Kalistan

[Doc]

Republican Studios begins producing movies in Suldanor
First Project said to be Tour Documentary, due by September
Sulari, Sulanor
July 17, 4770


Campus of Republican Studios, Downtown Sulari

Sulari, Suldanor is well known as the center of heavy industry in Kalistan, and some of the grittiest hard rock produced in the Republic. It now plans to add "film capital of Kalistan" to its list of appellations. A new Movie Studio, Republican Studios, has opened in the District's largest city and seeks to begin competing with other larger film markets in Terra.

New Chief of Production, Alfonse Aristizabal, laid out the studio's ambitious business plan. "We have 8 soundstages, as well as film processing and post production facilities. The goal is to provide an entire vertical experience for Kalistani and international film makers who want to take advantage of our studio, nearby location opportunities here in Sulari, and the rest of the Republic. I imagine here that we can film several television shows and movies at the same time, from cop dramas and mafia films right here in Sulari, to jungle epics to our south, to pastoral films up in Odufaray, to romcoms in Kaliburg. The Republic has it all, and this studio is well situated to take advantage of it all."

Aristizabal said the studio was capitalized with more than K25 million in private capital from Kalistani investors, and when the studio begins operating in August, he plans to make an IPO and list in the Kalsie. Meanwhile, he said the studio already has its first project lined up for production. "This group, BandStand, recently toured the Anarchist territories over in Lodamun, and they recorded the entire thing! I've seen some of their raw stuff. It watches like a mockumentary, and let me tell you, the band may be the most normal thing about that entire movie. I'm putting them in touch with Editor Yayael Schmidt, who did 'Cats in Winter' three years as an independent and Director Donna Prebus, and I can tell you, this movie will be a hit!"

Aristizabal said he already has a television series in development for KRTVN 3. He also stated that he was in the process of recruiting up and coming actors for exclusive contracts with the Studio and is currently looking for new projects. "We're open for business!" said the studio head. "Domestic or foreign, send me your pitches! Right now, we are in an adventurous growth phase, so nothing is off the table! Sky's the limit, baby!"

[Doc]

"BandStand in Orean" Opens in Kaliburg
Movie completed ahead of Schedule is inaugural Triumph for Republican Studios
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 31, 4770


Still Clip from the Republican Stuio's new Concert Film "BandStand in Orean"

The first movie produced by the new Studio, "BandStand in Orean" was released to a sold out audience in Kaliburg's National Theater last night. When the announcement went out over KRTVN Radio that tickets would be sold to the concert movie last week, the station was flooded with requests for information from fans of the Band. Two years in the making, BandStand was unsure if the movie would ever see the light of day, but following their introduction to Editor Yayel Schmidt, the film and soundtrack hit the fast track to completion.

"This movie," said lead singer Gail Black who attended the premier with band mate Eddie Lincoln, to a packed audience, "It was a labor of love. Me and Eddie had this film crew following us around Kaliburg and Orean for like two weeks. We dragged them everywhere... to get coffee, to go meet gangs of strange people who all seemed to love our music many times more than folks back home did... The tour was a lot of fun, but then we were left with all this raw footage, and we were like 'Ok... we have 22 hours of footage here, and we need to make it how long?"

The final cut of the movie, which clocks in at just over two and a half hours, has an intermission in the middle, designed to allow people to use the restroom or go get refills on popcorn and soda at the concession counter. The movie features more than an hour and a half of recorded highlights of the show, some full songs and many smaller clips, and about an hour or incidental footage taken on the streets and in the clubs and bars of Orean. But the film takes a coherent, temporally organized direction, such that many people in the audience were surprised at how short the film really was.


Show Openers Las Piedres Blumas from "BandStand in Orean"

"I mean, I checked my watch when the program began," said fan Christine Howard, "and like two and a half hours had passed, and I was like, 'I mean, I want more!'. I felt like calling the baby sitter and telling her we were gonna stay and watch it again. But I had exams in the morning, so I'll have to go again later this week."

The movie follows BandStand and fellow "Frog Clique" members Las Piedres Blumas and Ghost as they prepare for the show in Orean, Anarchist Communes, Lodamum. Clips of the show are intersperced with incidental footage of the bands engaging with different people and doing different activities around the city. At one point, for example, Black met with a group of men who said they were part of a Gay militia. "The meeting was kind of strange," said Black in the film, as she was describing the meeting with her bandmate Lincoln. "These guys said they had never heard of BandStand before, until one of their comrades came up and said 'Oh she's that girl from that one groups I was telling you about...' And then all these guys were like 'OH OH... It's you!' and they all wanted to take their pictures with me to send to their partners and mums..."

One technical challenge so much footage presented, which Schmidt was able to help the band overcome was the fact that there were three complete sets recorded along with the rest of the stuff. Black explained, "It looked cluttered on the page, when we tried to make it coherent, but there's these three bands, Ghost and then The Flowers and then us. How do we show footage from all three bands in the same movie?" She explained to the crowd that the Editor really stepped in here. Schmidt performed a little trick by interspercing footage of members of the bands going about Orean together, to provide connections between the discrete clips of the bands themselves. "It all made sense when we saw how it came together, and we are all friends anyway, so there is a lot of stuff of us doing things together, you know?" admitted Black.

One example of this overlap technique happened at a local restaurant. Lincoln apparently discovered a chicken restaurant where they claim the meat is fried but there is no breading on the chicken. The comical scene involves him eating dinner in front of frontman for Las Piedres Blumas Dave Yardley who is clearly disgusted by the event, though Lincoln remains oblivious. "This chicken is quite tasty," said Lincoln, "But I can't quite work out how its fried. I mean... was it fried on a skillet or something?" Yardley, who is a vegan, just looked at him and asked "How should I know, man? How can you even eat that?!" Lincoln licked his fingers and simply shrugged. "It's good man. Try it." Yardley just looked both nauseated and more than a little put off by the suggestion.

"I liked the little incidental footage they have in there," said first night viewer Vernon Forerester. "It kind of let us catch our breath between the amazing clips from the concert, kind of letting us settle down, just to build us back up again for the next song."

"This film stands out," said Director Phill Johanssen, "Because many concert films I've seen tend to take a somewhat long view of the concert footage. I mean, they often adopt the perspective of the audience at the show. You may get one or two close ups, but generally, the cameras used to record the concert footage are very specialized, and very heavy, and they are not the same ones used to record footage of the band off the stage. But BandStand, whether it was because they just didn't know the conventions of making concert movies, or because they couldn't afford to have several different kinds of cameras, they had all the footage shot with the same type of cameras. As a result the quality of the film and more importantly the sound is consistent throughout. And they used the best cameras to record even the most mundane interactions throughout the town."

"BandStand in Orean" is not only a documentary of the tour's show in Orean, but also a documentary of a town which is undergoing major social and political changes. For example, the movie chronicles the early days of drug usage in Oreans. Some locals told the band that they wanted to show them something interesting, and were taken to a hash bar. There, the bands discovered ODEN branded hashish and various kinds of Kalistani product being smoked there. The people at the bar cheered the Kalistanis as they took hit after hit from the local glass pieces at the bar. "I can't believe they are smoking all that and haven't passed out," said one Lodamese patron of the club, while another agreed and said "They smoke like its just air." The end of the scene depicts the Kalistanis bidding farewell to about two dozen completely stoned anarchists. In most scenes in the movie, Black almost always had either a handrolled cone or a glass piece filled with ODEN herb. At one point she laughed and called it "a little bit of home."

As Black says, "I can't even tell if this town has a government." Lincoln laughs and answered that they were Anarchists, so probably not. "I mean, I know Anarchists can govern. But I mean: is this a part of Lodamun or something different?" Lincoln shook his head. In other parts of the film, we can see daily life of the people just going about their business, and nearly all finding them distracted by the Kalistanis. "Oh, you're the band from Kalistan?" they would often ask. And then they would pepper the band with questions about life in Kalistan, and compare it to life in the Communes. "Things are getting better here," many of them would admit. The film depicts working people just going about their lives, and suddenly they wind up in a Kalistani Movie about a famous band. And nearly all the people were generous to the Kalistanis and genuinely sought to impress them with the Communes. "Their lives are just ordinary, you know, exactly as one would expect," said Black, "an yet, they still found ways to have fun and enjoy life, and that really made the trip for us: meeting these people who really do seem to have a zeal for life."


BandStand delivering the high Energy show closer, "My Friends"

Overall, "BandStand in Orean" is destined to take its place in the pantheon of excellent Concert Movies, marking a return to the genre for Kalistan. And it is more noteworthy for the fact that it was completed by the Studio so quickly and is still very good. Much of the movie will strike most Kalistanis as both very familiar and also quite strange. "Many things seemed not quite right," said Lincoln at the premier. "For example: there was a whole culture that wa into hip hop and racing cars and so forth, and they had these just crazy looking tricked out vans with spoilers the size of aircraft wings on the back and painted these really brilliant vibrant colors. And they all wanted to give us a ride in these extravagant vans. But, you know, in the context, it all sort of made a lot of sense."

"BandStand in Orean" will likely remain first run in Kaliburg for more than a month, and the demand for tickets to see the film in Kaliburg has created a reservation backlog of 4 days already, as people get in line to see the sold out film. Over all, a very enjoyable time will be had by all.

[Doc]

Premier announces definite date for Change in Status
Sovereignty to be restored on May 1, 4772
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 18, 4771


Nationalist Protestors peacefully marching to Revolution Plaza in a downpour

The Announcement went over all KRTVN stations early this morning. Kalistani sovereignty is to be restored on May 1, 4772, according to a statement read by Premier of the Republic Joaquin Bennots.

"Comrades and Countrymen. Allow me to be the first to announce that the Government of Kalistan and the Kingdom of Lourenne have concluded the final aspects of the arrangement for their departure and the return of Kalistani Sovereignty to our Republic. Nearly 15 years after they arrived, Kalistan is a peaceful, prosperous and secure nation, and it is finally time to take the final steps to restoring our correct relationship. We have set the date for Lourenne's departure at May 1, 4772, and will declare national holidays around that date, to ensure that people may celebrate the restoration of the full status of the Republic. We will also welcome those Lourennaise who remain and have settled in Ananto as full citizens of the Restored Kalistan, though they may, if they like, maintain dual citizenship with their home nation as well. We shall also conclude a Status of Forces Agreement with Lourenne following the restoration of our treaty making powers, and shall work out mutual security and trade terms between our two countries. This is a glorious day for the Republic."

Demonstrators immediately took to the street following the announcement. Most demonstrated with celebration, occupying public roads around the Capital and in various parts of the Republic. There was only one incident of disorder, where a group of Nationalists brought a homemade effigy of the Lourennaise King out and tied it to a pole. Apparently they intended to set it afire, but as police were arriving to prevent the arson, a torrential downpour, which had been threatening all morning, suddenly let loose and soaked both the protestors and the effigy. The nationalists dispersed and joined the celebrations which took place around the town, satisfied with leaving the effigy in the rain.

After the storm passed, an impromptu concert was held in Revolution Plaza downtown, which featured the hip hop Band Davon 3. Some parents who had brought their kids to the rally were disturbed by the vulgar language used by the rappers. "I came out here with my two little ones," said mother Adina Jackson, "And I wanted my kids to be part of history today. But these rappers came out here and started yelling f--- this, f--- that, f--- f--- f----... It really ruined the day for me and my children." The vast majority of the crowd held a different opinion. By 5 pm, there were more than 15,000 gathered in the plaza to celebrate and enjoy the music, which paused for speeches from Brethrenist and Nationalist Leaders, who generally held positive attitudes toward the day and toward Lourenne. "We gotta keep this sh-- peaceful and positive," said Davon 3 leader Elizabeth Towers. "Let's party, ya'll!" The music continued on into the night, with Davon 3 being relieved by the Las Piedres Blumas around 10 pm.

[Doc]

Kalistan Is Independent
Republic officially re-established
Kaliburg, Ananto
May 1, 4772


Fireworks Launched over Davon, Kaliburg to Celebrate Independence

The Republic celebrated its re-establishment as an independent nation on May 1, with nationwide celebrations, fireworks and a major concert in downtown Kaliburg. The former Governor General from Lourenne left the Republic months ago, recalled to Lourenne ahead of the handover of sovereignty and the Queen of the United Kingdom formally renounced her control of the sovereignty of The Republic in a peaceful transition. Meanwhile, Kalistan's placeholder foreign policy establishment began working out the careful arrangements necessary for untangling the two neighboring states' politics, and reviving the Kalistani state apparatus which was formally relinquished following the decade of anarchy and the rise of the Socialist Party.

Following negotiations, the Governments of Kalistan and Lourenne agreed to economic and political cooperation, as well as military consonance in the Northern Anantonese. Lourenne will remain based at the new Dulnerstaad Naval Center, and has agreed to a SOFA which obligates Lourenne which limits extraterritoriality to the Foreign Quarter of the Base, and sets parameters for naval and military cooperation between the two states. The informal handover of power took place months ago, but the official cession of power was delayed until the scheduled date of May 1, 4772.

When the scheduled date arrived, the Premier of the Republic, Joaquin Bennots-Hernandez presided over the Kaliburg celebrations, offering the official announcement of Kalistan's independence on KRTVN 1 and on all radio channels. He encouraged Kalistanis to take to the streets and demonstrate, but to keep celebrations peaceful. Protestors obliged, and parades were organized in all major cities. Most families took to public parks and swimming pools to celebrate the day and the mood was generally festive across the Republic. Even recent Lourennaise immigrants across Ananto took place in the celebrations and entered floats and marching bands in Independence Day celebrations.

Following a day of celebration, fireworks began appearing in the streets and in the skies of the Republic following sunset. The barrage of localized explosions was soon replaced by massive city-wide displays, including a most spectacular demonstration in the skies above downtown Kaliburg, launched from boats in Davon Bay. The major fireworks displays lasted for several hours, late into the night, and then most of the crowd filtered over to Revolution Plaza where an impromptu concert featuring local Kaliburg bands, including local RF favorites Coordinate Scale, was held. Concerts to celebrate the day were also held in Luxon, Bozo River, Yoshimi, Sulari, Gendaris, Eshar, Vrassa City and High Bong. Most concerts lasted until sunrise, and it was estimated that more than 25 million Kalistanis attended the various outdoor festivals.

The Republic was reborn in Explosions and Music.

The formalizing bills in the Assembly, officially renaming the Republic "The Republic of Kalistan" have been passed by the Assembly, the Foreign Policy powers have been restored to the Government of the Republic and has been vested in Foreign Minister Uxue Etxeberri, and Ari Velasquez-Jefferies has been named Interim President of the Republic ahead of elections.

[Doc]

Premier suffers major Heart attack
Condition said to be "Critical"
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 7, 4774


Premier of the Republic Joaquin Bennots, in July

The Premier of the Republic, Joaquin Bennots-Hernandez suffered cardiac arrest and was rushed last night to the Republic Public Hospital in downtown Kaliburg. The Premier was reportedly eating dinner in downtown Kaliburg last night when he complained of shortness of breath to his wife. She called emergency services immediately, and while they awaited the ambulance' arrival, the Premier lost consciousness and fell from his seat. EMTs arrived on the scene and began lifesaving procedures immediately, and though they were able to prevent the Premier's death, he was said to have been without oxygen for more than 4 minutes and remained unconscious.

The Premier was taken to the hospital where doctors stabilized the Premier. Early reports say that a major blockage in one of the main arteries of the heart was the cause of the heart attack. Hospital Spokeswoman Donna James updated the press a few hours after the arrival of the Premier: "The Premier is in critical but stable condition. Doctors continue to apply bloodthinners to remove the blockage in his heart, but the Premier was not in good health and his constitution took a major hit from the heart attack and the prolonged lack of oxygen. We have been instructed to inform you that the Premier will continue to remain under care, and will undergo emergency surgery within the hour. We will keep you updated on the progress of the Premier's care."

Premier Bennots has overseen dramatic changes in Kalistan, while holding a steady and moderate hand over Government affairs. He is responsible for the occupation of Lourenne and also oversaw the restoration of Kalistani independence just over two years ago. Since Independence, the Premier has maintained a low profile in Kalistani affairs, preferring to shepherd the status quo in the Republic, rather than offer any radical changes.

[Doc]

Premier of the Republic Bennots is Dead
Socialists name Katrine 'Arcy-Robinson as next Head of Government
Sulari, Suldanor
August 12, 4774


Procession for Premier Bennots flanked by massive crowd of supporters in Sulari

Premier of the Republic Joaquin Bennots-Rodriguez, the first Socialist Premier in generations and the spearhead of Kalistani Restoration has died at the age of 61. The Premier suffered a major heart attack earlier this week, and underwent emergency surgery to attempt to repair the damaged muscle. Instead of recovering, however, the Premier never revived from his state of unconsciousness and died peacefully in the hospital, surrounded by family, friends and well-wishers.

The news filtered from the hospital immediately following the Premier's death to multitudes gathered outside, who had waited there for several days in an intermittent rain. A pall descended over the crowd, as some women cried, while men embraced each other, all grieving their beloved leader's passing. The assembled crowd remained for a little while but dispersed when a spokesperson from the hospital announced that the Premier would be laid in state for a day in the National Assembly, and then travel to his home in Suldanor to be buried in two days.

The Socialist Party, who had been building up contingency scenarios for the past few days now spring into action. Party deputy Chairperson Katrine D'Arcy-Robinson, representing Dulnerstaad, who is a first generation Louernnaise-Kalistani, and who's family arrived from Lourenne not more than 10 years ago, was immediately elected to the Chairmanship of the Party, and was tasked with overseeing new elections. It is likely that she will receive the Nomination of the Party and will become the next Premier of the Republic following the elections. D'Arcy is expected to carry on the Premier's reforms, and has declared her intent to continue the Brethrenist direction of Kalistani Government.

The Premier's body was laid in state while thousands of Anantonese residents filed past for one last glimpse of the man who shepherded Kalistan from oblivion to stability, and then, in the evening, his casket was loaded onto a Regular Air Force cargo jet and flown to Sulari. Following preparation and a private memorial Meeting for Worship in the Sulari Monthly Meeting House, the Clerk of the Meeting accompanied the late Premier via hearse through Sulari, where a massive crowd numbering more than 50,000 lined the procession route. He was interred in natural fashion at the Sulari Memorial Cemetery, as per his final wishes, and his funeral was attended by more than 1000.

A small unassuming marker provides the location of the former Premier's body.

[Rogue]

Deltarian First Minister visits Kaliburg, signs major deal

[Doc]

Major changes coming to Kalistan
D'Arcy to become Premier, Deal with Deltaria concluded
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 7, 4775


The New Premier of the Republic immediately sets out to increase Kalistani cooperation abroad

The New Premier of the Republic was elected by the Assembly by acclamation this week. Katrine D'Arcy-Robinson, who emigrated to Kalistan from Lourenne as a Child was selected last year as the Socialist Speaker following the untimely death of the late Joaquin Bennots, and has been acting Premier of the Republic, until her office as Head of Government was formalized following recent elections, which saw Socialist Ari Velasquez run unopposed for the Presidency of the Republic. Ari, himself the first Yeudi President of Kalistan has vowed to leave most power with the Government and focus on international relations, working closely with Foreign Minister Uxue Etxeberri, who will remain in place following the transition.

The President and Foreign Minister recently concluded a deal with Deltaria which will allow Kalistan to expand markets for its goods and attract foreign investment, while allowing Delatria the right to refuel and resupply at Port Swedes in Vrassa. "Today," said Velasquez in a public statement, "we reaffirm our Republic's good relations with Delatria. Those who sold us our airforce and trained us on how to use those weapons will be welcomed in the Republic. We feel that adding Deltaria to our list of friends is a good thing, and we look forward to participation with them in ongoing regional security exercises to maintain peace and stability in our corner of the world."

D'Arcy, herself a Brethrenist, has indicated that she intends to continue the former Premier's focus on attracting foreign investment, but signaled that there will be some changes to be made. In her innagural statement following the formalization of her office, D'Arcy announced: "The goal for our first term will be to revive several major national institutions. We mean, the restoration of KALNAPECO and KALNAFERCO, which will be expanded to also encompass the nation's aluminum industry. The Republican National Bank is also on the docket for rechartering, as a measure to stem inflation and to slowly return to zero growth policies of the past. It is also our aim to reinstate the majority share requirements in joint enterprises, while still protecting foreign investments in Kalistan. These programs will build upon the successes of our predecessor, and will allow Kalistan to regain control over its strategic sector following decades of deregulation and chasing profits rather than working for the benefit of the Republic."

D'Arcy's agenda received tepid applause from the Assembled Deputies, most of whom grew up under the liberal regime structure of the Republic. Her moves to the Left, however, have been welcomed for the most part by Kalistan's economists, who argue that competition in the strategic sector leads to waste and redundancy, and only through some mild planning with a cooperative goal in mind can Kalistan truly marshal its national resources to become a great nation once more. Only very few Liberal economists remain in Kalistan, most of them having re-adopted Ethical Socialism years ago, and the economic intelligentsia has been lobbying the Kalistani Government for a more hands on approach at least since the end of the Occupation.

Premier D'Arcy also seeks to expand Kalistani Cultural prowess in the world. "I would like to see public support for a technological and Artistic exposition once more," said the Premier. "Letting the world know that Kalistan still, even after all these years sits at the pinnacle of art, music, literature and theater is imperative for advertising the Kalistani image across the globe. As the saying goes, the pen is mightier than the sword, and if we are not to take a place among great military powers, and we are not able to sit at the table of great economic powers, let us then become the world's greatest cultural force. Most of the world already listens to Kalistani music. Let them watch our films and read our books and marvel at our architectural structures and enjoy our cuisine. We have the power to be the model for the world in terms of culture creation. We should set our sights on that and direct our national energy in that direction. We can have influence through Peace and Beauty." Her call for peaceful influence received a much more enthusiastic support from the Assembly, and at least one Deputy noted that this was far more in line with Kalistani Traditions than creating a strong war machine or opening the doors to foreign investment.

The future looks bright for Kalistan.

[Doc]

RSMoK reactivates
Socialist Partisans to begin training once more
Bozo River, Ananto
August 12, 4775


The Flag of the Socialist Party can be seen among Partisans who begin Induction in Ananto

For the first time in nearly three quarters of a Century, the Socialist Party under the leadership of Premier Katrine D'Arcy, has reactivated its militia. The partisan paramilitary organization, known as the Revolutionary Socialist Militia of Kalistan, has long served as an irregular auxiliary to the Regular Military. The reactivation was aimed at supplementing the re-building of the Regular Army, and will serve as the National Guard until the Regular Army is fully trained and ready to take the field.

Militia Training will occur at Bozo River Combined Air Ground Training Center, at Bozo River. The base has remained sparsely used since the Regular Army was fully cashiered in the 4750s following the demise of the ENP Government. The Socialist Party expected to call up a full compliment of its militia, including several battalions of Infantry and four regiments of Artillery. (The RSMoK Militia Organization Chart is found in the Militia Registry.) While the Republic spins up production of military transportation vehicles and artillery, militia may use privately owned vehicles and personal weaponry, however, the Militia intends to purchase armored personnel carriers and light armored attack vehicles from a newly renationalized KALMILINCO, when outfitting the Regular Force is completed. Following complete supply of the Militia, all weaponry will be standardized between Militia and Regular Forces.

For the time being, the training will focus on arduous conditioning hikes in the mountainous regions of Northern Ananto, as well as drill and rifle training. Given the several generations dormancy of the militia, Regular planners will assist the militia in setting up command and control infrastructure throughout the Republic.

"I'm looking forward to being in the first generation of the new Militia," said partisan Pedro Alvares. "We have a very important mission to fulfill and when the Regulars stand up, we will return the favor and help them train for both regular and irregular combat."

Traditionally the Militia has served in roles that the Regular Forces could not carry out. For example, Militia naval units were responsible for harassing traffic in the Straits and for drawing fire while Regular Naval forces arrived, while Militia forces were tasked with carrying out irregular and asymmetric warfare against more determined aggressors, either as shock troops ahead of Regulars, or as a reserve force for the Regular Military. The Militia was especially decisive in the Ananto War some centuries ago.

The Militia also serves as a jobs program to help soak up more of the labor force beyond the National Service Program. As such, it plays an important role in maintaining high wages for workers, by increasing the labor shortages throughout the Republic and eliminating the need for many social welfare programs. For most partisans, the Militia is a full time job with good pay and excellent standard of living, though it is not for the faint of heart. Life in the Militia is rigorous, and military discipline in the ranks is absolute. Even minor infractions are corrected as vigorously as possible, with major infractions leading to disqualification from service at the least. Physical fitness is imperative, and the militia usually attracts only the young and the fanatical partisan. As a result, it also serves as a political guard against the creeping fascism which occasionally rears its head in Kalistan.

Membership in the militia is open to all Socialists who can adapt to the regimented life of the militia, and given Kalistan's defacto One Party status, recruitment has not been a problem since the Militia was reactivated. Most who have joined are fervent nationalists, while Brethrenists as often as not avoid the militia. But this is not to say that the militia doesn't attract Brethrenists. A faction of the Brethren, known as the "Fighting Brethren" feel it is their moral obligation to stand up in defense of the Nation. The miltiia, for its part does not discriminate and welcomes all those who can meet physical fitness and ideological qualifications.

Reformed militia units will be conducting exercises in and around Bozo River CATC this fall and winter, and the first group will certainly be tested to the limits of their ability and endurance. "We expect to do a lot of bivouacking," said Alvares with a smile. "Camping, for the laymen." Indeed, the barracks on mainside will only be occupied during February, when the weather is at its coldest and rainiest, but militia forces are expected to be prepared for the other months and life in the field. Byt next summer, the militia should be trained to the elite irregular status that is traditionally associated with the RSMoK and a new training cycle will begin again, with fresh troops and this time some military hardware and Regular Forces to train with.

[Doc]

Premier and Culture Minister launch major push for Arts in Kalistan
"Film and music are Kalistani Strengths" says Premier
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 22, 4775


Premier sits down with Film Commentator George Jackson for Q&A on Kalistani Arts

The Premier has launched a major effort through the Ministry of Education and Culture to promote Kalistani Music, Film and Art abroad an to attract artists to Kalistan.

"We need the world to have a window on Kalistan," said new Premier Katrine D'Arcy. "People know of Kalistan, as a myth or some story their parents tell them at night to scare them into being good children. But people do not know our country, and we wish, I should say, it is our dream that people think of our nation as a positive thing." The Premier specifically pointed out Kalistan's image as a land of drugs. "As a little girl, when I lived in Lourenne with my mother and father, the stories I heard about Kalistan all had to do with drugs. It was only when I arrived in my new home when I realized that those stories were not true. This is a land of infinite variety and diversity, and forgive me, beautiful and kind people who dream big dreams and live like tomorrow is already here. I want the rest of the world to see that too, to see the Kalistan I know and love."

To promote this end, the Government has decided to fully subsidize Kalistani Art. "We wish," the Premier said, "to focus on what Kalistan does best. We are the world's leaders in music, and possess an amazing film industry. Music and Film are our strengths. As well, we want to support those who are making Kalistan beautiful through all mediums of Art, to include the practical and fine arts." The Premier announced that the Minister of Education and Culture, Brittne Jorge have created a world prize for any artists, either in Kalistan or abroad, to come and be artists in Kalistan. "We wish to endow artists in this country. I would ideally like to see film schools created, and art programs increased, both in primary and secondary education, but also in our universities. I would like film makers to create cinema pieces which display the fully beauty of the living experience in Kalistan. From our magnificent skylines to our art galleries, to the men and women of this country. We believe too that even industry can be shown to be beautiful in its own way: The triumph of ingenuity over material, the marvelous work accomplished by cooperative effort to turn rock and soil into uplifting sculpture or towering edifices for the dwelling and happiness of the people. These too can be considered."

The endowment will last for 20 years, and will subsidize up to 1000 artists per year, for the purposes of allowing them to study the arts, and to produce masterpieces. Artists from all over the world may apply for a grant from the Ministry of Education and Culture which will allow them to live comfortably in Kalistan for up to three years and create art for Kalistan's pubic spaces and for their own. Foreign Artists may then return home, and may apply for ongoing support from the Republican Government, provided they continue to beautify their own homelands.

"We wish the entire world to be as beautiful as Kalistan is," said the Premier. "I say this with not a little arrogance. I am quite proud of the achievements of my adopted people in this regard, and wish to share my home with as many people as I can possibly reach. Kalistan is a land of beauty and wonder. The more people who come here and see it for themselves, and watch the efforts of our movie and music directors, and hear and see our performers, and marvel at our beautiful murals, and yes, maybe, fall in love here-- too romantic? I do not think so-- fall in love here, so much the better for Kalistan."

The initial endowment is set at 60 million KRB (or 26.7 million KAL) and is expected to be aggrandized as more people apply to the program.