Kalistan

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Welcome to The National
OP ED: Kalistan got played
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 20, 5686


Propaganda from an unidentified source, but definitely not IBSI

Kalistan Got Played
by Jeanette Meloni

First of all, I want to be the first to welcome you to The National. Our aim is to provide perspective on Imperial Events from a nationalist angle. We are not claiming to be non-biased: In fact, a nationalist bias is what we were established to put forward. In issue 1 of The National, we want to present our first Op-Ed, written by our Editor in Chief, Jeanette Meloni. Ms. Meloni was an Institutionalist Deputy from 5674-5684, when she retired from Government and took a position as an associate editor at The Kalistani Republic. There, she realized that, due to the staunch fact-oriented reporting that newspaper excels at, she wasn't often able to represent a specifically nationalist viewpoint.

Last year, as the "Kizenian" "peace" "conference" was finishing up, she and a number of other conservative columnists decided that now was the time to finally launch a journal that promotes an independent viewpoint for the nation, that speaks from a specifically nationalist perspective, and offer advocacy for the kinds of positions conservatives and nationalists should be adopting in our nation. Not both-sidesism. We are specifically coming from a very particular location on the political spectrum that is unapologetically pro-Monarchist, pro-Kalistani, and pro-AE. We are people unwilling to make peace with Metzists and Communists, and will say so. And this journal will represent that viewpoint that is being left out of the mainstream press.

Welcome to The National

and: on to the Op Ed.

Before they died in the tragic and unforeseen plane crash late last year, Their Imperial Majesties, Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Empress Jennifer I Ananto were mid course correction. They had spent the first ten plus years trying to reach out to the world, and they got almost nowhere. During that period of time, those who saw themselves as our nation's rivals used that openness to build their own capacity against Kalistan. Egelion enjoyed a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity, largely at Kalistan's expense. They forcible occupied a naval base in a part of the world completely outside of their area, taking advantage of internal strife and conflict in the nation of Rildanor to opportunistically seize a part of the world they had literally no business in, for the expansion of their own empire. The presented the seizure as a fait accompli: What is anyone going to do about it?

Kalistan did nothing about it, because their Imperial Majesties, as wise and well meaning as they were, did not want to open a conflict aimed at containing the growing Egelian menace. They sought peace in the region. They thought Kalsitan and Egelion were friends and were equals. They were, in this sense, Pollyannas. This sunny cheery internationalist optimism was taken advantage of by other expansionistic nations like Istalia, who used the period to insert themselves into the Anantonese Region with their Trade empire, and Xsampa who took advantage of internal disunion in Amudim to carve out a niche enclave for themselves. All this bold faced imperialism was denied by its perveyors, and overlooked by the world. By everyone except Kalistan, who called it out when it happened, hoping to call attention to it.

When their Imperial Majesties abandoned internationalism, correctly a couple years ago, Kalistan finally found its backbone again. And the responses were mixed. Some nations who subscribe to the fairy tale of rules based global order, lost their minds. Other nations took it as an opportunity to attempt to repair relations with Kalistan that had long been seen as permanently broken, through bilateral treaties. Kalistan reconnected with places like Tel Bira/Amudim and Kundrati, had restored friendly ties to Valruzia, was making headway on comity with Luthori and could hope that there was a possibility of repairing bridges with Mordusia. Kalistan had more success when they took off those stupid rose colored teashades of internationalism, and actually began working toward doing the work and making the calls we needed to to meet our new friends on the grounds of mutually shared national interests.

One such housecall Kalistan was making led ultimately to the greatest tragedy our nation has experienced for decades. To be clear. Nobody is saying Kundrati had anything to do with the plane crash that very nearly caused the Ananto line to go completely extinct. (Some people are whispering about a cursed gem, but we'll leave the science fiction for others.) Their Imperial Majesties were flying to our ancient nemeses, Kundrati, to finally and formally, and credibly declare peace in the century long hot/cold/hot war with that Artanian Nation. An achievement that has eluded three previous monarchs. And to all accounts, they represented their Empire admirably.

But at the same time, Kalistan was being told, in no uncertain terms, by the Kingdom of Egelion, where, at least according to that same Kingdom, Kalistan stood in its thoughts. Yes, insulting. Yes, condescending. Yes, petty. No, not productive. No, not friendly. No, not equalizing. The whole peace process was fraught: in fact, the whole Kizenian war was fraught, because as we consider it from our very clear eyes here on the Right of our nation's political discussion, the entire storyline in Kizenia begins to look more and more like a false flag event to promote Egelion into Kizenia rather than a legitimate effort to liberate a people from tyranny. The Provisional government is not set yet, but it is clear that Egelion will annex lands based on a far more flimsy historical claim than Kalistan's own claim to Athosia. And it is also clear that Egelion intends to put its own house forward as a claimant to a restored throne, if there is to be one.

Kalistan will not contest that. We should. But we will not. Even before the loss of Their Imperial Majesties, Kalistan has no historical claims in what is now known as Kizenia-New Endralon. Our regional claims are all in southern Dolgava, which is why the city of Luncasi, which borders Kalistan's crownlands, was so important to the Empire during that conflict. But now that our Empress is still a minor and cannot even announce her fiat legally, opposition to Egelion's advancement in the region no longer exists in any meaningful fashion. We simply do not have the political capital to do it effectively, and doing it ineffectively would be an absolute disaster. It is also clear that Egelion's neighbors intend to assist, rather than resist Egelian advancement: Trigunia revealed itself to be a sycophant during the conference, and Kizenia is far too disorganized to mount any serious resistence at this time, nor will it be reorganized until Egelion reorganizes it, under the Montilivet Dynasty, which may or may not actually be a legitimate claimant to that throne.

Kalistan got played in the peace negotiations by an aggressive and absolutely obstinate Egelion, who would not take yes for an answer, and only included language to its erstwhile partners after staunch protest both on and off the floor of the meeting. Egelion is convinced that they are more than a match for Kalistan, and were arguing their point from what they view to be a position of strength. It's not clear who would triumph in a battle between Kalistan or Egelion. Egelion very well may win, but at what cost to their people? And for what? Because the people of our Nation would rather die on their feet than live on their knees. Any Egelian victory would be pyrric at best, but more likely, it would be an extremely long grind that would destroy both nations as certainly as nuclear arsenals would, and if that's the victory Egelion thinks it wants, it has wisely opted to choose peace and offered Kalistan two minor concessions in the language of the treaty alone. There is no indication that any of those provisions will be in place in practice.

No matter though. Because Kalistan is now in no position to oppose or push any of it anyway. Our Regent is in office now, and bless her for reluctantly stepping into the role, because someone needed to, but she is certainly far more fit in terms of training, and preparation and intent, we think we can say, for her title of Surf Queen than she is for the role of Empress, and all that goes with that. She has lived nearly 40 years and with the exception of her time in the National Service, has more or less lived the life of someone who has had no responsibilities and has face no difficulties in her life. We bless her for that and love that for her, but now she is sadly and tragically thrust into a role for which she has no training, and has shown no aptitude, and the job cannot be on the job training. We love the Regent, and acknowledge her as our acting sovereign until the Empress In Waiting can achieve her majority, but we, as nationalists fear for the advantage that opportunistic nations like Egellion will take of Kalistan in the meanwhile.

If we may say, what Kalistan needs to do is to continue building those bilateral relations that Their Imperial Majesties started before their untimely death. We have excellent starts with Kundrati and Tel Bira, and Valruzia has shown its true colors by being the only nation in Terra to even acknowledge the loss of our Monarchs to date, and offering us assistance in helping to find them. They show themselves to be true friends of Kalistan, despite some of our Chancellor's more, shall we say, rambunctious remarks, and we encourage that link to be strengthened as much as humanly possible. Luthori is another possible friendship that we should be pursuing: it can yield great benefits in the long run to build these bridges, so that when Egelion finally does throw Kalistan under their steamroller, at least we will have friends willing to help pull us out.

@TheNational

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STATEMENT RELEASE | OFFICE OF THE KING | VILLAMOR PALACE

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Sir Thomas Harney named Foreign Minister
Chancellor named candidate preferred by Regent
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 31, 5686


New Foreign Minister Harney replaces the late Mr. Henry Greene

The Chancellor of the Empire has confirmed the replacement for the late Foreign Minister, Mr. Henry Greene. Her Imperial Majesty's new Foreign Minister is Sir Thomas Harney, O.A.E. Sir Thomas Harney, a veteran foreign policy analyst for the Foreign Ministry's Artanian Department, is seen as an agnostic when it comes to the question of whether Kalistan should adopt a Nationalist or Internationalist foreign policy. Harney is, however, known as an ardent Institutionalist, and aims to improve Kalistan's image in the world, and was personally selected by Her Highness, the Princess Regent Nicolette Ananto-Collins.

"My job," he said at his acceptance speech at the Capitol this week, "is to promote those policies of Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress in Waiting. I will of course work with the Regent and the Chancellor to ensure that those policies are in accord with the interests and needs of our nation, but there are also some positions we can stand to modify on that would allow our foreign missions to have more success in the field. My appointment also suggests, I think, a refocus on continuing to build the new Partnerships we are forging abroad, outside of our region, that were begun under the late Emperor and Empress. Mr. Greene was a personal friend of mine and we worked together leading up to the ill fated trip to Kundrati, and so I come into the job with very recent and very relevant experience with the issues he was working on at the time of his death, and we will have continuity between his tenure, which ended too soon, and my own which is unexpectedly beginning now."

The continued emphasis on continuity, which began with the naming of Her Highness Princess Regent Nicolette Ananto-Collins, to the now naming of Sir Harney as Foreign Minister has been quite beneficial to Kalistan's business community. It was expected at the end of January that there would be some major disruptions in the KalSiE, but the steps Her Imperial Majesty's government have taken have greatly reduced the panic reaction to the great disruptions that were caused by the tragic loss of The Emperor and Empress. For it, recent polls show that Lady Donahue's job approval numbers have taken a large jump over January and February, from about 46% in mid December to over 82% just last week. The Princess Regent also enjoys 60% approval ratings, as she remains a relatively unknown quantity, but within the last week, the Chancellor was deliberate to be seen standing next to the Princess Regent as often as possible in public photos, as it is clear that the Chancellor has adopted the role of mentor of the 39 year old Royal.

Sir Harney said his first phone calls were made to Kalistani Embassies and Consulates across Terra, to personally introduce himself to Kalistan's representatives abroad. "I then called the President of Valruzia, the Emperor of Istalia, and the King of Egelion to personally thank them for reaching out with words of condolence for the loss of our monarchs. I spoke with each Head of State for about 15 minutes each, to ensure them all of Kalistan's continuing cordial attitude toward their nations, and to invite them to Kaliburg during the summer to meet with the Princess Regent and Chancellor."

He also said he called the Queen of Hutori, the President of Lodamun, President of Kundrati, the Emperor of Luthori, representatives of State in Tel Bira and Pontsi, the Prime Minister of Mordusia, and the premier of Xsampa. "I wanted to introduce myself to all of them and let them know that Kalistan intends to reach out to the world, and to some extent, we wish to clear the boards of any outstanding issues. I intend to call Deltaria, Rildanor, Dundorf, Vanuku and Narikaton next."

The Foreign Minister also announced that all combat troops have departed Kizenian soil, and the two cities of Luncasi and Deltabor have been entirely handed back over to the Kizenian Provisional Government. "We will wait to establish full diplomatic recognition to the Government until it is listed as a permanent government in the nation," said the Foreign Minister. "We stand by to offer assistance in standing up a sovereign and Independent Government in Kizenia, as well as training their armed forces as they stand up. To date, we have not been asked to participate in the process."

He did say a Battalion of Marines and two Companies of Regular Engineers remain at the recently constructed Port facilities in Luncasi, on the Anantonese Ocean. "As part of the treaty negotiations, Kalistan negotiated the lease of a naval base in Luncasi. The Port was transformed from a small commercial port to include berths for large cargo ships and naval vessels. It is our intention to work with local contractors there in Luncasi to construct drydock and railhead facilities, and convert the port completely into a naval logistics base which Elements of the First Navy will then be stationed at." Sir Harney also stated that the Regular Forces and the Government of the Free City of Luncasi have signed a Status of Forces Agreement that is expected to be grandfathered in when the Permanent Government has stood up.

"We expect the Port to be fully converted by 5689, and then at least one squadron of the 1st Regular Navy will be detached to be stationed at the Base," said the Foreign Minister. "We are cooperating with the Free City's Government in all things, and we have complied with their reasonable requests. in addition, we continue to move supplies and money into Luncasi to provide the City with material and funds to continue to improve their infrastructure along the Southern Coast between them and the Free City of Deltabor, but we are not ourselves overseeing those projected." Kalistani Regulars remain billeted at the Port, but the gate is controlled by Kizenian Security Forces, as per the SOFA. Kizenia is expected to be able to access the Base as well, and once the Base facility is completed, a new port project will be begun just east of the Base to serve as the new Commercial port for the City. That project is expected to take an additional ten years following the completion of the Naval base facilities.

@TheRepublic

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Regent formally adopts Empress in Waiting
"They may as well make it official," says House Ananto
Kalburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 18, 5686


Her Highness, the Princess Regent, photographed at Cliff House this month

Her Highness, the Princess Regent Nicolette Ananto-Collins and her husband, ODEN-K Director Viscount Andrew Rohrbach have formally adopted Her Imperial Majesty, Empress in Waiting Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Connor as a formal acknowledgement that the Princess Regent has taken over formal responsibility of raising the future Sovereign to adulthood.

"The Applicant [Her Highness, the Princess Regent Nicolette Ananto-Collins] requested formal adoption to formalize her guardianship of the Minor child [Her Imperial Majesty, Empress in Waiting Carolina Ananto-Connor]," said Kaliburg Free City Magistrate, Hon. Elliot Ronson, who adjudicated the suit. "Ms. Ananto said that getting the minor child re-enrolled in school after a substantial absence due to the death of her parents was difficult, and that lack of a formal parent-child relationship was a substantial roadblock to the success of the minor. The rather unique situation of this family made this a rather unique court case: But Her Highness met the test of fitness for adoption, namely adequate means to ensure that the child is well cared for, no history of criminal behavior, and an adequate community support system. The Minor Child, through her representative, also attested that she would accept the arrangement. We found for Ms. Ananto-Connor and Mr. Rohrbach, and were happy to help this family come back together."

As part of the Princess Regent's And Viscount's relocation, the family has moved back into Cliff House. The House, which belongs to House Ananto, has long been considered the official Imperial Residence. Her Imperial Majesty's personal bedroom was there, and she was reportedly very happy to be able to return home and to school. "Her Imperial Majesty had not expected to be out of school for such a long time and really missed her friends," said House Ananto spokeswoman Margaret Furst. "I am told she is generally happy to be home, but still struggles with missing her parents, and is trying to stay focused on her school work to try to catch up to her peers. It was agreed by both Princess Regent Nicolette and Princess of the Empire Mary Ananto-DeLaurentis that Her Imperial Majesty's needs must always come first, and Princess Mary has moved back to Kaliburg, to help the Princess and Viscount raise the Empress in Waiting."

The Princess Regent herself has placed on Light Duty by the National Assembly so that she may use half of her day to receive therapy for depression and despondency. "The Princess Regent spent the first three months of this year in what we now understand as undiagnosed shock" Said Furst. "The loss of the Royal Family in the plane crash took a hard toll on her, and the radical changes she experienced as a result of that led her past the breaking point. So she is seeing a series of mental health therapists and is on a mood stabilizer during therapy. Her diagnosis was disclosed to her Government who then released the news to the public earlier this month. The Princess Regent has an excellent prognosis: She needs time and space to work through her grief and her sense of overwhelming dread concerning the future, but she is already starting to see some benefits to attending intensive daily therapy sessions." Her light duty involves her working no more than four hours a day while the National Assembly is in session, and spending the remaining time recovering.

Opportunities for Her Imperial Majesty to stay involved with peers, and to spend time with her adopted parents are built into a fiarly regular schedule. Viscount Andrew Rohrbach, Princess Regent Nicolette's husband has agreed to cut back on his work schedule with ODEN-K while the Princess Regent is on light duty, so he and the Princess Regent can spend time building new bonds with the Empress in Waiting as parents and child rather than as someone the Empress in Waiting sees occasionally and then temporarily.

"When the family decided to move to Kaliburg, they decided they may as well make their new relationship official," said Furst. "The Princess Regent has said that becoming a parent to a 12 year old is probably a lot different than building a relationship over those 12 years. She has accepted that her role as an adoptive mother will be much different than the relationship Her Imperial Majesty had with her own mother, but she is hopeful and encouraged: this is her first time in the role of being a mother, and the Empress in Waiting has 12 years of experience at being a kid. So she intends to learn about being a parent and won't beat herself up if she makes a mistake."

As part of her therapy, the Princess Regent has been asked by her doctors to abstain for substance use, and she has agreed. Furst noted that a t-totaler wife of ODEN-K's Director has caused no shortage of humor among the Peerage. "One Count asked who is getting the worse end of that deal? The Princess Regent, or ODEN-K?" In sympathy with the Princess Regent, Viscount Rohrbach has also agreed to abstain from substance use, for probably the duration of the Empress in Waiting's minority.

The Princess Regent is on Light Duty indefinitely, but living in Kaliburg makes it very easy for members of the Government to contact her directly as needed. "If any major decisions need to be made that an Empress would usually have an opinion on, the Government can actually meet at Cliff House if need be so the Princess Regent can provide the direction." The family will keep their Luxon home for the time being and plan to use it as a vacation cottage.

@TheRepublic

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On the Job: FM tours Gaduridos
Is joined by Viceroy, members of Gaduri Government and Business Community
Puerto Vacito, Curenatecas
June 4, 5686


FM Harney joins Viceroy Alvarez-Urquizo to reaffirm Anantonese Bond

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Sir Thomas Harney, was on tour this month across Gaduridos, where he made important commitments to Gaduri Commitments. "Gaduridos saved our bacon," he said, speaking Egelian to an assembled crowd in Ciudad Gaduri. "You came through for us when we were in need over the last few years, and we are here to repay your kindness." He announced that Kalistan has committed large sums of money to help the nation expand its infrastructure, automotive, Steel, and tourism industries, and to increase purchase guarantees of Gaduri agricultural products, including sugar, coffee, cocoa, rum, and textiles. "Kalistan's markets are open, and it is time for Gaduridos to cash in."

The speech was part of goodwill visit, the new FM's first to the Southern Constituent Nation of his tenure. He also met with the Viceroy, Lady Anantonia Ananto-Urquizo, and the Prime Minister and members of the Gaduri Government. He personally extended Kalistan's appreciation for Gaduridos' assistance in helping Kalistan through its recession, and discussed unmet needs of Gadurios. "Our mission here is to let Gaduridos know that we stand with them, as full members of the Anantonese Empire, and that Kalistan renews its commitment to the well being and prosperity of the Gaduri people." The FM said the mission was arranged by Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Ericka Donahue, with the knowledge and approval of the Princess Regent.

Much of the visit was spent touring various sites around Marlingantos, Northern and Southern Vintalli and Cuernatecas. The Foreign Minister met with the Coffee Growers' Union in Vintalli, steel workers at Puerto Vacito, shipping magnates in the Capital, and cotton producers in Montedios. He also made a stop to Bentasur, the home of Third Regular Navy, which guards the southern Approaches into the North Anantonese Ocean, and met with Kalistani families stationed on base. "The months and years away from home by these Naval Personnel and their families have unexpectedly created almost a new unique local culture which is something of a cajun: Storefronts and signs are in Egelian and Vrassan, and the youth who grow up together have their own slang which is quite unique to the area. The two populations freely interact, and Bentasur is a somewhat popular location for naval veterans who have separated from active service, to return to so they may resume the relationships they began when they were stationed here. It creates a very vibrant culture which is different from other regions of the nation."

The FM said that Lady Alvarez has been back and forth to Kaliburg since the beginning of this year to confer with the Princess Regent and ensuring continued commitment to our ironclad bond. "Her Excellency, the Viceroy is also scheduled to visit again in June, so we will look forward to meeting with her." Part of the discussions revolve around renewing the various treaties and agreements that tie the two nations together. "Whenever there is a change in the Government in Kalistan, Gaduridos has very actively sought to ensure that the status quo is maintained between our two nations. Gaduridos enjoys a high amount of local autonomy under the AE banner which allows it to prosper while not having to spend money on programs that Kalistan is eager to pick up, mostly involving the Foreign Policy and security fields, while Kalistan and Gaduridos are major trading partners on top of that. Therefore, their continued economic prosperity continues to depend on maintaining excellent relationships between our two nations, and Kalistan is absolutely eager to do the same." When the FM was asked what Kalistan derives from its relationship, he stated, "They have provided our nation with many of its basic needs and a not insignificant portion of its luxuries for decades. On top of that, we get an Empire out of it. What else should we ask for?"

The trip will wind up next Monday and FM Harney will return home after that. He said that the Chancellor and the Princess Regent were considering a visit for her and her Imperial Majesty, the Empress in Waiting Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Connor later in the year, but any talks of a visit are still in the early stages and are largely dependent upon the Princess Regent's health.

@TheRepublic

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Final report of Crash is released
National Government oks public distribution as Search officially ends
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 15, 5686


Diagram of debris field shows radar image of sea floor at crash site

With the assistance of Valruzia, Kalistani divers have completed the search of the crash site of the AeroKal flight that the late Emperor and Empress were on which crashed into the ocean last December, killing everyone on board. The final search results allowed the Ministry of Transportation to obtain the flight recorder, which revealed the tragic chain of events that led to the crash. No additional bodies were recovered, and most of the debris was considered to be too destroyed to justify recovery.

The Chancellor of the Empire presented the executive summary of the report, which was publicly released at the same time. According to the Chancellor, the search was conducted by Regular Navy divers working hand in hand with both logistics and diving teams from Valruzia, who last year offered these resources to help. The joint team began diving at the site in mid May, weather permitting, and spent more than a week looking for the debris field, and then another six weeks looking for the flight data recorder and mapping the debris field which had been scattered over five football fields and partially buried at the bottom of the ocean.

"This area is primarily influenced by strong sea currents flowing from Artania to Trigunia," said the Chancellor, "and the clash of the sub arctic temperature zone and the warmer waters from the west that rush through here and ensure a milder climate that makes existence in a nation like Trigunia even possible. As you can imagine, storms rage through here on a very frequent basis, and make conducting a search of any kind incredibly difficult. Added to that the sheer depth of the sea floor, and the search effort is going to be very difficult, even in the relatively narrow periods of calm seas. So, we made the best of the time we had, during the window between May and earlier this month."

According to the Chancellor, the divers discovered the field in late May, and sent several submersible teams down to map the debris field. In the process of doing so, they discovered the so called "black box" or the flight recorder which is meant to provide all flight data and can give an idea of just what happened to the flight, and a chronology of events that led to the plane's demise.

"I wish I could say that it was one thing that went wrong that night," said the Chancellor. "But the story is somewhat more difficult. The main cause of malfunction was icing on the plane's wings, but there was also a malfunction in the plane's hydraulics which prevented the pilots from correcting. The dime version is that as the plane attempted to rise above the storm, it experienced significant icing on the wings, and in the plane's elevators. The plane began to lose altitude and the ice prevented the pilots from correcting. Their efforts to do so actually caused two hydraulic lines in the left wing to fail, and all control of the wing was lost at that point.

"The pilots attempted to compensate again then and level the plane out by decreasing the throttle of the right engine, but it was too late as the plane was pushed into the ocean. It hit the water at a steep angle and it was likely that it summersaulted after hitting the surface, causing catastrophic damage to the structure of the plane, ripping off both wings, and instantly destroying the fuselage. From there, the remnants of the plane sunk to the sea floor and was swept in a generally north eastern direction by the current, finally setting in its final resting location."

The Chancellor also had the unenviable task of reporting that no survivors or remains were found during the search. "It is very likely that all aboard were killed by the impact alone, but those who did not die immediately, if they were awake, would likely have died of hypothermia which would have set in almost immediately, after which point they drowned. The bodies which were recovered last winter were likely the only ones that made it out of the plane alive, but very quickly lost their battle against the cold water and high waves of the ocean."

The Chancellor thanked the Defense Ministry Divers and gave especial words of praise to Valruzia who put their assets at Kalistan's disposal during the entire mission. "Valruzia was among the first to express condolences for Kalistan's tragic loss and to offer their assistance. They spent the entire search mission with Kalistani sailors and were so helpful and willing to just be part of this mission. They also provided the sea floor radar devices that allowed us to get a good understanding of the debris field, and ultimately locate the black box. We really appreciate it so much."

The Chancellor said that the decision to not attempt to recover much of the debris was made in early July, when it was determined that recovery of the debris would not yield anymore information than the flight data recorder would by itself, and would likely disturb whatever is left of the bodies who are at rest at the spot. "Out of respect for the deceased, including the members of the Royal Family who are almost certainly there, and out of logistical concern for the safety of the diving teams and ship crews, we decided to not attempt to recover any of the fragments of the plane that are at the bottom of a very deep ocean. The decision to not disturb the bodies was made by Her Highness, the Princess Regent Nicolette Ananto-Collins, who gave the final order to end the search."

The return of the crews to Kalistan and Valruzia marks the official end of the Reigns of Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Empress Jennifer I Ananto. House Ananto has announced, therefore that a public memorial service will be held at the Kaliburg Yearly Meeting House in Kaliburg in early August. All those who wish to participate in the memorial are invited.

@TheRepublic

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Afterglow Syndicate releases Debut Album
New Wave of RF and Alternative finally get married on Alterna-Dance LP
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 16, 5686


Afterglow Syndicate releases DMT drenched synth rock LP Ananto, uniting Electronic and Alternative Rock

The New Wave of RF may have crested more than a year ago as the charts became inundated with electronic music, but this doesn't mean Kalistan is done with largely electronic music. We seen brand new synergies such as the heavily Synth-tinted Art Rock sound of Luxon's independent Lights Over the Mountain and Kaliburg's new KMI musicians Afterglow Syndicate, who just released their debut LP titled Ananto, which sounds like music you might hear at an RF club... almost. If you squint your ears tight enough.

The new wave RF bands from Kalistan at least are returning heavy distortion to the electronic 4 on the Floor dance beats that New Wave of RF bands promoted during the 70s. The music all still has that sort of disco feel to it, but sounds far closer to what would be considered RF inspired Alternative than something like Addisjah. "The further we get away from Carly Kaye," said Rock Critic Brad Wilkinson, "the more we are returning to form in Kalistan, to show that Kaye and the New Wave of RF was a much needed infusion of new ideas, but Kalistani musicians, especially those that come up in the Kaliburg scene, are going to be attracted to less accessible, but certainly better quality music, and they will take from other styles, but will always add it into their own brand music, rather than ever fully adopting popular trends, even of other cities in the Empire, much less what the rest of the world considers to be popular."

Afterglow Syndicate currently personifies this sort of music purism typical of Kaliburg artists. "Of course even our pop music is better than most of the best quality music being produced in other nations," said Marilyn Holmes, one of the two lead singers and primary keyboardists of the bands. "Look, it's just a fact that Kalistan has been doing this a LOT longer than most nations in the world. It is a sort of elitism, for sure, but it is one that is well deserved."

Of her own music, Holmes was not shy. "You gotta sort of have an attitude about it. We make music that we like, that we would want to hear at a club. Yes, you can dance to it, but its not what you would think of as dancey dance music. It was made with some actual thought. It's not about hedonism necessarily. We want to talk about emotions and on the single [Ananto's "Best Friend's House"] we were talking about a house party and the excitement of meeting someone you find hot there and you know, all the exciting feelings about that sort of new love. It's definitely far more accessible than some of the other stuff you'll find on the record, but we wanted to make it loud and raucous too, something the kids in the clubs could dance too, AND something the kids in the pits could mosh to."

Holmes' fraternal twin brother Albert Holmes, who records under the stage name of Duchess Bruce, said of the record "We took a lot of inspiration from Bootsy's (5682) debut album The Weirdo, or even older bands like the Hutoian band Clash, which is kind of one of the founders of the Synth-Alt sound and were way ahead of their time, and wanted to make sure that rock element was still there. Yeah, there's synths on the tracks, but a lot of it is not just analog but acoustic. We put a lot into production to make sure it sounds, you know, au current but also, we just wanted to rock out, and at some point you have to say, to hell with the club... Even if a lot of it isn't what the masses are looking for, we wanted to remind them of what Kalistani music sounds like. And it ain't pop, let me just say that. Especially the kind of stuff that wins FOMATS."

Afterglow Syndicate has firmly planted their feet in the Alternative side of the divide, and a tour for this fall has been scheduled with art Rock Goddess Anne Jean, in support of her, insanely inaccessible synth-art rock return Absentee, also released this month on KMI, which almost explicitly mocks the New Wave of RF in places like the Single "Shame", but also contains some very serious and strange tunes that are weirdly pretty and psycho-glamfunk leaning, on tracks such as "Watch it Burn", and Lights Over the Mountain, which offers a synthesized take on Art Rock and Sophistopop in places. "Yeah, I think we're all kind of hung over from the cocaine orgy we had from about 5676 til last year," said Duchess Bruce. "You can tell that people are switching drugs to something more chill. There's kind of a national depression in the country, and the people need something different from what we've been doing in music and culture. I think there is a desire to go back to the comfortable."

"Yeah, this mood is both very progressive in the form of the Art Pop part of it and also pretty regressive," said Holmes. "It goes forward and also pulls along the past, because that's just what good music sounds like. It's our sound. Others will never get close to it. But that's fine. New Wave is changing anyway, and pretty soon, a new form of pop or RF will come along, we'll get flooded and then the wave will recede again. Meanwhile, Kalistanis will continue to make good quality, interesting music, and let the rest of the world have the cookie cutter stuff."

You can check out the new single "Best Friend's House" from Afterglow Syndicate, from their debut LP release Ananto on KMI, right here, and also check out the independently released "Ghost" from their self released EP of the same name.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x1wjGKHjBI]
"Best Friend's House" by Afterglow Syndicate, on their KMI debut Ananto

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYPoMjR6-Ao]
Lights Over the Mountain's arty-synth-alt "Ghost" from their first self-released EP also entitled Ghost

@KalistaniRawkMonthly

[Doc]

Kalistan announces that new Consulate to be opened in Kundrati
Empire is also exploring possible re-openings in Pontesi and Xsampa
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 24, 5686


Foreign Minister, Sir Thomas Harney, answers questions concerning New Kundrati Consulate

Kalistan takes its next step toward returning to normal relations with Kundrati after nearly a century of estrangement. Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Sir Thomas Harney has announced that space has been secured in Jildrati City that will allow Kalistan to open a consulate on Etxea. The Consulate will technically work under the auspices of the Luthorian Embassy in Fort William, and was the subject of the visit of the late Mr. Henry Greene's visit last year.

"We are happy to report that the work to formally re-recognize the Kundrati Government and confirm its legitimacy of last fall is being continued with the opening of the first Kalistani Consulate in Kundrati in 102 years, since Kundratis were declared Personna Non Grata and Kalistanis left the Artanian Nation," said Sir Harney. "It has really been that long. Since then, all commerce and travel between our two nations ended, and essentially a state of war is dated from that moment. But the return of Kalistani officials to a Consulate in Etxea signifies a move past those troublesome times to a brighter future of cooperation and friendship. It is something sought by our former Emperor and Empress, and it will not be a project for our new Empress in Waiting to pick up and carry to the next phase."

The Kalistani outpost will be staffed by consular staff from the Ft. William Embassy while new Foreign Service officers begin to cycle in the the Luthorian Embassy to take their place. Mr. Grant Edwards has been named the Consul General of the Station and will be Kalistan's top ranking diplomat in Kundrati. There will also be a liaison office of the IBSI attached to the Consulate that will allow Kalistan to begin collecting information about Kundrati to help Kalistan develop policy. "Our IBSI agents in country will primarily serve as counterparts to the Kundratis, and will work to share information as our nations spend time getting reacquainted with one another," said the Foreign Minister. Meanwhile, the Consulate will provide passport, visa and legal services to Kalistanis traveling to Kundrati, a public face of the Empire for the people of Etxea and Kundrati, and a local office for Kundratis looking to travel to Kalistan.

"This leads me to also report, all restrictions on travel, trade and investment that the Empire has maintained for 102 years have also formally been lifted, this week actually," said the Foreign Minister. "Her Imperial Majesty's Government is satisfied with the steps the Kundrati Government has taken to fully neutralize and protect against remnants of the old Legionary Regime, to restore liberties to the people of the nation, and to seek reconciliation between our two states. We would like to thank Kundrati for making those efforts on behalf of their own nation, and as a result, Kundrati is now entitled to the same privileges to travel to, trade with, and invest in Kalistan. All Kundrati nationals seeking travel to Kalistan should contact the Consulate, when it opens, to ensure they are up to date with all regulations and requirements: As of now, there are no visa requirements to enter Kalistan, and as long as Kundrati maintains the same posture toward us, there won't be."

As soon as the Consulate is fully set up, it will move from outside of the Luthorian Embassy's operations umbrella. The FM confirmed that there are no talks at this moment to open a full embassy in Kasaema. "We're not opposed to the idea," said Sir Harney. "We just aren't quite there yet. One step at a time."

The Foreign Minister also announced that Kalistan is exploring the possibility of reopening consulates in Pontesi and Xsampa. "I think the Foreign Ministry is certain that there is interest in Xsampa, but we have yet to get into contact with Pontesi," said the Foreign Minister. "In both cases the consular services were suspended at some point in the past: In Xsampa's case, we pulled our staff within the last decade, as Xsampa signed treaties with Amudim. But, things have changed both within Kalistan and between Kalistan and the nations of the world, which remove barriers to restoring relations with Xsampa."

In Pontesi's case, the diplomatic mission ended long ago, due to lack of work between our two nations: Kalistan has had almost nothing to do with the Northeastern Majatran nation for decades. "Commerce and travel were nil, and there was really no reason for the consulate to be in Pontesi," said the Foreign Minister. He said the Empire centralized Northern Majatran Consular affairs in the Zardic Embassy, and expanded the Valruzian embassy to include at least some of the consular affairs for the region.

"I think it is time to revisit these two areas of the world," said Sir Harney. He also said Kalistan is hoping to revitalize Kalistani embassies in other parts of the world, including Dovani, where there seems to be a dearth of any sort of Kalistani diplomatic activity. "From Kalistan's perspective, there just isn't a lot for us to do on that continent," said Sir Harney. "Kalistan maintains minimal influence there, and it is clear that Dovanian nations do not care to seek us out either. They may be just on the other side of the Meridan Strait, but the entire continent may as well be on the moon from Kaliburg's view." Kalstan is definitely a nation that looks west at the world, which sets Dovani as the furthest west of all continents. "As far as trade, travel, and even culture is concerned, Dovani is a complete mystery. It is strange though, because Kalistan sees itself as the center of the entire universe. So... We should make a bit more of an effort to reach out to Dovani and try to understand them better."

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

As Egelion abandons Claims, Kalistan reasserts them
The only way this Nation will be whole is if our lands are restored, says Deputy Martin Ignacio del Caballo
Kalibrug, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 13, 5686


A reminder that Kalistan's Crownlands are significant, and unincorporated

Conservative Deputy Martin Ignacio del Caballo sat down with The National this week to discuss his recent efforts to push the National Government toward a more forward leaning stance regarding Kalistan's Crownlands. Ignacio is a deputy from Conservative stronghold Vrassa Free City, and he says the National Government needs to focus on pushing our Empire's legitimate historical claims across the Anantonese Empire's region, and possibly looking beyond the basin as well.

(The National's) M(egan) P(arker): Greetings Deputy, and thank you for sitting down with me today.

(Vrassa City Deputy) M(artin) I(gnacio del Caballo): Thank you. It's a pleasure. Your newspaper is my go to source for news from the correct perspective and I genuinely appreciate it. You all do not pull punches or hide your viewpoints behind some nonsensical fairness doctrine.

MP: Well, there's no law that requires us to report the other side, for sure.

MI: Thank God!

MP: Now, Deputy. You've made some waves on the floor of the National Assembly by calling for things like: Immediate and full annexation of Athosia, pursuit of crownlands claims in Dolgava, Lourenne and Seko, and a formal invitation to Lodamun to rejoin the Empire. The Chancellor has said this is a non-starter, and is also, in her words, against the law. She has the support of the Regent on this question. What do you plan to do to address the reluctance of the National Government to pursue Kalistan's legitimate historical claims?

MI: I am glad you asked. As you know, unfortunately, we Deputies don't have a lot of independent power. The Institutional arrangement is set up, correctly in my estimation, by the way, so that the Empress, or in this case, her Regent, has fiat, and that's the law. The Chancellor's job then is to see that that fiat is transformed into law, and our job as legislators, is to ensure that our constituent's interests are represented in that law, so its not too onerous or unpopular in its execution, so that the stakeholders all have some buy in, and that it will generally be followed and enforceable. That said then, my job is to bring my constituent's demands to the Chancellor of the Empire, and make sure their voices are included in the law, however that eventually comes out. And so that's what I am doing. We know there is widespread support across all sectors in Kalistan for annexation of Athosia as soon as possible, and so our job is to bring that public sentiment to the Chancellor, and make sure that she knows it, and make sure, by the way that the Regent knows it too. She could take over Athosia today if she wanted to. We hope she will one day want to. But it is clear, the only way this nation will be whole, and I'll add, secure, is if our lands are restored to their rightful owner, and in this case, that is the Empress of Ananto and Kalistan.

MP: How do you square your, some would say irredentist position with the current law which says the Empress may not force those claims?

MI: Well, I advocate changing the Crownlands Law which limits the ability of our Empress to take what is hers. The Chancellor won't even schedule a discussion of that law for a debate, let alone a vote, so we can't do anything about it until she does.

MP: Do you have the ability to force a vote then?

MI: No, and this is one of the reasons I am kind of on a national crusade to get people to write in and ask her to discuss with the Regent about changing the law. We are in a moment now, an inflection point. The Regent can do this. We know she wants to, though she would never say it in public. All of Kalistan would support her if she did. She'd be so popular if she just did the right thing regarding Athosia and our other crownlands.

MP: What do you think of nations like Egelion, who recently obliquely called comments in this very magazine "hateful" and abandoning their own Crown claims permanently?

MI: I don't think much of those comments by the Councilor, to be completely honest. Like all Kalistanis, I read the international papers religiously, and he's entitled to his opinion. I think abandonment of Crownlands claims is bad policy, obviously. I am a conservative and an imperialist. I believe accession of other nations to the Anantonese Empire is a positive thing. Mondragon disagrees and calls The National hateful. What I was actually far more interested in was their article on the new artist Rosaura, who is bringing together a new and interesting music style, and I join the rest of my nation in saying I look forward to following this young woman's career. If she decides to tour Kalistan, I would like to attend one of her shows, and will certainly support her career if she does grace us with her presence. Their King could possibly follow suit, if he has some spare time.

MP: Speaking again of the Anantonese Empire, you have also said in the past that you think nations outside the Anantonese Basin should be eligible for membership as constituent nations in the Anantonese Empire. Do you still hold those beliefs, now that you are a Deputy?

MI: I absolutely do. As every good nationalist in Kalistan should. Its the only way we can face the world of uncertainty. I know our current FM is a centrist and is relatively agnostic on the question, but his cheery and friendly demeanor covers for the fundamental principle in Kalistani foreign policy that everyone is literally always trying to kill us at all times. It's the most basic fact in Kalistan's reckoning of the entire world. We talk about our wars, not our peaces. We talk about those who try to take advantage of us and get over on us all the time, and we are surprised if a country actually wants to talk to us about cooperation. The funniest thing about it is, Kalistan is and has always been a force for good and right in this world. Always. And those principles have gone into the formulations of our Empire. There is a reason we would give our last imperial ruble to Gaduridos: We hold our friends so tightly because we don't have many of them. The more people who join this club the better it is for Kalistan, and the better it is for Kalistan, the better it is for the world.

You know, Megan... People have criticized Kalistan for adopting an arrogant tone toward the rest of the world. They think that we believe that we are the center of the universe, that we are the best nation in Terra. Do you know why they think that?

MP: Why Deputy Ignacio, do they think that?

MI: Because its true, and we know its true. I don't have to be a booster for this nation: Its greatness speaks for itself. But I ask then, why wouldn't we welcome other nations, outside of our little region of the world which also contains the other major player in the East, to join our Imperial Configuration. We don't ask much of our constituent nations. We seek unity of foreign policy aimed at keeping the Northern Anantonese Ocean safe and secure. That's not much. That means both working together directly for security, but also not inviting nations from other major blocs into the area so they can take advantage of our peace. If they want this sort of peace, they should form an Anantonese Empire of their own. I like other nations, but why would I want them around here if they were not here to build this place, if they were only here for their own benefit? We are not some other nation's colony. I asked that question when Istalia was planting its flag all over this region--Don't get me wrong. I'll buy Istalian goods in the stores like the next Kalistani--but do they need to buy into our ports and our infrastructure? I even feel the same about Tel Bira in Amudim.

In this I don't necessarily agree with the policies of our Regent and Foreign Ministry. I don't necessarily think the Majatrans have any business in the Ananontese Ocean. I may be in the minority. The way to counter the influence of a foreign incursion into our Ocean, or an aggressively expanding kingdom that seeks to turn itself into an empire while maintaining a façade of care for humanitarianism and self determination of foreign people, or a gang of foreign communists who neither know much about Seleya, nor care is to aggrandize our own capabilities to the greatest degree possible. This might include letting other nations join us in defending our part of the world under the AE Flag.

MP: Do you have anyone in mind?

MI: Wouldn't it be something if... No... That's probably not going to happen... No, I better not try to answer that question: I could get myself into trouble by getting out ahead of my skis...

MP: haha very well, understood. One last question. What are you looking forward to in this next year from Her Imperial Majesty's Government.

MI: I think Her Highness the Princess Regent would benefit from coming to the National Assembly and speaking with us, to hear directly from us what we are hearing from our constituents. Their Imperial Majesties the Emperor and Empress used to hold regular audiences with groups of us, to kind of let us tell them what the people were saying they needed. I know the Chancellor has kept the Princess on Light Duty over this last year, and I pray every single night for her, but at some point, we need the opportunity to really talk with her, not simply see her in passing, or when she comes to the Assembly to preside over some pro forma thing in the Assembly. I think those audiences should begin again next year at the earliest. She may still be ill, but she needs to step up and start acting as the Acting Monarch, so when Her Imperial Majesty reaches her majority, she is not behind playing catch up.

MP: Have you had the opportunity to hold formal audience with Her Imperial Majesty, Empress in Waiting Carolina-Katherine Michelle Ananto-Connor?

MI: I did last month, with 14 other Deputies, yes.

MP: How did you find the Empress in Waiting?

MI: It was the highlight of my legislative career, to be honest. I got to meet the late Emperor and Empress many times during my 10 years at the National Assembly, but I will tell you, Her Imperial Majesty seems naturally intellectually curious, and asked us several questions about where we are from and what our constituents are like which I wouldn't have expected from such a young child. It was refreshing and I know, speaking for all of my colleagues, it was an experience that I can probably say was pretty awesome.

MP: The Empress in Waiting asked you questions? Is that unusual?

MI: Well, the Chancellor asked us the questions. The Empress in Waiting sat next to the Princess Regent and neither of them spoke at all during the audience except to the Chancellor. The Empress in Waiting was not allowed to speak, but I knew the questions came from her. I could just tell, you know.

MP: Of course. Well, thank you for your time, Deputy Ignacio.

MI: Oh of course, Ms. Parker. Anytime. I am always happy to talk to The National.

@TheNational