news Announcements from Aromania

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Conflict Breaks Out Between Souberina and Kypton

Arhomaneia Places Sanctions; Puts its Armed Forces on Alert

The invasion of the Sosialdemokratikí Synomospondeia was swift, brutal and took Europa by surprise. It had seemed like the low-level tension that had been simmering between the Sosialdemokratikí Synomospondeia and the Regaseia tes Megas Angleias, the Kingdom of @Great Anglia, had peaked and was starting to die down. However, the armed forces of Megas Angleia crossed the border between the two countries and quickly seized control, routing the Synomospondiki armed forces in short order. The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion had offered to mediate between the two governments in order to find a peaceful solution to the crisis but the offer was ignored. The government of the Synomospondeia fled, to the Regaseia tou Seilosiou (@Seylos), a sink of iniquity led by a deviant. It isn't known why they fled there, and not to the embracing arms of Arhomaneia, but they left their people to fend for themselves.

It had seemed that this might be the end of it but this was not to be. Since the annexation of the western provinces of the Demokrateia tou Kyptou three years ago by the Megas Regaseia tes Souberinas, tensions on the eastern coast of the Ragas Thalassa have been only below the surface. At the time, it was international pressure that forced a peaceful end to the situation but it was one that left a level of resentment on both sides. This resentment has now become something more – the Kyptoi have launched an attack on the Souberiniki positions in these provinces, in the hope to drive them out. It seemed that this attack was caused by fears in the Kyptiki government after the military alliance signed between Megas Angleia and Souberina. That the time was to strike before any Angleiki forces could set up positions in Souberiniki territory.

In response to the growing crisis, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has placed sanctions against all of the nations involved. The idea behind this is to try to starve them of the resources that they need to wage war on their neighbours but it might well be somewhat futile. Certainly both Megas Angleia and Souberina are large nations, with much of the resources that they need available to them. And even Kypton, despite being one of the poorest nations in the area, has the rest of the subcontinent of Amutia to call on. If the situation does worsen, and the conflict grows beyond border conflict and becomes one of all out conquest, it is uncertain how it might go. Souberina was a military power in its own right, before it allowed its military to degrade, but Kypton has remained a relatively impoverished country due to its desert state. The coastal areas annexed by Souberina were amongst the most prosperous in the country, although the population was mainly ethnic Souberinoi.

This is not all that our government has done. The Exerkitos Arhomanos has been put on alert, with squadrons of the Basilikoaeroporia being readied in the south of the country, Basilikostrates units being shifted from the north of our country, and the carrier BPP Agios Deogratios and a number of other ships have put to sea in the Ragas Thalassa. Likely the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion hopes that this will act as a reminder that Megas Angleia is not the only power in the area, that Arhomaneia is a force to be contended with. This might well stop their aggressive plans in the Occident and Amutia.

Equally, it is not unknown how the Regaseia tes Ghallamvreias, the Kingdom of @Gallambria, will react – its protectorate in Basanitis (commonly known by barbaroi as “Bashan”) has recently suffered rocket attacks, reportedly from Kyptiki army positions. Conceivably, the Ghallamvrioi may join in the attacks against the Kyptoi, in retaliation for these attacks. The Ghallamvriki armed forces have struck against Kyptiki in recent weeks. This may well have led to the Kyptoi acting so rashly by attacking the Souberinoi.

The Katholikos-Patriarkhos of Europatorion, Kosmas I, has opened up a dialogue with Pappas Yousab IX of Taqdir, Patriarkhes Serafim II of Slatina and Patriarkhes Thomas VII of Godstone. This has been done in the hopes that the heads of the churches of Souberina, Kypton and Megas Angleia will be able to influence their nations governments and people in order to bring peace back to the Occident and Amutia. It is unknown, however, how much of an effect it will have on the warmongering Angleioi – after all, they have swept through two countries in recent weeks. But peace must be in the prayers of all Arhomaioi nonetheless.

 

The Nisa Herimeriton to be Brought back into the Fold

Islands rightfully Arhomaiki but Demonstrates Trend of Militarisation of Adlantic

The Nisa Herimeriton, or Hermitage Islands, are a group of eight islands that almost seem to be at the edge of Eurth. They lie completely within the Argic Circle and have some of the most harsh weather of any part of the wurld that is claimed by the Agios Basileia ton Arhomaion. And this claim has been almost tenuous at times – the only signs that there is even any civilisation on the island, other than the delapidated settlement of Basilikolimanion, are the occasional ruins of an old whaling station or an abandoned attempt at coal mining. Even then, most of these are limited to the southern cluster of islands. It is thought that the northern-most island, Kyro Nisos, has never had any permanent settlement longer than a year.

That the government of Agios Basileos kai Autokrator kai Isapostolos Kommodos III have decided to increase Arhomaiki presence on the islands is likely not surprising, in light of the events on Korinion. These have seen the island divided between the Regaseia tou Seilosou and the Exousiokrateia ton Ghaon, the Sovereign Imperium of Machina @Haruspex. Korinion itself was never part of our nation, even at its biggest extent, but it demonstrably shows the fruits of our civilisation – just the name of the island and its people show similar conventions to those of our own nation. Nonetheless, it is a semi-civilised nation on the fringes of the Occident and sits at a crossroad of wurld trade, which is likely why it was targeted by the Seilosioi and the Gharoi.

However, this marks a milestone in what is effectively the militarisation of the North Adlantic and was something that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion seemingly could not ignore. It is likely that other nations wouldn't be able to ignore it, either – the Demokrateia ton Iberikon has the Argic Trade Route that it established to spread its tendrils across the Argic. Likely, our government also wanted to to take part in this – Basilikolimanion could act as a port for the Europan end of it. However, it equally might well be a tenuous grip, as the occupation of Korinion by two foreign powers could make the link between Iberikeia and Arhomaneia fragile at best.

The Demokrateia tes Akhbiseias, the Republic of Akwisia, has yet to comment on the consolidation of Arhomaiki rule over the island. Although they are rightfully part of the Megas Agios Basileia, they have been historically claimed by the Akhbisoi – the islands were discovered and mapped by a famous sailor from the island, Eadred Sunnason in 1593. The islands had a chequered history after they were discovered, as the islands were utilised by several nations as a base for whaling, including both Arhomaneia and Akbiseia. Eventually, our nation was able to muscle the other ones out and use the resources for the benefit of the Arhomaioi. It may well be that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion was able to come to some agreement with its protectorate, although it could have just imposed its well, as its God-given right.

At the moment, a flotilla from the Basilikoploimon and a unit from the Basilikostrates has landed at Basilikolimanon, reinforcing the small group from the Foussatores and Vestiaritai, the Border Guard and Financial Guard, who have maintained something of a caretaker role on the island over the last few decades. This is going to mark the start of the development of the islands, although this likely going to be controversial in and of itself. The Logothesion ton Agelon, the Ministry of the Environment, will be keeping a close eye on the project there.

Due to the islands' location within the Argic Circle, they represent a unique wildlife habitat, with many bird species living there, as well as Argic mammals, such as polar bears, seals and Argic foxes. Expansion of the port facilities to accommodate the hoped-for increased traffic, as well as likely an increased population due to this, could cause significant disruption for the wildlife. Especially when it comes to power generation for the facilities. It as reportedly looked into whether it would be viable to re-open coal mines to supply the islands needs. This, however, was vetoed by the Megas Logothetes Presbyteros Paulos Narses as too harmful for the environment and the wildlife on the island. Instead, renewable sources are being investigated.

However, despite our nation's right to strengthening its hold on the Nisa Herimeriton, there is the possibility that this is just the next step in countries seizing territory around the Adlantic and the Thalassa ton Kataigidion. Hopefully, the situation will remain stable and peace will be maintained.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Angleia Crisis Spreads across the Glube

In a surprising move, the League of Alharu and Aurelian Native Nations (LAANN) has followed Mitriarkheia tou Ouiou, the Matriarchy of @Oyus, and announced that it would be carrying out a stop-and-search policy against all vessels of the Regaseia tes Megas Angleias, the Kingdom of Great Anglia. This is undoubtedly in response to the aggressive actions of Megas Angleia in the southern Occident but goes significantly further than the embargo placed upon the nations concerned by our holy nation and the Gharoi. Likely, Megas Angleia will be able to portray this as an aggressive move by LAANN and may well respond in kind. Or even attempt to up the ante in some manner. It is thought that the current Angleiki government does view the New Wurld with envious eyes, since the impoverished state of Europa stands in contrast to the often bombing economy on the other side of the glube.

In the Occident, it seems that Arhomaneia has been joined by the Exousiokrateia in its embargo on the countries at war. In the past, the Gharoi have often stood aloof from affairs of the rest of Europa, or indeed Eurth, often not getting involved and attempting to pursue its own affairs. In recent years, Gharon (@Haruspex) has been at the forefront of events, with the invasion of Koussoeia and then Korinion. This has put the alliance between Prathen and Tagmatika to breaking point – but this alignment of action may well be the first step towards repairing, or at least normalising, relations between the two allies. Both nations will be concerned about a wider conflict in the Ragas Thalassa. It is one of the key trade routes into central Europa.

The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has also invited representatives from the Gerousiastikí Omospondeia tes Sporseias and Despotaton tes Euandreias to Tagmatika to discuss the ongoing situation. It is well known by now that Arhomaneia threatened retribution against Megas Angleia if they crossed the border into either country. Reported, it was met by ambivalence by Sporseia but with indignation by Euandreia. Sporseia has had turbulent relations with all of its neighbours and the provinces being fought over were, in the past, part of that nation. But its recent troubles have meant that it is in very little position to do much more than protest against the spreading of the conflict.

Euandreia, on the other hand, is a close ally of the Demokrateia tou Kyptou. The Despotaton has a historic alliance with Kypton but it was defensive in nature and the Kyptoi struck first. The small Euandreiki military would not necessarily be up to supporting that of their southern neighbour, especially as they are also engaged in a low-level conflict with the Regaseia tes Ghallamvreias (@Gallambria) . Again, this seems to have been more or less at the instigation of the Kyptoi, rather than the Marenesian nation. It will likely be that the Euandreiki government will not agree to joining any embargo against Kypton.

In all likelihood, the attempts by Arhomaneia to get either nation to act in concert with it will fall flat. If the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion suggests that it could deploy troops to either nation to drive home to the Angleiki that it cannot turn north after any campaign against the Kyptoi, then this will probably be rejected out of hand by both the Euandreioi and the Sporseioi. They will not want to give their larger neighbour an excuse to put soldiers into their nations, even if it is nominally for their protection. Our nation has displayed some revanchist tendencies in the past and they will be as worried about those as the intentions of the Souberinoi and the Angleioi.

Even if the government's plans to try to bring the other Arhomaiki nations to an agreement on how to react to the growing conflict and the aggressive plans of the Angleioi succeed, it seems as if there may be little to stop the crisis worsening. It does seem that unless either the nations of the LAANN or Megas Angleia back down over their sabre rattling, there could well be an incident in the seas that sparks a sudden widening of the trouble.

 

Heterodox Treasures Seized

A cache of gold and silver objects, including statues and jewellery, were uncovered in a field outside of a small village to the south-east of Matapon several weeks ago. As was proper, the metal detectorist who unearthed them reported their discovery to the Logothesion ton Kletorologion, the Ministry of Culture. Representatives of the Logothesion took possession of the items, pending investigation into their provenance and valuation. At first, the items were assumed to be ancient Aroman items, from before Arhomaneia adopted Christianity as its state religion. However, once several experts in ancient Aroman artefacts had taken a look at the items, it was realised that the items were much later.

Instead, the items were found to date from before the “Empnefsion”, the “Inspiration”, when our holy nation rejected the use of images in religious ceremonies and the corrupt hierarchy of the old Church was swept away and replaced by one that truly treasured the word of God. The items were also realised to depict Christ and the saints, in direct contravention of the Commandments. The Logothesion ton Kletorologion therefore handed the items over to the Logothesion tes Psevdeís Thriskeíes, the Ministry of False Religions. Rather than the finder and the landowner receiving part of the monetary value of the items, they will now be taken without any payment and either hidden away or destroyed.

This has been met with a level of outrage from several parties. Both the finder and the landowner have not been willing to comment, but it is known by this paper that they are looking to attempt to sue the Logothesion tes Psevdeís Thriskeíes, in order to get the money that they feel that they are owed for their discovery. The Logothesion, in turn, has not made any direct comment on the threatened lawsuit, pointing out that it would be morally and spiritually dubious for anyone to make a profit from these sinful artefacts. This standpoint has often been opposed by academics and members of cultural organisations, who state that all it means is that any finds are sold on the black market and smuggled out of Arhomaneia or held on to by shady collectors. They say that this results in our nation's history being lost to us, rather than there being any potential for heretical beliefs infecting our God-guided nation, as the obvious correctness of our beliefs outshines any such heresy.

“In some ways, the actions of the Logothesion tes Psevdeís Thriskeíes is of course correct,” said Methodianos Simokattes, a lecture of archaeology at the Panepistímion ton Petrion, the University of Petrion. “However, if these items are destroyed, then we will lose valuable information. Whilst we have a lot of secular artefacts from this period, and before, we have very little in the way of religious artefacts. The Logothesion must consider turning them over to researchers for study. There are many such artefacts are held by universities and museums in other countries and it results in the Arhomaioi losing out on what is ours.”

The ban has been successfully overturned on several occasions in recent years as well. A mosaic was uncovered during the refurbishment of the Nea Palation, the New Palace, in Europatorion in EK7524 (AD2016) which depicted several holy figures. This was preserved after a petition gained almost a million signatures and was presented to the Logothesion ton Deeseon, the Ministry for Information, in its capacity as the body that presents petitions to the Agios Basileos. Before that, in EK7521 (AD2013), the walls of a church in Dymafos was revealed to have religiously-themed painting on it. The Patriarkhes Theodorankos IV himself stepped in to preserve the wall, paying for its removal and preservation in the city museum.

In the end, it isn't known how long the Logothesion tes Psevdeís Thriskeíes will hold onto the artefacts before any decision will be made on their fate. They may well move to destroy them before the lawsuit has gathered much steam but there certainly is precedence for the artefacts to be preserved on cultural grounds. This would be a boost for those who wish to see the power of the Logothesion diminished even further.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Klimatos Conference Ends without a Consensus

Ungrateful Hemi-Arhomaioi Don't Match Arhomaneia's Sanctions

Earlier this month, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion invited the foreign ministers from Sporseia and Euandreia to a conference in the southern city of Klimatos in order to discuss a possible united front against Megas Angleia @Great Anglia, as well as Souberina (Suverina) and Kypton (Qubdi). The latter was always going to be a sticking point with the Despotaton tes Euandreias, which has been a long time ally of the Demokrateia tou Kyptou. However, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion was likely hoping that these differences could be put aside for the moment, since the crisis does not seem any sign of abating.

Indeed, the crisis has now truly become wurldwide. The signing of the so-called Occidental-Azanian Pact has seen numerous southern Europan nations come together with the countries that the Angleioi have cowed in the southern Occident. This has seemed to embolden the Angleioi, who have now annexed a New Wurld country. Whilst that country isn't one that has ever been of much notice to us in Arhomaneia, it still is a worrying development. It seems as if the actions of Megas Angleia has overawed those New Wurld powers who held to be against any Europan meddling on that side of the Adlantic Ocean.

The Conference was convened by a ceremony in the central basilica of Klimatos by Patriarkhes Hypatios II of Arhoma, to emphasise this as a time for all Arhomaioi to pull together. After a solemn ceremony and a brief parade to show the southern nations the might of the Exerkitos Arhomanos, the diplomatic part of the conference began. Klimatos might not seem the most impressive setting for the conference, as it is known as a small provincial city otherwise set in a hinterland of grain fields. However, it is convenient enough for the two Hemi-Arhomaiki nations, as it possesses an airport and good rail links to the coast.

But it seems that the Hemi-Arhomaioi, these two nations that claim lineage from our God-given and noble land but do not acknowledge the primacy of the Leopard Throne, are equally overawed as the rest of Eurth. They do not wish to stand beside our great nation as it stands against the threat of the Angleioi but instead cower and fawn before it. They hope that they can weather the storm and likely sit on the sidelines until it has passed. In reality, all this does is give Megas Angleia more encouragement to carry on waging war and bullying smaller nations.

“Our brave Kyptiki allies are one of the few nations to stand up against the threat that the Angleioi represent to wurld peace,” said Marcellu Trifilliu, the foreign minister of Euandreia. “Joining an embargo against them would be nothing short of a gross betrayal.”

These are, however, strong words from a member of a government that didn't bother to back up its ally. Whilst the Kyptoi did make the first move against the Souberinoi, the government of Euandreia never made a move to support them during the counter-attack that drove the Kyptoi back from the disputed territories. Indeed, their military has not done more than call up reserves and deploy in force on its southern border. The likelihood is that Euandreia isn't willing to do more to support its ally due to fear that Megas Angleia will retaliate against it.

The Sporsiki foreign minister, Bonifatiu Hajiopolite, on the other hand, was much more conciliatory about outcome of the Klimatos Conference, but still showed a lack of backbone. “We respect the intent behind what the Tagmatioi are attempting to do, it will not be much more than a token effort if more countries don't join it. We are, however, keen to see peace return to Eurth but we will be waiting on further developments before fully committing to this embargo.”

In the end, the Klimatos Conference marks little more than a partial success for the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion. It wasn't able to get the complete support of either of the southern Hemi-Arhomaiki nations. Whilst its efforts have seen even the Gharoi (@Haruspex) oppose Megas Angleia, its diplomatic offensive against the western Europan nation has been virtually stillborn. It seems only the Mitriarkheia tou Ouiou (@Oyus) and the Regaseia tou Seilosiou (@Seylos) have made any opposition against their efforts. The rest of the wurld seems to be willing to ignore their spread across the glube. Likely, what needs to be done to reverse this is that the Arhomaioi take stock of what is going on and turn their thoughts inwards. More faith in Christ, as well as earnest prayer, will see our God-guided nation through these troubling times.

 

Basilikolimanion to Have Civilian Governor

Europan end of the Argic Passage edges towards completion

God's light spreads across all of the Eurth, even in corners such as the Herimitireia, also known as the Nisa Herimtion. These islands have been a part of Arhomaneia for several hundred years, although they are often forgotten about. They are the northern-most territory that is part of God's chosen nation on Eurth and have long been something of an under-utilised territory. Once, they were a centre of whaling, an industry that provided everything from lighting, as it burned with a brighter light that olive oil, to lubrication for machines. This helped our glorious nation be one of the leading countries in the Industrial Revolution, putting our barbariki competitors to shame. Basilikolimanion, the main settlement of the islands, became one of the jewels in Arhomaneia, featuring impregnable fortifications, a grand palace for the Exarkhos and one of the greatest cathedrals in the wurld. Even the palace, the Palati ton Oston, was said to be one of the wonders of the wurld, as it was almost entirely decorated on the inside with whalebone and ivory.

But once the whales themselves were hunted out and their economic importance became lessened with technological advances, the wealth of the islands declined. Coal and iron were found in abundance on the islands, but these resources were easier to access in parts of our nation, or other areas of Europa. The Long War finally put a stop to any real attempts to make the Herimitireia economically viable and they became a place of quiet solitude, where people could come to bring themselves closer to God. And they have remained as such for the last several decades, with much of the city falling into disrepair. Even the Palati ton Oston became known as a haunt of polar bears amongst the brave men and women of the Foussatores who hold the islands in the name of the Arhomaioi.

However, this is no longer the case. The Palati ton Oston is being restored and refurbished, led by a team of conservators from the Panepistimion ton Petrion and advised by the Logothesion ton Kletorologion, the Ministry of Culture, to return it to its old glory. The docks, which once saw dozens of whaling ships coming and going each day, are being turned into a cargo port. Even the ordinary housing of Basilikolimanion is being replaced, as much of it is falling down and the workers that are turning the islands into what Tagmatika hopes will be a trade hub. Reportedly, some of the housing is being preserved as historic examples but there rest are being replaced by modern, ecologically-friendly units.

All this is because there is a need to act as the Europan end of the Argic Passage, a trade route that has connected much of Argis for the last few years. It was started by the Demokrateia ton Iberikon (@Iverica) several years ago, and has become a booming trade route, connecting the nations along the Argiki Thalassa, the Argic Sea. In the wisdom of the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion, the Nisa Herimtion is to become the Europan end of that route, as well as potentially shortening the distance ships have to go to get to Iberikeia, Prymonteia (@Prymont) or other, even less civilised Argic nations.

Although the military presence on the islands has ramped up due to the tense situation to the south, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion is reportedly planning on appointing a civilian rather than military governor. This is in spite of the the relatively large deployment of both the Basilikoploimon and the Basilikostrates on the island. This is likely for several reasons – first, it would be an attempt to show our neighbours that Arhomaneia has peaceful intentions for the islands. The next would be to appoint someone who might have more of an understanding of trade, which is what our government is wishing to encourage through the islands. Thirdly, it is understood that the large military deployment is hoped to be temporary and for warding off any undue attentions from any of the nations involved on the island of Korinion.

It is also to be noted that the Logothesion ton Agelon, the Ministry of the Environment, is taking an advisory role in the development of the islands. The fragile nature of the habitats of the Herimitireia means that any work on the islands must be carried out sympathetically, although it is unknown how this may have impacted the overall plans of the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion. Megas Logothetes Presbyteros Paulos Narses is said to have taken a keen interest in the plans that the other Megas Logothesia have put forward for the island.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Arhomaneia to Begin Winding Down Ceris Forces

The long and glorious history of the Exerkitos Arhomanos has seen another great chapter added to it in its involvement in the Ceris Crisis. From the start, the Arhomaiki forces were able to acquit themselves proudly and bravely. Although initially an anti-piracy operation, it slowly built to become one of the largest ever overseas deployments of the nation's armed forces. It went on to include two of the formidable Protathlites tou Khristou aircraft carriers, as well as half a million ground troops and a significant number of aircraft. These, combined with the efforts of forces from TRIDENT and Seiloseia (@Seylos), were able to bring peace back to the island, in the main.

“The Arhomaiki forces demonstrated their typical skill and ability. This showed the wurld that our reputation, built from ancient times, is still as strong as it ever was,” said Strategos Isaakios Akilios, the commander of the Arhomaiki Ekstrateftiko Thematon, the Aroman Expeditionary Force. “At times, the conditions that our soldiers faced were adverse and the Sentist enemy tenacious. But our superior forces, spirit and, above all, our faith in God, meant that there was nothing that could not be overcome.”

Arhomaiki involvement was key in both the initial aim of suppressing pirate activity in the Makhaira Thalassa (Dolch Sea) and was targetted against the nation of Secryae. However, rather than just attacking pirate vessels – although this was something that the Basilikoploimon did undertake – the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion also started relations with the barbariki nation. The aim of this was to improve the quality of life of the locals, so that they wouldn't need to turn to piracy to make a living. This involved a significant, and continuing, investment by Arhomaneia in the infrastructure of Secryae, giving loans to the government and undertaking a partnership with them in order to bring the country somewhat towards the standards of Arhomaneia.

This has, however, proved to be somewhat controversial. The Ceris country is corrupt, as can be expected of a barbariki nation, and it is suspected that a significant proportion of the loans and funds disappeared into the pockets of the local nobility, rather than be spent on what the country's people needed. Arhomaiki involvement also meant training Secryae's military up to the standards of Arhomaneia, which could well end up being an encouragement for them to start further conflict on the island. Especially since the Ceris nation was allowed to purchase stocks of older Arhomaiki weaponry to outfit their armed forces.

With the initial aims of the intervention met, and the crushing of the Sentists afterwards, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion is now planning on dropping the number of its forces on the island significantly. Of the combat forces deployed there currently, it is thought up to three quarters will now be withdrawn, with the remaining ones acting in a peacekeeper role, alongside the Secryaean armed forces. Others will remain behind in order to continue with civil engineering and infrastructure projects, as well as helping with the ongoing humanitarian crisis on the island. This is key to the future of Ceris, as it is hoped that ending this crisis will mean that the others that have grown on the island – piracy in the Makhaira Thalassa and the Sentists – will not have the opportunity to fester as they did before.

It is unknown, however, if the timetable of the redeployment of the Arhomaiki forces has been affected by the increasing aggression of the Angleiki government. Certainly, with the annexation of the country of the Kingdom of Fearannteth in Mesothalassa and what appears to be involvement to the north of Ceris, Dolchland, the tentacles of Megas Angleia are spreading across the Wurld. It is likely that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has realised that the long supply lines to Ceris are vulnerable if conflict breaks out in the Adlantic, even if our nation is not directly involved.

However, the carrier BPP Agios Pantaleon and its attendant vessels are said to have been ordered to remain the Makhaira Thalassa, to make sure the threat of piracy does not resurface. It is not known whether the second carrier that was assigned duties in the area, the BPP Agios Ioulianos will withdraw to Arhomaneia or if it will stay in the area to show support to the Seilosioi. The Arhomaiki authorities and military are being tight-lipped about the possible movements of the ship and its support vessels, as the Angleiki Crisis continues to grow.

 

A Rail Link from the Occident to the Orient?

Whilst seaborne trade has been the best way to connect northern and southern Europa in recent years, especially due to the construction of the first container ships some fifty years ago, a land route has often been considered as well. In recent years, even before the Angleiki Crisis, a sea journey to the nations of southern Europa has been considered perilous. Despite the best intentions and efforts of the Entente of Oriental States (EOS), piracy has plagued the southern Europan seas for years. Unlike the northern Europan seas, the much larger number of islands has meant that there have always been many more places for pirates to operate from and hide away in. This has been a disrupting factor for trade and seems to have been significantly exacerbated by the Great Europan Collapse, which saw many of the nations across Europa fall apart.

Another option has been airfreight. However, it has never been as economically viable as transporting cargo by sea, due to the high costs involved and the relatively small amount of cargo that can be carried. The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion is also leery about encouraging air travel, due to the significantly higher carbon footprint that it has when compared to other methods of transport. Because of these factors, air cargo routes to southern Europa have not really taken off the ground. It remains the realm of luxury perishable goods and commodities and these remain out of the reach of the average Arhomaioi.

Instead, it is hoped by some, including the Logothesion tou Kommerkiarionikou, the Ministry of Trade, that a land route might be able to pick up the slack of the disrupted sea lanes and the lack of capacity in air freight. A land route to southern Europa does exist at the moment, but it is not the most direct route and needs to cross numerous national borders. For example, to get to the Free City of @Cristina , one of the main ports in southern Europa, six national boundaries need to be crossed between that nation and Arhomaneia. Whilst this may well cause something of a bureaucratic nightmare, there is also the question of infrastructure existing between the countries as well. The road and rail infrastructure within our holy nation is, of course, wurld class. But it becomes extremely variable once our borders are left behind. Sporseia and Euandreia have passable infrastructure, although there has been little investment in it in recent years due to the political and economic troubles that they have been through in recent years.

Further south-east, it becomes a lot more variable. Many of the nations around the Byzantiki Thalassa, the Byzantine Sea, have not suffered as badly as many others further east and south, so their road and rail networks are still serviceable. This is true of the nations of the Orient as well. But it is likely not true of the nations of Amutia, especially since there is now conflict there. Equally, it is not known to what extent the Angleioi are helping to develop their vassal nations, if it at all. It is highly likely that they will only invest as far as to extract wealth from them in order to squirrel it away in their homeland. It can only be hoped that these poor countries are able to see the light and shake off the Angleiki yoke as soon as possible.

It is likely that any such overland route through Azania and into the Orient will likely require significant investment, as well as agreements to make sure that trade flows smoothly along it. It isn't a new plan, either – almost as soon as railways became widespread, there was a scheme to extend it from one side of Europa to the other. However, it never really came about – the fractured political landscape of our continent often meant that a single train or even route was never available for all that long and it encouraged the development of sea routes. There is at least one inter-ministerial working group from the Logothesion tou Kommerkiarionikou working alongside the Logothesion tou Genikou, Ministry of Finance, the Logothesion ton Raidarion, the Ministry of Transport, and the Logothesion ton Barbaron, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to put together a plan for this rail link.

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Arhomaneia Steps Up War Preparations

Soldiers Spotted Investigating Bridges and Infrastructure

As the conflict in southern Europa grinds on and the crisis spreads across the plunet, it may seem to many that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has been content with putting into place an embargo against Megas Angleia and their chief lackeys, the Souberinoi. So far, especially due to the spreading of Angleiki influence into Amutia and Azania, the embargo has not had the effect that was desired. More countries that have joined the so-called Occidental-Azanian Pact (OAP) and it is likely more of these will be targeted by the embargo in the future, in the hope that starving them of trade will reduce their capacity to wage war. It will also be likely that the civilising influence of Arhomaiki products will damage the countries' morale, as they are no longer able to access our nation's fine wines and fish sauces.

The Logothesion tou Stratiotikou (Ministry of War) has been tight-lipped about the preparations being made in case of invasion, either from the south or through a seaborne attack. It is known that much of the forces deployed to Ceris have been recalled and are being redeployed to areas in Arhomaneia and it could be conjectured that these areas are the ones that the Epistrategaion (High Command) considers to be the weakest. Similarly, there are reports that soldiers have been spotted inspecting bridges and other key infrastructure along and on the approach to the border with Souberina, but to what end is not known. When this paper posed these questions to the Logothesion tou Stratiotikou, the reply it received was that these inspections were nothing more than routine investigations, with engineering specialists lending their expertise to the Logothesion ton Koiaisitoron (Ministry of Works) and the Logothesion ton Raidarion (Ministry of Transport).

Similarly, there has been an increase in activity carried out by the Basilikoploimon in recent weeks, both in the Central Europan Seas and the Ragas Thalassa and Amnalos Thalassa. Again, the Logothesion tou Stratiotikou could not be drawn on whether this was a response to the activity of the Angleioi and their lackeys.

“The seas around Europa have always been key to both the prosperity and the security of our Godly nation,” said a spokesperson from the Logothesion when asked by this paper. “An increase in piracy in the Amnalos Thalassa has meant that the Basilikoploimon has been patrolling in order to keep merchant vessels safe from that threat.”

The navy has also stepped up its patrols in the Rhankes Thalassa and the Thalassa ton Kataigidion in recent months. This may be due to the redevelopment of the Herimitika Nisa (Hermitage Islands) and the actions of the Gharoi (@Haruspex) in pushing the limits of Arhomaneia's forbearance in those seas. There is, however, the possibility that it could be a route of attack by the Angleioi, if they were so foolish to try the might of the Basilikoploimon.

As well as the seas around our nation, the land border with Souberina has always been one of the key considerations of the Epistrategaion. This is along with the western border with the Gharoi. Defending from a land invasion from our southern neighbour has been something that has dominated Arhomaiki military thinking for hundreds of years. This is seen in the number of ancient fortifications that guard vulnerable areas, although they have been obsolete for hundreds of years, as they are vulnerable to modern weaponry. Most are now in semi-ruined states and are tourist attractions these days. More modern defensive structures, observation posts and radar stations also dot the border and it will be these that will turn back any attempt at forcing the southern border of God's chosen nation on Eurth.

Ultimately, it is unknown whether there will come a point when the Angleioi will decide to undertake an invasion of our holy nation. So far, their aims and schemes appear to be mainly aimed at southern Europa with the OAP and the New Wurld, with the annexation of Fiarantitheia (Fearannteth) and rumoured involvement on the northern shores of the Makhaira Thalassa, (Dolch Sea). Undoubtedly, if the perfidious Angleioi and their minions do attempt to cross our nation's borders, they will be turned back by the might of the Exerkitos Arhomanos and sent packing with their tails between their legs.

 

Eurthquake Shakes East Coast

Minor Damage to Many Cities and Towns

In the early hours of yesterday morning, an eurthquake struck off of the coast of the Nystrakion Thema in south-eastern Arhomaneia, roughly halfway between the port city of Nystras and the island of Vanarambaion, in the Kolpos tes Stratonis, the Bay of Stratonis. It was registered as having a magnitude of 5.1 on the Härjler scale. It was felt as far away as Tagmatika, Arhoma and even Trapezon. There are reports of several hundred casualties across the thema and the wider region of Megale Agrotikon, mainly from falling objects such as roof tiles and flower pots. At the moment, the death toll is known to be around fifty people and it is not expected to get much higher than that. The emergency services were rapidly on the scene in most towns and cities there have been no reports of any buildings having collapsed. However, people are urged to remain cautious in case there are further eurthquakes. So far, there have been none but further ones have not been ruled out. Many churches are also holding prayer sessions and parading relics around areas that have been affected to make sure that further eurthquakes do not happen.

An emergency task force consisting of members of the armed forces and emergency services has been assembled to go into the more remote parts of Megale Agrotikon in order to ascertain whether there are further casualties beyond those that have been reported. The neighbouring nations of Vanarambaion and Sporseia are known to have been affected by the eurthquake as well, with similar levels of casualties and damage being reported. The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has reached out to these two nations, in case they need support from God's chosen nation. However, even though those two countries are nowhere near as developed or as powerful as our own country, it is thought that they will be able to cope with the low number of injured and the small amount of damage that has been incurred.

This part of our holy nation is known to be fairly geologically active, as it is the meeting point between three plates – the Europan, Ragan and Adlantic Plates. There have been many eurthquakes over the years, some of them disastrous. Ones, such as the Great Eurthquake of EK7259 (AD1751) caused widespread damage across the south of Arhomaneia, all but levelling Nystras and many of the surrounding cities and towns. A tsunami then struck the coast, which caused an even higher level of destruction. The total number of deaths during this even is not known, but it is estimated to be even in the hundreds of thousands. At the time, the fashion for wearing trousers was blamed by many leading bishops, although this is likely not the case, as trousers are almost ubiquitous in modern times and a similar disaster has not taken place.

There have been no reports of the eurthquake affecting the operation of the Dhioryga tou Isthmou, the Isthmus Canal. The edges of the Ragan and Adlantic Plates meet almost exactly where the canal runs and there have been worries that its construction may have an impact on how the plates interact. Both the Logothesion ton Agelon, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Logothesion ton Koiaisitoron, along with the Basilikon Geologikon, the Imperial Geological Service, have closely monitored the activity of the plates along the route of the canal. Likely, a large enough eurthquake would have a massively adverse impact on the canal, potentially preventing shipping through it or even destroying it.

As it is, the eurthquake that struck yesterday was the largest this year so far. It can only be hoped that none larger will strike later on but it is something that the Arhomaioi are used to. Whilst most of them are undoubtedly just a product of geological activity, anything larger could well be a sign of God's wrath and this must be something that the people of our great nation must be wary of. In order to reduce the chances of this, we all must abide by the strictures as laid out before us and not give in to temptations, as well as making sure that God's chosen nation remains the strongest on Eurth.

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Prominent Atheist Murdered

Yesterday morning, at 08:23, as he was going for his morning walk and to pick up his morning paper, the well-known atheist and Gerontes (Senator), Hilarianos Soummakhos, was attacked by an assailant. Soummakhos' Praitorioi (National Police) protection detail were able to pull the assailant away from Soummakhos and arrest him but not before he had inflicted several serious knife wounds. They attempted first aid at the scene and an ambulance arrived quickly to take the Gerontes to hospital. However, despite an emergency operation that lasted five hours, he was declared dead. The assailant, whose name has not yet been released by the Praitorioi, has been charged with murder and remains in custody. At this time, the Praitorioi is not willing to make any comments on the motivation for the fatal attack on Soummakhos but it is likely that the attack was motivated by his religious position. The attack happened in the small town of Rhothraia, some twenty five miles to the north-west of Europatorion, where the Soummakhos family maintains a country retreat.

Soummakhos, who was 57 at the time of his death, is survived by his wife, Antipatra (54), and four adult children. These are Nonna (22), Sebastiana, (19), Manouel (17) and Damiane (15). He was a member of the Gerouseia of Europatorion, a position which his family had held since the foundation of the city by Methodianos the Great in EK5825 (AD333), making his family amongst the most prominent in the nation. Kommodos' disinclination to call any of the legislative bodies back since the Civil War, he had not taken his seat since EK7513 (AD2005). Due to his position as the most prominent of the small Arhomaiki population of atheists, he had received innumerable death threats over the years and the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion had given Soummakhos a full time protection detail in order to safeguard his life. The most recent incident was a letter bomb sent to Soummakhos' Europatorion townhouse, one of several residences, in September of this year. It was caught by equipment that the Praitorioi had set up for that very reason and dealt with by a specialist bomb disposal team from the Noumeroi.

Religious freedom was guaranteed under the reforms of Agios Basilissa kai Autokratorissa Helike in EK7287 (AD1780), which at the time were more to assert the dominance of the monarch than any real attitude of enlightenment by the monarch. Although the vast majority of the population of Megas Agios Basileia holds to our Enlightened Aroman Church, with about 230 million of the total population of 253 million, Atheists make up one of the largest non-Christian religious minorities in Arhomaneia, with around three million, according to the last census. They also have been one of the most persecuted over the years. It has been suggested that the relatively secretive Logothesion tes Psevdeís Thriskeies, Ministry for Foreign Religions, often monitors those that are openly atheistic, and all other religious minorities. This is nominally against the laws of Arhomaneia.

Gerontes Soummakhos had been an outspoken critic of the Logothesion tes Psevdeís Thriskeies, which was instituted by Theodosios VI not long after he overthrew the Navarkhokrateia. It was an attempt to gain the backing of the Church after the more secular regime under the Naval Emperors. The Gerontes also regularly challenged what he saw as religious discrimination, whether against fellow atheists or other religious minorities in Arhomaneia. He was pursuing several cases through the courts at time of his death, one against a factory owner who sacked an employee for being an atheist and another one for similar reasons but against a Laimaikios, one of the pre-Christian religions of Arhomaneia.

There have been online rumours that the attack was organised by the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion in order to eliminate an outspoken and well-known critic but this has not been commented on yet by the government. It is likely that this was done by a religious extremist who decided to take action into their own hands. There has been an increase in what has been described as religious extremism across Arhomaneia in recent years, which until now has been characterised as a peaceful movement. The most prominent examples of this has been the the stylitai, devout ascetics who have ascended columns in order to show their faith, of which the most well known is in the Plateia tou Agios Konstantinou, the Square of St Konstaninos, outside the Basilikon Synkrotima Palation.

Ultimately, it is not yet known how our government will react to this attack. On the one hand, a loud critic has been silenced. On the other, Soummakhos was a member of the establishment, even though his beliefs had set him outside of the usual Arhomaiki norms. The government would likely see this as an attack on the structure of the state itself and will probably come down harshly on this. The investigation into this attack is very much in its infancy and it is unknown whether the attacker was part of any sort of wider conspiracy.

 

Trade Agreements – Papering over Cracks?

In recent weeks, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has begun trade negotiations with several nations, as well as applying to join the Argic-Thalassan-Alharan Regional Association (ATARA) as a member. On the face of it, this is completely in line with the outward-looking policies that Arhomaneia has undertaken under Kommodos in recent years, including becoming a Partner for Peace with the Tricontinental Defence Treaty Organisation. This tack seems to have partly been spurred by the fact that Europa has become increasingly quiet, but also by the fact that our nation's only local ally, the Exousiokrateia ton Gharon (@Haruspex) has become somewhat unreliable. The debacle of their invasion of Koussoeia not only led to an international refugee crisis but even a brief civil war in Gharon as the former Exousiokrator Ji'Mar was killed by rebel forces that then placed Exousiokratorissa Kira'Karn on the throne.

Earlier this year, this paper covered a speech made by Mesazon Gregorios Traiektonos, which laid out the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion's financial plans for the rest of the year. Arhomaneia's economy has been going through one of the biggest periods of growth in recent decades, certainly since the end of the Long War. This growth seems to have slowed down considerably since then. Forecasts put forward at the time of the Mesazon's speech by the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion, the Arhomaiki Kentriki Trapeza, the Aroman Central Bank, the Logothesion tou Genikou (Ministry for Finance) and several independent groups, suggested that Arhomaneia might see a growth in GDP of around 3-4% this year, with the most optimistic even suggesting 4.5%. Trade links with the New Wurld had solidified and it seemed like the Argic Passage would allow Arhomaiki goods and trade to reach the likes of Nea Iverion (@Iverica) without having to go round the south of Argis.

The Angliki Crisis and the actions of the Gharoi in the Ragas Thalassa (Raga Sea), the Amnalos Thalassa (Amnalos Sea) and the Ketaiki Thalassa (Cetan Sea) have disrupted trade with the New Wurld considerably. Although the conflict between the Souberinoi and the Kyptoi has reached something of a stalemate, with the Angliki and Souberiniki forces remaining on the border of Kyptos, there is still significant tension in the Ragas Thalassa. Added to this, the actions of the Gharoi in their colony have meant that both the Basilikoploimon and the Ghallamvriki (@Gallambria) navy deploying there in greater numbers in an attempt to protect their respective nations' interests. The ultimate result is that the seas off the east coasts of Europa are a powder keg waiting for a spark to set it off, as there are four powerful naval forces in the area, as well as those of the Kyptoi and Sporsoi, all on a state of alert and with tensions running high.

The impact that this has had on trade through that sea is obvious. The cost of insurance for shipping lines has increased significantly, and therefore the cost of shipping through those seas, which has often been passed onto consumers. This has driven up prices for many of the goods that our nation sources from overseas. This, perhaps, has been the reason that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has targeted two eastern Argic nations with trade agreements - Kristianiki Koinopoliteia ton Ebrarion (@Ebrary) and the Koinopoliteia tes Niantastaneia (@Nyanta). It seems that these trade agreements aren't likely to be anything transformative, likely trying to increase trade by lessening or removing tariffs against what are the staples of the Arhomaiki economy – the agricultural and industrial sectors, especially grain crops and biofuel.

The trade agreement with the Autokrateia tes Megas Zaxareias (@Zaxar) is thought to be a bit different. The Aurelian nation is one of the largest exporters of lithium on Eurth and the element has a huge range of uses in the modern wurld. From batteries to glass to lubricants to even medicine, it is amongst the most useful elements. Direct access to it from the source in Zaxareia will likely be a boost to the nation's economy but it is unlikely that it would enable it to reach the highs predicted eight months ago. It is now being predicted that the GDP growth is not likely to breach the 3% mark, and this is the most optimistic. Most predictions are suggesting that even over 2% will be unlikely. However, there is still five months left of the financial year and the volatile situation may well yet calm down. Its seems like the hopes of the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion for a wealthier Arhomaneia than last year, and therefore better standards of living for the Arhomaioi, might be dashed, at least for the time being.

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More Arrests Made after Attack on Soummakhos

Several Associates of the Attacker have been Brought in for Questioning

After the fatal attack on Gerontes (Senator) Hilarianos Soummakhos in Rhothraia on Sabaton (Saturday) shocked the nation, there were a dozen arrests across our nation that were said to be linked. Although the Gerontes was known for his deviancy from our true faith and his willingness to stand up for those who also turn their faces away from the light of Christ, his murder showed a shocking disregard for the ancient mechanisms of our state, God's chosen nation on Eurth. It is right that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has acted quickly to find those responsible, and not just the attacker themselves. After all, our nation is the one that the rest of Eurth looks to for inspiration and guidance, and our democracy is the foundation of that of the rest of the wurld, too. As yet, it is unknown whether those arrested are directly linked to the murder and if they represent some sort of wider conspiracy.

The name of the attacker has been released. According to the statement given by the Praitorioi, the attacker is Maurikios Holobolos, 33, from the town of Efkalos, in the thema Myzithrasou. The statement went on to say that Holobolos had no prior criminal convictions and worked as an IT technician for a local advertising business, regularly attended church and gave no outward signs of being capable of such behaviour. It is known that the Praitorioi have seized computer equipment from the home of Holobolos. It seems strange that this was the action of someone who was otherwise living a quiet, Christian life. It may well be found that Holobolos was influenced by foreign agents, in order to try to destabilise our holy nation.

Although the crime would normally fall under the jurisdiction of the Taxiotai, the local police of thema Moskonos, the district that Rhothraia is located, the high profile nature of the crime has meant that the Praitorioi have taken overall control of the operation from the beginning. Whilst this is an unusual step, as the Praitorioi are usually only involved at the request of the local police, the high profile nature of the crime and the fact that Soummakhos was being guarded by the national police means that they have been involved from the start. It may also be that since the attack happened despite there being protection officers on hand, they will want to quickly find if there are any more people responsible for it.

Due to the severity of the incident and its august victim, and the fact that it might gain the attention of foreign powers driven by jealousy to undermine Arhomaneia, the Agios Basileos himself has released a statement concerning it. The statement condemns the attack, praises the Gerontes and promises to bring all the perpetrators to justice. It is likely that the Agios Basileos kai Autokrator, may God guide him, himself will be taking an interest in the progress of the investigation, since it was such a high profile attack. An excerpt of the statement shows this.

“The attack against Gerontes Soummakhos was an appalling crime, an attempt to strike at the very heart of the Arhomaiki state. It was a shameful attack on someone who was a true servant of the Arhomaiki people, who repeatedly put his concern for others before his own welfare, regardless of their faith. Those responsible for it will quickly face the full force of the law of our great and ancient nation. My prayers will be for the family that he leaves behind.”

Although obviously not known for his great faith, Gerontes Soummakhos was a well-liked member of the community, both amongst his fellow atheists – and others who reject the word of God – and the inhabitants of Rhothraia. A candle-lit vigil has been held for the last two nights outside of the gates of the Soummakhos family house in the small town and the priest of the local church, Presbyteros Eugenios Venerandos, held a service in the town square on Sunday evening, which seemed to emphasise less the teachings of God and more about bringing the community together after the attack. Of course, this was approaching blasphemy and it may lead to repercussions for Pr. Venerandos.

It is surprising that the puppets of the perfidious Orhionioi (@Orioni) , Mercy International, have yet to come out of the woodwork to weigh in on the matter. They have regularly criticised the actions of the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion in how it governs our holy state. They were also known to have regularly worked alongside Gerontes Soummakhos when he was defending those who felt that they were being treated unfairly due to their rejection of the true teachings of Christ. It would be surprising if they were able to remain silent.

 

Basilikoploimon Undertakes Joint Exercise with Boreioadlantiki Enosi Navy

Excercise to Remind Surrounding Nations of the Alliance

Earlier today, the Logothesion tou Stratiotikou (Ministry for War) announced that the Basilikoploimon will be undertaking a joint exercise later this week alongside the navy of the Boreioadlantiki Enosi, the North Adlantic Union. This is part of the Megas Agios Basileia's continuing commitment to peace in the North Adlantic, which came about through the piracy crisis in the Makhaira Thalassa (the Dolch Sea) and then the Sentist War. It is also due to our nation's alliance with the Regaseion tou Seilosiou (Kingdom of @Seylos), which has transferred over to the the BAE when the union was formed between Seiloseia and the myriad nations that surround it. This formed arguably the most powerful nation in eastern Argis and certainly the most powerful maritime force in the area.

The Logothesion tou Stratiotikou has not gone into detail about what the exercise will entail, but it will involve the BAE First Fleet and the carrier UNS Solidarity, with the Arhomaiki fleet made up the the BPP Agios Ioulianos and its carrier battle group, consisting of a Protosebastos guided missile cruiser, a Prognostikator electronic/cyber warfare cruiser and several destroyers, corvettes, submarines and support vessels. The UNS Solidarity is formerly of the Basilikoploimon, having been one of the Despotes class aircraft carriers sold to Arhomaneia by Megas Regaseion tes Souberinas, which was then sold to Seiloseia in order to bolster that nation's navy. It is likely that the exercise will take place in the north east of the North Adlantic, well away from other nations and attempting to avoid the busier shipping lanes.

Although the exercise marks the first time that the Basilikoploimon and the BAE's navy have worked together, much of the BAE's navy comes from the Seilosiki navy, which our nation's navy cooperated with very closely during the Makhaira Thalassa piracy crisis and the Sentist War. The operation will allow the two navies to become even more familiar with working with each other, something that will undoubtedly help their effectiveness should another crisis arise in eastern Argis in the near future. It also marks the first time that the two forces will be seen working together since the Korinion Crisis, which saw the naval forces of Seiloseia and Nea Iverion (@Iverica) face off against the navy of Gharon (@Haruspex) , with the Basilikoploimon dispatching several small naval patrols to monitor the situation. It was surprising to some that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion stood aloof from what amounted to almost a war between three of its allies, although our nation was put in an extremely difficult position by it. If it had come to a real conflict between those three, it is very uncertain as to what our government would have been forced into doing.

It is, therefore, unknown who this military exercise might be aimed at, if anyone at all. It demonstrates that the alliance between Arhomaneia and Seiloseia has been transferred to the BAE, although this should not be a surprise, as Seiloseia is the hegemon of that union in all but name. Perhaps it serves as a warning to the Regaseion tes Megas Angleias, who are known to be dabbling in the New Wurld by starting trade with the isolationist Autokrateia tes Makhairakeias (the Empire of Dolchland). Megas Angleia is also thought to hold a hostile stance towards Seiloseia. Equally, a diplomatic spat has been brewing between the governments of BAE and the Stedoriki Laïkí Dimokratía (@Stedorian People's Republic), mainly through Stedoreia's assumption that Seiloseia's actions are driven by imperialist, rather than humanitarian, reasons. It could be that this exercise is a show of force to those eastern Argic nations that there are already powers in the area.

On that topic, should be noted that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion invited Stedoreia to help with the crisis in Ceris at from the start, but the Stedoriki government held itself aloof and waited until both the pirate crisis and the Sentist War had been resolved before it uttered a word. It seems that the Stedorioiwere happy for others to do the hard work whilst it reaped the benefits of the defeat of the pirates threatened sea lanes and the stabilisation of trade in the area before their government started any criticism. Likely, the Stedoriki government is put out that it cannot gain the influence that the BAE now has in Ceris and therefore is being obstructive, rather than any real concern for the Kerisoi.

Although the naval exercise does raise the rise of increasing tensions in the area, it is also a relatively routine action for allies to carry out. It is thought that the Logothesion tou Stratiotikou is going to try to pursue similar exercises with other allies, especially the membership of TRIDENT. This would smooth out the differences that were starkly highlighted during the Koussoeiki Crisis and enable Arhomaneia to cooperate seamlessly with ensuring peace on Eurth.

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Soummakhos Murder, Two Months On

It has been almost two months since the murder of Gerontes (Senator), Hilarianos Soummakhos and it seems as those the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion appears to believe that the situation has been wrapped up. Whilst the investigation by the Praitorioi (National Police) is still on going, no more arrests have taken place. Maurikios Holobolos, 33, has been formally charged with the murder and, controversially, crimes against the Christian faith. He is currently awaiting trial, which is suggested to take place within weeks. Several of those arrested in the aftermath have been released without charge and their names have not been released. Two others have been charged with crimes against the Christian faith. These are Optatos Nektaridios, 29, of Dodinth and Nikeforos Pomptinos, 28, of Tegouneian Neopolis. They are also now awaiting trial.

In a move that surprised much of our nation, the Agios Basileos kai Autokrator Kommodos III himself attended the noticeably non-religious memorial ceremony a week after the attack on Gerontes Soummakhos. His Aroman Majesty did not speak at the ceremony but laid flowers at the memorial that had been made for the murdered senator. The lack of any speech by the Arhomaiki monarch was considered to be disappointing by some but, equally, it was not surprising – Kommodos' presence alone caused controversy amongst the more conservative factions of the Aroman Church. Indeed, Patriarkhes Nikolaos IX, is said to have privately criticised his Aroman Majesty for attending the memorial service, although the office of the Patriarkhes would give no comment on whether that was the case or not. That, in a way is damning, but the history between the two is well known and so the lack of comment is not as telling as his beatitude feels it is.

The charge of “Against the Christian Faith” against Holobonos, Nektaridios and Pomptinos is somewhat surprising, as it is usually limited to those who have insulted our nation's holy Church, not those who have acted against minority religious faiths. In this instance, the justification is that their actions have damaged the stability of our Christian realm and attempting to murder non-Christians is against the spirit of our faith. It seems obvious that neither of those need explaining, as clearly conspiring to murder a senator is an action that damages our state. And the very action of planning to do harm to someone is against Christ's teachings. It will be interesting to see what happens when these cases go to trial, as the government's attempt to pursue these charges may well undermine it, as they have never been used in this manner before.

It seems that both Pomptinos and Nektaridios were connected to Holobolos, although not through having physically met him but through being members of the same online message boards. These boards appear to be very hard-line in their stances, demonising non-Christians and non-Arhomaioi and calling especially for those who have no religion to be punished for their lack of belief in a deity, any deity. Such message boards and forums are reportedly carefully monitored by the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion but it is very difficult to tell how successful this truly is. If this crime is anything to go by, it seems like it may not be as successful as the government hopes.

Whilst it seems that this was a successful end to a crime that shocked Arhomaneia, on the other hand it was has been virtually encouraged by the chauvinistic attitudes perpetuated by the state. It could be suggested that had this not been against a member of one of the Gerousia, then very little would have been heard about it, beyond the investigation of the murder. However, some sources spoken to by this paper suggested that the Droungarios tes Vigles (Attorney General) Iouliana Betoiniana was the one that advised the government to pursue this. This may not be the case, as it is unlikely that the government would have let an attack against a senator go unpunished.

Ultimately, even if the cases against Holobonos, Nektaridios and Pomptinos result in convictions, it is unlikely there is anyone else who can fill the shoes of Gerontes Soummakhos, who was tireless in his actions in support of the religious minorities of our holy state. Or those that have a stance that targets non-Christians will be truly discouraged. Although violence against non-Christians hasn't been noticeably increasing, it equally has not been decreasing. The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion needs to take a firmer stance on it and truly try to make our nation open to all.

 

Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion Carefully Quiet on Regas Creighton's Speech

The beginning of the year saw a speech made by Regas Creighton of Megas Angleia which boasted of his nation's efforts to build a stronger Europa, one that would challenge “New Wurld supremacy”. This concept seems to be mainly within the minds of the Angliki ruling classes, especially King Creighton, who appears to be the main architect of the plans enacted by his government, one which has brought bloodshed and misery to much of our continent. The idea of the New Wurld holding itself above the Old does not seem to be borne out by reality, especially as our own nation has been able to make numerous equitable trade deals with New Wurld nations. The feeling of inferiority that the Angliki elite suffer under would have been brought on by the fact that much of the New Wurld is seeing increased prosperity and trade, whilst Europa itself is slowly getting back on its feet again after a disastrous decade and a half.

However, it would probably doing so without the heavy hand of Creighton, who appears to be determined to divert much of that growing prosperity into a war machine that is pointed squarely at the New Wurld. Already the Angleioi have their stooges, such as the Autokrateia tes Makhaireias, the Empire of Dolchland, which has begun to set itself up as a toehold of the aggressive Occidental power. Perhaps his majesty sees nothing wrong in goading the powers of the New Wurld into a conflict that no side truly wants. One of the ironies of the situation is that Megas Angleia was, like most nations in the Occident, almost untouched by the Great Europan Collapse. It cannot be doubted that this strange sense of entitlement that pervades the Angleiki regime isn't based on a longing for justice, that the suffering of the Old Wurld needs to be made right, but that their own nation needs to stand on top of the heap. This will, of course, be enacted at the expense of not just the New Wurld, but the Old as well.

The content of the speech was worrying but perhaps what was more so was the lack of comment that it received. Very few governments released statements attempting to tackle or counterpoint the statements made by the Angleiki monarch. Instead, there was virtual silence. It is not truly known whether this silence was the misplaced idea that giving attention to the Angleioi would only encourage them or whether the Eurthican nations have started to feel numbed to their actions. And whether this numbness heralds it becoming the perceived status quo. There is undoubtedly a weariness, too – Angleia is one of the wealthiest nations on Eurth and much of thiswealth has been funnelled towards their military in recent years. Many governments appear to be unwilling to face the threat of military action, especially after the collapse of the Sosialdemokratiki Synomospondeias tes Lyseias and the war in Azania.

Notably, our own government has one of those quiet ones after Creighton's speech. Before, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion would quickly release a statement condemning the words or actions of the Angleioi. This time, condemnation has not been forthcoming. It unknown as to why that might be. Militarily, Arhomaneia is one of the most powerful on Eurth. But the alliance between Souberina and Megas Angleia means that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion is not keen face an open conflict between the two Occidental nations. Much ink has been spilt over how such a conflict might go and the only easily-predicted result is that it would be bloody. The government of our holy nation is keen to avoid that.

The other factor might be the sanctions that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion levelled against the Angleioi, the Souberinoi and the Kyptoi after their war last year. It seems that, far from harming the former two, it has achieved very little. In fact, it seems to have reduced the hoped-for economic growth that was predicted in Mesazon Gregorios Traiektonos' speech in April of last year. This can be compared to the economic growth that Megas Angleia has seen, although this comes directly off of exploiting their new conquests, something that Arhomaneia is unable to do.

There have been rumours that this silence may well be presaging an about-face by the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion over the sanctions it has put into place. The sanctions have done little to bring the western Occidental nation to heel and done more to damage the economy of Arhomaneia itself. These rumours go on to suggest that the sanctions are to be discarded in favour of a normalisation of economic relations, ultimately to be followed by a détente between the two nations. It also should be noted that when this paper put this question to the Mystikon, the personal bureaucracy of the the Agios Basileos, it was met with a curt statement: “No comment.”

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Amnalos Thalassa Crisis Deepens

Angliki Diplomats Expelled, Kypton Embargo Lifted

After a period of calm in the Amnalos Thalassa, a mysterious encounter between ships from the Ghallamvriki (@Gallambria) and Angliki navies has sparked a worsening of the ongoing crisis around that sea. Although very little has been confirmed by either government, stories so far suggest that a Ghallamvriki aircraft was downed by the Angleioi, although little else is known. This almost immediately precipitated a diplomatic response by the Marenesian nation, which expelled Angliki diplomats, withdrew its own and closed its embassy in Godstone. This was a stance taken by several other nations, including the Koinopoliteia tes Delamareias (@Delamaria), the rising power in southern Argis, as well as Arhomaneia. Our own holy nation released a statement that made it clear to the Angliki that Arhomaneia will take firm stance against continued attempts by Megas Angleia to destabilise wurld peace. The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion also “stands by” Ghallamvreia, according to a statement it released.

Added to this was our government's lifting of the embargo against the Demokrateia tou Kyptou. The embargo was initially targeted at Kypton, Souberina and Megas Angleia, after the brief conflict started by Kypton to try to bring all three nations to the table and to attempt to stop the spread of any conflict. The embargo was joined by the Gharoi and several other nations but was fatally undermined by Orhioneia (@Orioni), which declined to join in the efforts of the rest of Eurth and merely aimed their sanctions at Kypton and Megas Angleia. This should come as no surprise, as the Orhionioi have remained aloof from the crisis, rather than getting involved in a capacity beyond half-hearted statements. They may well even be attempting to open talks with the government of Regas Creighton III. This would show the cowardly and perfidious nature of the Orhionioi. It should be remembered that the piracy crisis in their own waters continues. This compares to the international effort led by Arhomaneia that smashed the threat of piracy in the Makhaira Thalassa in mere months.

The lifting of the embargo against Kypton has caused anger in Souberina, especially since they state that the war was a defensive war on their part. It is reported that a group of protestors has gathered outside of the Arhomaiki embassy in Chisinau to demonstrate against this action by the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion. The Arhomaiki ambassador to Souberina was summoned by the Souberiniki government on Tetarti (Wednesday) to explain the actions of our government.

“The lifting of the embargo on solely the Qubdi is virtually a hostile act against my nation,” said Ana Codrianu, the Souberiniki Foreign Minister. “It flies in the face of the détente reached between Tagmatium and the Great Queendom several years ago, after the downturn in relations. Great Anglia stepped up to help Suverina at a moment when it was under threat, when Tagmatika stood idly by and just talked of a peaceful solution.”

It is not known what, if any, further action our southern neighbours might take. They may expel our nation's diplomats, as they have already introduced an embargo against Arhomaneia that mirrors that of our nation. It is likely that any retaliation will remain within the diplomatic sphere, at least for now. It is unlikely that, even with Angliki backing, the Souberinoi would be so foolish as to attack our Christ-loving nation.

On top of this, the Gharoi (@Haruspex) have made a dangerous pronouncement, displaying the northern barbarians' inability to understand the subtleties and complexities of international politics. Whilst they continue to stand by the Megas Agios Basileia – and, seemingly, Ghallamvreia by extension – they have threatened to stop any ship from Megas Angleia or nations allied to them. This would almost certainly be resisted by the Angliki were it to happen, if only because it would challenge their conceited claims to superiority over the rest of Eurth.

The events in the Occident have moved extremely quickly in the last week and it is likely the closest to open conflict that north-western Europa has been for some time, even during the Gerenian Crisis. The current situation sets up some of the strongest military powers on Eurth against each other. If war were to break out, there is a good chance that other nations might be drawn in and that the conflict would rapidly spread to other theatres, especially other seas. It can only be hoped that the situation does not spiral out of control.

 

Inquiry Announced into the Events of Soummakhos Murder

General Review of the Effectiveness of Police and Intelligence Performance Surrounding the Case

Almost four months have passed since the murder of Gerontes Hilarianos Soummakhos, the most prominent of those who chose to deny God and the validity of Arhomaneia as His chosen nation on Eurth. This is, of course, a blasphemy of the highest order, one which stands above such crimes as heresy and disturbing religious services through letting one's nose whistle. However, it was also an attack against the very fabric of our state, one that has existed for over two and a half thousand years and is the envy of all others on Eurth. Gerontes Soummakhos was one of the two thousand members of the Gerouseia of Europatorion. Although our holy monarch, Kommodos III, has yet to call the Senates to session, this still meant that Soummakhos was a member of the Arhomaiki establishment. His family had long been members of the Gerouseia, since the founding of Europatorion in 333AD. He is survived by his wife and four children. The murder of Soummakhos on Paraskevi (Friday) 26th of Noemvrios (November) last year in the small town of Rhothraia, twenty five miles to the north-west of Europatorion, came as a shock, as it was the first attack fatal attack on a senator since the Civil War of EK7513 (2005AD).

There are some that have remarked on Soummakhos' death as the just-deserts for such an inveterate blasphemer, and that he has now gone on to face the judgement that he truly deserves, although this paper is not amongst them. Whilst it is true that his actions emboldened those who turn away from Christ in such a manner, it still was an intentional blow against our holy nation. It might be expected that there are traitorous conspirators in other, more unstable nations, such as the war-torn Aurelian backwater that is the Regaseion tes Rhodelleias (@Rhodellia), and that they might slip through the net of the security services and murder members of their legislature. This is not expected of Arhomaneia, whose democratic and legislative frameworks have inspired all those on the rest of Eurth, whether they admit to it or not.

Because of the nature of the murder, one explicitly targeted against a high-profile senator, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion, through the Logothesion tou Dromou (Ministry of Internal Affairs), has stated that an inquiry will take place. This will be to review whether there were security breaches that were known and exploited by Maurikios Holobolos, if it could have been prevented by either the national or local police forces or the intelligence services, and if there had been a failure of intelligence that allowed the murder to take place. It is likely that this inquiry will take some months to run its course and it is yet unknown whether the full report would ever be made public. This is likely because of the fact that Holobonos or his alleged associates, Optatos Nektaridios and Nikeforos Pomptinos, have yet to stand trial for the charges laid against them. They were remanded in custody and their trials are expected to start in early spring.

The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion may well hope that the inquiry will find that there was no failure of intelligence and that, at worst, all that can be said was that the Praitorioi security detail was unable to respond quick enough to prevent the fatal attack. Although this may call into question the level of training given to officers acting in a bodyguard role, it would not suggest that there was any negligence or incompetence on the part of the police or the government itself. Some members of the God-denying community have alleged that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion was intentionally lax in its efforts to prevent attacks on the Gerontes, due to his criticism of our government and history of taking it to task over what he saw as injustices. This is a charge that our government has strenuously denied, stating that it dealt with all threats against Soummakhos seriously. A letter bomb was sent to one of the residences of the Soummakhoi in Septemvrios (September) of last year, which was intercepted by the Praitorioi and dealt with by the Noumeroi.

Perhaps the most challenging part for the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion in general and the intelligence services in particular is that Holobonos' alleged co-conspirators, Pomptinos and Nektaridios, never physically met with him. They communicated mainly through internet message boards and forums. This will bring into question whether either the Praitorioi, the Esoteriki Epitheorisi Pliroforion or Arhomaiki Diktyo Pliroforion are doing enough to monitor such methods of communication and whether these are used for nefarious ends by those who wish to strike at our ancient and holy state.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

The ongoing conflict in the territory of the former nation of Baltikon (@Baltica) is something that has horrified the wurld. Several nations, some of which the Megas Agios Basileia ton Arhomaion is proud to call allies, have stepped up to undertake peacekeeping operations within parts of the civil war ravaged state. This undoubtedly has helped many of those displaced by the conflict to escape relative harm, but the conflict itself sees no sign of abating. The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion wishes to see a peaceful end to the conflict, one that is equitable to all of the sides within it. It was clear from the rapid collapse of Baltikon that there were inherent structural problems within that former state – something that any new state that arises from the ashes should strive to overcome or surmount.

Whilst some nations are working towards peace in the area, other nations are striving hard to undermine it. The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion is usually content to let the affairs of central Argis be their own – Arhomaneia's partner nations of the Regaseion tou Seilosiou (@Seylos) and Koinopoliteia tes Delamareias (@Delamaria) are more than capable of dealing with any situations that arise there without the interference of Arhomaneia. Other nations, however, seem to be intent on worsening the situation in Baltikon through direct military intervention. And it does not appear to be with regards to the lives of the ordinary citizens, either, but with possible schemes of setting up something that is perhaps more than a puppet state of those meddling nations.

Amongst the most shocking and appalling pictures and videos to come out of the conflict in recent weeks has been of aircraft of the Aeroporía tou Velahereikou Laikou Stratou, the air force of the Laiki Demokrateia tes Velahereias (@DPR Velaheria). This nation's air force has been indulging in indiscriminate bombing campaigns against the people of the former Baltikon. It does not seem to be the case that these are peacekeeping operations, but to support the aims of the Velahereiki government in Baltikon. The attacks also have the impact of wrecking the infrastructure of the former nation, meaning that aid and medical care is less able to reach those that are suffering the worst in the conflict.

Therefore, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion sees fit to announce the following sanctions against the Laiki Demokrateia tes Velahereias. The aim of these sanctions is not to hurt the ordinary people of Velaheria, who live and work under an oppressive and godless regime, without freedom of thought, conscience or expression, but to render the military of that state unable to wage aggressive war against the people of Baltikon.

The sanctions are as follows:

• A ban on the sale and export export of arms, ammunition and armaments to Velahereia or entities registered or based in that country.
• A ban on the sale and export of raw materials, including but not limited to iron ore, coal, seed oil, petrochemicals to Velahereia or entities registered or based in that country.
• A ban on the sale and export of foodstuffs, agricultural goods, farming machinery, transport equipment, heavy machinery to Velahereia or entities registered or based in that country.
• A ban on the sale and export of automotive parts, vehicles, machinery to Velahereia or entities registered or based in that country.
• A ban on the sale and export of computer equipment, software, hardware, telecommunications equipment to Velahereia or entities registered or based in that country.
• Freezing of accounts and financial exchanges relating to the government of Velahereia and members of its government.
• Any vessels, military or civilian, registered in or part of the navy of Velahereia will no longer be able to use the Dhioryga tou Isthmou, the Isthmus Canal.

It is hoped that these sanctions will be enough for the government of Velahereia to reconsider its belligerent actions in Baltikon. The sanctions will continue until such a point that the Arhomaiki government is satisfied that Velahereia is no longer acting in an aggressive and belligerent manner in Baltikon, and that meaningful steps are being taken by the Velahereiki government to ensure peace, rather than what appears to be an attempt to carve out a puppet state in the former Baltikon. Further to this, Arhomaneia also reserves the right to increase the severity of these sanctions, if it appears that they are not working as intended and encouraging Velahereia onto the road for peace.

If further sanctions do not curb the actions of the Velahereiki government, then other steps may well be considered. This could be, but not limited to, the deployment of Arhomaiki peacekeeping forces within Baltikon. This, of course, would be coordinated with the other peacekeeping operations currently in place. Arhomaneia values and cherishes peace and is fully committed to working with other nations and the maintenance of the rules-based international order that many nations have worked so hard to establish.

The government of Arhomaneia does recognise the fact that, due to the small size of the economy of Velahereia and the fact that other nations in Argis make preferable partners to the Megas Agios Basileia, these sanctions alone will unlikely go far enough to quell the Velahereiki urge for conflict. The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion therefore calls upon its allies, friendly nations and those nations that wish to see a peaceful end to the conflict in Baltikon to cease trading with that nation, and to enact similar sanctions. This is especially true of those nations within TRIDENT.

May peace return to central Argis and Baltikon. Prayers will be said for the Baltikoi and their fate, and for peace to return to those long-suffering people.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Basilikoploimon to Take Part in International Exercise

In something of a surprise move, Logothesion tou Stratiotikou, the Ministry of War, has announced that the Basilikoploimon is to take part in an international exercise in the Geltiki Thalassa, the Geltic Sea. This comes hot on the heels of the Gharoi (@Haruspex) announcing a naval exercise of their own in the region. This in and of itself was almost shocking, as the Gharoi have shown little interest in areas of Eurth outside of the waters surrounding Europa. The Gharoiki exercise likely to be linked with the deployment of forces from the Exousiokrateia to the Regaseion tes Atyneias (@Ateenia), an ally of the Gharoi in northern Argis. In turn, this seems to be linked with the deteriorating situation in the civil war in Baltikon.

“Eastern Argis and Yeetland, as well as the other nations that surround the Geltic Sea, are key partners for the Megas Agios Basileia,” said a representative from the Logothesion tou Stratiotikou. “Peace and stability in that area is keenly linked to the continued prosperity of Arhomaneia, so it is logical that our nation and our military cooperate closely with the nations in that area in order to guarantee continued security.”

Although the Gharoiki actions have certainly raised tensions in the Geltiki Thalassa, it is just latest incident in a long line of such incidents. The actions of the Politeia tes Oulfhimereias (@Ulfheimr) – conducting military exercises on the border with Koinopoliteia tes Niantastaneias (@Nyanta), releasing statements promising to “extinguish” Christianity – did much to inflame those tensions in the area. Our government reacted to this by moving the aircraft carrier BPP Agios Ioulianos and its attendant fleet to the area, as a show of support to Niantastaneia and the other nations around the Geltic Sea. As yet, it seems that the Oulfhimeroi have not responded to this move. Likely, the show of Arhomaiki force has caused them to back down.

Although this unilateral move seems to have worked, our government is keen to show that it will cooperate with the nations in the area as well. The other nations that the Basilikoploimon will be exercising with include ships from the Niantastaneiki, Gotlandeiki (@Gotneska), Iberikiki (@Iverica) and Delamareiki (@Delamaria) navies, with the contingent from the Basilikoploimon consisting of two Hippikos class destroyers, three Pnevmatikos class frigates and two Karcharias class attack submarines. Although there have been little comment on whether these joint exercises are in response to the Gharoi, analysts suggest that this is likely the case. Unlike our own nation, the Gharoi have uniformly failed to build many bridges with the rest of Eurth, bar Atyneia. On the one hand, this is likely because of a lack of want. The Gharoi seem to content to focus on their colonising efforts in southern Europa. On the other, a concerted series of missteps have destroyed the want of New Wurld nations to build bridges with the northern Occidental nation.

Arhomaneia has had a long history of interacting with the nations around the Geltiki Thalassa, from trading and colonisation efforts in Yeetland in the EK5800s (AD300) to negotiating a peace between between Ebrarion and Aourivitzeia in EK7486 (AD1978). The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion undoubtedly hopes that the exercise will help build upon this cooperation between our holy nation and those of the Geltiki Thalassa, as well as our nation's history of working with Iberikeia.

Part of this is a continuation of our holy monarch's decision to build bridges with the New Wurld. This has left our nation significantly stronger, with great bonds with the rest of Eurth. To an extent, it has come at the cost of sacrificing the existing ties with Europan nations, which could be part of the reason that the government of Megas Angleia starts pursuing a much more aggressive policy towards its neighbours. Although, of course, this does not mean that the actions of the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion are to blame for the conflict that Megas Angleia has spread across Europa – that can only be laid at the door of Regas Creighton III and the government of his nation. Equally, if if the Gharoi view this as a coalition ranged against them, it could well damage the relations that have been improving since the Gerenian Crisis. Our government could do well to remember that, especially as the situation in the seas to the south of the Occident remains extremely fragile.

 

Nations Still Trading with Velahereia

The conflict in Baltikon (@Baltica) rumbles on, with the destruction meted out to the people of the nation growing as the war seems to be nearing its conclusion. There are numerous nations involved with the peacekeeping operation within part of Baltikon, although there does not seem to be the will to extend this beyond the borders of the area of the benighted country known as “Kauni”. This includes one of our nation's key central Argic partners, the Regaseion tou Seilosiou (@Seylos), as well as the Koinopoliteia tes Delamareias and the Inomenes Regaseion tes Ahranaeias (@Ahrana). In contrast, the Laiki Demokrateia tes Velahereias (@DPR Velaheria) is using the excuse of intervention in the civil war to attempt to establish a puppet regime in the shatter remains of Baltikon.

One of the main ways in which the Velahereiki government has been attempting to establish this is through what can only be described as “terror-bombing”. This has constituted strikes against key civilian infrastructure, such as railways, roads, bridges and telecommunications networks. Some defence analysts have theorised that this is partially through the fact that the armed forces of Velahereia is not equipped or capable of utilising modern, precision munitions that are common amongst the militaries of the major Eurth powers. This has meant that there has been no attempt to reduce the amount of civilian casualties that are being inflicted.

Due to the havoc its armed forces are causing, as well as the fact that the government of Velahereia is amongst the most oppressive nations on Eurth, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has instituted sanctions against the regime. Other nations, including Ahranaeia, have followed suit. As yet, it does not seem to have had the desired affect and the conflict in Baltikon appears to show little sign of slowing down. It is currently unknown as to how long the conflict may continue to grind on for or whether peace will return to central Argis any time soon.

A reason for this is that many nations do not seem to be perturbed by the actions that Velahereia is carrying out. This includes several nations that have otherwise previously stood up to similar actions by the Gharoi in the past. The Regaseion tou Seilosiou refuses to put in place any sanctions, willingly continuing to trade with a nation that is carrying out the destruction that is causing the refugees that it is sheltering in Kauni, which is beyond absurd. Similarly, the Demokrateia ton Iberikon, otherwise a bastion of democracy on a continent where anarchy often seems to be the standard state of being, turns a blind eye to the conflict. Several investment companies based in Iberikeia, such as Sant Ruiz Venture & Equity and the Altaria Consulting Group, are investing into the Velahereiki textile industry, taking advantage of the abysmal conditions and lack of workers' rights and political freedoms in that country.

The refusal of these nations to join in the sanctions against the Velahereiki government demonstrate the hypocrisy of their governments, especially on the heels of the Ceris Conflict. To further highlight this hypocrisy, the Seilosioi have placed sanctions against the government of the Regaseion tes Atyneias, which has also involved itself in the conflict in Baltikon. It is unclear why the Seilosiki government is so unwilling to act in a manner that is inline with its oft touted humanitarian mission. It seems that Regas Aidan I could have lost his nerve in dealing with trouble in what is his nation's back garden. The start of his reign showed a vibrant willingness to act, especially during humanitarian crises and injustices but this now appears to be tailing off.

Likely, this will mean that the Velahereioi will likely be emboldened in their future actions, seeing that there are little consequences to nakedly invading another nation in order to bolster totalitarian regimes that align with their aims. Although at this point – and likely the near future – Velahereia is amongst the poorest of the southern Argic states and is surrounded by more powerful countries, the reforms that have been put into place by its regime may well start to bear fruit. When or if this happens, the unwillingness of its neighbours to confront it and curb its meddling tendencies may come back to haunt them.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Basilikoploimon Carry Out Joint Exercise with Portogrekiki Navy (@GrecianJorge)

Arhomaiki Navy to Show Solidarity with Southern Alharan Nation

The Logothesion ton Stratiotikou, the Ministry for War, has announced that a group of ships from the Basilikoploimon is to undertake a military exercise with the navy of the Alharan country of Naftikes Omospondeias tes Portogrekoseias. The naval group is rumoured to include one of the Protathlites tou Christou-class aircraft carriers, the BPP Agios Maiorikos. Although Arhomaneia has seen collaboration with many nations in the New Wurld in recent years, this is perhaps the most bold. It is perhaps keyed to be something of a warning to the influence of Megas Angleia in the New Wurld. This is mostly in the form of Mesothalassa, a country made from the remains of the Regaseion tes Fearanntetheias, which was annexed by the Occidental nation over a year ago.

According to the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion, the planned exercise is about building further connections with New Wurld nations. Portogrekoseias is a trading nation with Arhomaiki roots, with numerous immigrants from our holy nation making up the ancestry of many of the current inhabitants. In the past, the Naftikes Omospondeias formed a key stopover point for ships coming from Aurelia and from then on to Europa. Even these days, it is acts in this capacity, as well as a trade route into southern Alharu. This is likely a wise move by our government, especially as the situation in southern Europa becomes even more fraught.

“The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion is keen to build bridges with all nations of the wurld, especially those who value peace and security,” a spokesperson from the Logothesion ton Stratiotikou said to this paper. “This includes undertaking military exercises with countries that Arhomaneia has links with, in order to foster those links and help these nations build their own military capabilities. This is so that they can defend themselves from interference by other powers.”

However, some are questioning the wisdom of this planned joint exercise at a time of rising tensions. The former Fearanntetheia is one of the overseas territories in which Megas Angleia has the most influence, and this naval exercise could be perceived as an implied threat to the aims of the Angleioi in the New Wurld. The aims of the Angleioi need to be curbed and it is likely that the presence of our great navy will help to bring the minions of Regas Creighton III back to reality. They have seen very little overt opposition to their schemes across much of the New Wurld and have even been welcomed with open arms in many countries. The presence of the Basilikoploimon may be just what is necessary to bring them back to reality.

Some consider this move an inflammatory one, considering the rising tension across the wurld. The Kentro Erevnon Exoterikes Politikes (Centre for Foreign Policy Research), an independent foreign policy think-tank based in Europatorion, is one of these voices. KEEP has maintained that Arhomaneia can, and should, find a path of peaceful coexistence with Megas Angleia. Helena Apokauka, the head of the think-tank's Europan affairs wing, said this as part of an interview conducted by this paper. “Although Regas Creighton III has chosen an aggressive course of action, the route Megas Angleia is taking is no different to the one taken by the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion. If the Occident, Europa and the nations that are located here are to regain relevance in the wurld, they must engage with the rest of it. Both nations are going about it through diplomacy, even if Megas Angleia is a bit more forthright in its actions. It would help diffuse wurld tensions if our holy nation would join its efforts with Megas Angleia, as both nations acting together would undoubtedly be an irresistible force.” Despite these voices that are speaking out against the decisions of our God-ordained monarch, the BPP Agios Maiorikos and its escorting force will be setting out shortly to cross the Adlantikos Okeanos, the Adlantic Ocean and to the Sunthetikos Thalassa, the Synthe Sea. There, the aircraft carrier will shine like God's light, reminding the rest of the wurld that God's chosen nation on Eurth has the desire and ability to protect peace on Eurth.

 

Arhomaneia to Step Up Policing of Rhankes Thalassa

Exclusive Economic Zone to be Enforced

For many years, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has taken a somewhat relaxed attitude towards its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Rhankes Thalassa. This body of water, as any Arhomaiki school child knows, is surrounded by territory administered by our nation. Whether the north-eastern coasts of Tzankheia, the peninsula of Vrygeia, the protectorate of Akbiseia, or the Hexanesa, the Rhankes Thalassa is surrounded by Arhomaiki territory. It, along with the Kentriki Thalassa, is one of the home-seas of our nation. Our government has seen fit that nations friendly to Arhomaneia can pursue their own economic goals within the sea, benevolently recognising that anything that strengthens an ally also strengthens Arhomaneia.

Briefly, an EEZ is an area of up 200 nautical miles from a nation's territorial waters. This, through the presence of Arhomaiki territory from the north-eastern point to the south-eastern, means that most of the sea is within this zone. Our nation therefore has sole exploitation rights over all of these waters within that zone, although foreign nations are allowed freedom of navigation and overflight over them. They are also allowed to lay cables through these waters. There are agreements that affect these limits, although there are no other nations in the Occident that have any such agreements with the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion. Therefore, our nation has the sole right to exploit the resources in this body of water.

It is likely that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion is taking this stance due to the deteriorating relations with Megas Angleia and its minion-nations, those that make up the OCA. If our government didn't do this, then it might allow vessels from these nations to gain access to what are essentially territorial waters of Arhomaneia. The Dhioryga tou Isthmou, the Isthmus Canal, is blocked to those nations – that is, vessels bearing those nations flags are banned from using it. They can still enter the Central Europan Seas through the waters surrounding the Hexanesa, which are often known in Anglish as the “Barrier Islands”.

By its own accounts, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion is still interested in foreign investment within the Rhankes Thalassa, although it is on its own terms – foreign businesses wishing to operate any resource extraction operations must be operating through subsidiaries based within our nation, be subject to our nation's taxation, labour and environmental laws – amongst others – and must employ a certain number of Arhomaioi, although this is reportedly up for negotiation. Any foreign military presence, even those supposedly acting as guards, is certainly out of the question. After all, the entire area is within reach of both the Basilikoploimon and the Basilikoaeroporia and therefore entirely under the protection of our nation.

“Asking those foreign nations and companies that have been extracting resources from the Rhankes Thalassa to contribute towards the Arhomaneia is not unreasonable,” said the Genikos Logothetes (Minister for Finance) Valentinian Tzimekhes. “It is especially the case if those are allies of our great nation. After all, Arhomaneia is bearing the brunt of the cost of policing those waters and making sure that our nation's strict but fair environmental measures are not being broken. And bearing the brunt of the cost of the events in southern Europa.”

When asked on what would happen if those foreign companies wouldn't comply with the requests laid down by the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion, the Genikos Logothetes stated that the government would pursue every civil avenue possible, before moving onto harsher methods. He suggested that it might also end up involving the Financial Guard (Vestiaritai) or Border Guard (Foussatores) if the dialogue stage collapsed.

“Our holy nation makes sure that all its allies are operating on a level that is equitable to all, especially when they are within the home waters of Arhomaneia, like the Rhankes Thalassa.”

The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has also stated that any foreign military exercise conducted in the sea will also be monitored closely, by both our nation's navy and air force. Although they have freedom of navigation, foreign powers cannot be allowed to disrupt Arhomaiki economic activities on a whim.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

The Megas Agios Basileia ton Arhomaion is a signatory nation of the Assembled Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as are the vast majority of the nations of Eurth. This treaty, amongst other details, recognises that nations have an area of sea that those nations have sole right to the resources on the sea floor, as well as energy from wind and wave sources, which is measured at 200 nautical miles. This is something that all nations that signed the treaty recognise, and is not something that is routinely challenged, apart from very rare cases. This area is referred to as the Exclusive Economic Zone, which shall be known as the EEZ from here on in.

The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion been so generous to its allies and friends as to allow access to Arhomaiki EEZ and to not closely monitor the situation – beyond any environmental concerns – as it might ought have. Perhaps this was a mistake on the part of Arhomaneia, although it was the decision that allowing other nations to share in the prosperity that our nation's EEZ has on offer would promote trade and cooperation with other nations across Eurth, whether they be Occidental, Europan or from the rest of Eurth. Of course, this has not meant that the seas around Arhomaneia have been a free-for-all, as our nation has still policed the area through both the Basilikoploimon and the Vestiaritai. This was to make sure that lasting environmental damage is not done, and to avoid any conflict arising between the recipients of our nation's largesse.

This is especially true in the case of the Rhankes Thalassa, known to some in Anglish as the Ranke Sea. This body of water is surrounded by lands that are considered to be Arhomaiki, such as the eastern seaboard of mainland Arhomaneia, as well as the Hexanesa. Part of the Rhankes Thalassa is also part of the EEZ of the island nation of Akbiseia, known in Anglish as Akwisia. That country is a protectorate of Arhomaneia, so its EEZ is policed in conjunction to that of Arhomaneia itself, albeit the situation is somewhat more complex than that but need not be discussed at this point.

Due to the situation across Europa and the rest of the wurld, and the rising tension of caused by the actions of the Regaseion tes Megas Angleias (@Great Anglia) and its allies, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion will no longer be so relaxed in its policing or oversight of the EEZ that covers the Rhankes Thalassa, as well as the other EEZ areas projecting from the Hexanesa and Herimitireia. In order to stop nations that are unfriendly or even outrightly hostile to the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion and the Arhomaioi themselves taking advantage of this previous generosity or outstaying their welcome, Arhomaneia will from now on actively protect its sole, sovereign right to the areas recognised as our nation's EEZ. This will be through customs and coast guard assets, as well as the Exerkitos Arhomanos, if need be.

This does not mean that Arhomaneia is against foreign investment in its resources, or of extraction of those same resources from the EEZ areas. This is certainly not the case. However, this will be on the terms of the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion and for the benefit of the Arhomaioi, as well as those nations that wish to utilise the resources of the EEZ. The circumstances will be up for negotiation within the terms laid down by the Logothesion tou Kommerkiarionikou, the Ministry for Trade. Foreign nations or companies may be required to maintain a subsidiary within Arhomaneia, employ a certain number of Arhomaioi and be subject to taxation, labour and environmental laws, as laid down by the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion.

However, those foreign nations or companies may not employ naval assets of their own to protect their facilities or vessels. As the whole area is under the protection of the Arhomaiki armed forces, there will be no need for a permanent foreign military presence, unless agreed to by the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion.

Of course, this exercise of the rights of the Arhomaioi affects neither freedom of navigation or overflight rights across the EEZ areas. However, Arhomaneia reserves the right to closely monitor any and all military exercises that any foreign power undertakes in the Rhankes Thalassa, or other areas recognised as Arhomaiki EEZ, and requests warning beforehand, in order to not disrupt economic activities within that body of water. Foreign powers will not be allowed to trammel across the rights of the Arhomaioi at the drop of a hat.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion Begins to Tighten its Grip over Local Seas

Earlier this month, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion announced that it would be taking a harsher stance on the policing of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) that it has rights to, according to the Assembled Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (ANCLOS). In the aftermath of what is sometimes known as the Age of Alliances in Europa, which took place roughly between EK7513 (AD2005) and EK7520 (AD2012), our government took more of a neutral stance towards foreign nations or companies registered in foreign nations pursuing their own economic interests within our nation's EEZ. This was supposedly to help build economic links with other nations and prevent another outbreak of the almost constant small scale bickering and sporadic warfare that defined this period of Europan history – which consistently threatened to break out into something much worse. It also came at a time when Arhomaneia may have been unable to enforce its own EEZ in the manner that it wished, due to the damage that the Civil War of EK7513 caused on our holy nation. The conflict saw many ships of the Basilikoploimon sustain significant damage, to the point that only a handful of ships larger than the Hippikos-class destroyer were seaworthy in the immediate aftermath.

The decision to enforce the EEZ was explicitly targeted at the Regaseion tes Megas Angleias (@Great Anglia) and its allies. In other times, this would have seen the relations between those nations and ours deteriorate seriously but it seems to have passed almost entirely uncommented upon by Godstone. Perhaps this was moot – at this point, neither our nation nor Megas Angleia is willing to risk an open conflict and it seems that both nations are being cautious when it comes to the outright provocation of the other. That, and the sanctions that Tagmatika placed on Megas Angleia and its allies mean that they have been staying clear of Arhomaneia's territorial waters. It could mean that the announcement was targeted at other nations or it merely serves to illustrate a general breakdown of the international order that has taken place since Megas Angleias invaded Lyseia over a year ago.

That being said, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has emphasised that it is acting within the bounds of international law when it comes to this. The recent statement repeatedly highlighted that it was acting within the bounds of the ANCLOS and that any nations that then chose to ignore that treaty would be in breach of international law. The statement also made clear that it would be the Vestiaritai that would be the main enforcers of this new control, as the appointed coast guard and customs enforcement branch of the Exerkitos Arhomanos. This would be instead of the truly military branches, such as the Basilikoploimon or the Basilikoaeroporia. It is likely felt by our government that this is showing a less confrontational attitude towards the situation of the EEZ but also demonstrating Arhomaneia's control over the area.

“This does not represent an expansion of the remit or the powers of the Vestiaritai,” said Kentarkhes (Captain) Penelope Kastrikia, a spokesperson from the Vestiaritai, who was answering questions put to her organisation by this paper. “This has been the mission of the Vestiaritai for many hundreds of years. We are charged with the protection of the maritime security, economic interests and enforcing the customs control of our nation.”

The Vestiaritai maintain a force of vessels and aircraft that are suited to policing the EEZs of our nation, both in the Rhankes Thalassa, the Thalassa ton Kataigidon and the other, more coastal waters. This includes the 127m long Sakellarios class cutter, which is armed with a suite of modern detection and warning systems, as well as a 57mm automatic cannon and close-in weapons systems. This makes it one of the most formidable ships outside of the Basilikoploimon vessels in the seas under Arhomaiki control. The Fishery Protection Force (Dynami Prostasias Alieias) from the Logothesion ton Agelon will also be monitoring the EEZs in order to keep a close eye on the areas, to make sure foreign vessels are not illegally fishing or using methods such as beam fishing or pulse fishing, which are banned in our waters.

That being said, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion is keen to allow other nations access to the EEZs, although it is clear that it will be on Arhomaneia's terms. The government has stated that any nation or company that wishes to access the resources of the EEZs can only do so through prior agreement with Arhomaneia, as well as complying with Arhomaiki laws whilst operating within them. On the face of it, it seems fair, considering the economic gains that may well be made.

 

Arhomaneia Eyes Multiple Alternative Fuel Types

Since the accession of Kommodos III to the Leopard Throne, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has been pursuing a policy of reducing the nation's environmental impact on Eurth. This follows the personal beliefs of our benevolent monarch, who views the role of the Arhomaioi and the Arhomaiki state as guardians and stewards of God's Eurth, in light of our nation's position as God's chosen nation. This has borne fruit, in the form of the majority of Arhomaneia power being generated by renewable sources and nuclear energy. This has meant that our nation is amongst the cleanest on Eurth when it comes to the electricity utilised by almost all sectors, from the industrial to the domestic.

The reduction of the use of fossil fuels in motor vehicles is the next target that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has set its sights on. Through a trade deal with the government of the Autokrateia tes Megas Zaxarheias (@Zaxar), our nation's industry has been gained ready access to a source of lithium that will help in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles. Electric vehicles have been seen by some as the future when it comes to road vehicles, as well as even construction and agricultural machinery and equipment. Both IKV, the construction machinery manufacturer, and Ioannes Kervos, the agricultural machinery manufacturer, have produced electric excavators and tractors respectively that perform as well as their diesel-fuelled equivalents. These products are currently being offered for sale by both companies.

However, it undeniably comes at a cost – currently around new electric vehicles and equipment are amongst the most expensive options when it comes to new vehicles available to the average Arhomaios. The cost of a new petrol-driven car is roughly Ħ12,000 whilst even the least expensive electric alternative is roughly Ħ24,000. This is much more than the average yearly wage, which is Ħ20,040. There is often no way to economically retrofit older vehicles with electric engines. This means that electric cars are not often chosen by the average worker of our nation.

The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has invested, and encouraged investment, into biofuel. With the reduction in fossil fuel production, Arhomaiki Petrelaio, the state-owned oil company, was directed to convert its facilities over to biofuel production and has become one of the largest producers of it. Privately owned companies were induced to do the same with tax breaks. This also included establishing the infrastructure necessary to allow vehicles capable of using biofuels to refuel. Whilst this infrastructure is often re-utilising established facilities, there is still the cost of converting these. The end result has meant that significant money has been put into an industry that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion may well attempt to render obsolete.

A rise in electric vehicles caused another worry. Biofuels could, at best, be carbon neutral – burning them still causes the release of carbon dioxide into Eurth's atmosphere. With electric vehicles, all the electricity they needed could, in theory, be produced through other means. However, it has been estimated by some experts spoken to by this paper that Arhomaneia doesn't have the capacity to fulfil those needs, alongside the power needs of everything else, whether industrial, domestic or otherwise. This may well mean that electric vehicles are something of a dead end when it comes to vehicles that don't use fossil fuels.

The next answer is hydrogen. The car manufacturers Basilikoi Kinitires and Hippokomos, as well as IKV, have been working with the Mouseion, one of the leading universities and research establishments, to investigate the possibility of hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels in motor vehicles. Reportedly, the Agios Basileos kai Autokrator personally intervened to force these companies to pool research, although no source has come forward to confirm this without requesting anonymity. The combined efforts have been good enough to produce hydrogen conversion kits for petrol-driven vehicles, some costing as little as Ħ1000. This would likely a cheaper and more environmentally-friendly alternative to biofuels, although little of the infrastructure to support hydrogen as fuel is in place. It would cost a significant amount of money to establish it in the same way as either biofuels or electric vehicle charging has been set up.

Whilst the efforts of the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion in attempting to remove our nation's reliance on fossil fuels, one of the problems has been consistency. The three main alternatives have all had a large amount of investment poured into them, rather than focussing on one over the others. If, for example, the government decided to emphasise electric vehicles over the others, it would make all the money put into biofuels or hydrogen redundant. It may well have been more appropriate for our government to have pursued one option, rather than attempting to encourage all.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion and the Arhomaioi watch in dismay as the chaos that started in the southern Occident and western Amutia spreads further wurldwide. It is perhaps not yet entirely clear what, who or which nation is the instigator behind this malaise creeping its way across Eurth, but it is clear that steps must be taken in order to prevent it from reaching other continents. Whilst the Megas Agios Basileia has taken some steps to attempt to starve it of that which fuels it – namely trade – it is becoming clear that this malaise has spread further than initially appreciated.

From Europa, the heart of civilisation on Eurth, it has spread to the New Wurld. More specifically, Aurelia, the rising star of Eurth. First, it was the pernicious actions of southerly Aurelian nation of the Demokrateia ton Akti apo Gounaon, the Republic of Côte de Fourrure, although they care not to admit it, against the Autokrateia ton Megas Zaxareion, the Empire of Great @Zaxar. These actions were little more than state-sponsored terrorism against the brave and noble people of Zaxareia and his majesty, Autokrator Goulielmos I, was forced to take a stand against the heinous actions of his nation's neighbours and declare war, in order to prevent more of his people falling victim to the crimes of the government of Akti apo Gouna.

Arhomaneia took the action of placing sanctions against Akti apo Gouna in the form of sanctions. It is hoped that these sanctions will curb the violence against of that nation, aiming to starve them of funds and resources to wage terroristic action against their neighbours. The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion must also make clear to those who watch the situation in that part of Aurelia that it stands by the Zaxaroi, although a peaceful end to the conflict is in the prayers of all Arhomaioi. Zaxareia is a key partner of Arhomaneia in Aurelia, and it is not the habit of the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion to see its partners so threatened without repurcussion.

However, the situation in Aurelia has deteriorated further. Another nation, the Omospondiaki Demokrateia tes Azoureias, the Federal Republic of Azuria, has seemingly invaded the Demokrateia tes Anateias, the Republic of @Anatea. This is a monstrous action and was apparently without cause and certainly unwarranted, aiming to destabilise the already fraught nature of the political situation in southern and eastern Aurelia. Anateia has long been a beacon of freedom and justice in the wurld and Arhomaneia cannot and will not stand idly by whilst these actions take place. To their eternal credit, the people of the Regaseion tes Loubereias, the Kingdom of @Louvier, sprang to the aid of their neighbour, Anateia. Their people have united against the threat posed by Azoureia and are undoubtedly on the cusp of turning the invaders back.

To this end, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion must state that it supports the actions of both Anateia and Loubereia, although Arhomaneia does not have as close a relationship with either nation as it might. Arhomaneia thoroughly condemns the aggressive war started by Azoureia in unequivocal terms.

There is still time to find a peaceful solution to the invasion and the Azouroi to withdraw from Anateia, though it seems probably that this may not happen. It seems likely that these nations, Azoureia and the Akti apo Gouna, are acting on the behest of another, one that seems keen to sow chaos in the New Wurld in order to profit from it. A nation that has done little more than create similar situations across Eurth.

The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion, therefore, will levy a series of sanctions against the Omospondiaki Demokrateia tes Azoureias. These sanctions are as follows:

• A ban on the sale and export export of arms, ammunition and armaments to Azoureia.
• A ban on the sale and export of raw materials, including but not limited to iron ore, coal, seed oil, petrochemicals.
• A ban on the sale and export of foodstuffs, agricultural goods, farming machinery, transport equipment, heavy machinery.
• A ban on the sale and export of automotive parts, vehicles, machinery.
• A ban on the sale and export of computer equipment, software, hardware, telecommunications equipment.
• Freezing of accounts and financial exchanges relating to the government Azoureia and members of said governments.
• Any vessels, military or civilian, registered in Azoureia or part of its navy will no longer be able to use the Dhioryga tou Isthmou.

It is hoped that this will prevent Azoureia from continuing to pursue aggressive war against Anateia. The embargo will continue until Azoureia has returned their forces to their positions at the start of the conflict and meaningful steps are being taken to ensure peace continues. If steps towards peace are not taken, then the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion reserves the right to increase the severity of the sanctions until such a time as the involved nations realise that peace is in their best interest.

The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion praises the actions of the governments of Zaxareia, Anateia and Loubereia in their resistance to the pernicious enemies that are arrayed against them. It also warns the governments of both Azoureia and Aktí apo Gouna that these sanctions are just the start of the measures that the Megas Agios Basileia can take against them. Harsher sanctions and embargoes are being considered, which will undoubtedly cause suffering amongst their people. Whilst Arhomaneia is not in the habit of purposefully injuring the peoples of nations for the actions of their governments, there are times when pressure must be applied in order to make politicians and leaders accountable for their misdeeds. These are, sadly, those times.

Of course, his Aroman Majesty, Kommodos III, by the Grace of Christ the God, Agios Basileos kai Autokrator ton Arhomaioi kai Isapostolos, leads our nation in prayer, requesting that God change the hearts and minds of the leaders of Azoureia and Akti apo Gouna, so as to lead them away from unjust and unlawful war in Aurelia, against nations who have been the leading light of peace and freedom on that continent. And to turn them away from the whispers issuing from dark hearts that seek to spread misery across the glube for their own gain.

Peace is in the prayers of all true Christians on Eurth.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion Announces Military on a War Footing

The Crisis Takes a Further Turn

This afternoon, in an announcement given in front of a large audience of both internal and international press, Mesazon Gregorios Traiektonos stated that Arhomaneia was to place the Exerkitos Arhomanos in a state of readiness for the possibility of armed conflict. This was to include all of the branches of our nation's armed forces, in the first move of its kind since the Long War. The Mesazon was flanked by Megas Logothetes tou Stratiotikou Honorios Kontarian, as well as a senior officer from each of the branches of the Exerkitos Arhomanos. Until now, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has been seemingly slowly making preparations for any conflict with other nations, including withdrawing soldiers from Ceris and surveys of the border regions of Arhomaneia. This announcement by the Mesazon demonstrates the extent to which the international situation has deteriorated over the last few months.

When asked why this was happening at this moment by this paper, and whether it was aimed at any particular threat that the Megas Agios Basileia was facing, Mesazon Traiektonos answered with the following reply:

“The move of getting our armed forces ready for a possible future conflict is not something that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion takes lightly. It is a demonstration that all peaceful methods have not been as successful as would have been preferred. However, it is increasingly clear that our nation's allies and friends are under threat and it is time that Arhomaneia make a stand against that.”

The Mesazon also went on to say that the reservist forces of the Exerkitos Arhomanos are to be given programmes for the mobilisation. This is, again, something that has not happened since the early stages of the Long War. Mesazon Traiektonos warned that any conflict will not be brief.

“Arhomaneia has weathered many storms in the past and there is no doubt that we will weather this one. Our nation has lasted over two and a half thousand years and will last for at least that again. Any conflict will require some hardship, but it there is no doubt that Arhomaneia and its allies will be victorious. It is clear, however, that this may be beyond the scale of the wars and battles that the Megas Agios Basileia has seen in the last few decades but, as God's chosen nation on Eurth, we will see it through.”

This is a marked escalation in the stance of our government, which has so far been to attempt to punish those provoking conflict through sanctions and other economic measures. The list of nations that have had sanctions has increased since the start of the year and has come to include the nations in Aurelia that have been deemed to be a threat to others and that are undertaking aggressive war against their neighbours. The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion had also authorised shipments of arms to the Autokrateia ton Megas Zaxareion (@Zaxar) , as well as sending significant sums of money to the Demokrateia tes Anateias (@Anatea) and Regaseion tes Loubereias (@Louvier). These three Aurelian nations are currently in conflict with countries that are aligned with the Occidental-Azanian Pact.

The last few months have seen the political atmosphere on Eurth grow ever more tumultuous. There are few corners of our wurld that seem to have avoided the meddlesome actions of the Regaseion tes Megas Angleias (@Great Anglia). At first, it was our own Europa that suffered the brunt of the schemes of Regas Kreitonos III and his government of warmongers, who seem to have been aiming to subjugate much of the west of our continent and plunder what was left. They also appear to have drawn greedy souls to their side by promising the riches of the New Wurld to those who would aid them.

Either way, the activation of the Exerkitos Arhomanos will mark a new phase in the crisis that has permeated Eurth for the last year, as well as an intensification. It is unknown at this stage what will follow but it will likely mean that further conflict is on the horizon. It shows that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion now regards open conflict with Megas Angleia as inevitable. It is not yet known whether how much of this conflict will take place in Europa or the New Wurld but it will likely affect the life of almost every Arhomaioi.

Without any doubt, however, is the fact that our nation has God on its side and, through Him, victory is assured.

 

Regas Kreitonos III, the Greatest Man of Our Age

War Spread Across Eurth at the Behest of One Man

His majesty, Regas Kreitonos III of Megas Angleia is an astounding man, with a breadth of vision and strength of will that has rarely been seen before. Only historical figures such as Andreas, Methodianos or perhaps Kalemiras from distant Aurelia can be said to have had as much influence over their generations as his majesty Kreitonos. It is certainly a shame that his majesty's brilliance seems to be governed by his moral myopia, closed-mindedness and willingness to surround himself with vultures and lackeys. It is cannot be doubted that his majesty's name will be remembered for decades, if not centuries, to come, although it will be as a foul, Godless warmonger who didn't possess the moral ability to try to peacefully cooperate with any other nation.

The Angleioi have now invaded or made war on every continent on Eurth, apart from Antargis. Although who knows when they might try to claim parts of that frozen continent for their own ends? Their own troops – or those of their allies – can be seen almost everywhere and all the while they claim that their mission is friendly and peaceful or at least neutral and non-aggressive. These are perhaps some of the most bare-faced lies in the history of Eurth. Ultimately, they are waging a war to attempt to subjugate the rest of the Eurth because their government and monarch are seemingly collectively unable to consider a peaceful alternative. This is, of course, in stark contrast to our own God-guided monarch, who has guided our own nation to economic and political success by treating foreign nations, some of which have been remarkable in their differences to our own holy Arhomaneia, as equals.

The recent actions of the Autokrateia tes Makhaireias, the Empire of Dolchland, has also sent shock waves throughout southern Argis, especially since it seems that they had been receiving arms shipments from Megas Angleia over the last few months. The Makhaireiki invasion of Koinopoliteia tes Ivenlandeias, Commonwealth of Iwenland, the demonstrated that Argis is likely at a tipping point. The Boreioadlantiki Enosi, the North Adlantic Union, has formed a defensive pact to attempt to halt any more Angleiki meddling in Argis, although it remains to be seen whether or not it is too little, too late. This is perhaps another example of the brilliance of his majesty, Kreitonos III. He has successfully united Argis in a manner that has not been seen in a long while, if ever. Unfortunately for his majesty, it is almost entirely against him. Bar the Makhaireioi, few other nations seem to have fallen for the Angleiki lies about a prosperous future.

In another example of his majesty's dubious successes, Arhomaneia is gearing up for a large scale conflict, something not seen in almost a century. Our nation's preparations are likely in response to the events in Argis, especially since the southern and eastern parts of the continent has several nations that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion considers key partners, such as the Regaseion tou Seilosiou and the Evgenís Demokrateía tes Sekriaeias, the Noble Republic of Secryae. Any conflict in the Makhaira Thalassa is likely to end up involving our nation's forces there, which are not inconsiderable. Such as they are, they include an aircraft carrier and its attendant forces, which have been policing the seas around Ceris since the crisis on that island, as well as several divisions of the Basilikostratos, which have been present as peacekeepers in Sekriaeia for as long as well.

In the end, it is clear that his majesty, Kreitonos III, is little more than a short-sighted, bloody warmonger. The path that the wurld is now being forced down is not the one that could have been chosen. If his majesty truly had the love of God in his heart – as he professes, due to the fact that Megas Angleia is a Christian nation – then he would have attempted to integrate his nation peacefully with the rest of Eurth. Instead, the Angleioi have chosen to make up for their own failed policies and ideals by lashing out against the rest of the wurld. It is certainly disappointing that they have been able to find enough of a gang of equally weak and failed individuals to back them up. It is, however, clear that they have bitten off more that they can chew and that the wurld is beginning to fight back. It is a process that will only end in the defeat of Megas Angleia and its lackeys.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

My fellow Arhomaioi, I am speaking to you at a moment of great importance, both for our nation and that of Eurth.

At 11:40 yesterday morning, at my request, the Megas Logothetes ton Barbaron submitted an ultimatum to the government of the Autokrateia tes Makhairakeias (the Empire of Dolchland), demanding that it cease its conflict against the Koinopoliteia tes Delamareias (the Commonwealth of @Delamaria), the Regaseion tou Seilosiou (the Kingdom of @Seylos) and the Koinopoliteia tes Ivenlandeias, (the Commonwealth of Iwenland). Schlammburg was given twenty-four hours to comply with this ultimatum. As of 11:40 this morning, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion had received no reply.

Therefore the Megas Agios Basileia ton Arhomaion is at war with Makhairakeia.

It was hoped that the ultimatum given to the government of Makhairakeia would be enough to turn them back from the course they had set for themselves. Either they did not take it seriously or believed that our ultimatum was hollow, and that there was nothing that they had to fear.

Obviously, this is not the case. The Arhomaiki military is one of the most powerful on Eurth and it is ready to fight for justice, freedom and peace. It is clear that the degradation of the situation in southern Argis has reached a point that Arhomaneia could no longer stand idly by and allow it to play out further without intervening. Makhairakeia had been acting aggressively to all of its neighbours even before it undertook the illegal and unprovoked attack upon Ivenlandeia, which has also spiralled into a conflict with two close partner nations of Arhomaneia. This is unacceptable to the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion, to the Arhomaioi and to God.

The forces of the Exerkitos Arhomanos will strike bravely and truly against those who shatter God's peace and make unjust war against the peace-loving people of Ivenlandeia. Force appears to be the only thing that the government of Makhairakeia will understand and it will be what they receive. The Basilikoploimon units stationed in the Makhaira Thalassa, the Dolch Sea, and the Basilikoaeroporia units in the Evgenis Demokrateía tes Sekriaeias, the Noble Republic of Secryae, are already setting into motion plans to help Delamareia and Seiloseia turn back the forces arrayed against them.

It is, however, to be expected that this declaration of war will cause the conflict to break out in Europa. Makhairakeia had joined the Occidental-Azanian Pact in Septemvrios and it likely the other members of the pact will now act on its terms. Arhomaneia has been preparing for the eventuality of this for some time and the Exerkitos Arhomanos will hold strong and defeat any attempts to invade God's chosen nation and prevent us from doing His work.

Belief in God and true Arhomaiki spirit will see us through these troubling times and prevail against those who threaten the wurld. God defends the right and any side with the Arhomaioi on it is, by definition, the right. We are fighting against oppression, injustice and exploitation. This will be the beginning of the end of a crisis that has been brewing across Eurth for several years, one that started with the annexation of Lyseia and spread from there to southern Europa and then across the oceans to Aurelia. It has been driven by the greed and entitlement of nations and people who have offered our wurld little in exchange for their demands, apart from conflict and death.

I know that you, the Arhomaioi, will play will play your part in this with calmness, courage and faith.

Kommodos III,

By the Grace of Christ the God,

Agios Basileos kai Autokrator ton Arhomaioi kai Isapostolos

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Arhomaneia Declares War on Makhairakeias

The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has declared war against the Autokrateia tes Makhairakeias. An ultimatum given on 24th of Oktovrios by our government for Makhairakeia, giving them twenty-four hours to cease their invasion of the Koinopoliteia tes Ivenlandeias (the Commonwealth of Iwenland) and to stop making war against the the Koinopoliteia tes Delamareias (the Commonwealth of @Delamaria), the Regaseion tou Seilosiou (the Kingdom of @Seylos) or face war against Arhomaneia. This ultimatum went unanswered by Schlammburg, which meant that the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion declared war on Makhairakeia.

Several minutes after the ultimatum elapsed, the forces of the Basilikoploimon in the Makhaira Thalassa (the Dolch Sea) began to strike targets on the southern coast of Makhairakeia. These attacks are against facilities identified by our intelligence services as military, such as radar stations, missile batteries and air bases. Due to the ongoing nature of the conflict, there has yet to be any reports of either success or failure, as most attention is paid to the ongoing invasion of Ivenlandeia. The Seilosiki monarch, Regas Aidanos I, is in personal attendance on the island nation, directing his forces in the defence of Ivenlandeia. The bravery of the young monarch is perhaps outweighed by his headstrong nature, although it cannot be said that his majesty lacks courage. It does seem as if Aidanos' personal supervision is not quite enough. So far, the forces of Makhairakeia have been able to take much of the eastern coast of the island nation, along with several large cities. So far, it does not seem that the Makhairakeioi have slowed down at all, although it is likely that the attacks on their rear will draw the attention of their military away from the island.

The declaration of war by the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion marks a deepening of the crisis that has shaken Eurth for the last few years. Although the message by his Aroman Majesty, Kommodos III, by the Grace of Christ the God, Agios Basileos kai Autokrator ton Arhomaioi kai Isapostolos, was clear that Arhomaneia would weather any storm that would now occur, the wurld holds its breath. The longer the government of Regaseion tes Megas Angleias takes to respond to our nation's declaration of war, the weaker their position looks. At the moment, it appears that Makhairakeia has been virtually thrown under the bus by Godstone, as it has been more than a week since Tagmatika declared war against one of the members of the Occidental-Azanian Pact. If the Angleiki government and its minion-nations take too long to respond to the attacks on Makhairakeia, then it will show that their words are hollow and that any military alliance with them is not worth the paper that it is written on.

It could be the fact that Makhairakeia has foolishly thrown itself into a two front war, which has now become a three front war with the declaration of war by our holy nation. In the east, they are fighting Delamareia and Seiloseia, the premier powers in that part of Argis. To their north, they have provoked the Laiki Demokrateia tes Velahereias (Democratic People's Republic of Velaheria (@DPR Velaheria)) through demands for territorial concessions that no country could willing agree to. Whatever one's thoughts upon the Velahereioi, their abilities and the regime that rules them, the provocation by the Makhairakeioi may not have been something that Godstone wished to happen. There is a chance that Regas Kreitonos III has hung his allies out to dry and is focussing his attention on other theatres, such as Aurelia, or is using them as a distraction whilst his pernicious schemes bear foul fruit elsewhere.

With conflict to their north, east and now south, there may well be the question in the minds of the ordinary Makhairakeioi as to why this is even happening and what eventual end it might have. Certainly, peaceful cooperation with Arhomaneia has benefited Argic nations in the past and recently. This has included trade deals with Delamereia and Seiloseia, as well as economic support and rebuilding efforts in the Evgenis Demokrateía tes Sekriaeias (the Noble Republic of Secryae). Many of the ordinary citizens of Makhairakeia may begin to wonder why they are fighting a war at the behest of a nation that has yet to involve itself, as the costs to their own country and fellow citizens begin to mount. Sooner or later, they will start to question the wisdom of the actions of Schlammburg and wonder if an end to the war would not be the better course of action.

 

Economic Cost of War Begins to Mount

The crisis caused by Regas Kreitonos III and his cabal of warmongers is grinding on through its second year and it is likely not yet clear how much damage it has done to the wurld economy. The most obvious point is the sanctions that many nations levied against the nations of the Occidental-Azanian Pact (OCA) in the immediate aftermath of the conquest of Lyseia and the brief conflict with the Demokrateia tou Kyptou, the Republic of Qubdi. This caused some short-term economic shocks, since all the Occidental members of the OCA were significant trading partners of Arhomaneia. The Megas Regaseion tes Souberinas, the Great Queendom of Suverina, for example, was an importer of Arhomaiki grain until the imposition of the sanctions. Since many other nations have also placed these on the OCA nations, there have been ripples across the entirety of the wurld.

This goes beyond just the effects of sanction and counter-sanction, however. Now that much of Aurelia has also become embroiled in war, the wurld economy is suffering from shortages of other resources. The Autokrateia ton Megas Zaxareion, the Empire of Great @Zaxar, is the largest producer of lithium, a rare Eurth metal used in a huge range of products, from batteries to medicines to specialised industrial applications. Now that Zaxareia is at war with Demokrateia ton Akti apo Gounaon (the Republic of Côte de Fourrure) this supply to the rest of the wurld has been significantly disrupted, driving up prices that have had a knock-on effect with a massive range of products and in many different industries. Zaxareia is also one of the largest producers of grain in the southern hemisphere and it seems likely that the conflict will also have impact that, driving prices up. This could, of course, help Arhomaiki farmers who have been suffering due to the sanctions placed against the OCA. So long, of course, the trade routes to other parts of Eurth remain open and viable.

Another impact of the war in Aurelia has been on aluminium. This is another metal that Aurelia is one of the largest producers of, especially the Autokrateia tes Megas Shioeias, the Empire of Great @Xio. Although our own nation has, and still is to some extent, a producer of aluminium ores, the difference in cost rendered it almost economically unviable. However, with Shioeia invaded by another minion-nation of Megas Angleia, wurld supply has been significantly hit. There are reports that the invaders have gone so far as to strip factories of their machinery and kidnap the technicians that run them. Even if the conflict in the area were to stop at this point, the aftermath of this would be felt for years to come and it would likely take significant investment for aluminium production to reach previous levels. The Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion, especially the Logothesion tou Kommerkiarionikou – the Ministry for Trade – and the Logothesion tes Viomichanías – the Ministry of Industry – are beginning to investigate whether large-scale production could begin again in Arhomaneia. However, this is unlikely to do much to reduce the price rises that the Arhomaioi themselves will face in the coming months and it may only end up covering the shortfall in the international supply caused by the Shioeiki production being so disrupted.

It must also be realised that we may well be at the start of the conflict, especially in Europa. Regaseion tes Megas Angleias, the Kingdon of Great Anglia, has not yet made any moves in the conflict beyond supplying weapons to some of its proxies and minions. The Amnalos Thalassa remains something of a potential flashpoint and one that would draw in the forces of TRIDENT, whether under the terms of that agreement or through close allies wishing to support each other outside of the terms. There have also been no obvious actions by Megas Regaseion tes Souberinas, the Great Queendom of Suverina, either. There is certainly the potential that the Arhomaioi may end up counting the cost of this conflict beyond broken supply chains and money being sent to help out allies and friends abroad. War could still yet touch Arhomaneia's soil directly. This is something that his Aroman Majesty, Kommodos III, by the Grace of Christ the God, Agios Basileos kai Autokrator ton Arhomaioi ton Isapostolos directly acknowledged in the declaration of war. It is something that our government and armed forces have prepared for but the true cost of it will not be known until the dust has settled, however long that might be in the future. May God see us through these troubling times.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Trade is the lifeblood of nations, without which few nations would survive, and fewer still could maintain the standards to which their citizens are used to. Trade also ties the nations of the wurld together and, through this, it is often hoped that there can be a more peaceful Eurth. This was – and still is – one of the policies pursued by the Holy Imperial Government, as it is thought that encouraging these links meant that the peoples of our Eurth would be less inclined to undertake conflict with one another. These ideals are also held by all civilised and peace-loving nations on Eurth, ones that Aromania stands shoulder to shoulder with, in the defence of all that we hold dear.

As trade is the lifeblood of nations, it also represents the sinews of war. Those nations that make up the Occidental-Azanian Pact (OCA) have attempted to forge the otherwise-reciprocal links of trade through conflict and conquest, blood and misery. They have no wish that those links are equitable, they merely wish to seize what they want and exploit the other nations of Eurth.

The time has now come for the trade links to the nations that make up the OCA to be severed. All nations that are not within the OCA yet continue to trade with the OCA are, without any doubt, contributing to those nations' war efforts. Efforts that see conflict inflict pain and suffering on Argis, on Aurelia and on Europa.

To continue to trade with the OCA is to fund the war against the nations of Europa, Argis and Aurelia that still stand against the actions of the OCA. It is to fund the war against nations and peoples of @Advocatius, @Anatea, @Gallambria, Great @Xio, @Ionio, @Iverica, Iwenland, @Louvier, Machina @Haruspex, Qubdi, @Seylos, @Stedoria, @Tagmatium Rules, @Zaxar, @DPR Velaheria, and all the peaceful peoples of Eurth. Whilst those who do continue to trade may wish to claim that they are not taking sides, that they are selling to both sides of the conflict, that they are aiding both equally, the Holy Imperial Government rejects this idea. It is self-deceiving at best and an outright lie broadcast to the rest of the wurld at worst. It is clear from the events of the past several years that there is an alliance of aggressor nations and that it is the rest of the Eurth that is attempting to defend against this. The OCA has an imperialist desire to exploit all the other nations of Eurth. Nations that wish to try to find a middle path will merely find themselves so exploited, too, if the OCA are successful in their aims.

Therefore, the Holy Imperial Government calls on all of those nations that still stand on the sidelines to cease trading with the OCA and all those nations that are affiliated with the OCA. At this point, Aromania will not offer anything other than condemnation to those that persist in trading after this point. But wurld that comes after this conflict will remember that persistence in aiding the OCA. Those nations may choose to not actively aid those arrayed against the OCA if they so wish, if that soothes their conscience. If they feel that is too much like picking a side. But continuation of trade with the OCA, however, is will be considered to be what it is – funding war against all the free nations on Eurth.

May God grant those nations, governments and people mercy, and may the scales to fall from their eyes.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Ivenlandeia Liberated!

Basilikoploimon frees Argic Island from OCA

Another months of bitter fighting on the island of Ivenlandeia (Iwenland), the forces of Megas Angleia's Argic minion, the Autokrateia tes Makhairakeias (the Empire of Dolchland), have capitulated. This has been in no small part to the ships and crews of the Basilikoploimon, who have been battling the Angleiki puppet for many months. The navy of our great nation have been devastating the the southern and western coasts of Makhairakeia in an eight month long campaign that has brought war to the aggressive nation. Whilst all conflict is a deplorable act, against God's plan of peace for all Eurth, there are times when it must be pursued, especially against a nation that is itself aggressive and making war against all of its neighbours.

The final act in the invasion of Ivenlandeia took place when the 3rd Carrier Group, commanded by Navarkhos Metrofanes Kamytzes, moved into the Iweland Strait and began to strike Makhairakiki. This prevented any attempts by the invaders to retreat from Ivenlandeia as the tide turned against them there. This means that, as well as inflicting significant damage on the military and transportation infrastructure of western Makhairakeia, the Basilikoploimon is the main factor in the defeat of the invaders. There were initial fears amongst those in the Logothesion tou Stratiotikou, as well as other observers of the conflict, that there could be a last-minute operation by the Makhairakiki to evacuate its forces, whether using its military shipping or even conscripting civilian vessels in order to extract its defeated armies.

However, this did not come to pass. The main reason of this was undoubtedly fear of the Arhomaiki present in the area – our God-blessed and victorious navy kept the Makhairakiki forces in their bases due to their sheer presence. If their naval forces had sallied out, then their destruction would have been completely assured. However, the Epistrategaion has still been following its policy of destruction against the Makhairakeioi, so attempting to hide from our navy's wrath has been unsuccessful. It has not yet been reported how many enemy vessels have been sunk but it is likely to be a significant number.

It is not yet known how this crushing defeat will affect the schemes of Schlammburg. A large proportion of their forces are now prisoners of war in Iwenland. They are unlikely to released any time soon, as there would be the fear that these forces be utilised to try to stop Makhairakeia from any suffering any future repercussions from their own actions. As it is, the Autokrateia has suffered enormous damage to its transport networks on its western and southern coasts – the Basilikoploimon targeted both military and civilian infrastructure to cripple Makhairakeia's war effort.

As it is, Makhairakeia is currently being attacked from the north, a counter-invasion after Schlammburg attacked its northern neighbours last year. This counter-invasion is supported by the Basilikoploimon, with officers from our navy embedded in the ranks of our allies in order to guide the strikes of our ships and aircraft. This counter-invasion is being resisted so it seems as if the Argic minion of the Occidental-Azanian Pact (OCA) has yet to totally collapse. So far, the Agios Basilikon Kounsistorion has ruled out any sort of landing against Makhairakeia. This is primarily because of the logistics of the situation, as it would be difficult to move the large number of forces necessary across the Adlantikos Okeanos, the Adlantic Ocean, with the still-present threat of Angleiki submarines, despite the defeat of their surface navy.

Still, the situation seems dire for Makhairakeia. Much of their navy has been destroyed, a significant portion of their forces defeated and they have been invaded from the north. It would be wise for the Schlammburg government to surrender, thereby saving the ordinary Makhairakeioi from more suffering. They have also been totally abandoned by Megas Angleia – other than sending some advanced weaponry at the start of the campaign and a smattering of air defence troops. At no other point did their own allies attempt to support them, even during the point when the Angleiki navy could have caused a huge amount of disruption to the war effort against the Makhairakeioi. Undoubtedly, this shows how Godstone cares nothing for its allies and is merely using them for its own gain.

May God see to it that the schemes of Megas Angleia do not last for much longer.

 

The Mad Regas Kreitonos III

Angleiki Government Policy – is Lead Poisoning to Blame?

It has been clear for some time that the government of Megas Angleia has not been making the best choices of late. At the start of the so-called Angleia Crisis, otherwise known as the Grand War, Wurld War or even by the Fragran name, Terrabellum, it seemed that all was going well for Regas Kreitonos III. He had pulled much of western Europa into an alliance and was making his will known across the Eurth. The other nations of Eurth, including our own holy nation, were not entirely keen on opposing the will of Kreitonos. Instead, the preferred action was to place sanctions on Megas Angleia, rather than outright confronting Godstone. This was despite the fact that it was clear that Godstone was intent on forcing its will on other nations through through political bullying or force of arms. In both Aurelia and Argis, Kreitonos and his minions stoked nationalism and irredentism in its local allies, in order for them to wage aggressive war against their own neighbours and further spread misery and strife across Eurth.

Although at first it seemed as if the actions of Megas Angleia were paying off – the multipolar state of Eurth geopolitics seemed to have shifted to one that was roughly defined by either being a member of the Occidental-Azanian Pact or opposed to it. This has arguably solidified since open conflict has broken out but it is as yet unknown how it will survive the post-conflict wurld. However, it seems as if the Angleiki leadership has taken increasingly erratic actions since the mid-point of the conflict. One of the first of these was the direct attack on Omospondiaki Koinopoliteia ton Nea Iberion, the Federated Commonwealth of New Iberium (@Iverica), one of the foremost military powers of Eurth. Another was encouraging Autokrateia tes Makhairakeias (the Empire of Dolchland) to attack its neighbours but lending very little support, even so far as ignoring the supply movements of our own Basilikoploimon across the Adlantikos Okeanos, the Adlantic Ocean. Thirdly was the utter disaster that was the attempt to invade the Eniaio Synkrotima ton Galahindon, the Unitary Conglomerate of @Galahinda. This resulted in a significant proportion of the Angleiki navy being either sunk or captured.

Many of these decisions could be interpreted as risky gambles. Others seem to be almost inexplicable. There might be a logical explanation for it, one rooted in something seemingly innocuous – lead.

Lead was frequently used for plumbing in ancient times, although it began to be phased out towards the end of the EK7300s in both Arhomaneia, Adaptos (@Adaptus) and other areas of the civilised wurld, as evidence abounded about how poisonous it could be. Our nation's plumbing, once famously made of lead, has been replaced by copper, ceramics and other materials for well over one hundred years. It was also used as an antiknock agent in petrol, and again increasing awareness of its potential harm led to anti-air pollution legislation in the EK7480s. The sale of leaded petrol was finally banned in Arhomaneia in EK7505 (AD1997), with Adaptos following several years later.

However, due to Megas Angleia's attitude towards government involvement in its economy, and willingness to see less regulation than other nations, it took longer for the proscriptions on the use of lead to come into place. This means that much of the country's population has been exposed to lead, in both the air and water, for much longer than many other nations on Eurth. Even the Imperial Palace in Godstone is known to have lead plumbing until the turn of the EK7500s. Exposure to lead over a long period can result lead poisoning, which can have a significant impact on a person's behaviour and health. It can result in cognitive impairment, irritability, personality changes and delirium. In children, exposure to lead can lead to poor impulse control and increased violence. There are even theories that it explains rising crime rates during the last half of the previous century.

This could go some way to explaining the actions of Regas Kreitonos and his government. Many of them, especially those who are older, such as his majesty himself, have been exposed to significant amounts of lead over the course of their lives. This means that they could well be suffering from the debilitating effects of lead poisoning and are unable to judge the impact of their actions properly. Megas Angleia is led by a mad monarch, possibly suffering from severe lead poisoning and no longer in true control of his faculties.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Holy Imperial Government announces Massive Naval Expansion

Last month, the Holy Imperial Government released a defence white paper to little fanfare, despite the fact that it revealed one of the largest naval building programmes ever undertaken by any nation. It involved the construction or procurement of 258 vessels and 530 aircraft and was predicted to cost A$120 billion over the course of a decade. The white paper, titled “Naval Defence of the Greater Holy Empire of the Aromans and Conflict in a Changing Wurld – Plan 7542”, would take the Imperial Navy from being a strong navy to likely one of the most powerful on Eurth. The white paper also explicitly laid out the idea that Aromania needed to be more interventionist and aimed to give our nation the means to do so.

As the white paper itself stated, many of the vessels used by the Imperial Navy are beginning to become outdated, with many of the larger vessels being over thirty years old. The aim of the plan is to replace these with modern vessels, as well as vastly increase the number of vessels like landing craft and logistics ships. By expanding the number of these kinds of ships, the ability of Aromania to land troops almost anywhere on Eurth will be increased. The Greater Holy Empire under his Aroman Majesty, Kommodos III has always followed a course of interventionism in international affairs and it seems as if the end of the Anglian War will not change this.

Surprisingly, there has been little comment on it from other nations and it does not seem that many foreign press outlets have caught on, either. Whether this was an intentional move by the Holy Imperial Government or not is unknown – it may well just be that the wurld has become inured to stories about warfare, conflict and military matters and therefore it has slid by.

Some have suggested that such a large naval expansion at this time is precisely the sort of move that would inflame the situation across the wurld. The Kentro Erevnon Exoterikes Politikes (Centre for Foreign Policy Research, KEEP), an independent foreign policy think-tank based in Europatorion, took the stance that the naval expansion would make the wurld less stable and that the Holy Imperial Government was undertaking a scheme that could even threaten wurld peace.

“Despite the end of the Anglian War, much of Eurth remains on a knife-edge,” said Helena Apokauka, a spokesperson from KEEP. “Whilst it seems to make sense for Aromania to bolster its military to make any attack against our holy nation less likely, it may make many other nations on Eurth nervous or feel threatened. This is especially true of the other naval powers of Eurth, like the North Adlantic Union (@Seylos) or the Kingdom of @Gallambria. The Adlantic might become a front line in a new war.”

This may be alarmist but it certainly could be the case. Even the allies of Aromania might look at the naval expansion with some concern. If the programme goes as laid out within the white paper, it would bring the size of the Imperial Navy to almost five hundred vessels. This might cause worry amongst many smaller nations on Eurth, especially since the last few years have seen repeated examples of what might be seen as imperialistic actions by Europan nations – not just the actions of the Kingdom of Great Anglia but the recent coup undertaken by the Orinese Empire (@Orioni) in Velaheria.

The white paper also highlights the environmental impact of the plan. There have been no independent studies undertaken as to how the construction and operation of so many vessels and aircraft might impact the levels of greenhouse gases emitted by Aromania. It is likely to be a huge amount and it is unknown how much of an impact the measures outlined by within the plan will affect the amount of emissions that are likely to be produced.

Plan 7542 also covers a planned increase in the defence spending of Aromania, taking it from 4.5% of the nation's GDP to 5%. This would mean that defence spending would be A$277 billion, second to that of Adaptus. It remains to be seen whether Aromania can afford this in the long run. A increase in defence spending when Eurth seems to be shifting away from a wurld-encompassing conflict may be something of a poorly judged move and Aromania ought to be focussing on peace, rather than conflict.

 

Naval Forces withdrawn from Dolch Sea

The Ministry of War (MoW) has announced that much of the large naval force currently based in the Ceriser nation of Secryae is to be withdrawn within the next few weeks, beginning with the aircraft carrier BPP Agios Pantaleon and its carrier strike group. This vessel and its group have been in the Dolch Sea since the start of the Ceris Crisis and it has been determined by the Imperial Navy that it is time that these vessels are moved back to the Occident for maintenance. The rest of the naval forces in the area are to be moved back to Aromania in the coming weeks. This includes the forces that were sent to monitor the situation developing in Velaheria, as it is felt that the situation no longer needs a carrier strike group monitoring it. The Ministry of War was keen to emphasise that peace in both Ceris and the wider Dolch Sea area is one of the highest priorities to Aromania and that this movement of vessels does not mean that our holy nation is turning away from its commitments.

“Aroman forces have fought hard to bring peace and security to all of the nations around the Dolch Sea and the wider south-eastern Argis area,” said a spokesperson from the Ministry of War. “This withdrawal of forces represents a move away from a war footing and towards a normalisation of the situation in the Dolch Sea, not the abandonment of our allies and friends in Secryae or the North Adlantic Union. Aromania will be maintaining a significant armed forces presence based in the Dolch Sea for the foreseeable future.”

Although the MoW has not made public the size of the naval force being sent to replace the forces under Epinarvarkhos Stylianos Ethelred, it is thought by military analysts that it will consist of a surface action group, supported by several frigate squadrons and perhaps even submarines. A surface action group consists of a Protosebastos-class guided missile cruiser and a Limanion-class light aircraft carrier and numerous other vessels, including destroyers. This remains a sizeable deployment by the Imperial Navy, and there are a variety of reasons for that.

The first is that the Sentists remain a threat to all of the nations of Ceris and Aromania will need those forces in the area if the fanatical cult makes a resurgence from the south of the island. A strong naval presence is also reinforced by large Imperial Army and Imperial Air Force units deployed across Ceris.

The second is that the full fallout of the actions by the Empire of Orioni within Velaheria remain to be seen. The Orinese coup shocked most of the nations of Eurth and it was the most proactive move by the Oriental nation in many years. Many of the other capitals of Eurth will not have forgotten that the Orinese, and their Entente of Oriental States, was content to let the other powers of Eurth do all of the heavy lifting against the Occidental-Azanian Pact during the Anglian War. The reaction towards the coup was mixed – many governments condemned the action as imperialistic whilst others pointed out the fact that the Velaherian regime was amongst the most oppressive and totalitarian on Eurth and that no other was taking steps towards freeing the Velaherian people. There have been rumblings from the Stedorian People's Republic that they might invade to reinstall the ousted Starinburg regime but this has yet to go beyond what seem to be empty threats.

Overall, it is not surprising that the Holy Imperial Government does not see the end of the Dolch War as a time to completely withdraw Aroman military forces from south-eastern Argis. The area remains one of the most fractious on Eurth. Many of the recent crises that have rocked Eurth have been in this area of Argis. Nations seem to have a habit of rising and falling remarkably quickly in this part of Eurth, or at the very least violent regime changes seem to be very common. In this regard, there are similarities to the atmosphere in pre-Collapse Europa. Our own continent has become much calmer over the last few decades and it is to be hoped that, God willing, the same pattern might emerge in Argis.

However, this peace can be shattered and it is only likely through cooperation between nations that any peace will be maintained. Actions like those of the Orinese do stretch the hard-won peace in the aftermath of the Anglian War to its very limit. It had been hoped that the new Orinese government under Edric Kageni would have been more willing than his predecessors to work with the other powers of Eurth but it seems that Mr Kageni might be more willing to take unilateral actions and ignore the opportunity for cooperation.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Steel Cutting Ceremony Held

The First Step to Aroman Naval Supremacy

The first of the steel cutting ceremonies for the new vessels of the Imperial Navy, announced as part of Plan 7542, was held today. The first vessel will be constructed at the Petrion Naval Yard, and this is the first part of that construction process. The vessel, currently designated Medium-weight Carrier 1 (MWC1) will be the lead ship in the Protomartyr-class, a new class of aircraft carrier for the Imperial Navy. Often, the steel-cutting ceremony is not one that is attended by the high personages of the Holy Imperial Government, but the Grand Minister of War, Honorios Kontarian, activated the machine in person. Also in attendance were numerous other government officials and naval officers, as well as the Metropolitan of Petrion, Ioasafos VI. His Eminence performed a blessing for the ceremony, for the construction to go smoothly and safely.

“This marks the beginning of a new phase in the history of our holy nation and that of Eurth,” Grand Minister Kontarian said after turning on the steel cutting machine. “This vessel, her sister ships and all the other vessels that are to be built by Aromania will help to ensure wurld peace and a stronger Greater Holy Empire. The events of the Anglian War will never again come to pass.”

His Most Gloriousness also went on to say how the naval construction programme will also secure jobs across the Greater Holy Empire, as many other vessels are to be built in both shipyards owned by the Imperial Navy and by civilian companies. As well as the 258 ships that make up the programme, over 530 aircraft are also going to be built as part of the A$120 billion upgrade and expansion of the Imperial Navy. He also mentioned how part of the Plan will also see significant tree planting and re-wilding efforts, led by the new Inter-Ministerial Working Group for Mitigation of the Environmental Effects of Plan 7542. This is likely to head off the criticism that such a large shipbuilding programme will have lasting environmental impacts, even beyond just the construction of the ships.

When asked about the comments made by the new Orinese (@Orioni) Chairperson, Edric Kageni, that the construction programme was “aggressive and provocative”, Grand Minister Kontarian said the following:

“Whilst some may feel that the Holy Imperial Government might destabilise the wurld with this naval expansion, it is in fact quite the opposite. Aromania will work with its allies and partner-nations in order to provide a stability that was never there before. With the Greater Holy Empire standing with TRIDENT and others, there will never be a repeat of the mad actions of King Creighton III by any nation.”

The new Protomartyr-class is certainly going to improve the abilities of the Imperial Navy to project itself across the seas of the Eurth. The vessels are to displace 45,000 tonnes when fully loaded and carry 36 aircraft, including 26 M/T-09 Pelagikos multirole fighters and numerous helicopters. Although it will be a much smaller vessel than the Protathlites tou Khristou-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, about half the size and with half the number of aircraft carried, it will still be a formidable vessel. The design itself is derived from the Despotes-class bought by the Imperial Navy from the Great Queendom of Suverina, although modernised and designed to better fit our nation's navy.

Although not part of the naval expansion plan itself, the Holy Imperial Government is also going to be expanding the capabilities of the naval bases that the Imperial Navy operates across the wurld. One of these is Imperial Naval Base Ptelenos in the Exarchate of @Kirvina. It is a naval base between the cities of Taurapetra and Canthos, and it was built in the late EK7500s (AD1990s). The base was utilised during the Anglian War to host a carrier strike group during the crisis, in order to protect Kirvina from Anglian attacks. Now, the Ministry of War plans to spend several billion Adapton Solidi to upgrade the base's facilities. This is so that it can resupply and repair the latest generation of Aroman vessels, as well as to act as a base of operations for a carrier strike group. It will also be able to act as a base for expeditionary force operations, with significant logistics facilities planned on being built there. Such bases – and there is a plan to establish more across the wurld – will help Aromania to bring peace and stability across Eurth.

 

Aromania to Increase Foreign Aid

New Logothesion to be Established

In an announcement made by the Holy Imperial Government, Aromania signified that it was going to take a leading role in the rebuilding of the wurld after the Anglian War. Tagmatika is going to increase its foreign aid from 0.55 to 0.7 as part of a programme of reconstruction now that the conflict caused by Great Anglia is over. This equates to roughly A$38.8 billion. A third of this budget will be allocated towards the nations of Aurelia, as these nations bore much of the brunt of combat against Anglia and its minions. Along with this increase in the amount of money to be given as aid, a new ministry is to be founded, in order to coordinate foreign development aid and how it is allocated. Previously, this was split between a variety of different ministries, depending on how the aid was being offered or, indeed, spent by the recipient nation.

This new ministry will draw together experience from differing ministries and enable foreign aid to be sent where it is needed. The ministry is to be named the Ministry of International Development. This will be the first new ministry founded since the Ministry of Alliance Affairs. This ministry was split off from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in EK7518 (AD2010) but folded back within it in EK7522 (AD2014). It is yet unknown as to where the new ministry will be located within Tagmatika.

The new Grand Minister, Aristoklea Papanikolopoulou, is an expert in foreign development aid who had previously been an adviser to numerous ministries, including the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Ministry for Agriculture. The Holy Imperial Government has not yet made mention of the size of the ministry, although this is thought to be established within the coming days. The act of creating a new ministry is a rare one, as it can often cause friction between other ministries, although this does nothing to affect the functioning of God's chosen nation.

The new ministry continues with one of the key focusses of his Aroman Majesty, Kommodos III, by the Grace of Christ, Holy Emperor and Autocrat of the Aromans and Equal-to-the-Apostles – engagement and cooperation with all other nations and governments of Eurth. To illustrate this, this is part of the mission statement for the new Ministry is as follows:

“The Greater Holy Empire of the Aromans ties itself to the principles of not imposing any political conditions and not interfering in the internal affairs of the recipient nations. Aromania will fully respect those nations' right to independently choose their own paths towards development. Nations have the right to choose their own social systems and way of life in light of their national conditions. The politicisation of euman rights as a condition of economic assistance is something that should be vigorously opposed, as it itself is a violation of euman rights. Our holy nation will pursue relationships of mutual respect and benefit, free of ideological considerations, and working towards the future of eumanity and Eurth.”

As well as helping the wurld get back on its feet after the ravages of Great Anglia and its minion-nations, a key aim of the new ministry will be to encourage renewable energy development across Eurth. It will also promote sustainable development and aim to eliminate wurld poverty. This new ministry will make Aromania a wurld leader in helping the rest of Eurth out of the poor conditions it finds itself mired in. Obviously, such actions are also part of our duties as Christians, especially as Aromania is the foremost Christian nation on Eurth.

It should be noted that, previously, the Holy Imperial Government had, under other Holy Emperors, placed conditions on the recipients of aid, such as allowing missionary activity and recognising that the Holy Emperor of the Aromans was the paramount leader of Eurth. This had lessened under His Aroman Majesty, Kommodos III, as it was realised that this often turned nations away from requesting or receiving aid from Aromania. Other conditions were often also attached, such as attempting to work towards such nebulous and often biased expectations as improving their political systems or euman rights. Often, these are less concrete measures than is otherwise assumed, and it is a step towards a fairer Eurth to remove these as a barrier to receiving foreign aid.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Aromania to Found Cultural Institute

The cultural influences of Arome are many and varied, from the alphabet that almost all languages are written in, to architecture to the fact that many of Eurth's biggest religions found their home in our holy nation. Europatorion is also the headquarters of the Assembled Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation. It may be surprising to read that Aromania, as one of the most influential cultures on Eurth – either directly or indirectly – does not have a cultural institute of its own. In the past, Aroman culture has spread almost organically through Eurth, often due to the natural inclination of the inhabitants of other nations to look towards Aromania as the beacon of civilisation. It has also been helped along by cultural programmes undertaken by the unofficial bodies or by the Ministries of Culture, Education and Information. However, there has been no one unified programme or institution, and now this is set to change.

The Holy Imperial Government has announced that it will be founding a cultural institute to help other nations understand Aroman culture. This institute will be to both spread knowledge of Aroman culture and languages, and also to counteract the spread of anti-Europan feeling. Europa, as a continent, has become increasingly viewed with suspicion by the rest of Eurth and this has been in part due to the actions of Great Anglia and @Orioni. Both nations use (or, in the case of Anglia, “used”) their domination of groups of smaller Europan nations to spread their influence across Eurth. This has led to both the Anglian War and the Orinese coup in Velaheria, as well as an increasingly dim view of Europan nations in the eyes of the rest of the wurld. This rise in hostility will undoubtedly have an impact on wurld peace, especially as the wurld becomes increasingly interconnected.

The institute is to be named the Secundinian Institute, after the famed 73rd Century EK (18th Century AD) Aroman Senator, playwright and novelist, Martyrius Ecdicius Secundinius. Secundinius promoted literacy in and wrote for the lower classes in an attempt to instil a sense of pan-Aroman identity as the authority of the Holy Emperors reduced to just the hinterlands around the capitals of Arome, Europatorion and Tagmatika. He also wrote numerous plays that showed the glory days of the Aroman Empire.

“Aroman culture should be available for all, for people of every nation, and we should showcase the impact that it has had on the rest of Eurth,” said the Minister for Culture, Kalixta Palama, as part of the announcement given by the Ministry for Culture on the plan to set up the Secundinian Institute. “There is over three thousand years of Aroman culture, both Fragran and Laimiaic, and that has had considerable impact on Eurth and not just Europa. The Secundinian Institute will play a considerable role in fostering understanding and learning, not just of Aroman culture but between the cultures of the host nations as well.”

The aim, as stated by the Holy Imperial Government, will be to eventually open an office of the Institute in every capital city and major provincial city on Eurth. The offices will have attached libraries that will be available for public use and offer lessons in both Laimiaic and Fragran, the two official languages of the Greater Holy Empire. They will also showcase Aroman culture and achievements and help to spread a better understanding of our nation. It is reported that there will be an emphasis on how Aromania has regularly worked alongside the nations of the New Wurld, especially during crises such as the Anglian War and the Sentist Crisis, as well as through international institutions like the Argic-Thalassan-Alharun Regional Association (otherwise known as ATARA) and the Assembled Nations.

The plan is that the Secundinian Institute will also foster the spread of new technologies and information through it, not just increasing exposure to Aroman culture. It will also provide access to Aroman education for those that might wish to study in Aromania. A wide range of literature, arts and music, both ancient and modern, will be showcased, and the aim will be to set up radio stations in many nations, in order to widen the audience that can access Aroman culture. The institute will be funded through the Ministries of Culture, Education and Information and the initial budget will be set at A$1 billion, although this is to mainly cover the setting-up of the institution across Eurth and may rise or fall depending on need.

The first offices that are planned will be in Kauni, @Baltica, Montcharmin, @Florentia, Bogd Gioro, @Fulgistan, Parsa, @Garindina, Mavris, @Mavran and Sumphofen, Secryae. The Holy Imperial Government undoubtedly hopes that these will be the first of many and that Secundinian Institute reaches its aim of an institute in the capital of every nation of Eurth.

 

Renewable Energy Foreign Aid Programme Announced

The expansion of renewable energy has always been key to the government of the Greater Holy Empire under his Aroman Majesty, Kommodos III. Under his God-guided rule, Aromania has seen a significant reduction in its use of fossil fuels for energy generation and a significant rise in the use of renewable energy sources for electricity, such as wind and solar sources. Numerous new nuclear power plants have been built or are under construction. Biofuels such as bioethanol and biodiesel have become increasingly common as well, with the majority of Aroman road vehicles using these as fuel. Overall, this has meant that Aromania has seen one of the sharpest reductions in both its fossil fuel usage and its carbon dioxide output amongst the large economies of Eurth.

Now the Ministry of International Development wants to help the other nations of Eurth improve their renewable energy sectors. The ministry has stated that over a quarter of its budget for international development, some A$10 billion, will be put towards encouraging and developing renewable energy across Eurth. This is supposed to run across every level of the project – from sets of solar panels and individual wind turbines for residential use to large scale wind and solar farms that could be many hectares in size. It will also include biodiesel and bioethanol production facilities and the growth of the crops themselves, where feasible and sustainable. The fund is also to cover the infrastructure for renewables, such as cabling and electric vehicle charging points, as well as cycle routes and more.

This certainly seems like a significant development for the goal of reducing Eurth's greenhouse emissions, and it undoubtedly is. The fund will move Eurth in the right direction when it comes to this, and it will have a great and long-lasting impact on the lives of the people of our planet. But, like all things, it has a less altruistic side. The Great Holy Empire is home to several companies that are at the forefront of the renewable energy industry. It is likely that these will be able to capitalise on any funds that Aromania gives out, if only because they have some of the most advanced technology within the sector and therefore best placed to access any developments. Or, worse, that the Ministry for International Development may favour these companies over others when deciding on contracts for renewable energy projects.

However, the ministry itself does state within its charter that any Aroman company employed by it has to work with an indigenous company in a joint venture. This may well reduce the opportunity or, at least, accusations of corruption against the Holy Imperial Government or Aroman companies, but it may not entirely quash them. There is always the possibility that this perception of corruption then reduces the uptake of the renewable energy fund and, at best, slows the rise in renewables down or, at worst, allows fossil fuel companies an opportunity for propaganda.

There are also rumours – as yet unconfirmed – that the Holy Imperial Government is offering subsidies to Aroman automotive companies that are trying to break into the foreign electric vehicle markets. The combination of the Aroman government funding electric vehicle infrastructure in other nations and then encouraging Aroman companies to break into those markets is, at best, suspect, and at worst collusion of the highest order. It does cast a sinister light on the attempts by the Ministry for International Development to increase the renewable sector in other countries, especially if it is being done with interests of Aroman companies in mind and not those of the local inhabitants.

However, it has to be said that none of this has been confirmed. There have been no whistleblowers introducing information into the public domain, and the renewable energy programmes offered by the Ministry for International Development appear to be above board. The programmes have only just been announced, and there have been no countries or organisations that have taken the new ministry up on its offers yet. These programmes may see a turning point in the history of Eurth, especially if other countries then mirror what Aromania is doing. It may be that within a decade, renewable energy may be the largest source of energy in the wurld. It is likely that the Greater Holy Empire will be at the forefront of this, both as a producer and as a source of investment for the rest of Eurth. This is undoubtedly a good thing, and it will mean that God's Eurth is preserved for future generations.

[Tagmatium Rules]

 

Express Train Derails between Ikonion and Theodosiopolis

Unknown Number of Injuries, Emergency Services on the Scene

A late night express train going between the cities of Ikonion and Theodosiopolis is reported to have derailed after passing through the town of Didinitida. Didinitida is a small commuter town, roughly 30km to the north-east of Ikonion, that sits on the main train line between the two cities. It is unknown as yet as to what caused the accident and emergency services are on the scene. There are reports of casualties from the accident and the local hospital has received a large number of casualties from the accident and several air ambulances have been spotted taking off from the accident site. The true number will unlikely be known for some hours yet. The train is reported to have derailed whilst crossing a set of points and then slid down an embankment before coming to a stop.

The train itself is the intercity service that runs from Aroma to Kommodopolis and it is often one of the busiest services in Aromania during the day. It is, however, the service is said to be much more quiet at night and may God see to it that it was on this occasion. It is the duty of all Christians to pray that the number of passengers on this train is lower than normal, as well as a speedy recovery for all of those injured. A helpline and a website has been set up by Aroman Rail and the Kirkitores, the Railway Police to enable those whose friends and family may have been caught up in the accident to contact the authorities. The rail line between Ikonion and Theodosiopolis has been closed whilst the accident is cleared and to enable investigation to take place. Trains are being diverted down other lines or are being cancelled. A rail replacement bus service has been put into place.

It is, of course, far too early to begin pointing the finger or searching for those to blame for this incident. It may well be that it is just an unfortunate accident, the inopportune failure of a piece of the railway network. But let us not forget that Aromania is at war with a pernicious foe, one who had otherwise striven to conquer the whole of Eurth. This enemy, Great Anglia, still resists after years of setbacks and defeats. There is the possibility that this accident is the work of enemy agents. The rail line that has now been blocked by this accident is one of the main routes through which supplies are transported to the Aroman forces that are striking at the heart of Suverina, whose deluded leadership have bound that country to the sinking ship of Godstone.

If it is enemy agents, then they may well have struck a blow against God's chosen nation on Eurth. Although it cannot be doubted that the industrious railway workers of our holy nation are working hard to get the line open again, every moment that it is closed is a moment that only benefits our enemies. Any delays to precious supplies or reinforcements for Aromania's armed forces could very well mean that Great Anglia's undoubted defeat is pushed further and further back. This cannot be tolerated.

But, on the other hand, is it likely that any enemies of Aromania were able to strike so deep into our nation? The forces of Godstone are on the back foot across everywhere they have fought, or they have already been heavily defeated. It seems unlikely that any enemy would be able to worm their way into our nation, avoiding our keen intelligence agencies as well as our diligent police. It is perhaps more likely that it is merely an accident and not the work of a network of enemy agents who have managed to evade discovery and capture up until now. As it is, any Anglian and Suverinian citizens who are still within the borders of Aromania are under the watchful eye of the authorities. There has been no suggestion of interning them yet and perhaps it shows how our nation is the beacon of civilisation that this has not ever been considered.

Whatever the cause of the accident, it is the duty of all Aroman citizens and true Christians to pray for those injured in this shocking accident.

 

The Mystery of Eidolmanta Silence

Another Crisis Rocking Aromania's Northern Neighbour?

Since October of last year, the government of the Supreme Despotate of Eidolmanta has had little contact with the outside wurld. Were this any other nation on Eurth, this would be of significant concern to its neighbours. However, the isolationist northern Occidental country regularly goes through periods of self-imposed isolation from the rest of the glube. Its government prides itself on being self-sufficient and having to rely little on its neighbours. These periods of self-isolation usually last several months and often represent an internal struggle or a change in those advising the monarch of Eidolmanta. And, usually, the neighbours of Eidolmanta view it with caution but also as part of the peculiarities of inhabiting the same subcontinent as them.

This time, however, the self-isolation has begun to ring alarm bells in the capitals of both Adaptus and Aromania. The length of the silence from Taraxippus has started to concern Tagmatika, as it seems to hint at something more serious than just the usual pattern of actions of Eidolmanta. There have also been increasing reports that any attempts to cross into the Supreme Despotate have been stopped at the border. This has included food shipments into Eidolmanta, as the nation does not produce enough food of its own to support its population. This is despite claims made by the Eidolmanta in the past that it is able to feed its people using food made from processed insects.

Perhaps even more concerning are the stories of border crossings attempted by Eidolmantan civilians. Although the 750 kilometre long border between Aromania and Eidolmanta is not militarised in the sense that it is a fortified border or it possesses something like a demilitarised zone separating our holy nation and the northern barbarians, it is still closely monitored by both nations. There have been reports that groups of Eidolmantan civilians have attempted to cross into the Greater Holy Empire, only to be stopped by members of the Eidolmantan military before they actually cross the border. These reports, however, have been denied by the Foussatores, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Specifically, they have denied that there have been any attempted crossings by unauthorised individuals from the Supreme Despotate.

In all, this seems to paint a strange picture of what is happening within the Supreme Despotate. Eidolmanta often acts without regard for its neighbours – for example, the military exercises in the Ranke Sea that took place without warning the Holy Imperial Government. Regularly the Eidolmantans acted and expected every other country to conform to its wishes or just deal with its actions. But the total silence is beyond even the strange norm of the Eidolmantans. Rarely does a nation seal itself off from the rest of the wurld for any real length of time, especially to the point of turning away much-needed food shipments. This fact is very concerning as Eidolmanta is a heavily urbanised country with a population in the tens of millions. It could well be that the Eidolmantans who are attempting to cross into Aromania are attempting to flee a famine that is brewing within the Supreme Despotate. If this is the case, then the situation will likely only worsen as the winter weather will only get colder as December draws on.

It may well be that God's judgement has finally fallen upon the land of pagan savages that inhabits the north of the Occident. This might be true justice for what they have done to the people of Cussia or the Gerenian Christians who were expelled from their homeland and into the Greater Holy Empire. Those who draw a sense of satisfaction from reports that Eidolmantans are attempting to flee their God-forsaken country due a crisis they have brought on themselves might be forgiven for it. It also ignores the fact that if the Supreme Despotate has a famine then it will be up to other countries, such as the Greater Holy Empire, to pick up the pieces. If the crisis is worse than a famine, then it will also mean that other nations will have to shoulder the burden. After all, the Eidolmantans did recently have a civil war, when the Despot Hilderic V was killed and replaced with Ereleuva III, the current monarch. There could well be a flare up between differing factions or something may well have happened to Ereleuva. The situation is currently unknown and it may well be that the government of Eidolmanta resumes contact with the outside wurld as if nothing has happened and no explanation of the more than a year it was without contact with its neighbours.