The Athens Times

[Centurius]

With active hostilities pretty much over the Alert Condition was dropped to Gamma to accommodate for the severe risk of terrorist attacks in the wake of so many new protectorate duties. Another development justifying concern was the apparent collapse of both West Africa and Uganda. Simultaneously the Athenian ability to project could not be compromised by its ability to protect. The protectorate force in Africa would be sized down to only the XVII Corps belonging to the Fifth Army. The XVIII Corps would be held at bases in mainland Europe to relieve the Sixth Army after initial protectorate duties were finished. To deal with West Africa and Uganda the First Division would rapidly secure government and military facilities so the XVII Corps could simply march in later on.

[Evangeline Anovilis]

A message would be arriving with the Athenian authorities in the French Confederacy. Handwritten, it would be a petition to the authorities to please right a wrong that had existed for a bit too long in the eyes of the author.

 

To the Athenians, Guardians over the French people,

 

I know, my name may not be the most welcome, my thoughts deemed conservative, reactionary, some would even say fascist. It is thus that I avoided the French nation for so long, seeking refuge in a far away land, where I could live the rest of my life out in peace, outside prisons and hospitals. Still, as events unfold, I see it as my duty, to once more step into a political role and to make a simple request to the athenian authorities. The french nation, proud and strong, has seen many wars at the hands of their neighbours and has seen many die. It has fought in two world wars, both times victorious. The French nation has brought about great personalities, like Therese Zelle, who stepped up and fought for what they saw as the right of the French nation.

 

Athens now is in charge of these very French people, their destiny and their hope lies with the Megale Autokrateira. It is in this situation, that I would urge Athens to do what has to be done, now that the Germans finally stopped encroaching on French borders: The annexation of Alsace and the French territories that were taken by Germany into the French Confederacy, as well as a new Treaty of Élysée, to make sure that the feud that has been going on for so long ends under the pacifying hegemony of the Federation. Consider that not my wish as a fascist bringer of certain misery, but as a person that feels French at heart and wishes nothing more, than to see that even though part of the Federation, no, because they are part of the Federation,the French are cared for and their territorial integrity be restored within the greater Athenian Empire.

 

May the wounds heal and the ever vigilant Athenian Aegis keep watch on the Rhine, age-old boundary between the Roman Gallia and the wilderness of Germania.

 

Most sincerely,

 

Dalian de Vicidalia

 

A small package of maple syrup would be sent too, as gift. The finances of a Grande Princesse in exile weren't too great.

[Centurius]

French Confederacy to Vote on Integration

 

Paris, French Confederacy - Following nine years of existing as a Confederacy under protection of the Athenian Federation the National Council has officially announced a plebiscite to be held on integrating with Athenian France and to formally become part of the Federation.

 

This move comes following a chronic inability of the governments to contain crime and the growing feeling the French people enjoy no relevance on a global stage anymore. Should the vote be successful the Assembly of the People has approved for the region of Francia to be established and granted a status equal to that of Rome and Carthage. Under this status it will be allowed to maintain many of the rights it currently has in addition to having its own leader, governing structure and being represented in the parliament of the Athenian Federation. In line with this last fact the plebiscite is scheduled to be held before the Council elections in a few months to make sure the French population is allowed to vote in these. 

 

In the Athenian Federation the move is only opposed by the African People's Party who feels adding a new territory will compromise recovery efforts in Africa. In the Confederacy itself both the regions of Aquitane and Belgica have voiced strong support and so have most Communes but some remain opposed. Even a single commune voting no could compromise the entire proposal. Concerns cited by opponents relate primarily to the influence the French population can have on the Athenian state and how much of its autonomy will be maintained. To appease these the Megale Autokrateira is considering signing a treaty to formally secure these rights for all eternity.

[Centurius]

FRANCE JOINS THE FEDERATION

 

Paris, Francia - Following several weeks of debates and guarantees issued by the Megale Autokrateira and Parliament of the Athenian Federation the French Confederacy has today voted to be reunited with its southern provinces and as one join the Athenian Federation as the Republic of Francia. Under this structure it shares the same autonomous status as Rome and Carthage do.

 

The vote comes just in time for the logistics for the Council elections to be implemented in time so the French people can immediately be represented in the Athenian legislative. A new political party, the Front National, has already risen to the forefront to combat integration with Athens however it is generally believed their share in the elections will be limited. Reports have also come forward about French parties being in talks with their Athenian counterparts to act as one on the Imperial level. To save on costs the French presidential election will occur at the same time as the Council elections. 

 

Isabella Aimée; Zellist, interim president and favourite for the upcoming elections, has stated she is glad to once again see France in a position where it can change the world and welcomes cooperation with the European hyperpower. 

[Centurius]

Council Elections Endorse Gabris Government

 
Athens - In perhaps one of the most uncertain elections to date the results show clear support for the policies of the Gabris government despite controversial actions regarding such matters as the German collapse, integration of Francia and changes in military doctrine and structure.

 

All in all the Socialist Alliance, Green Party and Dove Party have managed to maintain their Assembly results with respectively 190, 120 and 83 seats in the 500-seat chamber. Significant changes happened on the right however with the Liberalist Union dropping to 30 seats while the Democratic Party has managed to partially recover from its Assembly loss and only dropping to 15 seats rather than the expected 5. The far-right Party of Iberia, Golden Dawn and African People's Party each had to give up 3 seats to the French newcomer Front National which came in at 9 seats and is expected to secure roughly 100 seats in the next Assembly elections.

 

Experts have stated these shifts in the right wing do not indicate either a positive or negative opinion regarding certain parties but rather the shift in opinions from the addition of an entire new electorate.

 

Moreau, the Unexpected President of Francia

 
Paris, Francia - Unlike the Council elections the French presidential election managed to surprise both experts and candidates. With all polls indicating a victory in the second round for the Zellist Isabella Aimée the Social-Democrat Jacques Moreau winning in the first round is bound to significantly affect Francia for years to come.

 

Moreau, former leader of the Commune, has stated that he looks forward to working together with Athens and the French Parliament to return France to greater heights. President-elect Moreau will be inaugurated in the Palace of Versailles in a week.

[Centurius]

With the United African States following the example of several other fallen African states there was once again a need for Athens to provide rapid protection for her less fortunate dependencies. In line with this the First Division was ordered to take Somalia and return it to protectorate administration. However with recent events in the Indian Ocean and a growing need for projection in the region the Ministry of Defense would commission the construction of HFB Bargaal. The settlement had long since been evacuated and the location provided an excellent platform for the Hellenic Forces to settle. The Hellenic Corps of Engineers would be commissioned to construct a Joint Forces base which could provide services to all elements of the Hellenic Forces. it would also become the headquarters of the Western Pacific Fleets and in general form a central role in African affairs. To aid in this new task the First Division would be attached to the base in addition to several Air Force squadrons and Task Forces 4, 8 and 10 to the Indian Ocean. These additional forces would establish standard patrol routes throughout the Indian Ocean. Finally the AlertCon for Africa was raised to Epsilon pending a change in the situation on the continent.

Edited July 17, 2013 by Centurius

[Centurius]

Classified:

 

From: Strategic Weapons Command

To: Office of the Megale Autokrateira

CC: Imperial Command, Genesis Command, Task Force 99 Command, Air Force Special Warfare Command

 

Strategic Weapons Command hereby reports the successful conversion of all ICBM forces to conventional variants. Nuclear material has been recycled for use in bomber and submarine forces.

 

As such the current Athenian nuclear arsenal consists of:

 

Hellenic Navy:

162 SLBMs - Armed with 12 200kt warheads each

54 SLBMs - Armed with 8 500kt warheads each

 

Hellenic Air Force:

1,000 ER-M-51s - Each missile carries a 50kt warhead

20 ER-M-51s - Each missile carries a 10kt warhead.

19 5 mt nuclear bombs 

 

 

 

[Centurius]

Classified:

 

In recent times the young Merinan state had shown itself to be a potential threat in one of the more volatile regions under Athenian control, with the recent discovery of an institute for advanced military technology this threat only increased. Operating under a mandate granted by the Pax Atheniensium the Foreign Intelligence Agency was tasked with sabotage of this capability. With one of the most advanced cyberwarfare departments in the world the immediate efforts would aim at introducing a virus into the Merinan military systems with a focus on taking down centralized components and more specifically those used for R&D. To guarantee optimal security the department would operate via proxies located in foreign states and protectorates. 

 

The second stage would consist of additional satellite surveillance to get more details on smaller formations rather than just military complexes and larger formations.

[Centurius]

As the results came into the FIA it was clear the virus had done its job and made sure any kind of advanced weaponry programs would be dealt a major setback. Meanwhile the satellite intelligence would be processed by the Hellenic Forces and shared with allied millitaries for future us.

[Centurius]

"Effective immediately the Athenian Federation resumes protectorate status over Sudan, the United Kingdom of the Carpathians and Yugoslavia"

[Centurius]

Peace Protests in Rome

 

 

Rome, Italia - In an initiative set up by several Italian students the streets of Rome were today filled with protesters. A group of 1,000 students marched to the Colosseum.

 

The move is in response to the preemptive strike against Tanzania and Zambia which the movement calls contrary to Athenian law and international standards. The Imperial Police Department, at the request of the Rome Police Department, has positioned its crowd control units throughout the city however things have remained peaceful. 

 

The group represents a small, yet influential, minority within the population. General support for the war remains high.

[Kevin Kingswell]

A request would be broadcast to Ravenwood from the Council of Kharak with the message below being what was sent. The council chose Ravenwood after hearing about the company from some foreign traders.

 

 

To: Ravenwood

From: The Council of Kharak

 

RE: Hiring of training staff

 

Greetings. We are the Council of Kharak the newly established leadership of the rising nation of Kharak. As with any new nation one of the most important aspects that must be looked to is a strong military for defense and other security measures. As it stands recruitment is progressing at a fairly abundant rate in Kharak and we are beginning to develop the industry to out fit our military but what we lack is any qualified personnel to train our new recruits.

 

That is where we hope Ravenwood can come in. Whilst our funds are not great at this time, they are also coming along well and we would like to hire some training personnel from your company to teach our new recruits in the ways of becoming professional soldiers.

 

We await your reply.

 

The Council of Kharak.

 

 

Edited August 5, 2013 by Kevin Kingswell

[Centurius]

A request would be broadcast to Ravenwood from the Council of Kharak with the message below being what was sent. The council chose Ravenwood after hearing about the company from some foreign traders.

 

 

 

 

To whomever it may concern,

 

At this time we have plenty of instructors available to provide military training to your recruits in all branches of the armed forces. We suggest a representative of Ravenwood to travel to Kharak so an arrangement can be worked out.

 

-Valerian Mengsk,

CEO of Ravenwood, a subsidiary of Hellenic World Services

[Centurius]

Rome Cleans Up as Protests End

 

Rome, Italia - Following a week of organized sit-ins the peace protests in Rome have ended without violence or any serious violations of law. Under the watchful eye of the Imperial and Roman police students steadily left the city or returned to their homes while cleaners moved into the area to clean up.
 
The movement has announced it is disappointed in the results but pledges it will organize further moves in the future and seek to expand throughout the Federation. Local officials have stated that they respect the right to peaceful assembly but are happy to see things have ended.
 

Megale Autokrateira Takes Step Back, Moves to Winter Palace

 

Athens - In an unexpected announcement earlier today the Office of the Megale Autokrateira announced she has cancelled all her appointments for the upcoming half year and will take a break from government. Furthermore it has stated she will take residence in the Winter Palace near Zermatt, far away from the public eye.

 

The announcement did not state why she opted for this decision and when asked the Office of the Chief Magistrate, by Constitution obligated to assume the duties of the Megale Autokrateira in her absence, refused to comment.

[Kevin Kingswell]

To whomever it may concern,

 

At this time we have plenty of instructors available to provide military training to your recruits in all branches of the armed forces. We suggest a representative of Ravenwood to travel to Kharak so an arrangement can be worked out.

 

-Valerian Mengsk,

CEO of Ravenwood, a subsidiary of Hellenic World Services

 

We would gladly welcome a visit from a representative from Ravenwood. Unfortunately our facilities in Khar-Selim the capital are quite limited at this time, if the representative comes by air please use only a small light aircraft as that is all we can handle at this moment. Thank you.

 

-The Council of Kharak 

[Centurius]

Classified

 

The rise of Pure Lands had been carefully monitored by the Hellenic Forces and it rapidly became clear what they were heading for and that Athens was a logical target. However what they had not faced so far and what would most certainly ultimately be their undoing was a force that could actually fight them and give them a run for their money. In line with this AlertCon Beta was declared throughout the Federation with general preparations for war. Fighters would enter the sky in scheduled patrols to avoid a preemptive strike against air facilities while all nuclear forces were placed on alert and giving coordinates for a worst case scenario. Bomber patrols would make sure that the land/air-based element of the nuclear response remained intact while the submarines would assume strategic positions. All ground forces would be taken to the highest readiness while the Navy would assume patrols with a greater focus on the Persian Gulf. Especially forces in the border regions with Pure Lands would find themselves preparing for war.

 

A message would be broadcast secretly to the Caucasian government offering them and their citizens refuge.

[Centurius]

Imperial Births!

 

Zermatt, Switzerland - Following six months of absolute silence regarding the reason for the Megale Autokrateira's break from government the Office of the Megale Autokrateira today report the birth of twins, His Highness Alexander of Heraclius, Crown Prince of Carthage, Prince of the Athenian Federation, Porphyrogénnētos and Her Highness Alethea of Heraclius, Princess of Carthage, Princess of the Athenian Federation, Porphyrogénnētē are reportedly in good health.
 
Athens has been filled with voices of both surprise and happiness as the news arrived, sources within the Office have reported that even several members of the government were never aware. The Imperial Family has requested the press to maintain their distance while they recover from events. As such for the foreseeable future the Megale Autokrateira will remain at the Winter Palace.

 

Chief Magistrate Announces Large Economic Growth

 

Athens - For the first time in years the Chief Magistrate has announced the Athenian economy has grown 6% in the large year. Experts had already predicted another year of growth but had come nowhere near the number. 

 

In his statement the Chief Magistrate said the growth was primarily caused by a relative peace and projects in the African territories paying off. Additionally the safety provided by sole control of the Mediterranean has made it an even busier sea than before. With the recent moves by Pure Lands however it is expected this growth might soon be halted with the military alert having been brought to the highest level since the War for Regean Sovereignty.
 

[Centurius]

Fascists March as Elections Approach

 

 

Athens - With only a month left until the scheduled elections the extremely fascist Golden Dawn party has gone out in force. Throughout western Byzantium immigrant communities were targeted as tens of thousands marched through the streets.

 

Riot police and conventional police struggled to maintain order but in the end proved unable to hold the masses at bay. The Megale Autokrateira, who has announced to return from her retreat to Zermatt earlier as planned, has authorized the Hellenic Forces to act on Athenian soil and together with the Byzantium Home Guard enforce law and order. Tanks and fully equipped soldiers were seen moving into immigrant neighbourhoods while UCAVs watched from the skies in the largest domestic military operation in decades.

 

Early reports place the casualties at fifty civilians killed and two hundred wounded while on the government side five police officers were killed and thirty wounded. The Golden Dawn thugs were said to have suffered twenty fatalities and a hundred wounded. A spokesperson of the Ministry of Defense has stated that the situation will be treated as an insurrection and military is allowed to use lethal force to protect innocents.

 

While the Golden Dawn has always been prone to violence its recent surge in support has made it significantly more vocal, with a wave of individuals joining for its policies of international isolationism and annexing protectorates while pulling all forces out of foreign bases and cancelling all but a few treaties the recent support is a clear statement against the policies of the Megale Autokrateira and Council of Magistrates. On an imperial level other regions have strongly condemned the violence and the Assembly of the People voted 4750 to 250 in favour of a statement supporting the government response.

[Centurius]

Nuclear weapons, they always remained a threat in this day and age. For decades nuclear warfare and nuclear terrorism had killed hundreds of millions. In all this nuclear disaster it would be easy to forget that there was a time where binding international agreements kept nuclear weapons contained, a time where nuclear warfare was a constant threat but one that nearly never occurred. It was these times Athens wanted to see a return to but it needed to set an example. While unconfirmed experts had strong suspicions Kharak was working on nuclear weapons, while they were a peaceful state so far they were also highly susceptible to questionable movement. For the protection of the region steps had to be taken but confirmation was needed first. Using the extensive network of satellites nearly every inch of Kharak would be scanned for the facilities needed for nuclear weapons and the traces of radiation produced by such facilities. The second element would consist of SIGINT by the various relevant intelligence agencies operating within the state. These would trace radiocommunications and other sources to find evidence of the programs that way.

[Centurius]

The speed at which results were coming in surprised even the intelligence agencies doing them, results of the operations revealed significant documentation on plans and their funding. The Athenian state could now take the next logical step.

Edited August 24, 2013 by Centurius

[Centurius]

Protests Calm Down as Army Uses Live Ammunition

 

 

Athens - Golden Dawn protests are steadily dissolving as following permission from the Ministry of Defense to protect innocents at all costs the Hellenic Army and other security forces have employed tear gas and live ammunition to enforce a return to peace.

 

While labelled as excessive force by spokespersons for the Golden Dawn political party the response has generally been received as fitting the circumstances. According to official Army statistics since their deployment three hundred members of the Golden Dawn have been killed and a thousand wounded while casualties on the civilian side has been nearly negligible. Furthermore 1500 arrests have been made throughout Byzantium as several key figures within the party and even members of parliament are expected to be arraigned in upcoming days.

 

With protests forcefully being dissolved order is coming back to Byzantium but it will be long before it truly is at peace again, It is expected the military will remain involved at least until the elections.

[Centurius]

New Democracy Formed in Aftermath of Protests

 

 

Athens - With order slowly returning after the Golden Dawn riots in recent weeks politics have made a shift back to their traditional self. Using general disgust for Golden Dawn methods combined with general opposition to the government's interventionist policies the New Democracy party has been formed by former Liberalist Union member Antonis Samaras.

 

In a statement Samaras has stated that his party will put the needs of Athens before all but will solve problems caused by immigration with integration. The combination of his policies supporting a more isolationist state with a smaller military while preserving investments in social security, healthcare, education and further liberalizing the market pose a significant threat to the established parties. In a response to the announcement a spokesperson for the Socialist Alliance has stated that while looking nice on paper the policies proposed will leave Athens defenceless and isolated in a hostile world. 

[Centurius]

Elections Conclude With First Ever Loss of Government Majority

 

 

Athens - In perhaps the greatest shift of power seen in Athenian parliamentary history the Socialist Alliance-Green Party-Dove Party coalition has lost its majority in the Assembly of the People. The New Democracy Party has come out as the clear winner with its 1000 seats making it the main opposition party.

 

Seats for the Centre-right party have also come from the Golden Dawn which saw 50 seats lost ending up at 200. In the rest of the right the Liberalist Union went from 400 to 960 while the Party of Iberia remained at 270 seats. The African People's Party managed to obtain another 20 seats at a total of 120. The Democratic Party remained fixed at 50 seats.

 

On the other side of the Tower the Socialist Alliance went from 1900 to 1500, while the Green Party went from 1200 to 500 and the Dove Party from 830 to 400 bringing the coalition at a total of 2400 seats.

 

Election results have reaffirmed earlier voiced reluctance to dedicate Athenian manpower and capital globally with no tangible return. While this is far from the end of the Gabris administration the forced negotiation with the opposition is guaranteed to have lasting impact on the future of Athenian policy. 

[Centurius]

Tenth Gabris Government Announced

 

 

Athens - Following three months of extensive negotiations and deals the tenth Gabris government has been announced. The minority government formed by the Socialist Alliance, Green Party and Dove Party is dependent on support from New Democracy in the Assembly of the People.

 

However the continuation did not come cheap, while the government managed to maintain its internal programs and military spending New Democracy has pushed for several changes in the foreign policy of the Athenian Federation. With less funding for global projection and general instructions for the Hellenic Forces to focus more on Europe experts predict the government cannot remain to be a strong protector of civil rights. Combined with a compromise to take a more isolationist approach internationally. Surprisingly however the Joint Department on the Administration of Protectorates, which was a major point of debate in the campaign, remains fully funded and able to continue its programs for security and healthy development in all Athenian protectorates.

 

In general the response from the population has been positive however many academics fear for the international consequences of this reactionary victory, The Megale Autokrateira has not yet stated if she considers her office bound by the agreement, the Office of the Megale Autokrateira holds the authority to do foreign affairs and has sole command over the Hellenic Forces.

[Centurius]

Peaceful Protests in Athens

 

 

 

Athens - Less than a month after confirmation the new government is faced with its first challenge. Hundreds have gone to the streets to protest the war in the Caucasus which many have called 'The Caucasian Massacre' and the apparent lack of political will to take action.

 

The protest shows the strong contrast between the Athenians tired of interventions and the minority who believe the state is obligated to protect basic rights globally and certainly in the area. Police has been deployed to maintain order however no violence is expected.