Byzantine News, Developments, and Updates

[JEDCJT]

Vladikavkaz, Transcaucasia, Byzantium – Following the takeover of neighboring Republic of Dagestan by the Azerbaijani Republic, hundreds of thousands of Byzantine citizens in the Country of Transcaucasia converged upon the streets of Stavropol, Elista, Astrakhan, and Vladikavkaz. Waving placards and posters, the protestors demanded the "return of Dagestan", and condemned what was viewed as 'Azerbaijan's interference in Dagestan in the blatant violation of the Augustus Doctrine.' Similar incidents occurred in major cities and towns across Byzantium, especially Constantinople, Ankara, Smyrna, Antalya, Fort Jedcjt, and Tiflis, along with others.

Demonstrators in Vladikavkaz.

"The United Kingdom and Transcaucasia is being robbed! How do we know that the elections aren't being rigged? That's probably the reason the quorum is set really low and the deadline long!" A protestor in Vladikavkoz stated to a news reporter. "Azerbaijan claims to support independence, freedom, and liberties of the Dagestan people, but it seems to us that Dagestan is nothing more than a puppet of Azerbaijan under the guise of democracy!"

"Azerbaijan is endangering Byzantine sovereignty! Are we going to stand here and do nothing?" Another protestor, in Stavropol, shouted as his friends screamed in agreement.

The Transcaucasian Assembly in Stavropol, concerned about the scope and intensity of the protests, dispatched the police to maintain law and order, and to make sure that the protests doesn't turn violent. "We are watching this situation with increasing concern. It seems that it could erupt out at any time, and we want to avoid that." Dmitri Kuzmin, the Minister of Transcaucasia, stated in a press statement today. He said his government are contacting Constantinople about what to do about the growing situation.

The UK government in Constantinople is under increasing pressure, from the protestors, the media, and Members of Parliament, to do something about it. "Azerbaijan violated the Augustus Doctrine, a part of our foreign policy, and we're going to sit around and do nothing?" Socialist Member Aaron Miles stated during a session of Parliament today. Other MPs voiced similar statements, some even advocated a military invasion of Dagestan to drive the Azeris out.

However, Prime Minister Jed Constantine has stated that the UK will deal with this situation as diplomatically as it can. "Given that Byzantium has had good relations with the Azerbaijani Government and Republic, we're assessing the situation as much as we can. We believe this 'crisis' will be worked out as smoothly and peacefully as possible. You have my words on that." The Prime Minister stated in a televised speech to the nation today.

But despite so, there is considerable tension in the country, especially Transcaucasia, as the protests continue, with no end in sight.

OOC: Nevermind. It's now null and void. >__>

But it was such a beautiful news update...it would be painful to delete it just like that.

Edited March 11, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium, UK – After much deliberations, the Senate finally approved the Reconstruction bill. After being affixed with a Royal Assent from Emperor Aaron Constantine, the Reconstruction Act 2009 officially came into effect.

On a related note, the National Assembly of Byzantium approved of the plan, opting to work with the UK Government, but only on the basis that it take over the construction effort. To this effect, government agents contacted various heads of businesses, industries, and corporations about this planned effort. So far, the Byzantine Steel, one of Byzantium’s major steel corporations, and the National Byzantine Construction Company has agreed to contribute workers, supplies, and equipment to the effort. Others are still pending.

With all that, a federal commission was established. Through the United Kingdom Reconstruction Commission, the UK Government will oversee the reconstruction effort and will be responsible for funding, along with others.

Athens, Greece, UK – Following a tipoff from an anonymous citizen, police raided several apartment blocks near the outskirts of Athens today. During the raid, large quantities of high-tech weaponry, explosives, and chemical supplies were uncovered, and hundreds arrested. It was the largest crackdown operation in UK history.

One of the weapons seized in today's raid.

“This is shocking, really. These are all really high-tech stuff.” James Zamias, the head of Athens’s local police, stated in an interview today. “Clearly there is something behind this, and we’re going to get to the bottom of these.”

The suspects currently in custody haven’t made any statement regarding this so far, police say.

(OOC: Any similiarity of these weapons in the picture to any other nation's weapons is purely concidental. Seriously, if any other nations has these weapons, I apologize.)

Edited March 10, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Sebastopolis, Georgia, UK - A major issue was renewed when a Liberal MP, of Abkhazian-Georgian descent, Sergei Bagapsh, proposed a bill in a session of Parliament that would grant Abkhazia greater autonomy within the Country of Georgia, in the UK. This includes more devolution that would grant it rights nearly equal to that of Countries of the UK. However, other Georgian MP vehemently opposed this proposal, subjecting Bagapsh to considerable criticism that the Speaker of the Chamber of Representatives had to calm things down.

Sergei Bagasph, Member of Parliament. He vies for a more autonomous Abkhazia...

The bill, under the proposed name, the Government of Abkhazia Bill 2009 would've granted Abkhazia, a region within Georgia, greater rights if passed into law. This includes the right to convene a devolved Parliament in Sebastopolis, to conduct constiuent elections, and to maintain its own state of affairs independent from Tiflis, the Georgian capital. Georgian Minister Mikheil Saakashvili, formerly a mayor of Tiflis, however voiced opposition to the proposed bill, saying that "Abkhazia is an inherent part of Georgia, and shall remain as such. Abkhazia, despite its statements, is not ready for independence, if much autonomy, yet." The Georgian Minister also stated that he will fight to keep Abkhazia in Georgia, and that he would bring it up to the Supreme Court if the Abkhazians persisted into bringing up this issue further.

...but Georgian Minister Mikheil Saakashvili won't permit it.

Edited March 10, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Vladikavkaz, Transcaucasia, UK – As soon as they heard this speech, the protestors went livid with rage. Chanting "down with Azerbaijan!" and "down with the election!" the protestors converged upon various Azerbaijani businesses and homes, not only in Vladikavkaz, but in many other UK cities. They broke into the premises and pulled their occupants outside, beating them to a pulp; some even openly burned Azerbaijani flags in protest. The police, however, quickly intervened, arresting several protestors. The victims were quickly rushed to a nearby hospital, where they will be treated for their injuries. In other cities, police clashed with protestors, resulting in several casualties (injuries) and arrests as they struggled to maintain order.

Riots in Vladikavkaz.

"This is rapidly turning into a crisis, and if we don't do something about it, it's bound to get worse…much worse." Transcaucasian Minister Dmitry Kuzmin stated in a press statement in Stavropol today.

In Constantinople, the situation was critical as mobs of protestors converged in front of the Azerbaijani Embassy in the UK capital, besieging it. Screaming profanities, the demonstrators threw rocks and bricks at the building, prompting the police to hold them at a distance from the Embassy; the local police department is asking for more reinforcements. The UK government has voiced its increasing concern about this crisis. "This is bad…very bad, indeed." Prime Minister Jed Constantine stated in a press statement to the nation today. "But for the sake of peace and diplomacy, we must calm down. That way, we can deal with the situation the best as we can."

However, Socialist, Communist, National Union, and even some Liberal MPs in Parliament have now openly called for the non-recognition of the elections, which they viewed as "farcical"; some have called for a military operation against Dagestan. But the Prime Minister has made it clear that he will pursue peaceful relations with the Azerbaijani Republic, and the UK will respect Azerbaijan's commitment to peace and diplomacy. "I must admit, I don't like it, too." Jed admitted in a further speech today. "But the Dagestan people have voiced their wishes, and we must respect it as such."

OOC: It's null and void, too.

Edited March 11, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium, UK - After debates, Parliament approved the passage of a bill. Termed the National Law Enforcement Bill 2009, the bill provided for the basis of a national and federal police force, not only in each Country, but in the UK as a whole. With the Royal Assent, the bill formally became law.

Through this, a Federal Police (Polisfederal) was established under the aegis of the National Police Authority (NPA), centered in Constantinople. The responsibility of the Polisfederal will be to maintain peace, law and order, enforce laws, and ensure public safety and security at the federal level, along with other law enforcement responsibilities and duties. The Polisfederal has many responsibilities and jurisdictions, including but not limited to:

• Traffic
  
• Border
  
• Air
  
• Railways
  
• Waterways
  
• Reserve
  
• Support
  

Also established under the NPA was the Provincial (Polistasrali) and Local (Polisyerel) Polices. The Polistasrali will enforce laws on the provincial and constituent level, and the Polisyerel will do the same on the local level. In addition, all three branches of police were combined into the National Metropolitan Police (NMP), also led by the Police Directorate, which will take jurisdiction in UK cities, towns, and villages (generally metropolitan areas). The level of organization goes as follows:

• National Police Authority
  
• National Metropolitan Police
  

  
  

• Polisfederal
  
  
• Polistasrali
  
  
• Polisyerel

  
  

Furthermore, four branches of organizations were established under the NPA, of which each Country has jurisdiction of both the Polistasrali and the Polisyerel (but not the Polisfederal, which remains under the exclusive jurisdiction of the NPA):

• Byzantine Police Authority, headquartered in Ankara
  
• Greek Police Authority, headquartered in Athens
  
• Georgian Police Authority, headquartered in Tskhinval
  
• Transcaucasian Police Authority, headquartered in Vladikavkaz
  

The responsibilities of the NPA will be to coordinate all three police agencies under the leadership of the Police Directorate, and will be responsible to the Secretary of State for National Security and ultimately the Prime Minister.

Dardanellia, Byzantium, UK - By an Act of Parliament, the Act of Parliament Pertaining to the Reform of the Byzantine Straits Commission, the aforementioned commission was reorganized into the National Byzantine Straits Authority (NBSA), retaining much the same powers, duties, and responsibilities as it had before. The NBSA’s headquarters in Constantinople will be relocated to Dardanellia. This is apparently a move to emphasize the significance of the Commission/Authority, which is responsible for the maintenance and day-to-day affairs of the Straits.

Lavopolis (formerly Ankara), Byzantium, UK - As expected, the name of Ankara was officially reverted back to Lavopolis, through the act of the city‘s assembly. Parliament, after deliberations (and facing some opposition from Communist, Socialist, and National Union MPs) further ratified this decision by passing the Lavopolis Name Act 2009. Both the Byzantine and UK governments has now begun the process of surveying for a future site for the planned statue of Rebel Army Prime Minister, Lavo Shalam.

[JEDCJT]

Petrovsk-Port (formerly Makhachkala), Dagestan - Midst the ongoing debates, Parliament passed into law the Act Pertaining to the Name of Makhachkala. Through the Act, also named the Makhachkala Renaming Act 2009, the name of the Dagestan capital of Makhachkala was officially reverted to its former name, Petrovsk-Port.

At the same time, the name of the Chechen capital, Grozny, was also officially renamed Solz-Gala. The UK Government has not provided an official explanation regarding these recent acts yet.

Edited March 12, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Petrovsk-Port, Dagestan – Following the success of the recent Operation Dagestan – and the subsequent debates between Transcaucasia and Georgia regarding the newest region of the UK, Parliament has decided to take a course of action to deal with this current situation.

And thus this came in the form of the Crown Dependency Act 2009. The Act, introduced and passed into law by the Royal Assent over the protests of the Georgian and Transcaucasian MPs, declared Dagestan a self-governing Crown Dependency. Through this arrangement, Dagestan is not formally a part of the UK, but forms a federacy with it. The UK Government is responsible for foreign relations, national defense, and ultimate governance of Dagestan, and the official head of state is the Sovereign, Emperor Aaron Constantine. The capital of the new Crown Dependency shall be Petrovsk-Port (formerly Makhachkala).

[JEDCJT]

Athens, Greece, UK – Following investigations regarding the seizure of weapons in the recent raid in Athens, it was concluded that this was all a part of a plot or conspiracy of some kind. This was further confirmed when one of the arrestees confessed to this. “Yes, this was all a plot.” The suspect stated to police in condition of anonymity. “You see, we were planning to launch a major attack in Athens as a means of securing Greek independence from the UK. We planned to mess things up, and then try to seize power in the Greek capital.”

However, what the suspect failed to disclose, and as did the others, was the name of this ‘conspiracy.’ “We are all working on it, but it’s not working out so far.” Police chief James Zamias stated in a press statement today. “But we are working with the UK and Greek authorities regarding this.”

[JEDCJT]

Tiflis, Georgia, UK - Following the recent coup in neighboring Azerbaijan, the UK Government has condemned the coup and requested that the coup leaders resign from power, and allow President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Ali Kerimli to return to power as rightful rulers. “This is a critical situation we are dealing with right now.” An UK official, on condition of anonymity, stated to a news reporter in Tiflis, Georgia. “There is growing sentiments that the situation may worsen if allowed to remain longer. In short, we are concerned about our neighbor.”

Members of Parliament brought up this issue in a session of Parliament today. “We are facing a potential crisis right now, one that is tantamount to an open sore that may spread if allowed to remain.” Jamal Kerim of the Liberal Party stated today. “What are we going to do about it?” Yes, what? What course of action is the UK going to do regarding the situation?

But despite the deliberations in Parliament, the number of border guards were doubled and even tripled as hundreds and then thousands of soldiers were amassed at the UK-Azerbaijani border; border checkpoints were sealed shut by armed guards. No one would be allowed to cross the border from now on, until the rightful leaders returned to power. To alleviate any concerns about the buildup of troops on the border, the UK Government has explained that it was a “strictly defensive position, to protect ourselves from a potential consequences from the coup. We have no hostile intents.”

But several critics assert that the Government is taking this relatively minor situation far too much, that the deteriorating situation is only an excuse for the UK to exercise its Augustus Doctrine -- and that the build-up of troops at the Azerbaijan border is only a prelude to a possible UK invasion of the country.

[Subtleknifewielder]

***Classified message to Jed and Aaron Constantine***

If you are planning on invading, please hold back until we can ascertain the situation. We have a man in there attempting to find out what caused all this.

[JEDCJT]

***Classified message to Jed and Aaron Constantine***

If you are planning on invading, please hold back until we can ascertain the situation. We have a man in there attempting to find out what caused all this.

***Classified response to the Promised Land Government***

Rest assured that we have no hostile intents; we are only taking protective means to protect ourselves from the potential effects of the coup. But very well, we admit that we are planning an invasion, but only if the situation worsens, and in that case, we shall honor your request.

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium, UK - After weeks and months of discussions and negotiations, two more companies, the UK National Steel Works and Ataturk Construction Works, has agreed to throw in their support and effort for the reconstruction of eastern Byzantium, under the aegis of the Reconstruction Act 2009. The effort will begin shortly, starting on the first of May 2009. If it goes according to schedule, it should be finished before or by around May 2014.

The first task of the effort will be to channel funds and resources into the reconstruction of the eastern Byzantine areas, to clear rubble, and to establish functioning Governments in cities, towns, and villages in the former RA area of Byzantium. This phase will take at least a year, according to estimates.

Tiflis, Georgia, UK - Midst considerable opposition in Parliament, the proposed Government of Abkhazia Bill 2009 was voted down. However, this didn’t deter Abkhazian MP, Sergei Bagasph, from vying for an more autonomous Abkhazia. “Yes, I know this has ended in failure and I am aware that Mr. [Mikheil] Saakashvili is campaigning against me.” Bagasph stated in his closing speech in Parliament. “But this has only instilled in me the determination to push this matter to as far as it went, and I intend to see it succeed.” In accordance to Saakashvili’s threats to resolve the matter at the Supreme Court (where Georgian MPs expect it to be resolved in Georgia’s favor), Bagasph stated that he is also willing to take the matter to the Supreme Court.

Edited March 17, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Martenshaven, Byzantium, UK - The reconstruction of Martenshaven was progressing pretty well so far. With millions of funding flooding into the city from Constantinople, the ‘Port of Martens’ was being steadily rebuilt to its former glory -- albeit in the modern Byzantine architecture style. Even the first stone that were set by Kaiser Martens himself was preserved and put in its proper place. According to official estimates, up to fifty-five percent of the city were rebuilt.

According to yet unconfirmed plans, Martenshaven was to be made more fortified than ever before. The city’s landscape, while left untouched from the moment they were first built under Martens, was to be configured in a way that the city would be impenetrable, both figuratively and literally. “We plan to build an underground network beneath Martenshaven as a way to further the city’s defenses in the event of war -- although we hope we never get to use them.” Edward Georg, one of the reconstruction overseers, stated to a news reporter today. “Considering Martenshaven’s proximity to the UK, there is a necessity to make the city self-sufficient (or something like it) in worse-case scenario, in the case communications with Constantinople is cut off for any reason.”

[Subtleknifewielder]

Martenshaven, Byzantium, UK - The reconstruction of Martenshaven was progressing pretty well so far. With millions of funding flooding into the city from Constantinople, the 'Port of Martens' was being steadily rebuilt to its former glory -- albeit in the modern Byzantine architecture style. Even the first stone that were set by Kaiser Martens himself was preserved and put in its proper place. According to official estimates, up to fifty-five percent of the city were rebuilt.

According to yet unconfirmed plans, Martenshaven was to be made more fortified than ever before. The city's landscape, while left untouched from the moment they were first built under Martens, was to be configured in a way that the city would be impenetrable, both figuratively and literally. "We plan to build an underground network beneath Martenshaven as a way to further the city's defenses in the event of war -- although we hope we never get to use them." Edward Georg, one of the reconstruction overseers, stated to a news reporter today. "Considering Martenshaven's proximity to the UK, there is a necessity to make the city self-sufficient (or something like it) in worse-case scenario, in the case communications with Constantinople is cut off for any reason."

OOC: Heh heh...with the time I have here...that post was made at 11:11 AM

[JEDCJT]

OOC: Heh heh...with the time I have here...that post was made at 11:11 AM

OOC: Hehe...

IC:

Batum, Georgia, UK - A proposal by the local Government of Batum, one that would’ve transferred control and sovereignty of the city from Georgia to Byzantium, was rejected after a brief, but intense, debate in Parliament today.

The reasoning goes as follows: Byzantium already has enough ports as it is. Georgia, on the other hand, relies on its few but crucial ports, such as Sebastopolis, Poti, and Batum itself, for trade and commerce. “If Batum is separated from Georgia through any means, it may have unintended consequences not only for Georgia, but also the UK as a whole.” Georgian MP Nikoloz Gilauri stated in a session of Parliament today. “Why, what is not to say that Abkhazia and possibly Ossetia will use that as a pretext to assert the right to autonomy and even independence?”

Tiflis, Georgia, UK - Following the imposition of economic sanctions against Azerbaijan in reaction to its recent coup, the UK Government has now given “shoot-to-kill” orders to border guards along the UK-Azerbaijani border as a means to enforce the embargo.

However, critics point out that this move may turn out to be counterproductive as refugees seeking sanctuary in the UK to escape the military dictatorship in Baku ‘might lose more than their rights and liberties; they may lose their lives because of our policies.’ “Hundreds and thousands of people are seeking sanctuary, and we shoot them? How fitting is that!” One newspaper went, sarcastically. “This really shows to the world how helpful we really are!”

[JEDCJT]

Alexandretta, Byzantium, UK - Today, with the approval of Parliament, the provincial Assembly of Antioch (formerly known as Antakya) has voted, with twelve against and nine abstentions, to relocate the seat of the Hatay Province to Alexandretta. The reason for the relocation was that Alexandretta was the largest city in the region, and that it was more suited for the administration of the province than far-off Antioch. Despite the loss of its status as the capital of the Hatay Province, Antioch will still retain its status as the seat of its namesake District, the Antioch District.

The Hatay Province and its districts.

Edited March 19, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium, UK - The Liberal, Socialist, and Communist parties has brought upon a proposal in a session of Parliament today for consideration. Termed the Greater Constantinople Modification Bill 2009, also under the aegis of the Modification of Size Regarding Greater Constantinople, the bill would revert Constantinople to its proper metropolitan area (in other words, Constantinople proper) and formally establish the Constantinople Province in place.

Constantinople proper is denoted in gray.

The reasoning behind such an Act was, that, the enlargement of Constantinople added to the city several areas that weren’t defined as ‘metropolitan’; administrating the city and capital of such size was difficult. According to MP Jamal Millet, the expansion and establishment of a greater Constantinople served only to serve the deluded fantasies of the Nationalists, who ruled the country with an iron fist for over a year after their illegitimate coup. “Reports have shown that, shortly after the establishment of Constantinople, administration of the capital often broke down on the administrative and local level. There were considerable difficulty maintaining and enforcing laws in the whole jurisdiction of the capital.” Moreover, Millet said, administrative and maintenance costs doubled, tripled, and even quadruped -- and entailed little benefits for the city and its inhabitants. Thus, the Bill seeks to ease the administrative, maintenance, and financial burdens not only upon Constantinople and its inhabitants, but also Byzantium and the UK as a whole.

The bill, however, faced opposition from the National Union Party. “We all know Constantinople is the largest city ever in all of Byzantium and the UK! Who wouldn’t want to signify that fact?” National Union MP Kemal Turkiye said during a session of Parliament. But given the seats and common standing of the Liberal, Socialist, and Communist parties, on this issue, in Parliament, the bill is expected to pass.

[JEDCJT]

Constantinople, Byzantium, UK - The Greater Constantinople Modification Bill is now law. Ratified by Parliament, despite the protests from the National Union Party, and affixed with a Royal Assent, the Greater Constantinople Modification Act 2009 shall go into effect. Immediately, the districts of Buyukcekmece, Avcilar, Kucukcekmece, Gazaosmanpasa, Eyup, Sariyer, Beykoz, Urmaniye, Maltepe, Adalar, Kartal, and Sultanbeyli were separated from the City of Constantinople and made part of the Constantinople Province.

Constantinople, Byzantium, UK - In a surprising move, the Socialist and Communist parties has decided to merge. Owing to their similar objectives, views, and ideology, as well as their common standing, both of the aforementioned parties has opted to merge into what is called the United Worker’s Front Party(UWFP). Approved by Parliament (although not without protests from the Conservative and National Union parties), the new UWFP, led by former Socialist leader Harry Tezel, will take over seats in both houses of Parliament formerly occupied by the Socialist and Communist parties, increasing the number of seats to 92 in the Chamber of Representatives and 109 seats in the Senate.

However, as stated before, both the Conservative and National Union Party protested this move, calling it a “plot by the Communists and Socialists to gain more representation, and thus more power, in Parliament.” However, their attempts to counteract this were effectively vetoed by the Liberal Party, which controls the majority of seats in both houses of Parliament. The viewpoint of the Liberal Party, as went one Liberal MP, is that they should be allowed to do that they desire, as long as its legal and democratic. The Constitution has nothing to say about this.

Edited March 22, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Kars, Byzantium, UK – The Reconstruction Act 2009 is now in full effect. Thousands of workers, along with supplies and equipment needed for the effort, had now begun work in the former RA region in eastern Byzantium under the supervision of the Byzantine and UK governments through the UK Reconstruction Commission.

Construction workers begin work in Kars.

As planned, their first tasks will be to clear rubble from the cities of Kars, Igdir, Rize, Artvin, and Hopa, along with other cities and towns – and to rebuild these devastated cities. During the negotiating periods, interim governments were established in these cities in the region as a means of maintaining law and order, and to provide for a basis for reconstruction.

Aid workers try to clear the rubble in Artvin.

In Parliament, the projected costs of the reconstruction effort were tweaked from $5 billion to as many as $50 billion, and with a possible increase in the future. “We have a great deal of work ahead of us now.” James Hart, newly-appointed head of the UK Reconstruction Commission, stated in a press statement in Constantinople. “And thus, we need everything that we can get. But I personally believe we can succeed in that if we put our minds and hearts to it.” The reconstruction effort is expected to be finished by 2014, although it may take more than that, experts say.

[JEDCJT]

Solz-Gala, Nokhchiin (formerly Chechnya) – Through an Act of Parliament today, the region of Chechnya was officially separated from the Crown Dependency of Dagestan and incorporated into the Country of Transcaucasia. This, however, incited fresh waves of protests from the Georgian and even some Dagestan MPs, but jubilant celebrations from Transcaucasian MPs. "This is an outrage! We have had to tolerate the establishment of a Crown Dependency in Dagestan, but this?" A Georgian MP protested in a session of Parliament today. In addition, Chechens in Chechnya, Dagestan, and several surrounding areas protested this move.

However, to placate the Chechen populace, Parliament passed a motion, renaming Chechnya to Nokhchiin, as to better reflect the Chechen language.

Edited March 27, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Gaziantep, Byzantium, UK – It had taken over a year, but it was finally over. Although several parts remained, it was for all purposes and intents accomplished. The border wall (or rather, the unfinished second line) was now torn down, although their parts (Czech hedgehogs, fences, barbed wires, etc.) were salvaged and stored in various warehouses all over the country. They would be recycled, but that’s another story.

Remains of the wall near the town of Kalkandere, Byzantium.

The border walls was a part of an ambition plan by the former Nationalist regime to protect themselves from what they, midst their unjustified paranoia, perceived as outside threat from the world. According to old Nationalist documents, the whole project cost approximately $500 million, possibly more, from beginning to end. It is estimated that over 300,000 workers took part in the project (one would suspect force and coercion, and the amount may be more…much more).

Currently, there is debate regarding the remaining defensive line in Parliament. “The [first defensive] line that are lining our borders are but an ugly remainder of the monstrous atrocity that was the Nationalist regime! Would the UK be willing to bear this stain that represents the shame in its history?” Byzantine MP, Ahmet Sezer asked in Parliament today.

MP, Ahmet Sezer.

“And thus, ladies and gentleman, by removing the last border wall, we remove the remaining obstacle to Byzantine and UK progressivism. It is time for us to remove the manacles of shame that had held us down for so long. Mr. [Jed] Constantine, take down this wall!”

Edited March 30, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Martenshaven, Byzantium, UK – To further solidify UK control and jurisdiction over Martenshaven, separated from the rest of the UK by the Adriatic Sea, and to provide for a feeling of security along the city’s population, the UK government has approved the transfer of the battleship, Martens (formerly Kelikark), from Constantinople to the ‘Port of Martens’.

The battleship, Martens.

The Martens will sail to Martenshaven, beginning on May 20th. The governments of the nations bordering the Adriatic Sea (the Republik Balkan and Alvonia) has been notified of this.

Edited March 30, 2009 by JEDCJT

[JEDCJT]

Sofia, Bulgaria – Following the unexpected collapse of the Republik Balkan, it was decided midst deliberations in Parliament that the newest Balkan regions of Bulgaria and Kosovo would be granted ‘autonomous status’; the Crown Dependencies of Bulgaria and Kosovo, respectively, would be established, through the Balkans Crown Dependency Act 2009. Similar to the Crown Dependency of Dagestan, both Bulgaria and Kosovo are not formally a part of the UK but forms a federacy with it. The UK has ultimate control and jurisdiction over the regions.

The Crown Dependency of Bulgaria, with its capital in Sofia.

As such, inhabitants in the Crown Dependencies shall have increased rights to autonomy, including the right to establish their own government and operate regional militaries. However, Parliament is ultimately responsible for foreign relations, national defense, and ultimate governance. In addition, the official head of state is the Sovereign, which is Emperor Aaron Constantine. The capital of Bulgaria shall be Sofia; Pristina shall be Kosovo’s capital.

The Crown Dependency of Kosovo, one of the UK's newest regions -- and one of two exclaves.

Finally, UK soldiers will remain in the new regions: there is to be 50,000 soldiers in Bulgaria and 20,000 in Kosovo. UK administrators and specialists have now begun arriving in Bulgaria and Kosovo, where they are “expected to bring the newest region to UK standards.” Parliament have not determined the expected funding to the new regions yet.

[JEDCJT]

Sofia, Bulgaria – The process of incorporation of the Balkan regions of Bulgaria and Kosovo as Crown Dependencies of the UK was furthered when, through the UK Naturalization Status Act 2009, inhabitants in these two regions officially were accorded UK citizenship, coupled with inalienable rights and liberties guaranteed and protected under the Constitution.

In addition, UK laws, resolutions, and Acts officially took effect and precedent in both Bulgaria and Kosovo. As in Dagestan, new governments were officially established in both Sofia and Pristina under the post of a Crown Minister. In Sofia, Bulgarian politician Sergei Stanishev was appointed as the first Crown Minister of Bulgaria; in Pristina, Amanda Kingston was chosen to lead Kosovo through the position of Crown Minister. Prime Minister Jed Constantine received the two new leaders in Constantinople, where he congratulated and wished them “a great success.”

Crown Minister of Bulgaria, Sergei Stanishev.

Crown Minister of Kosovo, Amanda Kingston.

OOC:

[JEDCJT]

Stavropol, Transcaucasia, UK - Following the success of Operation Constantine, that saw the take over of the Socialist Republic of Zurran, there were deliberations in Parliament regarding the status of the newly-acquired territory. After hours of debate, given impetus by the Liberal Party, it was thus decided that the territory would be incorporated into the Country of Transcaucasia, much to the delight of the Transcaucasian MPs. "This is one of the great days, not only for Transcaucasia, but also for the UK as a whole!" A Transcaucasian MP stated on condition of anonymity.

Through the Transcaucasian Land Grant Act 2009, the lands that used to constitute the former Socialist Republic of Zurran was officially incorporated into Transcaucasia and the UK as a whole as Transcaucasian and UK laws, acts, and resolutions officially took effect. The inhabitants were accorded UK citizenship, with full rights and duties. In addition, a 'free-rider' bill, the Yekaterinograd Name Bill, became law too: Kransodar was renamed Yekaterinograd. There are rumors that the Transcaucasian assembly will vote to relocate the capital from Stavropol to Yekaterinograd, although the Transcaucasian government hasn't made any official statements yet.

Edited April 6, 2009 by JEDCJT