Kalistan

[Doc]

Kalistani Republic
Defense Minister Orders Audit of Armed Forces- Kalistan
First Ever Audit to include Socialist Party Militia and Kalistani Auxiliary Navy
July 12, 3976
Kaliburg, Ananto District


Colonel Elias-Davis, long-standing Defense Minister, as she orders Audit

Minister of Defense, Militia Colonel Mica Elias-Davis, today ordered a full audit of all assets currently held and used by the Kalistani Republican Armed Forces. Colonel Elias has ordered the audit due to recent discrepancies with regard to the production, fitting and deployment of Kalistani Assets abroad. "This audit comes not in response to any particular episode," Col. Elias stressed, "but more in a desire to move Kalistan closer to accepted practices by global powers, specifically the practices of the Organization of Terran Armed Forces. If we are to be respected in the world, and not have our ships serve as target practice, other nations must know that we are prepared to back up our grievances on the world stage."

The Minister of Defense stated further that Kalistan has opted, at this time, not to join the OTAF, nor accept their protocols as governance for Kalistan, but held out the possibility of joining the agreement in the coming years, as Kalistan brings itself in line with the protocols promoted by the Organization. "Based on their categories, and our current understanding of Kalistan's military capacities, I would describe Kalistan as a regional power, simple because the operational range of our navy covers the entire Anantanese Ocean, which itself touches the coast of three continents, and few nearby countries have ever challenged us in this regard. Again, using OTAF categories, Kalistan has a projection-based land and naval warfare doctrine, with aims at locally hegemonic power in Kalistan, Ananto and the Anantanese Ocean, while maintaining the ability to operate overseas in support of other groups for a short time. Through our audit, we shall see if our assets correspond to our military doctrine, and if not, we will remedy that through increased acquisition in the National Defense Plant."

The Minister finally stressed the fact that additional, non-Republican assets added much of the projection capacity to Kalistan's military. "The overseas actions have been largely contingent on the ability of the Party Militias and the Auxiliary Navy, both which operate on their own doctrine quite outside of Kalistan chains of command, to provide Kalistani presence overseas. The Revolutionary Socialist Militia of Kalistan has cooperated with the organs of national defense to project Kalistani influence into other nations, which allows Kalistan itself to remain outside of the struggle, and the Auxiliary Navy which operates nearly entirely on its own revenues while away from the Homeland, allows Kalistan to remain engaged in affairs at sea. The Militia and the Auxiliary Navy are thus far the exclusive external purchasers of weapons, ammunition and armaments, including ships, from the National Defense Plant. Therefore, it is also important for us to know what they have."

The report is expected within a year, and the Ministry has promised an executive summary will be eligible for public dissemination through the Kalistani Press.

[Doc]

reprinted from
IZQUIERDA- The Voice of the Kalistani Left
Brethren Caucus wins vote of No Confidence; Calls for Early Elections
Poppy Smith-Bennots to become Next President of Kalistan
September 4, 3976
Kaliburg, Ananto District

In a stunning move which has been described as a "coup" by the dominant Internationalist faction of the Socialist Party of Kalistan, the Government of Kalistan under long time Premier Boris Donner lost a crucial "No-confidence" vote in the National Assembly. Following the first no-confidence vote which gave Donner his walking papers, the Socialists demanded the resignation of President of the Republic Olaf Delgado. Following a brief standoff between Socialist Militia Forces and Kalistani Regulars at the President's office in Kaliburg, Delgado relented and read a brief concession speech. His resignation was effective immediately.


New Socialist Party Head and Provisional Prime Minister of Kalistan, Juan Carlos Estevez

The Socialists proceeded to elect a new Party Leader, Juan Carlos Estevez, who is the current head of Kalistani ODEN. Estevez accepted the job of bringing peace to Kalistan. His primary backing came from the Brethren Caucus in the SP, who are demanding a reduced role for Kalistan in world affairs. Citing the recent destruction of Kalistan's oil tanker as evidence of overreach, Estevez has vowed to reduce Kalistan's military, to end the authorization for the Kalistani Auxiliary Navy, and to dramatically reduce the role for the Kalistani Republican Security Bureau, which he claims is ultimately responsible for the deaths of the sailors aboard the Eastern Republic. Estevez' younger brother was one of the crew members who died aboard the vessel. In all, Estevez has promised that Kalistan will return to its role as a peace maker in the globe, and stay out of the affairs of imperial powers. "Yes, we will keep fighting," Estevez said. "Fighting for Kalistani values at home and abroad. Fighting for tranquility on the high seas. Fighting for the acceptance of Kalistani products and culture in other countries. Fighting for respect as a peace maker, not a war maker in all corners of the land. We will double down on our commitment to ensure that Kalistan becomes a name synonymous with the finer joys in life, the least and most base of which is war."


The Incoming President, Poppy Smith-Bennots holds a PhD in Public Policy

As his first act as provisional Prime Minister, Estevez called for new elections for President of the Republic. Given the hegemony of Socialists in Kalistani politics, the next President will be Poppy Smith-Bennots. A 33 year old post-doctoral fellow in Public Policy, Smith-Bennots has served as adviser to the Minister of Industry and Trade for 3 years. Smith-Bennots also has ties to the Society of the Brethren and is a direct heir in the Bennots political Dynasty through her father. Smith has accepted the nomination of the Party and will stand for a provisional election in August, which will ratify her as the next President of the Republic. Smith has declared her intention to work closely with the Government to reorient Kalistan back to the Anantanese Ocean and away from troubles in far off lands.

Finally, much of the government was excused due to their affiliation with the Internationalist tendency within the Party. The only Minister who was retained was Smith's old boss, Minister of Trade and Industry, Frieda Carrangus, and the Minister for Health and Social Services, Dr. Jena Pepper. Both Ministers are affiliated with the Society of the Brethren in Kalistan, and both frequently found their ministerial priorities neglected as Kalistan focused on world affairs. Other new comers to the Government include Militia Corporal Milicent Grognard, as Defense Minister, and Henrietta Allen in Foreign Affairs. Members of the Society of Brethren in Kalistan make up the majority of the Government of Kalistan. The new Government bill will be moved in the Assembly, following the Presidential Election.

The shakeup puts the Nationalization Bill in jeopardy, as several members have expressed a desire to vote against it, as well as severely limit spending on Defense.

[Doc]

Kalistani Republic
Republic's Top Spy Retires
Rumors fly of of Presidential Sack
Kaliburg, Ananto District
February 10, 3977


Former Director of Republican Security, Joanne Fredrickson, in retirement

Following the election of President of the Republic Poppy Smith-Bennots and the naming of the Provisional Cabinet mad almost exclusively of Brethren, the Nation's top spy announced her retirement. After a closed door meeting with the President, Director of Republican Security Fredrickson was asked by reporters if she planned to retire. She answered simply, "Yes..." before departing the Presidential Offices.

Later, Fredrickson made the following statement with regard to her retirement:

I have decided that, after a long directorship at the Republican Security Bureau, it is time for me to move on. I have been in this position for over 40 years and my tenure in office has seen many ups and downs. Kalistan faces many international crises at the moment- We are looking at downsizing our naval and ground forces, and Republican Security has never been more important than now. Kalistan needs a steady hand at the helm, and regrettably I am no longer confident that I can provide the Security Bureau the leadership that it needs. I have recommended to the Provisional Foreign Minister that my replacement be Captain Twilla Carrangus, still in Hutori, and that she be installed as soon as she returns to Kalistan. Carrangus represents the finest in National Service, and when she returns, she will have represented Kalistan honorably abroad for several years. I look forward to staying involved with the intelligence and diplomatic community, and finally playing golf. Since moving to Kaliburg all they seem to have around here is Demolition Derby... I wish the President well and wish my successor luck in her new post, and thank you all for your patience and good will during this transition time.

The Provisional Foreign Minister has confirmed that upon her return, Carrangus will serve as Interim director until a permanent Director is confirmed by the Assembly. The President of the Republic had no comment on Fredrickson's retirement, which may be seen as an example of the bad blood between the incoming Administration and the KRSB. The President has indicated that she intends to seek the revokation of the authorization of the Auxiliary Navy and a dramatic reduction of Kalistan's international presence, to the chagrin of Security experts in Kalistan. The move by Smith-Bennots is said to bring Kalistan into conformity with Brethren Principles.

[Doc]

Kalistani Republic
Carrangus returns to Kalistan; Announces Settlement with Federal Republic of Hutori
Sulari, Suldanor District
September 3, 3977


Twilla Carangus, New director of KSRB, briefing the Republic about the recently inked settlement with the Federal Republic of Hutori

Naval Captain Twilla Carrangus returned to Kalistan yesterday. Upon her return, Carrangus officially ended her visit to the Federal Republic of Hutori, where she served as Chief Commissioner of the team dispatched to settle outstanding issues with the Federal Republic. Upon arriving back on Kalistani soil, Captain Carrangus offered the following statement on the settlement:

"The Imperial Republic of Kalistan and the Federal Republic of Hutori have resolved all major outstanding differences between our two nations relating to the sinking of KALNAPECO Tanker Eastern Republic. We traded admissions with regard to the military nature of an experimental submarine belonging to Kalistan which the Hutorians were tracking, and their illegal boarding of the Tanker. We also acknowledge that Hutorian commandos, once aboard the Tanker did in fact act with the aim of rescuing stranded Kalistani Nationals, to the best of their ability, and we express our appreciation for their efforts on our Merchant Marines' parts. In exchange for these admissions, Hutori has agreed to purchase a significant amount of Kalistani National Petroleum, a deal which was authorized in lieu of direct compensation for the loss of our vessel and which we deem to offer a complete resolution of the conflict between our two Nations.

"Hutori and Kalistan still disagree on minor details, but in all, Kalistan considers the matter closed. Additionally, this amicable and mutual settlement forms the foundation for possible discussion of closer relations between Kalistan and Hutori. Finally, we stress that we view this settlement as exhaustive, and it should bear no weight on ongoing discussions between Kalistan and Trigunia, nor does it have any relation whatsoever to any settlements between Hutori and Trigunia. In all, the direction of the President of the Republic has been fulfilled with this settlement."

Following the press conference, Carrangus was shuttled to the National Assembly, where the new Foreign Minister of Kalistan, acting on the request of the Premier of the Republic confirmed Carrangus as the second Director of the Kalistani Republican Security Bureau. Carrangus shall oversee a complete overhaul of the Bureau and establish transparency as a norm. This move follows the expressed desire of the President of the Republic, Poppy Smith-Bennots, to conduct a complete and transparent audit of the Kalistani Armed Forces. In accepting the Directorship, Carrangus resigned her Naval commission. For her service, Carrangus was awarded the Republican Service Medal, the highest civilian award authorized by the Republic. In accepting, she dedicated her award to a Kalistani named Juan Juarez, about whom Carrangus was unwilling to speak at length.

[Doc]

Kalistani Republic
Kalistani Auxiliary Navy Authorization ended; Assets liquidated
President of the Republic Begins Armed Forces Audit
March 12, 3978
Kaliburg, Ananto District


President of the Republic announced beginning of Rectification following tense negotiations with the Government

The President of the Republic today announced the official liquidation of all assets held by the Kalistani Auxiliary Navy and the end of its Authorization. Passed at the end of the crisis around the death of the Kalistani President Elga Bjorksdattir, the Auxiliary Navy has been controversial with both the Brethren Faction of the Socialist Party, who have viewed it as a tool used by an ostensibly neutral nation to conduct offensive foreign policy overseas, and other nations who have objected to its mercenary character and use in running various contraband across the oceans.

The President also took the opportunity to announce the beginning of the Rectification Process of Kalistan's Armed Forces. "Fact is," President of the Republic Smith said in a conference following a tense meeting with the Government and the Premier, "Kalistan just doesn't know what assets it has, which assets belong to the Militia, and where we need expansion or contraction to meet our security and political objectives here in Kalistan and around the globe. Kalistan does not need a huge fleet, and some of the vessels we currently use in that capacity can easily be converted to civilian and commercial use. But on the ground, we may need a radical reorientation of Kalistan's military doctrine, and that may be painful for some to accept. I am sure that the Government will do its utmost along these lines- And we shall see just what we come up with."

Given the liquidation of the Kalistani Auxiliary Navy, the Government of Kalistan will have all necessary funds needed to purchase whatever weaponry it needs to proceed. Kalistan is also exploring the possibility of collaborating with another nation to begin building its assets domestically- The Defense industry is partially nationalized, and the Defense Plant, which produces small arms and rifled artillery quite well, could easily move into the production of small armored vehicles and mobile artillery in support of ground forces, as well as production of Light Armored Fast Attack (LAFA) vessels to augment the sea capacity, without any problem. Larger ships would require significant collaboration with producing nations, but Kalistan has sufficient assets to begin considering partners in this endeavor. No new production outside of currently ordered production has been ordered until the rectification has been completed.

The capital ships remaining in the Kalistani Auxiliary Navy have been sunk, some to build a reef habitat, and others to provide substructure for Port Elga, in Suldanor, which remains under construction. All LAFA craft have been redesignated to Republican Service and will appear in the Rectification.

[Doc]

reprinted from
IZQUIERDA- The Voice of the Kalistani Left
President Smith-Bennots weathers Challenges from International Caucus
Brethren faction remains dominant
July 7, 3982
Kaliburg Ananto


President of the Republic Poppy Smith-Bennots watches returns at the Party's Convention which wrapped up last month in Neveras City

A drawn out process of internal disagreement has played out within the ruling Socialist Party of Kalistan just in time for the next Presidential Election. The current President of the Republic, Poppy Smith-Bennots, who represents the Brethren Faction of the Socialist Party, shall remain the President of the Republic following October contests.

President Smith faced the first serious internal challenges to her six year administration launched by the activist Internationalist Caucus of the Socialist Party. Seeking to restore former President Delgado to the office, the Internationalists first challenged Smith on the floor of the Assembly. The fight then carried over to the recent Socialist Party Convention, held in Neveras. During the debate, which was vicious at times, and once broke out in a verbal altercation that threatened to turn violent, it looked like Smith was done for as nominee for President. At an initial count, Delgado apparently had more votes than Smith. But there were a number of undecided votes who remained so into the final ballot.

Then Smith, who had been delayed by extraordinarily bad weather between Ananto and the Mainland finally arrived and spoke to the convention. Many undecided delegates switched to Smith's side in the vote, and Delgado lost several votes to Smith during the vote. Said one delegate: "I am not really sure why I ended up supporting her. She has a certain ability to make terribly complex issues very clear for everyone. She has a charisma that encourages people to do what she wants them to do. I can't put a finger on it, but it is almost sort of mystical. And" the unnamed delegate added, "To my knowledge, she is honest. Many politicians can't say the same thing."

Other delegates agreed and turned in solid majority for Brethren Faction candidates across the board, ensuring that there will be little change in the composition of the Assembly during the near term.

Sources close to the President breathed a sigh of relief: there is an unconfirmed rumor that Kalistan is near a deal with the Federal Republic of Hutori which will greatly enhance Kalistan's position in the world. A loss for Smith would have scuttled any negotiations which are currently ongoing.

[Doc]

Kalistani Republic
KALNAPECO Production tops 3.5 million barrels a day
Trade Minister announces pause in new exploration
July 20, 3982
Sulari, Suldanor District


Dr. Emma Garcia testifies before the Select Committee on Energy Production

The Director of the Kalistani National Petroleum Company, Dr. Emma Garcia, announced in hearings before the National Assembly select committee on Energy production that KALNAPECO production had, for the first time, reached 3.5 million barrels a day, 90% which was considered light sweet crude. During her testimony, Director Garcia advised a change in Kalistan's point of sale policy.

"At this level of production," Director Garcia stated, "Kalistan has storage capacity at Sulari for about 3 months. The speed at which current demand is met, both domestically and in overseas markets is not enough to keep up with production. It is the advice of the Board of Directors that Kalistan immediately liberalize point of sale policies to allow for a more efficient distribution in line with a strategic goal of achieving 6 month storage capacity."

Liberalization would mean that select preferred trading partners would be able to purchase and ship Kalistani oil themselves, rather than relying on Kalistani shipping to carry the oil. This move would also shift costs onto purchasers, and would allow KALNAPECO to reduce price per gallon to reflect a lower burden on its fleet.

The Industry and Trade Minister, Frieda Carrangus, who oversees KALNAPECO operations, had no comment on POS liberalization, but did announce that at 3.5 million barrels a day, production targets had been met, and new exploration in the Suldanor formation would be suspended while existing wells remain in operation. Mainland exploration, while significantly cheaper in terms of exploitation, but produce much more costly oil, was suspended several years ago in favor of the deep sea operations. Minister Carrangus noted that exploration may begin again if production dips below 3 million barrels a day, but she said that Kalistan's energy production was going to continue in a sustainable way which would let KALNAPECO operate indefinitely.

[Doc]

Kalistani Republic
Assembly to vote on Major Oil for Arms Deal
Socialists signal the rebuilding of the Kalistani Navy
August 5, 3982
Kaliburg Ananto District


Premier Estevez introduces major legislation to acquire an aircraft carrier

Several years after the Kalistani Auxiliary Navy was turned into a reef, The Premier of the Republic, Juan Estevez advanced a bill which reflected closed door negotiations between Kalistan and the Federal Republic of Hutori. According to the bill, Hutori will sell Kalistan 1 Light Kenai-Class Aircraft carrier, and will offer military advisors who will be stationed in Kalistan for two years. In exchange, Kalistan will provide Hutori with a 20 year long preferential petroleum deal, as well as exchange embassies and maintain free and open trade with Hutori. In addition, Kalistan will permit refueling and resupply to Hutori from Ananto for an indefinite period, though Hutori will not be permitted to station offensive naval weaponry in Kalistan.


Kenai-class LCV being towed into port, to be traded for Kalistani Oil and trade preference

When delivering the request, the Premier stated:

"This is an opportunity for Kalistan, as it continues rectification, to acquire the ability to project force around the globe in defense of our interests. While this does not represent an offensive military capacity, it does allow us to help other nations fighting for good in the world, as well as allowing Kalistan to be dominant in the Anantanese Ocean, where are security interests are most accute. As we re-evaluate our Nation's armed forces, acquiring ships such as these will be necessary. Additionally, it provides stability in our oil market- a major purchaser for 20 years provides certainty to the Oil industry and allows us to better plan for exploitation of our national resources."

The Premier also noted that Kalistan would be in the market for similar deals as it develops its strategic defense doctrine.

[Doc]

Kalistani Republic
President of the Republic Says Kalistan to Stand on Neutrality
Anantanese Ocean to be closed to passage of foreign Navies
Kaliburg, Ananto District
January 10, 3983


President Smith stresses Kalistani Neutrality and declares Anantanese Ocean "closed" to belligerent forces

President of the Republic Poppy Smith-Bennots made a startling announcement yesterday. Below is a transcript:

Comrades, Those of you who follow the international press know that trouble is brewing among the great powers of the world. As you know, Kalistan is not among them. While they fight and suffer and die, Kalistan remains in our own little corner of the world, unbothered by the world's problems and at liberty to live our lives as we wish. This is one of the great things about our nation. We are able to stay our of the crises of the world and ensure liberty and tranquility at the same time. However, the storm clouds which are building are beginning to touch our shores. We certainly are in no position to ignore what is going on in the world. For this reason, we keep the Kalistani Regular Armed Forces well equipped and well trained, and we supplement our forces with the dedicated partisans of the Kalistani Revolutionary Socialist Militia, controlled by the Party.

The only way Kalistan remains a land of liberty and tranquility is if we stand on our position of neutrality. No foreign state may take advantage of Kalistan, no foreign state may drag Kalistan into their wars. Our neutrality extends over the entire sea that surrounds our Nation, the Anantanese Ocean, which washes the north shore of Gaduridos, the southern shores of Keris, as well as Selaya and Dovani. We assert that the entire Ocean is of strategic concern to Kalistan, because if hostilities enter this body of Water, they threaten Kalistan herself. We should never permit this. We must never permit warring powers to threaten the peace and liberty that we take for granted.

To this end, I have ordered the Kalistani regular Navy to begin perimeter patrols. We will respect the National waters of our neighbors, of course, but will not sit by as war equipment travels close to Kalistan, especially if we happen to disagree with their cause. Our Patrols will be designed to interdict the movement of foreign militaries close to Kalistan and to turn them back, away from the Homeland. Doing so will ensure peace. I have ordered the Minister of Defense to begin coordinating LAFA patrols across the sea, and will coordinate those patrols with various surveillance efforts Kalistan has in place, including radar and sonar bouys currently at sea, to detect movement on and under the surface. While Kalistan is undergoing rectification, we will continue to outfit more craft as LAFA vessels and will deploy them over the whole of the ocean.

We invite other states to take this seriously. Any attempt by any belligerent force to enter the Anantanese Ocean, without prior coordination with Kalistani Naval command will be viewed as a hostile act toward Kalistan itself, and will be met with an appropriate response. Kalistan is a neutral nation, and will uphold neutrality in the seas surrounding Kalistan.

LAFA Packs like these fastboats launch out of Ananto and fan out across the Ananatanese Ocean

The Minister of Defense, Cpl. Millicent Grognard followed the President's speech with a statement in support of the deployment of the fleet in the Anantanese Ocean. The deployment consists primarily of LAFA packs patrolling the edges of the Ocean, with several LAFA packs held in reserve. As the Kalistani Navy continues to be rebuilt, the LAFA units remain Kalistan's primary defense at sea.

[Doc]

Kalistani Republic
President of the Republic Smith answers questions about Anantanese Ocean closure
Responds to Indralan Comments
Senvias, Vrassa District
March 7, 3983


President Smith discusses recent Indralan statements made in their press

The President of the Republic, Poppy Smith- Bennots, today addressed a forum on Kalistani Foreign Affairs, where the question about the Government's policy of closure of the Anantanese Ocean was put directly to her. Here is the statement the President gave in response:

Provocation? Well, absolutely it is a provocation. If the nations of the world wish to use the waters around Kalistan as highways for their war materiel, they should know that they won't be able to do so with impunity. Indrala can paint our actions as supportive of Piracy, if they like. Kalistan officially opposes the practice, and so that is that. But one thing I will say is that Indrala seeks to exploit the Anantanese Ocean to conduct war on our neighbors, we should not simply sit idly by while this goes on around us. How can we, in good conscience, not do anything to intervene against war?

Kalistan is a neutral nation, and it is true that we are relatively less powerful than the Indralans. But their insistence that they shall operate in international waters at will demonstrates that they do not think very highly of us. We also operate in international waters, and will do all that we can to protect our national interests, both at home and on the high seas.

We are not at war with Indrala. We encourage the Empire to reconsider its rhetoric with regard to our attempts to defend our coastline from beligerent forces. We will not tollerate offensive moves made against us, nor shall we wait until that offense finally drifts into our national waters. The Anantanese Ocean remains closed, and will remain closed as long as larger, more powerful nations feel free to launch their provocations against Kalistan. We will not hinder Indralan trade. We will not hinder their legitimate anti-piracy efforts. But if it appears that Indrala is coming for us, we will make them bleed. Their attempts against Kalistan will be painful, and they will end up fighting for every inch they earn.

That is really all there is to say about it. We invite the Indralans to take up their concerns via normal diplomatic channels.