Kazulia

[Maxington]

Referendum in Al-Najd aimed at deciding fate of province.
Referendum to be conducted in Al-Najd to decide whether province will remain under wing of Kazulia or will return to Kalopian vanguard state.

Civil Superintendent of Territorial Activities, Anders Bjorklund with a Kazulian civil servant discussing the referendum.
11th April, 4216

In response to the increased tensions between Kazulia and Kalopia over the protectorate of Al-Najd, Civil Superintendent of Territorial Activities, Anders Bjorklund announced that a referendum would be conducted in the province as to determine where the Wantuni people stand on the protectorate situation. In the World Congress General Assembly, the Kingdom of Kazulia has been engaging in a war of attrition with the Kalopian representatives who have labelled the implementation of the protectorate as an illegal measure and a direct breach of international law, siting claims of oppression and undemocratic rule under the Kazulian protectorate whilst championing the causes of democracy and freedom on their side of the river.

The protectorate was established to bring back the province of Wantuni Al-Najd into being the economic powerhouse of Kalopia. The Kingdom funded and administrative infrastructural works, the development of the security forces in the province and the formation of a well-tuned political system with a functioning legislative body. However, these activities have been condemned by the Kalopian government under the pretext that permission was not granted by them for the establishment of a protectorate in the province. Although the Kazulian representatives explained that the intervention was through an invitation from the Wantuni people in enter into a Kalopia which at the time had no functioning government. The Kalopian represented pushed the notion that the Wantuni people had no authority (even if the nation was in anarchy due to the absence of laws and a functioning government) to invite the establishment of a protectorate.

Anders Bjorklund spoke to reporters inside Administration House, the official seat of the Civil Superintendent of the Civil Protectorate of al-Najd.

The civil protectorate was established with the intentions of transforming the province into something that could be used as a de facto government province,
uniting the anarchist ruled country under the stable province. I cannot comment on my thoughts with respect to the Kalopian calls to dismantle the protectorate, as such under direction from Skalm, i have been ordered to form a referendum deciding the fate of the protectorate and the Al-Najd province. There will be three categories:
(1) the formation of a united front, joining the istalian and kazulian protectorates as a means of protecting the integrity of the refugees and the wantuni people. (2)
the protectorate will remain separated with their own political accords or (3) the protectorate shall be dissolved, the province formally returned under the banner of the Union of Kalopian Revolutionary Socialist Vanguardships and an immediate Kazulian withdrawal from the country be arranged. This is the democratic right of the people and we do not intend on hindering this process.

Bjorklund stated that if the Kazulian protectorate is to be dismantled, all Kazulians might they be staff of the administration or tourists will be ordered to leave the country. Currently reports have it that some Kazulians are currently trapped into the KRSV due to the government's closing of the border to prevent brain drain and the government's threats to kill persons who dare leave the KRSV. Statsminister Ingjerd Roinestad stated that she does intend on negotiating the release of Kazulians from the KRSV with the Kalopian Government, however she has stated that a positive response from them is not expected. Currently, the referendum is expected to be held next month around the anniversary of the Kazulian intervention into the province.

[Maxington]

Kongelig Marinen (Royal Navy) sends warships to Al-Najd Protectorate ahead of referendum.
Kongelig Marinen dispatches multi-role frigates to Al-Najd Protectorate ahead of referendum amid threats from MRSF to forcefully retake provinces.

The KNOS-Robin Wagle, KNOS-Kent Reishus and the KNOS-Axel Soland (vessels of the International Response Task Force) enroute to the Al-Najd Protectorate.
8th June, 4216

Three warships armed with cruise missiles have been sent to the Al-Najd Protectorate as apart of the MRSF's continued threats towards the protectorates, especially those aimed at derailing the referendum to be held shortly. After continued threats being made towards the Protectorates, the Defence Ministry has announced that it has every intention of protecting the democratic process being promoted/facilitated by the referendum. The frigates KNOS-Robin Wagle, KNOS-Kent Reishus and the KNOS-Axel Soland, considered to possess the most professional crew in the Kazulian navy, Kollsloekr Naval Station earlier this morning armed to the teeth with naval strike missiles, cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles. Many Kazulians have supported the move, with some stating that knowing the Kongelig Marinen they would not hesitate in defending the democratic interests of the Wantuni people from external forces.

Commander of the Flotilla and Commanding Officer of the KNOS-Axel Soland, Captain Magnar Hammer spoke to members of the media on-board the Axel Soland before it left the naval station.

The reason for our deployment has been assumed by members of the media as being the government's response to the recent threats directed towards the Protectorate. Your assumptions are correct, our deployment would see the increase of security during the referendum period from external forces. I believe that the MRSF would not dare to engage our vessels knowing that they carry a payload capable of leveling their capital city. From what i know, a no fly-zone would also be established by our anti-aircraft capabilities. It should be noted that if we are threatened or engaged the government will not hesitate to dispatch the remaining naval assets of the internal response task force. I am a sailor, i do not sugar coat my words in the interest of sounding political or diplomatic. I am going to be extremely straight with the MRSF, specifically the Kalopia portion: we intend on defending the referendum's democratic process through any and all means necessary. It would be in your best interest to keep at arms length from this Flotilla.

It was announced by the Defence Ministry that the frigates are also present in the event that the referendum votes the withdrawal of Kazulian forces, the vessels will return essential personnel back to Kazulia. Ahead of the referendum, the Kongelig Luftvåpen (Royal Air-force) is actively preparing for the dispatching of several heavy transportation aircraft to the protectorate to assist in the withdrawal process of Kazulian assets and personnel. But at this current time, the Flotilla is currently conducting anti-submarine, anti-missile/aircraft and surface warfare exercises in anticipation of an escalated southern Majatra.

[Maxington]

Kazulia strengthen military cooperation with Dolgaria.
Military visit to Dolgaria could bear much results for Kazulian-Dolgarian Joint Military Cooperation.

Sigve Aagard, Chief of Defence Staff of the Kongeforsvar (Royal Kazulian Defence Force).
11th December, 4216

Recently re-appointed Chief of Defence Staff Sigve Aagard is on a two week visit to Dolgaria to improve relations between the Kongeforsvar (Royal Defence force of Kazulia) and the Bruņotie spēki Dolgavijas (Armed Forces of Dolgaria). The visit has been marked as the first time a Kazulian military official has visited a Kerisian nation, other than the Trigunian Empire, on official business. In a press release before leaving for the southern Keris nation, Aagard commented on the importance Skalm is placing on its new-found relationship with the state. It was stated that the main focus of the trip was to improve ties amid the two nation's work in gradually rebuilding the Northern Council and forming the Northern Defence Corporation.

Despite Kazulia's interest in Dolgarian technology and its own growing awareness of its various security threats, the main being the current geopolitical crisis in Majatra with the MRSF and the respective Protectorate of Al-Najd, the Kongeforsvar and Defence Ministry have expressed every intention of protecting the interests of the people of the protectorate and curbing all threats made against it. With the recent moves by the Dolgarian Armed Forces to rebuild itself into a formidable fighting force, this trip could set the mark for Kazulian assistance in the rebuilding process.

Currently the two countries are not bound by any diplomatic pact or agreement, so it is evident that Aagard will focus on pushing on the formation of a mutual defence and cooperation agreement between the two countries. It is expected that the Northern Council and the Northern Defence Corporation could be on the table for discussion between General Aagard and the Lieutenant General Arijs Freibergs, who is expected to receive the Chief of Defence Staff once he arrives in Dolgaria tomorrow. From undisclosed sources the Northern Defence Corporation is to receive immense technical and financial assistance from Asvald Gruppen, the state-owned defence manufacturer and the primary supplier of the Kongeforsvar.

[Maxington]

Central Bank announces investment into International Development and Stability Bank.
Central Bank Governor-General announces investment into International Development and Stability Bank through National Investment and Stabilization Fund.

Governor-General Amund Underdahl (left) with CEO of the National Investment and Stabilization Fund Helene Enevoldsen (right) announcing their recent move.
11th April, 4217

Governor-General of the Central Bank of the Kingdom of Kazulia Amund Underdahl announced that the Central Bank will be investing heavily into the formation of the recently proposed International Development and Stability Bank as a means of assisting in the formation of a monetary lending/loans means apparatus where governments can exchange monetary policies in the areas of lending and investment, thus being the Central Bank's first initiative towards implementing its transcontinental agenda of investment and monetary aid. Governor-General Underdahl stated that since the initial proposal of an international monetary lending organisation was championed in the World Congress General Assembly by Dorvish politicians and economists, he has since been maneuvering the Central Bank to begin investing into its formation. Whilst addressing economists and politicians on the move taken by the Central Bank, Underdahl said:

The investment initiative proposed would bring down the speedy formation of the International Development and Stability Bank. It is imperative that we invest into such as apparatus as this due to the fact that it would be beneficial to see nations brought back on their feet (economically) through the bank. It is also important to stress on the urgency of this investment initiative with respect to the National Investment and Stabilization Fund. This would see the use of the NISF's global provisions which allows it to act as an international investor, investing into initiatives beneficial to economic development and stability. It exercises and tests the core principles of the fund, and as such should be approach with a agree of seriousness.

CEO of the National Investment and Stabilization Fund Helene Enevoldsen stated that through negotiations between Governor-General Amund Underdahl and Minister of Finance and the Economy Aksel Caspersen, the fund would be investing around 10.1 Billion LOD (100 Billion Krona) towards the International Development and Stability Bank. Since the recent bailout, the National Investment and Stabilization Fund (former known as the Economic Stability Fund) has reached its 200 Billion Krona (29 Billion LOD) mark through Export Duty for Oil and Petrochemicals, the Transnational Oil Extraction Tax Act and the 2 Billion of the Government Surplus (annually). The fund is expected to assist the Dolgavian Investment Authority and the National Reserve Fund of the Bank of Dolgavia in handling the monetary start-up procedures, citing the long-term involvement of the National Investment and Stabilization Fund into the International Development Stability Bank.

[Maxington]

International Task Force sent to intercept Vanukean Fleet.
International Response Task Force sent to intercept Vanukean First Fleet and guard Al-Najd coastal region from incursions.

Flag ship of the Kongelig Marinen, KNOS-Queen Ingrid, being tugged out of port.
11th April, 4217

The Vanukean First Fleet recently re-initiated patrols along the southern majatran belt, focusing most of its patrols near the coast lines of the MRSF bloc nations and the protectorate's specifically al-Najd, and is considered to be the largest deployment of Vanukean naval forces since the Great Terran War. It is not clear as to actual the intentions of the patrols by the Vanukean Navy as the purpose of the patrols, however Prefect of Vanuku, Frederick Obmé announced that the deployment of the fleet was the "First step towards peace in Majatra". However, it was later expressed by the Vanukean Defence Ministry that the fleet's deployment was to "intervene and subdue any arising conflicts". An official from the Kazulian Defence Ministry stated

When vessels of these orientation sail/conduct operations near our vessels it creates the impetus for confusion and increased tensions. We intend on documenting the fleet's every move, through layers of surveillance and intelligence gathering.

In response to the ambitious and aggressive move launched by the Vanukean Naval Forces, the Kongelig Marinen had dispatched the entirety of the International Response Task Force in-order to reinforce the protective efforts of the KNOS-Robin Wagle, KNOS-Kent Reishus and the KNOS-Axel Soland which were originally dispatched to the protectorate to ensure a heightened level of security in the province during the referendum period. According from statements made by the Defence Ministry, the International Response Task Force will be shadowing the Vanukean fleet's movement through surveillance which had been granted through the dispatching of the electronic warfare and signals intelligence vessel, the KNOS-Oliver Fiske. The multi-role aircraft carrier/amphibious assault ship, the KNOS-Queen Ingrid has also been dispatched to the region to increase the operational effectiveness of the naval forces dispatched to the region. It was also announced that apart from the International Response Task Force being deployed, elements of the KNOS-Helge Tanck, KNOS-Thorhall replenishment vessels and around two (2) submarines (the KNOS-Jan Floden and the KNOS-Stig Ouren) are expected to accompany the task force, including two Amfibiskeinfanteribataljons (Amphibious Infantry Battalions).

Many persons were outraged when news that the Vanukean Fleet had entered the Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ), however this was settled when surveillance imagery showed that although the fleet did not enter the EEZ it was dangerously and provocatively close to the KNOS-Robin Wagle, KNOS-Kent Reishus and the KNOS-Axel Soland. A Senior official in Royal Naval Command that the recent Vanukean most is an attempt to flex-muscles and intimidate. Similarly to the Reishus, Wagle and Soland, the International Response Task Force will be conducting a series of exercises (drills) during their journey towards the designated region. Anti-submarine, anti-missile/aircraft, air superiority and surface warfare exercises will be conducted. This shows that the government in Skalm intends on ensuring the security of the recently united protectorates through any and all means necessary.

[Maxington]

"Funding its own demise." ~ Statsminister on Malivian Arms Deal.
Statsminister slams Malivia for concluding arms deal with Kalopia; immediately introduces sanctions.

Statsminister Ingjerd Roinestad speaking at media briefing on the issue.
2nd May, 4217

In a controversial move which has the capabilities of increasing tensions between the socialist bloc and the united protectorate, it was reported by Malivian news outlets that the Malivian Government had concluded an arms agreement with the MRSF in attempt to "free itself" of its old fleet of armoured vehicles. According to Malivian news outlets, the Malivian Ministry of Defence announced that it was concluded a 120 Million Malivian Crown agreement between the MRSF on the grounds of an arms agreement which would be the MRSF's procurement of old Malivian armoured vehicles and equipment. The deal is expected to be a gradual process, with the exchange in equipment being conducted between 4128 and 4219 and would see around four hundred (400) main battle tanks be transported to the socialist bloc.

In response to the move taken by the Malivian Government, Statsminister Ingjerd Roinestad announced that Malivia was adding fuel to a bonfire, citing that the southern Artanian country would be responsible for the demise of its own ethnic minorities in the region. Statsminister Roinestad slammed the Malivian Government for directly supporting the socialist bloc and warned the government of an asymmetrical response from Skalm and from the regional nations of Artania.

It is irrational for a foreign government to directly and openly fund/equip a government/political system that has been proven to be oppressive to persons within its inner ring. It is not shocking that Malivia would support such a state, for this country has had a history of oppression and anti-democratic tendencies. The Malivian State is funding its own demise. There are minority groups within this socialist bloc, whom are from various nations across terra, including Malivia, who are being oppressive, and deprived of their basic civil/human rights. The Malivian state is funding its own demise. If the Malivian state continues with these actions, it will be seen that the Malivian state is funding an oppressive regime and as such the necessary measures for change would be instituted through several avenues. I call upon the members of the Artanian Union and the nation states of Artania to condemn these actions by the Malivian state and mount an asymmetrical response to these moves. As of now, the Kingdom of Kazulia will be withdrawing investment from the Malivian State, derailing travel between our countries and completely ending trade with the state. Take this a direct threat, the Kingdom of Kazulia will not tolerate these moves and will do what is necessary to ensure that these weapons do not enter the MRSF bloc nations.

Already the government has withdrawn all investment into Malivia and has ceased trade between the countries. According to the Foreign Assets Management Agency, they have frozen all Malivian assets in the country and have swiftly moved to "boot" Malivian government businesses and investment out of the country. Several naval vessels of the Arctic Response Task Force have been dispatched to the Majatran Sea to derail Malivian attempts at transporting weapons by sea. Statsminister Roinestad stated that she intends on placing heavy sanctions on the Malivian State and have called on Artanian nation states to following in the same footstep for being complicit in the oppression of their own citizens trapped in the MRSF.

[Maxington]

"Turning geopolitical into business" ~ Foreign Ministry Spokesman.
Government responds to Malivian back-peddle with cancellation of naval deployment.
2nd May, 4217

After a stern warning and an asymmetrical response was issued by the Kazulian Government to the Malivian Government in response to its attempts to directly fund the socialist bloc, saw the scrapping of the deal completely by the Malivian Government, government officials have responded to the statements made by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malivia Tawni Elough who stated that the Kazulians could have "used their brains." Director of Communications in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Christoffer Nyhus did not hesitate the blast the Malivian Foreign Minister for his statement, pointing out Malivia's vindictive intention of turning the geopolitical issue into a business deal.

It is not the say that the Malivian government did not know whom they were dealing with. They knew that they were giving arms to a regime that has set the record for oppression and also has set the impetus for instability in the southern hemisphere. The government is not going to turn a geopolitical issue into a business deal as was attempted by the Malivian Government. We are not going to counter an offer with another offer at a higher price simply to derail this government's attempts at funding the demise of persons from across terra trapped into the isolated bloc. According to Malivian Foreign Minister they should have "used their brains" and analysed the nation whom they were about the give weapons to. That above itself is an example of the incompetence in the Malivian government. Trying to turn a geopolitical issue into a business deal?
It is vexatious and frivolous.

The Office of the Statsminister announced the contingency plans for the deployment of naval forces to derail the Malivian attempt would be cancelled after the Malivian government announced that the plan would be derailed. However, the Statsminister's Office stated that it does not intend on removing the sanctions unless the Malivian State can show that they would "use their brains" the next time round.

[Maxington]

Ingebretsen returns to politics.
Former Statsminister Rasmus Ingebretsen returns to politics; reassumes Statsministership.

Statsminister Rasmus Ingebretsen.
11th October, 4217

It has been confirmed, Former Statsminister and career politician, Rasmus Ingebretsen has returned to the political stage with a bang. The former statsminister, known for transforming the Kingdom of Kazulia into a mediator state was recently resurrected politically his political movement who included his name for the Statsministership in the recent cabinet reshuffle. During his initial tenure as Statsminister Ingebretsen spent much of his time in Nasjonal Arbeiderkongress (then known as the Nasjonal Sosialistisk Folkeparti) paving the way for the transformation of the Kingdom of Kazulia. Controversy of his return to the political stage sparked after a voice note circled across the internet of him saying to a reporter,"I can assure you, I will return to the Stortinget, I am not that old." Since then the greater population has been awaiting the announcement of his return. Famed for his policies which brought Kazulia back onto its feet after years of political and diplomatic inactivity, Ingebretsen has not ceased to amaze the supporters of the Nasjonal Arbeiderkongress and the various political sects for his combination of political ideologies. Now the re-assuming the post of Head of Government, Ingebretsen intends on instituting major reforms to the system. His first act was eliminating sanctions on Malivia and reopening diplomatic channels. For now, the nation awaits to see what legislations Ingebretsen has in store.

[Maxington]

A pursuit to modernize Kazulia's Defence Force.
Defence Minister expected to outline plans for modernization of Kongeforsvar.

Members of the 9th Pansrede infanteribrigade during a training exercise.
11th November, 4217

Defence Minister, Vegard Sandberg, is expected to present an in depth report to Statsminister Ramus Ingebretsen outlining his planned intentions to modernize the Kongeforsvar (Royal Defence Force). From all accounts, it could be one of the most radical and long overdue shake-ups undertaken in decades by a defense minister. The Kongeforsvar's leadership structure would focus at streamlining young officers into the leadership of the defence force. The defence force, which currently numbers 212,000 active personnel, would be shrunk to 180,000 active. The Military Sectors established under the previous overhaul will be scrapped and brigades either combined or disbanded to accommodate for the renewed organisational structure.

Sandberg stated that it was time that the Kongeforsvar abandon the old doctrine of large numbers to adopt a "small and smart" army criteria. There were several factors contributing to this renewed approach to the modernization of the Kongeforsvar. One being Kazulia's current involvement in the hostilities in Kalopia. Sandberg, since being appointed defence minister recently, has questioned Kazulia's involve and establishment of the protectorate, pointing out that the deployment other troops conducted by the recent defence minister has, instead of decreased tensions, increased Vanukean involvement into the situation, causing the situation to spiral out of control. He stated that he intends on withdrawing military personnel from oversees nations, stressing the point that the Kongeforsvar is a Defencive Force not an Offencive Force.

Sandberg, the former Air-Force Major-General, stated that he intends on introducing a "Projection to Expeditionary" doctrine into the Kongeforsvar. According to information given by the Defence Ministry, a Projection to Expeditionary doctrine would see the Kongeforsvar act as an actual defence force, however it will still have immense capabilities for offensive action. Colonel Kurt Simonsen of the Center for Strategic Analysis says that the Kongeforsvar has to adapt to the changing climate if it wants to see itself as a leading figure in its hemisphere, but should not be acting as how it is currently acting, as an aggressive war machine.

Already several persons in the military complex have begun to speculate the changes to come with the modernization. Some speculate that the government would finally invest into attack helicopters and other says that the government would invest into modernize troop equipment such as firearms, armoured vehicles etc. It is only with time the provisions of this modernization plan would be disclosed.

[Maxington]

Kazulian Exit from Al-Najd: Complete withdrawal from Al-Najd Province.
Kazulians withdraw from Al-Najd Protectorate; Statsminister orders military personnel to withdraw completely from Al-Najd.

Statsminister Rasmus Ingebretsen on the withdrawal of Kazulian personnel from the Al-Najd Province.
12th December, 4217

After more than twenty (20) years of operations in the Al-Najd Province, Kazulian personnel (military and civilian) have been withdrawn from the province, leaving it at either the will of the Wantuni people, the MRSF or the Istalian Protectorate. Against a backdrop of political uncertainty and increased diplomatic tensions, military leaders of the Kongeforsvar contingent lowered the Kazulian flag from Administration House, and replaced it with the provisional flag of the Al-Najd province. The move to withdrawal all Kazulian personnel from the province and the great country came after Statsminister Rasmus Ingebretsen announced that he intends on approaching the situation through a more functional route, one which should have been attempted earlier, that being diplomacy. He stated that the Kingdom under the previous statsministers had acted in the most aggressive the country has been since the War for the Emperor's Protection.

Military equipment such as armoured personnel carriers, main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicle have been loaded into the vessels of the Auxiliary and Submarine Support Task Force with personnel being placed on the vessels of the International Response Task Force. Former Civil Superintendent of Territorial Activities of the new defunct Kazulian Protectorate Anders Bjorklund stated that the withdrawal was a painful experience since he had become emotionally attached to the people of the province and its culture. Currently the province is being run by acting Civil Superintendent and al-Najd resident, Timothy Chronis, a former member of the al-Najd legislative council. With them the contingent bring back equipment such as construction equipment.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the reserve fund established by the Civil Administration was handed over to Chronis where it is hoped that he would either put the money into continued development of the province or redistribute it among the province's population. It is worth around 110 Billion Krona (57.3 Billion Wantuni). It is uncertain whether the al-Najd province would be swallowed up by the MRSF, whether it will used its established protective forces to remain as an independent nation or whether it will official join the Istalian Protectorate, as Kazulian personnel withdraw from the province it is official that the Kazulian Protectorate of al-Najd has been dissolved.