The Rebel Army Broadcasting Network reports...

[hawk11]

[center][img]http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7195/rabnlogo.png[/img]
[i]"Bringing you the news as it happens."[/i][/center]

[b]Top Story[/b]
United States of China, United States of America, and Greater Dalmatia Test Nuclear Weapons

[b]Other Headlines[/b]
United States of America Issues Ultimatum to Tahoe Republic
PRC Recalls Troops

[b]Simultaneous Nuclear Tests Shake Planet; Form New Power Bloc[/b]
WASHINGTON D.C. - The nations of USA, USC, and Greater Dalmatia all conducted nuclear tests earlier today, bring all three nations onto the nuclear scene with a bang. The United States of China upped the ante by testing a thermo-nuclear weapon, announcing six new cruiser-class warships, and unveiling two new nuclear aircraft carriers. All three nations have asserted anti-first-strike policies, claiming the weapons are purely for defensive purposes.

The tests come amid announcements from all three nations concerning new diplomatic agreements, specifically with each other. The USA, USC, and Greater Dalmatia all signed mutual defensive pacts with each other, forming a new power bloc that spans three continents. Many international figures have accused the three nations of "jumping into bed with each other," but political pundits have been quick to point out how "stupid such an accusation is."

[quote]"We live in a world where alliances change daily, and the select nations' outrage that three nations came together to form an alliance is only politically motivated, like everything else on this planet. Said nations will probably predictably align themselves against the new power-structure, and we'll end up with a shooting war yet again."[/quote]

[b]United States Issues Ultimatum to Tahoe Republic[/b]
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States of America, amid its nuclear test and diplomatic blitz, has issued an Ultimatum to the Tahoe Republic to relinquish "the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri" to United States control. The USA has cited Tahoe's ongoing war and apparent inability to provide protection as reasons for why it is demanding the territory, and it is claiming that the USA has a blood-right to the territory, pointing back to the original United States of America, which the current claims to be the successor state.

[quote]"You have in your protection the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. We hereby demand their release to the United States. Their citizens are full citizens of the United States by blood right and not the secondary citizens of a protectorate of your republic. Additionally, you no longer have the resources and assets given the scale of the war you are involved in to adequately protect, defend, and serve the people of these states."[/quote]

Many abroad have criticized this action as "blatant imperialism." Carthage, in particular, had mixed comments about the situation, saying that "The Carthaginian government supports the general thought behind the American declaration, but not the real meaning: imperialism. To be clear, we do support imperialism, just not when it is hushed from the world." It is not the only dissenter; the United States of China has announced support for its new ally in North America. The nation of Distopya has called for Tahoe to hold referendums in the territory to see if the "states" want to join the Union. The Republic of York was also extremely vocal against the USA's actions, saying "We find it ironic that the United States claims Tahoe can no longer care for these protectorate states when it is because of an invasion of many nations, including those who emigrated to these new United States in the Dragon Cult, that they are in this position to begin with. Not only does this situation reek of blatant opportunism, but also blatant imperialism."

To this, the USA responded "Propaganda from a Media Empire. Who would have guessed?" It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved; RABN will remain with the story until its conclusion.

[b]People's Republic Recalls Troops[/b]
Beijing - The People's Republic of China has announced that it plans on reducing deployment numbers from 350,000 troops to 100,000 troops by the year 2025. The PRC has stated that the reason for such high deployment was national security, and with "no threat," government officials have decided the time has come to cut the numbers.

[quote]"The PLA has been a strong pillar in PRC history but to move forward the Premier decided it would be best to lay off troops. The government also is in discussion for decommissioning Nuclear Weapons as well."[/quote]

The government has decided to demilitarize to allow trade and commerce flourish in China instead of "the constant fear of the military."

[b]Also in the news:[/b]
[b]The Commonwealth of Texas has petitioned for entry into the United States of America.[/b]
[b]The nations of J Andres and Australia have signed a Mutual Defense Pact.[/b] The treaty reactivates a pact originally signed in 2009 between the two nations.
[b]Weston Jove of the Republic of York is visiting France on a good-will mission[/b] in lieu of Ahab Napoleon, who has fallen ill. Details of his illness are unknown.
[b]Vietnam has denoted a nuclear device for testing purposes.[/b] This makes the fourth nation today, the third above ground test.
[b]The United States of America has conducted a diplomatic blitz,[/b] visiting several nations and signing multiple pieces of legislation, too many to list in this column.
[b]The German Democratic Republic has canceled its non-aggression pact with Dai Nippon Teikoku.[/b] The GDR says the treaty is no longer in their interests.

Edited May 21, 2010 by hawk_11

[hawk11]

Archived: Post date 5/16/2010

[quote][b]Top Headlines[/b]
Formation of the United States of America
Sino-Andrean Summit
Republic of York Founded

[b]United States of America forms in North America[/b]
WASHINGTON - Thirteen territories in North America came together to form the United States of America yesterday, unifying 1,322,619 square kilometers under one flag. The territory shook off the protection of J Andres troops, who have occupied the region for some time. Shortly after the announcement, J Andres withdrew from the territory, releasing the following statement in regards to the situation:

[quote]"Given the overwhelming level of support for the formation of the third United States of America among the population in the Commune Protectorate, as verified by our election commission officials and the High Commissioner, J Andres officially recognizes the United States of America and its claims on these aforementioned states. Starting immediately, we will withdraw our troops from the Commune Protectorate, save for New York State."[/quote]

People across the territory rejoiced in the bloodless hand-over of power, and the new nation announced that the interim president would be General William Caudill. General Caudill is the commander of the 101st Airborne Division, the battle-hardened unit that started what the nationals call the "Second American Revolution," and the vice president is his second-in-command, Lieutenant General Jeffery Johnson. Both men are considered heroes of the revolution, and General Caudill has promised that elections will be held at the earliest convenience for the new nation.

The events of this peaceful turnover are in stark contrast to the prior weeks where the territory of Kentucky was embroiled in a deadly struggle for power between a Tasmanian government and nationalist forces. The Theocracy of Kentucky, a government founded and ran by a Tasmanian cult, was brutally overthrown by a collective of the states who requested independence from J Andres. J Andres stayed neutral in the conflict, opting instead to let the issue sort itself out. The results of the revolution found Kentucky free from the grip of the cult, who were allowed to become citizens after the struggle concluded.

International reception of the new country has been mostly warm. Nations from all over the globe recognized the USA's sovereignty, except the Kamchatka Soviet Socialist Republic, who denounced the nation as a "respawn (sic) of a tyranical (sic) nation of history bent on capitalist domination." KSSR has withheld recognition of the United States, who responded with confusion at KSSR aggression, and vowed that they would "succeed none-the-less." The USA also gained the ire of the Athenian Federation after announcing its intention to pursue the control of Tahoe protectorates with links to former United States control. Tahoe is involved in a multi-front war, and many abroad have called the move by the Americans "opportunistic." General Caudill responded with the following:

"You call it invasion, we call it liberation given it is a protectorate with an unformed government, being over seen by an unresponsive and irresponsible government. And a people that are being neglected out of apparent necessity by its parent state."

[b]Chinese Prime Minister Visits Bethesda[/b]
BETHESDA - The United States of China's Prime Minister Wei Hai arrived in China earlier this week to meet with the leaders of J Andres. The details of the summit are unknown; however, political observers assume the meeting has to do with the strengthening of relations between the two nations. The United States of China, the successor state of the Elective Dictatorship of Palintine, did not have any formal relations with the nation of J Andres. The USC is seeking to do what the Palintinian government did not, extending relations outside the sphere of Asia and making themselves known on the world stage. Palintine was known for its neutral tendencies, and the United States of China has abandoned most of the tenants of the previous administration as it seeks to become a world power.

[b]Republic of York Founded[/b]
Coinciding with the formation of the United States of America, the Republic of York also declared independence from J Andres earlier today. The nation has aligned itself under the rule of Ahab Napoleon, a charismatic man whose location has been hidden for his personal safety and national security reasons. Mr. Napoleon's (pronounced 'NA-PO-LEE-O,' with the N being silent) first diplomatic act was immediately closing the border between York and the United States, promising that details would be "hammered out within the next few days" with their southern neighbor. The United States has not publicly commented on the border closing as of press time. When asked what the Republic of York hoped to accomplish in the long term on the North American continent, Remus Terminus Davidson, spokesman for the Republic of York responded with the following:

[quote]"Our short-term goals include survival, which would lead us to long-term goals. Constricting ourselves simply to the American continent or continents would be foolish in our eyes. We live in a global world now, and those who choose not to be a part of it will quickly find themselves brushed aside. To directly answer the question, we will align ourselves with those we feel will help us further our goals on this continent. Regarding further relations, those would need to be hammered out between individual nations and ourselves. Blanket statements in terms of diplomacy with multiple nations tend to confuse and complicate the situation."[/quote]

J Andres was one of the first to recognize Republic of York on the world stage. It released the following statement:

[quote]"It is with pleasure that J Andres formally and officially recognizes the Republic of York. We welcome our new neighbor to the world, and look forward to working together with them. Starting immediately, J Andres will withdraw all military forces from the region that used to be the former New York."[/quote]

J Andres troops are in the process of withdrawing from the region.

Most pressing for the international journalist community, however, is the Republic of York's limited freedom of the press within its borders. Journalists are free to report on events going on within the nation; however, only the company MediaCorp are allowed to operate cameras and broadcast within the nation. Video equipment and teams are available for rent via MediaCorp for a price. MediaCorp effectively has a monopoly on the flow of information leaving the nation, and it is strongly evident that the government is enforcing this monopoly. The RABN has not taken out a camera rental at this time; therefore it cannot bring you video of the event.

[b]Also happening in the world:[/b]

[b]Field Marshall Kou of the United States of China met with the prime minister of France[/b] earlier this week to discuss relations between the two countries.
[b]Tensions between the Imperium of Canada and Blue Heaven have increased after talks between the two nations.[/b] Experts are predicting the trend to continue unless the two nations can find middle ground on the issues between them.
[b]Napoleon I of the Imperium of Canada is currently in talks with Terese I of the Empire of France[/b] starting today. Details of the meeting are unknown.
[b]Atlantis has opened its doors to new foreign embassies[/b] on its soil. Nations from across the globe have petitioned the government for admission.
[b]The World Freedom Network has gone on-air today[/b], promising "no bias media" and plenty of weeping male pundits.[/quote]

Edited May 18, 2010 by hawk_11

[The Disco Commandant]

OOC: Wow this is a really good news thread Felt like I had just opened up the "World/National" part of the USA Today XD

[hawk11]

Archived - 5/18/2010 [b]Currently in opening post. Read it up there.[/b]

[quote][b]Top Story[/b]
Entire Government of Brussels dies in Plane Crash

[b]Other Headlines[/b]
Suzumiya Abdicates, Ending Reign of Karafuto in Japan
Blue Heaven Diplomatic Blitz

[b]Brussels Folds as Entire Government Disappears in Plane Crash[/b]
BRUSSELS - Only the governor of Brussels remains after a catastrophic plane crash in the Black Sea supposedly claimed the lives of every government leader in the independent city-state. The plane was heading for the capital of the Slavic Federation on a goodwill mission when one of the jet's engines exploded, sending the plane into the water of the Black Sea below. Rescue workers are still searching the sea for survivors, but hope is fading after more than 24 hours of searching has yielded nothing. The governor of Brussels publicly asked Deutschland to accept Brussels as a protectorate, effectively relinquishing national sovereignty to its larger neighbor.

[quote]"As the sole survivor, I, the governor of Brussels, ask North Germany to provide protection for Brussels until we are able to reform a new government. We shall notify the world that we intend on keeping our independence, and that the protectorate will only be a temporary measure."[/quote]

Deutschland has reaffirmed its commitment to protect the city during its time of need.

Investigations have revealed that the plane carrying all of the leaders was extremely old, and was reporting problems when it landed in Odessa to refuel. Despite issues, the party continued on their trip through the Slavic Federation, and ultimately crashed in the Black Sea.

[b]Empress Suzumiya Abdicates Rule in Japan[/b]
NISHINOMIYA - Empress Haruhi Suzumiya of the Imperial House of Karafuto abdicated her rule today, stepping down as empress of Japan and naming Ange Ushiromiya has her successor. Ms. Ushiromiya is the granddaughter of a former head of the financial giant Ushiromiya Holdings, Co, a Japanese holding company. The abdication came as a surprise to many, especially since Suzumiya abdicated to a member outside the royal family.

[quote]"In the past few years, I have united my people and my nation and met the goals I set forward to accomplish. I have done my job for this nation, and although the people love me, I believe they will understand correctly what I am about to do. For long, I have found a companion in Ms. Ange Ushiromiya, the granddaughter of the former head of Ushiromiya Holdings Co., a strong financial entity within the Japanese Empire whose grandchildren are known for their elegance and westernization, along with their strong grasp of Japanese traditions regardless of their westernization. It is with my final act, that per this decree, I abdicate my throne voluntarily in favor of Ange Ushiromiya and end the 'House of Karafuto's' reign over the country for good.[/quote]

The former empress announced that she will be spending her newly-found free time with her family. The world was quick to welcome Empress Ushiromiya to the stage. The United States of China took the opportunity to reaffirm the Sino-Japanese alliance despite the previous administration's exit. It is expected that the empress will bring about administrative changes in the first few days of her administration. Empress Ushiromiya was quick to get a handle on the nation, releasing her first speech hours after the Suzumiya abdicated. Below is a transcript of her first speech:

[quote]People of Japan, Nations of the World,

It is with great pleasure and humble heart that I step forward today as more than just Ange Ushiromiya, but Empress of Japan. Haruhi has provided this nation with the guidance and direction it needed to get started, and given us hopes and dreams, and filled us with the ability to realize that a Japanese state can exist in more than just our imaginations. I would like the proclaim today as a day of mourning, with all flags at half-mast due to Haruhi's departure from the Imperial Household, and the seat of Empress. Many challenges lie ahead, and a new political direction is on the horizon as we strive to continue Empress Suzumiya's journey with a new twist. I would like to also make it effective immediately that the capital is now hereby returned to it's rightful location, Tokyo. With the damage from nuclear radiation cleaned up, and re-building almost complete (the Imperial Palace is re-built along with most older buildings), such a move is satisfactory to be closer to my people.[/quote]

[b]Blue Heaven Initiates 'Diplomatic Blitz'[/b]
PARADIGM CITY - Numerous government officials have left the nation of Blue Heaven on good will missions in the past week as the nation looks to strengthen relations abroad. Officials departed for the nation of Bohovia two weeks ago while more representatives have left today for Japan and the newly formed United States of America. Details of the missions are unknown, but political scientists speculate that they are to strengthen relations and look for new allies even though it looks like Blue Heaven's 'cold war' with the Imperium of Canada is beginning to deescalate. Earlier today, Blue Heaven withdrew troops from the Canadian-BH border.

[b]Also in the news[/b]
[b]The Rebel Army Broadcasting Network and MediaCorps are in negotiation regarding a deal that will allow RABN to broadcast Cup of Nations games[/b] to the international market. The deal is estimated to cost $1Billion and will be the largest sports broadcast deal in history.
[b]The Gridiron International Tournament resumed play today[/b] after multiple wars forced the league into hiatus.
[b]Talks began between France and the United States of China today.[/b] Details of the talks include the recent deal between the People's Republic of China and France concerning Hong Kong.
[b]The Imperium of Canada and the United States of China have signed a friendship and economic pact[/b] after press time.
[b]The United Isocoles has opened its doors for embassies[/b] earlier today.
[b]The Athenian Federation and France entered into talks yesterdays.[/b] The talks are meant to strength relations between the two European powers.[/quote]

Edited May 18, 2010 by hawk_11

[hawk11]

Archived 5/20/2010 CURRENTLY IN OP, READ IT THERE

[quote][b]Top Story[/b]
United States of China, United States of America, and Greater Dalmatia Test Nuclear Weapons

[b]Other Headlines[/b]
United States of America Issues Ultimatum to Tahoe Republic
PRC Recalls Troops

[b]Simultaneous Nuclear Tests Shake Planet; Form New Power Bloc[/b]
WASHINGTON D.C. - The nations of USA, USC, and Greater Dalmatia all conducted nuclear tests earlier today, bring all three nations onto the nuclear scene with a bang. The United States of China upped the ante by testing a thermo-nuclear weapon, announcing six new cruiser-class warships, and unveiling two new nuclear aircraft carriers. All three nations have asserted anti-first-strike policies, claiming the weapons are purely for defensive purposes.

The tests come amid announcements from all three nations concerning new diplomatic agreements, specifically with each other. The USA, USC, and Greater Dalmatia all signed mutual defensive pacts with each other, forming a new power bloc that spans three continents. Many international figures have accused the three nations of "jumping into bed with each other," but political pundits have been quick to point out how "stupid such an accusation is."

[quote]"We live in a world where alliances change daily, and the select nations' outrage that three nations came together to form an alliance is only politically motivated, like everything else on this planet. Said nations will probably predictably align themselves against the new power-structure, and we'll end up with a shooting war yet again."[/quote]

[b]United States Issues Ultimatum to Tahoe Republic[/b]
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States of America, amid its nuclear test and diplomatic blitz, has issued an Ultimatum to the Tahoe Republic to relinquish "the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri" to United States control. The USA has cited Tahoe's ongoing war and apparent inability to provide protection as reasons for why it is demanding the territory, and it is claiming that the USA has a blood-right to the territory, pointing back to the original United States of America, which the current claims to be the successor state.

[quote]"You have in your protection the states of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. We hereby demand their release to the United States. Their citizens are full citizens of the United States by blood right and not the secondary citizens of a protectorate of your republic. Additionally, you no longer have the resources and assets given the scale of the war you are involved in to adequately protect, defend, and serve the people of these states."[/quote]

Many abroad have criticized this action as "blatant imperialism." Carthage, in particular, had mixed comments about the situation, saying that "The Carthaginian government supports the general thought behind the American declaration, but not the real meaning: imperialism. To be clear, we do support imperialism, just not when it is hushed from the world." It is not the only dissenter; the United States of China has announced support for its new ally in North America. The nation of Distopya has called for Tahoe to hold referendums in the territory to see if the "states" want to join the Union. The Republic of York was also extremely vocal against the USA's actions, saying "We find it ironic that the United States claims Tahoe can no longer care for these protectorate states when it is because of an invasion of many nations, including those who emigrated to these new United States in the Dragon Cult, that they are in this position to begin with. Not only does this situation reek of blatant opportunism, but also blatant imperialism."

To this, the USA responded "Propaganda from a Media Empire. Who would have guessed?" It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved; RABN will remain with the story until its conclusion.

[b]People's Republic Recalls Troops[/b]
Beijing - The People's Republic of China has announced that it plans on reducing deployment numbers from 350,000 troops to 100,000 troops by the year 2025. The PRC has stated that the reason for such high deployment was national security, and with "no threat," government officials have decided the time has come to cut the numbers.

[quote]"The PLA has been a strong pillar in PRC history but to move forward the Premier decided it would be best to lay off troops. The government also is in discussion for decommissioning Nuclear Weapons as well."[/quote]

The government has decided to demilitarize to allow trade and commerce flourish in China instead of "the constant fear of the military."

[b]Also in the news:[/b]
[b]The Commonwealth of Texas has petitioned for entry into the United States of America.[/b]
[b]The nations of J Andres and Australia have signed a Mutual Defense Pact.[/b] The treaty reactivates a pact originally signed in 2009 between the two nations.
[b]Weston Jove of the Republic of York is visiting France on a good-will mission[/b] in lieu of Ahab Napoleon, who has fallen ill. Details of his illness are unknown.
[b]Vietnam has denoted a nuclear device for testing purposes.[/b] This makes the fourth nation today, the third above ground test.
[b]The United States of America has conducted a diplomatic blitz,[/b] visiting several nations and signing multiple pieces of legislation, too many to list in this column.
[b]The German Democratic Republic has canceled its non-aggression pact with Dai Nippon Teikoku.[/b] The GDR says the treaty is no longer in their interests.[/quote]

Edited May 21, 2010 by hawk_11

[Subtleknifewielder]

[quote][b]The nations of J Andres and Australia have signed a Mutual Defense Pact.[/b] The treaty reactivates a pact originally signed in 2009 between the two nations.[/quote]
OOC: Actually that was a mistyping on Jed's part. The old treaty was [i]optional[/i] defense...this was supposed to be a simple NAP.