Eutopia NEWSLINK [official game events]

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EXPLOSION DESTROYS EUTOPIAN CENTRAL BANK - TRUCK BOMB SUSPECTED

A massive explosion rocked downtown New Lancaster City, as the facade of the Eutopian Central Bank was torn off the front of the building and almost the entire east wing of offices and conference rooms collapsed upon itself. Though the rest of the building was damaged, it maintained its structural integrity and the ECB released a statement declaring the country's gold and other financial reserves are still secure.

The blast leveled buildings across the street, shattered windows for miles, cut down pedestrians within 1000 meters, and tore apart nearby cars. Hospitals in the New Lancaster area are reportedly unable to all of the bombing victims and temporary emergency clinics have been established in public buildings. The New Lancaster Children’s Hospital built by former President Amric Al’Aeshir was unable to accept the overflow of patients and had to be evacuated itself after a ruptured gas line was discovered following the explosion.

Over 280 are confirmed dead due to the high pedestrian traffic outside the ECB, located in a popular portion of New Lancaster, known for its cafes and street shopping. However, the number of casualties is expected to rise dramatically as excavation efforts begin to recover bodies from the shattered buildings.

Though no organizations have come forward to claim responsibility for the bombing thus far, police believe that whoever is responsible is surprisingly organized and knew how to plan an attack for maximum impact. Police appear puzzled by this fact, since the MEOR is believed to have been destroyed and the CORE was wiped out in a bloody confrontation in the WET, and no other terrorist organizations have been at work in the United Provinces of Eutopia for some time.

While there are no surviving direct witnesses, security cameras suggest a Eutopian Parcel Service truck, perhaps laden with explosives, as the center of the blast. Time stamps on the security tapes put the blast at exactly 12:01pm.

The international community appears stunned by the explosion and have begun offers of aid.



THE HAMMER RE-ELECTED BY SLIM MARGIN - VOTER PARTICIPATION HITS RECORD LOW

“It wasn’t pretty, but any win is a win,” said a sober Senator Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, President of the Senate and ESA party member from Jacobia.

Early returns show no turnover in the Eutopian Senate. Voter turn-out was at an all-time low for the UPE, almost as low as the election than heralded the election of Unionist President Gall, which was held amid a massive hurricane. A make-shift coalition effort, uniting Federalists and the Commonality Party placed a surprising second place.

Encouraged by their disproportional electoral strength in an election where turnout barely cracked 30%, the coalition party has pledged to run a full slate in the future.

Williamson promised in his remarks, which preceded the news of the blast, that the Senate would be open for the people (as opposed to open for business) upon his return and that he looked forward to the debate on the VAT proposals being considered.

In local elections, there were few surprises, but it is worth noting that
several fringe nationalist parties won seats in the Franco-Eutopian provinces.



NEUWESTBADEN STOCK EXCHANGE REOPENS - FOURGERES FAMILY HOLDINGS IPO
At the stroke of midnight, the Neuwestbaden Stock Exchange reopened the trading floor. When asked about the unusual opening hour, Katarina Lumarche, the Director, noted that "we are a twenty-four hour exchange now. The simple cycle of the sun is not relevant."

The opening day of trading saw a heavy sell-off in the Moribund Gonzov, Inc. (GONZ), which plunged three ducats to 53.2 per share. Operations Security Inc. (OSI) sank two ducats to 6.4 per share, and is in danger of being delisted in the wake of a recent police raid.

Eutopia Parcel Service (EPS) and Lundgren Corp. (LUND) both were up for the day on the basis of new business potential.

Fourgéres Family Holdings, Inc. (FFHI), a real estate trust based out of New Lancaster, had a profitable initial public offering. The stock opened at 30, rose to 55, plateaued there for a time and, as the American markets opened, shot up to a high of 72.3 on the basis of heavy New York trading. Profit taking late in the day plunged the price back to 47.6 at the end of the day.

The NSEX closed early, however, in response to the news of the ECB bombing. Some financial observers this step likely prevented a panic sell on the newly re-opened exchange.



ST. ESPRITIAN MP ASSASSINATED AT SYMPHONY EVENT

St. Espritian Member of Parliament Georges Dumont was murdered at a concert this week put on by the National Orchestra of Saint-Esprit. He was widely seen as a defender of the notorious "day-workers" who commute into Eutopia to blue-collar jobs there.

As the orchestra built to a crescendo in the March to the Scaffold of Berlioz' Symphonie Fantastique, an unidentified stranger slipped into Dumont's box seating (which was otherwise empty). Although nobody saw the assassin, many nearby concertgoers thought they heard a "pop" in the movement. They wondered if it was an effect by Berlioz to heighten the drama, but couldn't find an instrument capable of the noise as they scanned the stage.

Dumont was found later by an usher with a bullet hole in the back of his head. It is believed that he never saw his attacker.

St. Esprit's President, Jacques Thibaud, mourned Dumont's murder in a nationally televised press conference. "He was a great fighter for the
common worker, for the common man. He was a great light of the Socialist Party, and while I disagreed ideologically with him I had the greatest respect for him as a man." Vice President Morgan Saint-Charles was heard to joke, "Nobody could kill me that way - I only listen to Vivaldi."



GOAT “BLOWED UP” - FAMILY MOURNS
Dale Stockhardt’s provincial fair award winning goat “Nanagale” was slain in a mysterious accident in the late night hours outside of Harton.

“We all heard a loud KABOOM and though it must have been thunder,” reported a visibly Per Stockhardt to the provincial authorities.

“When I went to investigate, I grabbed a light and began heading out toward the pen. That’s when I slipped. The ground was wet. I took another step and fell again, this time landing a nasty pool of something. It was Nanagale! She was done blowed up!”

Authorities confirm that many scattered pieces of what appear to be goat were found across the Stockhardts’, and their neighbors’, property. The cause of death is unknown. While there are no leads, a motorist reported being run off the road by a van bearing the insignia of a local agriculture supply cooperative

 

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CITIES ERUPT IN RIOTS FOLLOWING MILLION WORKER MARCH SHOOTING

Carried across the airwaves in real-time by reporters covering the Million Worker March, the attempted shooting of ECL leaders apparently prompted a series of riots across Eutopia that some national security experts fear were “alarmingly coordinated”.

Demonstrations erupted in five cities: New Lancaster City, Neuwestbaden, Douglas, Witney, and Harton within barely two hours after the televised shootings.

Reports from correspondents in each city follow:

New Lancaster City: Downtown traffic and air travel grinded to a halt as teamsters, public transportation workers, and airport baggage handlers and support staff walked off the job to gather in the streets protesting the shootings. Though keeping far from the recovery efforts in the financial district, much of the rest of NLC was paralyzed. Minor incidents of vandalism and assault were reported during confrontations between angry workers and frustrated citizens. When confronted by police, workers dispersed, but did not return to work.

Neuwestbaden: Over sixty masked and armed men swarmed the financial district shouting “Revolution!”, smashed windows and furniture, and engaged in small arms fire with private security forces before retreating. One security camera recorded the rioters shouting “For Dank! Avenge the Leader! Let his death light the way!”

Two small fires were started, and several Molotov cocktails were discovered. Police report at least eighteen rioters being seriously injured and being carried off by the comrades. Meanwhile, three policemen and twenty private citizens were wounded in the violence.

Douglas: An angry mob of close to 100 workers gathered in the city square chanting loudly “No Justice, no peace!” and wrecked public benches, mail boxes, trash bins, and lamp posts, before being dispersed by police. Many of the protestors wore union jackets and bore signs pledging allegiance to the ECL and the ESA.

The demonstration would have been peaceful except for one unusual event. Protestors were openly and aggressively taunted by GA member Kazimierz Reczynski, who began throwing stones and rubbish at them, yelling "eat trash you damned liberal hippie commies" and "I'll kick you liberal hippie commies back to Russia". Reports are unclear - some witnesses say that angry mob members rushed him while others say that different men not a part of the mob rushed him from behind - but Reczynski was then rushed and beaten by three or four large men speaking an unknown language that witnesses say "sounded Eastern European" before dragging him off into an alley.

Reczynski's current whereabouts are unknown.


Witney: Witney University released classes early as twenty-two students marched into the Dean’s office and staged a “die-in” where they wore t-shirts and carried signs protesting the violence and then flopped to the floor pretending to die. One late-arriving protestor was assailed on the way to the Dean’s office by unsympathetic students, who had seen the coverage of the Jacobia riots on television. He suffered minor bruises and was treated at the university infirmary.

Harton: There was no official protest, but two unexplained explosions are being investigated in association with the riots. Described as either a bomb or missile attack, a fuel storage depot ignited in a ball of fire on the outskirts of the city and moments later a nearby agricultural supply warehouse and distribution center was also blow up. There were no apparent fatalities from either explosion, though firepers are still trying to extinguish the fuel depot blaze, and two firepers have been treated for minor burns and toxic inhalation. Seven people were injured, as well as two horses, at the warehouse and distribution center explosion and at least two people are unaccounted for.

Law enforcement and national security officials, on alert following the ECB bombing, promise immediate action - despite a severe overstretching of their resources - and urge citizens to remain calm but vigilant.



EUTOPIAN CENTRAL BANK EXPLOSION CONFIRMED AS CAR BOMB - NEW DAMAGE ESTIMATED TALLIED, NATIONS OFFER AID

The investigation into the ECB bombing continues, while government workers carefully try to balance their investigation with their search and recovery efforts.

NEWSLINK can confirm that the blast seems to have originated from an exploding parcel delivery truck. Independent analysis of security tapes in nearby buildings all confirm a Eutopian Parcel Service truck was stopped by security forces and fired upon by ECB guard right before it exploded. Special agent of the FLEA, Belinda Carmichael, was also captured of film, arriving on the scene mere moments before the explosion, trying to warn the guards about the bomb before it detonated.

Forensic experts speculate that the purpose of the bomb was not simply to destroy the ECB. The discovery in the rubble and among the dead of what have been identified as ball bearings suggests that maximizing human causualties was also a top goal of the bombers.

Chemical analysis of the debris and rubble is taking place to try to determine the nature of the explosives used.

Meanwhile, foreign aid, both from governments and private and religious charitable organizations poured into Eutopia to aid in the recovery effort. Over 540 million USD have been given by the international community, most of it to private Eutopian relief organizations outside the government’s authority. Of that sum over 60 million was donated from sources within the US. The United Kingdom and India were also large donors. Other nations sending significant aid include Australia, Canada, Chile, Cuba, France, Japan, Liberia, Mexico, Norway, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, and Tilapia.

A spokesper for the MIDA has announce the tipline has been jammed with calls, but that without resources to investigate all of them, little has been done. A methodical attempt to go through the calls has revealed the vast majority of them to be mostly junk, baseless rumors and over-reactions, but the ministry is taking each call seriously.

Nationally, Eutopian flags have been seen flying in windows all over the country, and appeals by former president Amric Al’Aeshir have resulted in an over-supply of donated blood.

Recovery efforts have taken the death toll to a staggering level. Included among the dead are former Federalist presidential candidate Abraham Buick,Dr. Tiffanee Greenbridge, noted published economist and wife to Sir Adam Greenbridge, and Victor Marksinson, heir of the James Markinson fortune. Former New Lancaster City Mayor Angus McFiddich remains in critical condition at New Lancaster City Hospital.

Over 750 people are confirmed dead, with recovery and excavation efforts continuing. No firm numbers can be established on the number of citizens injured, but it may well number over 20,000.

Omnicare, Eutopia’s nationalized insurance provider has asked for victims and their families to be as patient as possible while every attempt is made to establish procedures for the flood of claims resulting from the bombings. The Omnicare CEO has made a special plea to the General Assembly and President Sergei to provide immediate financial aid for direct assistance to victims as well as for the temporary infrastructure needed to process claims in the wake of this disaster.



IN WAKE OF CRISIS, POLLS SHOW POLITICAL PLURALITY

Eutopian elections are just around the corner, but there is no clear consensus which way the political winds are blowing. Per Drew A. Blank of LoopPolls, Inc. has announced preliminary poll results speculating about potential candidates in the upcoming national contests.

“Apparently, many are called, though we know few are chosen,” said Per Blank, as he released these preliminary numbers.

“We’ll be tracking these through the election, and narrowing the list once filing begins.”

Do you support President Sergei?
49% Yes
37% No
14% Undecided

Do you support the current General Assembly?
33% Yes
32% No
35% Undecided

Of potential candidates other than the incumbent president, whom would you support?
Loic De Fourgéres: 18%
John O’Floinn:16%
Jake Langley:14%
Kazimierz Reczynski:12% - prior to his disappearence
Henry Jan Tulp:5%
Lamont Rashaad:4%
Others(Names volunteered by respondents- Al’Aeshir, Talbott, Dank, Campbell,): 10%
Undecided: 21$

“It’s wide open,” confirmed Blank. “Wide open.”



MISSING MILLIONAIRE INDICTED IN ABSENTIA
Alexi Gonzov, vocal socialist and successfull industrialist has been officially declared missing by the government, who also revealed a warrant for his arrest in connection with an investigation into his media assets.

Much of Per Gonzov’s media empired was acquired during the liquidation of the media assets of one Sir Kevyinus Fox, whose death, it was revealed, was greatly exaggerated.

Despite MERL investigations into he matter, little was done to answer official government inquiries which we frustrated by “a mountain of bureaucracy and paperwork” from Gonzov Industries.

However, MERL officials now claim they have proof of falsified documents, evaded taxes on these "disputed" properties, and evidence that the actual legal dispute between Fox and Gonzov may have been fabricated so as to create a reason to avoid taxes on these profitable assets by claiming their ownership status was in doubt.

But without their suspect, MERL officials can do little more than seize these assets and hold them in trust until Gonzov can be found. Should officials be unable to bring a legal case against him, and if Per Gonzov does not appear to defend his questionable properties, the government may auction them off to the public, if not claimed by Fox.



CREPES OF WRATH IN ST. ESPRIT

What had been intended as a ceremonial brunch to celebrate the Easter holiday and the beginning of Spring turned ugly, when President Thibaud and Trade and Economy Minister Camille de Rochevot came to blows over their meal, feuding over CAFTA and Rochevot’s change of heart and desire to repeal it.

The president launched several accusations against Rochevot, including accusations that he was being influenced by wealthy industrialists who see CAFTA as a threat to their low wage, low regulation business environment. The minister responded with an unprintable epithet and the hurling of his crepe at the president, which caught him square in the face. Pastries, fruits, and several stale pieces of bread were actually getting thrown before other officials could separate them.

No one was injured in the uncivil display, but many children went home crying, their Easter ruined.

”He b-b-b-broke my chocolate rabbit!” wailed one Marcel Frommer, as he was led away by his very upset mother.



CULT-HERO AND POLITICAN LAMONT RASHAAD CAPTURED ON FILM ENJOYING CONTROVESIAL SMOKE.
Among all of the other dramatic images captured by photographers during the attack on demonstrators at the Million Worker March, one has set the media abuzz. While several witnesses contradict themselves attempting to hash out the details, GA member and supporter of left-leaning causes, Lamont Rashaad was photographed coming to the demonstration podium inhaling from what appeared to be a marijuana cigarette.

The image has led to immediate statements of condemnation from several conservative and parents’ groups. However boot-leg images of the photo, not 24 hours old, are already appearing on t-shirts in various night clubs and stores that sell “tobacco health pipes”.

No statement from Rashaad or the authorities has been released at press time.


FORMER PRESIDENT TALBOTT WINS AWARD

The Eutopian Keynesian Society awarded former President P.G. Talbott their Spirit of Virtue Award in a ceremony today, praising his support of free market economics. No actual award was given as, EKS president Randall Chicago explained, “It’s about ideas, not material things. Besides, the value of the materials that would have been confined to this award are now out in the market, helping generate commerce and turning over several times, rather than being stripped from the system in the form of a useless trophy.”



FAMED ARCHEOLOGIST LEAVES UNIVERISTY FOR AMERICAN FIRM

Professor Dale Morrowind of Eutopian Technical Institute of Neuwestbaden announced today that he was leaving the univeristy, several months after the death of reknowned Department Chair Professor Otto Fuelle and a team of graduated students in an explosion during an excavation in the small W.E.T. community of Heimdallseye.

“It’s time for me to move on,” said Professor Morrowind, who will now become a highly compensated consultant for Roxxaco International, an American petroleum company.

The exact nature of Morrowind’s new duties were not disclosed, but “it’s time to make a clean break” he explained.

 

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INVESTIGATION INTO GOAT-RELATED MAYHEM UNVEILS NATIONAL PLOT

The investigation into the apparent murder-by-explosion death of Dale Stockhardt’s provincial fair award winning goat “Nanagale” has uncovered a possible national conspiracy involving the Eutopian Congress of Labor, a mysterious group known as the Friends of Durruti and near-assassination victim Cornelius Dank.

Officers of the FLEA, working with Jacobian provincial authorities are questioning Cephus Finnegan and Reesie O’Toole, two teamsters employed by the Red Sunrise Agricultural Supply Cooperative outside of Harton.

Finnegan and O’Toole failed to return to their place of employment following the labor riots the day of the Million Worker March, nor did they return their delivery vehicle. Their delivery van matches the descriptions provided by witnesses of that saw it driving erratically and at high speeds in the vicinity of the Stockhardts’ farm about the same time as the explosion.

The vehicle was found just inside the border of the W.E.T., where the two teamsters were found drunk inside a cheap hotel. However inside the vehicle a note was recovered warning “Death to those that betray the cause!” and an explosive device was found rigged to the ignition.

FLEA investigators arrived on the scene where the suspects confessed to the slaying of the goat with a rocket-powered grenade, and the destruction of a fuel depot and an agricultural supply warehouse and distribution center using two Stinger missiles. Informed of their near demise and the threatening note in their truck, the truck drivers have been, as reported by the FLEA, “very cooperative”.

The weapons, they claimed, were given to them by a fellow teamster named “Greg” to “hold onto for a while”. But they admitted getting “pretty stoked about so much fire-power” and went to test out what they had. They also admitted stealing fertilizer and other supplies for “Greg”, whom they met at a local ECL meeting and described as “awfully uptight” and “who talked all the time about a ‘Friend of Doodie” and Cornelius Dank.

A “Gregorovius Smith” was employed by the Red Sunrise cooperative, but FLEA officials report that the name has been proven to be falsified, and that the address listed on his employment records was found abandoned.

Finnegan and O’Toole have been taken into protective custody and have provided “a wealth of information” to authorities, according to the FLEA, who say they have reason to believe the Friends of Durruti and Cornelius Dank may be linked.

There are reports of FLEA raids on suspected terrorist cells within hours of this stories release, but details remain sketchy at this time.

“At least now we all know the truth,” said a still-shaken Per Stockdale. “Nanagale’s gone to a better place, and perhaps she’s helped crack a criminal cone-speer-a-see.”



MYSTERY VICTIM FOUND ON TILAPIAN/EUTOPIAN BORDER

Mountain Rescue Crews near the Eutopia/Tilapia border report that they have found the remains of an unidentified hiker.

"They're not so much 'remains' as 'effects'" said Crew Chief Glen Biggerston. "We found a roach clip, part of a single Birkenstock sandal, and some tattered clothes, but very little we can use for identification, no hands for fingerprints, no head for dental records, and I don’t know what good DNA samples would be without a suspected identity.”

“There was some other stuff as well, but it was gross."

"As near as we can tell, he was hiking or climbing out here somewhere," said Biggerston. "It appears he accidentally crossed over the Tilapian border, down into one of the numerous passes in the area.

The highest concentration of remains was around a blasted crater in one of those passes, the scattering of his effects making it look like an explosion of some sort. I'm no expert on the topic, but frankly, it looked like a landmine to me. Or what I imagine a landmine would look like."

Mountain Rescue reported that most of the remains had to remain at the scene, as the situation was deemed to be too dangerous to justify sending in crews to recover what was left.

"There's not too much of him there to pick up anyway" said Biggerston.




US VIEW OF EUTOPIA: POTENTIALLY UNSTABLE INCUBATOR OF THREATS

In an evaluation of the nation's Eutopian policy, senior United States Department of State officials criticized Eutopia's internal security as "grossly inadequate" and stated that the island was "a potential petri dish for radical insurgents and terrorists."

The report cited repeated acts of terrorism, and dozens of State Department travel advisories over the last decade or so. The report makes mention of recent political turmoil and suspected connections between former president Sergei and radical organizations, and questions the role of President Loic de Fourgéres’ as the Minister of Internal Security under Sergei.

An unnamed State Department official commenting on the report predicted it seems unlikely that the U.S. would lift its embargo, given the obvious instability of the nation, but suggested the U.S. would be more than willing to offer its protective services in other ways.



ELECTION AFTERMATH: POPULACE CONCERNED BUT OPTIMISTIC

With the conclusion of Eutopian elections Per Drew A. Blank of LoopPolls, Inc. has released the analysis of national exit-polling.

“Despite the tragedy of the ECB bombings and the controversy surrounding the Hainan Star, Eutopians have expressed confidence in their leaders and support an orderly transfer of power from one administration to the next,” said Per Blank. “However, they do have some strong criticisms about the government”

People seem confident in President Loic de Fourgéres’ potential to face the challenges ahead.

Do you feel the country will move in the right direction, or wrong direction under Presidential candidate Loic de Fourgéres?
16% Strongly in the Right Direction
47 % Right Direction
12 % Undecided/No Opinon
21 % Wrong Direction
4 % Strongly in the Wrong Direction

People generally regarded outgoing President Sergei well, guiding the nation through crisis. Deeper probing revealed that many had very low expectations for the Socialist leader, accused by political opponents of shady dealings.

How would you rate the job of outgoing President Josephus Locke Sergei?
23 % Excellent
39 % Good
18 % Fair
8 % Poor
12 % Undecided

How would you rate the job of the outgoing General Assembly members?
2 % Excellent
21 % Good
32 % Fair
39 % Poor
6 % Undecided

How would you rate the job of the Government in addressing the following issues:

Protecting the Environment

19 % Excellent
24 % Good
45 % Fair
9 % Poor
3 % Undecided

Protecting the Public against Crime and Terrorism

4 % Excellent
21 % Good
44 % Fair
26 % Poor
5 % Undecided

Protecting Eutopian Workers and Building the Economy

12 % Excellent
28 % Good
32 % Fair
12 % Poor
10 % Undecided

Keeping Taxes Low and Government Interference Low

21 % Excellent
34 % Good
25 % Fair
8 % Poor
12 % Undecided



OMNICARE BANKRUPT
Omnicare, Eutopia’s nationalized insurance provider has run out of funds for the fiscal year, and projects that even with a complete furlough of employees and a suspension of operations for the remainder of the year, the organization would still be unable to pay the claims resulting from the carnage of the ECB bombing.

The flood of claims on health care, life, property & casualty, accidental death and dismemberment, auto, business, liability, and just about every form of coverage under the Omnicare portfolio has rendered the government corporation unable to pay them all and maintain operations.

A spokesper for Omnicare expressed exasperation that the government had not done anything more to help relieve this crisis, but also inferred that total claims far exceeded what was forecast by the Omnicare underwriters. When pressed whether this was due to errors by estimators or to falsified claims, the spokesper would not speak further on the subject.

Omnicare employees thousands of Eutopians, and insures all aspects of Eutopian business, property, and personal needs.




INTERNATIONAL CONCERN GROWS FOLLOWING RELEASE OF PHOTOS OF HAINAN STAR INCIDENT

An amateur photographer’s pictures capturing the dramatic events aboard the Chinese transport ship the Hainan Star, which were recently printed in the Eutopia Today national newspaper and in news sources abroad, have set off a flurry of criticism from Europe, Asia, and many Western Hemisphere nations.

An international relations professor at L’Ecole Rousseau in N. Anjou fears that the goodwill expressed by the world toward Eutopia in the wake of the ECB bombing might have evaporated over night.

“Will Eutopia be shunned? The subject of sanctions?” Professor Renee Pompidou asked rhetorically, “Non! It is not that serious. But has Eutopia thrown away the support and sympathy of the world community? But of course!”

Curiously to some, the United States did not release a statement on the incident.



CULT-HERO AND POLITICAN LAMONT RASHAAD MISSING
The whereabouts of former General Assemblyper and left-leaning activist, Lamont Rashaad remain unknown following the Million Worker March, and Federal Law Enforcement authorities have not commented on his disappearance nor the widely circulated photographs of the missing man smoking a marijuana cigarette.

The legions of Rashaad’s young fans have speculated on message boards and in coffee houses that perhaps he has faked his own death and moved to France, or that he has underground to hide from “the man”.

Meanwhile, conservative organizations like the Soldiers of God state only that they are prayerfully thankful that the “negative influence of Per Rashaad” has been removed as a temptation to Eutopia’s youth.



TWO FIGHTER PLANES CRASH IN TRAINING EXERCISE

Eutopian Air Force officials confirmed that two four pilots were dead following the crash to two Eutopian fighter aircraft involved in a training exercise between Eutopia City and Hafnia.

New Schelswig provincial authorities expressed concern about an exercise being conducted so close to populated areas, but the Commandante of the Air Academy has claimed that there has never been an incident involving civilian casualties in the history of the institution.

Military officials have not been willing to release much information about the accident, only to confirm the deaths of the pilots once their families were notified. They are citing unspecified "mechanical difficulties" as the reason for the crash.

Speaking off the record a former cadet who refused to be identified said, "Those planes are flying death traps, that's why I quit!"

Enlistment in the Eutopian Airforce is at an all time low, while enlistment in the Army and Navy continue to drop to new lows as well. At no time since the repeal of mandatory conscript service, has any branch of the military reached 85% of its pre-repeal population.



LATEST HOME FASHION AN INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS

In a risky business venture, Amric Al’Aeshir Holdings has retooled and refitted several abandoned lumber mills and furiture factories for the production of high-end luxury wood flooring, using wood unique to Eutopia, to create a product in high demand in Europe and America.

The initial business outlay was believed to be enormous as commercial titan AAH assumed the debts and liabilities of several facilities shut down years ago. However, despite the initial start-up costs, if sales meet the projections released in an AAH prospectus to investors, the corporation could begin to see a profit in a few short years.

Meanwhile, Eutopian lumberjacks and factory workers cheered the news and over 4,000 workers have been hired nationwide by AAH in connection with this enormous undertaking. The move appears designed to be able to instantly make the product available in multiple markets at a competitive price, to coincide with the initial burst of marketing. Production will then increase or decrease as orders require.



LES TEMPS SONT RAPIDES DANS ST. ESPIRIT


Over the past week St. Espritian news tabloids have been ablaze with the news that Vice President Morgan St. Charles - unmasked as Dr. Yuri Voshkod - was behind the multiple murders of two Members of Parliament and then a government minister. They also repeated and exaggerated reports that the late Charles Morgan, Eutopia's famously eccentric politician from decades past, had come back to life to apprehend the murderer. But what is more interesting is events which have followed in the wake of this scoop.

First, as he was being transferred to a higher security facility, Dr. Voshkod somehow eluded officers and escaped; his current location is totally unknown. When asked for details, an anonymous police spokesman said he knew nothing about it, but that the escape was being investigated. St. Espritian police are not known for their efficiency.

Also, after attempts to contact Mr. Morgan at his apartment, the tabloid La Piqûre found that he, too, had disappeared.

But more important has been the political uprising against the current government. Although he had been forthcoming about the affair and was totally innocent of any wrongdoing, President Jacques Thibaud was forced to resign by the opposition Socialists in a "political offer they cannot refuse," as Socialist spokesman Josef Gerbels put it.

President Thibaud sadly accepted the proposal in a nationally televised speech. "It is unfortunate that I have been forced to take such measures," Thibaud said as he handed over power to Socialist leader Walter Steligne, "and you can bet I shall be back in the next election." One of Thibaud's strongest supporters is businessman Renard Rouge, owner of a massive island-wide conglomerate. Rouge, in a related matter, offered a million dollar bounty for “the apprehension” of Voshkod.

Commentators are having a field day predicting what Steligne and his party will do with power; in particular, the Socialists have suggested a "proverbially nuclear" proposal in regards to defense without revealing what it, in fact, is.

 

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EXPLOSION ON NEW BENGAL


Sources within the Tilapian government reported an explosion on the island of New Bengal during military exercises by the Tilapian military in the area. The explosion occurred late at night and far from populated areas, minimizing the damage caused.

"The explosion in question occurred at approximately 1 am in a rural area on the coast. We are investigating the incident currently, and hope to discover exactly what happened shortly." said General and Consul Scott Summers. Anonymous sources within the military explained that the area was supposedly an ammunition dump where supplies for the exercise were being stored, and that a live charge was accidentally detonated somewhere in the stocks. One soldier is missing, presumed dead, and another injured following
the accident.

However, a source on New Bengal who asked not to be named indicated that he believed the area was an ammo dump, but not for the Tilapian military...rather for the militant arm of the New Bengal separatist movement. Several missing persons reports have been filed since the explosion claiming that those missing were last seen shortly before the incident, including Arjun Khosla, the particularly outspoken and charismatic leader of the New Bengal Citizens Action Committee. The NBCAC had been lobbying hard for a referendum to either re-join Eutopia or form an independent nation, and Per Khosla became a controversial figure in Tilapian headlines when he publicly advocated violence if the Queen's government would not grant the vote.

U.N. SECURITY COUNCIL PASSES REVISED RESOLUTION ON HAINAN STAR INCIDENT

The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously in favor of the Revised Resolution 6039, an amended version of China's initial demands following the Hainan Star Incident proposed by the United Kingdom. The amendment was adopted in a 12-2-1 vote, with France and China voting against and the Phillippines abstaining. The resolution requires Eutopia to pay 31 million ducats in damages to the Chinese and return the ship Hainan Star to China.

In return, Eutopia's actions, while condemned, were declared not to be an act of war. Additionally, Eutopia will be allowed to try the crew of the ship on their own terms and grant asylum to any Chinese citizens who request it. The full text of the resolution is printed below.

Revised Resolution 6039

REGARDING the unfortunate incident involving the
M/V Hainan Star within the United Provinces of Eutopia's
boundaries be it

DECLARED that while the United Nations Security
Council condemns in the strongest possible terms the actions of Admiral
Henry Tulp and expresses its most sincere condolences to the families
of those Chinese citizens lost, the actions of the UPE were not
an act of war brought down upon the People's Republic of China.

Be it RESOLVED that within a period of Thirty (30)
days, the United Provinces of Eutopia is to have initiated proceedings
and taken all reasonable action to ensure the return of the ship
Hainan Star and the bodies of those Chinese citizens killed
in the incident.

FURTHER that the United Provinces of Eutopia is to pay
a sum of 500,000 Eutopian Ducats in damages for each Chinese
citizen killed, for a total of 31 million Eutopian Ducats. This sum
is to be paid to the People's Republic of China within 30 days.

FURTHER that the United Provinces of Eutopia is to
initiate trial proceedings immediately against any surviving crew of
the Hainan Star for any crimes committed under Eutopian law.
The United Provinces of Eutopia shall be permitted to issue and
administer sentences to these Chinese nationals on Eutopian soil
and according to Eutopian law.

FINALLY be it declared that any Chinese citizens
asking for political asylum within the United Provinces of
Eutopia shall be granted such asylum at the UPE's discretion. Any
citizens wishing to return to the People's Republic of China shall be
returned at the expense of the United Provinces of Eutopia as quickly
as is reasonably possible. No Chinese citizen shall be
returned to the PRC against their will.

Beijing, while expressing anger and disappointment in "the West's conspiratorial attempt to violate China's sovereignty", has accepted the ruling and stated they will not be pursuing the matter further. Sources within the Chinese government have confirmed that China has already received the bodies of their citizens killed in the incident and will be burying them in a military cemetery as "Martyrs to China's International Struggle".



QUEEN MARIA HOSPITALIZED

Queen Maria Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, recognized by the majority of Eutopian monarchists as the most legitimate among the claimaints to Eutopia's dissolved monarchy was admitted to a private hospital in the Gloriana countryside with a respiratory ailment.

The Queen, in her advanced age, has one daughter, Francesca Maria Saxe-Coburg-Gotha-Blade! and two grandsons. Francesca has been installed by El Reino Tilapia as their reigning monarch, and she and her two sons live most of the year within Tilapia, though travel often to their home of Eutopia.

The Queen’s doctors are maintaining the utmost confidentiality about her condition and its severity and other than her admission and the vague description of a “respiratory ailment”, little else is known.

Cards and flowers from well-wishers have poured into the various estates of the Queen’s family, and a spokesper for the Royal Foundation says the Queen is most appreciative and thanks everyone for their kindness.



EUTOPIAN CORPORATION ANNOUNCES SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGH

Eutopia Recycling, in association with the Eutopian Technical Institute, announced a breakthrough in the process used to hazardous chemicals. ETI researchers, working under a grant from Eutopia Recycling, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amric Al’Aeshir Holdings, presented their findings alongside ER executives.

Researchers explained that through the use of concentrated sunlight, collected in this experiment via six sq. kilometers of photovoltaic cells to gather the energy, concentrated through superconductors, the resulting energy could be directed through quartz reactors which would complete obliterate the chemicals utterly, leaving no residue and no environmental problems. ER was able to replicate the process in seven out of ten independent trials.

The research investment from AAH is estimated to have been over 2 billion dollars, with a substantial portion of that supporting ETI, a university that has prospered while several others have had to cut staff in recent years after the Higher Education Reform act increased competition between Eutopia’s public universities.

ER claims that if it can successfully develop this breakthrough into a viable commercial process, it could allow numerous industrial nations a new option for the disposal of hazardous chemical wastes, and result in lucrative new revenues for AAH, with spin-off benefits for the Eutopian economy as a whole.



CHINESE MOONBUCKS VANDALIZED

The overseas expansion of MOONBUCKS, the popular Lundgren Corp. coffee franchise hit a great wall, when the “colony” franchises in Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Tianjin, were vandalized by angry mobs protesting Eutopia’s involvement in the Hainan Star Affair.

Law enforcement officials dispersed protestors, but investors and the parent holding company franchisees (as local operators working in partnership, but not directly connected to Lundgren Corps.) claim that the damages and the current hostile atmosphere will lead them to abandon operations in the nation.

MOONBUCKS continues to enjoy high levels of sales in Japan, through growth has plateaued in recent months.



GOVERMENT SECURITY AGENCIES ANNOUNCE “MAJOR BLOW TO TERRORISM” FORTHCOMING

While being understandably vague to protect the confidentiality of the operations, a special joint press conference was held by Eutopia’s various national security agencies to announce that many years of investigative work, much of it directed by then-MIDA Loic De Fourgéres, is about to come to fruitition.

A “major blow to terrorism” is about to be struck, said various spokespers of the SAW, CIS, and OSO, claiming that this public statement was necessary to dissuade any further operations by “rogue elements” that may be contemplating the plans discovered through the inter-agency investigation.

“We feel we have the situation under control, and you will see the results shortly,” said SAW spokesper Agent Brown, “We know plans have been made, but have not yet been carried out. We’re on to them. Anyone out there thinking about stepping out of line, don’t do it.”

No questions of the media were allowed after the statement and attempts for clarification were met with the promise of “wait and see”.



EUTOPIAN RACETRACK, AND GAMING OPERATIONS, HIGHLIGHT RENAISSANCE OF O’FLOINN BUSINESS EMPIRE

Former President John O'Floinn has attracted the attention of the business community with his aggressive foray back into the gaming industry and other associated enterprises.

New gaming establishments, with names such as The Silver Shamrock, The Emerald Shamrock, The Crystal Shamrock, and the Lucky Dubliner have opened across the country, varying in the games offered depending on local ordinances and community standards.

The jewel of the O’Floinn crown is the old Eutopia Racetrack, which at one time was one of the principal gathering places for the nation’s most influential business and political leaders. Undergoing radical expansion, with the addition of poker and blackjack tables, and a few bar & lounge areas, it has been rechristened as The Four Leaf Clover Gambling Complex, and will be the flagship establishment.

The Racetrack had seen a steady decline since the days of O’Floinn’s presidency, and had been closed for several years following the attempted assassination of O’Floinn by the so-called “Ice-Cream Bomber” and the murderer’s suspicious death on the proprty. However with what is being credited as “substantial foreign investment” the new facility is state of the art and has attracted foreign tourists to Eutopia as convention and vacation destination.



LUNDGREN CORP. ANNOUNCES NEW BUSINESS STRATEGY

Lundgren Corp. has begun heavy promotion of its Security Division, specifically aimed at announcing improvements in management and technology. Key products being promoted are the Division’s security devices and consulting while less emphasis will be put on the “for hire” personal security services once a staple of the company.

Lundgren Corp. has reportedly stepped up its investments into the research and production of personal defense devices, mostly of the non-lethal variety, legal to private consumers within Eutopia.

 

[Voshkod]

Nation Protests Alleged Cover-Up
"Tell Us the Truth!"

For the third day straight, large numbers of Eutopians appeared on the streets of Eutopia City, demanding an official government investigation into the apparent acquisition and then disappearance of nuclear testing equipment authorized by Minister of Defense, Intelligence and Security Frans Truman. Since the story broke several weeks ago in the Eutopian Today!, the only official word on the matter was a press conference by President Loic de Fourgéres announcing the resignation of Minister.

Many citizens have surmised that Truman's resignation was forced, and were displeased by the evasiveness the President showed in response to questions by Ted Rapp. The situation has been complicated by the suspected suicide of Per Truman. Furthermore, newly installed MIDA Francis Von Hapsburg expressed no knowledge of a coverup, leaving many to wonder how seriously the administration is taking these allegations.

"President de Fourgéres owes the people of Eutopia a genuine answer to legitimate questions surrounding Truman's actions and death," said one protestor who asked not to be identified. "When you combine the official line with the documents published in the Today!, it doesn't add up. If Eutopia doesn't have a nuclear program, what was Truman doing importing nuclear equipment? Where'd the equipment go? And are we supposed to believe that this entire affair was conducted without the President's knowledge?"

Some have expressed surprise at the level of organization displayed by the protestors. The movement appears to be grassroots, arranged via the Internet. Rumors have circulated that the President's political foes are behind the protest movement, but no evidence has been presented supporting this assertion. The protests, which have so far remained peaceful, are likely to continue for the foreseeable future, however. Said one protestor, "We'll be here, every day, until we get the answers we seek."


Frans Truman Dies of Gunshot Wound
Suicide Suspected, Report Police

The body of former MDIS Frans Truman was discovered this morning in Eutopia City Park. Sources within the police report that the scandal-tainted officer apparently took his own life with a BM1 Drachen service pistol. Truman was recently accused of collaborating with suspected members of the Eutopian underworld to acquire nuclear technology and had recently been relieved by the President of his Ministry.

The Eutopia City Police have pledged a full investigation of the suicide. However, there are some indications that the ECPD has not definitively ruled out homicide. Department radio logs and eyewitnesses apparently reported two unidentified men leaving the Park immediately following the shooting; these individuals remain at large. The identity of the weapon used also remains an open question; as civilian members of the military hierarchy, Ministers of Defense are not traditionally issued pistols, but have ready
access to military armories and equipment.

Speculation is already developing that Truman's death was something other than a suicide. Stated radio pundit Max Freudenthal, "This guy is Eutopia's Kennedy -- everyone had a reason to off him. Organized crime -- hey, even the administration -- would be happy to off him to make sure he didn't talk about importing nuclear equipment." Police dismissed such suggestions as "unwarranted", but agreed that Truman's death was "suspicious." As one source within the force stated, "we need to be sure the guy whacked himself. Otherwise, people will talk, say that someone shut him up before he could talk."


U.S. Congress Passes Anti-Eutopian Legislation
Senator Blowerd Dies During Debate

United States Senator Tad Blowerd of Mississippi, a long-time foe of Eutopia in the American Congress, died today during a passionate speech in favor of a bill leveling heavy sanctions on Eutopia and nations selling arms to Eutopia.

"The Defense Minister of this damned island of terrorists was importing nuclear weapons technology. They're no better than Iran or North Korea, another member of the Axis of Evil," the Senator said, shortly before collapsing to the floor of the Senate. Paramedics were unable to revive him.

The Blowerd Act, which prohibits all American trade with Eutopia and requires trade restrictions on nations that sell arms to Eutopia, passed the Senate and the House by significant, but not veto-proof, majorities. The American President has not indicated whether he will sign the Act at this time. Members of both Houses of Congress are calling for quick action to honor the fallen Blowerd.

In one of his last acts as head of the Eutopian Central Bank, Sir Adam Greenbridge decried the American action, saying that it would level a "death-blow" to the Eutopian economy.


New Bengal Disappearances Mount
Citizens, Local Media Express Suspicions

Concerned citizens and local newspapers began speaking out in the last week about a string of disappearances that has gradually been mounting since the explosive incident on New Bengal Island where several prominent members of the separatist movement vanished without a trace. "Any citizen who is critical of the government or suggests that we should secede is abducted in the middle of the night and executed!" declared one citizen of Nueva Cordoba who refused to be named for fear of reprisals.

So far, 36 citizens have been reported missing, all of them identified by various members of the community as "active supporters of an independent or Eutopian New Bengal." In the wake of these disappearances, organized and public rhetoric in favor of referendum as well as incidents of violence motivated by such goals have declined steeply, causing analysts to suggest that the public has been cowed by the disappearances, and potentially violent cells have been cut off at the head.

However, the movement for referendum on the island has not disappeared, but rather gone underground. Inflammatory leaflets, published and distributed anonymously, have recently begun to appear in Nueva Cordoba urging citizens to "be ever vigilant" and even take up arms to defend themselves. While citizens are not yet taking to the streets, private arms sales on the island doubled in the last month, and there have been reports of unexplained construction projects throughout the city of Nueva Cordoba itself.

Nueva Cordoba airbase has raised its alert status, and both Tilapian and Spanish aircraft have been seen regularly patrolling the airspace above the island, including sea lanes to and from it, at all hours of the day and night. The Tilapian government refused to comment.


Queen Maria Presses Land Claims
Crown Lands in Western Eutopia in Dispute

Speaking before a jubilant Farpoint crowd today, the aging Queen Maria stated that "the time has come for the monarchy to return to Western Eutopia, and assert its rightful claims." That surprising statement has raised many eyebrows across a nation that has grown used to thinking of the vast expanse of undeveloped Western Eutopia as an area owned by the state, rather than by a single individual.

Attorneys for the Queen verified that they had begun talks to recover title from the Royal Foundation, which has held approximately 70% of Western Eutopia in trust for the monarchy since the death of King Edward IV over thirty years ago. Lawyers for Queen Maria were apparently able to argue to the satisfaction of the Royal Foundation leadership that the installation of her daughter Francesca on the throne was a "reestablishment of the monarchy", a necessary precondition to releasing the crown lands from trust. Some have speculated that the inquiry was triggered after MIDA Von Hapsburg began investigating the possibility of exercising eminent domain to expand the nation's infrastructure into Western Eutopia.

The lands in question were acquired shortly after the establishment of an independent Eutopian monarchy in 1815. At the time the territory was not mapped in detail, and the unexplored territory was simply claimed in toto by the Crown. Over the next several decades, several hundred thousand acres were yielded to already established settlers and Topan tribes, but this nevertheless left the monarchy with direct ownership of a majority of the province, with the largest single tract comprising virtually everything south of Eirikshamn to the border with Tilapia, the Capital District, and east to Neuwestbaden.

The Royal Foundation received mangerial responsibility for these lands on the death of King Edward IV; former Regent (now Prince of Tilapia) Blade! directed that the territory "be held in trust for the good of all Eutopians until the reestablishment of the monarchy or the death of the last direct heir of the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha line." Following her formal claim to the throne, this statement was clarified to mean only those directly descended from Queen Maria herself. The Royal Foundation, meanwhile, has generally taken its mandate to mean that they should make the territories open to development, and have permitted Recom to conduct extensive operations in the area subject to several-year leases. In the last decade, as the full value of the natural resources in the claimed territory has become apparent, the amount of money produced by these leases has increased into the billions of ducats, which has been the primary source of funding for the royal family.

Reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Some local Topa have applauded the move. "In thirty years, the government has made no move to develop this land, and bring us the jobs and wealth they reserve for the rich of New Lancaster and Eutopia City," said Chief Thomas Kuravas. "The Queen has always treated us fairly, though. We have high hopes for what her presence will do." Others have realized with concern that the death of Queen Maria after she reclaims the crown land will result in the de facto secession of another province, as the Saxe-Coburg-Gotha-Blade! line of Tilapia will inherit most of Western Eutopia.

The current administration may not have much room to manuever, however. "The government cannot simply abrogate personal rights to land," said Eutopian National University Law School professor Carl van Schrack. "With the death of the monarchy, legal title to the land passed to the Royal Foundation, and now looks like it will pass back to Queen Maria. Even if they wanted to exercise the eminent domain power, modern law requires fair payment. That land is now worth hundreds of billions of ducats -- trying to buy it all would bankrupt the nation."


Farpoint on Security Alert
Access to Facility Limited

The American naval station at Farpoint went on a security alert early last week. According to signs posted at the main entrance of the facility, the base is on "Threat Condition Bravo," and day-to-day access is restricted to U.S. servicepersons and their families. Eutopian workers at the base have been subjected to increased security examination, including physical search.

Observers also report that the cruiser Anzio, amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard and their escorts are currently visiting Farpoint. An increased number of Marines have been sighted around the facility perimeter.

Press representatives of the naval station could not be reached for comment. The base commandant, Marine Colonel Marvin Lee, seen having lunch with Eutopian Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Marcus Levarge, would not answer questions.


Quadragon Issues Report on the Military Immigrant Visa Program
Promise and Problems Seen

With military recruitment approaching target numbers for the first time in several years, the Ministry of Defense, Intelligence and Security today issued a cautiously optimistic statement on the Military Immigrant Visa Program (MIVP) put into place by President Loic de Fourgéres over a year ago. The report credited the program, which has elicited little public comment, with restoring the Eutopian Army. "The majority of the beneficiaries of MIVP have substantially improved their lot in life by accepting our nation's offer. They have so far generally proven reliable and trustworthy."

However, the report contained a number of caveats. Statistics appended to the document indicate that the overwhelming majority of the immigrants hail from Africa, most from nations already in the grip of conflict, such as Sudan and the Congo. The MDIS report likened many of these recruits to refugees, and stated that "the unfortunate conditions these individuals were subjected to in their home countries have limited their immediate usefulness as military men and women." The report goes on to document the poor nutrition, health, education, and lack of military experience or even interest possessed by many of those recruited through MIVP. While the majority of those meeting the minimum qualifications eventually became typical soldiers, the report noted that getting them there was more costly than for your average Eutopian native.

Also documented were concerns stemming from the conflicting loyalties said to be possessed by these soldiers. Numerous reports have been filed by officers questioning the dedication of the immigrant soldiers, with some calling them "mercenaries" or even "spies." In some cases this has led to the immigrants being ostracized, and there has been one incident of suicide stemming from such treatment. The report also documents concerns that MIVP might be exporting foreign conflicts onto Eutopian soil.


ECB Head Dies
Sir Adam Greenbridge Dead at 87

Sir Adam Greenbridge, head of the Eutopian Central Bank, died in his office yesterday, apparently due to a massive stroke. Sir Adam was 87.

Sir Adam was known for his unorthodox economic policies, conflicts with various Presidents, and his many relationships with younger women. He was injured in the bombing of the ECB, and his wife was killed.

The Monetary Policy Board of the ECB will present a slate of potential ECB Directors to the President. Flags on the ECB will fly at half-mast until the new Director is chosen.

 

[von Streusser]

Protests Continue
Conspiracy Theories in Full Swing

Protestors appeared again today in front of the major government buildings in Eutopia City, marking the two-month anniversary of the movement demanding a full accounting of the actions of the late Minister Frans Truman in helping Nikolai Volkov to acquire nuclear testing equipment. The protests continue to be unusual as not only the longest-running but also the most peaceful political protests ever seen in the often-turbulent Eutopia.

Events in recent weeks, such as the revelations of Volkov’s involvement, the interview Truman gave just before his death, and the arrest of former President Amric Al’Aeshir have given continued vitality to the protest movement. It remains to be seen what effect the recent revelations by FLEA Director Hedgar Joover in President Al’Aeshir’s paper will have on the protest movement. Though the overall number of protestors recorded on a given day has dropped by about a third since the protests began, those who remain are quite fervent. Demonstrations include marching, chants, music, signs, and speeches.

“’When the people question their government, that government deserves to be questioned. And when that government is more concerned with maintaining itself at any cost to its people, the people will no longer fear. They will rebel,’” said one speaker, who asked not to be identified. “So said Lao-Tzu. We do not want rebellion. Too much strife has wracked Eutopia over the years. But it is time for our questions to be met with answers, not more obfuscation. We, the people of Eutopia, deserve that much.”

Organizers suggest that as many as 100,000 individuals nationwide appear to protest each day, with as many as thirty or forty thousand in Eutopia City itself. Many of these are students from local universities, particularly ENU, ECU and SCC, where political science professors have been openly encouraging the next generation of Eutopian politicians to participate in the protest movement, likening it to the anti-Vietnam protests of the 1960’s in the United States. ENU and ECU administrators have been quick to affirm the loyalty and patriotism of their schools, but have reiterated that university professors are free to teach as they see fit.

Meanwhile, the Internet remains a powerful tool for the protest movement, and the entire incident has spawned a variety of conspiracy theories. Few accept the official conclusion that Minister Frans Truman took his own life. Some theorists claim that Truman was assassinated at the order of the President to protect the administration; others claim that Nikolai Volkov ordered Truman’s murder to protect his business interests. A third theory is that Truman wasn’t killed at all, but rather a body double was sacrificed so the disgraced former Minister could be used as a go-between in further machinations between the government, Volkov, and Iran. Internet theorists have called on the Eutopian government to release all documents pertaining to Truman’s death.

Tilapian Navy Blockades New Bengal
Multiple Nueva Cordoba Media Outlets Shut Down, Owners Arrested

The entire navy of El Reino della Tilapia has surrounded the island of New Bengal and begun searching all passenger vessels traveling to the island, sources report. Additionally, any cargo vessel attempting to make port on the island has been turned back without explanation, prompting enraged outcries from a number of shipping companies and commercial distributors. A source within the Tilapian government has stated, on condition of anonymity, that the government has become highly concerned by recent spikes of private arms sales, as well as construction equipment and materials. Some analysts have begun to speculate that New Bengal may now have the highest concentration of weapons per capita of anywhere on the island of Eutopia.

Tilapian aircraft launched from the two carrier groups Isabella and Reina Francesca I have been seen patrolling not only sea lanes into and out of New Bengal, but also overflights of the island itself, especially over Nueva Cordoba. Residents report seeing the fighters fly by several times each day, often accompanying helicopters which appear to be searching the city and surrounding countryside, according to locals.

Additionally, a number of media outlets on the island have been closed down, including radio, television, and newspapers. Most such outlets have recently been critical of the Tilapian government and have extended calls for referendum on the island. The owners of all these media outlets have been arrested by Tilapian soldiers on multiple charges, and those New Bengalis who own media and still remain on the island are, for the most part, closing up shop before they join their colleagues in prison.

Meanwhile, the citizens of Nueva Cordoba dig in and prepare for the worst. One local, clutching a rifle and watching as several of his friends continue cement work on a bunker-like shelter on the outskirts of the city said "the Army has to be on its way, and the first soldier to stick his head in here is going to get a bullet in it." Nueva Cordoba police have done little or nothing to discourage such building projects or the open display of arms, and many have in fact joined in such efforts.

Veteran Politician Hospitalized

Eutopia City---- The Eutopian Socialist Alliance today announced that former president, and Party Spokesman Josephus Locke Sergei, was admitted to Eutopia State Hospital suffering from an undisclosed illness.
Chief doctor, Dr. Hans Bilken, said that Per Sergei, 65, was in serious condition and that he was being monitored round the clock.
A Party press officer would only say that President Sergei was admitted after his secretary found him having difficulty breathing in the morning.
The Party asserts that no foul play is suspected. "Per Sergei has been complaining of chest pains for some time now."

 

[von Streusser]

President Accuses Cuba of Complicity in ECB Bombing
Both Nations React Strongly

Speaking before the U.N. General Assembly yesterday, Special Envoy Franz von Hapsburg presented evidence that purportedly shows Cuban involvement in the bombing of the Eutopian Central Bank five years ago. The papers presented, provided to the Eutopian government by an unnamed source, appear to document the financial and material support provided by Cuban Presidente Felix Castor’s government to Cornelius Dank and his Friends of Durruti terrorist organization. Special Envoy von Hapsburg called the evidence "concrete".

Eutopian reaction to this revelation was forceful and immediate, with the widespread public protests in Eutopia City spilling into Embassy Row. A LoopPolls, Inc. survey indicated that 77 percent of those asked supported some form of action against Cuba, and 55 percent would advocate military action if it became necessary. Senate Speaker Williamson encouraged the President to “go to any length to make clear that Eutopia will not tolerate the interference of foreign powers on our soil.”

In an impressive show of rhetoric, Presidente Felix Castor blasted back in the Cuban press, calling the accusations “meaningless lies spread by a hateful and vicious capitalist running-dog lackey eager to restore his name before his oppressed and restless populace.” The Cuban leader withdrew Cuba’s ambassador to Eutopia, and announced that Eutopian vessels and aircraft were unwelcome in Cuban ports “until the Eutopian administration formally apologizes for this act of slander and makes suitable reparation.” Castor expressed sadness at what he called “Eutopia’s betrayal”, particularly embodied in former President Josephus Locke Sergei following the latest issue of The Eutopian Worker. Castor called Sergei “a former true hero of the Revolution, cut from the same cloth as el Che, a friend of the working man, but now little more than a political chameleon.”

Following the President's speech, the U.N. General Assembly is reportedly circulating a draft resolution condemning Cuba's involvement in the attacks. The Security Council is also discussing possible sanctions. However, most U.N. watchers have presupposed that between Russia and China, one of the P5 will veto any such measure. For its own part, the United States has expressed sympathy for and solidarity with Eutopia; however, according to White House spokespers, "given the recent tensions between our own nations, becoming more involved does not seem appropriate at the present time."

 

[von Streusser]

CUBA ATTACKS!
Over 200 Missing, Feared Dead in Missile Strike Off Matanzas

Shocking news coming out of the Port of Miami today, as the U.S. Coast Guard reports rescuing over a hundred passengers of the Silver Eagle, a Braxton Shipping Line vessel out of New Lancaster. The Eagle was being operated by Pan-World Travel, a charter cruise company, bound for Veracruz. According to the survivors, they were the victim of a Cuban missile attack as the ship transited the Straits of Florida.

From preliminary reports, it appears as though the Eagle may have strayed into Cuban waters in the darkness of the new moon. It also seems that the vessel may have been experiencing radio trouble, as the Coast Guard reports no radio calls from the ship, and the Cuban military has indicated that the Eagle refused to respond to hails. It is believed that the vessel was off Matanzas, approximately 50 miles east of Havana.

Reports differ as to the nature of the attack; several of the survivors indicated that they were overflown twice by jets, and this is substantiated by the Cuban media. Evidently on the third pass, the Cuban forces launched missiles, though it is unclear whether the weapon utilized was the SS-N-2 Styx surface-to-surface missile, which is deployed by Cuba on both missile boats and shore-based batteries, or the smaller Kh-23 Kerry air-to-surface missile carried by some Cuban MiGs. Some observers claim to have heard two explosions, some three; it is apparent that the vessel suffered severe engine damage and loss of the bridge along with most of the command staff.

Stricken, the Silver Eagle is believed to have drifted northeast with the Florida current, heading back out of Cuban waters and toward Key West. Evidently the loss of most officers aboard the vessel significantly hampered efforts to fight flooding and manage an evacuation. Four hours after the strike, the Eagle had developed a noticeable list, and the order was given to abandon ship. It is believed that the vessel capsized and sank sometime thereafter – a comprehensive search by the Coast Guard has revealed no large ships in the area, though the hunt continues for life rafts or individual survivors.

The passenger and crew manifest for the vessel lists nearly 350 men and women aboard at the time of the attack; the U.S. Coast Guard has accounted for only 105, leaving the fate of the rest uncertain. Most were Eutopian, though there were several European passengers as well. Cuba has been unapologetic about the attack, decrying it in their media as “blatant Eutopian aggression.” In the words of one government spokesper, “Cuba, like Eutopia, has the right and duty to protect its citizens against those who would unlawfully intrude, perhaps smuggling drugs or weapons, on our territory. Our pilots gave the advised warnings, and when they were ignored, we acted in exactly the same fashion Eutopia would have, and as they have in the past.”

 

[The_Hawk]

Commissioner Tilly Speaks Out
Criminal Charges to be Filed Against President Loic de Fourgéres

Despite his withdrawal from the Presidency, the involvement of President Loic de Fourgéres in Minister Frans Truman’s exchange of nuclear testing equipment for F-5E parts remains a contentious issue, not stymied by the President’s counterattack on former FLEA Director Hedgar Joover and others in the pages of the Rumour Rag periodical. In his first public statement since Joover’s interview in the Eutopian Today! newspaper some days ago, Commissioner of Justice Hawkton J. Tilly announced that an indictment would be filed against the temporarily removed President on his return to the nation.

“It is regrettable that I must consider bringing criminal charges against a member of my former party, and one of Eutopia’s most skilled politicians,” said Tilly. “But the laws are not to be ignored when politically expedient. Director Joover’s accusations, and the evidence he has provided to this office, make out a prima facie case of obstruction of justice against President de Fourgéres, who willfully prevented this office from acquiring information regarding acts he knew were wrong. I have little choice but to file, though we will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the nature and extent of the charges that would be appropriate.” Tilly also indicated that subpoenas had been issued to numerous government agencies for all documents pertaining to the scheme.

When asked if impeachment charges would be brought, Tilly stated that “that’s a decision for the Council of State, but they certainly seem appropriate here, and I will be commencing those discussions with them. President de Fourgéres has not wholly withdrawal from public life, and may return to the Presidency merely upon a statement of his preparedness to do so.” Some have speculated that the President’s withdrawal was prompted by the Joover interview.

Tilly refused to comment specifically on the President’s recent Rumour Rag editorial which characterized the Commissioner as “Tweedle Dum” to Hedgar Joover's "Tweedle Dee", and suggested that Tilly's involvement in revealing the scandal was political payback for the P4P’s support of Josephus Locke Sergei in the Term X elections.

 

[Voshkod]

World Reactions to Hostilities Varied
Americans supportive, EU cautious

As news of the sinking of the Silver Eagle spread around the world, responses from foreign capitals to what appears to be imminent hostilities between Eutopia and Cuba have been mixed.

In Washington, the American Secretary of State decried the Cuban attack and expressed her country's support for a "measured Eutopian response." The Secretary went on to announce that any foreign warplanes, regardless of nationality, that strayed within twenty miles of American territory around the Florida Keys would be shot down. The aircraft carrier Reagan and its escorts have left the American naval base at Norfolk, Virginia, and is said to be heading toward the Florida Strait.

In New York, the American ambassador to the United Nations submitted a resolution authorizing the use of force against Cuba to the Security Counsel. China exercised its veto, and the measure was defeated.

In Brussels, the European Union warned both parties again "precipitious action" and called for an immediate summit between Felix Castor and President O'Floinn, to be held under the "good offices" of the Union. Travel warnings have been issued to all European citizens declaring both Cuba, Eutopia, and their surrounding waters to be potential war zones.

In Moscow, the Russian foreign minister announced that the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and her escorts would be deployed to the Florida Strait as part of a "Freedom of Navigation" exercise. He warned both Cuba and Eutopia against entering into hostilities.

In Beijing, the Chinese foreign minister accused Eutopia of manufacturing a crisis by attacking its own ship. "They are pirates who attack and kill innocents on the high seas," he declared, "and it should come as no suprise that they have finally stooped to killing their own in their mad lust for war."

In Havana, Felix Castor declared he had evidence that the Silver Eagle had entered Cuban territorial waters and did not respond to attempts to communicate. "We know that the Eutopians are trying, like the devil Kennedy, to train an invading force of renegades and traitors, and we declare that they too shall fail!," the Cuban leader said. "This ship was preparing to land these monsters on our blessed shores, and we moved to stop them!" President Castor indicated that he was willing to present this evidence before the United Nations, but the declared no-fly zone made it too risky to send an envoy to New York.

Closer to home, the Tilipian government has pledged to support military action by Eutopia, and will be providing naval support to the operation. In St. Espirit, the government has declared complete neutrality in the conflict.


Maria Crowned in Topan Ritual
National Topan Council Recognizes Maria as the Protector of the Topan Nation

In a formal ceremony in a recently rediscovered Topan religious site adjacent to the American military base at Farpoint, the National Topan Council crowned Maria Saxe-Coburg-Gotha as Queen of Western Eutopia and Protector of the Topan Nation.

Malik al-Hashir, current head of the Council, said the vote to crown Maria was unanimous. "The Queen has always shown her great respect for Topan culture, and her willingness to protect Topan people and lands," he said. "We are proud to declare her our Queen."

After the ceremony, Queen Maria swore to protect her new subjects. "Too long have the Topans been the cast-offs of a modern Eutopia," she declared in a speech to the Council. "No longer. I dedicate my life and crown to the uplifting of Topans everywhere. You shall ride the rising tide of oil and gas beneath your lands to a new prosperity and influence in Eutopian national politics!" Pointing dramatically toward the fence of the American Farpoint base, Maria shouted to the assembled crowd that "this land is our land, Topan land and Eutopian land, and the men in Eutopia City will not be allowed to give it away to the Americans!"

Those that witnessed the closed ceremony related that the Council presented their new Queen with a flower from the mountains and salt from the sea. They prayed that "she would rule forever from the oceans to the mountaintops." She, in turn, promised that she would try to "lead our people from strength to strength, until they were only outnumbered by the stars, God willing."

Polling data among Topans indicate that 78 percent supported the move by the Council, with only 13% begin opposed. Wider polls through the West indicate a general support for the Queen, with 56% of those questioned having a positive impression of her.

 

[Voshkod]

Military Assumes Control of Eutopia
President in Hiding, other Politicians in Exile

Late afternoon yesterday, elements of the Eutopian Army seized control of key governmental and communcations buildings in Eutopia City and across the country. Apparently led by General Marcus Levarge, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, soldiers also took custody of many senior political leaders within Eutopia.

In a speech to the nation this morning, General Levarge announced that the Constitution was suspended and that the country was under martial law. He claimed that the military takeover was driven by a collapse of order, caused by rioters, and by a constitutional crisis triggered by President O'Floinn's refusal to recognize the return of President de Fourgéres. The situation in Cuba has also been cited as part of the military's motivation.

In a move that stunned the Eutopian people and the international community, elements of the Office of Special Operations and the Light Infantry Regiment - Airborne struck into the heart of Eutopia City to seize key command points and to capture the government. Later in the day, leading elements of the Third Brigade of the Sixth Infantry Division entered Eutopia City and supressed the rioting.

It is known that President de Fourgéres and President Talbott have forced out of the country. President O'Floinn is believed to have gone into hiding.

The rioters destroyed the General Assembly building, and exchanges of gunfire between LIRA troops and Federal Law Enforcement Agents guarding President O'Floinn damaged the Diamond Office. The members of the General Assembly, and most cabinet members, have been forced out of the country, along with the Senators and members of the High Court. It is known that certain Assembly members are being held under house arrest.

It is unclear at this time what General Levarge and the military plotters intend. The General has promised a quick return to democracy, but skeptical observers find that unlikely.

As censorship restrictions have been placed on the press in Eutopia, this piece was filed from London.

Josephus Locke Sergei Dies
Socialist Leader Succumbs to Lung Cancer

Eutopian Socialist Alliance spokesman and former president Josephus Locke Sergei, known as "Uncle Joe" to friends and foes alike, has died.

Eutopia State Hospital Chief Doctor, Hans Bilken, said that Per Sergei, 65, died complications related to advanced lung cancer a few days after he was admitted to hospital.

Per Sergei, president of the UPE during Term X, served a lengthy and somewhat controversial political career after co-founding the ESA's pre-cursor, the ESRP, back in Term I. In addition to president and vice-president, he served in numerous Cabinet positions and in the General Assembly.

He was rumoured to have been associated with the terrorist group MEOR led by the infamous "Archie" De Vlaminck. Although these rumours were never proven, it is believed by some that Sergei did cut all ties with any revolutionary movements following the American raid on Eutopian terror groups in Term 6.

He was the target of numerous assassination attempts, the last known one when an ice cream truck exploded where he was giving a speech at the end of Term 7. He made many political enemies during his career and his refusal to endorse FREE was perhaps his most controversial political moment, which led some to blame Sergei for the secession of Tilapia and St. Esprit. This action caused him to be shunned by the veteran politicians at the start of Term 9.

Despite this, he defied the odds, and won his first and only presidential term.

Recently, his political career seemed to be declining and he was removed from his office of MESA and V-P by President De Fourgeres.

He was especially known for delivering wild speeches full of hyperbole and for his equally evocative editorials in the Eutopian Worker, Eutopia's oldest paper in circulation. He was once described as "the master of spin."

An ESA spokesman said that, "throughout his career, he never wavered from his dedication to improving the plight of the common worker, and of the minorities. Although his popularity at the polls may have wavered between terms, 'Uncle Joe' was always loved and admired by the working class, and we shall miss him in the troubled days ahead."

 

[von Streusser]

Levarge Announces Military and Economic Reforms
The Ducat is History, Drastic Defense Cuts Anger Former Supporters

A year after taking power, in a move that surprised and angered many of his supporters, General Marcus Levarge, military ruler of Eutopia, announced major cuts to the Eutopian military and a significant reformation of the Eutopian economic system.

"The Eutopian military has been too large for too long, and it represents a major drain on the economy of the nation. I have long argued for a smaller, smarter, and more technologically advanced military and, now that I can do something about it, I will," the General announced to the nation.

Among the cuts announced by General Levarge are the elimination of all regular army units with the exception of the Light Infantry Regiment - Airborne, the Office of Special Operations, one mechanized infantry division, and an armored regiment.

The majority Eutopian submarine fleet will be scrapped. The current surface fleet will be largely retired and replaced with two Sovremennyy-class destroyers built at the Ourtime shipyards under license from the Russian Federation. Two Upholder-class submarines and Perry-class frigates will be retained. Six Audacity-class coastal minesweepers will be contructed at Ourtime shipyards.

The majority of existing aircraft will be scrapped or sold, and replaced with a two squadrons; one composed of SU-37 fighters and the other of SU-25 ground attack aircraft. Some support and training aircraft would be retained.

The Coast Guard will be reinforced with several new Vilms-class coastal cutters from the Ourtime shipyards.

When asked about the economic reprecussions of removing a large number of jobs within the military, Levarge stressed that the moves would be made over the course of a year, and that a percentage of the money saved by the cuts would be used for job retraining and placement. "A number of soldiers will be encouraged to learn the oil trade and move to Western Eutopia," he said.

As drastic as the military cuts will be, it will be the disappearance of the ducat from Eutopian wallets that will impact the average citizen the most. Levarge announced an immediately suspension of ducat production. "There is one sound currency in the world that all countries recognize - the United States Dollar. Eutopia will now adopt the dollar as its sole currency. Citizens have two weeks to exchange ducats for dollars," Levarge decreed.

Economists were mixed in their reaction to the announcement. While some praise the likely impact on inflation and the volitility of the exchange rate, others mourn the loss of seignorage, the income the government gains by printing currency. The Eutopian Central Bank expressed reservations, noting that the printing of ducats could be a last resort to stablize a faltering economy, and that Levarge's action would "knock out this final, desperate prop." The ECB did praise, however, the General's declaration that deficit spending would not be permitted, and noted that his military cuts would strongly boost the amount of Federal dollars available for other government sectors.

Castor Confirmed Killed in Bombing

Independent sources confirmed that Cuban Presidente Felix Castor was killed in an American airstrike on a state-owned TV station that was broadcasting a live medal award ceremony at the time. In the aftermath of Castor's death and the combined bombing efforts of the United States, the United Provinces of Eutopia, and El Reino della Tilapia, various rival factions have risen to vie for control of the country, and civil war seems almost certain to ensue.

Sources within the United States State Department announced that the American bombing of the country would cease immediately so that the long process of setting up a stable and friendly government could begin. Officials further went on to state that they "regret that the rest of the world did not recognize earlier the grave threat to civilization that the Cuban despot posed" and saluted the sacrifices of the "brave Eutopian and Tilapian sailors and pilots who gave their lives for the good of Cuba and the rest of the world".

"It is our hope that when the new government of Cuba is established, that it will serve as an appropriate memorial to those brave men and women who lost their lives for Cuban freedom. The United States will personally see to it that a responsible and democratic government takes shape in Cuba immediately, allowing the people of this fine island to rejoin the world community."

Tilapia Declares Martial Law on New Bengal Island

Following continued unrest in Nueva Cordoba, and a number of police stations completely abandoning their posts, El Reino della Tilapia declared martial law on the island of New Bengal. "It is clear that our local law enforcement officers are either overstretched or completely incapable of handling their responsibilities at this time" said Pro Consul Carlos Marcos. "The army will remain only so long as it is necessary to establish and maintain order, and not a day more. Our allies in Eutopia City should not see this as a show of aggression or any change in our foreign policy."

Reaction to the announcement was predictably strong in Nueva Cordoba, where reporters have learned defensive structures have been under construction recently. Additionally, large caches of weapons were discovered by Minister Braxton of the UPE, ready for import to the island, just before the coup. Confidential sources in the Tilapian government have informed NewsLink that the Consulate considers New Bengal to be just one step shy of open revolt, a step the government expects to be taken the moment the army arrives.

Tilapian ships have been evacuating any citizens who wish to leave the island and bringing them back to Tilapia proper, where they are being interred until background checks and other screening are completed, to prevent revolt from both within and without. Marines and Airborne Troopers are currently readying for deployment, and reporters and coastwatchers have allegedly seen heavily modified Gorgon tanks, freshly purchased from the Eutopian government, rolling onto transport ships to head for New Bengal.

General Levarge Effects Sweeping RECOM Reform

In a press conference today, General Marcus Levarge announced his intention to partially dismantle the national Resource Conservation and Management Company (RECOM). The General made clear his intent to take advantage of Eutopia's newfound oil wealth through what he called "aggressive privatization of state resources."

"It is not enough to rely on the government to extract Western Eutopia's oil. The delays already observed between the discovery of this oil and the beginnings of our nation's exploitation of it show that bureaucracy possesses more inertia than a profit motive can readily overcome. What is needed is private enterprise." Levarge also pointed out that there is an inherent tension between the long-mandated public ownership of subsurface rights and the private ownership of the land above them, a problem which was encountered after the oil was discovered.

Levarge's plan calls for the Company to offer its subsurface rights for sale on the open market, with the owners of the surface land immediately above having a right of first refusal. Mines currently being operated by RECOM, mineral rights under land owned by the Company, and all offshore oil fields and attendant drilling equipment will continue to be owned and operated by the state. All profits from these sales will be devoted first to eliminating the national debt, a measure which the Levarge junta hopes will largely or entirely eliminate it. The long-term effect will be to substantially reduce RECOM's annual income, however.

The Royal Foundation and representatives for Queen Maria reacted within hours of the news, announcing that the royal family would acquire all rights to mineral wealth below their holdings in the WET. While negotiations have not yet begun, unnamed sources inside RECOM suggest that this single sale may net almost 200 billion U.S. dollars. Financial analysts expect that the acquisition may largely be underwritten by foreign oil companies in exchange for access to the lucrative Maria and Francesca fields. Queen Maria made brief remarks on the topic during a public address at Farpoint, stating that "the development of Eutopia's oil assets is crucial to the success of the people of Western Eutopia and the entire nation. Eutopians should not hesitate to work with foreign nationals if we might thereby benefit our long-suffering country."

 

[Voshkod]

United States Recognizes Levarge Regime
Treaty, Oil Rights Seal the Deal

The American Secretary of State announced full recognition of the Levarge regime as the legal government of Eutopia today. "While we do not endorse the methods by which General Levarge took power in Eutopia, we must recognize his de facto control over that nation for the past two years. As the United States has significant economic and national security interests in Eutopia, it is in our national interest to reluctantly resume diplomatic relations."

Observers believe that the American move is in response to General Levarge's signing of a treaty negotiated by Presidents Loic de Fourgéres and John O'Floinn relating to an expansion of the American base at Farpoint. Also, actions by "Queen" Maria to purchase land rights from RECOM, which involved heavy American capitalization, likely had a significant impact on American considerations. The adoption of the American dollar as the official currency of Eutopia may have also been a factor.

The Americans also announced a lifting of the arms embargo on Eutopia, a move that is likely to have little impact given the major reduction in the size of Eutopia's armed forces. A senior source at an American arms company was quoted as saying "it's too little, too late. The Eutopians are buying from the Russians now, if they're buying at all."

General Levarge issued a brief statement upon the American announcement, thanking the United States for their action. He went on to say that "I hope that these cordial relations will continue upon the return to democracy in Eutopia, a day we are all working for in our own ways."

 

[Voshkod]

Levarge Calls for Referendum
Junta Leader Intends to Ask Citizens for their Support

In a statement broadcast across Eutopia tonight, General Marcus Levarge, leader of the military coup that toppled the elected government, said he intends to hold a national referendum on his leadership.

"I have always promised and have always intended to return democracy to Eutopia," the General said, wearing his dress uniform. "And tonight I announce the first step in that long process. There will be a national referendum on my leadership, put before you, the people of Eutopia. You can either vote for me to remain, or for my departure. I put my fate, and the fate of Eutopia, in your capable hands."

Early polling numbers indicate an almost even split in opinion on the General. Approximately half of Eutopians believe he is doing a good job, while the other half believe he must be replaced.

Outside oberservers from the Eutopian Democracy Project have issued a statement calling the referendum a fraud. "Levarge controls the voting machines and the courts," according to the statement. "With those two vital elements in his power, he can rig the result of the referendum in his favor."

The United States praised the General's decision, but called for international observers to be permitted to monitor the voting. The European Union called the action "just another undemocratic step by a military dictator."

As military censorship still remains in place in Eutopia, this story was filed from London.

 

[Voshkod]

Levarge Assassinated, Junta Flees
Levarge Killed While Campaigning in Jacobia

General Marcus Levarge, leader of the military coup that toppled Eutopia's elected government, was shot and killed by unknown parties while campaigning for the upcoming referendum on his rule.

At 10 A.M., the General, on the stairs of Dunwich town hall, had just begun a speech promoting the "YES" vote on the referendum when he was shot in the throat. Immediate chaos followed as the General's security detail, made up of OSO agents, opened fire indiscriminately while removing his body from the scene.

At noon military press officers announced that Levarge was dead. They further announced that strict martial law was in place, and that an immediate curfew was being ordered.

At 12:30 P.M., Maria, the "Queen" of the Topan Nation, appeared on national television. In a brief statement, she called on all military personnel to swear their loyalty to civilian government. "Levarge brought our entire nation to the brink of fascism," she said, "so let us join hands as Eutopians and step away from the abyss as one."

At 1:15 P.M., the newly-appointed commanding general of the Sixth Mechanized Infantry Division, General Marsha Burke, and the commanding officer of the First Armored Regiment, Colonel Blake Walker, announced at a joint news conference that their troops would remain in barracks until otherwise ordered by "appropriate civilian authorities." By 2:30 P.M., Colonel Jorge Constanta, commander of the Light Infantry Regiment - Airborne, had also announced his loyalty to civilian rule.

At 4 P.M., Colonel Harmon Scott of OSO was killed by LIRA forces as he attempted to flee the country. Also at this time, the Commander of the Eutopian Air Force announced his adherance to civilian rule.

At 5 P.M., Chief Justice Anastasia Bartlett Clay, speaking from New Lancaster, and flanked by Deputy Chief Justice Joseph Dredd and General Burke, called for the return of all exiled Eutopians to assist in a Constitutional Convention, to be held immediately in the new General Assembly building. "The end of the Levarge regime creates a new hope for democracy in Eutopia," said the Chief Justice. "All Eutopians who wish to participate in the forging of a new convenant for our beloved nation are called to Eutopia City. We have work do to."

Newslink is pleased to announce that it will be returning operations to Eutopia City immediately.

 

[von Streusser]

Eutopia Approves Constitution in Landslide Referendum
Few Dissenters On Constitution Day

Eutopia's first constitution to be submitted directly to the public was voted on today in a simple yes/no ballot, winning a monumental victory. Early numbers from LoopPolls, Inc. suggests that perhaps as many as 80% of Eutopia's citizens approved the document, which sets out a radically new system for Eutopian government, with a much larger unicameral legislature and a system of elected ministers.

In detailed exit polling, many Eutopians indicated that they were swayed by the last-minute arguments of political luminaries such as Professor P.G. Talbott and Roger Forbes. Ultimately, however, while some found minor flaws with the document, most approved of the overall structure. Said one man who asked not to be identified, "Eutopians can finally be secure in the knowledge that the government isn't conspiring against them. The greatest check we need is against executive excess, and that's what this Constitution gives us. We'll never have another Nukes-For-Parts scandal in this country."

Observers have been quick to note the recent surprising level of interest of the Eutopian public in the political process. Wrote one editorial, "Passage of the Constitution is almost guaranteed; the people of the UPE are so excited to finally be involved in the governing of their own country that they'll approve anything put before them." There may be some truth to the suggestion of popular excitement, as politically-oriented newspapers and television and radio programs have been reporting many more consumers since the end of the Levarge regime. Analysts predict that voting on the Constitution may top 75% of eligible voters, substantially higher than any Presidential election in recent history.

There were numerous diehard critics of the document, however. Many monarchists found the failure of anyone to move for a popular referendum on the monarchy a serious oversight, particularly given the lively discussion in the early days of the Constitutional Convention. Others found the structure of the government or other provisions so objectionable that they refused to give the Constitution a nod. "How can anyone run a government if the Ministers are all from different parties and working at cross purposes?" said one. "It's madness!"

Cornered outside his Eutopia City polling place, Hawkton Tilly dismissed these complaints. "I believe in the structure of our new Constitution," Tilly said, "and I believe in a full and lively debate about the nature of Eutopian government. But even if I didn't, I recognize the need to move immediately. Professor Talbott and Per Forbes raise important points which deserve to be discussed fully, but that's what the legislature is for. Previous republics have had at least provisional governments in place while they developed the text of their constitution; we do not have that luxury. Every day spent bickering about one clause or another is another day when the government is idling without helping people. We are past that now -- now it's time to conduct elections and get good Eutopians into positions of power so they can continue these discussions."

Tilly's apperance during the Convention has been remarked upon in many circles. Tilly, who first rose to national prominence when involved with drafting the Eutopian Charter of Rights, and whose resume includes a failed Presidential bid in Term X, was apparently significant in creating the text that eventually became Eutopia's new Constitution. When asked if he was contemplating running for the Presidency again, Tilly laughed. "Certainly not," he said. "It's got no power anymore."

Fighting Breaks Out in New Bengal
Arrival of Tilapian Army Triggers Attacks by Separatist Militias

Tilapian troops arriving en masse on the island of New Bengal to enforce the government's imposition of martial law were greeted by partisan attacks and stiff resistance centered in the city of Nueva Cordoba. Though the government in Buen Puerto offered to ferry any citizens off the island that wished to go before the arrival of armed forces, most citizens have elected to stay, digging in for the struggle.

New Bengal and its largest city, Nueva Cordoba, have been at the center of controversy since the secession of Isabella and Nueva Rioja provinces from the country of Eutopia, forming El Reino della Tilapia. The substantial Bengali population on the island, part of the province of Nueva Rioja, voted overwhelmingly to remain within Eutopia, but was outnumbered by the larger predominantly Spanish-heritage population of the mainland portion of the province, and became part of Tilapia. Ever since the secession, leaders in the city of Nueva Cordoba (called New Panjim by the local asiatic populations) have called for a referendum on the island to either join Eutopia or become independent themselves, but thus far Buen Puerto has refused without comment. The Eutopian Government has, for the most part, shied away from raising the issue in public.

Tensions began to rise on New Bengal when Arjun Khosla, a prominent member of the separatist movement, disappeared and was assumed killed in a mysterious blast on the island during a planned military exercise. The blast was officially ruled an accident, and no body was ever recovered. Shortly thereafter, a number of other important and vocal separatists began to disappear, and media outlets demanding referendum were systematically shut down by government fiat. The Tilapian Navy completely blockaded the island, at first searching all ships going into the island and refusing any cargo to leave, then finally turning back any ship going either way. This policy was partially vindicated by Eutopian Minister Braxton's discovery of a large cache of sophisticated man-portable weapons tagged for shipment to the island on Braxton Line vessels. Coordination on the efforts to stop the smuggling continued in a disjointed fashion however, partially because as one pundit phrased it, "the Tilapians feared that the Eutopian government or some person therein either knew about or was actively backing the shipment of such weapons...they didn't want to tip their hand." Tilapian suspicions have not been verified or disproved as of yet.

The Tilapian army, in response to finding itself increasingly under attack, has not hesitated to drop the kid gloves, responding with speed and brutality to any attack or anticipated attack. Most Tilapian forces are concentrated on the outer edges of the island, gradually pushing in towards Nueva Cordoba, while elite units make precision strikes before withdrawing again. After a Tilapian Mi-35M Hind gunship was reported shot down near Nueva Cordoba, helicopter activity over hostile areas has been restricted exclusively to night operations. NewsLink correspondents and local citizens have reported missile strikes at night from coordinated groups of helicopter gunships, attacking hardened prepared positions and bunkers. There are even rumors of airstrikes off the Tilapian aircraft carriers, though these have yet to be substantiated, and both carrier- and land-based aircraft flying over the island are a daily sight, while some say the sight of modified Tilapian Gorgon tanks rolling through the streets of Nueva Cordoba is not far off.

Tilapian Government officials have refused comment, calling the affair "an internal matter". The Red Cross and Red Crescent have declared the area an effective war zone, and are scrambling to provide medical aid and volunteers to look after civilians.

 

[von Streusser]

Royalists Blast Convention on Monarchy Sidestep
Provincial Governor Thorsbeard Announces Referendum in WET

Following the recent adjournment of the Constitutional Convention, the Royal Foundation lashed out in a press conference on the issue of monarchy. "Everyone present seemed willing to do lip service to a referendum on the issue, but those promises regrettably came up empty. Again." Citing numerous speakers including former President Al'Aeshir, the nation's foremost Royalist organization said "the Convention seemed intent on the idea that the monarchy should be decided by a popular referendum. But rather than call for that referendum at the logical point of beginning a new government, our political 'elite' seem to believe the best course is to delay the peoples' choice indefinitely, or at best set up a new government and then call for a referendum which may make it immediately obsolete. They clamor about how the people should make that choice, but then deny them the option to choose."

They concluded by calling for all citizens to petition their parties for an immediate referendum. "Whether our people choose monarchy or republic, they have always been far more savvy than our recent governments have given them credit. Their choice will be the best one for Eutopia regardless of who leads them; and at the very least the issue would finally be settled." Meanwhile Queen Maria, the most commonly acknowledged successor to Eutopia's long-vacant and debatably existent throne, was rather coy about the whole affair, stating only that she has "always supported the choice of the people of Eutopia."

Local and provincial governments have varied in their responses, most sticking to vague and inconclusive statements on "the peoples' choice", not declaring a position one way or the other. However, Governor Thorsbeard of the WET announced plans that a referendum would be held "in the immediate future" in Eutopia's suddenly-richest province. The Western Eutopian Territory catapulted from oft-forgotten backwater to major fossil fuel producer after the recent discovery of vast oil and natural gas reserves a few terms ago.

Preliminary poll numbers in the province indicate that monarchy has remarkably strong support, between 70 and 80% of those polled, primarily fueled by the recent election of Queen Maria as the Queen of the Topa. These results have already sent shockwaves through academic communities. "Assume the WET approves the measure" said Neuwestbaden University professor Michael von Streusser "what then? The single richest province in the country will have chosen a form of government that would appear fundamentally at odds with the rest of our nation. The biggest question is, would the WET be willing to try and secede, like Tilapia or St. Esprit, if Eutopia City refuses to crumble to what is essentially political blackmail?"

In response, monarchist groups around the country are painting the event in a far different light. "The WET will only be the first step, there will be no further 'Balkanization' of Eutopia. Once the political elites truly understand the size and momentum of the movement, they'll realize that this is what all of Eutopia wants. Western Eutopia won't split away because of politics...a Queen is something we all want!"

 

[The_Hawk]

Voters Strike Down Monarchy Referendum
Monarchists Express Shock, Disappointment

Just minutes ago, the CRO officially called the Term XIII Monarchy Referendum. The final tally marks a significant defeat for the monarchist cause, with the referendum being voted down, 59%/39% against with 2% abstaining, with a +/- 2% margin of error.

Demographers have been working hard on exit polling information, and while the national referendum might accurately be described as a landslide, on the provincial level there were some notable contests. In New Lancaster, for example, the final tally remains too close to call. Pro-monarchy turnout was also high in Gloriana; and, of course, the big story tonight is the victory for the monarchy in Western Eutopia, where the Topa came out in force for their Queen, propelling her to a 76%/21% victory with 3% abstaining. The low population of Western Eutopia relative to the rest of the nation means this vote had little national impact, however.

The Topa appear to reflect the opinions of many minority voters, with Spanish-speaking voters coming down strongly in favor of the referendum, and Western Saharan aye votes narrowly edging out the nays. Other Francophone Eutopians came down against the referendum, however. It is suspected that the effort to encourage Tilapians and St. Espritans to cross the border and vote was at least partially responsible for this voting pattern.

According to exit polls, many voters made up their minds well before arriving at the polls. A significant portion of those swayed, however, said that they made up their minds after seeing the impromptu debate organized by the Society for Good Governance, with Colin Leary and Franz von Hapsburg representing the anti- and pro-monarchy positions, respectively. Among those swayed, voters seem to have split roughly 60%/40% anti-monarchy.

Neither Queen Maria nor her representatives were available for comment, but one noble who asked not to be named said, "This is a dark day for Eutopia. After two failures of the republican system, what do people imagine they will get? The fools who voted against the monarchy will live to rue the day they did."

New Bengal Violence Worsens
Daylight Bombing Reduces Entire City Blocks to Rubble

The military campaign to pacify Nueva Cordoba stepped up in intensity recently, as aircraft launched from the Tilapian carriers Isabella and Reina Francesca I have begun daylight bombing raids on the city. Coupled with tank and artillery fire, three city blocks of the city called New Panjim by locals have simply ceased to exist. Tilapian military officials cited "reliable military intelligence" indicating that several buildings in the area were being used by separatist militias to coordinate and launch strikes, as well as stockpile and produce homemade weapons. Separatists denied the claims, and instead claimed that a school and several residences took up the destroyed blocks. While NewsLink has been unable to verify an independent count of casualties, street maps of Nueva Cordoba indicate that a school was in fact among the buildings destroyed.

Downtown Nueva Cordoba following Tilapian airstrikes​

Separatist fighters, unable to leave the island, have resorted to the internet to broadcast their message around the world. Not to be outdone, the normally close-lipped Tilapian government has become more receptive to questioning in recent days about what is actually occuring on the island. "We were able to discover that terrorists were using these buildings to build Improvised Explosive Devices and stockpile weapons such as Stingers and RPGs. After the strikes, secondary explosions confirmed that fact" Consul General Summers told the media in a scheduled press conference. When questioned further on point, Summers responded that "all I know is, schoolbooks don't explode like that."

Meanwhile, explosions rocked Buen Puerto as separatist cells able to escape New Bengal before the blockade detonated car bombs in coordinated retaliatory attacks around the city. Buen Puerto medical services report 22 dead and over 100 wounded, several critically, following the attacks.

The fighting on New Bengal island continues unabated, with separatist fighters managing to continue delaying the Tilapian military advance into the heart of the city. The separatists have displayed a remarkable level of armament, succeeding in shooting down more than one Tilapian helicopter gunship, and damaging - but not killing - a Perseus Tank with several RPGs.

Investigation into Longarm Disaster Yields Preliminary Results
Twelve Killed, Negligence "Most Likely Cause"

A massive explosion rocked the Longarm Refinery in the WET recently, killing a dozen workers and causing oil fires that burned for over three days before crews managed to get them under control. Though initial press often focused on a possible connection between tightened security in the province and the explosion, FLEA officials have all but ruled out foul play. A FLEA spokesman said that "at this point, we feel the most likely cause is simple negligence. We haven't completely closed the book on a criminal act, but it looks like the vast majority of this oil infrastructure was put in with almost no regulation or oversight, particularly that which was put in under Levarge. There are several parts of an oil refinery that, if built poorly or improperly maintained, could start a sizeable fire. Once you have that ignition...the whole thing goes up."

Herman Flibling, a drilling expert, expressed dismay. "We got so carried up in getting that oil out so quickly, that very little attention was paid to making sure we did so safely. It's possible that every single rig and refinery on the island is not only environmentally unsafe, but likely to explode at this very moment." Ministry of the Interior officials were not nearly so cataclysmic. "We're not at immediate risk of a massive oil catastrophe. Our oil infrastructure definitely needs more oversight and inspection, but the notion that the entire country will be an oilslick tomorrow is unfounded."

However, citizens will be feeling the pinch this winter, as the price of heating oil and fuel has already begun to rise dramatically. Additional concern has been generated by the Administration's repeated refusal to comment on why security in the WET has been heightened, and the appearance of fissures between the ENP and ELP portions of the Cabinet.

Amric Al'Aeshir Holdings Suffers Financial Setback
Worrisome Signs for Eutopia's Largest Employer

Amric Al'Aeshir Holdings (NSEX Listing: AAH) posted its first ever quarterly loss today since being listed on the Neuwestbaden Exchange over twenty years ago. In recent years, AAH's profits have been shrinking as the company maintained high standards in employee pay and health care while the cost of production continued to rise. This is the first dip into negative territory, however.

Today's announcement is coupled with other troublesome financial indicators from the nation's largest employer. According to their recent financial filings, AAH has been consistently bleeding available capital in recent years. The lack of available capital reserves has begun to impinge on new projects, and raises serious concerns about whether AAH would be able to maintain compliance with the very environmental regulations Per Al'Aeshir recently proposed in the General Assembly.

NEWSLINK financial analyst Warrinda Mooney attributes AAH's recent troubles to a number of factors. "Cheap oil has largely been great for the Eutopian economy, but one company it has hurt is Eutopian Energy, one of the largest subsidiaries of AAH. Not many people are interested in paying now to develop energy alternatives that may or may not prove worthless in ten years." Investing so much in unproven projects has also hit the AAH bank accounts hard, said Mooney. "Then there's the penchant of Per Al'Aeshir to throw money at any crisis that hits Eutopia, which has gotten a lot of play in political circles," Mooney noted. "It's all well and good to encourage large charitable donations by your company, but every time something bad happens? It's not good for one's business." But Mooney remained confident. "AAH is a huge company, well-diversified and a stalwart in Eutopian life. We fully expect the company to recover in good time."

Jake Langley Hospitalized
Former President Victim of Stroke

Jacob "Jake" Langley, former president of the Republic in Term V and one of Eutopia's most noted conservative politicians, was hospitalized this morning after suffering what is believed to be a serious stroke. He is currently listed in stable condition at Eutopia General Hospital. According to unnamed sources, the former president had been feeling tired in recent weeks, and had spent much of the past week in bed. His manservant, Sid Oeste, reportedly found President Langley on the floor at 10 a.m. local time this morning. Langley had apparently tumbled from bed.

Many longtime political observers were unsurprised by the stroke. Never in the best of health, Langley had often taken lengthy leaves of absence for health reasons. The most notable was his withdrawal in the middle of his presidential term, which elevated Vasco I Killed Kenny to the Diamond Office. Said one individual who asked not to be named, "I'm amazed the old geezer lasted this long." In fact, Langley had consistently reduced his public presence in recent years. His last major political involvement was with the Unity Party experiment in Term IX.

Jake Langley earned his public reputation as a firebrand radio commentator in the early days of the Republic, but soon entered politics himself. Though always a conservative, his views tended more toward moderacy the longer he served.

President Langley is currently with his family and friends, and well-wishers have been leaving notes, flowers and candles for his health. A prayer vigil is planned for this evening. The U.S. President reportedly contacted the Langley family this afternoon to express the American people's hope for the former President's speedy recovery.

Eutopian Named World's Oldest Man

Nouvelle Anjou native Etienne Delacroix was declared the world's oldest living man today by the Guinness Book of World Records. To commemorate the occasion, a small ceremony was conducted in Mr. Delacroix's Castellar home by Guinness Book officials. At 113, he joins a select handful of individuals to have made it past 110.

The title of world's oldest man has been in dispute since the death last year of Mexico's Carlos Felipe Gutierrez at age 116. Per Delacroix's claim to the title was contested by South Africa's Sandile Mboko, who claimed to be 115, but while Delacroix possessed undisputed evidence of his date of birth, Mboko had none. Per Mboko resolved the issue last week by dying.

Delacroix remained jovial throughout the ceremony. An inveterate joker, he was heard to rib the Guinness officials in an effort "to get some of that ale they're always advertising." A connoisseur of fine wines, Per Delacroix said that while he prefers wine, "it can get boring sometimes." He also remains active in local politics, and suggested that he might run for provincial chancellor during the next election, "now that I've got all this free press." He was heard to ask local MGA Francois Bitterend, also attending, "how many more Republics are you chaps planning to get through while I'm still alive?"

 

[von Streusser]

The AAH Collapse - The Aftermath

Months after Amric Al'Aeshir started a dramatic chain of events which ended with him shutting down his corporate empire for good, the Eutopian people seem to have proven him wrong. Al'Aeshir's expectation, and that of many pundits, was that the nation could not survive without its most powerful company. While Eutopia has suffered a reduction in income with the collapse of Amric Al'Aeshir Holdings, today's economic forecast numbers from the ECB suggest that the economy is improving -- and suggest, in fact, that the failure of AAH may have been a positive thing for the Eutopian economy.

A number of factors are in play, according to the ECB report. AAH's closure resulted in immediate unemployment for many workers, not only in Al'Aeshir's companies, but many that relied on his products. Many of these workers have been able to find jobs, but most do not pay up to the high standards Per Al'Aeshir insisted on; as a consequence, salary has dropped for many wage earners. The Central Bank anticipates that the rise in unemployment coupled with increased numbers of low-wage jobs will result in a two-point decrease in federal revenue by the start of Term XIV.

Another trend is unique, however. Many of the first strikers were those who believed most strongly in the environmental policies Amric abandoned; these were generally his longest-term, most loyal, and most experienced employees. Many of these individuals had considerable savings, and have turned them toward new startup businesses to fill the gaps left by AAH. In a large number of cases, these businesses have hired former AAH employees with similar experience, resulting in a level of quality service almost equivalent to that of AAH within mere months of incorporation.

"This is a situation which simply couldn't have existed without Per Al'Aeshir dismantling his businesses," said Warrinda Mooney, NEWSLINK financial analyst. "An influx of skilled labor of this scope is almost unheard of in recent history; even failing companies are usually bought up by other corporations, who keep the core of experienced employees. This has resulted in a great new opportunity for those who might have contemplated going into business for themselves, if not for the impossibility of struggling against the AAH juggernaut. Many observers, myself included, expect that this increased competition is ultimately going to prove beneficial to the Eutopian people, as goods and services become cheaper."

Amric Al'Aeshir Sued in Provincial Court
Suits Charge Breach of Contract, Waste of National Resources

A class action law suit was filed today in Capitol District courts against Amric Al'Aeshir Holdings and Amric Al'Aeshir himself. This represents the first effort to sue Al'Aeshir personally for his actions in shutting down his corporations some months ago. The majority of the plaintiffs are corporations with which AAH had long-term contracts.

"In willfully breaching firmly-established contracts by dismantling his corporations, Amric Al'Aeshir caused millions if not billions of dollars of damage to other corporations in Eutopia," said attorney Tyson Equation, spokesper for the plaintiffs. "Supply was disrupted, profits were lost, and my clients were forced to negotiate new contracts, often costing substantially more than the ones they enjoyed with Amric Al'Aeshir Holdings and its subsidiaries."

When asked whether it was possible to secure damages when Al'Aeshir had transferred all resources out of the company, Per Equation asserted that it was not only possible, but necessary. "This is exactly what the concept of piercing the corporate veil was created for. Per Al'Aeshir should not be able to engage in wrongdoing -- and make no mistake, breach of contract in bad faith is most certainly wrong -- and then protect his assets. Amric Al'Aeshir, for all intents and purposes, was Amric Al'Aeshir Holdings -- if his company is to suffer for his misdeeds, so should he." It remains unclear whether Eutopian courts can lawfully exercise jurisdiction over Al'Aeshir, now a resident of St. Esprit.

Meanwhile, several local groups have sued to enjoin Al'Aeshir from filing for permits to destroy his corporate structures and leave the property unused. Residents that live near the structures, some of which are in very expensive districts, have asserted that this would be a serious waste of national resources, and further that abandoned or destroyed structures would attract squatters and vermin. The case is currently before a Capitol District judge, who was heard to refer to the arguments of the locals as "very compelling." AAH's attorneys have been ill-equipped to combat these cases, as their hard disks were apparently wiped shortly before Amric Al'Aeshir left the country.

Tilapians Seize Nueva Cordoba
...But Violence Continues in New Bengal Capital

El Reino della Tilapia announced today that it had taken effective control of the city of Nueva Cordoba, despite the fact that sporadic firefights continued to flare up around the city. Red Cross volunteers opine that, while the Tilapians have effectively crushed a unified resistance movement that can be defined in territorial terms, the New Bengalese fighters have changed tactics and are now operating in small cells of fewer than 10 men. These cells continue to attack Tilapian troops, often launching ambushes or raiding rear areas, then fleeing once effective resistance is mounted.

Meanwhile, the nation of India has broken its long silence and publicly denounced the violence on New Bengal. "While the resistance fighters of New Bengal have committed terrible acts in their pursuit of freedom, it was the Tilapian government that forced them to such tactics. Had Buen Puerto ever been willing to listen to these peoples' desires" said India's Prime Minister, Dr. Sanmohan Mingh "the freedom fighters would never have been forced to turn to methods they themselves must deplore." While the Prime Minister did not go so far as to say that India would intervene in the conflict, he did express a strong desire in seeing the violence brought to an immediate conclusion by any means necessary.

Reports of Tilapian excess continue to slowly seep from the island, despite the Tilapian government's press ban still in effect. Refugees, denounced by government spokesmen as "terrorist sympathizers and rabble rousers" have described excessive force in the apprehension of civilians as suspected fighters, rape, looting, and summary execution. Buen Puerto expressly denies all the allegations, and independent sources including the Red Cross and Red Crescent have been unable to verify or disprove the claims.

Test Flight Tragedy!
E-132 Prototype Explodes During Sale Demonstration

Von Hapsburg Holdings, the parent company of Eutopian Air Corporation, announced today that one of its new E-132 Fighters crashed during the plane's recent public unveiling. Though company officials had been excited to show off the plane to the world, even to the point of building five squadrons of the aircraft, it quickly became apparent that prototype testing had been massively insufficient.

"The plane performed admirably during long and stable test flights, but we really had no idea how it would perform under the stress of complex aerial maneuvers" said one EAC official under condition of anonymity. "But the demand from the top was that we push the project along quickly."

The craft's test pilot lost control of the aircraft during a tight roll, sending the plane in a wild spin to the earth, where it crashed into several of the remaining aircraft and exploded. The pilot, Charles Richardson, was killed, and several ground crew badly wounded. The plane's design attempts to take advantage of several cutting edge features which sacrifice balance for exceptional maneuverability. As a result, a computer is required to constantly maintain the aircraft in a level flying pattern through microscopic corrections. A significant drawback of the design, however, is that if the onboard navigational computer ever fails to perform as desired it is nearly impossible for the pilot to regain and maintain effective control of the aircraft.

Several potential buyers have backed out of tentative purchases, and all the planes currently produced have been scrapped. EAC is expected to go back to the drawing board with significant changes before another prototype test is undertaken, and several high-ranking employees of the corporation have been sacked or resigned. It is not known yet if the Attorney General will file criminal negligence charges against Von Hapsburg, VHH, or EAC. However, Per Richardson's family and the injured ground crewmen have announced intentions to file civil suits.

Justice Onazaker Dies
High Court Justice Succumbs to Lung Cancer, President to Name Successor

Justice Onazaker, long known as a "swing vote" on the Eutopian High Court, lost her nearly decade long battle with lung cancer last week, dying at her Neuwestabaden home. Her most recent opinion, well known by both legislators and recent constitutional law students, was a part concurrence and part dissent in Leary v. Lundgren, caustically defining an interpretation of the Court's purpose in the United Provinces of Eutopia.

The President now must nominate a successor to the Court, who must then be approved by a majority of the General Assembly. The current leading candidates are Federal judge Claudia Marcos, 44, a nine year veteran of the bench; Gerald Durken, 63, a provincial judge recently appointed to the Gloriana High Court after 12 years in the provincial courts and 11 years before that in the Eutopian court system (before the Federal system was created); and Philip Sumner, 37, a dark horse candidate only recently appointed to the Federal bench, but well known for his staunch and unapologetic conservative opinions. While all three justices currently regarded as front runners are more conservative than liberal (hence their position as front runners to a conservative president), the three take fairly different approaches to statutory and constitutional interpretation: Durken has been considered the most strictly constructionist, with Marcos the most likely to "interpret between the lines", and Sumner falling in between.

It is expected that President Zhokhyen will interview the candidates before publicly announcing his nominee for the Assembly to have hearings and vote upon, but due to the limited time remaining in the term, quick action will be required if Zhokhyen expects his pick to be placed on the court.

Sacred Ground, Poison Ground
Interior Study Reveals Abnormally High Cancer Risk in Western Eutopian Village

Ella A'rai is a happy six-year-old Topan living in the village of Helia just outside Farpoint. Every morning, her house rumbles as F-18 Hornets from the U.S. Navy's base at Farpoint fly over on dawn patrol. She loves to run outside and watch them. She dreams of being a fighter pilot.

Chances are, Ella A'rai will never be able to live out her dreams. She has an inoperable brain tumor, and will be lucky to see seven. But what's even more disturbing is that Ella is not alone.

A Ministry of the Interior study published today reveals that Helia has a cancer rate 6.8 times the national average. Helia's children are also four times more likely to be born with birth defects than children in the rest of the nation.

Helia is situated not far from the Topan holy site where Queen Maria was crowned Queen of the Topa, and which was a source of controversy some years ago when the Americans attempted to extend their runway. Now, it sits under the flightpath of the recently redesigned two-five runway, which Helia's residents lobbied against strenuously.

Many have concluded that the American base is the cause of the high disease rate in Helia, but the MoI report was more circumspect. "It is important to stress that our mandate extends only to recording the scope of the problem, not to analyzing its causes," said Interior spokesper Dirk Hackman. "Ministerial involvement is required to proceed further." When pressed, Hackman admitted "we don't know what the cause of this disease is, but it's hard to conclude that it's the base when people in Farpoint have a typical cancer rate, as do residents near other bases."

U.S. Defense Department officials were unavailable for comment.

 

[The_Hawk]

Queen Francesca Demands Caution, Threatens Sanctions

In a press conference where she congratulated newly elected UPE President Gonzov and his government, Tilapia’s Queen Francesca also had harsh words for the UPE politicians currently debating the budget.

“Campaign promises are one thing,” said the Queen. “But the United Provinces of Eutopia are now actively discussing their ability to defeat Tilapia in a war – in their newspapers, and on the floor of the General Assembly. This is not how neighbors treat one another. I have repeatedly made it clear to top-ranking UPE government officials that Tilapia has no desire for conflict with our Eutopian neighbors, but we will not brook interference in our police action in Nueva Cordoba. This kind of talk makes it apparent that that is exactly what certain members of the newly elected government have in mind.

“I am pleased to see that President Gonzov is not one of these individuals. I am not pleased, but not terribly surprised, to discover that President-turned-Speaker Colin Leary, is. I call on all Eutopian politicians, no matter their political stripe, to cease this senseless talk of war and maintain the cause of peace. If not, economic repercussions cannot be far behind.” Not long after this announcement, observers near the Eutopian/Tilapian border reported increased troop movements of Tilapian troops. Despite strong circumstantial evidence of a causal link, Tilapian military officials have called these actions “routine.”

Containing some of the largest tracts of arable land devoted to agricultural pursuits on the island, Tilapia remains a source of much of the UPE’s food. In addition, fishing, which has fallen into disfavor along the north coast of Eutopia where it used to thrive, has continued as one of Tilapia’s primary economic pursuits, heavily protected by the Crown; much of the product is exported to Eutopia and St. Esprit. While it is unclear precisely what form of “economic repercussions” Queen Francesca had in mind, it is clear that any disturbance in trade with Tilapia will likely cause a serious disruption in the availability and price of foodstuffs.