Hobrazia

[jellybean]

Qeit Dagovy sworn in as Prime Minister
December 4908

Qeit Dagovy, formerly a representative from Southern Deltaria, has been confirmed as Prime Minister of Hobrazia. Dagovy has kept most of his opponent Patarava's cabinet, but has replaced controversial Education & Culture Minister Irina Bolkvadze with Daxe Kadruk, who will be the first Hobaist represented in a Traditionalist Party Cabinet.


New Prime Minister Qeit Dagovy

Dagovy's first priority is the de-escalation of Hosian-Hobaist tensions, which have risen sharply following the Traditionalist Party's Hosianist agenda and the rise of Malivian Emperor Chandragupta, who has sought to intervene on behalf of the Hobaists.

Before we can address economic, foreign policy, or civil rights, we must ensure that the two great traditions of our nation are represented. We cannot allow any community to be marginalized. As Prime Minister, I will seek an agreement to maintain our national integrity.

Dagovy has already begun drafting such an agreement in conjunction with Hosian and Hobaist faith leaders. The agreement, which Dagovy will seek to add to the constitution, may include such articles as:

• Commitments on behalf of both Hosians and Hobaists not to seek foreign interventions on their behalf or to ally Hobrazia with international faith-based organizations.
• A power-sharing system that will require certain government officials to be Hobaists or Hosians, and for the Hobrazian Parliament to keep a fixed ratio of Hobaists to Hosians.
• A compromise on the enthronement of Anastasius Vakhtanid, whose position is favored by Hosians and opposed by Hobaists. Under Dagovy's proposal, Hobrazia will officially remain a Republic, but will finance the Vakhtanid dynasty and allow Anatasius (and his descendants) to be a cultural figurehead, member of the foreign policy team, and advisor to the government.

RFH will be reporting more details of Dagovy's plan as Parliament moves to accept or reject it.


Provisional President Eduard Maisuradze announces negotiations with Yingdala
December 4908

President Maisuradze announced that Hobrazia had entered negotiations with Yingdala to receive financial backing, equipment leases, and training from the Yingdalan armed forces. As part of Maisuradze's program of renovating the Hobrazian military, Minister of Defense Maia Gelashvili has embarked on an official visit to Yingdalan Defense Minister Tu Yin Ming. If negotiations are successful, Hobrazia's foreign policy orientation would be further cemented in favor of the Yingdalan-Endralonian alliance. As of this announcement, the Northern Council - which maintains a significant military presence in Hobrazia - has not offered a public reaction.

[jellybean]

Camaero Crusaders to participate in the International Hockey Association
December 4908

Camaero Crusader Coach Xankişi Samirlü announced today that Hobrazia's most prominent hockey team will be joining the International Hockey Association (IHA), Terra's premier international hockey association. "We've come a long way, and our players are ready to try out for the next level of hockey. I have no doubt we'll be coming back home with a trophy!"

The Zargundia-based team is owned by ZRG CEO Mensur Magsudo, one of Hobrazia's most prominent businessmen. Magsudo has committed to paying a generous salary to all of the team's members and support staff. "I'm pleased to do my part to represent our great nation on the rink!"

[jellybean]

Hobrazia seeks alternative onion sources
November 4908

Concerned about tensions in neighboring Malivia, the Ministry of Trade has imposed a 50% tariff on onions imported from the country that has recently been at loggerheads with Hobrazia. Malivian onions comprise a sizable percentage of the onion supply, and prices are expected to rise until new suppliers can be found.

Government reacts to Narikaton & Darnussia-Malivia conflict
November 4908

Government ministers reacted strongly today to reports that Malivia had fired an empty missile into Narikaton & Darnussia's waters. "We stand firmly with our Narik and Darnussian allies, neighbors, and friends," commented President Eduard Maisuradze, "and we renounce any attempts by Malivia to threaten the peace of Southern Artania." Hobrazia has repeatedly called on Malivia to cease its attempts to meddle in foreign affairs and urged Emperor Chandragupta to maintain a "calm presence." So far, little progress has been made in de-escalating tensions.

Artanian Conservative Union to work with Kirlawan political party
December 4908

The Artanian Conservative Union (ACU), which represents the Hobrazian Traditionalist Party in the Artanian Community of Nations, is reportedly working with Kirlawa-based party Our Homeland to coordinate the interests of Hobrazia and Kirlawa. Although there is no deep history between these two nations, ACU Chair Bayram Seyidov commented that he "saw an opportunity for two conservative-minded parties to collaborate in this international project." The Artanian Community of Nations is a young organization, and it's uncertain how this news may affect the upcoming ACON Parliamentary elections.

Hobrazian Ministry of Culture announces new Terran Mathematics Olympiad
December 4908

Minister of Culture Daxe Kadruk announced a new program, the Terran Mathematics Olympiad, which will encourage competition between nations in mathematics. The program is part of Hobrazia's education initiative and will be sponsored in part by the Lievenian Trade Group. The Olympiad's first competition is scheduled for December 4909, and the planned inaugural event has already made splashes in the international community as Malivian economist Lalitmohan Savalia has entered the competition - and the event may provide a "soft conflict" between Hobrazia and Malivia.

Provisional President Eduard Maisuradze prepares for retirement
January 4909

When President Maisuradze was elected 9 years ago, he committed to being in office for only 10 years to help guide Hobrazia into its newly democratized system. Maisuradze has navigated de-Fascistization, economic liberalization, and has made an open foreign policy a trademark of his tenure. Now, Maisuradze is preparing to retire from politics. In an interview with Radio Free Hobrazia, the President contemplated his time in office: "I never intended to be a politician permanently. I came to office during a crisis, and helping Hobrazia out of that crisis has been my skill set. Although we still face challenges, Hobrazia is no longer in crisis mode. It's time for a new President, one who will help guide our nation in peace."

Maisuradze's proudest accomplishments had to do with foreign policy. "When we came to power, Hobrazia was an international pariah. The dictator Licheli had destroyed our international reputation, and we were seen as a dangerous neighbor to have. Now, I believe nations are pleased to be associated with Hobrazia. International businesses are investing in us. Hobrazian culture is being appreciated outside our own borders. Tourists are back!" The President added that Hobrazia's newfound connection to Endralon was one of his most significant successes.

Not every event of the decade was positive. Maisuradze was a noted friend and colleague of former Prime Minister Elisabed Patarava, and his relationship with the new PM, Qeit Dagovy, have been chilled. Dagovy has laid out an ambitious plan for domestic reform, but his first serious challenge may come from the 4910 election. The Traditionalist Party has not committed to any candidate to replace Maisuradze, but two names have been suggested: current Minister of Foreign Affairs Abram Giorgadze and Elisabed Patarava. Giorgadze and Dagovy are closely aligned in their political goals, but if Patarava wins the election Dagovy may see himself stonewalled by an actively oppositional President.

Stratosphere Publishing House reports record numbers of books in 4908
January 4909

Hobrazia's largest book publisher, Camaero-based Stratosphere Publishing House, has reported a record number of new books written in Hobrazia during 4908. The publisher comments that Hobrazia's more liberalized culture and improved economic stability have contributed to a flood of ink on paper. Hobrazians are reading and writing more - good news for educational attainment and cultural strength. The publishing giant is apparently seeking to export Hobrazian literature abroad, and will attempt to introduce more recent works in Zardugal through the University of Beleco's Hobrazian Studies program.

[Aquinas]

We've poisoned your beef supply, Gau Raksha Paltan tells Hobrazia

[jellybean]

12 die, 70 injured as Hobrazian beef supply is poisoned
March 4909

Following a rash of poisonings by the Malivian-sponsored terrorist group Gau Raksha Paltan, 12 Hobrazians have died from consuming tainted beef and 70 have been injured. Hobrazian authorities assert that the poisoning seems to have been limited to the Deltarian region, and beef in the rest of Hobrazia ought to be safe; nevertheless, food safety administrators have halted the sale of all beef throughout the country until adequate testing can verify the safety of non-Deltarian beef. The government has ordered that all beef in the Deltaria region be disposed of immediately.

Although the toll of the 12 deaths is incalculable, the economic damage resulting from the terrorist attack is estimated to be in the millions. Provisional President Eduard Maisuradze called the poisoning "an act of war" and called on the international community to enforce sanctions against Malivia. Although the President clarified that Hobrazia "will do all we can to preserve peace," the incident continues the destabilization of Southern Artania. At the time of writing, authorities were uncertain whether the attacks were directed by the Malivian government, but Hobrazia has ordered an emergency cessation of all interactions with Malivia until investigations can be completed. Security presence at the border has doubled, and the Ministry of Defense has begun construction of defensive bunkers and anti-tank measures in southern Hobrazia. By special government order, all Malivian citizens are to be expelled from Hobrazia, and Hobrazian citizens are prohibited from traveling to Malivia.

Although Malivia's anti-Hobrazian rhetoric has disturbed many and arguably caused the deaths of 12 innocent Hobrazians, Malivia's support for the embittered Hobaist community has meant that anti-Hobrazian reactions have received a mixed reaction among citizens. A recent poll by Hobrazia24 noted that 7% of Hobrazians reported "strongly positive" feelings toward Malivia and were inclined toward supporting unification, while an additional 12% were "uncertain" whether they supported unification with Malivia. The recent poisoning has sent shockwaves throughout Hobrazia, and the impact on internal support for Malivia is uncertain.

Prime Minister Qeit Dagovy cited Hobrazia24's poll as further evidence of the need to adopt a formal contract between Hobaist and Hosian Hobrazians. "As long as we are divided by religion, we are vulnerable to outside influence. I call on President Maisuradze to support my plan to end tensions and bring unity to our nation," commented Dagovy.


Malivian embassy decommissioned, replaced with burger restaurant
March 4909

As part of his response to alleged Malivian involvement in the recent Deltarian beef poisonings, President Eduard Maisuradze ordered that Malivia's embassy in Astoria K'alak'i be seized and decommissioned. The Hobrazian National Police Force enforced Maisuradze's ruling, turning out Malivia's diplomatic corps without notice. As of the embassy's dissolution, Hobrazia has no formal relations with the Malivian "Empire."

Minister of Finance Niko Bolkvadze saw an opportunity in the crisis. Bolkvadze quickly purchased the former embassy at a fair market value and is announcing the opening of a new burger restaurant, Joy Burger. The new restaurant is expected to open later this month. Bolkvadze denied that the move was a particular slight against Malivia, saying that he "just saw a great place for a burger joint." Bolkvadze expressed great hopes for his new venture and even noted his desire to expand internationally, reporting that he planned to reach out to Narikaton & Darnussia to open a franchise in Hobrazia's Western neighbor. "The funny thing is, my market research indicates that a new burger restaurant would only be successful where the Malivian embassy is located in Doressa. If the Confederacy is willing to sell the property to me, I will open a new location there immediately."

[Aethan]

The governments of Selucia, Keymon and Hobrazia issue a joint statement regarding Malivia's claims

[jellybean]

Hobrazia denies conducting espionage activities in Malivia
July 4909

Radio Free Hobrazia has obtained a leaked report from a whistleblower within the Central Intelligence & Security Analysis Center (CISAC), a department of the Ministry of Defense primarily concerned with monitoring "soft power" and espionage activities from foreign nations. The report alleges that Hobrazia has been steadily building an espionage network within Malivia over the past several months, with the aim of influencing Malivian politics, obtaining detailed information on Malivia's plans and armed forces, and even assassinating Prime Minister Ravi Ranganekary. The report identifies several Malivian politicians, public officials, and military officers who are allegedly on the Hobrazian payroll.

Defense Minister Maia Gelashvili, who is currently in Yingdala on state business and conducted an interview over a video call, denies that there is any truth to the report. "Hobrazia does not conduct espionage in foreign countries, and we have certainly not attempted to influence any other nation's internal politics. I must denounce, in the strongest terms, that we have ever sought to bring any harm whatsoever to Prime Minister Ranganekary." Gelashvili went on to speculate that the report could itself be a creation of the Malivian government intended to destabilize the region and cast doubt on Hobrazia.

[jellybean]

Hobrazia condemns Deltarian plans to reopen Czar Dusan base in Malivia
December 4909

The Hobrazian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received formal warning from the Deltarian Socialist Republic stating that Deltaria plans to reopen its Czar Dusan base in Malivia to strengthen its military presence "in support of [their] ally." Provisional President Eduard Maisuradze has condemned this threat in the strongest terms, stating that this move is apparently in retaliation of Hobrazia's lack of support for Deltaria's campaign to join the World Congress Security Council, and that the Deltarian government has stated it "might be inclined to cancel these plans" if Hobrazia supports Deltaria in its bid for power. "While the Deltarians are campaigning on the promise of resisting imperialism, they seek to actively support an overtly imperialistic nation the moment their whims are not catered to. If Deltaria is to be taken seriously, they must cancel these plans."

[Aquinas]

Gerajatva movement divided over "goodwill offer" to Hobrazians

[Aquinas]

Malivia proposes draft agreement to neighbours