Baltic News

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

For the purpose of military exercises, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Reserve Divisions would be mobilized for a 6-month training deployment into the protectorates of Poland and Belarus. Moscow and Vienna would be contacted about these exercises as to not raise alarm. The exercise is to emphasis camaraderie and defensive warfare against superior numbers. Drilling against nuclear, chemical, and biological attack is to be conducted on a random basis as well.

 

The 2000 troops generally deployed to the region would maintain their peacekeeping duties.

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

A SOSUS net has begun construction within the sovereign waters of the Baltic Union. The ban on military vessels was to be re-enforced by regular maritime patrols by Be-12 aircraft.

Experiments with anti-submarine nets in harbors against special forces mini-submarines have begun.

 

Three more 380mm/45 Naval Cannon batteries, each consisting of a single heavily armored single-gun turret for the 380mm, two armored cupolas for fixed mortar positions, two AK-630 guns, and reenforced concrete fortification, have been completed at the following coordinates.

59°28'7.70"N,  24°22'48.19"E

 

59°22'47.41"N, 24° 3'15.44"E

 

59°16'8.84"N, 23°46'36.34"E

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

A further 4 reserve divisions (5th through 8th) would be deployed to the Poland-Belarus protectorate for escalation and expansion of existing exercises. Allies and neighbors would be sent a message accordingly. As part of these exercises, the borders of these territories would be secured. Several artificial villages would be constructed for practice on urban warfare without disturbing the civilian populace in the area.

 

As part of these exercises, a humanitarian mission would accompany the Land & Sea Guard. Medical service, along with the assistance of the Engineering corps, would ensure that the protectorate areas were checked up on and kept in good condition.

 

The Regional Military Authority would also hold minor referendums to see which of its officers had provided the best service to the populace in these regions.

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

380mm/45 Naval Cannon batteries, each consisting of a single heavily armored single-gun turret for the 380mm, two armored cupolas for fixed mortar positions, two AK-630 guns, and reenforced concrete fortification, have been completed at the following coordinates.

 

56°50'10.99"N, 21° 4'34.13"E

56°57'13.00"N, 21°19'26.09"E

57° 7'36.41"N, 21°25'37.06"E

 

59° 7'48.82"N, 23°31'23.12"E

58°55'58.90"N,  22° 4'12.84"E

58°16'57.96"N,  21°50'22.49"E

 

This completes the installation of 380mm guns into the wall. Installation of smaller caliber weapons, as well as anti-aircraft systems previously detailed, will begin. The control centers for the Baltic Wall's semi-automatic systems have also had their basic construction completed, and are beginning installation of EMP-hardened computer systems. They are located at the following coordinates:

 

58°55'7.78"N, 23°37'48.02"E

57°13'3.22"N, 22°31'39.99"E

55°47'47.85"N, 21°40'21.02"E

 

The Karstums facility nears completion, and should be operating at full capacity soon.

[End Classified]

Edited June 6, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

Belorussian Independence Brings Surge In Confidence of Government

 

With the rise of an independent, referendum-supported government in Belarus, opinion polls have shown a sharp increase in approval for the members of the Tri-State Assembly, as well as the President. The Belarus-Poland Protectorate had for some time been a controversial subject, especially with recent military deployments to the region. The nationalist group Baltijas Balti Baltijos has for some time decried the government for, quote, "wasting valuable Baltic resources on the maintenance of useless Slavic land."

 

Expert analysis of the recent rise in government popularity states that this is simply the populace responding to the Tri-State Assembly and the President keeping their word. Combined with the rise of a German state in the Northlands-Ubersteinia protectorate, the general populace has had their fear of imperialism by their own government assuaged. President Uberstein has stated his hope that the people of Poland will soon take after the Belorussian and German examples, and form their own independent state.

 

[Classified]

All reserve forces currently active are to stand down after completion of Protectorate exercises. The peacekeeping force in Poland is to be increased from 1000 to 1500, while 500 peacekeepers are to stay in Belarus, with Belorussian permission, to aid the government in training its armed forces.

 

Two Buk Missile Systems are to cover each 380mm naval gun emplacement. Given the batteries close proximity, full redundant coverage will be provided.

 

All naval vessels have finished construction, and are to undergo sea trials in Ubersteinian waters until further notice.

[End Classified]

Edited June 7, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

High-Speed Rail System to Bolster Baltic Union's Commerce and Industry

 

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Transportation (MoCIT) has approved the instillation of VR Class Sm3 high-speed train lines, which are to be installed parallel to existing lines. The old lines are to eventually be used purely for industrial, commercial, and military transport, while the high speed lines will be used for passenger transportation.

 

This announcement was followed by the nationalization of all railways and train companies within the Baltic Union. The Minister of CIT commented that this nationalization would, quote, "allow for the standardization of prices, wages, and safety."

 

[Classified]

With work on composite armor development complete, the UG-50 "Barsukas" assault gun has been finished and released for general production.

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

Continued Sanctions Against Hawaii

 

With the rise of extremist factions in Hawaii, as well as the glorification of genocidal individuals, the government has approved stronger measures against the nation of Hawaii. Immigration and Customs officers have been given the right to detain anyone who has traveled to Hawaiian territories in the last 3 years for up to 48 hours without a warrant. Anyone who had a connecting flight to the Pacific on any flight plan one year prior to attempted entry must declare so when entering the Baltic Union, even if that flight plan was through foreign airlines; for example, if one were to fly from Hawaii to Alvonia, and then drive to the Baltic Union within 1 year, that flight must be declared upon entering the country. Failure to declare is a criminal offense.

 

This legislation has been applauded by various groups, the most notable of which is Baltijas Balti Baltijos. President Uberstein stated that his signing of the bill into law is a natural step in preventing "barbaric extremism" from entering the country.

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

Meleski Missile Base ( 58°26'35.36"N,  26° 4'11.95"E ) is now fully operational. The Karstums base and town is also fully operational, and progress has been made on development of a proper bioweapon.

 

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

[Classified]
Four batteries of 130 53 TK shore defense cannons (3 cannons per battery) have been emplaced and connected to the command-control system. Emplacement of further batteries continues. Each 130 53 TK shore defense emplacement consists of the hardened cannon, as well as basic concrete pillboxes covering the shore-side approach to the cannons. The cannons themselves have NBC protection. NBC protection is to be added to all existing military facilities as well.
Battery TK-N 1

[spoiler]Gun 1: 59°35'5.35"N, 24°44'38.01"E

Gun 2: 59°35'15.19"N, 24°45'43.80"E

Gun 3: 59°35'9.96"N, 24°46'59.68"E[/spoiler]

 

Battery TK-N 2

[spoiler]Gun 1: 59°39'25.41"N, 25°40'49.40"E

Gun 2: 59°39'41.68"N, 25°41'20.57"E

Gun 3: 59°39'47.50"N, 25°42'20.54"E[/spoiler]

 

Battery TK-N 3

[spoiler]Gun 1: 59°34'10.84"N, 24°28'51.34"E

Gun 2: 59°35'17.81"N, 24°30'3.22"E

Gun 3: 59°35'0.02"N, 24°31'50.48"E[/spoiler]

 

Battery TK-S 1

[spoiler]Gun 1: 55°47'6.85"N, 21° 4'23.84"E

Gun 2: 55°51'34.43"N, 21° 3'36.89"E

Gun 3: 55°56'13.27"N, 21° 3'42.49"E[/spoiler]

 

[End Classified]

[Uberstein]

Internal Passports Debated Hotly in Tri-State Assembly

 

A bill proposing the institution of internal passports, which would, among other things, detail one's name, ethnicity, gender, address, and place of work. Proponents of the bill say that such a system would not only remove any chance of voter fraud, as presentation of such a passport would be necessary to vote, but would also allow the state to maintain tighter security for the good of the general public.

 

Opponents of the bill point claim this is a step backwards, and reminiscent of the totalitarian policies of the Soviet Union. Freedom of movement, while not protected by the constitution of the Baltic Union, is one of the rights being championed by those who view the bill as a gross violation of human rights. The President's office released an official statement saying that they held no opinion on the matter at this time, and would review the finalized bill should it cross the President's desk.

 

[Classified]

With the completion of the basic network of secured landlines, a central government Intranet has begun implementation. No military or government computer connected to the Intranet will be allowed to be connected to the Internet. It will be considered an act of treason to place information from the Intranet on an internet-connected device. No classified information is to be broadcast via wireless means unless it is the only means to do so, and is to be heavily encrypted. No classified information is to be allowed on internet-connected devices.

 

The MBT project has begun full-scale tests of the design at the Central Training Area near Tapa Army Base.

[End Classified]

Edited June 26, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

"SOCSOV" Added to Government List of Terrorist & Hate Groups

 

The Ministry of Justice Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Education have come together to enforce a ban on anything deemed to be "SOCSOV" from entering or existing within the Baltic Union. Internet links to any SOCSOV sites have been censored by the government, in a similar fashion to censoring already in place for Nationalist Socialist and Stalinist sites. Membership in any SOCSOV group is grounds for arrest on charges of hate speech or terrorism. Distribution of SOCSOV materials outside of satire has been banned by the Department of Education, citing the recent misinformation campaign launched by Hawaii.

 

[Classified]

A civilian intelligence and security agency, the Biroja Valsts Drošības (BVD) (Office of Public Security), has been formed. Its rolls are similar to the FBI and CIA, and it serves under the Ministry of the Interior. It operates with its own special operations teams, intelligence services, and holds higher jurisdiction than the police.

 

They are to handle civilian matters that are inappropriate for the Office of Military Intelligence (Birojs Militārās Izlūkošanas) (BMI) to handle.

[End Classified]

Edited June 14, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

[Classified]
The armed forces have been given a state of enhanced readiness; no other orders beyond this have been given.

Reserve forces remain in peacetime standing. Protectorate forces continue standard peacekeeping duty. Standing divisions are to be prepared for mobilization should the need arise.

AEW&C aircraft have begun patrol over Ubersteinian territory and waters.

No official statements would be released at this time.

 

Quad-launcher 9K38 Igla RWS's are to be added to the 130 53 TK emplacements, and will also exist on the future emplacements of this type.
[End Classified]

Edited June 15, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

Internal Passport Bill Passed Into Law

 

After much contention in the Tri-State Assembly, the law requiring the use of an Internal Passport has been passed with Presidential approval. All citizens are required to carry their identification papers at all times while on public property. Visitors to the nation will in turn be required to carry their passport at all times.

 

According to the government, this will not seriously restrict freedom of movement, as law-abiding citizens should always have a reason for being where they are, such as working there, living there, or enjoying a recreational activity.

 

[Classified]

Following the passing of the Internal Passport law, the BVD has begun the creation of a large scale database on all civilians in the nation, which is to be stored in both paper and digital mediums.

 

With the ultimatum to Greater Russia having been complied with, Ubersteinian forces were ordered to stand down to peacetime conditions once more.

[End Classified]

Edited June 15, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

Uberstein has collapsed. That is all.

[JEDCJT]

The news of the unexpected collapse of Ubersteinia reached the Foreign Ministry officials in Moscow. After getting over the initial shock, Foreign Ministry officials contacted and received confirmation from the Ambassador in Ubersteinia's capital, and the Defense Ministry ordered the rapid deployment of 30,000 troops (mostly rapid reaction brigades) into to secure Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Kaliningrad Oblast in conjunction with Alvonian forces. An additional 30,000 auxiliary police and logistics personnel would be sent there as well. Several An 225 transport aircrafts filled with food, supplies and equipment would be sent over to the regions, and so were several squadrons of fighters, interceptors and EWACs. EC security members would be informed of this through highly-secure channels.

 

CLASSIFIED ACTIONS

 

The ground troops would enter the former Ubersteinian regions of Estonia and Latvia through the border crossings, while aerial elements would be airlifted into Lithuania and Kaliningrad Oblast, to be joined by the land forces when they entered the two aforementioned regions. Strategic locations of first priority were airports, airfields, and hangars, in which the transport aircrafts would land and food and supplies unloaded and distributed. Other military bases, government and administrative buildings, and other strategic locations were to be secured as well. Muscovite officials would take a particular interest in Kaliningrad Oblast.

Edited June 16, 2014 by JEDCJT

[Uberstein]

OOC: Aw hell there's no other place for nation RP. I need my outlet dammnit! I'll just keep my head down and try to not get angry about things.

IC:

Baltic Union of Ubersteinia Returns

 

Following a series of terrorist attacks and an attempted Bolshevik coup, President Uberstein has announced his return to power. He thanks the Russian forces for their assistance. The territory of Kaliningrad will remain firmly in Russian hands, and the Baltic Union renounces any claim to the territory for as long as it is held by the Russian government.

Edited June 23, 2014 by Uberstein

[Dillon1102]

Cascadia applauds the return of baron Uberstein to his rightful place in the world

[JEDCJT]

OOC: Aw hell there's no other place for nation RP. I need my outlet dammnit! I'll just keep my head down and try to not get angry about things.

IC:

Baltic Union of Ubersteinia Returns

Following a series of terrorist attacks and an attempted Bolshevik coup, President Uberstein has announced his return to power. He thanks the Russian forces for their assistance. The territory of Kaliningrad will remain firmly in Russian hands, and the Baltic Union renounces any claim to the territory for as long as it is held by the Russian government.

Wild celebrations were held in the offices of the Foreign Ministry building. Foreign Minister Vladimir Lavrov would warmly welcome Ubersteinia back to the world stage. Accordingly, the Protectorate of Livonia would be dissolved and Muscovite peacekeepers withdrawn to either the Putingrad Governorate or mainland Muscovy.

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

The necessary work to bring all previously established fortifications, facilities, and forces back to full strength would begin immediately.

 

The Baltic Wall would resume construction, as would R&D on the native-design MBT.

[End Classified]

[Mr Director]

Belarus is glad to see that its neighbor to the north is back. The map has been very emtpy without you :)

[Captain Enema]

"The newly formed Polish government rejoices in the re-re-rise of Uberstinia."

[Uberstein]

[Classified]

 

Existing Baltic Wall facilities are now, once more, fully operational. Airbases are near full operating capacity, and the Reserves have begun large scale re-organization and training exercises alongside the standing mechanized forces across the nation. Production to replace the material lost during the coup continues, with priority given towards the replacement of anti-ship missiles and their launchers.

 

The BVD (Office of Public Security) has begun Operation Midnight, which has the goal of hunting down and eliminating any extremist leftist forces remaining after the attempted Bolshevik coup. The highest courts have been instructed to cooperate with the BVD in its obtaining of warrants for such an action.

 

[End Classified]

Edited June 25, 2014 by Uberstein

[Uberstein]

Anti-Expansionary Law To Be Expanded Upon by New Tri-State Assembly; Aggressive Wars Illegal?

 

As the government of the Baltic Union returns to normalcy, the legislative chambers in Riga have once more become filled with the debates of the Tri-State Assembly. While many minor topics such as local taxation, regulations, and budget decisions are being discussed, one major amendment of the existing Anti-Expansion Law is being considered. This expansion would make it illegal for the Baltic Union to declare an aggressive war, meaning that the armed forces could only act in self defense. While many members of the assembly agree with the ethics of the law, a majority currently argue that the Baltic Union should keep its options open.

 

Some minor laws have been passed as well:

• Religious organizations are taxed and regulated just like any other business or political organization, and must register as such. The Baltic Union is a strictly secular state. Practices that infringe on individuals unable to consent, such as circumcision-at-birth, are illegal.
• Police are required to have dashboard and uniform mounted cameras. This is to prevent abuse of power, as well as provide solid evidence behind Police claims in court

[lkfht]

Religious organizations are taxed and regulated just like any other business or political organization, and must register as such. The Baltic Union is a strictly secular state. Practices that infringe on individuals unable to consent, such as circumcision-at-birth, are illegal.

 

"The Holy See strongly condemns this infringement on religious liberty and freedom. Religious institutions are established because of religious beliefs and convictions. Such institutions include not only churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship, but also schools and colleges, shelters and community kitchens, adoption agencies, and hospitals, organizations that provide care and services during natural disasters, and countless other organizations that exist to put specific religious beliefs into practice. Religious freedom is the principle on which we stand. Because of differing understandings of moral and religious authority, people of good will can and often do come to different conclusions about moral questions. Yet, even we who hold differing convictions on specific moral issues are united in the conviction that no religious institution should be penalized for refusing to go against its beliefs. No government should tell religious organizations either what to believe or how to put their beliefs into practice. We indeed hold this to be an unalienable, God-given right. If freedom of religion is to be protected, then institutions developed by religious groups to implement their core beliefs in education, in care for the sick or suffering, and in other tasks must also be protected. Only by doing so can the free exercise of religion have any meaning. The new national laws passed prevent this free exercise. For the well-being of our country, we oppose the application of these laws to religious institutions and plead for its retraction."

 

- Archbishop Oscar Aveni, Secretary for the Relations with States

Edited June 26, 2014 by lkfht

[Uberstein]

Tri-State Assembly Approves Italian-Catholic Ban

 

The Holy See, and by extension the Italian Catholic Church, has been banned from operating within the Baltic Union. The BVD has added the Holy See to its list of illegal organizations and will prosecute any individuals caught reporting to the Vatican on charges of espionage. Those who wish to follow the Catholic faith, which is a reported minority in the Baltic Union following the great collapse, will be allowed to practice in a manner that does not violate the law nor infringe upon the sovereignty of the Baltic Union with these so called "God-given" rights.

 

The Foreign Office responded with this statement, "The Baltic Union of Ubersteinia does not answer to the Pope, and does not recognize any god nor any rights given by such a fictitious entity. Any action by the Pope or his organization to infringe on the sovereignty of the Baltic Union will be dealt with appropriately."

 

OOC: Does the word "closed" not mean anything to you people. Please, please, refrain from posting in my news thread.