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Despite the ISA vote of "no" by the West African representative, the government of West Africa has decided to revoke that vote and has decided to come into line with the ISA in their condemnation of the previous actions of Furstia. The nation was condemned months ago, but the movement was revoked. After multiple investigations, West Africa has decided to reinstate the movement of condemnation against the previously mentioned nation.

Phase 1 of the construction of Republic City is reportedly on schedule, and the first phase is, at this point in time, expected to complete on the set date. Reports about any delay or if the construction is ahead of schedule will be relayed through RTEN. It has also been stated that housing will be up for purchase four months after each phase is completed (if the phase includes housing).

Furstia wrote:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Government of the Socialist Republic of Furstia encourages the member states of the International Security Alliance to resolve any potential differendums that may exist in an appropiate diplomatic manner, before The world congress.

The Socialist Republic of Furstia under no circumstances will be intimidated by a meager attempt of "gunboat diplomacy", a practice straight out of the 18th century, by -greater australia- or any other nation.

Finally, we advise the ISA to refrain from disrupting with the normal operations of any Furstian offshore platforms during their purported "training drill", unless they purposefully seek to carry on with anachronistic actions and be charged with piracy.

Signed,
Andrés Dorrego, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Statement of the Infinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Imperial Federation deeply regrets the development of affairs surrounding the incident and the suspected Furstian involvement. However, as a member of the International Security Alliance, we are morally and legally obliged to follow its democratic vote, and thus join in its condemnation.

Although we support and demand a diplomatic solution to this affair, we wish to inform Furstia that it has misstated several facts. The first being the role of the World Congress, which has no role to play in this crisis. Several ISA members, Infiny included, are not a member of the Congress, thus making any diplomatic ruling that it may make not applicable, irrelevant and both de jure and de facto nonexistent. Negotiations should held between individual states of ISA, which have actual diplomatic sovereignty.

Second, we object to the use of ‘gunboat diplomacy,’ as the Minister has used it. Contrary to the gunboat diplomacy that the minister refers to, there is no coercion in these diplomatic steps, nor is there intention to. We sincerely regret the Furstian attempts to frame it as such.

Xitan Minenko
Infinian Minister of Foreign Affairs

OOC:

Kyawantaw has been approved for RP. Sincere apologies for the delay, I thought someone else had done this several days ago.

Orange-bourgogne wrote:

Official statement - Emirati punishments policy update
~ Department of State for External Affairs, Orange-bourgogne

The Department for External Affairs, in co-operation with the Department for Judicial Affairs, would like to make the following statement concerning the recently announced update of the policy concerning the punishments of various criminal offences in Diadochi.

His Majesty's Government welcomes the relaxation of many of these crimes, in particular those of removing body parts and capital punishment. However, we cannot but stress that the punishments still in place remain most severe in a number of cases.

In the cases where capital punishment has not been lifted, the Government cannot otherwise but to condemn the Emirati administration of leaving it in place. As we are a profound champion of human rights, we believe that the right to live is most essential and fundamental.

Another punishment that we particularly frown upon, is that of taking citizenship away. Doing such a thing can have profound consequences for the subjects of it.

The Government does furthermore issue an official travel warning for unmarried couples seeking to spend their holiday in Diadochi, and urges those couples to familiarise themselves closely with the local laws of the territories that they seek to visit.

[Signed]

Her Excellency Kaitlyn Maguire PC MP
Secretary of State for External Affairs

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Response to UK External Office’s statement
For immediate release

The Foreign Ministry wishes to issue a clarification on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and the Kingdom’s legal system regarding the public statement by the Department of State for External Affairs of Orange-bourgogne.

While we can respect the stance of the United Kingdom on capital punishment, in our society crimes such as terrorism, murder, and rape are inexcusable both socially and politically. Criminals thrive at the indulgence of society’s understanding, and the government stands firmly behind its protection of the security and stability of the Kingdom.

To clarify regarding the UK’s stance on Riddah, changes will be forthcoming in the coming months and have yet to be announced.

Orange-bourgogne wrote:

The Trial of Senator Hooker (1)

~ Crown Court of Westminster, Orange-bourgogne

At the Crown Court of Westminster, a trial in absentia will be held against Mr Daniel Hooker, who is a Member of the Union Senate.

Judge Maria Blackstone: “Welcome everyone. We are here today to consider the case of the Crown Prosecution Service, in the name of misses Geraldine Johnson, against mister Daniel Hooker from the Union (Imperial Eagle). I see that on behalf of the CPS Dr Edward Coke has arrived, and that Mrs Marjorie Westbourne is here to represent Mr Hooker, together with several aides from the Union. Mister Coke, could you please tell the Court and the Jury what the suspect is accused of?”

Dr Edward Coke KC: “Of course, My Lady. Mr Hooker is suspected to have committed defamation through slander in relation to Mrs Johnson, by using the words ‘These kinds of things you would expect from countries in the Middle East, Asia and perhaps the Balkans.’ and ‘You should be ashamed ourselves for engaging in such a thing when you have been elected to better the lives of your people, not stoop to the level of a schoolyard bully in a brawl.’

Judge Maria Blackstone: “How does your client wish to plead, misses Westbourne?”

Mrs Marjorie Westbourne KC: “Not guilty, My Lady.”

Judge Maria Blackstone: “In such a case, please proceed, Doctor Coke.”

Dr Edward Coke KC: “My Lady. Mr Hooker used these words during a campaign in a local town hall. We find it disturbing to hear that a Senator of the Union Congress says such things about a Member of Parliament from another nation. The words are used to describe Mrs Johnson without actually naming her, which is in our opinion an act of disguised cowardice. If you try to insult another person, have at least the guts to tell the person your views in his or her face.

By comparing Mrs Johnson’s actions to those of politicians in the Middle East, they refer to her as violent. By comparing her to a politician from the Balkans, they try to portray Mrs Johnson to be corrupt. Of course, she is neither violent nor corrupt. Therefore the accusations made by Mr Hooker about Mrs Johnson are false and they thus constitute slander.

By describing Mrs Johnson, an well-regarded Member of the Lower House of Parliament, as a bully, it is not unreasonable to think that the ordinary voter would think worse of her. Not only did he damage the reputation of her, but he potentially influenced the outcome of the next election. People who do not follow the news regularly, could have thought based on the accusations that Mrs Johnson is a violent, dishonest politician, something which we would like to refute in principle.

On the point of evidence, there could harshly be any doubt. Mr Hooker made these comments in a public sphere on camera. It has to be said that a Senator, or any senior politician in whatever nation, should know better. In fact, Mr Hooker did not claim to be innocent – he instead claimed undeserved diplomatic immunity instead, knowing full-well that he has no right to such a protection in this case.

The Crown Prosecution Service is confident that the accusations can be lawfully proven, and, considering all circumstances in this particular case, requests that this court sentences the said mister Daniel Hooker to a prison sentence of two weeks and a fine of five thousand Florines.”

Judge Maria Blackstone: “Misses Westbourne, may we hear your response, please?”

Mrs Marjorie Westbourne KC: “My Lady. In our opinion, there are a number of points that do not make too much sense in the arguments forwarded by the prosecution barrister. While it is clear and true that my client used the said words, they in no way constitute slander or another form of defamation. In order to convict of slander, a person, in this case that happens to be Mr Hooker, must tell something to any other person, in this case his audience, which make the ordinary person think less of the person talked about.

First of all, calling someone a ‘bully’, especially after that person threw a shoe in the direction of a colleague, I think is not that far away from the truth. But even then, the question remains: do people think less of Mrs Johnson than they used to do? The prosecution does not provide credible evidence to support that proposition. We fear that the damage was done by Mrs Johnson herself, when she, you know, threw a shoe at her colleague and started a fight in the workplace.

Secondly, the prosecution claims that Mrs Johnson would not be violent, but her actions in Parliament seems to indicate to the contrary instead. For example, Hansard* reveals to us that Mrs Johnson on multiple occasions referred to other members as, and I quote, ‘a lunatic’, ‘a person with clear mental illnesses’ and even the ‘most harmful decease to humans in politics’. On at least three occasions during the last Parliament, the Speaker had to order Mrs Johnson to ‘cool down or leave the Chamber’. So I think that it is clear Mrs Johnson is, indeed, violent.

Yet even if the general population does think less of Mrs Johnson because of Mr Hooker’s statement, then we are of the opinion still, that he is not guilty of slander. Mrs Johnson is a public figure, like Mr Hooker. Both are professional debaters and from time to time, use controversial language. This means that they should understand to be subjected to the critique of others in the said public sphere.”

Dr Edward Coke KC: “But as a Member of Parliament, it is the privilege of Mrs Johnson not to be talked to in a manner like that of Mr Hooker did. In fact, that makes us believe that this is not just an ordinary slander case, but a case of scandalum magnatum.”

Mrs Marjorie Westbourne KC: “Scandalum magnatum can only be claimed by peers, prelates, and great officers of state. As misses Geraldine Johnson is neither a peeress, prelate, or great officer of state, she cannot claim this especial privilege.

As the legal requirements for slander and defamation have not been sufficiently met in our view, we ask you to rule that Mr Hooker is innocent.”

Judge Maria Blackstone: “Is there anyone from the Union who would like to add something to this?”

=================================

* = Hansard is the organisation responsible for the transcripts and official records of Parliamentary debates.

The Trial of Senator Hooker [2]
~ Crown Court of Westminster, Orange-bourgogne

Mrs Marjorie Westbourne KC: "My Lady, the legal counsel from the Union (Imperial Eagle) sees no further reason to speak."

Judge Maria Blackstone: "In such an instance, I will deliver my judgment in a few moments. Will the Jury please adjourn and come back if they have reached a decision?"

The members of the jury walk out of the room to a closed chamber where they could deliberate. The men and women go over the question whether they think the public now thinks less of Geraldine Johnson MP, but such is not the case. One member in particular argues that, as the MP is a public figure, she has to deal with the consequences of that fact, not least because she choose this career and could expect to be held to criticism.

One member of the jury, however, says that it does not matter if they view less of her, but whether the general public could. She argues that such is the case. On the other hand, most others agree that if it does not influence the reasonable people on the jury, it would also likely have no influence on other members of the public either.

After an adjournment of about twenty minutes, the Court resumes its proceedings.

Judge Maria Blackstone: "Did the Jury reach a conclusion?"

Senior juror: "Your Ladyship, we did. The Jury finds mister Hooker not guilty."

Judge Maria Blackstone: "Then there is no reason for me to sentence him; the accused is hereby acquitted. The Crown Prosecution Service has fourteen days to appeal this decision, as does Mr Hooker. Thank you all for coming, this Court is now adjourned until two 'o clock this afternoon when it will hear the next case."

Romanovskaya wrote:

INFORMAL TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMY MEETING, WESTMINSTER CITY, Orange-bourgogne

Prince Dmitri greets the other guests in attendance and then takes his seat at the head of the table. The Prince listens to Arthur of Avalon and ponders for a moment as he thinks of his response.

Prince Dmitri: Well let me first of all thank you once more for the kind invitation here today it is a privilege to be with you all today. As for your question, I cannot comment too much on the act you speak of as while I am somewhat familiar with the goals of the act, I am lacking the knowledge on the details.

I think today, we are living in a world where the role of the nation state is changing. Where as before it was a question what one could do for their country, it is now a case of what your country can do for you. This is something that ourselves with libertarian ideals can really champion. It is my belief now that nation states should be run more like service companies, competing peacefully of course, to give the citizens, or customers in this scenario, a number of choices. One is accepting a system of government that offers a bad service at a high price, change the government, or simply emigrate. If the current government here offer a bad service, as the Inclusive Society Act would appear to be an example of bad service, then the democratic will of the people should be heard.

So, for the tide to turn the other way, people like yourselves who represent the alternative, need to show you can offer something better for either the same cost, or less by reducing taxation. The idea from the current government that reducing personal liberties and freedom will help protect minorities is simply a flawed idea that will more than likely lead to more friction than actually reduce it. Now, in Romanovskaya we have a system of self determination at the local level and direct democracy which helps to protect minorities. It is an example where the answer to protecting minorities is not by stifling freedom, but giving minorities the freedom to decide their own destiny. Whether something similar could work here, I don't know. That would be something your party could consider.

Informal technology & economy meeting[2]
~ Westminster City, Orange-bourgogne

Arthur of Avalon MP: “That is an interesting idea indeed. Of course we from Regnum Unitum agree that minorities’ rights are best looked after if these people are given the abilities to live their lives to the best of their own insights. Instead, what our current administration does is dictating the majority to live to the rules of the lives of these minorities. That is an outrage! We should not conform any more to them than they should conform themselves to us. If we let everyone live the way they like to, so long as they cause no harm to other individuals, that will work out just fine.

Allow me, Your Highness, to go back to the point you made earlier on the government as a company. Surely, this will prove fairly difficult in some sectors. For example, how should the armed services conduct themselves to the best of their abilities in this form? Do you also think like us that people are smart enough to make their own choices when it comes to their needs, or would you agree with the socialist yahoos currently in government here in Orange-bourgogne, where they say that Whitehall knows best what is good for people, and that they are too stupid to understand what they themselves need?”

Kyawantaw wrote:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Orange-bourgogne
Regarding a change in ambassadorship

Greetings,

I would like to personally inform you of a change in ambassadorship from our nation to yours. The former ambassador shall from this point on be replaced by Aung Kya Min, who has studied in the history of Orange-Bourgogne and Europe in general for many years and previously studied in the field of law at the University of Yangon. We hope to continue our fruitful relationship and secure a prosperous and bountiful future for our nations.

Signed,
Pha Thongthaengthai
Minister of Foreign Affairs

Official correspondence
To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kyawantaw
From: Department of State for External Affairs, Orange-bourgogne
Subject: Diplomatic missions
Encryption: None

To Her Excellency Pha Thongthaengthai, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Greeting!

We thank you for your kind letter informing us of a change in the incumbent of the office of Ambassador to the Court of Saint James’s at Westminster. His Majesty King Henry thanks the former Ambassador for his well-performed services, and wishes him all the best in his new occupation.

Her Excellency Aung Kya Min will be welcomed by His Majesty The King on the next formal occasion within the city, where she will be asked to present her credentials and have a private dinner with the Royal Family.

In return, Prime Minister Nichola Pankhurst PC MP has thought fit to appoint Dr Gordon Walker to be the next Ambassador to Kyawantaw. Dr Gordon Walker fist studied at and worked for the University of Edinburgh, before he worked for the Treasury. After five years, he changed offices to my Department, and he served under His Excellency Karel de Riquet as Deputy Ambassador to Belagia.

[Signed]

Her Excellency Kaitlyn Maguire PC MP
Secretary of State for External Affairs

Cuppsville
Cuppsville Chronicle
Governor Chastain Infuriates Congress w/ Executive Action

Governor Chastain signed a tariff order this morning, known simply as "Order 09.07.19.X01." This would place a 7.5% import tax on automobiles, automobile parts for all non-commercial vehicle. A member from one of the poorest districts of Quyelle stated "the people in my district struggle to get by, a tax hike will only hurt them! Taxes like this are theft, and Governor Chastain is the thief. We need to hold his feet to the fire and make him do the right thing!"

While automotive manufacturing has expanded in Quyelle, the industrial output nowhere matches the annual demand for automotive products. The country relies on imports for nearly 70% of its automotive needs. Such a tax is said to slow economic development by as much as 1% in the coming year. Most importantly, this tax will hurt poorer citizens abilities, who can't afford to live in urban areas, to get to and from work. The public sector may need to fill in the gap with expanded mass transit programs.

Imperial Eagle wrote:

Hurricane Daniels makes landfall in Florida, misses Puerto Rico

Hurricane Daniels, now a full strength Category 5 hurricane, made landfall today near Orlando, with winds in excess of 160 miles an hour. Both Walt Disney World and nearby Orlando Studios have reported that some attractions have suffered damage but the iconic Disney Castle is undamaged. Beaches are experiencing high waves and flooding is occurring in large parts of the state. Hurricane Daniels is projected to swing back out to sea before making second landfall in Georgia near Savannah and move up the eastern sea board before moving further inland in Virginia. Flood warnings and other weather warnings have been issued for all coastal regions and regions further inland are warned to prepare for severe weather.

Marti republic wrote:

Department of Commerce, Caribbean Weather Service

Hurricane Daniel grazed past the island of Hispaniola as a Category 4 hurricane, affecting the east coast of Hispaniola from Uvero Alto to Punta Cana.

It never made landfall, however storm surge and high winds damaged buildings and roads across the coast, and resulting in strong storms further inland.

In total, close to $90 million dollars worth of damage has occurred, and resulted in 5 deaths attributed to the storm, with another 100 injured.

Cleanup is currently ongoing.

The Caribbean Weather Service is monitoring a tropical depression 845 miles southeast of Santo Domingo, coordinates 10°52'00"N 60°05'20"W · 60.5 ft. If this were to turn into a tropical storm, it would be Tropical Storm Emilia.

Cuppsville
Federal Building

An order has come down that the Quyellen National Guard help to deliver $50 million in non-perishable foodstuffs and water to both nations aforementioned. We remind both nations that Quyellens only come in peace during your time of turmoil and wish for nothing more than to help your people to rebuild. We also wish to mourn the losses of your peoples with you, as we wish to help both nations improve infrastructure to help curtail future tragedies.

RTEN News

The airport in Dakar, which was used as the primary air base of the Republic Movement has now reopened as the Enitan Madaki International Airport of Dakar (EMI). The name came after a public vote on names that were nominated weeks before. The airport is now reopening airline hubs and other areas in an attempt to get more international travel in and out of both Dakar and the rest of West Africa.

Under a push to make West Africa more traveler friendly, large cities in West Africa (Abidjan, Bamako, Dakar, Nouakchott, Lome, etc.) will start accepting credit cards from international banks (Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase & Group, Wells Fargo, Westpac, Barclays, etc.) Networks for the banks will be established in West Africa as soon as possible. It is also planned for Republic City to take all the international banks that are present in West Africa.

OOC: Sorry for my inactivity as of late. I took a break from life and spent the last month in Northern Maine with some of my father's friends to help my depression. I should Return tomorrow.

NEWS

Fierce debate on liberty versus safety in Galeen

'Accidents happen. We have the right to be stupid.' 'What we are doing is not inherently dangerous.' 'Typical, the elder believe they will be safe by banning something on prejudice.' Young Infinians in Galeen took to the street today in protest of a statewide bill that bans checking any mobile device while cycling. The bill is a reaction to statistics that show the impact of mobile devices in traffic on traffic safety. Although looking at your phone while driving can already be penalized for motorized vehicle drivers, this legislation would expand the penalty to cyclists and any other, non-motorized vehicle. Opponents of the legislation hold that the ban would be nothing but an arbitrary, authoritarian infringement on the youth in order to satisfy arbitrary safety desires. Representative Iyasu Savitsky (PNP) has stated his sympathies with the opposition to the bill, stating that although the statistics don't lie, we shouldn't ban social liberty on the base that some individuals are too incompetent to enjoy it safely. I wholeheartedly support an alternative solution that holds individual cases of accidents responsible, other than forcing all society to sacrifice yet another civil liberty.

'That the statistics don't lie is true' argues Shidane Iago, the governor (USP) of Galeen. 'However, I and Representative Savitsky differ in the way that the right to be stupid should only be upheld if it has no consequence for innocent others. In this case, the 'right to be stupid' has, time and time again, jeopardized the safety of car drivers, other cyclists, pedestrians, and any participant in the busy Galeenite traffic. The ban is not an ideal solution, but there is no way to have individual cases held responsible for jeopardizing safety, as the driver can barely be held accountable for someone who hits his care while they weren't paying attention - even though he had priority in any situation.'