EUROPA CABLE NEWS - NEWS NIGHT
August 3, 2004
The introductory sequence of Europa Cable News begins with images of European cities flashing across the screen accompanied by the uplifting theme melody. As the segment comes to an end, Céline Delpy appears on screen before the familiar backdrop of an unnamed European skyline. She smiles before addressing the viewers.
“Bonsoir et bienvenue Europa. I’m Céline Delpy.”
“In the Far East, the leaders of the United States, the European Federation, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand have announced the resurrection of the South East Asian Treaty Organization or SEATO. Formed as a Southeast Asian counterpart to the former NATO, it has been revived and reformed to further the military cooperation of concerned nations in the region. Other nations in the region like India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Indonesia have been invited but have thus far declined to join. The new organization mirrors NATO’s system of collective defense, whereby its member states agree to mutual defense in response to an attack by any external party. The members agreed that an armed attack against any one of them in Asia would be considered an attack against them all.”
“As part of the new security arrangements of SEATO, two SEATO theater commands have been announced one responsible for North Asia and one for Southeast Asia. Both shall have a Supreme Allied Commander, who would report to a SEATO Council based in a new headquarters in Singapore. The United States shall provide the theater commander for the Northeast Asian Theater (SACNAT), while the European Federation shall provide the theater commander for the Southeast Asian Theater (SACSAT). The United States, the European Federation, the Philippines and Japan, all of which are separated from the Asian mainland have agreed to deploy a preliminary force of one brigade each to Malaysia, in the case of the European Federation and the Philippines, and South Korea, in the case of the United States and Japan. [1]
“The move, begun in bilateral talks between US President George Bush and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, came about as a result of Chinese threats against countries in the region pursuing multilateral talks. While not explicitly referring to the United States or the European Federation, the Chinese government has announced in Xinhua, the state media organ, that “attempts to meddle in Asian affairs will be met with grave consequences.”
“These “grave consequences” were most keenly felt during the investigation of the
Superferry 14 explosion, where it was found that Chinese agents from the Ministry of State Security carried out the terrorist bombing on the Philippine cruise liner, killing more than 300 people and injuring several hundred more.”
“The aggressive moves of China in Southeast Asia were mirrored elsewhere as skirmishes between Chinese and Indian border forces escalated in July along the western frontiers of India and China. While a ceasefire has since been put in place, the move spells dark times for Sino-Indian relations.”
“The integration of Yemen into the United Arab States continues despite protests from Israel, Persia, Egypt and Turkey. Following the defeat of Yemeni government forces after Islamic uprisings in Yemen, the government in exile has invited erstwhile ally United Arab States to send in military forces and stabilize the country. Following the successful intervention, the leaders of Arabia announced the annexation of Yemen.”
“Congolese troops have entered the Ugandan capital of Kampala following the conclusion of rebel activity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Uganda, which had supported the rebels, declared war on the DR Congo when it seemed like victory was in reach. Unfortunately for Uganda, Congolese troops supported by Southern Alliance forces from Zimbabwe and Angola were able to maintain control of Kinshasa, smashing the rebels and bringing the war to Uganda’s doorstep.”
“The Defense Force has announced that the deployment of troops to the Republic of the Congo under Operation Cuvette will be extended through November. As viewers will recall, the Defense Force had deployed troops to the Republic of the Congo following the resumption of fighting between government forces and rebels led by Pastor Ntumi. A peace treaty to end the conflict had been signed in April last year. The army’s deployment has the mission of enforcing the UN ceasefire resolution. Local forces have recommended the deployment of additional motorized patrol vehicles to counter rebel IEDs and landmines.”
“Finally, in domestic news, preparations for the 2004 Summer Olympics to be held in Athens are continuing. Over the past few months, the organisers and the local government have turned the capital of the Federated State of Greece into a huge construction site with dozens of venues and Olympic buildings popping up like mushrooms, much to the satisfaction of the IOC.”
[1]As with how NATO was represented SEATO is represented in-game with guarantees of independence from the EF and US and granting of military access
