Byzantine News, Developments, and Updates

[Lynneth]

Constantinople, Byzantium - In the interests of repairing and improving relations before the Brothers arrived, Hans issued a statement to several nations around the world, apologizing for any 'unproper' behavior the Nationalists may have displayed while they were still in power -- especially to the Government of Saboria.

"To the Government and people of Saboria, I would like to apologize on my and the people's behalf for the former Government's insulting behavior and inflammatary words toward you, especially about your political and economic system." Hans stated in a televised speech today. "You see, the Nationalists were, to put it, simply fanatics. They hated Communism with a passion, and for no apparent reason. Because of that, I want to apologize to Saboria as a whole. As such, we want to improve relations between our two nations."

OOC: =3

A short and simple answer was sent to Byzantium.

"No problem, not at all. All's forgiven, as long as you stop the next such government somewhat earlier. And perhaps get the two brothers back into the government."

OOC: <3

[Subtleknifewielder]

A short and simple answer was sent to Byzantium.

"No problem, not at all. All's forgiven, as long as you stop the next such government somewhat earlier. And perhaps get the two brothers back into the government."

OOC: <3

OOC: Oh, they will be restored...trust me...

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium - To deal with the potent void created by the collapse of the Nationalist regime, Supreme Commander William Hans signed a resolution, establishing a Provisional Government of Byzantium. Through this, the current Constitution was suspended (although the name of Republic of Byzantium remained in nominal effect).

"Do not worry, citizens of Byzantium." Hans stated in a televised speech today. "The Provisional Government shall remain until Jed and Aaron Constantine returns to Byzantium, to reclaim their rightful thrones of power. That, and rights and liberties shall be respected, upheld, and protected."

Hans also pushed an initiative to legalize the formation of political parties (although this wouldn't be implemented immediately) as to provide the basis for a smooth and peaceful transition of power. At the same time, Government control over businesses and industries were eased.

Edited February 24, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium – Today, the Provisional Government has decreed the repeal of the following laws: the National Protective and Tariff Act, the Greek Status Act, the Sedition Act, and the Media Outlets Act.

The lifting of the National Protective and Tariff Act would reduce the tariff being imposed on imports from all over the world. This, in turn, would help to stimulate economic growth and help pull the downtrodden Byzantine economy into prosperity. Through the repealing of the Greek Status Act, Greek was made the administrative language in Greece once again and Greek became one of the mandatory languages in schools, the other being Turkish. In addition, the status of ‘autonomy’ now became an open question among social and intellectual circles in Greece and Byzantium. The overturning of the Sedition Act was made in the interests of broadening personal freedom in Byzantium and in accordance to the interim Government’s commitment to freedom and democracy, and this includes free speech.

In addition, the National Security Act, the Suppression of Subversive Activity Act, and the Anti-Piracy Act were suspended, and the Politicization Act was extended to include a variety of political parties that would be permitted in the new Byzantium (although the Progressive and Development Party and the Freedom and Solidarity Party were disbanded). The formerly-banned Socialist Party and the Communist Party were allowed to form and to participate on the political scene (although the Kurdish Worker's Party and the Turkish Worker's Party remains banned).

Lastly, Andonian ships were now allowed to traverse through Byzantine waters without interference (they do have to submit to occasional inspections, but nothing more). The same applies to other nations.

Constantinople, Byzantium – William Hans and the Provisional Government has deemed it best to inform nations – but most particularly the Kingdom of Viniland – the fate of the 198 Byzantine ‘prisoners’ that were expatriated to Byzantium under the terms of the Recife Conference.

“With a sorrowful heart, I stand before you, the people of Byzantium and the Government and people of Viniland, to inform you of the ultimate fate of the hundred and ninety-eight prisoners that were sent here from Brasilia.” William Hans began his speech in Constantinople today, in front of a crowd.

Pausing for a moment, Hans continued, “The former regime promised to bring the prisoners to ‘face proper justice’ back home. Unfortunately, they did, Nationalist style; they never even reached the courthouses. Instead, upon arriving at the airport, they were immediately driven to an isolated location and shot. All hundred and ninety-eight prisoners were killed, not because of the crimes they had committed, but because the Nationalists had a thirst for vengeance.”

“But, I’m not saying that Viniland is accountable for this, no. It’s not the case, at all. Rather, I’m just informing the world of what happened to these prisoners, which were never accounted for. I have the files here; the Nationalists did record the terrible event and stored it away in the archives. But I’m glad that the entire Byzantine population of Brasilia were never sent back home at the time. Who knows of what would’ve happened had they been so? With that, we will find these, the Gizli Polis and Nationalist guards and officers, who committed the terrible crime here in Constantinople. We shall bring them to a fair and just trial.

They need to know and understand that every action has consequences, and that such consequences shall not go unpunished.”

Edited February 24, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Centurius]

We congratulate Byzantium and wish them a very good future.

[Sir Keshav IV]

We are sad to read of the fate of the 198 Prisoners.

[Subtleknifewielder]

We are saddened to hear of those prisoners' fates, not only for them, but for what it implies. If they were executed in such a manner, they could hardly have been the only ones.

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium - As a way of sealing the 'end of the Nationalist regime and its institutions', Hans repudiated the National Decrees Act and the National Movement Act, although the Labor Charter Act was retained, in a modified form, to provide a link between the people and the Byzantine state during the transition of power. The now-defunct National Sovereignity Act was also annulled. The Republic of Byzantium now all but existed in name, and in nominal form.

[JEDCJT]

Edessa, Byzantium – As a part of it’s ‘reforms’, the Provisional Government has commissioned its plan to dismantle the current border fortifications. The unfinished fortifications that were under construction by the former Nationalist regime will be removed sometimes this month, and will focus at first in the removal of thousands of mines, Czech hedgehogs, and the fences in the second line. However, it is currently debated of whether the completed line will be kept or not, although it will not be maintained for the “interests of shielding Byzantium from the rest of the world.” Critics asserted that the border fortifications were a “huge drain on the economy”, and that it nearly bankrupted Byzantium several times during its construction. On the other side, supporters of the border fortifications provided for a “feeling of safety, security, and stability”, most particularly the southern areas of Byzantium and that it was necessary for national defense.

Despite the ongoing debates, the Provisional Government has initiated the destruction of the second defensive line in southeastern Byzantium, where the former Byzantine-Rebel Army border used to be. The process is expected to take at least a year.

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium - The reconstruction of Italia duly began when tens of thousands of troops (most particularly the 2nd and 4th Corps) sailed on the Millet, Bey, and Saruca, toward the port cities of Bari, Taranto, Venice, and Martenshaven, along with others. The frigates and cruisers, laden-full of food, equipment, supplies, and the like, also sailed toward the Italian peninsula.

Finally, the Byzantine soldiers and aid-workers (mostly wearing hazmat suits to protect against the radiation) arrived at the abovementioned cities. Their first impression upon arriving was that they looked “like a vast graveyard, of which there are but a few remaining buildings remaining intact. It is a scene of catastrophe.”

The Byzantines began unloading massive quantities of supplies and equipment at the remaining docks; they also helped thousands and tens of thousands of the remaining Italian citizenry into the ships (after everything had been loaded out). Soon, the ships sailed out toward Byzantium, where the survivors would be screened, treated, and housed. Over the course of the reconstruction, the ships would go back and forth as they would eventually evacuate hundreds of thousands of Italians to safety. More ships, including hundreds of civilian vessels and a handful of cruiser ships were ‘reconverted’ into military emergency use to help out in the effort.

After some reevaluations, the Provisional Government has estimated the final cost 'could exceed approximately $30 billion, and possibly much more.' Sacrifices would have to be made, stated Supreme Commander William Hans, if the Italian region are to be brought to its former glory and prosperity once again. "We must care for our Italian brothers and sisters, for we have but one kinship with them. To neglect them would be an unforgivable crime against humanity." The media, despite offering sympathy to the Italians and the Italian region, asserted that the reconstruction costs would weigh down most heavily upon Byzantine taxpayers, and this would put the weakened Byzantine economy into an even more precarious situation than it already is now." In other words, Byzantium could bankrupt itself trying to help out others.

[Sarah Tintagyl]

If there is any amount of aid or construction help that can be given for the restoration of Venice as a seat of western culture, art and music the Hansa wishes to help in anyway possible. We have money to spare from the Humanitarian Act and would like to help Byzantium restore western culture to its true place in the eyes of the world.

[JEDCJT]

If there is any amount of aid or construction help that can be given for the restoration of Venice as a seat of western culture, art and music the Hansa wishes to help in anyway possible. We have money to spare from the Humanitarian Act and would like to help Byzantium restore western culture to its true place in the eyes of the world.

Byzantium accepts and welcomes this offer. We thank you.

[Centurius]

The Imperial Union can send Nuclear clean-up crews as we do not need them now.

[JEDCJT]

The Imperial Union can send Nuclear clean-up crews as we do not need them now.

Please do send them. We thank you.

[Centurius]

Please do send them. We thank you.

A transport Aircraft should arrive in a few hours, they all have experience due to their clean up of Imperial Territory after the South American War,

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium - Today, the Provisional Government has issued a Doctrine regarding foreign affairs. Under the Augustus Doctrine, in the event of the total collapse of government and State of the listed nations, caused by war, rebellion, instability, or other factors, the lands of the following nations shall immediately revert to Byzantine control and jurisdiction, and Byzantium shall have the right to exercise this Doctrine:

• Azerbaijani Republic
  
• Republic of Chechnya-Dagestan
  
• Socialist Republic of Zurran
  

Note, this is not an attempt to undermine these abovementioned nations' sovereignity or legitimacy, and nor are we trying to threaten their existence. Rest assured.

Edited March 2, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium - Following the establishment of the nation of Alvonia in the lands of Italia, the Provisional Government passed a resolution repudiating the Italian Devletin; a 'timetable' was also set for the withdrawal of Byzantine troops from the new country. But for now, Byzantine troops, aid-workers, and volunteers shall remain in the region to assist in the evacuation (hundreds of thousands of Italian troops had been evacuated, or were being evacuated, to Byzantium), cleaning up radiation, distributing food, supplies, and equipment, and maintaining peace, law, and order in the devastated region.

The planned 'withdrawal' from Italia does not mean Byzantine aid, assistance, and support will stop. Instead, as stated William Hans in a televised speech to the nation today, "We shall double and even triple the flow of aid and support that we are currently contributing to the region and its new Government, for it is but a duty we as citizens shall have to undertake if the world is to be a better one." However, some businesses and companies protested this, saying that they were losing "valuable resources and workers" to this massive effort. This will, in turn, lead to reduced wages and productivity, which would lead to possible 'economic ruin' for the overstretched Byzantine economy. The media also echoed this, stating that the Provisional Government "was supporting the Italian region more than it does to us, citizens of Byzantium." That, and the sudden influx of Italian refugees created further strain as hundreds of 'refugee camps' had to be set up outside major cities and Byzantine resented the prospect of losing jobs to these 'Italians'.

Rising tensions had resulted in violence in recent times, as Italian refugees were attacked and injured by unemployed Byzantine nationals in Smyrna, Antalya, Mersin, and Athens, and other cities and towns, compelling the Provisional Government more than once to step in to restore order. But even so, the evacuation and reconstruction effort continues on.

Martenshaven, Byzantium - In accordance to the planned 'withdrawal' from the Italian region, the Provisional Government has requested the new Alvonian Government to let Byzantium retain the symbolic City of Martenshaven, and the lands immediately surrounding it. Martenshaven shall be rebuilt to its former glory and its inhabitants shall be accorded Byzantine citizenship, with full benefits and duties.

Edited March 4, 2009 by JEDCJT

[Agostinho Neto]

Constantinople, Byzantium - Today, the Provisional Government has issued a Doctrine regarding foreign affairs. Under the Augustus Doctrine, in the event of the total collapse of government and State of the listed nations, caused by war, rebellion, instability, or other factors, the lands of the following nations shall immediately revert to Byzantine control and jurisdiction, and Byzantium shall have the right to exercise this Doctrine:

• Azerbaijani Republic
  
• Republic of Chechnya-Dagestan
  
• Socialist Republic of Zurran
  

Note, this is not an attempt to undermine these abovementioned nations' sovereignity or legitimacy, and nor are we trying to threaten their existence. Rest assured.

The Union of Transcaucasian Republics guarantees the independence of Azerbaijan, Dagestan and Nagorno-Karabakh, in case of state collapse, UTR troops on the territory would take control of the situation. Thats why there are Azeri troops in Dagestan and Nagorno-Karabakh, Dagestani troops in Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh, and Karabakhi troops in Dagestan and Azerbaijan.

[Markus Wilding]

Martenshaven, Byzantium - In accordance to the planned 'withdrawal' from the Italian region, the Provisional Government has requested the new Alvonian Government to let Byzantium retain the symbolic City of Martenshaven, and the lands immediately surrounding it. Martenshaven shall be rebuilt to its former glory and its inhabitants shall be accorded Byzantine citizenship, with full benefits and duties.

Alvonia agrees to the request. Power shall be granted.

[JEDCJT]

Alvonia agrees to the request. Power shall be granted.

Martenshaven, Byzantium - With the consent of the new Alvonia Government, the Provisional Government passed a resolution. Under what was termed as the Resolution Regarding the Status of Martenshaven, the 'Port of Martens' and its surrounding lands were officially incorporated into Byzantium, and 'unto perpetuality'. This move was greeted with universal joy and celebrations from the remaining Martencists in the country. It is estimated that many of them will emigrate from Bursa (formerly Martensgrad) to Martenshaven.

As such, Byzantine soldiers began setting up border checkpoints around the newest Byzantine city; the Provisional Government had earlier approved millions and millions of funds to Italia (including Martenshaven) to assist in the reconstruction effort. As promised earlier, the remaining inhabitants of Martenshaven were accorded Byzantine citizenship, although the sick and aging will be evacuated to the Byzantine mainland for treatment. Critics, however, looked upon this with disdain. "What uses do we have for Martenshaven? We have many ports in the country, and one more doesnt make any difference; in fact, it will burden us more." One newspaper stated. "It seems that this is a politically-motivated move designed to placate the small 'Martencist' movement in Byzantium."

But still, it is a glorious day for Byzantium, at least for the Martencists.

[Ranather]

Martenshaven, Byzantium - With the consent of the new Alvonia Government, the Provisional Government passed a resolution. Under what was termed as the Resolution Regarding the Status of Martenshaven, the 'Port of Martens' and its surrounding lands were officially incorporated into Byzantium, and 'unto perpetuality'. This move was greeted with universal joy and celebrations from the remaining Martencists in the country. It is estimated that many of them will emigrate from Bursa (formerly Martensgrad) to Martenshaven.

As such, Byzantine soldiers began setting up border checkpoints around the newest Byzantine city; the Provisional Government had earlier approved millions and millions of funds to Italia (including Martenshaven) to assist in the reconstruction effort. As promised earlier, the remaining inhabitants of Martenshaven were accorded Byzantine citizenship, although the sick and aging will be evacuated to the Byzantine mainland for treatment. Critics, however, looked upon this with disdain. "What uses do we have for Martenshaven? We have many ports in the country, and one more doesnt make any difference; in fact, it will burden us more." One newspaper stated. "It seems that this is a politically-motivated move designed to placate the small 'Martencist' movement in Byzantium."

But still, it is a glorious day for Byzantium, at least for the Martencists.

"Even in this day and age some still follow the old ways of Micheal Martens? Interesting, though it is the inherent right of every human to adhere to whichever ideology suits their tastes."

Ranather Rukia

OOC: Yes, Ran is still a 'Martenscist' to some degree, but takes a more open and philosophical, if not a bit narcissistic view of all ideologies.

Edited March 4, 2009 by Ranather

[JEDCJT]

"Even in this day and age some still follow the old ways of Micheal Martens? Interesting, though it is the inherent right of every human to adhere to whichever ideology suits their tastes."

Ranather Rukia

OOC: Yes, Ran is still a 'Martenscist' to some degree, but takes a more open and philosophical, if not a bit narcissistic view of all ideologies.

OOC: I see you changed your avy, Ranather.

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium, United Kingdom - The newly-convened Parliament, in one of its first acts, ratified the signatures of Jed and Aaron Constantine on the admission of the United Kingdom into the new World Congress. The Prime Minister and Emperor's signatures received overwhelming approval in both the Chamber of Representatives and the Senate, with only 5 against and 12 abstentions.

Martenshaven, Byzantium, United Kingdom - In one of its first Acts, Parliament passed the Martenshaven Status Act 2009. Also termed the "Act of Parliament Pertaining to the Official Status of Martenshaven in the United Kingdom", the Act -- breezing through the Chambers of Representatives and the Senate without much opposition, and receiving Royal Assent -- officially made the City of Martenshaven a part of the Country of Byzantium, despite the city's relative proximity to the Country of Greece.

Fort Jedcjt (formerly Van), Byzantium, United Kingdom - The local government of Van passed a resolution reverting the city's name back to Fort Jedcjt, in honor of the current Prime Minister, Jed Constantine. Approved by the city's Assembly and ratified by Parliament, the resolution shall come into effect, immediately. From this time now on, Van shall be known as Fort Jedcjt.

Edited March 8, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Kars, Byzantium, United Kingdom - Today, at Prime Minister Jed Constantine's initiative, Parliament began putting into place a reconstruction plan to 'reintegrate' the eastern areas of Byzantium formerly belonging to the Rebel Army. The plan, under the name of the Reconstruction Act 2009, aims to invest as many as $5 billion over a five-year period into rebuilding and cleaning the new region, including repopulating the cities of Kars, Igdir, Artvin, and Rize, along with others, and building new railways and roads across the region to 'connect' the UK together. "We need to connect Byzantium together, and that is what we shall do. No longer will the eastern Anatolia region be a desolate wasteland! They shall be a thriving prosperious region, and we intend to achieve just that." Prime Minister Jed Constantine stated in a press statement to the nation today.

The bill, introduced in the Chamber of Representatives, is currently under review in the Senate. If approved, the bill will promptly be ratified into law, only upon receiving Royal Assent. A copy will submitted to the National Assembly of Byzantium for consideration. It is speculated that both the UK and Byzantine governments will work together to seek support and investment from businesses and industries for the financing of this planned project. A federal commission will be established to oversee the project.

Constantinople, Byzantium, United Kingdom - Plans were introduced in Parliament for the allocation of 'millions in emergency and aid funds'. If approved and ratified, the plans will grant as many as '$300 million and perhaps more' in aid to the Rebel Army and Alvonia, and others, at zero interest. It is currently under deliberations in the Chamber of Representatives.

Edited March 8, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Martensgrad, Byzantium, UK - Bursa is Martensgrad once again. The local city council voted unaminously to rename Bursa back to its former name, Martensgrad. A local commission is in the works to 'return the city to its former glory' by reconstructing statues of Kaiser Martens (and renovating the remaining ones). Prior to the Revolution, Martensgrad had the highest per-capita of Kaiser Martens statues in the world. During the Byzantine civil war, the city became a battleground between Loyalist and Nationalist forces, of which the latter triumphed. The victorious Nationalists -- after renaming the city to 'Kelikarkgrad' -- unleashed a wave of terror, subduing the population and demolishing much of the city's famed statues.

Martensgrad became the second city in Byzantium to be renamed after Kaiser Martens himself, after Martenshaven. But local authorities estimate that as many as five percent of the city's population will emigrate to Martenshaven, the famed 'Port of Martens.' There is a growing sense of competition between the inhabitants of Martensgrad and Martenshaven as each city seeks to "hold the torch of Martens's glory and honor."

Ankara, Byzantium, UK - Liberal senators in Ankara's city assembly put up a proposal to revert the city's name back to Lavopolis, and to construct a massive statue of Rebel Army's Prime Minister, Lavo Shalam, in his honor. The second proposal, after some deliberations, breezed through the assembly, but the first one became mired in debate as Communist, Socialist, and National Union senators put up resistance to the proposal. "We can understand constructing a statue after the Rebel Army leader, but actually renaming this City in his honor? Isn't that a bit too much?" National Union senator Jakob Millis said during the debates. "What's wrong with the name of Ankara? It doesnt make much sense to idolize a foreign leader like that. We're not like the Martencists!" But despite much opposition, the measure is expected to pass.