The Athens Times

[Triyun]

[url=http://forums.cybernations.net/index.php?/topic/110416-tianxia-movements-thread/page-4#entry3036482]Quit copying me![/url]

Edited April 21, 2013 by Triyun

[Centurius]

Quit copying me!

Quit copying our Chief Magistrate!

[Centurius]

The recent annexations had put Athens in a difficult position, these people had to be integrated but simply opening the borders would be a threat. The best legal teams in the Ministry of Justice worked around the clock to find a setup that would most work for the goals and needs of the Athenian state. In the end a public safety exception was found in the Ministry of Labor's Decree on the Enforcement of the Right to Employment under which an Athenian citizen could be temporarily denied mobility between regions. This allowed everyone to be granted citizenship and representation while also enabling the gradual and orderly integration. At all the previous border 'mobility stations' were established that would process individual requests for the right to freely move between regions. For now only highly skilled citizens that passed background checks would be allowed in. However Athens would not forget those who couldn't make the transfer. The original police forces and civil servants were restored to power and informed to resume their previous jobs however now under the guidance of the Imperial government. Furthermore reconstruction funds would be dedicated to improving the infrastructure in the region. All in all most new citizens would find themselves under significantly improved living conditions. However there of course always exceptions, even with the measures Athens had calculated there were still millions of people living below the poverty level, most of which unemployed and homeless. So called 'Sanctuary' Districts were established in every major city where these people would receive free food and living accommodations. These districts were walled off from the rest of society and the Hellenic Army was tasked with making sure normal society and the Sanctuary districts would not actively mix as to avoid a crisis. The situation wasn't perfect but for the time being it was the best way for the Athenian Federation to safely integrate these people and not upset the country at large.

[Centurius]

ANOTHER 4 YEARS OF GABRIS!

 

Athens - Following the election with the most parties in Athenian history the incumbent coalition of Chief Magistrate Hektor Gabris has once again come out victorious. The Socialist Alliance has moved from its 1430 seats 8 years ago to 1900 seats in the latest election. Gabris' own Green Party has gone from 1000 to 1200 while the Dove Party has remained stable at 830 seats. This gives the coalition a total of 3930 out of 5000 seats in the Assembly of the People. Both the Socialist Alliance and the Green Party owe a large part of their rise to the new African territories which have come out massively in support of the coalition parties. The remaining 1070 seats have been divided over a splintered right wing. The Liberalist Union has moved from 1240 seats to a historic low of 400, the Democratic Party has gone from 500 to 50. Of the new parties the African People's Party has secured 100 seats while the Golden Dawn has secured 250 seats. Newcomer Party of Iberia has obtained the remaining 270 seats.

 

Experts predict that such a splintered opposition and such an absolute majority in the coalition will enable an enormous policy shift and increase backing for initiatives started by the Megale Autokrateira.

[Centurius]

The Military Intelligence Agency in coordination with the Foreign Intelligence Agency and the Hellenic Space Forces would receive orders to map military and governmental facilities of note throughout Venezuela. Specific focus would be placed on apparent command and control centers which could significantly affect Venezuela's defenses in war. 

[Centurius]

While reports on the government remained inconclusive surveillance revealed very interesting information about the military infrastructure maintained by Venezuela, the information would be stored under a system dedicated to Operation Zamora.

[Centurius]

Socialist Alliance Begins 'Liberation of the Other'

 
Athens - With recent gains in parliament and with socialism spreading party leadership has announced to begin the fourth phase of the Hellenic Socialist revolution known as the liberation of the other.
 
In a press conference Chairman of the Central Committee of the Socialist Alliance, Demetrios Michelakos, said that the revolution was never supposed to end at the Athenian Federation but rather to spread globally as soon as the Federation had a stable foundation. He went on to say that with the recent victory in Africa this stable foundation has been achieved and that the Athenian state can now properly ensure the liberation of the other.
As one of the immediate measures a short form of the original manifesto of the Athenian Socialist Alliance was made and translated into every language on the world. The manifesto outlines the four basic steps to achieve freedom from the forces of evil.
 
Furthermore a new movement, called Liber8, has been founded to oversee and guide individuals and states on the path to freedom. The organization is to be led by former CSS agent Natalia Romanova and given a mandate to begin spreading the revolution to the protectorate regions.

[Centurius]

Classified

 

All American forces are taken to AlertCon Gamma, task forces assigned to the Atlantic Fleet are to prepare for military operations in South America. All defenses throughout the Atlantic are to be taken to their maximum readiness. 

[Centurius]

Classified

 

Across the board the Hellenic Forces were taken to AlertCon Zeta, the second-lowest within the Athenian military readiness system. The only exception to this would be San Bias that remained on AlertCon Gamma for the time being. All forces were ordered back to their peacetime state however an increased military presence was to remain at the Caucasian border to make sure no one could cross it.

[Centurius]

Seventh Gabris Government Formed

 

Athens - After perhaps the longest formation yet the Seventh Gabris government it set to officially be confirmed by the Megale Autokrateira following votes of confidence in both the Assembly of the People and Council of the Athenian Federation. 

 

While in general lines the set-up is mostly the same as before a new Magistrate has been appointed to oversee the integration of the African territories into the Athenian structure. Defense saw massive changes with the retirement of Field Marshal Manolis from the Hellenic Army and thus the position of Magistrate of the Army. The Magistrate is replaced with Field Marshal Picard who has taken over the day to day command of the Hellenic Army. In a similar move the Magistrate of the Air Force General Petris has moved to retire from the Hellenic Air Force and is replaced by General de Vries. 

 

Combined with expected reforms within Imperial Command it is anticipated by experts that the retirements are to enable a newer and younger generation to continue evolving the Hellenic Forces and to further enhance its capabilities.

Edited May 5, 2013 by Centurius

[Centurius]

Full Integration of African Territories Passed

 
Athens - With the new government only just having taken its seats the first measure has been passed by the Assembly of the People and the Council of the Athenian Federation. The full integration of the African territories into the Athenian state.

 

As part of the extensive policy measures the Kingdom of Terre Regius is to be renamed to the Kingdom of Carthage and to consist of the Union of Tunisia, the Union of Libya and the Union of Algeria. The Kingdom of Carthage will enjoy a similar status as the Roman Empire. Furthermore the Union of Morocco will be extended to cover the Western Sahara and the Union of Mauritania is formed.

 

With the signature of the Megale Autokrateira on the proposal it has officially entered into war and has become immediately effective, All security restrictions imposed previously to limit mobility have been lifted.

 

Ministry of Defense Announces Decommissioning of Nuclear ICBMs

 
Athens - In anticipation of a Dove Party proposal passing the Assembly of the People the Ministry of Defense has announced to cease maintaining nuclear ICBMs in its arsenal.

 

A spokesperson from the Ministry stated that in light of recent developments in the world and the reliability of both bomber and submarine launched alternatives the concepts of a land-based nuclear ICBM is outdated. In the process of the decommissioning the nuclear warheads will be removed and recycled for SLBMs and bomber-based variants while the missiles will be re-used as much as possible for non-nuclear warheads.

 

Imperial Marriage

 
Athens - After rumors had been circulating for months and the couple having been seen together at official functions the Office of the Megale Autokrateira formally announced the engagement of Her Imperial Highness Ariadne Notaras of Heraclius to mister Thomas Mundis. Both the Megale Autokrateira and the CEO of Hellenic World Services both were married before however none have children. The ceremony is set for one month from now.

[Centurius]

Police Deployed to Quell Jerusalem Day Riots

 

Jerusalem - Jerusalem Day had always been a controversial holiday within the special administration with both festivities and protests however things came to a head today when an Islamic group attacked a Jewish family in downtown Jerusalem. What followed was a back and forward of violence between Jewish and Muslim residents. The Imperial Police Department has deployed their elite units to quell the riots and arrest any lawbreakers, the local Army Base has ordered its personnel back to base in preparation of potential deployment in support of the police and the local AlertCon has been raised to Delta in anticipation of a potential terrorist attack.

 

The Jewish Imperial Administrator of Phoenicia, Beba Gur, has called for calm and order and promised to come down hard on any lawbreakers. Jerusalem Day celebrates the reunification of the city under Israeli control in the Six-Day War. The holiday is observed in the province of Israel and the special administration of Jerusalem however each year leads to heavy protests from the rest of the Union of Phoenicia. 

 

As a special administration the Imperial Police Department and Hellenic Forces are responsible for policing and maintaining law and order in Jerusalem rather than the Phoenician Police Department and Phoenician Home Guard.

[Beauty]

Police Deployed to Quell Jerusalem Day Riots

 

Jerusalem - Jerusalem Day had always been a controversial holiday within the special administration with both festivities and protests however things came to a head today when an Islamic group attacked a Jewish family in downtown Jerusalem. What followed was a back and forward of violence between Jewish and Muslim residents. The Imperial Police Department has deployed their elite units to quell the riots and arrest any lawbreakers, the local Army Base has ordered its personnel back to base in preparation of potential deployment in support of the police and the local AlertCon has been raised to Delta in anticipation of a potential terrorist attack.

 

The Jewish Imperial Administrator of Phoenicia, Beba Gur, has called for calm and order and promised to come down hard on any lawbreakers. Jerusalem Day celebrates the reunification of the city under Israeli control in the Six-Day War. The holiday is observed in the province of Israel and the special administration of Jerusalem however each year leads to heavy protests from the rest of the Union of Phoenicia. 

 

As a special administration the Imperial Police Department and Hellenic Forces are responsible for policing and maintaining law and order in Jerusalem rather than the Phoenician Police Department and Phoenician Home Guard.

 

"New Articana fully supports Athens in its combat with Islamic Terrorists, being a victim of a terrorist attack ourselves. We wish to offer full support to Athens in this current time."

 

- Nikita York

Chancellor of New Articana

Edited May 8, 2013 by Rotavele

[Centurius]

A long time since the signing of the Second Act of Milan had gone by and a lot had changed but the basics had remained the same, as such in a ceremony similar to the first two acts the Third Act of Milan was officially signed and ratified.
 

Αθηναϊκή Ειρήνη
Pax Atheniensium
Athenian Peace

Preamble:
In the name of the people of the Athenian Federation, we the government of the Athenian Federation declare this third Act of Milan to be known as the Αθηναϊκή Ειρήνη or Pax Atheniensium into existence. Obligations to and from the Athenian Federation under the previous acts shall remain into effect for the third act.

On Warfare:
While diplomacy is always the ideal outcome there are scenarios where such diplomacy is not possible, under such circumstances the Athenian Federation may declare war if one of the requirements has been met. This clause shall not apply to treaties where warfare is required by terms.

The Athenian Federation shall reserve the right to intervene into internal and international conflicts if the security of the Federation, her allies, the Mediterranean, Europe, Africa, or Asia at large and/or any of her protectorates are at risk.
The Athenian Federation shall reserve the right to track down terrorist organizations, criminals and other threats to stability. Force may be used to succeed in these operations.
The Athenian Federation shall reserve the right to use force to prevent unstable states from gaining weapons of mass destruction. Likewise it may use force to take down the WMD capabilities of unstable states.
The Athenian Federation shall reserve the right to use force to police the Athenian sphere.
Any action taken against the Hellenic state or her people, within the Federation or abroad shall be cause for a declaration of war. Athenian nationals in other countries shall be protected as if they were in the Federation themselves.
The Athenian Federation shall use force to protect people from tyranny and oppression in any form anywhere.

On Special Weapons:
The Athenian Federation shall under no case use Biological Weapons, whether in an offensive or defensive way. Samples of known biological agents may be stored and new biological agents researched for the production of medicine to combat a biological attack on the Athenian Federation or other friendly states. All information on cures and vaccinations against biological weapons shall be stored in a public database so the world at large can get protected.

The Athenian Federation shall not use ICBMs armed with nuclear warheads.

The Athenian Federation reserves the right to use all other weapons of mass destruction in both a first and second strike operation.

On Regional Security:
It is the obligation of the Athenian Federation to maintain security on the European and African continents, should an European of African nation go into anarchy it is the obligation of the Athenian Federation to preserve stability. The spheres of relevant actors shall be respected.

The Athenian sphere shall cover all the lands which the Athenian Federation actively controls or protects or has at some time in the past controlled or protected. All nations within this sphere shall enjoy a degree of protection where the Athenian Federation may defend them if they are being attacked unprovoked. Such protection may supersede other treaties the Athenian Federation holds.

On Terrorist Organizations and Terrorism:
The Athenian Federation shall do all in its power to stop terrorist entities, force may be used to take down terrorism anywhere in the world. Terrorist personnel captured shall not be eligible for treatment as prisoner of war but shall be subject to Athenian criminal law.

On Privately Owned Entities:
The Athenian Federation shall hold governments responsible for the actions of the privately owned entities it owns.

Privately owned entities with no government controlling it shall be considered terrorist organizations and fall under the part on terrorism of this doctrine.

Signed and ratified on the 12th of May 2013,
Her Imperial Highness Ariadne Notaras of Heraclius, Megale Autokrateira of the Athenian Federation and her overseas territories, Queen of Carthage, Protector of the Old World, Supreme Commander of the Hellenic Forces, Priestess of the Cult of Athena, Speaker of Zeus, Incarnate of Athena, Heroine of the revolution
His Imperial Highness Valerio Moretti of Bourbon, Emperor of Rome, Western Consul of the Athenian Federation, Protector of the Faith
Chief Magistrate Hektor Gabris, Chief Magistrate and People's Consul of the Athenian Federation.
Vito Soledad Juárez, Speaker of the Council
Yiorgos Michelakakis, Speaker of the Assembly

[Centurius]

The fact that the meeting was held at the Imperial Palace rather than the Imperial War Cabinet already showed the merit the Athenians gave to the recent Georgian move. "Those idiots really don't like their independence much" Ariadne said with a laugh as she put down the report. "Mobilize the Hellenic Forces. I want them ready to strike at Georgia on moments notice. Inform the Second and Third Army they are to prepare for combat operations in Germany should those inbred mongrels actually manage to push through"

 

"Do you think they even stand a chance?" Field Commander Mark Thomas, the commander of Grenada during the Colombian attack and new addition to Imperial Command, asked.

 

"Not really but there could be opportunists seeking to support them"

 

In nearly an instant the entire Athenian Federation moved from its peacetime status to a full war mode. All forces were recalled to their bases and every single active element of the Hellenic Forces was readied. Increased satellite surveillance was order over Germany, the Caucasus and Asia in general while intelligence assets were also used to monitor the Atlantic and German facilities in North America. Locations throughout the enemy's state would be divided over the various military assets to strike all at once if and when the order was given.

 

Additionally ships, military and civilian, flying the enemy flag near Athenian waters, including the Mediterranean, would see themselves boarded by the Hellenic Coast Guard and if they resisted destroyed.

Edited May 19, 2013 by Centurius

[Centurius]

OOC: Chronologically happening roughly three weeks before the war and the preparations accompanying it on my side.

 

Massive Celebrations in Honour of Imperial Marriage

 

Athens - While events delayed the marriage for well over two months the ceremony today approaches its end. Over the last few days the Megale Autokrateira and the King of Carthage have observed the rituals covering the proaulia and the gamos in private with a select group of friends and press however they have honoured us by turning the epaulia into a national celebration. Throughout the Federation military parades and public celebrations have been held in honour of the Megale Autokrateira and the King of Carthage. In the city of Athens alone, with the conventional restrictions on weaponry within the capital lifted, one hundred thousand man and accompanying equipment marched through the streets. In just a few moments the Megale Autokrateira is set to address military and citizens alike that have come to the Imperial Palace.

Following the epaulia the Imperial Couple will travel to Urbem Rex where His Highness Thomas Mundis will formally be crowned as King of Carthage. As the position of Megale Autokrateira is meritocratic mister Mundis has no official special status within the Athenian state.

---

Ariadne looked through the window of her balcony as her aides were making sure the ritual gilded armour of the Megale Autokrateira was put on properly. Ariadne had always loved ceremony but it was a hell of a job getting it on most of the time and the more conventional combat armour used by the Hellenic Forces was much more comfortable however procedure was procedure and the people wanted it. The armour and the assorted regalia were made to resemble that of the goddess Athena herself, with the Aegis displaying the head of Medusa and even owls being integrated into the design they were among the most prized possessions of the Athenian state.

“Ready?” Thomas asked as he walked into the room. Ariadne nodded shortly before turning away from the mirror and heading towards the glass doors that led to the balcony. Taking his hand she walked towards the doors and from there onto the balcony. The cheers would keep her from talking for minutes and the armour reflected heavily in the sunlight. As she raised her hand the crowd grew silent.

“My people, thank you for these great gifts. You have done me and my new family a great honour. To see all of you here and your brothers and sisters throughout the Federation shows me our state is truly the greatest of all and on the path to immortality. We have stood the test of time and we have persevered. No matter how big the challenge the Athenian state has never failed to meet it, from the anarchist hordes during the civil war to Aeon and Colombia. All our enemies have met their maker. I look forward to continue ruling for many years yet and bring this greatest federation of all to the position it deserves, not only on earth but even beyond the final frontier. The Athenian Federation will leave its footprints on all the creations of the Gods and in turn become one itself”

The cheers and applause were even louder now and continued getting louder as the couple turned around again and walked back into the palace.

[Captain Enema]

I extend congratulations of all of Chile on the lovely wedding. It isn't often enough in this modern world that we get the opportunity to enjoy such a lovely occasion. My best of wishes to the newlyweds.

Agustin De Juagari, Presidente of Chile

[Centurius]

"The Imperial Family specifically and the Athenian Federation at large are grateful for your well wishes"

 

---

 

Ever since taking the military command to the next generation the various generals had been busy setting up a framework to renew the Hellenic Forces, the Hellenic Army was the first of these that would see itself reformed and it would be reformed significantly.

 

The Thracians were formally separated from the Hellenic Army and established as their own branch within the Hellenic Forces. This would come with two new seats at Imperial Command specifically reserved for Thracian generals. While it was normal for each branch to have their own Magistrate the Thracians would remain under the Hellenic Army in this field and also share a Chief of Staff. The Hellenic Navy was to play a greater role in their maintenance due to the strong link between the two branches. 

 

The changes would also see an entirely new branch formed, in ancient times the Romans had already perfected the concept of Auxiliaries. Soldiers recruited from the local population to serve, often temporarily, the Roman state in military campaigns. The Hellenic Auxiliaries would be founded on this same concept, whenever there was a conflict abroad it had the mandate to recruit, train and arm regional units sympathetic to the Athenian cause. This would serve to ease the strain on logistics and to allow for quicker regeneration of forces lost in combat. Production of weapons was to be increased massively to make sure this new branch would never run out of them. As the branch was to lack permanent officers and enlisted it would be placed under the command of the Hellenic Army and Thracians with input from the Hellenic Air Force and Hellenic Navy as needed. 

 

As an initial pilot to assess the feasibility of the system a division of Auxiliaries was recruited from the population of Niger to assume protectorate duties there. The pilot was to run for two years. 

[Centurius]

Taking advantage of the military readiness resulting from recent events around the world Imperial Command deemed it about time to test the ability of the Federation resist a direct attack from hostile territory. As such Operation Atlantic Devil was given the go. This exercise would see all branches of the Hellenic Forces active within the Atlantic theatre involved and include simulated bombings of enemy territory and a campaign to completely destroy an enemy navy before it could compromise the security of both the Atlantic Free State and the Athenian mainland. As the exercise was to be held in the entirety of the Central Atlantic and branch out to the North and South foreign ships getting too close to active operations would be warned they were entering potentially dangerous territory. The exercise was to happen phased and last up to three months.

[Centurius]

Operation: Scimitar

 

Just as the war games were nearing their end the Hellenic Army and Air Force were given a new assignment. While the Sudanese government was stable and had ensured basic utilities and supplies for its citizens rebel activity was significant and extremist movements appeared in a rapidly increasing pace. With permission from the Sudanese government and a mandate from the Assembly of the People elements of the current African Protectorate Force and the First Division Auxiliary were redeployed to Sudan to ensure the authority of the government. The Hellenic Air Force would increase its patrols. For the time being the Sudanese government was to remain in power with full military support from Athens however the goal was to find a more stable existence for the Sudanese state in the long-term as such the possibilities of a new government rising were to remain on the table. 

[Centurius]

Ban on War Crime Denial Introduced by Socialist Alliance and Dove Party

 

Athens - In a sudden move a member of the Socialist Alliance in the Assembly of the People with backing from the Dove Party and support from the Office of the Megale Autokrateira has introduced a law which would extend existing bans against holocaust denial to all war crimes committed. This new extended ban would include such events as the Armenian genocide but also the Opium Wars against China. In a statement to the Assembly the Assemblyman said that "in this time and age the denial, and even support, of such horrible crimes against humanity has no place. Any individual found doing this needs to be made an example of". 

 

If passed the law would impose a maximum fine of US2,000 or up to a year in jail. An early poll shows that in the Assembly of the People all parties except the Party of Iberia, African People's Party and Golden Dawn would vote in favor of the law. If shown true the law will have the greatest level of support in 20 years. If voting happens along party lines it is also almost guaranteed to pass the Council unanimously.

Edited May 30, 2013 by Centurius

[Centurius]

In line with the defence of the German State the Hellenic Army would begin moving the Sixth Army from their bases to the former Yugoslavia, Romania, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Austria. Forces are ordered to dig in and prepare for a possible Georgian strike. Significant elements are dedicated to the protection of cities. Mobile anti-missile and anti-air systems are to be set up in and around cities.

[Centurius]

With things steadily deteriorating the Athenian Federation was faced with a difficult move to make. While it technically had treaties that obligated free military passage the needs of the Athenian citizens outweighed this. As such with immediate effect the Hellenic Coast Guard and Hellenic Air Force were ordered to deny any military aircraft or ships access to Athenian territory. The Hellenic Army would see ground borders sealed for similar policy to prevent the movement of ground forces and run the risk of two hostile forces fighting it out inside Athenian land. Civilian traffic would for now be granted free access but checks were intense.

[Centurius]

"The Athenian Federation formally places the German Empire under military protection pending discussions on the future of the territories"

[Centurius]

 

It is a sad day when nation states as ancient as the Greater Germanic Reich fall but where one state collapses new ones may rise. The Athenian Federation as the protector of the Old World has a unique position in this and as such we will dedicate the full force of the Hellenic Forces and the full cooperation of Athenian authorities to ensuring a lasting peace in Europe. However we see our responsibilities as restricted to this continent due to sheer logistics involved in the maintenance of order in the German lands. With immediate effect we revoke protection over non-European German assets and invite regional powers to step in. European territories will become part of the Athenian protectorate system and fostered to build new governments and establish new states. On this day no territory will be annexed. 

 

---

 

The Sixth Army which was already located in German territory was placed ideally to establish the protectorate force responsible for maintaining order in the German state. The Germans were a proud people but Athens had been a close ally for decades and as such they were not seen as foreign invaders but rather the protectors they sought to be. Authorities were left intact as much as possible to make the shift from independent statehood to Athenian protectorate more gradual and easier.

 

---

 

With all of this established a message would be sent to Russia.

To whomever it may concern,

 

It can not be denied the Russian state has a key role in the protection of Slavic states. While a significant amount of Slavic territory has come under Athenian protection this role has not changed. As such I wish to formally establish that the Athenian Federation will cooperate with Russia on Slavic matters and clear all potential new states first. In this Russia will be granted a veto to deny a movement statehood.