Nouvelles d'Union Fédérales
Broadcasting from Paris, District of France, European Union
"Bonjour et - welcome to Federal Union News. It is 9:01 on October 3 2003, and in a few short hours, the government is expected to make an announcement on the completion of a large portion of the Iberian Transportation Project. After months of arduous work, it seems that much of the infrastructure in Spain has been heavily increased, with roads repaired, highways constructed, train tracks laid and a number of new subway systems in various cities. It is expected that Peter Struck, with President Kohler and Chancellor Zapatero, will be making the joint announcement at around 11 o'clock."
"According to sources, a large part of the work was done by 'State Employee's', or so called 'Conscript Workers'. While they have proven to be efficient, the use of convicted felons and welfare recipients has garnered a certain amount of controversy, both at home and abroad. Last week, a protest in Washington D.C. against the practice called for sanctions or increased dialogue to alleviate the practice. According to polls conducted by Federal Union News, the practice is well received in France, Germany and Portugal, where over 65% of those surveyed said they agreed with the practice. It was viewed more negatively in the Netherlands and Belgium, where around 39% of those surveyed said they agreed with the practice, while Spain seemingly remained unsure on which stance to take despite having prospered the most from the practice. Approval ratings in Spain stood at 48%, drawing the national figures to between 55% and 65% approval."
"Meanwhile, government officials have downplayed the recent national black out in Italy. Stopping short of blaming any particular party, Foreign Minister Javier Solana did point to the actions of a foreign entity possibly being involved in the power outage."
"I do believe that it is too early in the investigations to rule out the involvement of a foreign party in the recent Italian Blackout. I don't want to speculate on which party that may turn out to be, be it a terrorist group or a foreign government, but I think that in the world we live in, it is foolish to immediately discard the involvement of a foreign entity in such a national crisis. If Italian authorities find no such foreign involvement, I won't be surprised. If Italian authorities do find foreign involvement, I won't be surprised. Either way, the European Union is here to provide them with any aid they should require."
"No comment has been received from Italian authorities on the offer for aid, or on the possibly involvement of a foreign power. In related news, Russian authorities are still piecing together the events that resulted in the total destruction of an oil rig in the Arctic Circle. Operated by Russian National Oil Inc. the rig had been in service for less than a year when disaster struck, killing most onboard. Of the three men to have been found alive at the scene, one has since died and the second has remained in a coma. The third however, Captain Dmitri Taylor, is recovering, both from frostbite, and to a supposed shrapnel wound in his leg from the disaster. We wish him a speedy recovery."
Captain Dmitri Taylor. Photo taken from the Russian National Archives.
Dmitri Taylor is shown here attending celebration ceremonies for the anniversary of the Great Patriotic War. He was honourary guest of President Vladimir Putin. (1)
"Rumours still circulate as to what exactly caused the disaster, however some sources say that Russia has called on the FSB to pursue the investigation. Some are also suggesting that Chinese officials are aiding in the investigation, though this could not be confirmed. As the investigation is still ongoing, and with the involvement of the FSB, it is increasingly difficult to ascertain whether foreign involvement was indeed a factor in the disaster. When questioned, Russian officials refuse to make note of suspects, though one official pressed the notion that it was perpetrated by nationals from the Eastern European Coalition of Sovereign States, when offered anonymity. Doubtless, the world watches with uncertainty as it awaits the outcome of the investigation."
"In other news, President of the United States, George W. Bush and Prime Minister Vajpayee of India met several days ago in Washington, D.C. Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was welcomed by the President, and First Lady. Once at the White House, the two discussed issues of mutual concern such as the Iranian search for Nuclear Weapons, and the increasingly aggressive government of Pakistan. A new trade agreement was also agreed upon, and after further discussion, both states pledged to do more to combat the spread of piracy from Somalia, and from the embattled state of Sri Lanka."
"Finally, tensions are on the rise in the Balkans after a diplomatic row between Montenegro and Serbia. Apparently, a recent arrest made by the National Guard of Montenegro occurred in a strip of disputed territory. The territory has been a source of contention between the states, though a diplomatic resolution has been in the works for sometime. Whether this will affect the process, remains to be seen."
"My name is Reynold de Burgundy, and that's the state of the world. Weather and Sports, after the break."
_________________~ Further Reading ~ ___________________
1 - The picture here, is actually a picture of Viggo Mortensen. Not sure where it was taken though. Originally, I had looked at getting a picture of Sean Connery for Dmitri, and then I had thought about Anthony Hopkins and Ed Harris. As it turns out, Viggo Mortensen with his beard like this, is perfect for the role.
As well, you may be wondering about why he was the special guest of Vladimir Putin. I won't explain that just yet, because it will probably come up soon, but if I miss it, just pester me and I'll explain.