All news stories are submitted by participants in Ill Bethisad, all of whom are welcome to submit stories from their respective parts of Ill Bethisad. Submissions may be edited for clarity, language or style.
NATIONAL NEWS SERVICE -- 31.MAY.2008 -- Wedding Bells for Oltenia, Italy!
ROME, P.S.P. -- After more than six months of negotiations, Oltenian and Italian officials have concluded a treaty which settles legal, social
and diplomatic questions regarding the proposed marriage between the
heirs of two European thrones.
Antonia Guelph is sister to the Duchess of Mantua, as well as Italy's
Foreign Minister. Nicolae Vlas-Florea is his country's ambassador to
the Federated Kingdoms as well as heir presumptive to his uncle's
title as Prince of that nation. Apart from the myriad details
involved in any wedding between dynasties, this one carries with it a
series of complications, major and minor. The bride-to-be is Latin
Rite Catholic, while the prospective groom is Byzantine Rite. Both
are diplomatic officials, but of different countries and in each case
their native land is part of a large federal entity (Italy and Romania
respectively). Then factor in Mantua's all-female line with Oltenia's
salic law and the reasons for the long negotiations become clearer.
Various diplomats have had a series of meeting, mostly in Bovlai,
Xliponia but also in Casteleon and finally in Rome. Full details of
the treaty, which faces ratification by at least two and possibly four
governments, have not been disclosed but some details were revealed:
-Any offspring of the union would hold joint citizenship. Males would
be officially considered possible heirs to the Oltenian principality
while females would remain in the line of succession for Mantua. Both Guelph and Vlas-Florea, while initially discrete, have been
relatively open about their relationship since announcing their
engagement last Autumn. In January, for example, the couple were
guests of the Holy Roman Emperor and stayed in the same suite.
Speculation that Guelph may have been pregnant died out as her figure
remained unchanged in the following months. They also shared a hotel
suite while attending the funeral of Philadelphia "Philly" Gore,
daughter of the NAL's General Moderator and close friend of Nicola
Vlas-Florea, Nicolae's first cousin.[BK]
BBC-3 -- 27.MAY.2008 -- Newshour With Max Pearson (EXCERPT)
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
PEARSON: From the BBC World Service, this is Max Pearson.
Hundreds of thousands of Tibetans still waiting for aid two weeks
after the Wenchuan earthquake will receive help soon, the Neutral Aid
Society announced today. Tibet's ruling junta and its leader, the
Ganden Tripa, have given leave to the NAS and seveal other foreign
aid organizations to work freely in affected areas.
An estimated sixty thousand people have died from the quake on both
sides of the Tibetan-Nanhan border, with thousands still missing and
hundreds of thousands still waiting for essential shelter, food, and
medical care. Tibet's rulikng junta have thus far barred the efforts of aid
workers by insisting on total control over the relief operations.
The military government's seeming indifference toward the quake
victims has reïgnited anti-Tibet sentiments around the world. In
Samraj, the exiled Dalai Lama has led almost daily rallies and made
increasingly hash statements against the Ganden Tripa. BBC India
correspondent Abhi Desai reports.
DESAI: Rarely has the Dalai Lama made so many consecutive public
appearances, but rarely has such a tragedy affected the entire
[END TRANSCRIPT][BK]
Pacific Press Association -- 17.MAY.2008 -- Official statement:
Tokelauans to vote on sell-out
FAKA'OFO -- Officials from Fiji's Colonial Ministry, Tokelau's
Provisional Government, and the Cambrian Isle of Lundy offically
announced that they have reached a decision to transfer power to
ecotourism investor Andrew Morris, in exchange for a generous package
of investment in both countries. They said that their plan calls for
a "partnership" between Morris's corporation and the Tokelauan
people, who will retain complete local autonomy.
The announcement comes after local residents leaked news of the sell-
out to reporters last week. The news has polarized opinions around
the Pacific, with leaders and journalists from Henua to Papua
denouncing or praising the decision, which is virtually without
precedent in Oceania's histoy. Tokelau's provisional government,
which still awaits recognition by Fiji, immediately voted to hold
another referendum in late June in which the people will decide
whether to accept the offer. Fiji's Parliament is expected to quickly
confirm the Tokealauan government's decision.
As a temporary measure, Fiji has again begun to supply government
services to the little islands, with the intention of gradually
turning them over to Morris and his company.[BK]
Newshour, BBC -- 14.MAY.2008 -- EXCERPT
[BEGIN TRANSCRIPT]
...reports that no parrots were involved.
Turning now to the Pacific, Fiji's long dispute over the Tokelau
Islands may have ended. BBC Pacific reports that Fiji has agreed to
sell Tokelau to England's wealthiest subject. BBC Pacific's Siosiua
Hu'akau reports.
HU'AKAU: Leaders from Fiji and Tokelau have been meeting here on
Olohenga, the smallest of the disputed Tokelau Islands, for nearly a
week. Joining them are officials representing Andrew Morris of
England. Morris is reputed to be the Commonwealth's richest man. He
has ruled the Isle of Lundy off the Cambrian coast as a personal
possession for nearly thirty years.
Rumors have circulated for months that a European investor was
offering to buy the islands. Secret meetings have taken place in
Fiji, Aotearoa, and now here on Olohenga. The purpose of this latest
round of talks was also kept mum, but Morris's identity was soon
leaked to reporters by local residents. Sources have confirmed that
Morris has indeed made an offer to buy the islands, and that he is
prepared to invest heavily in ecotourism both here and in Fiji.
Reactions in Tokelau have been decidedly mixed. Olohengans have
compared Morris with the wealthy American autocrats who ruled their
island in the nineteenth century. Elders on other islands have
angrily denounced the idea that their land, considered the sacred
inheritance of the Tokelavian people, could ever be sold as a
commodity. Members of the islands' provisional government are
scrambling to justify the secret talks with Fiji and Morris. They
claim that the need to pay for services has become desperate, and
Morris's money represents great opportunity to invest in tourism and
infrastructure.
One Fijian diplomat, speaking anonymously, told the BBC that Morris's
offer was enticing, and may represent a real solution to the
Tokelavian Question that has gone unresolved for months. He also said
that Fiji has been offered a sizeable package of incentives to sell
the islands. This may be the beginning of a transfer of power from a
kingdom widely accused of being imperialistic, to a man known
throughout the Commonwealth as a wealthy eccentric.
With BBC Pacific, this is Siosiua Hu'akau.
JONES: Next, an interview with Jovian Prime Minister Susanna Ivauma.
This is
[END TRANSCRIPT][BK]
Star of Georgetown -- 9.MAY.2008 -- "American Politics at a Glance"
Georgetown, NAL-SLC -- There is now in the daily parlance of the Louisianan, a new word called in his native French "vasage", which we might aptly translate as muddage, or the slinging about of mud. And while it is a most apt word when used to refer to the rural practice of racing motorcars and the like along dirt or mud trails, hence the word's origin, it's adaptation to the political arena is no less apt!
There is therefore hope for lagging Louisianna yet! Few estates are so key to the successful democratic government as the truly Free and Liberated Press. And few things interest a truly free and liberated press, especially previous to and during elections, as the naughty doings and misdeeds of those who are standing for office. Any perusal of the Louisianan media of late will naturally bring to mind the old saw: They're happy as pigs in muck. Thus, we offer our western cousins a hearty hip hip huzzah![PB]
IBAP -- 7.MAY.2008 (17 Floréal CCXVI)
Allegations were made by the Républicains Libres today against Marie
Landrieu, suggesting that she had been involved in a lesbian
love-affair for the past 30 years with actress Atlanta Wells. Pundits
have immediately seized on this, citing the frigidity of the marriage
between Landrieu and her husband, Frank Snellings, their adoption of
two children, and the frequent taking of separate vacations.
The Loi Naturelle responded within the hour decrying this "flagrant
and underhanded 'vasage' of their candidate." It was suggested by
the Loi Naturelle spokesman, Michel d'Argile, that this was merely
supposition by the Républicains Libres in an attempt to shift public
focus from the infidelity of M. Baldi.
Landrieu and Wells were introduced during the filming of Antoinette,
as part of the film took place in New Orleans, where her father was
mayor. Landrieu and Wells, stated d'Argile, became fast friends and
have maintained contact since then, but there has never been any sort
of interaction beyond platonic friendship.
Ms. Wells' publicist refused comment.[DH]
Baton Rouge, LA -- Directed Mailings have virtually inundated the MPs of Saint-Onge, and
even many of their constituents. The political parties of the
Républicains Libres and the Loi Naturelle have both been sending
mailings extolling the virtues of their candidates and smearing the
failings of the candidates of the opposition.
While this sort of behavior is commonplace, the television and radio
ads used in this campaign are a first for Louisiannans. Up until the
Presidency of Jean-François Young strict controls of radio and
television have prevented this "giclant de la vase," or as it has
become known, "vasant" of public contenders for public office.
"Vasage", a term which roughly relates to mudslinging in English is
the practice of casting doubt on a contender for office, but is more
strictly controlled, and these allegations can only be made through
direct mailings, television and radio by the political parties.
With the opening of the airwaves to this campaigning has created a
stir among the citizens of the nation. "We don't want to hear this,"
said Pierre Flandin, citizen of LeCompte, to the west of Baton Rouge.
"With the free press, we hear pretty much everything that the leaders
do. It's not as if we expect them to be saints." When asked who he
would vote for, were he in Parliament, he said, "I think they're both
terrible. I don't like what the Loi Naturelle party stands for, but
at the same time, I don't like the record of Monsieur Baldi. He's not
called 'Le Pingre' for laughter's sake."
Other citizens were of the same feeling. When Emmelot Brock,
Sous-Prefect of Loire-Neuf was approached regarding this issue, she
stated flatly, "Direct mailings should be enough. It sickens me to
see us resort to such poor political behavior as is found on either
side of our borders."
Most politicians feel that the Loi Naturelle has largely caused this
situation, with their forceful attacks against Baldi and his record.
Had Landrieu's record been pushed to the fore, with her
accomplishments only, the paper storm would likely not be so large.
Throw into the mix allegations of dalliances on the part of M. Baldi
with a daughter of known Pegre crime boss "The Gambeaux," Sophie
Gambeaux. These have been firmly denounced by Baldi, and his wife
Aloïs Chavanoz has remained firmly supportive of her husband.[DH]
Polynesian United News Agency-- 28.APR.2008-- Tokelau: Help!
FAKA'OFO -- The Malo Faka'auau, or Provisional Government, of Tokelau
issued a general request for humanitarian aid Saturday as its food
and energy supplies dwindle from a nearly two-month stoppage of
services from its estranged mother nation, Fiji. Fiji has cut off all
post, ferry service, and money from the islands until the Malo
Faka'auau dissolves itself, which it has so far refused to do.
The plea for aid is Tokelau's latest and most desperate attempt to
drum up international sympathy as it sails its troubled course toward
self-government. Both Tokelau and Fiji agreed that the islands would
govern themselves following a referendum last year, but the process
has been bogged down for months as the two island groups argue over
details. Last week, Fiji's Parliament rejected Tokelau's proposal to
place Tokelau under the protection of Kereineke I, O'ahu's
billionaire king.
According to interviews with delegates from Tokelau's three main
islands, the would-be republic especially hopes to receive help from
its supporters in the Commonwealth. These include the Kingdoms of
Aotearoa and Tahiti, both of which have formally recognized the
Provisional Government. Thus far the Commonwealth Secretariat, headed
by Secretary-General Stephen Biko of the South African Union, has
remained neutral on what is now called the Tokelauan Question, and
the Tokelauans hope that this request for aid will force the
Commonwealth's governing body to confront Fiji on the issue.[BK]
HENUA NEWS UPDATE kindly visit Henua and click on news.
13 March 2008 -- IBAP team partners with Henua branch of PUNA
Now that the Oregonians are settling in, this will allow them to get
more local news.
26 March 2008 -- Scandinavian tourist arrested for defacing mo'ai (PUNA)
This actually happened *here*-- it was reported by the BBC and the
Associated Press, which doesn't happen for many Easter Island
stories! I had been thinking a little about the island's legal
system anyway, and this gave me an opportunity to work with it a
little.
27 March 2008 -- Advisor Ma'oa calls for "an ear for an ear" justice (PUNA)
Ripped almost entirely from an Associated Press article *here*,
quoting Rapa Nui Mayor Pedro Edmunds Paoa. I haven't created any
characters that were doubles of real Rapanui since the history was so
different--but I made an exception for mayor Paoa, who seems like a
great guy.
1 April 2008 -- Finnish vandal confesses; Scandinavian consul urges speedy trial (IBAP/EET) The consul, Maria Carlson, is from New Sweden.
4 April 2008 -- Aotearoan event planners lobby Henua Council for judicial reform
With the bicentenniel just five months away, it turns out that this
is a more pressing issue than anyone thought! Let's hope some
meaningful reform comes out of it.
10 April 2008 -- Henua Council to hear trial of Finn moai vandal (IBAP/EET).
PUNA -- 11.04.2008 -- Tolelau begins electricity rationing
FAKA'OFO -- Tokelau's Provisional Ministry of the Economy issued a
directive today turning off electricity on all four Tokelauan atolls
for eighteen hours each day. The Tulafono has struggled in recent
months to pay for basic services since the Kingdom of Fiji eliminated
all aid to its errant dependency.
16 April 2008 -- Kulju fined, returned to Scandinavian custody (PUNA).
PUNA -- 18 April 2008 -- Tokelauan government: no comment on rumored buyout
FAKA'OFO -- The Provisional Council, or Tulafono, of Tokelau continued
to meet behind closed doors as the work week drew to a close. None
of the council members would confirm reports that their body was
considering an offer by a wealthy Westerner to buy the islands as
private property.
"The delegates and elders of the islands have many crucial decisions
to consider," Chief Elder Ake Liang of Nukunonu told reporters before
boarding a ferry to his home atoll. "But rest assured that a major
change in Tokelau's status would be brought before the people."[BK]
OMNIPRESSE -- 15.APR.2008 -- Intendancy's New Orientation
Quebec, NF -- With Monday's confidence referendum ending with
what observers have termed a "robust approval" of 78%, the Intendant,
Leonce Boucher, has announced several changes he would bring to the
Intendancy.
First, the office of the Intendancy is to be enceforth an elected
position, held for five year terms and the incumbent may stand for reëlection.
Second, the Estates-General will meet jointly.
In addition to this, the Intendant has proposed other pieces of legislation intended to correct what he has termed "anomalous situations." These include placing Laurentien on co-equal status with Francien and to recognised the
nearly 65% of the population who speak it as their first language. Another measure which has already caused some uproar in certain circles is a plan to officialy recognised France and seek a reciprocal recognision from the Metropole thus ending the state of war that has existed for over two hundred years. [MP]
Polynesian United News Agency -- 11.APR.2008-- TOKELAUAN OFFER: TRIBUTARY TO TWO MONARCHS
SUVA, FIJI -- Tokelau's Envoy Extraordinary to Fiji, Pio Tuia, proposed
today to the Fijian Parliament that Fiji grant his islands complete
self-governing status under the O'ahuan Crown in return for regular
tributary payments. The Parliament will consider the motion after
recessing for the weekend. National Loyalist MP Momo na Tui Nasesevia
told reporters, "Our government cannot be bought off so easily. Few
MPs will approve the sale of our territory to some billionaire from
Kanawiki." [BK]
OMNIPRESSE -- 11.APR.2008 -- New Intendant's Referendum
Ville-Marie, NF -- With only a few days left before monday's referendum
to approve the choise of a new Intendant, the "No" camp (who oppose an
elected Intendant) have staged a demonstration in downtown Ville-Marie
to rival the monarchist event during the last referendum.
With speaker from various monarchist groups (although noticeably not
the Action Monarchiste Party), the large outdoor meeting has attracted
roughly a thousand demonstrators (according to organisors) under the
slogan "Don't Touch My Intendant !".
A similar meeting, although attended by a larger crowd, was held by
the Yes camp a few days ago in Quebec with the slogan "A New Intendant
For a New Century"[MP]
NEW AMSTERDAM POST -- 8.APR.2008 -- PEGRE MEMBERS RIOT
Breukelen, NAL-SLC -- The Boa Room is an upscale bar, one frequented by
celebrities from movies and Broadway as well as the music industry.
Its less savory clientele include members of Le Pegre. When members
of rival gangs show up at the same time, things can get tense.
Fistfights are not unknown. But on 7 April 2008 things went much
further. Constabulary units had to surround the block and over a
dozen arrests were made. Three people are in the hospital and an
automobile was set aflame.
Sylvester "Sly" Antoine is regarded by the NAPD as a trusted
lieutenant to Louis Philip LeBrun, reputed Cardinal of the Signoret
crime Famille and son-in-law to Pierre Daille, widely seen as the head
of the Signoret. "King" LeBrun (so called for his sophisticated
lifestyle and fairly imperious ways) is a bitter rival of Daille's
other son-in-law Guillaume Vaschon. It is Vaschon's missing son Andre
who legally owns the Boa Room, but Antoine has been seeking to buy
controlling interest of the club since February. Andre
Vaschon--considered a "person of interest" by the NAPD in the overdose
death of Philly Gore, the GM's daughter--has been missing since
January. The manager of the Boa Room, an associate of Andre's named
Antoine Garner, evidently tried to have "Sly" evicted from the club at
around 10pm. Sly was accompanied by perhaps as many as a dozen
friends, but according to witnesses were inebriated. Boa Room
bouncers numbered half that many but were large and sober.
Exactly what followed is not clear, but it is obvious blows were
exchanged. No gunfire was exchanged but makeshift weapons including
furniture were used.
Commentators fear this could herald the start of a gang war over
leadership of the Signoret Famille.[DZ]
OMNIPRESSE -- 27.MAR.2008 -- Chamber of Patricians Reach Decision
QUEBEC -- After days of dicussions, the Chamber of Patricians have
come to a decision as to the replacement of the Intendant who stepped down last week.
Basing its decision on precendents, the Chamber has determined that the
election of a new Intendant would be carried out by the Estates General as the
post was one of a civil servant and not one of nobility (in which case it would have been adjudicated by a court of noblemen).
The decision was greeted with glee by the republican parties who see
this as the first step toward the establishment of a fully functioning
republic.[MP]
NAL News Digest -- 22.MAR.2008
Star of Georgetown: "Meltdown in Chilly North: Snow Falls, So Does Intendant" Philadelphia Enquirer: "Identity Crisis Unresolved: Intendant Steps
Down, Who Will Step Up?" Times of New Amsterdam: "The King is Dead! Long Live the Republic!" Winnipeg Chronical: "Treaties Now Void" Jeanne de la Croix Show (Philadelphia) man-on-the-street interview: "I don't get it. Why can't they sort it out without all the mess? I mean, they've got a king who ain't really a king, and we've got kings who aren't really kings. With all due respect, they're far away and the GM runs the show. Near as I can figure, they've got all the republicanism they need, if they'd only open their eyes! Maybe what they need is a GM to run the show, while the
Intendant rides about in a coach waving in parades? Works for us!"
ABC Television Press Conference (Philadelphia): Ralph Perkins of the Watertown Times asked: "What, if any, will our response be to the Intendant's stepping down? How will this affect our relationship?" The GM replied: "Well, that's the French being French! Nouvelle Francie has long been a friend of the NAL; while our relationship has been founded upon the detente formed between the monarchies of Kemr, Scotland, England and France, we shall have to proceed with due care the next while. Our policy at present is to urge the Intendant to resume his duties and seek a peaceful and satisfactory resolution to
the problems his country is facing."
NBC RADIO -- 21.MAR.2008 -- Ross Lambaugh Programme
St. Augustine, West Florida -- "Ladies and gentlemen, there really is
no need for fear or concern over this. It is an historical
fact that the French can not make up their minds how to
govern themselves. Now, I love the New French as much as
much as the next guy -- we often vacation in Quebec and
have even hosted this very programme in conjunction with
our friends at Omnipresse -- but it is known that every few
decades they stage a grand revolution and change
governments. First imperial then republican to dictatorial
to imperial back to republican, and so it goes. This is
just an example of how the French express their fundamental
political desires. Unlike us Americans who are rooted in
centuries of republican monarchy, the French have not been
so graced. Their monarchs tend to be absolutist in nature,
and all evidence leads us to view the present Intendant in
the same light. Perhaps the Intendancy can work this crisis
out to a favourable end, which in my never be humble
opinion, would be: for the Intendant to resume his duties
and institute appropriate democratic reforms to ensure the
stability of French tradition as well as their love of
democracy, which our two countries share in common."[PB]
NBC -- 14.MAR.2008 -- Protests in Nouvelle Francie Not Just for Pro-Republicans
QUEBEC -- Since the referendum of a fortnight ago, the news from the Intendancy has been largely pro-republican in nature. Every story has two sides to it, and the Neofrancien press has not done well in its job to tell the other side of the story.
Today indeed marks the third day of strikes and civil unrest across the southern tier. While the mood has been largely non-violent, rioting has taken place in Quebec and other cities.
Many of the protesters present are anti-intendent activists; however, there are also numbers of anti-referendum protesters, pro-Native protesters and several other groups braving the cold weather to register their opinions.
It seems a sure thing that the Intendent will step down, but what is equally certain is that he will not be stepping down to universal applause.[PB]
OMNIPRESSE -- 14.MAR.2008 -- Nouvelle Francie at a Standstill
VILLE MARIE -- Today marks the third day of a general strike called by trade unions affiliated with the Coalition in power. Unhappy with the continuing filibustering tactics of the opposition, all 3 trade unions
federations of the Intendancy have voted for a work stoppage.
The strike has left the Intendancy completely paralized has both blue
collar and white collar workers walked out en masse on wednesday.
There has also been daily demonstrations in Ville-Marie,
Trois-Rivieres and Quebec with thousand of people braving the cold
weather and the snow to show their republican spirit with placard and
banners calling for the Intendant to step down.
A few small groups of monarchists have attempted to organized counter
demonstration but most have been called off due to small number of
participants.[MP]
News From Henua
The Henua News Desk has released three press reports so far this
month. To entice you to read on, the headlines are: Read the articles here.
Star of Georgetown -- 9.MAR.2008 -- Rash of Republics
CASTRE GEORY -- 2008 has thus far seen a veritable rash of republics springing up all around the world. Let freedom ring, cry the republicans. They aver that only they can offer true liberty to the world's people. But what is the truth of the matter? Quite simply, the rash of republics is more like a couple pimples. Earlier this year, the Neofranciens held a rather dubious referendum designed to gauge popular opinion regarding their Intendant's regime. The Intendancy, as most educated persons in this and other American locales are sure to agree, is an outmoded relic of ancient history.
Once the French had quite rightly overthrown their autocratic kings, the French colonies were left with how to deal with the question: side with the Pretender, or side with the republicans. Louisianna sided with the republicans (and has suffered long for it). Nouvelle Francie sided with the Pretender, remaining royalist. So far so good, with the exception that the French kings were largely autocratic prats. The Intendency was therefore a sort of "buffer" between the iconclasm of radical republicanism and the equally horrific tradition of autocratic monarchy.
The referendum has been returned with a barely 60% yea -- hardly up to our standards to overthrowing a whole government form and starting from scratch! -- and already the new pretenders to the Neofrancien government are "praising the republicans" to be found in no other place than some wee Fijian atoll in the Pacific called Tokelau that is making efforts towards independence. The response of the American government has been rather tempered, though perhaps a little coddling. Without a clearly superior majority of Neofranciens in favour of change, the Intendent should have ignored the legally non-binding referendum entirely, as should his government.
As for Tokelau, the Commonwealth ministers have apparently been meeting down in Aotearoa, who is not onle brokering the talks between the Kingdom of Fiji and its breakaway atoll, but have also made the great faux pas of prematurely recognising the breakaway country. It will remain to be seen how things turn out. If the Tokelauans have legitimate concerns, their government has the responsibility to address them; but it is doubtful the Commonwealth will support any senseless secession, republican or otherwise.[PB]
Australasian Press Association -- 7.MAR.2008 -- Republic of Tokelau: Australasia Remain Silent
With two provinces having issued contrary statements, the Australasian
Court of Coordinators have found itself unable to issue a joint
statement in regard the developements within the self-declared republic
of Tokelau.
The Court of Coordinators, which is prevented by law from acting on
its own, has said it was still monitoring the situation and would
release a statement has soon as a consensus is formed between the
provinces' governments.
One province, Aotearoa, as so far recognised tokelau's provisional
government by sending to the atoll newly proclaimed ambassador to
tokelau, Mr Aewa Temomo. Aotearoa has also sent troops and policemen
to ensure Fiji respect the new republic. Commonwealth ministers are meeting on Aotearoa to help settle the issue one way or the other.
Another province, New South Cambria, has officialy rejected Tokelau's
bid for independence stating that the nation could only obtain its
sovereignty with the agreement of Fiji.
The other two provinces, Kingsland and English Australia have stated
publicly that they will remain neutral in the conflict.[MP]
OMNIPRESSE -- 07.MAR.2008 -- Praise for Republicans
QUEBEC -- The Estates Generals of New Francy, who are currently chaired by a majority of republicans, has released a communique praising the tiny atoll of Tokelau for choosing to become a republic.
The comunique was signed by the leader of all 3 houses of the Estates
General but not, significantly, by the Intendant who, through his
spokesman, has delivered a "no comments" to journalists.
By resorting to filiburstering technique, the opposition in the house
of roturiers as so far managed to prevent its majority from sending
the so called Republican Bill to the Chamber of Patrician for its
approval.[MP]
BBC World News, Pacific Desk -- 05.MAR.2008 -- First Session of Tokelauan Provisional Government Produces Harsh Words, Flag
FAKAOFO, TOKELAU -- The mood on Tokelau's chief atoll remained tense
Tuesday as the island's provisional council met for the first time,
despite strongly worded protests from the island group's ruling
nation, Fiji.
The provisional council, chosen as a temporary compromise by the
islands' deadlocked Tulafono, or constitutional convention, passed
its first acts for consideration by the Fijian legislature, which
still has final say in the islands until Tokelau becomes fully
independent. The acts dealt with essential issues such as offshore
ferry service and postal delivery.
It remains to be seen how the Fijian legislature will deal with this
legislation. A spokesman for Fiji's Colonial Ministry repeated the
government's previous statements denouncing the Tokelauan council
as "illegal" and "careless". The spokesman would not comment on the
possible use of force to bring the islands into compliance.
Aotearoan troops stationed on Fakaofo have refused to intervene,
stating that their mandate is only to keep the peace.
The council also unfurled a new flag reflecting their wishes for
Tokelau's new status as an autonomous region temporarily dependent on
Fiji. A variation on Tokelau's flag as a colony of Aotearoa and Kemr
in the mid-XXth century, the flag depicts a palm tree and four green
stars on a yellow field, representing Tokelau's four atolls. A small
flag of Fiji sits in the upper left canton.
The outside world has been slow to respond to the growing tensions in
this tiny corner of the Pacific. Oceania's two smallest countries,
Henua and Nauru, have issued statements supporting self-determination
for the Tokelauans. More significant will be the reactions of the
region's great powers, including Japan and the Australasian states.[BK]
OMNIPRESSE -- 01.MAR.2008 -- REFERENDUM RESULTS TABULATED
QUEBEC -- Results are in for the referendum in Nouvelle Francie. On the question "Do you agree to reform the Intendancy as per the direction outlined in the "cahier de doleances on political reforms" ?", 59.56 % voted "Yes".
The "Yes" umbrella group spokesman, Mr LeBoucher, appeared before assembled supporters and invited all Neofranciens from both camps to come together and help build the republic.
For its part, the "No" camp immediately released a statement saying
"We have heard the people and what they want is change but not at any
price. We hope that all will come together and help build a better
Intendancy."
The "No" camp also blame the "Yes" camp for devising an "ambiguous and
misleading question".
The Intendant was not available for comment but a spokeman said the Intendant had "Taken note of the result".[MP]
BBC World News, Pacific desk -- 28.FEB.2008 -- Tokelavians form Provisional Government
The tiny aspiring island nation of Tokelau announced earlier today that
it has formed a provisional government as it prepares to break away
from the Fijian Kingdom. The announcement follows months of talking in
the Pacific island group among various Tokelavian factions. The Fijian
government says that it will not recognize the new government or honor
any of its acts, saying that any move toward greater autonomy for the
islands would have to be approved by the Fijian Crown and Parliament.
The Fijian High Ambassador in London has called for a meeting of
Commonwealth diplomats to repudiate what he described as "a threat to
the sovereign territory of a Commonwealth nation."
The Commonwealth's spokesman has yet to comment on the announced secession.[BK]
Omnipresse/IBAP -- 12.FEB.2008 (22 Pluviôse CCXVI) -- Louisianne Responds to Referendum
Paris-sur-Mizouri -- In a special news conference held in the Grande Halle of the Assemblée Nationale, Marie-Claire Gildersleeve addressed a gathering of press in response to the news of referendum in Nouvelle Francie.
When asked of Louisianne's official stance on the new referendum that
may well turn the Intendancy into a republic, Gildersleeve commented,
"Many would suspect Louisianne of taking a firmly pro-Republic stance
on the coming referendum of Nouvelle Francie. Many Louisiannans may even
feel this way.
Pandits have noted the common ancestry, and some would expect
Louisianne to take a firm line in support of republicanism, as there
has been no political love lost between Nouvelle Francie and Louisianne over
the last 150 years.
Speaking of their common ancestry, Gildersleeve said, "We as a nation
were forged from the same background as New Francy, and while we have
taken separate roads, we have each sought out the ideals of the
Revolution, Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité.
"We are pleased to see the populace of Nouvelle Francie deciding the future
of their nation, and support them in this venture. May the voice of
the people speak, and may the citizens of that nation decide their
future path.
"As fellow Franco-Americans, we will do all in our power to support
the legitimate government of Nouvelle Francie through this period, and hope
for a continued existence of liberty, equality and brotherhood,
regardless the outcome of this referendum."
It is expected that Geoff Sessions (MP-Mobile) will comment on this
speech during his upcoming appearance on the Lawrence Koenig show.[DH]
OMNIPRESSE -- 12.FEB.2008 -- Referendum in Nouvelle Francie
On its first day back in session, the majority Radical Solidarity
Coalition has announced that a referendum would be held on turning the
Intendancy of Nouvelle Francie into a republic.
The vote, to take place on the 29th of february, will use the
following question: "Do you agree to reform the Intendancy as per the
direction outlined in the "cahier de doleances on poilitical reforms" ?".
As is the law in the Intendancy, groups wishing to be heard will have to
join one of the "Umbrella Group" -- the "Yes" camp or the "No" camp. A
proposal by some of the opponents of the referendum of having a "None
of the above" camp was rejected out of hand by the Director of
Elections.
While still maintaining that the referendum would have no force of
law, both the Ducal Party and the Action Monarchist have announced
they would join the "No" camp.[MP]
NEW AMSTERDAM POST -- 07.FEB.2008 -- Andre Vaschon Missing?
Manhattan -- The NAPD confirmed today that efforts to contact night
club owner Andre Vaschon for further interviews regarding the death of
Philadelphia "Philly" Gore have turned up empty. No one admits to
having seen him since 30 January, when he left The Boa Room, a
Breuckelen night club he owns near the major film studios, after
midnight. Vaschon is the grandson of Pierre Daille (aka Peter Dale),
reputed head of the Pegre Signoret Famille. According to sources,
Vaschon is considered a suspect in several ongoing investigations into
the sale of illegal drugs.
Philly Gore, only daughter of the current General Moderator, was found
dead of an overdose in her Breuckelen apartment 8 January 2008. She
and Vaschon were rumored to have dated, and were photographed
together. Both denied a relationship. Vaschon had been questioned
three times by the NAPD following Gore's death.
Officially, the NAPD refuses to publicly speculate as to Vaschon's
disappearance. Commentators immediately raised the possibility of his
having fled in advance of an arrest warrant, while others theorized he
may have been silenced by one of his associates. Daille has no sons
and his sons-in-law, widely viewed as his lieutenants, are bitter
rivals. Other ideas mentioned include at attempt by some other
Famille to destablise the Signorets, or Vaschon fleeing exactly that
kind of threat. Worries about a possible gang war--or Famille civil
war--were almost immediately raised by City Council Chair Christopher
Quinn during his weekly press conference.
Questions believed to remain unanswered in the investigation of Gore's
death include the source of the "fastball" (a blend of cocaine and
morphine) which claimed her life.[DZ]
OMNIPRESSE -- 29.JAN.2008 -- Election Results in Nouvelle Francie: Radical Solidarity Coalition Declares Victory
QUEBEC -- Elections took place today in the Intendancy of Nouvelle Francie. The polls returned a record 93 seats for the Radical Solidarity Coalition out of a possible 125 in the Commoners Estate and 44 out of 75 seats in the Noblemens Estate.
A spokesman from the Coalition said this gave them "a clear mandate to
hold a referendum on moving from an intendancy to a republic."[MP]
Australasian Press Association -- 16.JAN.2008 -- Tokelauans Agree on Compromise Following Fijian Warnings
FAKAOFO, TOKELAU -- After over a month without progress, delegates to
Tokelau's constitutional Fono, or convention, have gathered again in
a spirit of compromise. The tiny Pacific islands, currently a
dependency of Fiji, had previously been unable to find common ground
on the issue of loyalty to Fiji's King Thakombao V. Fiji loyalists,
many of them members of the sizeable ethnic Chinese community on the
atoll of Nukunonu, walked out of the convention in December, bringing
the constitutional process to a halt.
Tokelauans received a strong motivation to reconvene Friday when a
spokesman for Thakombao gave a statement strongly implying that if
the islanders cannot create a plan for a viable government by the end
of the wet season, then Fiji might go back on its promise to let
Tokelau secede from Fijian Polynesia.
On the first day of the re-formed meeting, delegates seemed eager to
find points that both sides could agree on, putting off dealing with
the major controversies for now. Among other things, the convention
has decided upon a new national motto: _Fakatahi o tagata_, "One
people". Whether the delegates will be able to reach agreement on
more crucial issues remains to be seen.[BK]
National News Corporation -- 14.JAN.2008 -- Philly Gore's Death Ruled Drug Overdose
New Amsterdam -- The Crown Coroner's Office in Breuckelen announced
premliminary findings in the death of actress-model Philadelphia
"Philly" Gore. According to Dr. Quincey Madison, Gore had ingested a
fatal combination of morphine and cocaine, generically known as a
"Fastball." This is a potentially lethal combination under the best
of conditions, with the cocaine's stimulant wearing off sooner than
the morphine which slows down the heart. "Severe respiratory
depression" was the result, according to Madison.
Gore, the only daughter of General Moderator Al Gore, Jr., had been
arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in recent years
and, upon questioning, the coroner admitted that alcohol was also
present in her system. He also confirmed that convulsions almost
certainly accompanied the overdose, which would appear to have been
accidental. Madison emphasized this last, noting that the
investigation was on-going.
The NAPD announced, in a parallel press release, that they are seeking
several friends of Miss Gore as potential witnesses, including Andre
Vaschon, grandson of reputed Pegre Duc Pierre Daille. Rumors that the
two had dated have been reported in tabloids for over two years,
reports both Gore and Vaschon denied (although admitting they moved in
the same circles and had in fact met). Among other matters to be
investigated, noted the NAPD release, is the source of the Fastball
which killed Miss Gore. Cocaine is an illegal substance within
Castreleon New as well as most of the NAL, while morphine generally
requires a prescription.
Madison refused to answer questions about any sign of sexual activity,
nor rumors that Miss Gore was pregnant at the time of her death. The
NAPD press release likewise remained silent on these questions.
General Moderator Gore has reduced his appointments since the death of
his daughter, with many activities instead being taken over by
prominent members of the Cabinet including Foreign Secretary Ion
Edwards and Minister of Justice Howard Provo.[DZ]
OMNIPRESSE -- 8.JAN.2008 -- Election to be called in Intendency
QUEBEC -- After months of ruling as a minority government, the Ducal Party of Nouvelle Francie has resolved to officialy request the Intendant to call for new elections.
The Ducal Party had had difficulties with the Chamber of Patricians
which would receive contradictory "doleances" (bills) from the Estates-
Generals sent by a combination of the Action Royaliste and the
Laurentian Republican Party. The Ducal Party has blamed the lack of
cooperation from these two parties for, "making it impossible to take care of the needs of the people".
The election is scheduled for the 29th of January 2008.[MP]
-The wedding itself will be held in Rome in a ceremony "celebrating
the common heritage of the bride and groom's common faith as well as
their individual traditions." Rumors persist that the Pope might
officiate.
-A complicated system of social precedence has been worked out, which
uses the past borders of the Eastern and Western Roman Empires as a
basis for determining details, and changes when (if) the bride or
groom assumes their native title.
-Both Gelph and Vlas-Florea have agreed to limit any marital
inheiritances of to one third of their private properties, precluding
anything of "deep historical or symbolic importance to their
respective homelands."
This week marks the end of an era in royalist Nouvelle Francie, and in general French history, as the King's Intendant officially steps down from office...
The question that remains to be answered by the rash referendumists in Ville Marie is "Who will fill the vacuum?" It is well known that the referendum has no legally binding force on the government. Should the Intendent's act of stepping down remain permanent, who will be the Intendant's Intendant?
"Dear New Amsterdamers, after long years of bloodshed and violence, the Revolution against the French king is now at an end." So we wrote to our dear bretheren on the ninth of May, 1792. It seems that, today, at last those words bear some semblance of truth!
With the abdication of the French king, his treaties are no longer in force. Perhaps it is time to redress the issue of lands stolen from our people and given to the French. This issue, of course, of tracts of land that presently
make up the Hudson's Bay coastal territory of New France, forcibly taken from Native and Company holdings around Hudson's Bay and ceded to New France by British colonial powers in 1798 and later by the NAL in 1807. Needless to say, the Company was not amused. Nor were the Native Councils whose agreement was never sought.
10 March: Blessings given to Henua's first private wind turbines
3 March: Errata
1 March: Henua Council first to recognize Tokelauan government
