Kalistan

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Kalistani Finance Minister aims at Convertibility
Republican Bank Recharter puts Kalistani Ruble on Solid Bedrock
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 8, 4695


Socialist Finance Minister Nedra Stuart discusses stabilization of Kalistani Economy

Last month, the Premier of the Republic, Sister Rebecca Bennots-Edwards moved a bill requested by Finance Minister Nedra Stuart for the recharter of the Republican Bank, which was founded in 4406. The previous charter was declared out of effect more than 100 years ago, and all assets were divested to profit making corporations, but the return of the Socialist Party of Kalistan has renewed efforts to bring the Nation's finances under control. The Republic's Franka Girrard caught up with Minister Stuart, who had one word on her mind: Convertibility.

[The Kalistani Republic's] F[ranka] G[irrard]: Comrade Minister, thank you for coming in to talk with my paper today.

N[edra] S[tuart]: It is my pleasure. Thank you for reaching out.

FG: We recently ran a story about a massive budgetary inflow due to ODEN's success. Following on the heels of this success, the Government has proposed a recharter of the Republican Bank. Can you tell our readers what this will mean?

NS: Sure. First, it will mean that we will regain control, for the first time in nearly 200 years, of the business cycle. Under liberal economic policies, Kalistan experiences boom and bust cycles like every other liberal economy. Speculation in one sector leads to a rush to investment, which leads invariably to over-production, surplus, and then bust, which means producers can't sell their surplus, let alone the new things they are trying to create. Even if employers wanted to keep workers on, a recession sets in, layoffs and unemployment increase, and a vicious cycle occurs. Whatever one thinks about that, it is a fact of liberal economics. Due to the features of supply and demand, and a market economy, boom-bust cycles are inevitable. The Republican Bank therefore exists to create, and this is an explicit feature of the Bank, it exists to create a floor and a ceiling, and to regulate the business cycle to the point where it is no longer a wild up and down, but closer to a flat line. We do this through monetary supply, interest rate setting across the Republic for loans, especially to those people who seek to buy things like homes, and to businesses who wish to expand, and through various regulatory policies that ensure that there is faith in our currency, even in times which would otherwise cause people to lose faith in the bank.

FG: The Bank charter that the Government supports promotes zero percent economic growth.

NS: That is correct. Zero percent growth provides...

FG: Excuse me, Comrade Minister, but surely your critics will answer that at zero percent economic growth, you have stagnated the economy, have foreclosed the opportunity and even the incentive for investment, and have missed out on many lucrative opportunities that are associated with boom times. Your critics will argue that surely the bad times are outweighed by the good. How do you answer them?

NS: With zero percent growth, we also eliminate inflation. We also are able, as a political body, to deal easy with the very real burdens that people face when the economy changes. We get rid of unemployment, and can maintain our priority toward a negative unemployment landscape. We may not make a ton of money, and investment may be sluggish, but at the same time, we do not specifically prevent economic growth in any specific sector, nor do we eliminate the potential for profit in the private sector. We merely counter it through monetary and fiscal policy, so that economic expansion in one sector is met with contraction in another. This allows us to meet our political responsibilities under the dual system, and ensure that mania cannot possibly sweep the entire society and otherwise rational individuals stampede at the slightest hint of trouble. The SP would much rather navigate smooth flat waters than waters which are filled with twenty foot tall triangular waves and covered in shoals. The Bank charter allows us to ensure that our waters are tranquil, if nothing else.

FG: But are you concerned that foreign investment will dry up?

NS: Look, Comrade. There is a ton of money to be made in Kalistan. We have a massive, highly educated, motivated, exceptionally well trained workforce in Kalistan. We have advanced infrastructure. We remain awash in natural resources that other nations want. We abound in tourist opportunities. Under normal circumstances, we would not be able to keep up with the inflow of FDI into Kalistan. And though the Bank Charter, and Kalistani National Law prevents that tsunami, even under these conditions, foreign investors can still make money hand over fist in our private sector. And we welcome that impulse. It leads us to a strategic goal of the rechartering of the Bank, that being convertibility.

FG: Are you suggesting that the Kalistani Ruble could be a more universally-convertible currency? It is pretty common understanding that a tightly controlled currency decreases convertibility, so does the Government actually believe that this will increase Convertibility?

NS: Absolutely. Most countries can not make their currency truly convertible because their economies are weak. They are plagued with hyperinflation and their own people do not have confidence in their currency. Our Bank Charter locks in the value of our Ruble, against foreign currencies. When even stable currencies fluctuate, the Kalistani Ruble only jiggles a little. When other currencies collapse, the Kalistani Ruble is held to where it is.

FG: But this doesn't answer the question, with respect. Bank controls decrease convertibility, they decrease the free flow of currency across state lines.

NS: The Kalistani Ruble is a fiat currency and only its value, not its trade, is regulated. It doesn't matter where the currency is, or in whose hands it sits. Our aim is to control the interaction between the money supply and the business cycle. We have controls in the charter which guarantee that the vast majority of the Rubles available are in reserve, to such a degree that we could weather any international shock, and if currency levels in Kalistan proper are getting too low, we will release more of the reserve to pick up the slack. Meanwhile, if we see too much of our money flowing out, we will play with our interest rates, to encourage that money to come back home in the form of foreign investment. Ultimately, we want people to use our money. The more they use our money, the less we have to use theirs.

FG: Will too large a reserve cause the Republic to miss out on investment opportunities of its own?

NS: We have built in provisions that allow Kalistan to make very conservative investments abroad. That fund does not touch the reserve. But in terms of "missing out", we are not missing out when our goal is 0% GDP growth. Under these circumstances, we will always have entirely more than we need to meet any request, and to cover all emergencies.

FG: Do you foresee a robust currency leading to a trade imbalance as imports become cheaper in Kalistan and exports become much more expensive for others?

NS: In theory, yes. We will certainly import more, because we will be able to buy more things with the Ruble. This should encourage other countries to accept our currency, because we will tend to make large orders. But the imbalance should be offset by the value of our exports.

FG: Suppose other nations find Kalistani exports to be too expensive?

NS: Then we will keep them ourselves and pay in cash. A strong currency means a weak competitor, so, if they do not want to acquire Rubles for whatever reason, we can also acquire a mountain of their cash on a one for one exchange, and use it to purchase their goods in their own denomination. Either way, we won't incur a deficit if we buy the goods in cash, even if it isn't the Ruble. But I have a feeling that Kalistani exports will draw some interest abroad eventually, and meanwhile, our currency will become rock solid, guaranteed to hold its value over a long period of time, and should serve as a nice harbor for nations who do not wish to invest in stormier seas elsewhere. Convertibility is the goal here. A very conservative approach to monetary policy will yield benefits for Kalistan over the long run.

FG: Do you have any plans to renationalize the oil and steel industries?

NS: We will be sponsoring bills to that end, once the funding mechanism is in place via the Bank. We also have passed legislation recently which will rebuild the Kalsie, and we will encourage domestic and foreign investments in the Exchange, and now we just need to put in place the Charter. Coming on the heels of the passage of the Ananto Strait Accord, we will be uncapping those wells out in the Strait, and we can expect to see Kalistani oil returning to Kalistani gas stations sooner rather than later. Energy Independence is a very real possibility once more.

FG: We are nearing the end here. Have you had any input from either the National Conservatives or the Syndicalists on the plans to renationalize?

NS: We have not heard from either Party. We had an assist from the Syndicalists on the Omnibus, and the Nationalists supported withdrawal from the extradition treaty. But we have the votes to carry all bills over the line, so perhaps they simply feel that they aren't particularly needed. It is the Government's wish that they would participate, but at the end of the day, the SP still needs to move its agenda. So we will keep working, and perhaps we will have some help sometime.

FG: Well, Comrade Minister, we thank you for the time you spent with us.

NS: Thank you Comrade Journalist. I look forward to our next meeting.

FG: Thank you. Me too.

[alaskancrabpuffs21]

Dolgavia Hosts Kalistani Delegation to Discuss Trade and Security Matters

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President of the Republic Cohen visits Aikums Dolgova on first Foreign Visit
Ease in Strait issue opens new opportunities for Anantonese trade
Aikums, Dolgova
Jan 14, 4696


President of the Republic Cohen meets with Dolgovarian Premier Lippmaa

Due to close ties with Dorvik and a simmering conflict in the Straits, cooperation between Dolgova and Kalistan seemed limited. But as tensions eased, Kalistan's President, Henry Cohen, was invited to Aikums Dolgova this month to begin a new relationship.

"Kalistan welcomes the opportunity to trade with Dolgova," said President of the Republic Henry Cohen. "We have always been open to trading with our neighbors, in the spirit of the ancient Anantonese Ocean Pact: the geopolitical situation often foreclosed that opportunity, but getting these issues resolved allows us to move forward in a state of peace and friendship."

The President said that the two leaders discussed increasing volume of trade between the two countries, including acquiring a supply of aluminum or bauxite. "When we begin refiring the National Foundry, refining bauxite will allow us to create our own aluminum. This will allow us to contribute more directly to a commercial aircraft industry, which used to exist in Kalistan, but has since disappeared between a mountain of liberal privatization edicts." The President also discussed trade in food stuffs, technology and tourism, and announced that, "The path was cleared by a mutual commitment to fair and reciprocal trade: In principle we are committed to free trade, as nations, and have signed statements of understanding that any and all tariffs would be met by equal tariffs on the other side. It is therefore to both nations' advantages to trade with comparative advantage and not erect barriers to trade on any commodity, or service."

Kalistan and Dolgova also discussed capital flows: "We welcome foreign investment in Kalistan, and We understand that Dolgova welcomes investment as well." When asked whether ODEN profits would be barred from Dolgova, Cohen answered, "I did not get the impression that Dolgova would be prejudiced with regard to the source of investment."

But this raised another question, concerning Dolgova's promise to "sink" ODEN smuggling ships. Cohen answered this question directly: "I think there was some miscommunication. ODEN does not operate ships, ODEN does not smuggle drugs into foreign countries. One of the common misconceptions is that there are great freighters filled with Dahreil product, with ODEN painted on the hull, arriving in ports overseas. This is not how ODEN works. ODEN operates a market in Kaliburg. Other countries send their own ships to Kaliburg, buy what they wish and then sail home. If the Dolgovan security forces sink these ships, they are sinking their own ships and killing their own people. It does not make any difference to ODEN if say, Dolgovan X comes to Kalistan, buys three hundred pounds of marijuana, loads it onto his own private ship, and sails it back to Dolgova, and then on the way, throws all the marijuana in the Anantoese Ocean. We only care whether he paid ODEN before leaving Kalistan. After that, it is not our business."

President Cohen said emphatically, "I believe this is one thing that Kalistan can not help with. We will not help other nations enforce their own drug laws. To do so will necessarily be a violation of their sovereignty. In our nation, it is legal to purchase unlimited drugs. As long as they are purchasing them in Kalisburg, they are in compliance of the law. If they violate the law later with what they purchased legally in Kalistan, that is not our concern." The President also explicitly assured the Premier of Dolgova that Kalistan and ODEN would not smuggle anything into Dolgova, and vowed to open all flagged vessels to inspection in accord with normal practices around trade.

The discussions also included security, mostly around navigation and a commitment to continue to discuss the possibility for joint military exercises in the Anantonese Ocean. "This will represent a first for Kalistan," said Cohen.

Then the President was welcomed at the Royal Palace where he met the King and Queen of the Dolgovan state, and traveled with the King to view Dolgova's state of the art National Highway system called the Konigsbahn. "I was very impressed with their plans for the Konig Heinrich Naval Base. The project is still very early, but as a person who is well educated in Kalistani history, the Premier pointed out similarities between the King Heinrich base and our own Bozo River facility. I mentioned that I was quite pleased to learn that our own base was being used as a standard, even for someone who, in the not so distant past, might have seen itself as our rival. I was quite flattered."

The President returned to Kalistan following a major demonstration of ethnic Dolgovorian culture. "The women were beautiful, the food was delicious, the regalia was breathtaking in its craftsmanship, detail and spectacular coloring. The entire delegation was permitted to mingle with the crowd and speak to locals and answer their questions. I was allowed to give a small speech, essentially welcoming all to visit Kalistan, and see Kalistani culture too. It was a real treat. I signed a couple autographs," The President said, beaming with pride.

All in all, the state visit was a success, and the President of Kalistan made a good impression of Dolgova. "We in turn are mutually impressed," said the President of the Republic.

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Cohen to lead large delegation to Lourenne
More than 1200 radio contest winners to travel with official team
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 12, 4696


President of the Republic Henry Cohen to travel to Lourenne to attend coronation of new Emperor

President of the Republic, Henry Cohen has accepted an invitation by the State of Lourenne to attend the coronation of their new Emperor, who shall lead the Canrillaise Empire. The President shall be joined by Foreign Minister Joaquin Delgado and a retinue of 1267 Kalistanis who answered correctly in the KRTVN radio channel 3's Trip to Lourenne Trivia contest.

"Due to a small oversight," said Station 3's General Manager Herbert Arthur, "it seems that we had 1267 official winners of the contest, and as per the rules of contest, we have to pay for all to travel to Erencourt for 3 nights, provide lodging, and transportation to the coronation celebrations." The contest, which asked listeners to simply call or text the name of the "Song of the hour" to the station, received 1267 correct responses. Unfortunately, the rules neglected to require the announcer, Patricia Franco, to state "... for a chance to win..." the contest. When it was discovered that this had been omitted, the General Manager had a decision to make. "We could have pulled it back, and then disappointed all those listeners, or, we could have done something crazy, and simply honored all the correct answers. After consultation with the board, we decided to do the correct thing, and honor the entries."

Station 3 contacted the Office of the President of the Republic, who agreed to travel with the retinue. "We will be taking 8 planes from Kaliburg direct to Eroncourt. Together with ODEN, who has generously agreed to finance the trip, we have secured 5 hotels for the Kalistanis, have contracted with several Lourennese catering companies, and have worked through seven travel agents to develop full three day itineraries for all contest winners. The events will include traveling through the Lourenne countryside, visiting the National Opera, of course, attending the coronation processional, shopping and other sightseeing opportunities. The President will see Lourenne with the retinue during one of the three days, and will attend to official state functions.

"I fully endorse KRTVN's contest idea," said President Cohen. "This is a great opportunity for Kalistanis to see our next door neighbor. How long has it been since there were normal relations between our two states? We live so close, and yet, so little travels across that heavily militarized water barrier between us. It is time this changes. I have asked the Kalistanis to not bring any illegal substances with them, and for the 463 minors who will be traveling with us, we have obtained all necessary waivers from their parents which should allow them to travel and purchase and import souvenirs..." The President was also thrilled to report that each Kalistani will receive a per diem for shopping set at 125 KRB a day. "All told, this trip is costing KRTVN and ODEN a fortune, but we think this will be the dawn of a new era between our two nations. The best method of building bridges is people to people."

The President was happy that this "convenient oversight" had occured, and looks forward to attending the Coronation and meeting the new Emperor.

[ChitinKal]

NCP Begins Elections Campaign
Party Invests Thousands in Advertisements and Events
December 18, 4696

Rally Held in Eshar, Odufaray for Gubernatorial Candidate Jerry Bannerman and Presidential Candidate Tod Paris Receives Thousands of Attendees

The National Conservative Party has officially begun its reelection campaign with an advertisement campaign put out in force across Kalistan. The campaign has consisted of the distribution of material, such as flyers, posters, and party literature detailing the positions of the party and its candidates as well as the history of the NCP dating back to the days of Flynn F. Colbert. The party has also initiated a media campaign of television, radio, and internet advertisements as well as guest appearances on a number of public and private shows. The ad campaign has cost the NCP around 750,000 KRB in public funds as well as contributions from the candidates themselves to their own campaigns. PR Director Tristram Dwerryhouse has informed reporters that the ad campaign will continue up until the elections in June of next year.

The NCP has also kicked off their event campaign yesterday night when Presidential Candidate Tod Paris and Odufaray Gubernatorial Candidate Jerry Bannerman greeted thousands of supporters in a crowded stadium in Eshar, Odufaray. Paris, a former soldier and singer, and Bannerman, a former CPK Deputy for Odufaray, addressed a number of issues important to the NCP platform and Kalistan's current situation, including Kalistan's stance on the international stage and a declaration of support for the reestablishment of the Republican Bank. Paris also took time to address national defense policy and the Ananto Straights, again solidifying the party's view of the Straights as the sovereign territory, however still endorsing the compromise created by the Ananto Straights Comprehensive Accord.

Quote from Presidential Candidate Tod Paris

The protection of the Straights is of vital importance to the defense of Kalistan. Not only are they a barrier between Kaliburg and the mainland and have vital communications lines running through them, but they also contain a large supply of oil and natural fuels that serve as an economic base for our great nation. Allowing foreign militaries access to these waters put us at a great risk economically and politically, and an unexpected attack would cause great destruction that would take years to undo. However, compromise is necessary. The ASCA is for the best, as it would serve to prevent war with belligerent foreign powers which would serve to kill thousands of Kalistanis, and hundreds of thousands of foreign imperialists. Such a blood cost is not worth proving a point. What we need to do is accept compromise, but also take steps to strengthen our defensive capabilities and solidify Kalistan as the hegemon of the Straights. We need to increase national military funding and increase the size of the Regular Navy as well as take steps to improve the naval capabilities of the militias. Imperialists and authoritarians have no problem poking the unarmed man, but will not dare harm the man armed to the teeth.

The next rally is scheduled for December 30th in Kaliburg, and will again host Tod Paris and a number of other candidates, including Shadow Premier John Colbert Ananto Gubernatorial Candidate Flora Fujimori.

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Kalsie Reopens as Presidential Campaign swings into gear
Minister Stuart: "We want the world to know that we conduct business above board."
Kaliburg, Ananto
March 17, 4697


The Kalistani Stock Exchange (KSE), or "Kalsie" reopens and immediately has black letter day

The Minister of Finance, Nedra Stuart, rang the bell that signaled the first trading day on the Kalsie in over 100 years. Founded in 4443, the index followed Kalistani stocks until it was abandoned in 4570 in favor of more "liberal" oriented stock exchanges overseas. But in the last couple years, following the re-establishment of the National Bank, the Ministry of Finance has been quietly dusting off the National exchange, which provided investors opportunities to invest in Kalistani stocks, as well as speculating in overseas commodities.

"We see having our own stock exchange as a way to provide our own investors an opportunity to trade in commodities and securities that are denominated in the Kalistani Ruble," said Minister Stuart. "It is not only a matter of national pride and a way to remind the world that Kalistani industry is open for business, but it also allows a very simple trade, without additional currency losses to converters. The lack of a transaction fee which used to apply to every single transaction in the overseas exchanges will save Kalistani investors something on the order of 3 billion KRB a year. All of that money is money which can be invested locally for the benefit of the Republic."

The Minister, in her opening speech, offered the opportunity for all publicly traded Kalistani companies to be listed in the Exchange following a simple application process, which demonstrates compliance with labor laws and basic transparency in corporate recording. It is expected that most private sector companies will list in the Kalsie by the end of the year, though a handful of large corporations, mostly in the import/export business will balk at the transparency requirements. "We want the world to know that we conduct business above board," said Minister Stuart. "There are a number of actors who had, under liberal government, skirted even our own national laws while their friends in government would look the other way. But we will know who they are by their willingness or unwillingness to make their corporate records and governance available for public scrutiny, and we will then be better able to crack down on those who feel that their corporate governance is proprietary information, and who use this as an excuse to practice things which run afoul of our national laws." She aluded to the fact that smuggling of foreign goods through Kalistani ports had been an issue which was still practiced from a time when the Government of Kalistan was in the thrall of private capital.

The Finance Minister also offered foreign companies to list blocks of stock in the Kalsie. "As we see it, this will help both foreign companies and Kalistani investors. By putting blocks of stock up for trade, foreign companies can determine interest in those companies among our investors. And our investors can invest in those stocks without the expensive cambio fees." Minister Stuart noted that trading in foreign exchanges would not be curtailed. "It may be possible that we develop a program where those exchange fees can be remitted by Kalsie, but at the moment, the board of directors has decided to continue to study that possibility rather than implement it."

The Kalsie opens as the 4697 Presidential election enters its final stretch. Few investors see the two events as having anything to do with one another, but the co-variation is difficult to ignore. The re-opening of the Kalsie is an important promise that the SP has made for several years, and the relaunch fulfills that promise. The Finance Ministry instead downplayed this coincidence as finally getting the Republican Bank rechartered, which was responsible for providing underwriting for capitalization of the exchange. "This is the normal evolution of our economic development, as we get these institutions back online. There is a progression, and this is just the next step," said Stuart.

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INTERVIEW: Cohen to Stand for Election
Travels Kalistan on "Goodwill Tour"; Praises opponent
Meridon, Neveras
March 22, 4697


President of the Republic Cohen tours the country in a restored antique KalMoCo microbus

The President of the Republic, back from his visit to Lourenne has launched his re-election effort from the front seat of a restored KalMoCo Microbus.

"We have decided to use this old auto to tour the country. It is more than 170 years old and I assure you, it runs like a dream!" said the President at a tour stop in Meridon, where we caught up with him. "Kalistani Republican technological superiority on true display!"

Izquierda's reporter Dianne Rogers submitted this interview with the President of the Republic:

[Iquierda Reporter] D[ianne] R[ogers]: Comrade President, it is a joy to meet you at last. You are a hard man to catch up with!

[President of the Republic] H[enry] C[ohen]: That is partly by design, Comrade journalist. It seems I have become something of a world traveller!

DR: It does seem so. Welcome back.

HC: Thank you. As much as I love traveling overseas and meeting all these wonderful foreigners, I'd always rather meet foreigners in Kalistan than in their own country. Kalistan is such a beautiful nation.

DR: So tell us about the Microbus.

HC: Well this is a KalMoCo, 4517 Escape Wagon. It seats 6 comfortably, with two bucket seats up front, two bench seat in the back. Its got a 4 cylinder 3.4 L engine, which is water cooled, not the air cooled models which don't do so well down in Suldanor. The top pops up and the seats swivel back, a table comes up from the floor, and the thing turns into a little camper. And then at night, this turns into a surface here, see, which you can drop a couple twin sized air mattresses on. You can almost live in one of these things! It even has a built in generator, which is separate from the vehicle's battery, and is solar powered, so you can operate appliances or radios or whatever in here on a charge that lasts a full 12 hours. All of this stuff was standard at the time. A real outdoor's person's vehicle. We had to rehab it. My secretary found the the thing in a junkyard up in Dulnerstaad. We had the rust removed and some of the panels had to be replaced. We replaced the canopy and the batteries, detailed the inside and had it repainted, and we've been driving around Mainland in it for a couple weeks now. Its been a lot of fun!

DR: What inspired this bus trip?

HC: This is something I wanted to do for a long time. It took a while to get the bus fixed up, but when I want around Lourenne with the "squad" as we started calling them, I got reinspired. Here's a perfect opportunity to get to meet people and to let them know that they should vote in the elections.

DR: Yes. Let's get to your campaign for President.

HC: I would like to correct that term. I am not on campaign. I am merely standing for re-election.

DR: Forgive me, Comrade. What is the difference?

HC: Oh, people always wish to portray politics as some sort of gladiatorial sport. I assure you, I have much respect for Comrade Paris, the candidate from the National Conservative Party. I think he is an intelligent person and I think he will represent his Party's ideals well. But the role of the President is to sort of be above the petty ideological squabbles which the punditocracy likes to engage in. We must be the face of the entire People in Kalistan. As a result, he will do as good a job, I am sure as I have, and perhaps better. Maybe he has some new ideas that we can all benefit from.

DR: This is an unusual take for someone who is asking people for their vote.

HC: Perhaps it is. But, if I do not set a high tone for this office, it will descend, and will be devalued, and I promised myself, my Party, and my People that if I was ever asked to serve Kalistan in some capacity, I should hope to leave the place a little better than when I arrived. Admittedly, in Kalistan, that is difficult, seeing how amazing this nation truly is. I wish Comrade Paris well, and leave the choice up to the people. If they like me, they will re-elect me, but if they like Paris better, they will elect him and I will be the first to shake his hand and wish him well.

DR: Can you give the voters some reason to choose you over the National Conservative candidate?

HC: Well, speaking to my record, we have enjoyed three years of peace and prosperity. We have stepped back from the precipice of war, we have returned ODEN, we have rechartered the National bank and just last week, we reopened the Kalsie. all very strong economic successes. But of course, I had nothing to do with those things: that was the Comrades in the National Assembly and the Government. I am not taking credit for those things.

DR: And your own record?

HC: (with a smile) Well, I am not crazy. That is something that works out in my favor. I named a balanced and very capable government. I have traveled for the first time to Dolgova and met their king. I met the new Canrillaise Emperor. I did not embarrass the country, and I improved relations between our nation, those nations as well as nations like Dorvik and Kizenia. I'd say I have done a decent job as President, and it really comes down therefore to whether or not you think I am doing alright or you would like to see someone else have a chance. But at the end of the day, I mean, what do you expect of a President of the Republic. I have been the best public face of our nation that I could be.

DR: Do you feel like you have a lot of support among the population?

HC: I know I have made a lot of friends during my time in office so far. I met a lot of very intelligent and promising kids on my trip to Lourenne. I hope they are inspired to do great things in Kalistan. And a lot of adults who must think they are kids, who call into radio contests during the day when they should be working. But that is really their business. Ive met a lot of folks on this tour so far. We picked up a hitchhiker outside of Razar, up in Vrassa who told us about a particular forest that she was interested in going to here in Neveras. It appears that the forest is slated to be logged in the near future and she was on her way to try to save it. She made a very compelling case about why I should intervene. I listened respectfully, and then I responded that I think that forests should be used for resources in a sustainable way, and without taking at least some trees, a forest does not remain healthy for long. Scheduled burns in forested areas are beneficial as well for new growth and to preven other catastrophes. We respectfully disagreed on the matter, but I feel that I learned something from that young lady, and I am glad that this nation strikes a balance that allows her to feel that she can discuss matters that she finds very important with political leaders, while I can use my office to lean on the Socialist Governor of Neveras to meet with her and discuss a solution that will satisfy all.

DR: And did you?

HC: Yes, we detoured to the Governor's Office in Neveras City, and we had an hour meeting with him. I feel that she was satisfied with the solution he agreed to, and she decided to continue on to the forest anyway, to go visit the natural spot.

DR: If you are re-elected, what will you do in your next term?

HC: I'll try to name a good balanced cabinet in consultation with the Parties, and then do basically the same thing I did in the current term.

DR: So no changes?

HC: Personally, I'd like to see the Nationalists and the Socialists get a move on with KALNAPECO and KALNAFERCO. The Premier has been sitting on that for a while, moving very slowly so as to not cause a lot of major disruptions too soon and give the institutions a chance to take root again, but I think it is about time, and naturally, I will meet with whoever it is to tell them my opinion on the matter.

DR: How do you see Kalistan's influence growing overseas?

HC: Kalistan is in a really good position right now. Whatever the outcome of the election, I would like the Nationalists to take the lead on naval modernization. The ASCA affirmed our role in both the Straits and in the Anantonese Ocean as a whole, and especially if we get KALNAPECO going, we are going to need an updated navy to protect our assets in the international zones. So this is something I am convinced the Party will help the Nationalists with, regardless of who wins the election. As for other nations, I am convinced that as they meet us, and get to know us, they will soon see us as a very friendly and welcoming nation, and will finally accord Kalistan the respect it deserves as a paradise on Terra.

DR: Do you have any final words for our readers?

HC: Yes, please remember to go and vote. Voting is the main way you can participate in your Government which doesn't involve you getting elected and moving to Kaliburg. It is very important that no matter who you are, or who you support in the elections, you go and vote. Kalistanis have literally fought and died for the right to live in a society free of fascist influences, so it is now up to you, and to everyone, to protect those gains. Please do your duty to the Republic and vote. I am Henry Cohen, an I approve THAT message!

DR: Well spoken, Comrade President.

HC: Thank you Comrade Journalist. Now- If I may, I would like to invite you and your charming assistant there to join me and Ben [the President's driver] for some pancakes. I know a wonderful restaurant just across the street, and their pancakes are to die for. Off the Record, of course.

[This reporter, and her assistant, accepted the President's invitation. He was right, they were a delight. The restaurant was Maridon House of Pancakes in downtown Maridon.]

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Kalistani Film Industry takes off
4697 proves to be big year for Kalistani Cinema
Sulari, Suldanor
February 1 4698


Dr. Tennyson Lee, Kalistani Education and Cultural Minister sits on a panel of Judges for 4th annual Yoshimi Pop Film Fest in December

Kalistan is awash in cinema. Long known for its vast contributions to popular and alternative music, Kalistan has, in the last 7 years exploded with film makers, production companies, and new advances in film technique. Along with the major annual Kalistan Film Festival which has run in the Capital since 4691, and features both international and domestic entries, Kalistan also has developed a thriving festival circuit for specifically local film.

Kalistani cinema runs the entire range of genre: dark horror, thrilling suspense, and explosive action films are all well liked by mass audiences. But Kalistani film also features alternative cinema as well.

"Romantic Comedies are a treat, but few take them very seriously," said Minister of Education and Culture Dr. Tennyson Lee, who has served in the position since 4693. "I mean, they talk about things that everyone goes through, love, loss of love, the stupidity and the heartbreak around love. But there hasn't been serious investment in rom-com development as a genre. I think every director who wants to gain prestige will focus on deeply human stories."

Last fall, the winner of the Yoshimi Film Fest, which is one of the final stops on the Film circuit before the main event in Kaliburg, was a dark narrative drama about a working man, who discovered that something was amiss at his factory, and had an ethical quandary surrounding the discovery. Simply called "Grit", the film details the true story of Everet Cornell, who, in 4631, discovered that his former employer "Liberty Plastics" was dumping horribly toxic waste into the Lucid River. He first told his wife, who urged him to stay quiet about the discovery. "How bad could it be?" she pleaded with him, but ultimately her pleas boiled down to a very simple argument: "You tell them about this, Everet, and they will kill you. Those vultures can get away with anything in this nation... They kill you, and what do I do? What does your 2 year old do? We starve to death. I-- we can't afford to lose you, not to this... Just turn away from this, Everet. We love you."


"Grit" star Henry Fredricksen, as Everet Cornell, who was murdered in 4633 when he revealed pollution and corruption at the infamous Liberty Plastics in Suldanor

Cornell tried to just ignore it, but ultimately, appealed to the Liberal Government for help in 4632, who essentially informed Liberty Plastics, at the time major campaign contributors, that Cornell had the very damaging information. Cornell was found face down on the shores of the Lucid River about five miles from his home, with his face partially disfigured by acid. The epilogue of the film shows how Cornell's widow fell on hard times, but launched a campaign to make her husband's fate a national cause that led to a scandal for the Liberal Government. Cornell's daughter, who never knew her father, went on to serve as a Deputy from Yoshimi 60 years later when the SP returned to national politics, herself a staunch supporter of environmental regulation.

The film "Grit" and other realistic dramas like this have come to be some of he most important films in Kalistan. Critics often praise the character development, and focus on the depth of human emotion and the variation of experiences depicted in Kalistan. Noted Film reviewer Morris Thomasson stated, "Kalistani films are dominated by realistic depictions of three-dimensional characters. We do have our stoner flicks, of course. But consumers seem to gravitate more toward those which show characters that have real depth, and either make a difference, or lose in the end. Kalistanis love those who win by losing, and are vindicated by history."

One of the greatest contributions to world cinema from Kalistan has been the ubiquitous "concert movie". Kalistan, which leads the music world, has, over the last decade, perfected the art of the concert movie, which often follows a band out on tour, and intersperses clips of their tour documentary with live concert footage that gives movie-goers at least some of the experience of being in attendance at the original show. Concert movies have developed an entire culture around them: Due to logistics issues, concert movies usually had midnight showings, rather than showings during the afternoons and evenings. "We couldn't get movie houses to play concert movies during the day," said Dan Herbert of the band "Funk Empire". "They said it cut into their profits, so it was like a compromise to get them to keep open their doors at night and show our movies."

But movie houses discovered that the extra revenue from concessions more than compensated for the wages paid to skeleton staff and cleaning crews. "Most of these people would come in stoned, and would buy mountains of popcorn," said Thomasson. "Concert Movies were wild events, but they soon gained a reputation for being this place where whole parties would move to from the bar or wherever they started. Soon movie houses began demanding them, and they just developed into this thing over the last ten years. Now, if its Friday night and you aren't watching a concert movie in a midnight showing at a movie house, you just ain't with it."


Terrence Owens, Guitarist for the rock band "Condor", in the 4696 concert movie "The Owner of A MoCo"

The demand generated an industry in "concert movies", and a formula developed. "Leave it to the auteurs to screw with the formula!" declared Thomasson. It wasn't long before directors got into the game, and the quality of the rockumentaries dramatically increased, as rock musicians were often cast into acting roles within the movie. Full Rock operas followed, and then movies about concert movies, and then entirely fictional concert movies which covered concerts that never happened. "It really did take on a life of its own as a genre. It is the first genuinely Kalistani genre." From there, concert movies made it into the festival circuit, and began to receive critical acclaim, usually in the technical categories.

Kalistani cinema is alive and well, as Kalistan gears up for the final stop on the 4697 Circuit. The Kalistani Film Festival will feature six entries from Kalistan, including the raw story of a surfer who overcomes the odds, and a crippling disease, to win a major competition in Suldanor, and for the first time ever, a Rockumentary about a Vrassan band who hopes to revive the "Szarybeat" sound. Four foreign entries in the Main stage come from foreign nations, including the first ever Dolgovan entry called "Vlad's Mother", and a comic farce of a production, which puts a new spin on the hilarious classic play "Ode to the Walrus", from Trigunia. 4697 has been a triumphant season in Kalistani cinema, and the awards shows should be very exciting.

[ChitinKal]

Stimson On Naval Preparation
Ministry of Defense to Prioritize Strengthening of the Kalistani Regular Navy
February 20, 4699

Defense Minister Gen. Omar Stimson

Following a Conservative blitz in the National Assembly and the formation of an all-encompassing NCP-SPoK-RSP government lead by Conservative Premier John Colbert, the duty of heading the Ministry of Defense had been left in the hands of the NCP's Omar Stimson, a general of the Kalistani Regular Army and a life-long military man. Like the majority of NCP public figures, Stimson has been a strong proponent of strengthening the Regular Forces, and particularly the Navy in order to maintain order in the Ananto Straights. Last June, the National Assembly passed a bill with the endorsement of Minister Stimson which set the Doctrine of Defense for the Kalistani Regular Forces, however not much action has been taken by the Defense Ministry in order to strengthen the KRF. Today, Minister Stimson gave an interview with Kalistan Grapevine reporter Bill Jarvis in order to touch upon the Ministry's plans with the Naval Forces and its future operations in the Straights.

Jarvis: "Hello Comrade Minister, thank you for letting me ask you some questions. First, your party has largely taken a strong-line stance on the Ananto Straights issues, but has come out in support of the ASCA compromise. Do you share your party's newfound support for compromising on the Straights?"

Stimson: "Thank you for having me, comrade. To put it short, yes I do support the ASCA compromise as well as seeking cooperation with the foreign powers. The situation in the Straights has always been a delicate one due to its strategic importance to the Kalistani nation. We have been brought into conflict with foreign powers over the issue before, and we do not wish to have any further bloodshed over the Straights. However, their importance is still great to Kalistan, as they separate Kaliburg from the mainland and hold within them the oil which has become part of Kalistan's economic lifeblood, so we cannot capitulate completely. Instead, we have stricken a deal with Dorvik, the most recent of the foreign imperialists that wishes to provoke Kalistan, in which we would allow military traffic through a section of the Straights, but the KRN would monitor all military vessels which pass through the Straights. Personally, I believe we conceded far too much, as it would cost Dorvik little to simply travel east of Ananto rather than deliberately provoke Kalistan. But something is better than nothing. We'll continue to patrol the Straights and ensure our national security, but we're going to have to allow foreign militaries to pass through unimpeded. We were and still are willing to make these concessions in order to maintain peace."

Jarvis: "So will the Navy be increasing patrols in the Straights due to the increased risk of foreign military traffic, or will it instead decrease its activities due to assurances of peace?"

Stimson: "No, we will not be decreasing patrols at all. You were right in the first part of your question, patrols have already increased in the Straights and we will likely order more missions in the future. The allowance of foreign military vessels through the Straights, with or without peace assurances, is a threat to national security and all steps must be taken in order to avoid any possibility of harm befalling our great nation. The Second and Third fleets are on high alert at all times and sailor drillings have increased in intensity. Since we've adopted the policy of not impeding foreign military traffic, the KRN will never be the first to fire any shots in the Straights, but they will always be prepared to counter any acts of aggression."

Jarvis: "One final question, comrade Minister: Does the Defense Ministry and the Navy have any plans for constructing and deploying new ships?"

Stimson: "The Ministry of Defense is always looking to increase the quantity and quality of our troops and weapons. As of yet, I cannot go to far into the details, but the Ministry does plan on commissioning new destroyers and submarines, primarily for Fleets Two and Three, from KalMilInCo once it is formally established and ready to produce. First though, we'll have to wait a little while, as the National Assembly is still sitting on a nationalization bill. Once that comes though, we'll begin making preparations for the proliferation of new warships."

Jarvis: "Thank you, comrade Minister, those were all the questions I had."

Stimson: "No, thank you. It's good to make our intentions known to the public."

[Doc]

Kalistan to restore National Industries
Steel has already begun rolling off line at National Foundry
Sulari, Suldanor
March 4, 4699


The Kalistani National Foundry, Kalistan's primary steel refinery, boosts production ahead of passage of National Industries Bill

The Speaker of the Socialist Party of Kalistan welcomed the ultimate passage of the reauthorization of the Charters for the National Industries. The Bill would unshutter the offices of KalNaPeCo, the Republic's petroleum industry and KalNaFerCo, its National Steel Industry. In addition, KalMilInCo, its military industrial complex and KalNaTexCo, or its textile plant will also be reopened. All four organizations were disbanded more than a century ago after Liberal Government swept the nation.

"Luckily," commented Sister Rebecca Bennots- Edwards, "these industries were maintained though the Republic's controlling interest in them was dissolved. This means that instead of spending years uncapping wells and re-firing a rusted out Foundry, the matter is simply an issue of compensation to the former corporations, and the staffing of the corporate offices."

Over the decades of denationalization, oil production in Kalistan fell from 350,000 barrels a day at the height of KalNaPeCo to just over 85,000 barrels a day. "Kalistani crude isn't as profitable without National subsidies," said Bennots. "The corporations weren't making enough money, and Kalistan wasn't exactly pursuing international trade, so they just cut way back on production to help protect the price for Kalistani investors." Steel production was in a similar slump. But upon signals from the government that they were ready to renationalize starting with the re-establishment of the National Bank, production in all four sectors picked up. "We think that owners wanted to increase the value of their assets, so that their compensation would be higher," said Bennots.

Kalistan has a long history of nationalization with compensation. Investors have a long precedent of the Republican Government offering fair compensation. One investor, Mary Ulysses from Everari, was particularly happy, "Stocks in those sectors were seen as 'safe' stocks, low yield, but also low risk. They were never nearly as volatile as commodities from elsewhere in the world, just because our nation was such underproducers. With nationalization, the bills provide for stock exchange, so I will likely just keep my money in the sectors. They form a nice backbone to my portfolio."

The National Foundry is expected to include an aluminum mill at its Sulari site, to accommodate the bauxite imports recently acquired from Dolgova. "Aluminum refining will likely not be our priority in the Mill," said Gina Smith, who is widely believed to take over the job as General Manager of the National Foundry. "We are more interested in developing a national stockpile of aluminum, which can be used as needed. Depending on how the refinery goes, cost wise, that will determine the future of aluminum refining in Kalistan."

Much of KalNaFerCo's initial production will head to the Kaliburg National Shipyards, and shall be used to begin building new augmentation to the KRN's Second and Third Fleets, according to the plans of the Defense Minister's modernization efforts.

All four National Industries will be traded openly on the Kalsie, under stock symbols KNP, KNF, KMI, and KNT respectively. The Renationalization will officially take effect in October, but with SP and NCP voting together on the matter, it is guaranteed easy passage in the National Assembly.