Kalistan

National news threads that host the key national news outlets for each of the game’s countries.

Re: Kalistani Republic

Postby Doc » Sun Aug 28, 2016 4:48 am

Interview with incoming Premier and New Leader of the SP
The Republic sits down with Premier Omar Al-Khali

Kaliburg, Ananto
March 14, 4081


Image
Charismatic new leader of the SPoK, Omar al-Khali, sat down with The Republic late last month

Following the 4080 elections, Omar Al-Khali was elected to be the New Speaker of the Socialist Party, and was therefore also named Premier of the Republic. Al-Khali is known as a charismatic nationalist who does not usually speak to the Press. But last week, The Republic reporter Mark Phillips finally obtained an interview with the new Premier, whose career with the SP began just a few years ago as a deputy from Port Elga, in Suldanor. The interview was contentious at points.

T(he) R(epublic, reporter Mark Phillips): Comrade Khali, welcome. We are happy to have the chance to finally sit down and speak with you in person.

O(mar) (al-) K(hali): Sure. My cabinet keeps saying, Omar, get out and do some interviews, let them get to know you... I been putting it off, you know... But, here we are.

TR: Right. Would you tell you tell our readers a bit about yourself.

OK: Sure. My parents were Koburan... So I am first generation. They changed their names when they got here, calling themselves "The Kalis", taught themselves Odufar when they got here, went into business, and opened a tailor shop and had big dreams. We only spoke Luthori in the house- they forbid us to speak anything else, they wanted us to learn to live in Kalistan... We are Brethrenist, they converted as soon as they got here. My father died a few years back: he got to see me elected. My mom is still working in Sulari, proud of her son and all her kids. As for me, I got elected, mostly by the Port vote. Real blue collar folks. While I was in the Assembly, I took the Bar exam, and got my JD. So I would have went up for judge if I was not a Deputy. My mom and my family are real proud, and I'm pretty proud too.

TR: Your first year is marked by increased tensions with Baltusia. How does the Government of Kalistan intend to resolve these outstanding issues?

OK: The problems you are referring to are not of Kalistan's creation. We are accused of escalating things with Baltusia, and of course this is not accurate. It is the opinion of the government that the ball is in Baltusia's court. They can talk war, but right now, this is what it is. War talk. Kalistan is willing to resolve all outstanding issues, but under no circumstances will we surrender an iota of our sovereignty. Our law does not allow for extradition. Our law allows for paramilitaries. What the Baltusians are demanding of us is impossible for us to surrender without violating our law. And so, there we have it. Kalistan is not going to move from this position, because we do not have to.

TR: But this seems like an unreasonable position. Surely there is room for Kalistan to give a little in the negotiations.

OK: Look, Comrade. The questions on the table are not questions of degree. Baltusia says "Extradite this guy." We say "Extradition from Kalistan is illegal." Where is the wiggle room in that formulation? Do we have SOME extradition, when ALL extradition is illegal? How is our negotiation team supposed to "give a little" in that negotiation. It is impossible for us to comply with their demands and to comply will violate our laws. Baltusia says "There is a strip of land in your nation that we don't think you should be allowed to move troops through or defend. We want a DMZ." and we respond, "Well, then over that stretch of land, we will not have sovereignty, and Baltusia can get the jump on us if they deem fit." How could we possibly do that? To abandon a twenty mile strip of land on our southern Border so that Baltusia can invade our country by 20 miles before we can even meet them on the field? That would be down right criminal. How could we possibly agree to that. But our willingness to comply with their demands of our sovereignty as then reported out to their Assembly as escalation. It seems to be a no-win for Kalistan, when all we seek is a status quo ex ante. And we will continue to move troops over the entirety of our national territory. If Baltusia or anyone else is alarmed by that, that's their problem. Kalistan has never attacked another country who wasn't already in our national territory or in our national waters. Why would we start now?

TR: Has there been any effort to deport Mr. Benn?

OK The answer to this question is there has been nothing that the Government of Kalistan has done. It is against the law to extradite him.

TR: Alright. Let's change topics.

OK: Please.

TR: What are some of the initiatives your Government is taking to improve relations with other countries in the world?

OK: Our foreign Minister has already concluded a new trade treaty with our old friends in Trigunia and a new treaty with Verona. I would like to stress, these arrangements concern trade and cultural exchange- there is no security provisions in these deals. I believe my Party would have opposed the Treaties had those been included, because to do so would have strained our relationship with Indrala. We've explicitly limited the issuance of Letters of Marque to privateers to times of national emergency. No Letters of Marque have been issued since the end of the Anantese War, so we have simply codified our national policy. We've also completed a new audit of our Regular military forces, and this year, I will be instructing the Defense Minister to finally begin the building of our Destroyer contingent. These destroyers have been long in the planning, and it is about time we put them under construction. We are also looking into restoring some of the lapsed relations with others across the Globe.

TR: Domestically, where is the Government?

OK: We are located in Kaliburg.

TR: Ahem.

OK: Indeed. This term we are looking to continue the work of the Left. Obviously, as a Party man, my goal is to increase the seats held by the SP. I think we are moving into a position where we can make a run at the plurality once more, but to do that, we will have to propose some potentially controversial legislation. But the Conservatives continue to run the Chicken Little angle in their efforts to lock Kalistan down and establish a police state, and we ain't going for it. We'll continue to oppose the more onerous pieces of their agenda, and will continue to support individual liberty, the Dual Economy, and positive public control over those things which satisfy human need. The nonsense they are promoting really is just corrosive to our country.

TR: What's your favorite type of music?

OK: Wow, that one was from out in left field...

TR: Our readers want to know something more about you.

OK: Your readers want to know what my favorite type of music is?

TR: I think they do.

OK: Well, then, to satisfy your curiosity, Comrade, my favorite type of music is underground hiphop. Lot of politics, hardly any dick measuring...

TR: Excuse me.

OK: Yeah, you know... the braggadocio is about how ideological you are. ' Blah blah blah- I'm more of a Leftist than all you puppets... You support cops beating people down and kicking out all the foreigners..." that kind of stuff. Obviously I'm not a rapper... I think that stuff promotes a good message to the kids. The Left has really been helped by our cultural scene and I always wanna give props to those MCs...

TR: Do you have any plans to get married?

OK: Yeah. No.

TR: You don't want to get married or you don't have plans to do so at this time?

OK: Are you asking, Comrade? I might marry you.

TR: I'm attached.

OK: So am I. I'm the Mother F--king Premier of Kalistan. It don't get more full time than that!


The interview devolved from there. The Premier eventually invited the Reporter and his crew out for drinks. The Reporter politely accepted.
Primary: Institutionalist Party of Kalistan (IPoK), 5146-

Inactive:
Socialist Party of Kalistan (SPoK), 2591-
Hizb Al'Sultan حزب السلطان 4543-4551
Parti des Frères Lourenne, 4109-4132
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Re: Kalistani Republic

Postby Doc » Mon Aug 29, 2016 5:05 am

FLASH: Benn returned to Baltusia
Government denies involvement

Lucid City, Suldanor
September 15, 4081


Reports are coming in to The Republic which confirm rumors that former Baltusian President Karl Benn is now in Baltusia. The reason for his relocation is unclear at this time, but his arrival in Baltusia was confirmed Tuesday by sources within Baltusia. He is said to be at his family's home. The return of Mr. Benn will likely cool tensions with Baltusia and pave the road for settlement of other outstanding issues.

Spokespeople for the Premier were quick to respond to the confirmation of Mr. Benn's departure. "The Government of the United Republic of Kalistan has issued no comment on Mr. Benn's departure. The Premier has asked me to remind everyone that the Government has steadfastly opposed extradition of Mr. Benn, and their stated position was that Benn would remain in Kalistan. Kalistan does not extradite, and the Premier has made it clear that however Mr. Benn returned to Baltusia, or for what reason, it was not as a result of extradition hearings or deportation. The Premier will study the matter, and may have further comments at a later date."

At Press time, the office of the President had not issued a statement, and the Justice Minister referred our reporters to the Premier's statement. Other Parties were similarly mute on the issue, though several SP Deputies angrily confronted the Premier, demanding an explanation, on the floor of the Assembly. Following the most recent session of the Assembly, Socialist Deputies met in closed-door executive session, but it was clear from comments that many of them were not mollified after the meeting ended.

The Republic was not able to obtain comment from anyone close to the Baltusian Government.

This is likely not the end to the dust up following the return of Mr. Benn to Baltusia.
Primary: Institutionalist Party of Kalistan (IPoK), 5146-

Inactive:
Socialist Party of Kalistan (SPoK), 2591-
Hizb Al'Sultan حزب السلطان 4543-4551
Parti des Frères Lourenne, 4109-4132
Gaduri Brethrenist Movement (MHdG), 4481-4485
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Re: Kalistani Republic

Postby Doc » Mon Aug 29, 2016 6:22 am

Kaliburg Shipyard completes first of 6 Ananto-Class Destroyers
Destroyer fleet completes Kalistani defense of Ananto Ocean

Kaliburg, Ananto
September 30, 4081


Image
First Ananto-Class Destroyer launched from Kaliburg Shipyard. The Destroyer will be the first of six commissioned by the Defense Ministry.

Completing the mission set in place under President of the Republic Simpson, the Defense Minister, Cpl. Gina White announced today that the first Ananto-Class Diesel Destroyer (OOC: RL Equivalent Forrest Simpson Class). The Destroyer, named the KRS-52, "Wolverine" displaces 2,800 tons empty and 4,500 tons fully loaded. It features 3 3x5" Guns, 4 76mm guns, 2 50cal AA guns, and 6 torpedo tubes. Max Speed of the ship is 32 Knots per hour, and its maximum cruising range is 4,500 nautical miles at 20 knots per hour.

The Defense Minister reported that 4 of the Ananto Class ships would be built over the next two years at the Shipyards, and then the remaining two in the order would be reconfigured for anti-submarine warfare. The main theater of operations for the Destroyers will be the Anantanese Ocean. The Defense Minister stated,
"The addition of the Ananto Class destroyers to our fleet ensures Kalistan's continued preeminence in the Anantanese Ocean. These ships are long overdue, long the dream of the Kalistani Standing Naval force. This year, we make that dream a reality."


Kalistan's Navy has recently undergone significant modernization. LAFA assets have been greatly updated and enhanced, and the first light carrier has been decommissioned, to be replaced by two newly constructed versions based on the same plans. Additionally, a new audit of Naval assets was completed last year by the Defense Ministry. Kalistan's naval footing is on firm ground, and it can now truely be said that Kalistan rules the waves.
Primary: Institutionalist Party of Kalistan (IPoK), 5146-

Inactive:
Socialist Party of Kalistan (SPoK), 2591-
Hizb Al'Sultan حزب السلطان 4543-4551
Parti des Frères Lourenne, 4109-4132
Gaduri Brethrenist Movement (MHdG), 4481-4485
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Re: Kalistani Republic

Postby jamescfm » Mon Aug 29, 2016 10:56 am

President Furious at Benn Return
Orlando joins the rest of her party in condemning those who sent RAC Party founder back to Baltusia
Kaliburg, Ananto
October 31, 4081


President of the Republic Florence Orlando has issued a scathing condemnation of the actions of apparently clandestine forces who acted outside of the law to return Karl Benn to his home nation of Baltusia. As reports emerged that Benn had crossed over the Kalistan-Baltusia border, the President joined the Premier in reiterating that Kalistan does not extradite. In a speech given in response to the reports, Orlando said this:

It had become apparent that Karl Benn, former Baltusian President and founder of the Revolutionary Anarcho-Communist Party, has now departed Kalistan. Clearly, this is a matter which requires a comment from me, on behalf of not only my party but also the government of Kalistan as a whole. With that in mind, I want to make it utterly and irrefutably transparent that my government played no part whatsoever in Mr. Benn's removal from our nation. Precise details of the events leading up to Mr. Benn's departure are difficult to find however I am of the mind that Mr. Benn did not leave of his own accord.

No matter what, the exact circumstances of Mr. Benn's egress require a thorough and rigorous investigation in order to establish who or what facilitated it. If it emerges, as I believe it will, that Mr. Benn was forced to leave Kalistan then those who compelled him to do so shall feel the effect of Kalistani to its full extent. We simply cannot allow these actions to go unpunished. Mark my words, there must be repercussions.


Image
President Orlando at a press event held in reaction to Mr. Benn's departure

Despite the President's stern words, many are breathing a sigh of relief. Mr. Benn had given the Kalistani government a serious headache when he fled across the Baltusian border and a period of delicate interactions between Baltusia and Kalistan has existed since. Even though, it won't completely diffuse tension, his return will make any future negotiations considerably easier. President Orlando has seen the crisis muddy her otherwise successful period as President. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the President has been suffering from significant health complications in the past few months, possibly indicating she will not run for a third term.
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Re: Kalistani Republic

Postby jamescfm » Mon Aug 29, 2016 3:34 pm

On behalf of the Conservative Independence Party
The Kalistani National
Fred Whistle On: the Far-Right of the CIP and Benn's Return to his Homeland
Vrassa City, Vrassa
December 17th 4081


Tensions have started to heat up in the Conservative Independence Party after the party refused to support a number of proposals from the newly formed Neo Nationalist Party. Some Far Right party members and even some representatives have said that Fred Whistle is too centrist. It has become clear that there is a huge rift in the party between those who are Far Right, like Gordon Refiero, and the majority of more centrist supporters.

Fred Whistle made a short statement in the assembly today. He said:
The CIP is not a far right party, never has been and never will be- however- there are some in our party who are isolationist and against the policies of the CIP's current form.
If we are to succeed in Kalistan, if we are to form a government, then we must not fight each other, we must not change our party. We must suit the party to the needs and wants of Kalistan's citizens. I would also like to make clear that racists are not welcome in the CIP and never will be. To prove this I have expelled 15 party members who have been spreading their poisonous views within the CIP.

On another note, Benn has been returned to Baltusia under unknown cirumstances, we didn't want him returned illegally and we hope he is safe. However, I hope he is being punished for whatever he has done. Thank you.


In response to Mr. Whistle's comments, Gordon Refiero said: "Mr Whistle is quite possibly the most arrogant man I have seen in my whole life. Seriously though, if he doesn't let us speak our minds then he can expect serious action against him."

It is unknown what Mr. Refiero meant by this but it is rather sinister; this isn't the first time he has threatened the party or even the government.
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Re: Kalistani Republic

Postby Doc » Tue Aug 30, 2016 3:14 pm

Kalistani Defense Minister orders new drills in Suldanor
"Operations focused on defensive emplacement", says Ministry

Peace proponents nonplussed

Sulari, Suldanor
June 17, 4082


Image
Kalistani Regulars, on patrol last week in the Lucid Valley.

As the De-escalation Treaty goes down to defeat in the Kalistani National Assembly over concerns about limitation to militia activity, the President has asked the Defense Minister to reoccupy the borders with Baltusia. Defense Minister Gina White said, "We have agreed to return regular forces to the area, and are currently resuming normal military operations along our borders. We do not intend these actions to raise alarm bells- they are normal operations focused on defensive employment." The Regular forces have re-occupied their posts, and are currently utilizing field training areas throughout the region.

There is no word from the any militia organization whether they will begin training in Suldanor at this time. SP spokespeople have said recently that the Militia has only muster and routine rear base planned for the rest of the year. Declining to participate in the Regular Force's operations is seen as a nod to the Brethrenist Caucus in the SP, who were reportedly angry at the re-occupation of the border regions of Suldanor and the resumption of regular military activities in the District. One Brethrenist member said "Well, here we go again. I can't believe that our government is irritating the situation once more... Folks in Kaliburg, they don't have to live down here, but if anyone invades, we'll be the first to get it. I just hope those fools know what they are doing." Pressure from the Brethren members will likely keep the RSMoK out of Suldanor for the foreseeable future.
Primary: Institutionalist Party of Kalistan (IPoK), 5146-

Inactive:
Socialist Party of Kalistan (SPoK), 2591-
Hizb Al'Sultan حزب السلطان 4543-4551
Parti des Frères Lourenne, 4109-4132
Gaduri Brethrenist Movement (MHdG), 4481-4485
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Re: Kalistani Republic

Postby jamescfm » Wed Aug 31, 2016 12:00 am

The People's Press
Luca Curti- Back in the Spotlight
As election season looms, the People's Press invites the Labour Party leader to explain his views on key issues
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 19th, 4082


Image
Luca Curti at a protest against CIP attempts to legalise nuclear weaponry and begin development in Kalistan

Having served as President, Premier, Internal Affairs Minister and, most recently, Foreign Affairs Minister, Luca Curti is perhaps the most qualified man in Kalistani politics. Curti has now led the Labour Party for an unprecedented 25 years, in spite of ever-present threats to his leadership from both the left and the right of the party. As he begins campaigning to increase Labour's seats share in a few months time, we asked Curti to share his views on some of the key issues affecting Kalistan.

Q[uestioner]: Good evening, Mr Curti. It is a pleasure to be able to sit down with such an epoch-making figure in the Labour Party, and in Kalistan as a whole, how do respond to recent reports that the militia is planning to depose you as leader, perhaps even violently?

C[urti]: No straightforward questions, huh? As far as I'm concerned, I don't lend any credence to those reports. I have an efficacious, if not enthusiastic, relationship with the People's Army's figureheads. It's a media machination more than it is a militia one! With paramount respect Comrade, it is your publication, in particular, which is culpable for this despite your wages being decided upon by me! In future, it would serve you well to ensure you do not advance the suggestion there is an eternal coup against me.

Q: Well, if you insist, we'll move on. How about your views on the Baltusian crisis, who do you blame for the continued high tensions with our neighbours?

C: Listen, we both realise it is infinitely more convoluted than you suggest. If I could merely point at one individual and say 'this is of your doing' then I'd have called for their arrest instanter. Evidently it is not. Nonetheless, I must insist that Baltusia and its government have repeatedly advanced the escalation of matters, with their initial demurral of Kalistan's sovereignty and their subsequent commitment to facilitate the conditions for an occupation of Suldanor and Neveras.

Q: With that in mind then, do you think it was the right thing for the President to move troops to the border?

C: Yes.

Q: Care to expand?

C: I don't think so, my initial answer should suffice.

Q: Right. Erm.. OK. Can you tell us any more about the President's decision not to run this term?

C: Presumably, you have been able to decipher that I am not the President of the Republic?

Q: Yes, sir. I thought you might be able to speak on her behalf?

C: It appears your conviction was erroneous on this occasion, my friend.

Q: In that case, what are your thoughts on the emergence of the Neo Nationalist Party and the Conservative's support for them?

C: Questions of far superior quality. I have a longing to address these Fascists both directly and decisively. I have a firmly held belief that in January of next year, when the Kalistan voter wakes from his slumber and turns on his television he shall be met with the joyous face of a news reporter outside of the National Assembly of Kalistan as she informs the nation that the CIP has lost almost all of its seats. In the sixty-eight years that I have spent in this country, never before have I met such abhorrent, such repugnant, such schismatic and such heinous people as the 283 individuals that party unleashed on our legislature. Every day I enter that building I resent being encircled by them. Were it up to me, their party would be shut down never to be seen or heard from again. Alas, that is not democracy and for whatever incongruous reason they seem to have received a substantial amount of support up until now. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic that the rise of this new Fascist party should be the last nail in their coffin.

Q: Those are some strong words, does this mean you would not sit in a cabinet with the CIP in future?

C: Certainly not, it is my most profound regret that I allowed myself to govern with them.

Q: What about your new NEC, if I might change the subject again, what can we expect from these new recruits?

C: Of course you might, my friend, you are conducting this interview after all. The first point to make is that these are not all fresh faces. By retaining her position as Defence Spokesperson, Ella Ferrero endures from the first time we, then as the Kalistani Free People's Movement, entered national government. She isn't alone, Lorella Bonucci is a former Deputy Leader as is the returning Francesca Totti. There are some, shall we say, 'unseasoned' members, though, primarily those who were backed and promoted by the militia, several of whom do not possess the same level of political savoir-faire as their colleagues. No matter, they shall soon learn.

Q: Finally, the party recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. That means you have been leader for over 80% of its existence! How does it feel to have reached this landmark?

C: It is poignant. Thankfully, I am still able to encounter most of the founders of our party, Karen Omobo, James Harrison, Elanora Raneri and the aforementioned Francesca Totti remain Deputies in the Assembly, hopefully, their legacy prevails for generations in Kalistan.

Q: Thank you for meeting with me today, Mr Curti.

C: Farewell, my friend, keep the red flag flying!
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Re: Kalistani Republic

Postby Doc » Fri Sep 02, 2016 6:55 pm

Assembly considers withdrawing recognition from Baltusia
CIP and KUP still think there is "something to negotiate" about

Kaliburg, Ananto
January 4084


Image
Premier Al-Khali speaks on behalf of the Baltusian Withdrawal Bill in the Assembly

In a contentious and controversial session, the Assembly is now considering withdrawing diplomatic recognition from Baltusia. Several tit-for-tat provocations have led up to this point, beginning with the refusal of Kalistan to extradite former Baltusian President Karl Benn. Mobilization has followed mobilization, though both the SP and the LP have insisted that their militia acts are purely defensive in nature, and discussion between the two countries has broken down completely in a fog of mistrust (for both countries,) arrogance (for Baltusia) and righteousness (for Kalistan). While Baltusia continues to beat the drum for war, Leftwing Kalistani ministers who remain in office despite the election of a Conservative President continue to insist that no war preparation is being made. The result is that Kalistan is now considering whether or not to withdraw diplomatic recognition from Baltusia, a step which is seen by many as a "last straw", and is often viewed as a prelude to war.

The Republic wanted to get to the bottom of this affair, and so we sat down with a militia member, a regular military officer, a socialist and an average person on the street. Though our poll is not scientific, by any stretch of the imagination, we did reach some interesting findings, simply by reaching out.

* Orenthall Candus, a 1st Lieutenant in the Regular Army said, "Absolutely not. We have no operational plans to invade. What we have trained for is us being invaded. The word came down from up top that the Kalistani military must defend certain points at all costs. Most of our training in this area has been against general threats. I suppose folks in Suldanor have a different list of things to protect, but we have been building up operational and contingency plans to defend places like the Ore veins, and things like this... Those veins aren't going anywhere, as far as I know, so unless they do figure out a way to move over the border, we won't be doing anything in another country. Our logistics point to defensive action, our target lists are all here, on this side of the border, we have next to no recon on the other side. We would be going in blind, and wasting several good years of preparation if they sent us in."

* Felice Delrivera, Sgt, RSMoK, Artillery: "Yeah, our firemissions are all on this side of the line, for sure, but the points we are registering are lanes of approach from Baltusia into Kalistan. It really wouldn't make a lot of sense for us to invade them- we don't know anything about all that territory..."

* Henrietta Jones- SP Deputy from Odufaray: "We're not even sure what they want. They keep telling us that we need to set up a demilitarized zone within the borders of Kalistan. Our response to this is to run our militia wherever we want, just to tell them that they don't set policy for Kalistan. Its not like we are trying to alarm the Baltusians, but they take it like that. We're just trying to make it exactly clear to Baltusia that they do not set policy for Kalistan. And as long as they insist that they should be allowed to, we will demonstrate to them that they control nothing in Kalistan. That's all the militia is doing. Showing them in no uncertain terms that they are not in control in Kalistan, never have been, and never will be."

* Greg Bobson, Steelworker from Sulari, Suldanor "I am not sure what the problem is. As I understand it, Baltusia wants the Government of Kalistan to submit to their demands and we say no. And so what else is there to talk about? We are never going to do what Baltusia wants us to, so I think they should just drop it, and if they don't we don't have to do it. I voted for President of the Republic, not President of Baltusia. Nobody cares what Baltusia says. We ain't doing it. I'm not for the socialists specifically, but we ain't going to do it, and that's that."

These positions demonstrate that there is a lot of confusion about the actual issues, especially among the common people. But the positions are pretty clear on another account. Kalistan is in no mood to back down, especially when many people in this country agree that Kalistan is not an aggressor in this scenario.
Primary: Institutionalist Party of Kalistan (IPoK), 5146-

Inactive:
Socialist Party of Kalistan (SPoK), 2591-
Hizb Al'Sultan حزب السلطان 4543-4551
Parti des Frères Lourenne, 4109-4132
Gaduri Brethrenist Movement (MHdG), 4481-4485
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Re: Kalistani Republic

Postby jamescfm » Fri Sep 02, 2016 9:58 pm

The People's Press
The Baltusian Problem- Serhat Aslan
Labour Party Foreign Affairs Spokesperson provides a unique perspective of events internationally
By Serhat Aslan
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 25th, 4084


Image
Serhat Aslan opens up about the Baltusian Crisis

When I accepted the role of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for the Labour Party of Kalistan, I could not possibly have predicted what the subsequent months would hold. With Baltusian politicians becoming increasingly hyperbolic and some Kalistani parties acting like foreigners, I feel it's time the public is told what is really going on and- more pertinently- what needs to happen next if a peaceful resolution is to be reached. After all, 'facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.'

One undeniable truth is that the trigger for this entire chain of events was the crossing of Karl Benn over the border from Baltusia to Kalistan. It might seem odd, now that matter are so far removed from this original issue but that is what happened. Benn was arrested for operating a paramilitary but before he was tried he fled to Kalistan. The Kalistani government determined that, as he had committed no crime in Kalistan, there was no reason why he should be persecuted and so in Kalistan he remained. That should've been the end of the matter but the Baltusian government would not have it. When they were told that Benn was not going to be extradited (because Baltusia and Kalistan have no extradition agreement), they were unimpressed. Consequently, they took the decision to discuss matters of Kalistani law within their own government.

'The Kalistan Benn Enquiry' was the first sign that Baltusia did not respect the sovereignty of Kalistan and its government, it set a worrying precedent about the right of one nation to decide what another should do. In spite of repeated affirmations from the Kalistan Unionist Party, the Socialist Party of Kalistan and my own party, the Labour Party of Kalistan that Benn could not and would not be deported, Baltusia sought to force the issue. They insisted that Kalistan's laws were 'unacceptable' and called for sanctions against the Republic, beginning a pattern of attempting to intimidate and influence the National Assembly.

Later, the People's Army and Revolutionary Socialist Militia of Kalistan began conducting routine exercises in Southern Kalistan. Despite never even attempting to encroach upon Baltusian territory, the Baltusian government again tried to undermine Kalistani sovereignty. Baltusian Armed Forces, about whom scarce few details are even known owing to Baltusia's relatively low standing in Terra and Seleya, began moving towards the Kalistani border. At the same time as that occured, the Baltusian government reaffirmed its desire to control Kalistan by attempting to enforce a demilitarised zone along the same border which they had just stationed troops along. Accompanied by bizarre claims of nuclear warheads, it was at this point that I, personally, became rather suspicious of Baltusia.

It was around this time that I was shipped off to Indrala. In my new position, my first assignment would be to represent the Labour Party at de-escalation talks. Looking back, these talks were a failure. I was able to somewhat negotiate a deal but Baltusia refused to even have a debate on it and the Conservatives back home, who throughout this entire procedure had acted with their typical idiocy, were able to prevent even Kalistan signing the accord. It should've been obvious to me, though, that Baltusia weren't going to cooperate. After all, the only two parties who send delegates also supported withdrawing from the process entirely! How could we ever have reached an agreement with people who weren't even interested in sitting down to discuss, never mind compromising?

When I delivered the final offer for an accord, I informed the Baltusians that if they did not accept, Kalistan would have to meet them at the border. To my mind, this was a reasonable position. In fact, I have been informed since that the President herself had to personally talk several members of the government out of mobilising sooner! Kalistan had a military on its border and it was simply ignoring it in the name of peace. Clearly, Baltusia did not appreciate the gesture: they did not accept and so the President was forced to give in and move Kalistani regulars to the border, in preparation for an imminent invasion.

Now, the curious thing to note is that it was around this time that Baltusia suddenly changed their demands. Somehow, Benn managed to end up back in his home nation (the rumour within the party at the time was that the SP orchestrated this but I imagine they wouldn't be too pleased to hear me say that) so the initial problem they had with Kalistan had now been resolved yet they persisted with their stipulations. One would've imagined that they would ask us to sign an extradition treaty or compensate them for Benn's time in Kalistan however the Baltusians took a different approach. They began forcefully insisting that we establish a DMZ. Usually, it is for the government of a nation to decide what happens to the land within its borders but Baltusia evidently didn't buy into this idea. Even though, the Indralan Chief Conselor, a completely neutral observer, had stated within the first few weeks of the talks that 'at this point the DMZ proposal is a non-issue', Baltusia dictated that we oblige.

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Matthew Leitch, whose party supports the death penalty and nuclear weapons but call Kalistan Fascist...

As it stands, the Baltusian parties are becoming more and more obsessed with both the DMZ and Kalistan as a whole. The Patriotic Party and the Conservative Party, in particular, have become fanatical about the idea. In spite of the fact that his party finished fourth in the Baltusian elections and that he has never even held a government position, the CPoB leader Matthew Leitch recently branded the Labour Party 'out of touch'. He went on to state that Kalistan, who recently signed a cooperation agreement with Trigunia and became a founding member of the North Seleyan Economic Community, could not 'recognise that there are other countries in this terra'. It beggars belief.

If you go back to the issues though, you'll find that- in reality- there aren't any! The only outstanding matter to resolve is for the two right-wing Baltusian parties to end their calls for a DMZ. Once that is done, relations will be normalised. Fortunately, Baltusians are beginning to see sense; support for both parties is dwindling and they shall soon be an irrelevance. Once a new governement is in place in both nations, it is likely that this ordeal shall be forgotten about, with the only reminder coming from the occasional Baltusian crossing the border in search of liberty, prosperity and happiness...
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Re: Kalistani Republic

Postby Doc » Fri Sep 02, 2016 10:54 pm

Kalistani Defense Ministry on Mobilization
Militia Cpl. White Addresses Military Situation

Lucid Valley, Suldanor,
February 8, 4084


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Militia Corporal Gina White, RSMoK, and outgoing Minister of Defense

As tensions remain high with Baltusia, The Republic caught up with Defense Minister Gina White, who is on leave from her normal billet as Chart Operator in the FDC, I Battery, 2/3 (Suldanor Regiment), RSMoK. Minister White was touring Kalistani regular emplacements in the Lucid Valley, and overseeing coordinated fires between RSMoK and Regular units when she sat down with us for a brief interview. The Republic's Johnathan Miley spoke with the Minister

T(he) R(epublic): The biggest question on our Readers' minds is: why now? Why conduct these drills when the Government must realize that they merely inflame the situation with our neighbors? Wouldn't it be a better policy, if the government is truly interested in peace, to simply stand down?

(Defense Minister) G(ina) W(hite): We will not stand down, we cannot stand down. The reason we cannot is because there is still this issue out there about this DMZ requirement placed upon us by Baltusia. If we stand down now, we acquiesce to the commands of a foreign Government. I am still hopeful for the passage of withdrawal of Recognition bill. The reason I am hopeful for that is that it will clear the way for general de-escalation. Once we no longer acknowledge Baltusia as a sovereign nation, we can stand down our forces as a matter of our own nation's policy, and not under any sort of threat, implied or otherwise from any other sovereign nation.

TR: Are you saying that these drills will end once Baltusia is de-recognized?

GW: I have assurances from the Premier that the drills continue only as long as some other sovereign nation insists that we end them. Once that condition is eliminated, that is, the demand from some foreign nation that we do not run drills as we see fit, the Regulars will be released to return to their barracks, and the Militia will leave the field.

TR: But couldn't that be accomplished by Baltusia simply withdrawing their demands that Kalistan establish a DMZ?

GW: Well, yes, of course. And then I suppose the political support for the withdraw of recognition would also evaporate too. I am sure the pressure on the Premier would increase to see the bill defeated at that point. But as you read in the papers, and in the various messages flying back and forth, the Government of Baltusia shows no inclination to back away from the demands they are making on Kalistan, so the Premier is pursuing the de-recognition path as a way to take control of our national policy back from the Baltusians, who presume to exercise some authority over it.

TR: But wouldn't keeping troops in the field, in plain sight of Baltusia be Kalistani policy driven by Baltusian politics as well?

GW: You could see it like this. Our forces are out here for one reason and one reason only: It is because the Baltusians say they shouldn't be, and because the Baltusians say we should not be allowed to put our troops where we want to within our own nation. SO we are in the field to send them a message that they do not control Kalistan. They say send them home, we keep them out here, in their face. Once they are no longer recognized as a nation, we send them home, because there is no longer anyone worth demonstrating for that we need be concerned with.

TR: This is a demonstration then?

GW: Pure and simple. We have no intention of going to war. I have stated as much, the Premier has stated as much, the President has stated as much, and the Shadow Minister who is expected to take over for us has stated as much. The Policy of Kalistan is not to go to war. Nothing we have done out here has prepared us, in anyway, for any sort of incursion over the border. Our supplies are here, not on trucks. Our batteries are emplaced in firebases, not in mobile formation. That anyone reads this as preparation for an invasion is beyond me: it shows a clear misunderstanding of both Kalistani military doctrine, which relies almost exclusively on maneuver and defense in depth, designed to trap and kill little pockets of invaders a bit at a time, rather than to fight large frontal battles in foreign territory, but also a complete unwillingness to take the word of people you are supposed to be negotiating WITH at face value. There is no trust left between the Government and the Baltusians. But we do not intend to go to war, and the SP, for one would vote, to the person against any war in any foreign land. We trust our Partners, the LP would also oppose it, and I suppose other peace loving Parties would as well. But to be clear, Kalistani national interests are supreme to all other states' interests within Kalistan. We will not sacrifice an inch of our land to the good will of another Power, especially one who speaks so condescendingly of Kalistani National interests.

TR: This seems like a fairly costly demonstration.

GW: Perhaps, but as someone whose ancestors literally fought to liberate Ananto from foreign invaders, the desire to fight for every inch of our national soil runs in my blood. I won't give up, and I hope that when I am replaced, my successor will also fight just as hard to defend Kalistani National Sovereignty against all comers, regardless of who they are.

TR: Let's move on. Can you tell us the status of Modernization?

GW: Absolutely. Our predecessor got a good start with the infantry. During the Orlando Presidency, we built half of the requisite destroyers, and this year, we have begun on the remaining six requested by the President. When the new Finance Minister takes power, we plan to push for the 5% reduction in the Defense Budget that was also in the Modernization bill, as it will be time for that to go through.

TR: Even if Kalistan is still in this dust up with Baltusia?

GW: We expect it to be resolved one way or another by then.

TR: Does the Defense Ministry have any final comments for the readers?

GW: For those readers in Kalistan, I would say, it sells newspapers to play up this crisis. But from the standpoint of the Regular Military, the crisis does not exist. Our forces are confident that they can withstand any assault launched from Baltusia, or anywhere, and will ultimately prevail. But we are not at all concerned about a war, and it is my hope that our Government sees things in these terms rather than reacting reacting reacting. There is nothing we are doing which is not fairly standard operating procedures: the only thing odd about it is the length of our training cycles. And for any foreign readers, we would like to stress: Kalistan is not interested in starting or pursuing a war. We are a neutral nation, and do not want to fight a war, under any circumstances. That said, Kalistan will not be dictated to, by any nation. There is no nation in Terra which rates to set terms for Kalistan. Nor will we accept them from any other nation. If a nation informs us that there is something that we cannot do, if we do not agree with them in the matter, we demonstrate that they are not correct. And we will continue to demonstrate the incorrect position of foreign governments who attempt to dictate to Kalistan so long as they presume to dictate terms to Kalistan. This is the position of the Government of Kalistan. And it should be the position of any sovereign nation.

TR: Thank you for your time and your viewpoint, Comrade Minister.

GW: You are welcome. I am glad you all finally got around to interviewing me.
Primary: Institutionalist Party of Kalistan (IPoK), 5146-

Inactive:
Socialist Party of Kalistan (SPoK), 2591-
Hizb Al'Sultan حزب السلطان 4543-4551
Parti des Frères Lourenne, 4109-4132
Gaduri Brethrenist Movement (MHdG), 4481-4485
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