capacity, we must promote freedom of navigation in international waters and we must stand against attempts similar to that of the Kalistani Government.

The last time Kazulian surface combatant vessels entered the straits they were meet with fire from Kalistani vessels. Admiral Heidenstam warned that any act of aggression against Kazulian shipping, might it be commercial or military through the straits will be met with an asymmetrical response. The Kazulian Navy had invited nations to send shipping through the straits once more, citing the Straits as "re-opened to the international community." The Department of Foreign Affairs sent a communique informing the Kalistani Government of Kazulia's switch in the policy and presence of military shipping in the strait. With commercial shipping re-opened through the strait, shipping companies have welcomed the move as the closing of the strait meant longer distance had to be covered for shipping that wasn't allowed through the strait which significantly hindered efficiency as more money would have to be spent on fuel to traverse around the closed strait.
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Re: Kazulias Nyheter

Postby Doc » Thu Jan 24, 2019 1:15 am

Primary: Institutionalist Party of Kalistan (IPoK), 5146-

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Hizb Al'Sultan حزب السلطان 4543-4551
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Re: Kazulias Nyheter

Postby M13 » Thu Jan 24, 2019 8:44 pm

Mortelé orders Homeland Fleet preparations
September 4520

President Mortelé has ordered the Minister of Defence to prepare the naval military reserve in order to join the current operational task group. This means that the Homeland Fleet would be formed. The Homeland Fleet would be the last line of Defence in wartime or the expeditionary maritime forces in case our sovereignity would be violated. Reason is the growing tension between Kalistan and Kazulia.

"Dear citizens, for the first time since years I address you without joyful news. Our neighbours of Kalistan are on the breach of going to war with Kazulia. The last thing I want is to enter an armed conflict. But nevertheless, Kalistan and Lodamun have certain treaties which we should respect. As President of Lodamun I hope to put some weight in the scale to solve this issue by diplomacy. Therefore I wish to invite delegations of both Kazulia and Kalistan to our nation and commence the quest for a possible solution. In the meanwhile, we should respect the treaty on our common EEZ with Kalistan. Today, I have ordered Minister of Defence Dellano to mobilize the reserve and to form a naval expeditionary taskgroup to control and supervise our EEZ as defined in the Law of the Sea. We will not patrol or intervene in areas other than defined in the Law of the Sea."

Word has it that the First Fleet is also preparing.
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Re: Kazulias Nyheter

Postby Maxington » Thu Jan 24, 2019 10:25 pm

Starblaze supersonic airliner undergoes maiden flight
Starblaze supersonic airlines undergoes maiden test flight after years of development.
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The Starblaze supersonic airliner during its maiden flight test on the Elle-Sutherland Airbase.
12th September, 4520.

The supersonic commercial airliner, Starblaze has made its maiden voyage after years of development. The Kazulian-made commercial airliner, which had been developed with Pixi Group alongside companies such as Asvald Gruppen and SlipStream. According to statements from observers, the take off and landing was "flawless". According to statements from the Civil Aviation Authority, the test flight had reached 10,000ft (3,000m) at around 480kph. Chief Project Manager, Spencer Simpson stated that although during the test flight the aircraft had flown at a speed of 480kph, it has the potential to reach 2,080kph with further testing. The aircraft's Windsor W131 engines, which had been built jointly by the Windsor Motor Company and SlipStream, proved to be extremely capable at it was able to flight the aircraft into the air at such a rapid speed, citing the aircraft afterburners which made around 152,000 lbf available during take off. The test flight had lasted for around one hour, before the aircraft returned. Due to the aircraft's speed upon landing, the drag chute had been deployed to slow its rate of movement. According to eye-witness accounts, the aircraft's nose appeared to be angled upon decent but straight upon take off. This led to several concerns, however, SlipStream was quick to rebuff fears stating that the Starblaze required a higher angle-of-attack during landing, mainly due to the delta wing configuration,thus the pilots wouldn't be able to see the runway had the long nose stood straight.

Present at the test flight was Founder, Chairman, President and CEO of Pixi Group, Derrick Kenny. Pixi Group who had been a major investor into the project had great intentions of introducing the aircraft into Pixi Airline's fleet. Kenny's support for the programme comes amidst his intentions to revolutionise commercial travel. He highlighted that various companies had benefited from unfair deals over long distance flights. According to CEO of Pixi Airlines, Aleksander Strom, Pixi Airlines was determined to enter the Airline market with a vigour that will change the way people travel, citing that supersonic travel will be the first of many venture by the company. He hinted to possibility of the company looking into hypersonic travel, however Strom stated that he is still discussing the schismatics of this with engineers and civil aviators across the world. Northern Airline Systems has expressed interest in obtaining Starblazes upon its completion and with Pixi Group set to order 6, the Starblaze is set to have an extremely positive start in the commercial world.
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Re: Kazulias Nyheter

Postby Maxington » Sat Jan 26, 2019 10:38 pm

Kazulian ships withdraw from Ananto Strait
DoD withdraws combatant vessels from Ananto Strait involved in shooting incident
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The three Series 970 which involved in the incident are seen withdrawing towards New Endralon.
12th September, 4521.

The three frigates involved in the Ananto Strait shooting incident a week ago have left the Strait, an official from the Department of Defence announced.

This was the first official acknowledgement of reports that the patrol had been withdrawn.

The official disclosed the action when asked at a news conference where it had been outlined to reporters that the Frigates had withdrawn to New Endralon after orders to return to the fleet off the coast of Temania. Reports stated that the frigates, which had been largely outnumbered by the Kalistani Navy had been ordered to withdraw from the Strait and rendezvous with the larger fleet which had been off the Temanian coast.

The Department of Defence stated that the situation had outlined the need for increased dialogue on the issue, as the situation on the Strait's status is set to be brought before the World Congress.
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Re: Kazulias Nyheter

Postby Maxington » Sun Jan 27, 2019 6:14 am

First module of Hermes Space Station launched
SEED launches first module of Hermes Space Station as stretch towards station begins.
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The Hermes-4 shuttle prior to its launch with the Clunies-1 Module.
2nd November, 4521.

The first component of the $200 Billion Hermes Space Station was launched from the Arenheim Space Port in Arenheim after months of development by the Space Exploration and Exploitation Directorate (SEED). The Clunies-1 Module, which according to SEED is estimated around $1 Billion is set to be the space station's principle propulsion module, cargo module and command module for the space station. Launched via a Stormspike VII rocket and an Aegis Shuttle. Clunies-1 initial orbital altitude will be about 220 by 115 statute miles. The altitude will be circularised next week following a series of manoeuvring system engine firings, placing Zarya in the proper orbit for the arrival of the shuttle Endurance almost three weeks from now, carrying the Unity connecting module, or node. Clunies-1 will be grappled by Endurance astronaut Frank Markussen through the use of the shuttle's robot arm during the first assembly mission, Lunargate-1, and will be mated to Centurion, setting the stage for three spacewalks by Magnus Povlsen and Troels Kofoed to connect cables and install equipment for future Station construction flights.

The space station is a collaborative project of several countries, led by Kazulia and will cost at least $200 Billion. SEED hailed the successful launch as the opening of a new era in space travel and science. SEED emphasises the international cooperation and its accompanying "overcoming barriers of language, culture and technical differences". In reality, however, Kazulian capital, science and engineering will likely dominate. The Hutorian scientists, for example, have dropped the ball on their obligations. As this week's review reports, they have sold thousands of hours to SEED to be able to build a station component costing around $200 Million. According to statements from SEED's Director, Ragnhild Laugesen, the agency had projected the completion of the space station by around 4560 or 4570. She stated that the exact date is unknown however, the aim is to complete the station between 4560 and/or 4570 in time for the unveiling of a new venture by the agency. As it pertains the venture, Laugesen remained tight lipped only offering miniature details such as the year of its unveiling, 4571.

In preparation for future launches, the Arenheim Spaceport is set to receive a major expansion and there have been discussions between SEED, the New Endralonian Government and the Trigunian Government on using their Spaceports to launch future modules and equipment until the anticipated upgrade of the Arenheim Spaceport is complete. To upgrades are set to cost around $500-700 million and would see expansions to launching platforms and command and control structures. The launching of the Clunies-1 module marks the begin of the construction phase of the programme. It has been reported that SEED has given the green-light for its partners to begin developing their respective modules which will be added to the Clunies-1 to form the superstructure of the Hermes Space Station.

Kazulia invites Vanuku, Lourenne to join Space Station Programme
SEED invites Vanukean and Lourennais space exploration agencies to join Hermes Space Station Programme.
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SEED's new Director Ragnhild Laugesen at the Ellinor Ketelsen Space Centre.
2nd November, 4521.

The Space Exploration and Exploitation Directorate (SEED) issued a formal invitation to Vanuku and Lourenne to join the Kazulian/Hutorian space programme known as the Arcadia Programme, in an attempt to forge a united front on space exploration. The agency had requested a definitive response from the Lourenais Space and Aerospace Agency (Agence de l'Espace et de l'Aérospatiale Lourennais - AEAL) and the Vanukean Space Agency (Wrnukék Baotaghe Klarz - WBK), whereby SEED will make the necessary arrangement to integrate the agencies into the Arcadia Programme. With the recent launching of the Clunies-1 Module, the construction phase of the Hermes Space Station begins. Hutori and Dorvik have already been given the green-light on developing their modules which will be added to the Clunies-1 and which will contribute towards the daily operations of the space station. In speaking with SEED's new Director Ragnhild Laugesen at the Ellinor Ketelsen Space Centre, it was announced that by inviting Vanuku and Lourenne to join Hutori, Dorvik and Kazulia into constructing and operating the Hermes Space Station, relations between the nations could be strengthened in this area regardless of geopolitical constraints on terra. According to Director Laugesen, the fact that neither WBK or AEAL had been to space was a minor setback as the agency now had to take into great consideration the fact that Vanukean and Lourennais astronauts needed time in space before committing themselves to the long periods of time to be spent on the space station.

According to a statement from SEED's Communications Department, Lourenne had been invited to construct a telecommunications orbiter and entry-descent-landing system to accompany the space station, which is to be built alongside Kazulian scientists. Vanuku had been invited to construct a laboratory module alongside Kazulian scientists who are expected to design the module's superstructure. SEED, in being the most prosperous space exploration agency in the world, made an agreement between WBK and AEAL that amidst Kazulia's success in space, the agency will not leave others behind. This opened the possibility for a future manned mission to the moon by a cabal of Hutorian, Dorvish, Kazulian, Vanukean and Lourennais astronauts. Currently, SEED is expected to send a Lourennais and Vanukean astronaut in accordance with procedure and general outlook of the Arcadia Programme.
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Re: Kazulias Nyheter

Postby Maxington » Sun Jan 27, 2019 12:36 pm

Kazulia calls for ceasefire in Temania as conflict intensifies
As Temanian Civil War intensifies, Kazulian Government calls for immediate ceasefire by warring factions.
12th January, 4522.

With the Temanian conflict is intensifying and civilian causalities surpassing PDF and Imperial Army numbers, the Kazulian Government has called upon the warring factions to agree to a ceasefire to ease the developing humanitarian situation and allow for investigation to be made on the nature and existence of chemical weapons being held by the Imperial Government. This is the sentiment held by Minister of Foreign Affairs Tormod Langager who stated that the situation is increasingly leaning towards increased causalities towards civilians, thus citing the call for a ceasefire. This coupled with reports of the use of chemical weapons, he said "Mandates a ceasefire". Anaylsts have stated that the conflict is already inching towards a zero balance as it will soon come to past that neither the armed opposition nor the incumbent regime will be capable of defeating the other. In visualising the projects of the war in its infancy, several conventions on humanitarian law and human rights had been violated by both sides. If accepted by the armed opposition, a ceasefire would have to be kept "under international observation", which could be provided by monitors or WC peace-keepers – as long as they came from neutral or friendly countries, a statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
A lasting peace must be obtained in order to alleviate the developing humanitarian situation. Civilian causalities have surpassed that of the warring factions. This is extremely concerning and speaks volumes of the heinous and barbaric nature of this conflict.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has invited the Imperial Army, the PDF and the FDF to Ntoto to agree on a ceasefire. Ntoto has seen decades of prosperity underneath the Bortnem-Pomerleau Initiative and is gradually moving its population away from poverty. In speaking with Chief Executive Abdoulaye Ouattara, he said that he welcomed the hosting of the ceasefire in Ntoto, saying that the developments in Temanian were concerning to the Esinsundu world. According to statements from the Kazulian Developmental Assistance Agency (KDAA), the agency had been prepared to assist a potential World Congress humanitarian relief situation. The Kazulian Developmental Assistance Agency (KDAA) is the largest development aid organisation in the world, second only to the privately owned United Developmental Assistance Porgramme (UDAP).
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Re: Kazulias Nyheter

Postby Maxington » Sun Jan 27, 2019 4:24 pm

Kazulian anti-missile system operational across globe
Kazulian anti-ballistic missile system made operational across globe after years of development.
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The MIM-33 "Lockjaw" firing one of its Harris missiles during a demonstration.
2nd February, 4522.

The Department of Defence has announced that the MIM-33 "Lockjaw" anti-ballistic missile system was now operational in Kazulian military installations across the globe. According the DoD, the missile defence system which had been the brainchild of joint Hutorian/Kazulian work had been operational and was actively prepared to respond to ballistic missile threats. The system is set to replace ALL of Kazulia's Warrior-missile defence systems alongside the Skjoldr-3. The deployment of the system across the globe will see the system appear in nations such as Jakania, Keymon, Hutori, Dorvik, Luthori, Lourenne, Baltusia and Telamon. Statements from the Department of Defence have stated that the deployment of the Lockjaw is earlier than initially anticipated. According to a report published 2 years prior, the system was supposed to be operational in 4525, however the Defence Material Organisation stated that the system's deployment had been hurried due to concerns mainly from the Trigunian Federation's resurgence. The $900 Million unit by the Horizon Technology Corporation, Asvald Gruppen and Viserby Systems. The deployment of the Lockjaw across the world would see major shift in the geopolitical balance mainly due to the fact that now Kazulia has a layered defence against ballistic missile threats.

According to statements from the Department of Defence, the system's deployment comes amidst intelligence reports of a rising interest in rogue nations into the development of weapons of mass destruction and the Government's continued obligation to the Mandate of Tranquillity. In addressing the Select Committee on Defence and National Security, Inspector-General of the Kazulian Air Force Lt. General Farman Wahlberg, whose branch is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Lockjaw systems stated that during testing the system had proved extremely effective against ballistic missile threats of an intercontinental nature. He stated that whilst the system was not designed to respond adequately to short to intermediate range ballistic missiles, the layered defences upheld by the Warrior-missile defence systems which will be removed from their postures as long-range ballistic missile interceptors to short to intermediate range ballistic missile defence systems. The deployment of the Lockjaw is expected to ensure a network/shield against ballistic missile attacks in the Northern Hemisphere. Lt. General Wahlberg stated that if it came to it, the system will be utilised to shoot down any ballistic missile in the Northern Hemisphere, regardless of whether it is aimed against Kazulia and its allies or not.
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Re: Kazulias Nyheter

Postby Maxington » Sun Jan 27, 2019 10:18 pm

DoD to boost investment into laser systems research
Defence Department to boost investment into national programmes on offensive laser systems.
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The XW-1 "Sverðsegg" prototype laser weapon systems by Viserby Defence Systems and the Flindar Technical University.
22nd March, 4522.

The Kazulian Department of Defence is set to boost investment into directed-energy systems used for offensive means over the next decades. This statement from the Defence Advanced Research Agency (DARA) and the Defence Material Organisation (DMO) comes amidst questions pertaining the cost associated with a functioning offensive direct-energy system. According to defence auditors, the Department of Defence's budget, saw little to no room for continued funding of an offensive direct-energy system. Director of the Defence Advanced Research Agency, Rasmus Albrechtsen stated that whilst the DoD's budget provided no room now for intensified investment, several programme are set to be slashed by the DoD to make room for other programmes including the direct-energy systems programme. The acquisition of a direct-energy weapon has been but a dream for the armed forces, with many wanting to see large systems be integrated into the army, navy, amphibious corps and air-force. These sentiments are in complete contradiction to the Defence Material Organisation who stated that if the armed forces were to acquire a hypothetical system of that nature, it will be in small-cost effective units which will be more realistic in terms of acquisition than larger systems.

A report by the Kazulian Defence University concluded that in the coming years, there will be an increased presence of unmanned combat systems. With the Department of Defence set to launch a review into the potential use of drone technology, a correlation between unmanned systems and direct-energy systems have been highlighted by defence analysts. Some argue that drone mounted direct-energy systems could change the way wars in the future are fought, whilst other argue that for Kazulia to jump directly into drone technology with direct-energy systems which haven't even been tested, it will be extremely dangerous to defence policy which prides on Kazulia's acquisition of combat proven systems. Whilst some have also discussed the sentiment of direct-energy systems from the perspective of missile defence, the DMO has once again rebuffed these sentiments citing the fact that for direct-energy systems to be used in missile defence said systems will have to be large, thus being in complete contradiction of the agency's policy of acquiring small-cost effective units.
Comptroller of the Kazulian Department of Defence, Jytte Westergaard wrote:If we are to acquire direct-energy systems, it must be in small-cost effective units. We must understand the fact that large units are always extremely costly and with our current budget we do not see any room for funding of large systems or arrays. We cannot predict the future on the possibility of a major increase in the defence budget, thus investment into large systems is unlikely and in a similar manner whilst investment into smaller systems programmes is likely, the Department of Defence is expected to conduct an audit into its expenditures and this audit will determine whether we will continue to investment into system programmes or stop investment entirely.


As part of a broad reorganisation of the Department of Defence's acquisition structure, which also resulted in the creation of the Select Committee on Defence Appropriations within the Stortinget, the vast majority of large acquisition programs, previously controlled by the defence material organisation, had day-to-day oversight pushed down to the service level. In speaking with Defence Minister Einar Eilertsen, he hinted the possibility of an 35% increased in the defence budget in the next fiscal budget plan stating that the government had long contemplated on the prospects of increasing the defence budget. With the Department of Defence pushing Kazulia towards modernising in an effort to maintain the technological, tactical and strategic edge it maintains over various nations including Vanuku, an increase in the defence budget would be more than appreciate by the department.

Skalm seeks single market in Western-Dovani
Kazulia discusses single market in Western-Dovani with Dankuk, Lourenne.
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The Port of Verdalheim, the largest port in Dovani and centre for much of Dovanian trade.
22nd March, 4522.

Kazulia wants to established a single market in Western-Dovani comprising of the nation's along the Western Dovanian coast. On the backdrop of Skalm's continued commitments to reshaping the global financial system and the relative prosperity in Dovani at the hands of Skalm's commitments and economic activity, the Kazulian government is now calling upon the nations of the Dovanian "first world" to join in the cause of regional integration through the formation of a single market. According to officials from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Kazulian Government believes that a provisional agreement between the governments of Dankuk, Lourenne and potentially, Sekowo, Hulstria and Talmoria could pave the way for continued prosperity in the region. Prime Minister Anne-Mette Daugaard called a meeting of the Council of Ministers to discuss the prospects of a single market between the nations of Western Dovani. Officials stated that the Prime Minister had urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to make the necessary arrangements for the leaders of Dankuk, Kazulia, Hulstria, Sekowo, Lourenne and Talmoria to meet and discuss the sentiments of regional integration through trade in Skalm. The Prime Minister insisted that closer cooperation between the aforementioned nations will prove to be beneficial to the members of the market itself.

A single market is an agreement between several nations which attempts to make trading between members as easy as possible. The concept to be pushed by the Kazulian Government is founded on the belief that trade between members would see a removal of taxes, tariffs and quotas placed on trade goods and services. Currently, taxes and tariffs are imposed on Dankukin, Sekowoan, Talmoria and Hulstrian goods by the Kazulian Government mainly due to the fact that an agreement between Kazulia and the aforementioned nations on the removal of these trade constraints has not been reached. As a result, goods originating from these nations are more expensive and less appealing to the Kazulian market, especially those looking to import goods from these nations. An estimate by the Department of Finance and the Economy states that tariffs and quotas back and forward costs the aforementioned nations and Kazulia around $3 Billion LOD annually. According to a fellow at the Trond Henrichsen Institute for International Affairs, the reason nations impose tariffs on imports is because it protects local production. By placing tariffs on foreign products, makes said goods more expensive than those offered locally, thus encouraging people to purchase from the now cheaper local suppliers.

By forming a single market, there will be virtually no limit to the numbers of goods a member state can sell to another within the market itself. Currently, nations are able to bar the amount of goods entering their nations with the expressed purpose of protecting local production. The single market will also allow for the free movement of people, capital and services and also works to prevent non tariff restrictions. Having different rules and requirements as would be promoted by non tariff restrictions would make international trade harder. Through the formation of standardised rules, trade would be easier as it allows for an even playing field. It would mean that all nations within the single market will have to abide by the same regulations and nations will not be able to get ahead by exploiting workers and having low safety standards. With around 25% of Kazulian exports going to Dovanian nations, the prospects of a single market economy in Western Dovani can be conceptualised and potentially put into actions. The Department of Foreign Affairs has invited the Dankukin and Lourennais Governments to discuss the formation of the single market plan in Skalm. Whether the nations will agree to the idea is yet to be seen.

Kazulia becomes world's largest oil and natural gas producer
Kazulia's oil-based economy propels it to becoming world's largest oil and natural gas producer.
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The Oceanic Princess Oil Platform in the White Ocean is a key structure in Kazulian oil interests in the Arctic.
22nd March, 4522.

For the first time in its history as nation, the Kingdom of Kazulia has become the world's largest oil and natural gas producer, according to a report by the Department of Energy and Energy Affairs. The announcement demonstrated the fact that Kazulia's increased involvement in Dovanian development coupled with its continued interests in oil and natural gas prospects across the world had been extremely beneficial in solidifying its place as the world's largest producer of crude oil and natural gas. At the centre of the praise being given to the oil and natural gas industries was Gasstrien, the state-owned oil and natural gas company which according to the Energy Department report had surpassed Trigunia's Neftkomp as the largest oil and natural gas company. Kazulian investment into oil and natural gas has been fierce of the past five (5) decades. Development in Dovani had seen Gasstrien become increasingly involved in exploitation and refinery operations in several Dovanian nations. The major of Gasstrien's oil riches comes from the Arctic shelf, which Kazulia has ensured to expand Gasstrien into where Neftkomp and the Natural Resources Technical Management Corporation had not expanded into.

Kazulian output saw a steady incline in the past decades, reaching nearly 6 million barrels per day. This nudged Kazulia ahead of Trigunia. The achievement underscores the profound impact of technological advances in exploitation. As fracking unlocked vast sums of oil and natural gas that had been trapped underground, drilling costs declined dramatically. This determination was required after Gasstrien had warned of fluctuations in the market within the Northern Hemisphere. Neftkomp, alongside Gasstrien launched an initiative to regain market share lost to the Trigunia and Kazulia and other oil producers in the Northern Hemisphere. Trigunian inaction in the oil and natural gas business knocked several of its companies out of the game, sending some into near bankruptcy. The Department of Energy and Energy Affairs in its report, commended the resilience of Neftkomp, recognising the blows the company took for the betterment of the natural gas markets in the Northern Hemisphere and the wider world, it concluded that through Neftkomp's actions in reducing production, Gasstrien owes its current success to the company.

Whilst, Kazulia may enjoy its place at the top, the report warned of a rising star. The reactivation of the Kafuri Oil and Natural Gas Industry mean't increased competition. It has been estimated that Kafuristan possess more oil than what is estimated for the entire Arctic shelf. Whilst many repeat the fact that Kazulia is also the world's largest natural gas producer, others rebuff the statements saying that Kazulia's economy is oil based not natural gas based and the reactivation of the Kafuri Oil Industry could see Kazulia dethroned in the near or distance future. With Kazulia's prosperity mandating increased energy, it cannot meet its voracious appetite for oil by looking inward only, thus citing the potential for Kazulia to import oil and natural gas from Kafuristan and other nations. Whether the Kazulian oil and natural gas industry is prepared for competition from the Kafuris, other state that competition from Valruzian, Istalian and Hutorian companies are not on the horizon.
"The future of the Nation is in the children's school bags" ~ Dr. Eric Williams
President of the Trond Henrichsen Institute for International Affairs.
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