Kazulia

[Maxington]

Michelle Cederström has said “the cat is out of the bag” on devolution in Kazulia, predicting the sentiment will dominate
Kazulian politics whatever the result of Agatha's devolution referendum. Stortinget members, counsellors, County Governors, etc
on all sides of the debate now say that even if Agatha votes against devolution, the devolution promises that have been made are
so profound that they will kick-start a debate about devolution to Flindar, Dreton, Hent and Kelvon. The National Labour
leadership are considering how to deal with the constitutional position of the other provinces after months of debate about the
Agatha referendum, which will lead to more devolution of powers to Arenvanger in the event of a no vote. Stortinget members
believe the so-called Eastern Question – why Agathan politicians have the right to vote on Dreton-only issues – will have to be
answered at last if there is further handing over of tax and spending powers to the Agathans. There are also likely to be calls
to review the Gilbertsen formula – the Ministry of Finance mechanism for sharing out public spending that means that Dreton get
less per head than the Agatha although it maintains the larger population.



Earlier this week, Odin Dahl, the Agathan South West MP and adviser to Cederström, suggested there needed to be a separate Dreton
National Labour Party, arguing that the question of who was speaking for Dreton was becoming “ever more insistent”. Leaders of
the New Conservative Party Henning Haagensen is facing even more unrest from within his party over the issue of Agathan
devolution, led by Kristoffer Balstad, a former cabinet minister, who claims 100 colleagues support his calls for a separate
Dreton parliament. Vegard Jespersen, MP for Skalm South-West, said further devolution for the Agathans without a similar deal for
the Dretons would be seen as “intolerable” by many of his constituents and colleagues. “I don’t think the question of who is
speaking for Dreton has really been woken up to enough,” he said. “We’ve been very tolerant for a long time. It’s a particular
problem in the north of England if Scotland gets more tax powers, as investors are often making a choice between Agatha and the
north. There is a lot of disquiet across all the parties, particularly among northern MPs.” In Flindar, Kelvon and Hent, the
Agathan debate has fuelled historic calls to reignite a nationalist movement.

Flindar

Flindar's Capital, Verdalreid

Frederik Berthelsen, children’s author, Skrigeres language champion and political campaigner, is fresh back from a trip to Agatha
where she was thrilled and inspired by the devolution debate. Something big is happening that she believes could begin to sweep
through the valleys, towns and cities of Flindar. “It will take a lot of work but I think it can happen. I’m over 50 now but we
can see devolution or possibly independence here in my lifetime.” . For years the polls have suggested that only about one in 10
Flindarish people are in favour of devolution. But if Agatha goes it alone, there is growing optimism among nationalists such as
Berthelsen– and concern among those in support of the current state – that Flindar might eventually follow. As the yes campaign
in Agatha has gained momentum, Flindarisk Interesse (Flindarish Interest) has become emboldened. Its leader, Axel Steffensen, is
calling for a constitution to be written by the people of Flindar and says devolution and independence ought to be seen as normal
rather than a “pipe dream”. “It’s not an epidemic but it is infectious,” he said. “I think change is part of the history of these
islands.” But Frans Mathiesen, the leader of Flindarish National Labour and County Governor, is campaigning strongly for the no
vote in Agatha. He argues that although he supports increased powers for the local governments he recognises that the vote could
potentially open the grates for an independence referendum in Flindar. He said: “I intend on voting against the referendum
because i am aware that Flindarisk Interesse and Mr. Steffensen will use that to call for an independence referendum. This is
something we seek to prevent as it contradicts our nation's unity.”

Hent

Hent's Capital, Verdalheim

If Agatha votes yes Ny Hent Allians (New Hent Alliance) will call for a new referendum, both on devolution and Hent's members of
the Kingdom of Kazulia similar to what is feared in Flindar and Kelvon. It’s up to Skalm whether they get it. If there’s enough
demand for it, it could happen. Ny Hent Allians may need more than its own membership to demand one and could petition widely to
get that support. Hent National Labour MP, Aksel Henningsen said: “For a start I think the mood is swinging back to a no vote in
Agatha but in the event of yes, there will undoubtedly be demands from Ny Hent Allians to hold a similar referendum here. But it
is a fact that opinion poll after opinion poll here shows there is a healthy pro-county and pro-union majority in Hent. In fact
those majorities are even higher for the county and the union than they are in Agatha.” Nationalists and Ny Hent Allians in
Verdalheim have been hyping up the prospect of a yes in Agatha. On Mathiesen Mountain overlooking mainly unionist east
Verdalheim, a giant “No” has been painted in the landscape beside an enormous “Seger För Alla” message. Leader of the Ny Hent
Allians, Lise-Lotte Mathiesen, a well-known political commentator and strong champion of the Befäskars language has stated that
devolution would grant Hent the ability to determine its own internal affairs whilst still allowing for Skalm to maintain an
omnipresent watch over the province, but argued that independence would completely remove Skalm from the image and would only
centre on Verdalheim as the capital and commercial centre of an independent Hent. Independence in Hent has not gained much
traction as in the other provinces mainly due to the fact that the parties championing the sentiment such as Ny Hent Allians have
had a history of violence in times of uncertainty and have been branded as opportunistic.

Dreton

Dreton's Capital and the National Capital, Skalm

One in five people in Dreton believe the capital-province would be better off if it had been granted greater opportunity and
capabilities to conduct its own affairs, according to a survey. In a Census poll published by the View from the Hvalder, a
tourist attraction, 19.9% out of 2,000 said Dreton could do more with greater devolution rights, as Agatha's devolution bug
appeared to be spreading east. Pro-devolution sentiment was keenest among 25- to 34-year-olds, with nearly half of those asked
saying yes. In other findings, 38% think the capital will be unrecognisable by 2030, 80% want more green space and more than 60%
want more bikes on the roads than cars. The former mayor of Skalm and former County Governor of Dreton Renate Holum has mooted
the idea before. During his tenure as County Governor (when he became the only politician to unseat the National Labour Party
from its historic Dreton stronghold with his Dreton People's Party, he advocated that Dreton either be given greater powers of
self-determination or seek independence whilst advocating that the province would be better off if the other states had stopped
sucking it dry of its economic wealth.

Kelvon

Kelvon's Capital, Rjustrand

There is a growing desire for separation in Kelvon, led by Kelvon Først, a single-issue political party launched earlier this
year by Patrick Eliasen, a businessman originally from the city of Rjustrand but now domiciled in Hulstria. Before the national
elections earlier this year, Eliasen said Kelvon ought to be able to take control of its own destiny. “Although we have the
smallest population, we are the second most productive province after Dreton because we are the agricultural heartland of
Kazulia. Our party believes in a conversation for Kelvon and that local politicians and organisations should agree to some kind
of governing solution,” he said. However, Kelvon Først's first brush with democracy was not a resounding success. The party
polled 19,016 votes in May’s national poll in Kelvon, behind the far-right Kazulian National party, which managed 20,000. Yet the
idea appears to be gaining increasing support. Kurt Halvorson, the veteran leader of Rjustrand city council, recently told the
Kazulias Nyehter: “Whatever happens in the coming Agatha devolution vote, there will be more devolution … The genie is out of the
bottle, we want more power and I actually believe Kelvon should take advantage of this historic vote.” The poet Simon Lehne, has
started to think about who should serve in Kelvon's cabinet, suggesting Johannes Bentzen as head of the diplomatic service and
Aksel Kielland as prime minister – because “he would ensure that nothing was spent”.

[Maxington]

Agatha has said a resounding Yes in the referendum on direct law-making powers and the formation of a Legislative Assembly. The
final result for the referendum vote saw 10 million voted "Yes" and 1 million voted "No", a 90% to 10% winning margin. The vote
will compel the central government to form a Legislative Assembly for Agatha and grant said legislative assembly direct
law-making power in 20 devolved areas, such as health and education. County Governor Asseri Karttune told celebrating supporters
in that "the voice of the people will be heard." County Mayor and Agathan Kansanpuolue leader Ilpo Somerkoski said it marked "the
beginning of a new era of Agathan devolution - the decade to deliver for Agatha". "To demand respect, you must first display self
respect," he said. "Today we have done just that, and the rest of the world can now sit up and take notice of the fact that our
small nation, here on the northern edge of the continent of Dovani, has demonstrated pride in who we are, and what we all stand
for." Agathan Conservative Party Leader Juhana Laaksonen voiced her delight, but said the campaign "exposed widespread
dissatisfaction with the performance of the Agathan municipal government". She urged the start of a "new era of devolution" in
which "the tendency of the Agathan government to be the collective chip on the shoulder of Agatha must end and in which the
culture of blame is replaced by a culture of responsibility".



Minister of Local Government Christian Lieberg, who arrived in Arenvanger for the party's weekend conference, said the Yes vote
was a turning point. "For the first time ever, laws that affect only Agatha will be made only in Agatha". "It will do away with
the current restrictive and unwieldy arrangements and it will allow the Agathan Assembly the freedom to get on with the job of
delivering for Agatha." Agathan Democratic Party Leader, Unelma Juvonen said there had been concern over turnout and whether the
result would not be clear cut. But she called it "a good day for Agatha". Jaakko Pekkanen, leader of the Agathan Bloc, said:
"Municipal Counsellors of all parties now need to get down to the job of law-making in the most efficient and effective manner to
deliver for the people of Agatha. "Agathan Conservatives are committed to making the next stage of devolution a success, as we
have strived to make it work over the past 12 years." The areas which delivered the biggest Yes votes Arenvanger, Sognheim and
Åndalnes, where it topped 70% in each case. A No vote would have kept the current system where the municipal government asked
Parliament for powers to be transferred to Arenvanger on a case-by-case basis. Lari Makkonen, chairman of the Yes For Agatha
campaign, said he was delighted, adding: "It is clear, the people of Agatha have spoken." Aura Pietarinen of Real Agatha, which
wanted a No vote, said marked a "turning point our our nation". She said the turnout posed a question over the legitimacy of the
result. She asked: "Has it got the full-hearted consent of the Agathan people?" She also queried whether the assembly could
provide enough "high-quality scrutiny" to make good laws.

Turnout was below 30% in some areas, which was described by County Governor Asseri Karttune as "not brilliant, but then not
apocalyptic, which some people predicted." He said the low turnout was partly due to there being no official Yes or No campaigns,
and he took a swipe at "abysmal" coverage "from the media". County Mayor Ilpo Somerkoski, welcoming the result, said that the
government had to now reinforce its commitment to make the arrangements work effectively. "Importantly, the people of Agatha have
had their say," said Karttune . "The vote in favour of a legislative assembly for Agatha to make laws specific to Agatha and a
Agathan Government to get on with their job of delivering better public services and improving the quality of life for the people
of Agatha in areas for which they have responsibility." An opinion poll for Kazulias Nyheter Agatha this week found almost half
of potential voters felt they lacked enough information to make an informed decision. A poll conducted by IDM in the days leading
up to the referendum found 48% of respondents said they had not received enough information. Exactly half said that they had. It
suggests an assembly and government with law-making and some taxation powers remains most popular - 35% - while 18% supported a
law-making assembly without taxation powers, while 17% wanted the assembly to continue as it is. Independence was favoured by
16%, and 15% wanted the assembly abolished.

[Luis1p]

Lourenne-Quotidien- Lourennais Green Energy Sector Begins Work On Massive Kazulian Project

[Maxington]

In-coming Foreign Minister Linda Rasmussen's upcoming visits to Ostland, North Dovani and Liore is an important signal of
Kazulian political and economic interests in Dovani. It was long overdue: a Kazulian prime minister has not visited a nation
outside of the Dovani coast since 4590, and there has been a comparative decline in Kazulia's visibility in many parts of the
continent over the last decade, just as many other states, including Dorvik and Lourenne, have been upgrading their Dovanian
engagement. Linda Rasmussen understands that the continued development and growth of the Kazulian economy and the Western Dovani
Economic Area compels her to focus on neglected partnerships and new alliances – a point undoubtedly pressed in her interactions
with Prime Minister Hanne Halldorson who shares a similar hope for re-engagement wit the Dovanian continent and major
re-alignment of Kazulian policy towards the development of the Dovanian continent. Dovanian influence in global affairs should
not be underestimated – where Dovanian governments can achieve a common position, they can be a powerful force, hinting the once
prosperous Dovanian Union. Renewed relations with Dovanian states can be an important part of Kazulia's renewed efforts to shore
up its international relevance and influence amidst uncertainty domestically and internationally. Underneath Kazulia's renewed
foreign policy objectives security within the Dovanian region remains an important feature of the government's efforts, apart
from this, international aid is set to become a major feature of the government's foreign policy efforts. To assist in the area
of international development, Prime Minister Halldorson announced the creation of the Department for International Development
and Assistance to be headed by career diplomat, Andreas Palmcrantz.

Given that policy bandwidth in Skalm is overwhelmed by the WDEA, it is also significant the Kazulia's National Security Council
approved a new government Dovanian strategy. As part of this, Kazulia's network in Dovani will be expanded: It is the
government's intentions to ensure that there is either a Kazulian consulate or embassy in most of the Dovanian states. This is
being backed up with a cash injection of $500 million redeployed to the budget of the Kazulian Developmental Assistance Agency.
There has also been a pivot of strategic focus towards the northern dovanian region. The reasons are complex: partly about the
stem of violence occurring in nations in the northern dovanian region, a realignment of interest in this region signals that
Kazulia is in a position whereby its own domestic growth is heavily dependent on regional stability. Kazulian troops are expected
to participate in peacekeeping operations in North Dovani, Liore and Istapali as apart of the World Congress Peacekeeping and
Assistance Force in East Dovani (WCPAFORED). Ostland, North Dovani and Liore are obvious destinations. They are priorities for
British foreign policy and key members of Kazulia's re-engagement efforts. Kazulia is an important economic development and
security partner of both North Dovani and Ostland. North Dovani has remained a strategic partner of Kazulia in the region mainly
due to the nation's Kazulian minority groups, which the government has stated plays an important role in Kazulia's re-engagement
with the nation and Liore is becoming the centre of a Kazulian, Medinan and Lourennian security assistance force underneath the
world congress.

Trade will be a further preoccupation. Ostland is Kazulia's largest trading partners in region outside of Lourenne, Hulstria and
Sekowo respectively – with trade worth $3.3 billion and $8.7 billion respectively in prior years – and as one of the continent's
largest economies Kazulia's interests in Ostland underneath this new foreign policy stretch remains purely economic, with Prime
Minister Halldorson stating that Kazulia does not intend on establishing a defence relationship with Ostland outside of a mutual
understanding for peace and security in the region. At a time when perceived risks are deterring global investors in Dovani,
Kazulia could seek to increase its financial services offer, as well as boosting its trade facilitation efforts, aid for trade
and project finance. The Development Financing Corporation is a new feature of the government's foreign aid arsenal as it was
established by Halldorson with the specific purpose to support growth and jobs that lift people out of poverty, and to make a
financial return, which can be reinvested into more businesses. Kazulia retains a reputation for pushing the envelope of smart
development assistance with the primary example of this being the Bortnem-Pomerleau Initiative which saw 1 trillion krona being
pumped into the developing Dovanian economies posterior to the Dovanian conflict. But while Foreign Minister Linda Rasmussen's
upcoming trips will be important political statements of intent, there is a clear need for the government determine an
established and clear reaction to the developments in the region. From ethnic cleansing to violent uprisings, the Kazulian
Government must not hesitate to be soft-voiced in its response to instance which pose a direct threat to peace and security in
the region but must be prepared to exhaust all measures of peace before the sentiment of conflict is considered.

[Maxington]

A prediction: by the end of the century, the Hutorian-Kazulian Banking Corporation's regional headquarters would no longer be in
Wiel, Vanuku. It has been more than a decade since the world's largest private banking firm conducted a review of where it's
regional headquarters for the Majatran region should be based, which resulted in the corporation sticking with Wiel rather than
moving to Romula, Istalia. However, it would be wrong and quiet inaccurate to interpret that result as the final word on the
matter. Several executives from the companies Majatran operations and even from the companies headquarters in Skalm have said
that they still expected the bank to move to another nation within the majatran region to take advantage of the ease of doing
business seen in other states outside of Vanuku. According to HKBC Majatra, "there are no new discussions on the review of HKBC
Majatra's headquarters and no plans to reopen the discussion on the matter". To be clear, the bank says that it does not intend
on re-entering any discussions as it pertains to moving the bank's headquarters out of Wiel and into another city/nation like
Romula in Istalia. And a relocating to Romula isn't without risk to the company, especially amidst the slowing down of the
majatran economies, most notably the slow down of the Vanukean and Istalian economies as of recent. Many resident of the former
believe that the slowing down of the economy is driving many companies out of the country, notably HKBC and ITC. But the
rationale for redomiciling is stronger today than it was 10 years prior, when HKBC kicked off a review of whether Wiel was the
right place for the bank's majatran regional headquarters. Back then, Majatra account for a small 10% fraction of profits.
Concurrently, due to the increased operations of the bank in Majatra, the figure will continue to grow as the bank moves towards
implementing its pivots to Artania, Seleya and Majatra.

Add to the fact that the Vanukean economy's ranking has been reduced by the Zardic Institute for International Affairs (ZIIA),
hindering Vanuku's economic movement and even more hindering HKBC's ability to serve its Majatran customers from Wiel, along with
the spectre of a lack of economic reforms towards reversing the state's rapid decline in the economic rankings, the case for
moving to Romula becomes stronger. However, market economists have noted that corporation taxation is greater in Istalia than in
Vanuku; in Vanuku corporation tax stands at around 15%, whilst corporation tax in Istalia stands at 25%. A significant increase
in taxation which the market economists have noted would take a toll on the company's profits in the nation. Nonetheless,
Christopher Tronnes, Group Managing Director, Global Banking and Markets stated that the company could potentially lobby for
reduced corporations taxes and ask for concessions from the Istalian Government. He noted that lower taxes could boost the
company's profits: during the bank's regional headquarters review, in considering its relocation to Istalia, analysts estimated
that if corporation taxes had been reduced the company would see around $15 billion in saving in the subsequent years. It makes
little sense for the global bank's regional headquarters to be based in a nation who's economy is in rapid decline and is slowly
inching towards absolutism and not moving to base its headquarters in the nation which accounts for around 70% of its Majatran
profits. Logistically, the company's top executives in the region waste time travelling between the two countries, while the time
difference means managers in Romula and other Majatran states must wait for the bureaucracy in Wiel to pass for decisions to be
made and approved.

In Romula, HKBC would have a principle regulator that already know the bank and how it operates. Although the country's central
bank would have to hire additional staff if it were to become the bank's primary regulator, executives within the bank have
stated that the corporation could rise to the challenge and dominate with ease. HKBC moved its headquarters from Romula to Wiel
in 4607 to smooth its takeover of several failing Vanukean banks, part of a deal-making spree designed to lessen the bank's
reliance on Romula as at the time the nation had been under a dome of instability. Kristen Martinsen, Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of HKBC Majatra stated that it was important for the bank to focus on the fast-growing economies of terra. He noted that it
was the principle reason at to why the bank's regional headquarters for Artania is in Dorvik; its regional headquarters for Keris
and Macon is in Hutori; its regional headquarters for Seleya is in Baltusia; its regional headquarters for Dovani is in Lourenne
and its global headquarters is in Kazulia. The bank's incumbent Group Chairman, Jack Perrin, who has been in charge for 10 months
now, would be the ideal candidate to spearhead the move. He led the successful demerger and subsequent takeover of the Vanukean
banking firm VKK Mercer. The move would also be made simpler by Kazulia's ring fencing regulations that were signed into law
earlier this year, which forced HKBC and its rivals to separate their Kazulian operations from their global businesses. HKBC
Kazulia, now headquartered in Asvald with its own management and board, is already a de facto standalone bank that could easily
be hived off as a separate entity or run as a subsidiary from its secondary global headquarters in Bekenial. Group Chairman
Perrin stated that the idea of moving the bank's regional headquarters from Wiel to Romula would not be discussed however he
noted that once and If Istalia showed promise of improving the ease of doing business he would personally see to it that the HKBC
Majatra Chairman Mathijn Wagelaar reopened the discussion.

[Maxington]

In its first act as the official legislature of the State of Agatha, the Legislative Assembly of Agatha approved Agatha's Economy
Secretary Matti Karppinen's $60 billion dollar budget, fulfilling the Uusi Konservatiivipuolue (New Conservative Party)'s promise
of slight austerity, promising cuts to spending programs and the elimination of hundreds of bureaucracy jobs. Those, along with a
corporate tax cut aimed at spurring business investment, were the key planks of a four-year plan to bring the budget into
balance. In plain numbers, the New Conservative Party government says it plans to bring expenditures dramatically below what had
been seen in the years prior; cumulatively, the budget says, this amounts to a $4-billion reduction in government spending over
five years. Agatha's Secretary for the Economy, Matti Karppinen maintained this was the best way forward for the state, a plan
predicated on cautious estimates on revenues and oil prices. Nevertheless, the 2019-20 budget will still run a deficit of $8.7
billion, roughly $2-billion higher than in the year prior. Karppinen also acknowledged the possibility of a slow down in the
Kazulian oil and gas industry or incoming-pipelines not coming online and said the government was prepared to further restrain
spending, citing a commitment to bringing the budget into balance, come what may. “The theme of our platform was overwhelmingly
supported by Agathans,” said Karppinen. “I believe the most extensive and important consultation was that consultation that we
did with Agathans months prior.” Last night, Karppinen took to television for a pre-budget suppertime address to Agathans. He
warned this was going to be a tough budget on Agathan. That was borne out on budget day.

Repeatedly the day after, government officials harkened back to the Häkkinen report, an analysis of Agatha's spending growth over
the last several decades commissioned by the previous municipal corporation and released last year, which concluded that Agatha
spent more per capita on public services than other provinces, in some cases considerably more, with no better outcomes. The
report argued that the state government was going to need to reduce spending to levels more in-line with other provinces to head
off what it said had become a “fiscal crisis” for Agatha. The budget plans for major government line items, such as education and
health-care spending, to remain roughly stable over the next five years. Savings are expected to be found instead in a slew of
spending cuts sprinkled across ministries and programs. There are, as well, some new spending commitments on the Technology
Innovation and Emissions Reduction program, and spending on veterans’ scholarships. Significant changes are coming in some areas,
in particular, to post-secondary education: a 15-% funding cut — found via unspecified “departmental efficiencies” and reducing
government grants to post-secondary institutions — will save an expected $3 billion; tuition rates, meanwhile, will be allowed to
increase by 3% per year as the freeze is thawed. Many of the other changes tinker around the margins: the budget plans for a
reduction in the size of the civil service, amounting to nearly 800 people, in the coming months, which is expected to save $600
million; various “red-tape reduction” measures should save another $200 million. Several targeted tax credits are being
eliminated in favour of a more broad-based corporate tax cut; for instance, the Agatha Small-Time Brewers Incubation and
Development program aimed at subsidising craft breweries is being scrapped entirely by the government, saving $300 million over
five years.





Reductions in road-maintenance services will save nearly $200 million. Smaller reductions are scheduled for other areas ($60
million to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, $30 million to the Department for Multiculturalism) and there are plans to
pause consumer price index on various payments, such as disability and seniors’ benefits. The New Conservatives were elected as
Agatha's first political party since the formation of the Legislative Assembly of Agatha and reforms to the federal constitution
which brought the Agathan Government to life. Karppinen emphasised the focus on restraint when discussing plans for a $3-billion
reduction in capital spending and the deferment of transportation funding to other provinces until after the budget is
balanced. This, he said, would “reflect the province’s ability to pay and minimise the need to borrow when funds are not
available.” Karppinen called the whole document a “thoughtful, surgical approach” to the state's finances. The government,
starting next month, will jack up cigarette prices by $5 per carton and institute a 90-per-cent hike in taxes on tobacco. The
budget anticipates a $5-million per year in tourism levies and expected increases in revenues from everything from fuel taxes and
cannabis use, both due to increases in consumption, not changing tax rates. And, income tax exemptions will hold, until “economic
and fiscal conditions can support it,” the government said, keeping an escalating amount of money in government treasury to
develop the state's surplus which has all but been diminished under the previous municipal government.

[Maxington]

Minister of Finance and the Economy, Karoline Berrefjord confirmed this morning that Kazulia would provide around $200bn to
support Hulstria as apart of its economic restructuring launched years prior. Her comments come as a series of right-wing
newspapers and thinktanks said that Kazulian taxpayers should not "cough up" $200 billion to help bail out the Hulstrian economy,
and xenophobic Conservative politicians also voiced their opposition. To placate critics, the Finance Minister insisted that
Kazulia would not be part of a permanent bailout mechanism for the country. "We have also made a commitment to consider a
bilateral loan that reflects the fact the Hulstria one of our very closest economic neighbours." The Hulstrian government dropped
its resistance to a bailout, confirming it was seeking rescue funds. Talks are under way to work out details of the package
between officials from the Hulstrian Ministry of Finance and the Department of Finance and the Economy. Hulstria's Finance
Minister, Verona Riedel, insisted last night that the country's low 15% corporation tax rate, which he previously described as an
"absolute red line," was "off the agenda now". "Everyone realises that the Hulstrian economy has to grow to get out of its
difficulties," he said this morning. When asked whether Kazulia's contribution to the Hulstrian bailout was worth around $200bn,
Berrefjord said: "It's around that figure, as there are concerns that our banks in the nation could be affected." He added: "The
details of the entire package, is all being worked out as we speak and we should, by the end of the month, have the details on
that."

The rate of interest and other terms on a Kazulian bilateral loan would be similar to the conditions of previous bailout
packages, Berrefjord said. He defended the decision to support the Hulstrian economy, saying: "'I told you so' is not much of an
economic policy", adding: "It's in everyone's interest that we make the Hulstrian economy, most notably the banking sector work."
He also argued that Kazulia could afford to ride to Hulstria's rescue now, having "moved out of the danger zone" thanks to the
shoring up of the Kazulian banking sector via a stimulus package for the Critical Investment and Stabilisation Fund (CISF). At
the same time, Berrefjord reiterated that Kazulia is contemplating an intervention into the Dolgavian economy, however noted that
there was no particular interest outside of assisting Dorvish efforts to rebuild the nation. The Roy Odden Institute strongly
opposed Kazulia's commitment. Sigbjørn Langerud, head of research at the thinktank, said: "The proposed bailout for Hulstria is a
bad deal for Kazulia. It puts the interests of other government in front of the interests of Kazulia. Poor fiscal planning and
wild spending has plunged Hulstria into uncertainty. They bug themselves into the hole, they should be able to pull themselves
out. Bailing out Hulstria now would undo much of the benefits that Kazulia has yielded from keeping itself disconnected from the
Hulstrian economy and would make a mockery of the economic development of the handful of conservative governments of Kazulia,
because the National Labour Party's priority is draining the CISF on foreign nations. In the end, Hulstria will have to choose
its own path out of the complete collapse of its banking sector. But the Kazulian taxpayer should not be held responsible for
past mistakes by Hulstrian politicians."

Finance Minister Berrefjord and Governor of Kazulsk Bank Leonard Hjortsberg jointly announced the fact that in-order for the
banking bailout to be successful, the Hulstrian Government would have to restructure the nation's weakest four banks. Governor
Hjortsberg stated that the bailout would allow — Sanedaha-Östliche, Landsteiner Brothers, Kien Regional Bank, Bötticher Lending
Bank — to become viable in the long term without continued state support. In speaking to Elmer Enevoldsen, Managing Director for
Asset Allocation and Sovereign Debt from HKBC Asset Management, the Hulstrian government would have to nationalise the four banks
in-order to prevent the banks from losing on their loan books and to be eligible to benefit from the bailout. "Our objective is
to restore the viability of banks receiving aid so that they are able to function without public support in the future," said
Commissioner of the Kazulian Competition Commission, Sulo Hämäläinen. "Restoring a healthier financial sector capable of
financing the real economy is indispensable for economic recovery in Hulstria." Independent stress tests conducted on the
Hulstrian banking sector earlier this year identified a capital hole of about $80 billion. The bailout, as mentioned prior comes
from the Kazulian sovereign wealth fund — the Critical Investment and Stabilisation Fund — but only once restructuring plans are
submitted and approved. The overhaul requires the banks to cease lending to various sectors, limit their activities in wholesale
funding, and focus on providing services to retail clients and small businesses.

[Maxington]

Kazulia said that it would strongly support Jelbania's reintegration with the global community and praised Chairman of the
Executive Committee Bek Noh Jlemaisrmko Obme for his impressive pledges towards progress towards liberalisation and reforms with
the nation. But it said Obme, who became Chairman of the Executive Committee following a military take-over, would still have to
deliver on free and fair elections in the coming future to solidify its position as a nation wanting actual change and win over
critics at home and abroad. Jelbania has, for centuries been the centre of proxy and conventional conflict between its neighbours
and its regional powers; mostly notable being the centre of constant conflict between Vanuku and Deltaria as both nations rushed
to secure influence in the nation amidst a power vacuum left by the lack of a stable government in Baofluz. “Kazulia would
strongly support Jelbania's re-entry and a new Jelbania that is committed to political and economic reform that works for all its
people,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. As Baofluz looks to rebuild both its domestic situation and
international ties, Foreign Minister Linda Rasmussen is currently in Jelbania to meet with her Jelbanian counterpart Taj Shmil
Kshkrt on the issues of rebuilding Jelbania and foreign aid. In a joint statement alongside Jelbanian Foreign Minister Kshkrt,
Jelbania's economy, institutions, and human capacity were devastated by decades of internal and external conflict. Annual GDP per
capita and life expectancy in the nation tanked amidst the constant conflict. Since the end of hostilities, the country of about
18.4 million people has made great progress despite the considerable difficulties and risks that remain. Since Obme entered
office, Jelbania has reestablished a public financial management system, begun rebuilding public sector institutions and
reestablished the delivery of some essential public services.

Foreign Minister Rasmussen stated that the Jelbanian government, the international community, and non¬governmental organisations
have an extremely important role to play in the reconstruction of Jelbania. She noted that financial challenges are the most
pressing issue. Jelbania current revenues are under $100 billion, drawn from mineral sales and some degree of gas sales. This is
a risky economic situation according to Minister Rasmussen, as mineral and oil revenues particularly in the Majatran region
remain unstable and can decrease because of production interruption or a sharp fall in prices. "But even if they remain at this
level, they are barely enough to pay the cost of operating the state," she said. "Economic prosperity brings hope for a better
future and gives people something to lose if they engage in self-destructive behavior and a lot to gain if they work together,"
she concluded. In order to pay the bill for reconstruction and create a vibrant economy, Jelbania would need to increase its
annual revenues in the coming decade. While this is an ambitious goal, it is perfectly doable if several sectors are activated:
agriculture, tourism, trade, transportation, and services. Minister Rasmussen stated that Jelbania's mineral rich environment can
be used by the government to transform the nation's economy. She noted that similar to Kazulia's reliance on oil and natural gas
revenues as a means of maintaining the continued growth of the economy, Jelbania has the potential to transform its economy
through careful resource management. Permanent Secretary in the Department of Trade and Industry, Kjartan Prestegard, who also
accompanied Minister Rasmussen on her visit to Jelbania stated that the nation would have to form a state company responsible for
the extraction, refining and sale of mineral productions in the nation, virtually forming a state monopoly on the sector. He
stated that should that option be taken by the Jelbanian government, liberalisation to allow for private companies to become
involved could come after.

There are many successful cases from Dovani where communities turned painful chapters in their past into cohesive futures.
Needless to say, reconciliation is not a fully transferable template that can work for every society, but each experience has
certain lessons that can be taken into consideration when drafting a localised reconciliation program. Rasmussen stated that the
success of the Bortnem-Pomerleau Initiative can be mirrored in Dovani. She noted the Vanukean attempt to mirror the initiative's
success, which failed following a lack of action on the part of the Vanukean government and a lack of involvement and cooperation
on the part of the other nations within the region, notably Istalia, Selucia, Cildania, Zardugal and Cobura. The Kazulian
Developmental Assistance Agency was responsible for the execution of the initiative's work. Rasmussen stated that should the
Jelbanian Government want to see such an initiative be attempted once more in Jelbania, the KDAA would be spearheading the
programme. Rasmussen and Prestegard jointly stated that unlike the Bortnem-Pomerleau Initiative which saw heavy amounts of
Kazulian money being poured into the programme, they stated that should the programme be approved by the Jelbanian Government,
the KDAA would be responsible for placing around 50% of the funds necessary for the programme to take off and Jelbania would have
to source the remaining funds. An estimate had been drawn on the entire cost of the programme to completely rebuild Jelbania by
the Institute for Global Reconstruction, which stated that it would cost both parties a combined $300 billion. Foreign Minister
Rasmussen stated that there were intentions by the government to discuss the expansion of the programme with the Deltarian
Government in the future as she stated that a reconstruction effort must not be just for the sake of rebuilding, but must be for
the sake of transformation. The Institute estimates that should the Jelbanian plan be expanded to include Deltaria, it could cost
near $600 billion, which would most likely have to be pulled out of the CISF.

[Maxington]

This morning Kazulian Defence Minister Astrad Stenmark and Kanjorian Defence Minister Rosaline Lavaud announced the conclusion of
a series of agreements between Kazulia and Kanjor. Chief among these is the Kanjorian-Kazulian Memorandum of Understanding on
Defence and Security. It details arrangements for the enhanced military cooperation measures between the two states and includes
articles on mutual defence and security and information sharing. The agreement has taken longer than anticipated, largely because
the Department of Defence has been routing funds into the agreement for the construction of some defence facilities required in
southern Kanjor. That issue appears to have been resolved, and Defence Minister Stenmark made a point of acknowledging the
Kanjorian Defence Minister's recent commitment to rectifying shortfalls in Kanjorian defence spending. The force posture
agreement formalises existing plans to increase the rotation of Kazulian troops through already deployed throughout the
Canrillaise Empire as apart of an agreement with the Lourennais Government, and to embark on an arms agreement and more frequent
training exercises in the Southern Seleyan region. But it also the lays the foundation for new alliance defence initiatives, not
least of which is a deepening Kanjor's involvement in security in Southern Seleya, Southern Dovani and potential the wider
Canrillaise Empire. Though it wasn't seized on by media travelling with the Kanjorian Defence Minister, this Kazulian statement
says that 'We are also working to explore opportunities to expand cooperation on security in the region, including working
together to identify potential Kanjorian contributions to the evolving security response in the region amidst a noticeable uptick
in tension and instability in the region.'

Though defence cooperation was mentioned in the last government's Defence White Paper, it's likely to accelerate under the
incumbent Kanjorian government. This might mean the Kanjorian Armed Forces could see more action in the region and an increased
involvement in situations across the world. There has been considerable discussion on the reactivation of the Ballistic Missile
Defence array once maintained by the Northern Council, which saw anti-ballistic missile batteries being installed in Kanjor.
Analysts stated that the Kanjorian Armed Forces could end up mounting advanced missiles on its Lourennais-based frigates, forming
part of a new Kazulian-led network in the eastern hemisphere equipped to shoot down hostile missiles. This proposed cooperation
is largely designed to guard against belligerent states throughout the world, as it ballistic missile defence plays an important
role in the new Kazulian Government's National Security and Defence Strategy. Kazulian troop rotations through the Canrillaise
Empire will continue on their current trajectory, building towards the agreed contingent size of 60,000 personnel being deployed
to Joint Lourennais-Kazulian military installations across the Canrillaise Empire. It is likely that the Kazulian Army will
preposition military equipment and stores in Lourenne and across the Canrillaise Empire too so it can respond more quickly to a
crisis in Southern Seleyan region. Trilateral military exercises between the Kazulian Rotational Forces, the Kanjorian Armed
Forces and the Lourennais Armed Forces have been mooted for some time and can now be realised. Royal Kazulian Air Force rotations
through the Canrillaise Empire should increase, recognising that the agreement lays the potential for an airbase in the country.
Kanjorians should expect to see more Kazulian fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, and air-to-air refuelers operating from the
nation in standalone bases outside of Lourennais Air Bases. There may have been a decision on the suitability of upgrading
airfields at the Island territory to support maritime surveillance operations too. These initiatives will deepen the Kazulian
military's ability to mount operations from Kanjor, referred to by the Government as one of the 'anchors of peace and stability
in the Southern Seleyan region and beyond'.

The announcements this morning also discussed Kazulia's intentions to assist Kanjor in forming a formidable intelligence
organisation for the purposes of operating on the cybernetic front. Defence Minister Stenmark noted that the Government
Communications Centre (GCC) and the Kazulian Armed Forces' Cybernetic Security Management Centre (CSMC) were the two agencies
within Kazulia responsible for cybernetic intelligence and defending against cybernetic attack. Minister Stenmark noted that the
Kanjorian Armed Forces had to enhance its capabilities in the area of cybernetics as a means of benefiting from intelligence
sharing. Concurrently, the Kazulia, Lourenne, Dorvik, Hutori and Hulstria make up the intelligence sharing organisation known as
the Cyclops Agreement. It is no secret to the general public that Kazulia concurrently maintains listening stations in Kanjor.
The second station in Kanior is currently under refurbishment which would see the second station be responsible for the
coordination of intelligence moving through the Canrillaise Empire from Kanjor to Rildanor to Lourenne and back. A detailed
public conversation is now needed on what access the Kazulian military might have to naval facilities in Kanjor. Options ranging
from increased Kazulian Navy ship visits to the hosting of Kazulian submarines, aircraft carriers, and amphibious groups have
been mooted. A Kazulian presence in a National Navy of Kanjor Base has also been discussed in detail during recent committee
hearings in the Stortinget's Select Committee on Defence and National Security. Defence Minister Stenmark stated that the
decision is up to both the Kanjorian people and the government. Stenmark stated that the aim of the visit to Kanjor was to begin
a series of visits to the various nations of the Canrillaise Empire to ensure that Kazulia maintains a relationship with the
nations that make up the union and bring them closer towards the formation of a seamless and high efficient fighting force.

[Maxington]

In an international effort to help the recovery of war-ravaged Jelbania, work has begun on the reconstruction of the country's
transportation network. The restoration of the so-called "ring roads" linking major Afghan cities is of primary importance. The
roads also provide a key link to the world outside, with connections to Jelbania's. As repair work begins on Jelbania's
devastated highway system, the focus is on the restoration of the so-called "ring roads" connecting the major Jelbanian Khanates
of Yamt​ékstan, Gezg​ék​stan, Motalpapaqstan, Göka​é​kstan and Köşpend​ék​stan. The reconstruction of the 2,400-kilometre ring
roads is proceeding in tandem with an additional 700 kilometres of roads linking Jelbania to Deltaria, Vanuku and Zardugal. Some
observers say these projects, if and when they are completed, are likely to have a major economic, political, and social impact
on Jelbania and the wider regions of Central and South Asia. Markku Juntunen is Jelbania program director at the Kazulian
Developmental Assistance Agency in Vanuku. He told Politikeren, the ring-road project should be completed in about the coming
half decade. "Two sections of these roads' implementation started just about [two weeks] ago. One is from [Baofluz] to Brnfiàsrl,
in the Khanate of Motalpapaqstan -- that is one of the key link roads. And the other is running from Nrktaésrtràp in the Khanate
of Yamt​ékstan to Zwitkostrhosé in the Khanate of Göka​é​kstan. Most of the roads are already in place. But decades of conflict
have left just 17 percent of the country's 6,000 kilometres of roads in good condition. The KDAA says it will cost some 3.55
billion to reconstruct the ring roads and major highways. Concurrently, the primary backers of the Jelbanain Reconstruction
Programme (as it is known) is the Kazulian Developmental Assistance Agency, the Critical Investment and Stabilisation Fund and
the Jelbanian Government.

Juntunen said the commitment of the Jelbanian central government has allowed for the infrastructure phase of the reconstruction
programme to commence without significant difficulty. "The time that an institution like KDAA normally requires to get
road-construction projects started is way, way longer than what we do in Jelbania. Normally speaking, between a request for
assistance and actual implementation takes -- for KDAA-- about two years. In Jelbania, we have been able to start our first road
project within six months." How fast projects can move ahead, Juntunen stresses, is essentially determined by a country's
political stability, security situation and cultural perspectives. Moreover, the KDAA official says, better roads will further
contribute to Jelbania's stability by providing jobs, increasing trade and reducing the distance between the central government
and the regions. Beyond road construction, Juntunen said the Jelbanian Government was keen on seeing railway infrastructure being
reestablished. "Well, I think the central government is keen on seeing large amounts of trade and development sweeping through
Jelbania through the highway system. They also would like to see goods transported through the nation via the railway as it once
formed the backbone of the Jelbanian tribal transportation system. Jelbania constitutes historically a very strategic location
for the transfer of goods and trade in this part of terra." Grzmai Shanyshkly, an independent political analyst based in Vanuku,
told Politikeren the rehabilitation of the Jelbanian roads will lead to a "tremendous increase" of trade between Jelbania and its
neighbours and also the various isolated towns and cities of the tribal regions. "The trade will improve. For example,
agricultural goods will go to Jelbania. In Jelbania, there is a shortage of agricultural goods like wheat [and] rice. So I think
if this project is completed, this will benefit the people of all these countries." Furthermore, Shanyshkly says, the development
of trade across the region may have an indirect positive impact on relations between Deltaria and Vanuku. "If the trade within
Jelbania improves because of these roads, railways and ports, this will be an incentive for Vanuku to improve Vanuku-Deltarian
relations, and benefit from the new opportunities these roads would provide."

Grzoziklune Nubaékndz, a researcher at the Jelbanian Institute for Development, agreed. He told Politkeren he is enthusiastic
about the ring-road project. "Firstly, it's a major effort to reconstruct Jelbania. Number two, it is an attempt to break the
isolation of the country. Three, it will revive all the trade and other transportation networks. And then also it will add a new
process of regional political socialisation." Regionally, Nubaékndz said, the ring roads and their international links will help
revitalise a major portion of the historical trade routes. Road links in the west, he says, will connect Jelbania with the
Bnmek-era road network providing substantial trade and development opportunities to come into Jelbania via Vanuku. Nubaékndz
added that an effective new transport network is also likely to give additional impetus for energy infrastructure construction,
particularly between Jelbania and Vanuku. But roads alone, he said, may not ensure prosperity and stability in Jelbania. With
Jelbania just beginning the difficult process of building a functioning multicultural society, the construction of roads should
not be evaluated merely in economic terms. New transportation networks, he explained, always have an impact in social,
psychological, and political ways as well. One particularly key issue that must be considered alongside the road reconstruction,
he added, is migration. Erno Halonen, a Romula-based independent consultant, said he is sceptical about the short-term benefits
of the Jelbanian road projects. He says the country's continued instability, combined with a clear lack of intra-national trade
and business, mean the roads will not be an immediate jackpot for Jelbania if it isn't paired with other key infrastructure such
as electricity, ports, water, healthcare etc. He stated that the roads and highways, once completed will only serve as a virtual
pavement for Jelbanian development, in which the sentiment of real development could be bypassed by the spectacle of tall-cranes,
steel beams and asphalt trucks.