Euskal Herria News agency

[Cataduanes]

First Police Cadets pass out

With the recent emergence of Euzkadi the interim government today announced the formation of the first graduates of the police training course with all of them conducting their first patrols earlier today. Some 3000 graduates will form the core of the Basque police, Ertzaintza, and all have the benefit of being trained to the highest standards by Scottish security advisers. In addition a new Police academy was opened in the capital Gernika today which will gradually take over the training of police cadets from the Scottish advisors in the coming months.

Erzaintza in their unique uniform on patrol in Bilbao.

Spanish and French political groups unite

In response to the declaration of Euskera (the Basque language) as the sole medium for education and administration Spanish and French Nationalist groupings have formed the 'League for Minority rights'. They hope to contest the democratic elections scheduled to take place in the not to distant future by representing the Spanish and French speaking minorities who feel disenfranchised by the governments stand on Language.

French and Spanis Protestors in Irunea (Pamplona) wave their respective flags, angry at the Euskera only policy of the new government.

In response the minister of the interior, Xabi Descarga, said the status of the Basque Language was non-negotiable and that it would not even consider recognition of either Spanish or French on a national level citing the reason as 'this is a Basque nation, not a French or Spanish one' he further stated ‘if people wish their children to receive an education in a foreign language then they should consider a privately funded education’.

Observers in the press have commented that the lack of flexibility of the government could have negative consequences in the future while one French activist exclaimed ‘we had better rights under the Scottish, I resent that my children will have to learn Basque simply to get an education in the national school system that I pay tax towards’’

Minister of Finance unveiled

The new minister of finance, Maite Saliberri, unveiled his plans for forging trade links with the greater world ''we are already considering options in regards to the Central European Union and we are confident that good economic agreements can be forged with Scotland, France and nearby Conti''.

Maite Saliberri, Minister of Finance

With Euzkadi possessing a healthy industrial sector (Focused on aluminum and Uranium processing) Saliberri alluded to the need of modernization in Euzkadi's technology sector, while the sometimes troubled shipbuilding sector would be granted subsidies to aid it during its transition to more efficient working practices.

Armed Forces structure announced

Also unveiled today was the structure of the Armed Forces (In Basque: Euskal Indar Armatuak) by the new chief of staff, General Lope Aitzkorri. The services will be formed as a fully volunteer force with conscription being made mandatory only in the event of a major conflict, it is hoped that by maintaining a fully professional force that superior quality will negate any disadvantage incurred by the relatively small size of the Armed Forces. The Euskal Indar Armatuak will be made up of three distinct branches:

Eusko Gudarsotea - Army

The Army will have 2 Gudari divisions, Gudari being a Basque euphemism for Soldier (It has a more literal meaning of 'Warrior'). However these units will be combined arms outfits, utilizing traditional infantry in tandem with motorized and mechanized elements. Each division will possess around 12000 personnel together with 400 Tanks and an additional 300 assorted mechanized vehicles, in addition each unit will have a complement of Eurocopter EC 725 Cougar and Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low military transport helicopters in order to expand the maneuverability of the units (unconfirmed Numbers of both helicopter designs have already been acquired).

EC 725 Cougar

The tank design chosen to equip the Army is the Leopard 2A6 with some 200 already purchased. It is thought that these will be utilized as an interim option until a more modern design is either procured form abroad or design and built locally.

So far only the 1st Division has a semblance of existence with its initial complement of officers and a single battalion of trainee soldiers ongoing the final stages of training in Scottish academies, the 2nd Division only exists on paper currently and will take some time to prepare for their formal foundation as combat units.

The third unit will be the Mendi Brigada, a specialized Brigade specializing in Mountain warfare, it will have a complement of 4000 men trained and equipped for fighting in the Pyrenees or similar alpine environments.

Units of the Eusko Gudarostea:

• 1. Euskal Gudari Dibisio
  
• 2. Euskal Gudari Dibisio
  
• Mendi Brigada
  

Euskal Aire Armada - Air Force

Euskal Aire Armada (EAA) Roundel.

The Air force branch is also undergoing a period of training with air force cadets also to be found in Scotland completing their studies, what the Ministry of Defence has planned is the formation of 6 squadrons (in Basque: Talde Euskal Aire-Armada) of multi-role fighter aircraft , 1 transport squadron (to be equipped with heavy air transports) and 1 Marine patrol squadron.

Talks are underway for acquisition of a license to manufacture the 4th generation Saab JAS 39 Gripen locally to equip the fighter squadrons and (with a specially designed model) the air units aboard the projected Aircraft Carriers of the navy, which will see the Gripen forming the backbone of Euzkadi’s aerial forces.

Euzkadi’s choice for the Air Force.

The Lockheed Martin C-130J "Super" Hercules is seen as the most likely design to be purchased to fulfill the Air Forces airlift requirements and like the Gripen talks are underway to acquire a licence for manufacture. A licence has already been secured to manufacture the Lockheed P-3 Orion (updated to P-3C UIP level), a marine patrol aircraft that is planned to provide a maritime patrol and strike capability to complement the Navy.

Euskal Itsas Armada – Navy

The navy is already in advance stages of formation with work on its 17 ordered vessel already ongoing, with its large number of planned vessels it is expected to form the largest in terms of personnel of the three branches.

In addition to its conventional naval capabilities the Navy is also going to possess its own Marine Infantry, the Euskal Itsas-Soldadu Dibisio. The Marines Division will possess strength of approximately 11000 men.

The planned Aircraft Carriers will be equipped with specially adapted Gripen fighters and Sikorsky SH-60F Oceanhawk patrol helicopters.

The Carrier ‘Askatasuna’ under construction.

The vessels currently under construction are:

• Askatasuna class Aircraft Carrier
  'Askatasuna'
  Zumalacarregui Class Cruiser
  'Zumalacarregui'
  'Garaipen'
  
• Independentzia Class Frigate
  'Independentzia'
  'Eneko Aritza'
  'Orreaga'
  
• Guipúzcoa Class Destroyer
  'Guipúzcoa'
  'Bizkaia'
  
• Antso III Class Corvette
  'Antso III'
  'Barduli'
  'Harispe'
  
• Marrazo Class Submarine
  'Marrazo'
  'Orka'
  

OOC: I will post a new more comprehensive guide than the one posted in my initial DOE thread, it will include such details as the military and stuff included in this post.

Edited July 8, 2009 by Cataduanes

[Cataduanes]

French Youth protest erupts into violence

Ethnic French youths rioted today in Baiona (Fr: Bayonne) during the traditional French holiday celebrating Bastile day, the Ertzaintza (Basque Police) confirmed that up to 35 protestors were arrested amid scuffles that left 6 police officers hospitalized.

This outbreak in violence is widely attributed to a growing sense of nationalism among the two most prominent minorities within Euzkadi; the French and the Spanish. Both communities have been spurred to peaceful protest recently in opposition to the Basque only policy enforced by the government in the realms of administration and education.

Ertzaintza riot police on the streets of Baiona.

The local Ertzaintza commander, Colonel Andoni Gurrutxaga, confirmed that extra police officers have been drafted in from Donostia (San Sebastian) to help maintain the peace over the Bastile day holiday. Baiona, the capital of the Lapurdi province, has a large French speaking population within the city limits. Colonel Gurrutxaga denounced the rioters as ‘scoundrels’ and went to pledge that the police would in his words ‘stop at nothing to maintain law and order’.

In the largely Spanish speaking areas in the south of Euzkadi a similar feeling of opposition I spravalent towards the Basque only policy, but this has not seen any outbreaks of open violence. However tensions remain high in these Spanish areas which cover a large portion of southern Euzkadi. With the Spanish speaking minority being considerably larger than the French one any trouble in the south is likely to be much bigger in nature.

Scottish Police and Military presence scaled back

With the Ertzaintza and Armed Forces begin to take shape and take control of its allocated roles elements of the Scottish armed forces together with Scottish security advisors (responsible for training the Ertzaintza) have begun a staggered withdrawal form Euzkadi.

The first batch of departing Scottish infantry were waved off in Bilbao by crowds waving either Basque or Scottish flags as the troops marched in ceremonial dress to the sound of bagpipes, a statement by the head of the Basque Army; General Xabi Echevarría thanked the outgoing Scottish units for their help in the formation of the Basque armed forces.

It has been rumored that the Scottish withdrawal will be followed by a formal pact of some kind between Scotland and Euzkadi cementing peace and stability in the Iberian peninsular.

[Cataduanes]

Riots quashed in Southern Euzkadi.

In the aftermath of riots by French youths in Northern Euzkadi similar protests erupted across the mainly Spanish speaking areas of the southern areas of the Republic. With the Erzaintza (Police) already in place the violent protests were quickly quelled with a reported 320 protestors arrested.

Erzaintza charge Spanish protestors on a street in Irunea (Pamplona).

The government reiterated its stance of no compromise on the issue of language within Euzkadi, with the President stating that the nation had only one official medium: Basque (Euskera). However liberal elements in the Basque media have called for a more realistic policy, one which allows freedom of choice for those who wish to conduct their family affairs in either French or Castilliano (Spanish)

Aircraft Carrier launched.

The construction project of the various naval vessels ordered by the navy are reaching completion with the Aircraft Carrier ''Askatasuna'' the first vessel to be officially launched in Bilbao today, the largest vessel in the fleet she was completed in record time with various shipyards completing different sections in order to get her finished rapidly.

Askatasuna

The 40’000 ton Carrier is to be the only ship of its class (with discussion ongoing on the merits of a second carrier) and is to be the flagship of the Navy (Euskal Itsas Armada). A nuclear powered vessel her name means ''Freedom'' in the Basque language.

The ship carries a complement of Saab Gripen fighters modified for service aboard a carrier and Oceanhwak Helicopters. This will provide the navy with the ability to project its power far beyond the shores of Euzkadi. The Navy also confirmed that the remainder of vessels that are under construction will be launched in the coming months.

Two National Universities formally established.

The education minister, Juana Hernani, announced the formal establishment of two national universities. The Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (University of the Basque Country) centered on the city of Bilbao, and the Nafarroako Unibertsitatea (University of Navarra) centered on Irunea (Pamplona).

Both institutions will use the Basque Language in line with the governments ‘Basque Only’ policy, but it will provide specialized courses in both French and Spanish.

[Cataduanes]

Naval Expansion reaches completion.

In what must be the biggest simultaneous launching of warships the Navy of Euzkadi officially took possession of no less than 9 vessels, including the two Zumalacarregui class cruisers.

The Cruiser''Garaipen''.

3 Frigates of the ''Independentzia'' class

The Frigate ''Eneko Aritza''

2 ''Guipuzcoa'' class destroyers

The destroyer ''Guipuzcoa''

And 2 ''Marrazo'' class submarines

Submarine ''Orka'' in the Bilbao-Getxo docks.

The navy is still waiting on the 3 ''Antso III'' class corvettes to be completed, with construction on the three outstanding vessels scheduled to be complete within the next month. The head of the navy; Admiral Santxo Indurain, declared the launching of the vessels as a key moment for the nation as a whole.

Euzkadi draws closer to Europe.

President Jose Aizpurua formally applied for membership of the CEU in Euzkadi’s behalf, he gave a statement to the interim government earlier today;

President Aizpurua giving his statement regarding application to the CEU.

''I have formally asked for Euzkadi to be considered for partial membership of the Central European Union. I am convinced that entry into such an illustrious body will benefit Euzkadi, improving not only bilateral relations but also in terms of the economy. Furthermore if our small nation is to have a voice in European affairs we must stand alongside the many European nations already within the CEU. All that remains to be seen is whether the CEU feels we are deserving of a place within the Union''

Crisis in the Italian Republic

The brutal crushing of protests in Milan sparked outrage in Euzkadi, with many citizens holding vigils for the estimated 300 or so dead. In response the government was forthright in its condemnation of the Borghese Dictatorship whom the foreign minister, Karla Arzalluz, described as ‘a murderous tyranny’, she further called on Europe to place the Borghese regime under sanctions and has confirmed that Euzkadi stands ready to contribute forces to any action by the CEU to rein in the murderous military government.

With the Borghese regime increasingly isolated and opposition to the dictatorship spreading across europe President Jose Aizpurua stressed the need for the Italian military government to show some self restraint and to also contemplate a change in the manner in which it treats its citizens stressing that continued oppression of Italian civilians would have consequences.

Interim Government opens talk on Language policy

In a remarkable turnaround the interim government declared its intention to conduct talks with the main political parties of the French and Spanish minorities in Euzkadi. It comes in the aftermath of riots by French and Spanish youths angry at the 'Basque only' policy which leaves the Basque language (Euskera) as the sole recognized medium in use in both government and education.

The minister of the interior, Xabi Descarga, confirmed that talks would be initiated in order to try hammer out some compromise on the language issue, however he refused to give details on how exactly the interim planned to compromise on the contentious issue.

Edited July 28, 2009 by Cataduanes

[Cataduanes]

Debate begins on Constitutional change.

Today saw the beginning of discussions in the parliament regarding the proposal to change the constitution (popularly known as the ''Eiguren Plan'') [Link], for President Maria Eiguren the controversial bill has already run into trouble with the PCE (main party of the Spanish minority) pushing for last minute concessions regarding more political autonomy for Spanish areas however the President has refused to bow to the PCE’s demands with the media stating that any concessions to the PCE would play into the hands of the Basque Nationalists whose supporters have already been mounting protests against the ‘Eiguren Plan’.

Basque nationalists march in Northern Navarre, flying the flags of Navarra, the Ikurrina and the Arano Beltza (Yellow/black eagle flag which is a medieval symbol of the Basques).

It remains to be seen if Eiguren will be able to persuade the PCE to drop its last minute demands otherwise her proposal will not have enough support in Parliament to bypass the united opposition of the two Basque Nationalist parties (the EAZ and EAS).

PCE remains bullish

As the party of Euzkadi's spanish speaking population the PCE is a strong opponent of Basque nationalism. The PCE's leader, Augustin Echevarria, has been responsible for last minute demands for greater autonomy of areas

in which Spanish speakers form a majority under the proposed constitutional changes.

It is a move that has greatly angered the PCE's nominal allies in the Basque Socialists (HASI) and the French party (the CRM) with both parties accusing the PCE of short sightedness. However without the PCE's support the 'Eiguren plan' could well fail to be ratified with the Basque nationalists (EAZ & EAS) standing united in opposition to the plan.

Augustin Echevarria, leader of the PCE.

However Echevarria remained bullish about the demands ''My Party represents the Spanish speaking Navarrese and Alavan's, it is our duty to push for the maximum amount of freedom and autonomy for those who wish to be governed according to Spanish customs.''

Ethnic clashes in Irunea (Pamplona)

Ethnic Spanish nationalist and Basque nationalist youths clashed in the capital of Navarra, Irunea (Pamplona), yesterday evening sparking a ethnic riot that raged into the early hours of this morning. The current proposal for constitutional change is widely believed to be the reason for the violence in a city that is split equally between Spanish and Basque speaking inhabitants, reports indicate that their have been up to 5 fatalities in total among both sets of protestors and the Ertzaintza (police).

Ertzaintza officers charging protestors earlier this morning.

Ertzaintza officers watching Spanish Nationalist protestors earlier this morning.

The city is reported to be now firmly under police control with reports indicating that some isolated but so far peaceful protests by small groups of nationalists from both sides are still ongoing in the centre of the city. President Maria Eiguren has appealed for calm but also stated her willingness to call the army in should the violence erupt again, with many in the city worried that the violence could well erupt again tonight.

Euzkadi joins the EFTA

Bernardo de Espejo, the Minister for Finance, announced Euzkadi's formal entry into the EFTA a couple of days ago in which he heralded it as a new era for Euzkadi's economy, it is hoped that within the deregulated EFTA zone that increased trade and economic expansion will become easier to achieve for Euzkadi.

Edited August 13, 2009 by Cataduanes

[Cataduanes]

The ‘Eiguren plan’ collapses.

With the HASI/CRM unable to reach an agreement with the former partners in government, the PCE, the plan for a federalized state failed to garner enough votes to pass, the failure of the proposal has also led to outright acrimony between the HASI/CRM and the PCE and has seen the Spanish parties ministers leave the govt.

At present this leaves the ruling administration of President Eiguren presiding over a minority government with many observers agreeing that her plans for the future of Euzkadi will be increasingly at the mercy of the Basque Nationalists.

President Eiguren giving a statement to the press in light of the UPE’s walk out.

With increasing worries over the collapse of France and the current cold war with the Krieg Empire the departure of the Spanish party from the ruling coalition has further damaged the Eiguren administrations reputation. Recent polls have indicted a significant swing of support among ethnic Basque voters to the Nationalists with many agreeing with the Basque nationalists assertion that the actions of the PCE in seeking further autonomy for Spanish areas as a threat to the Basque nation.

With the failure to ratify the proposal Euzkadi remains a ‘Basque only’ nation with the Basque language the sole medium of administration and education, the police authorities in areas with a large Spanish or French speaking population are bracing themselves for protests and the possibility of violence.

Northern Basque Frontiers closed.

With the southern borders already closed due to tensions with the Kreig Empire the Northern provinces closed their borders with the chaos of war ripping across France.

Troops of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Euskal Dibisio on the Southern frontier.

The government announced the measure earlier today in a bid to stave off any French refugees seeking asylum in Euzkadi, a move that has angered some ethnic French politicians but has been supported by the opposition Basque Nationalists who have stoked up the fear of the northern Basque Provinces being swamped by large numbers of ethnic French refugees thereby upsetting the ethnic balance in the north.

With the need to continue movement of goods coming to and fro form the rest of Europe, traffic has been redirected to sea and air routes. The western frontier bordering the Scottish protectorate in Iberia remains the only open land route at this present time. However districts along the closed frontiers will be provided with government subsidies to try alleviate any inconvenience caused by the closure of the frontiers.

Basque Army announces plan for Expansion.

The Eusko Gudarostea (Basque Army) announced plans for expansion earlier today. With the current impasse to the south and the uncertainty in France the Army announced plans to raise a new Infantry division, the 4. Euskal Dibisio.

With the existing 3 infantry divisions of the army already preoccupied with securing the southern borders the 4th division would be specifically tasked with defence of the northern frontier. Where it would operate alongside the 1st and 2nd Mendi Brigades (Mendi brigades are the Mountain warfare units of the Army).

The army also announced plans to expand the Special Forces unit, the Txapelgorris, from one battalion to three thereby forming a full Brigade. The Txapelgorris (Basque for ‘Red Caps’) would then posses more scope for supporting the regular untis in the event of war.

Troops of the Txapelgorri Batallion at an undisclosed location in Southern Navarra.

The army’s mechanized unit, the Zalduneria Dibisio (Cavalry Division) will be joined by a second mechanized unit, the Ehiztariak Dibisio (Chassuers Division). The Ehiztariak division will be equipped with the same hardware as the Zalduneria division with Leopard 2 MBT’s forming the backbone of its armoured complement.

Edited August 17, 2009 by Cataduanes

[Colerich Krieg]

The Empire frowns upon any and all mistreatment of French, German, or Spanish ethnics in Euzkadi and will take steps to assure their safe passage to the Empire of Krieg to escape the new violent nationalists.

[Cataduanes]

The Empire frowns upon any and all mistreatment of French, German, or Spanish ethnics in Euzkadi and will take steps to assure their safe passage to the Empire of Krieg to escape the new violent nationalists.

OOC: its actually more a case of political rivalry between the three ethnic groups, any violence erupting in Euzkadi is between rival gangs of Basques and Spanish/French youths as opposed to state violence.

The only real form of ''oppression'' is the fact that neither Spanish or French are recognized as official languages, therefore education and administration are solely conducted in the Basque language. Apart from the language issue the Spanish and French minorities have full rights as citizens.

Edited August 17, 2009 by Cataduanes

[Cataduanes]

Peacekeepers depart from the Krieg Empire.

With the escalation of tension throughout Europe the peacekeepers headed by the contingent form the United Netherlands began pulling out of eastern Iberia. A number of the Dutch soldiery was granted access to travel into Euzkadi to utilize airfields with which the Dutch Air Force would be flying the troop’s home.

Dutch trooper in southern Nafarroa.

Passing through southern Nafarroa (Navarra) the Dutch soldiers had their route cleared by Basque Police to ensure smooth passage, with many civilians taking the time to greet them as the convoy passed through a number of towns and villages. The border area remains closed and is subject to control of the Basque armed forces, with tensions rising it remains to be seen if the Army will be forced into action.

War averted in Conti

The partition of France by expansionist forces threatened to overspill into the borders of the bailiwick of Conti. Euzkadi acted promptly with President Eiguren threatening direct action had Conti’s independence been further impeded.

Possible war was averted and Conti’s territorial integrity respected but at the cost of furthering the tension and hostility between the Kreig Empire and the Republic of Euzkadi. And with the rhetoric from the Empire continuing the Republic has taken measures to prepare for possible conflict.

Furthermore Conti was admitted into the Iberian pact cementing the defensive ties between Scotland, Conti and Euzkadi, forming a strong united front in the western fringes of Europe.

Economic stagnation on in Southern Nafarroa (Navarre).

With the border with the Krieg Empire still closed the areas of southern Nafarroa that straddle the border have had economic stagnation to contend with, the cross border trade while not huge did garner a level of revenue for the towns and villages in the south, coupled with the fact that the areas effected are largely populated by the Spanish speaking Navarrese which has had the inevitable consequence of fuelling the divides between the majority ethnic Basques and the large Spanish speaking minority.

It is an issue that has been exploited to the fullest by the main political party of the Spanish population, the PCE, who claim it is yet another example of the Basque states prejudice to non-Basques.

President Eiguren announces more aid for the communities on the southern border.

However the government subsidies to the effected areas have meant that none of the areas have experienced economic collapse and President Eiguren has pledged further support to alleviate local stagnation to redirect the local economies towards more interaction with the rest of Euzkadi as opposed to across the border.

The rising tide of Spanish nationalism

With the PCE using increasingly nationalist language (which mirrors the equally strident language of the Basque Nationalists) and whipping up the nationalist sentiment the rising support among Spaniards for total autonomy has grown, but perhaps more worrying is the growing sentiment for total independence as espoused by the more militant members of the PCE.

The most public face to espouse this separatist agenda is Mattais Zabaleta (A deputy for the PCE) whose ferocious denunciation of the Basque state have marked him out as the leader of the militant faction.

Mattias Zabaleta

He has called for the formation of an independent ‘’Navarra’’ which would encompass the majority Spanish areas of Southern Nafarroa and Southern Araba, So far the protests mounted by PCE supporters since the collapse of the proposed constitutional change have by and large remained peaceful with a few isolated clashes reported between rival Spanish and Basque gangs mainly in the city of Irunea (Pamplona). All neutral observers agree that Euzkadi is sitting on a social time bomb.

[Cataduanes]

Socialist government falls to a military Coup.

For many months and years the Republic of Euzkadi had been peaceful corners of Europe, with the left leaning government of President Eiguren quietly pursuing a multicultural solution to the nation’s ethnic tensions in concert with political parties from the two main ethnic minorities (Spanish and French).

However last week President Eiguren presented a new proposal for the federalization of Euzkadi, a platform that included plans for the creation of autonomous regions in areas possessing a Spanish or French majority. As expected the Basque nationalists fought tooth and nail against the proposal but found themselves in a slight minority within the Natuion assembly as Eiguren rallied the Basque Moderates together with the French and Spanish nationalists to from a slight majority allowing the proposal to pass.

Basque Nationalists rally in Bilbao days ago, provoked by the Federal plans.

This provoked a huge public reaction among nationalist Basques who have in the days since taken to the streets in protests, this has been accompanied by a general strike that has crippled the nation and outbreaks of violence between Basque nationalists and moderates have taken place in the major cities of Bilbao and Donostia (San Sebastian), while in Iruna (Pamplona) martial law had been declared to prevent further clashes between rival gangs of Basque and Navarrese (Spanish) youths.

Basque Riot Police face off Spanish Protestors in Iruna (Pamplona).

While the law and order situation taxed President Eiguren’s administration rumblings in the military also caused some concern with one high ranking General hinting that the military would be willing to assert control should the government failed to end the crisis. This hint carried some weight with the Armed Forces being traditionally a Basque Nationalist institution and observers in the media began speculating whether the Military is planning a coup to restore a Basque nationalist state.

And on the seventh day of the troubles and with the media blackout increasingly ineffectual as news began to seep into the rest of Europe of the internal situation the military launched its coup with troops occupying key sites throughout Euzkadi and President Eiguren and here elected government being taken into custody by military police with only one minister, Pierre Roqueta, the minister of Finance who escaped across the border into France where he is seeking political asylum from any nation willing.

Basque paramilitaries enforcing Martial law on the streets of Iruna (Pamplona).

For a whole day the Military made no statement until this morning when a leading member of the High Command, General Oiharzabal, made the following statement to the press;

''The Eusko Gudarostea (Basque Armed Forces) has taken action to defend the constitution of Euzkadi by removing President Eiguren from office. Her government has been acting in concert with Anti-Basque organizations to irrevocably destroy the the Republic of Euzkadi as a Basque nation, her plans to surrender power to the minorities is something we cannot comply with and goes against our duty to defend the Basque nation and the Basque people.

The legislature will be suspended until such time that democracy can be restored purged of its non-Patriotic elements, Euzkadi will remain first and foremost a Basque state not a multi-cultural one.

Let me also state that those of French or Navarrese-Spanish descent will remain citizens of Euzkadi, their human rights will not be infringed on account of their ethnicity. But Euzkadi will remain a nation with one official language and one dominant culture; Basque.

In regards to our allies and fellow European nations we hope the measures we patriots have had to take will not elicit condemnation, we have been forced to take extraordinary measures to ensure the survival of the nation we are duty sworn to protect.

To this measure we in the military have declared Martial law and any infraction of the laws will elicit strong punishment, and all branches of the Armed Forces are on full alert to both internal and external threats.''

It remains to be seen how the international community will react to the coup and Oiharzabal's statement. With martial law in force internal opposition has been muted the military's grip looks unshakeable, and has certainly gained the support of the sizeable Basque nationalist population (widely reported to form two-thirds of the Basque nation, with the remaining third having supported President Eiguren's government). But it is safe to assume the coup and suspension of democracy will further inflame militant opinion among the Spanish and French minorities.

OOC: Yeah its a coup, Euzkadi is swinging to a more right-wing and nationalistic demeanour

Edited October 26, 2009 by Cataduanes

[Sir Keshav IV]

"Pierre Roqeuta is allowed to stay in China if he wishes."

[Agostinho Neto]

Ministero degli Affari Esteri della Repubblica Italiana

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic

The Italian Republican Military Government sends its best regards and congratulations to the Basque Military for effectively getting rid of the dangerous democratic fundamentalism in Euzkadi. This event could be a first step in the reconciliation between our peoples.

Signed

Governor General Roberto Ciano

Edited October 26, 2009 by Junio Borghese

[Cataduanes]

"Pierre Roqeuta is allowed to stay in China if he wishes."

Euzkadi has wish to pursue Senor Roqueta further, as long has he refrains form any political activity in exile.

Ministero degli Affari Esteri della Repubblica Italiana

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Italian Republic

The Italian Republican Military Government sends its best regards and congratulations to the Basque Military for effectively getting rid of the dangerous democratic fundamentalism in Euzkadi. This event could be a first step in the reconciliation between our peoples.

Signed

Governor General Roberto Ciano

Junta Militar Euskal Herria

Military Junta of Euzkadi

We patriots of Euzkadi welcome the well wishes sent by the Italian government, rest assured the poor relations between our respective nations is a thing of the past and we hope for greater co-operation in the future.

Yours respectfully,

General Joseba Oiharzabal.

[Council of Ten]

To say that the suspension of democratic institutions and the overthrow of Euskadi’s elected government have caused consternation in Conti would be an understatement. The news prompted the Great Council to convene an emergency session to debate the latest developments in the country. The matter of is importance as it concerns a key trading partner and a staunch ally of Conti, whose unwavering support during this summer’s stand-off with the Chimairan Republic has not been forgotten. Yet this raises major questions about the future of the Iberian Pact. We are not convinced that the legally binding aspects of the pact can still apply to fundamentally anti-democratic parties. This will have to be debated at the highest level between members of the Pact.

[Cataduanes]

Euzkadi Nationalists continue to impose the one Language/Culture policy.

Euzkadi has labored in quiet isolation for many months, however despite this peaceful protests have by and large continued especially in areas where Spanish and French speakers form a majority.

Yet this has not fazed the military government (the Junta Militar Euskal Herria) whose mission to strengthen the status of the Basque language and culture as the sole medium of the nation has contiunued unabated, in a latest salvo the Military government has passed a law forbidding non-Basque's frrm serving in the military. This could mean the redundancy of an estimated 10% of the officers currently serving whose origins are largely Navarrese Spanish or French most of whom have already been shifted from frontline units to the reserves sparking speculation that this contentious plan has been in the pipeline for some time.

Military Government unveils plans for restoration of democracy.

However in tandem with the nationalistic plans of the Junta plans were also unveiled to begin talks with Basque political parties for an eventual restoration of Democracy to Euzkadi, a move welcomed by the Basque parties. However Left wing critics and the Spanish/French Nationalists criticized the plan as a cynical ploy, on ein which only basque parties would be involved leaving the Spanish and French parties out of the process thereby casting doubts over the whole process.

The Junta leader, General Oiharzabal, confirmed that the Junta would be willing to hand power back but only under certain conditions, mainly that the Basque only policy would become a central part of any new democratic constitution.

Car Bomb in Irunea (Pamplona)

A Car bomb exploded in the center of the city earlier today, however there was no casualties reported. The responsibility for the explosion has not been claimed by any organization but has sparked fears that Euzkadi is on the verge of seeing th eemergence of a new Terrorist grouping, most likely formed by militant Spaniards in the largely Spanish province of Navarra.

To say that the suspension of democratic institutions and the overthrow of Euskadi’s elected government have caused consternation in Conti would be an understatement. The news prompted the Great Council to convene an emergency session to debate the latest developments in the country. The matter of is importance as it concerns a key trading partner and a staunch ally of Conti, whose unwavering support during this summer’s stand-off with the Chimairan Republic has not been forgotten. Yet this raises major questions about the future of the Iberian Pact. We are not convinced that the legally binding aspects of the pact can still apply to fundamentally anti-democratic parties. This will have to be debated at the highest level between members of the Pact.

OOC: Sorry! i have totally neglected this thread

IC: In response Euzkadi wishes to assure the members of the Iberian Pact that we wish to continue with our formal ties with our allies. The suspension of the democratic process has been deemed essential to ensure the survival of the Basque nation in the face of the separatist aspirations of certain militant factions among the Castillian/Spanish and French minorities.

The imposition of military rule will not impact on the rights of the individuals within the Basque state as long as each citizens confirm to the one language/one culture policy that theBasque military government has instituted.