Luthori

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Luthori | Politics | Editorial
Jay Parkford, future Prime Minister or the danger to Luthorian democracy?
June 5723

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Incoming Prime Minister Jay Parkford has been gloating over his party’s electoral victory tonight, as after fifteen years in the opposition, seven different party leaders and factional infighting, the Conservative Party is projected to secure a majority in the Imperial Diet and will return to 10 Crown Street in the next few days, after their leader, Jay Parkford has met with His Majesty the Emperor to be formally appointed as the next Prime Minister.

Mr. Parkford was elected as the Leader of the Conservative Party after a bitter and divisive party leadership struggle in 5717 – overthrowing relatively moderate leader Jake Sullivan after what was seen as the party’s “inherent weakness to the question of the day” following the 5717 rail strike, in which Mr. Sullivan had prioritised a collaborative approach alongside Schnee’s government in regards to the peaceful resolution of the strikes, an approach which was widely criticised by the right-wing Conservatives, specifically those on the Identity Study Committee.

Following the resolution of the strikes, he announced that he was challenging the Leader to an “open leadership election”, promising to “bring the Tories back from the weakness and division that the current leadership brought us in”, he moreover vowed to not stop until all the leadership was deposed by the “untameable wave of fellow Luthorian patriots”.

The race was bitter, both candidates calling each other names, Parkford denounced Sullivan as a “traitor” to the conservative cause, meanwhile Labour was rejoicing as their main rivals were engulfed in yet another leadership crisis. Ultimately, Parkford was declared the winner, with 58.21% of the vote, becoming the sixth Conservative leader in over a decade since their removal from office.

Parkford is, and even was at that time, considered as a “right-wing populist”, who branded the issues of the Conservative Party as it being “too moderate” or “having moved on from real right-wing values,” even though the future Prime Minister can be considered as such, he lacks the anti-establishment credentials to cement him as the “great conservative revolutionary” that some alt-right social media accounts have made look like, he remains a deeply traditionalist figure, favourable to the upholding of Luthori’s traditional rather undemocratic state apparatus (maintain the House of Peers), remains firmly monarchist, is considered as the de facto leader of the Identity Study Committee, is close to figures such as Lord Byron, Conservative leader in the Peers and favourable to the cause of the free-market, through these stances we could think he’s a rather, orthodox figure in the Tory Party.

But one thing that separates him from his peers, is his rabid nationalist sentiment. Once a member of pro-monarchy and far-right groups in his youth, he entered politics in the Conservative Party at a young age, embracing radical right-wing politics, such as his quasi-unshakeable belief in the Imperial Luthorian Army, who he described as the “last remaining institution capable of standing up to chaos and eternal damnation” in a speech in 5720. 

He has stated that if, he was to become Prime Minister, his motto would be “Faith, Nation and Emperor”, the faith describing his Hosian (Luthorian) roots and his wish to enhance the position of the Holy Luthori Church in society, “Nation” describing his wish to restore primacy to national interests and an implicit endorsement of the “Luthori First” agenda, expressing deep distrust for Labour-led initiative such as the “Luthori-Dovani Reconciliation Fund”, with him saying that “Luthori has nothing to apologise for!” in a 5716 speech at a rally opposing the fund’s continued existence. “Emperor” is simple, representing his complete devotion towards the Imperial institution.

“We are here for a simple thing, to create a better nation for our children and to enhance the glory of the Empire” said Mr. Parkford is his victory speech, using a surprisingly moderate tone as he made it, vowing to become the Prime Minister for “all” and to serve the nation with the best of his abilities, however, he confirmed that his premiership was going to see “great and tremendous changes for the nation”, journalists asked him about his motto but he declined to comment.

“The natural party of government is back; we’ll get to work immediately and strive to restore our nation’s standing after years of incompetency reigning at the highest levels of governance.”

“We are seeing the start of a great national renewal, one that I'll be honoured to guide for the next five years”, he concluded.

Ultimately, his ascension into the premiership represents a sharp turn to the right for the Empire, who was used to the left-wing-to-center politics dominated by the National Labour Party under Holian-Keaty, Schnee and Trowler. Mr. Parkford represents a new form of Luthorian politics – one more right-wing, uncompromising in its beliefs, militaristic than any previous Conservative administration that we’ve had in this century.

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Foreign Department officials and journalists have been summoned at Blackhall Palace for an impromptu press conference, which aimed at detailing Luthori’s position in regards to the events happening in Xsampa. While political organisations and nations have quickly rose to their feet to condemn the Custodian’s (Xsampa’s head of state) attempt at “unilaterally usurp power from the elected representative of the [Xsampan] people,” others have been much more nuanced, with a clear group of supporters to the Custodian making themselves clearer day by day. In Luthori’s case, it’s difficult to understand what the government’s statement would be. On one hand, there is to understand that the main conservative worry in terms of foreign policy is always instability and its rapid expansion if things aren’t controlled.

“What Luthori fears, is that the Red Bass Ocean or the Sovereign Sea become a lot more dangerous with the current instability in Xsampa, which has traditionally acted as a guardian of stability in these waters” said an anonymous Foreign Office spokesperson stated in relation to the rapidly evolving situation in Xsampa. 

Luthorian commercial interests being threatened, the Fort William Stock Exchange reacted negatively to the invocation of the New Democracy Act by the Custodian. Stocks from shipping corporations such as SouthSeas, WarrenGlobal or NOMC saw their values decrease by digits going from 5% to 7% in merely a day. These financial repercussions are sending shockwaves through Luthori’s trade industry, who now fears that the episode of instability in Xsampa might be going on for years.

Calls have echoed from Luthorian business leaders to recognise the “current situation in the land”, so as to recognise the Custodian’s invocation of the New Democracy Act as an “emergency and temporary procedure, as recognised by the Xsampan Constitution.” From the perspective of an anonymous official in shipping, “The hope was to pressure the government to act in a way that reassert that stability and the sanctity of Luthorian trade routes remain Luthori’s guiding principle in foreign policy”

This position comes in opposition to the Labour government’s PEAK doctrine, which emphasised the defence of peace, democracy and human rights as the guiding principle of Luthorian foreign policy, one that was followed dutifully by succeeding Labour governments. Prime Minister Parkford embarked in his premiership with a policy agenda aimed at “breaking” with Labour’s “legacy of weakness,” which includes their foreign policy.

In a statement, Number 10 reaffirmed that “Luthori’s relationship with Xsampa remain unchanged, regardless of governments,” furthermore, in a tacit criticism of Egelion’s approach, Luthori’s statement address that the “Xsampan people do not have to suffer the consequences of their nation’s instability”, adding that “Luthori’s economic and trade relations with Xsampa will remain unchanged.”

In a later press conference, the Foreign Secretary, Sir Peter Leonard said that “Luthori hopes for the quick return of stability in Xsampa, but we do not believe that sanctioning or embargoing the nation will change anything to the situation, rather it will do the opposite.” When asked about the Luthorian Foreign Office’s view on the Custodian’s invocation of the New Democracy Act, he said that “Luthori has stated that our relationship will remain unchanged regardless of government, however, we do recognise it as a fait-accompli and will continue exchanges with Xsampa, under this new government.”

Furthermore, a Foreign Office spokesperson stated informally that “the New Democracy Act is written as an emergency and temporary measure in Xsampa’s laws and customs. As such, we do believe that the Custodian’s invocation of it remains legal, as stated by Xsampan courts which haven’t ruled out against his invocation of said law.”

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Taggle enters smartphone market with aim at becoming top company by 5750.
January 5724

Taggle, a start-up founded in Northminster has announced their intention to “break the smartphone market” in communication on social media, the company said that the Luthorian smartphone market is “similar to the state of the world – in decline” and that a “new wave of modern ideas and thinking” was needed to “get the market moving again.”

This bold declaration on social media reflects the company’s wishes to distance itself from its potential rivals, by showing a younger approach in communication, privileging social media to traditional media outlets. CEO Brad Granger announced in a video posted on social media that Taggle was entering the smartphone market following 8 years since their foundation.

“We’re proud to announce that the first iteration of the Tagphone will be released on April 5.” he said in this video address, moreover, he said that the Tagphone will be the “smartphone that will define this new era of technological advancement,” in a stunning show of defiance towards his potential competitors. The Tagphone has been described by his designer as the “most futuristic phone of this generation” a nicknamed which was embraced by the media as well.

The Financial Inquirer’s Sarah Rumsfield tried the new Tagphone ahead of the 5724 Luthorian Tech Expo held in Alchester, from January 28 to March 4.

A simple smartphone, but larger than normal, with an integration of Hallowsoft’s system and the direct integration of VestriAI 3.0, the third iteration of the Luthorian AI within the Tagphone. Adding to this, is one of the highest quality cameras available, with five cameras being placed on the new device.

Simply put, according to Taggle’s owners, the Tagphone will be “THE revelation of the 58th century”.

“We are aiming for excellence, and we believe that this phone will provide both for us and the customers”, a senior official stated. 

The opening prices are set at £1.000, Taggle justifies it by stating the “cost of production far outweighs any lower price that we could have implemented, threatening the economic sustainability of the product”

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Blackhall Palace’s position on the Xsampan crisis has been remarked to have been “...tacit acceptance...” of the Custodian’s rule over the Dovanian nation, however, Luthori continues to state that the Empire merely aims at “...reassert her position that stability in international waters is paramount to Luthori’s interests...”

However, today, at the Oliver Brennett Press Room, the foreign office’s spokesperson, Jonathan Matter while answering a standard Q&A session at his podium, answering questions from a crowd of eager journalists from every mainstream media outlet, embarked into a sharp criticism of some nations’ “...suspicious and ill-intended...” behaviour during the crisis, notably criticising the Institute for Egelian Diplomacy for their diplomacy “built on arrogance and severe projection,” even among their partners.

“...It is understandable that numerous states issue their vocal opposition to the Custodian’s actions, however, it is a perplex choice of words in Egelion’s part.” he said regarding the Egelian’s strong condemnation of the Custodian’s action to invoke the New Democracy Act.

He stressed that in Luthori’s view, the Custodian’s action to invoke the New Democracy Act “remained perfectly under his prerogatives” and added that it wasn’t “Luthori’s place to meddle her way in the domestic affairs of other nations.”

“...It is quite worrying that the first Egelian attempt at diplomacy regarding the Xsampan dossier, is to immediately resort to aggressive language and positioning, that’s quite unfortunate on our end. Luthori remains cautious on the affair, awaiting the judgement of the Custodian’s actions by Xsampan courts, but Egelion has immediately thrown the weight of potential sanctions or, embargo upon Xsampan goods to indirectly increase the pressure towards the Supreme Revolutionary Court...” Mr. Matter said regarding the Egelian response to the crisis unfolding in Xsampa, furthermore, he stated that “...Egelion is using the threat of economic warfare against one of its own allies to pressure its judiciary to establish a ruling favourable to her interests and to the preservation of her informal sphere of influence in Dovani...”

“That is, in my view, quite unfortunate, and quite an unfortunate detail of how Egelian authorities hold their partnerships with Dovanian nations. They do not see them as partners, with whom they could co-operate in every single situation, they see them as puppets, that need to be forced to stay in line if the threat of them drawing away from the Kingdom becomes clearer day by day. How can they do that? By threats, here the mere threat of economic warfare is used to preserve their influence over Dovani.”

When asked about whether or not, in his view, Egelion would have had the same reaction if the Custodian was pro-Egelian and not the skeptic of the Altéa Accords that he’s today, Mr. Matter responded by saying that “...while creating uchronia aren’t my best ability, I could see Egelion not reacting in the same way that they’ve done here, merely calling for the return of calm and deferring the situation to Xsampan officials...”

When a journalist from the Times (Susan Lee) challenged the press spokesperson’s statement, by saying that Egelion’s motives are, according to the IDE, “...striving to the steadfast removal of the emergency powers and the restoration of democratic rule in Xsampa...” He answered that Luthori remained committed to seeing this being the case as well, but stressed that the Custodian has some anti-Egelian sentiment in his policies, warranting such an Egelian response: “...You’ve never seen a nation threatening plunging people into poverty in order to restore democracy, haven’t you?”

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LEA President warns that Xsampa’s continued instability might impact trade possibilities.
June 5724

Following the resolution of Xsampa’s political crisis with the Supreme Revolutionary Court ruling against the Custodian’s invocation of the New Democracy Act, the Luthorian Employers’ Association has warned about “...sustained instability...” hindering bilateral trade between Luthori and Xsampa. Patrick Lloyd-George addressed this risk during an assembly gathering numerous Luthorian business leaders, expressing doubts that Xsampa’s political situation shall resolve itself quietly.

“...While the catastrophic threat of Egelian embargo on Xsampan goods has been narrowly avoided, which would have sent the Xsampan economy into an immediate ‘panic’ mode situation, it remains to be seen if Xsampa will choose stability over chaos in the next election...” he said to the crowded assembly, he explained that the risk were “...heavy in terms of economic consequences...”, pointing out that New Verham was in a state of recession due to their reliance upon Xsampan trade. He moreover stated that Xsampa “...is the vital link of most modern Dovanian economies, by virtue of its large economy...” but that didn’t mean that “...it is a particularly comfortable position for other Dovani nations...” He argues that while the status of Xsampa as the premier economic and commercial partner of numerous Dovanian state come in handy when “...embracing the perfidious ideal of continental self-sustainability...”, it does quickly run short when the “usually dominant nation” in the equilibrium starts to unravel.

“I think it’s a fitting lesson for everyone, no nation must be dependent upon another”, the LEA President said regarding the recession in New Verham. “Regardless, it is a simple fact, Xsampa’s instability will hinder her trade possibilities for the near future, as more nations will likely try to move away from their reliance on Xsampan goods to find other international trade partners to reduce their reliance on the Xsampan economy...”

In regards to Xsampan-Luthorian economic relations following the rejection of the invocation of the New Democracy Act by the Custodian. He said that even though Luthori had tacitly supported the Custodian, the Luthorian position was built upon the temporary status of this measure and that Luthori “...has always the return to democracy following the restoration of stability...”, he added that he believes that “...the instability caused the ruling will continue to negatively impact bilateral trade relations...”, in this situation, he called upon the Luthorian government to “...seriously consider the possibility of forging new trade relationships with other Dovanian states rather than Xsampa...”, stating that “Xsampa remains the paramount economic power in the Eastern Hemisphere, but with the recent political situation remaining highly volatile, I believe that it’s a pressing matter so as to study the possibility of exploring alternative trade relations with other partners in the Eastern Dovani Seaboard...”

Xsampan-Luthorian relations have begun to have been called into question following the ruling of the SRC, as Luthori’s tacit pro-Custodian stance will, undoubtely cause issues if the Democratic Opposition successfully reclaims office following the elections due to be held before the end of the summer. The question now arise, will the Democratic Opposition pursue a campaign of retribution towards any supporters of the Custodian, both domesticially and internationally? 

“...Luthori’s stance towards stable governance might cost some goodwill from the Xsampans, forcing the Luthorians towards gradual rethinking of the relationship...” said Paul Vyers, international studies professor at the University of Middenhall.

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“Rather unfortunate and totally avoidable defeats” recognises Roses’ head coach in Six Nations Tournament.
June 5724

“Of course, it’s a disappointing performance, first march against Mordusia, we lose on the slimmest of margins, the boys gave everything they could, but it wasn’t successful. However, the match against Kalistan was a disaster. [...] There’s no way around it.”

This was the solemn declaration that the head of Luthori’s national rugby team had to say during a press conference following the highly-anticipated march against Kalistan, which the Roses lost by 10-42, a total humiliation for those who were considered to have been among the favourites to win the tournament. Blame was placed on the shoulders of Head Coach Robert Mell, whose tactics were attacked for having been “unprepared for the Kalistani onslaught” according to one editorial for the Times. For his part, the Roses’ head coach recognised his “fair share of the blame” in the recent streak of defeats. “Obviously my tactics and the way we played against Kalistan were both lacking, totally unacceptable for a nation of our standards [...] we should have been prepared at 100% to not have been caught off guard by this relentless team...”

While recognising his responsibility for the team’s misfortunes in Valruzia, the Luthorian head coach also sharply attacked the Luthorian media for their perceived “mistreatment” of his players: “...Look, I know that losing 10-42 is a lot to handle, but c’mon, cut them (the players) some slack. The treatment of some of you guys towards this team has been borderline unbearable to watch, when we win, we are celebrated, but when we lose, some of you guys, have called us traitors, telling us we should get off the team. What is this treatment? [...] Do you want to create a trust-worthy environment in this field, then posting such stories will not help, quite the contrary.”

Some articles posted on social media by independent journalists have been sharply criticising the team since the beginning of the tournament, with other anoynmous social media accounts insulting the team due to its bad results. However, others have defended the team, high-profile personas having taken the stand to support the Luthorian national team, even in defeat. Furthermore, Mr. Mell boldly stated that Luthori would win the 5723 men tournament of the Six Nations and bring “the trophy home with us”, threatening his resignation if his promise wasn’t fulfilled: “Mark my words, we’re gonna win this tournament and if we don’t, I’ll be gone by the next day.”

This statement alone has sparked huge debate on social media and in news, with some users jokingly stating that the head coach “placed all his aura in a once-in-a-generation moment”, in more traditional news setting, some journalists argue that this promise was “necessary” to “give a confidence boost to the team and a thing that they all want to see, the continuation of their coach’s contract with the national team.” Rugby fans asked in Fort William if the coach’s promise was possible, were more sceptical: “I feel like we’re not going to make it, like, the two last matches were very disappointing and even quite painful to watch, so, I don’t see us winning the tournament” said Rory, 47, a life-long-time fan of rugby. On the opposite, Stanley, 33, offer us a more positive version of events: “We can win, we have the team, we have the fans, it’s not two matches that have defined us in the past nor will in the present, we’ve come back from worse situation that this, and I’m confident we can pull it off.”

While the male team is current in crisis mode, the female team, while losing their recent match against Valruzia have received praise for their “talented style of play”, furthermore, the women matches are receiving far more attention from the mainstream public due to the female and male Six Nations Tournaments being held simultaneously. “The recent push of female rugby isn’t due to chance at all, it due to the talents of the national women’s rugby team, their strong performances among other things.” said female rugby commentator and former coach of Union Alchester, Paola Brettford.

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The last Labour government introduced the multi-billion-pound naval procurement program in 5721, aimed at replacing current naval vessels and enhancing the capabilities of the Luthorian Navy throughout the world, this program was carried on for the last three years by navy and private contractors’ R&D departments collaborating for the creation of a new type of frigates and destroyers. The used Type-67 destroyer and the Type-40 frigate are due to be replaced by these naval vessels as soon as development and construction are concluded.

Internal backlash against the Labour governments’ peace-minded foreign policy forced the then-Prime Minister, Dr. Henry Schnee to push this program to reclaim some lost goodwill among Luthori’s warhawk populace.

This multi-billion-pound naval procurement program aim at dramatically increasing the size of the Luthorian Navy by adding 8 new destroyers and 8 new frigates to the total ship count of the Imperial Luthorian Navy, increasing the number of ships from 72 to 88 naval vessels operated by the Imperial Navy, this move is aimed at the creation of a new naval fleet.

This afternoon, the Prime Minister addressed the gathered crowd of engineers, after a December 5723 decision to greenlight the production process following two years of design development by Reynolds Heavy Industries, during this address, he stated that the “age of instability” that was rocking the world could only be settled “...by the unity of the nation behind its military might...”, he moreover said that Luthori has a “...clear responsibility...” to protect her and her close partners’ interests throughout the world and for this to happen, Luthori does need a “...large and prepared military force, which would be ready throughout the globe to enforce her will...” In conclusion of his address, the Prime Minister stated that he was ultimately “...a peace-minded figure, but if push comes to shove, we can’t hesitate to defend our interests in the world stage, after all, our credibility as a power pass by our resolute assertiveness to act if our interests are threatened...”

The Prime Minister also revealed the names of the two new naval vessels that will be produced, the Type-24 destroyer and the Type-36 frigate. The Type-24 destroyer was named after the year 5724, while the Type-36 frigate draws its inspiration from the late Emperor’s reign years (73 years), which were used to name this new frigate. The Type-24 destroyer will include numerous updates in comparison to the Type-67 destroyer, including the inclusion of updated cruise missiles, which are a part of Luthori’s ongoing missile development program.

The Type-24 destroyer is meant to become Luthori’s naval backbone, with the Type-36 frigate acting as one of its auxiliaries.

These new missiles are expected to enhance these new destroyers’ attacking capabilities – alongside Luthori’s satellite program, which was suspended by former Prime Minister Holian-Keaty in a bid to increase Luthori’s so-called “...moral standing...” at the cost of her security, the program was recently reinstated as a “top priority” by Prime Minister Parkford who stated that he wished to break from Labour’s “...unfortunate attempt at weakening our nation by trying to play nice to a world that doesn’t need it...”, the former Prime Minister stated during an event held by the pacifist organisation Peace Ticket that “...Luthori’s militant militarism is a worrying sight for everyone, one that I’ve fought against but seems to be quickly coming back under this government...”

In related news, the government also revealed that the contract for the construction of both military vessels was awarded, without much surprise to Reynolds Heavy Industries, the company had been heavily involved in the designing process for both the Type-36 frigate and the Type-24 destroyer, with the juicy £35.9 billion contract being awarded to them. Although impressive in practice, the government awarded Reynolds with the status of “privileged” shipbuilder, underlining the fact that multiple shipbuilders will be needed to produce these new vessels. According to government sources, it is hoped that the program will come at its conclusion in ten years, when it is stated by both government and corporate sources that the last Luthorian Type-67 would have been replaced by a new Type-24.

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Prime Minister and Defence Sec. draw controversy by attending Trooping the Colour parade
October 5724

Fort William, Luthori – Prime Minister Jay Parkford and Defence Secretary Jaxon Howfart have participated in the annual Trooping the Colour military parade in Fort William, which celebrates the Emperor’s official birthday. While involvement from the imperial family is usual, the presence of the Prime Minister or any other Cabinet ministers has been unheard of throughout history. Both officials participated in a limited capacity, saluting the troops, while the bulk of the ceremony was conducted by the imperial family.

Both officials were also absent from the traditional balcony appearance following the parade. 

The Prime Minister addressed his and the Defence Secretary’s presence at the traditional birthday parade: “...we’ve been present to this wonderful celebration of His Imperial Majesty’s anniversary to reaffirm the ancestral ties that exist between Crown, Parliament and the Army...the former giving their legitimacy to the two others...”

This “rabid nationalism” of the Prime Minister, as observed by the Weekly Telegraph has concerned some Luthorian opposition officials, who have called the attendance of the Prime Minister at the Trooping the Colour, a “national disgrace” (Ted Law, Shadow Health Secretary), adding to the criticism, the Prime Minister’s post-event declaration also raised some eyebrows on Mr. Parkford’s commitment to the separation of powers in Luthorian politics.

“...The Prime Minister has breached a very delicate line, the civilian government, the military and the Crown are supposed to remain separate, now the Prime Minister, one year into his term is seemingly trying to rewrite the definition of Luthorian democracy...” said Times’ editorialist, Jennifer Gates in a column attacking the Prime Minister for his presence at the event. 

During the ceremony in itself, the Prime Minister, while in attendance, wearing a morning suit, mostly performed little in the actual ceremony, with merely a small moment being added where the Prime Minister, in a car would salute the troops alongside the Defence Secretary. But the Prime Minister’s mere presence was unusual and controversial enough to draw attention from the wider public. 

This act merely adds upon the Prime Minister’s already detailed list of nationalist speeches and actions, which drew increased scrutiny over the years and with his rise within the Tory Party.

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Foreign Dep’t weighes options with Xsampa as it concludes NE-Luthori Trade Agreement
November 5724

Fort William, Luthori – The halls of Blackhall were busy with activity as Luthori concluded a bilateral trade agreement with the New Englians. While negotiations started following Ms. Hughes-Murray's inauguration as Prime Minister in 5720 – they were hastily accelerated by both governments following the recent episode of instability in Xsampa.

Both Prime Ministers (Parkford & Hughes-Murray) signed the agreement in Bridgemont, with the Luthorian Prime Minister’s Office follow-up comments being overwhelmingly positive. 

The agreement includes the end of bilateral trade barriers on specific goods which both states targeted for import and export duties. 

To quote an anonymous Foreign Office official: “Xsampan affairs made the trade agreement even more appetizing for both as the threat of an unstable Xsampa negatively impacting their economies was too big to ignore”.

Prime Minister Parkford received his first real foreign policy victory, as the signature of the trade agreement strengthened his image among the large commercial pressure groups and the business elites.

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The signature of the trade agreement has called into question the relationship in limbo that Luthori currently holds with Xsampa. Owing to its previous recognition of the Custodian’s coup attempt, Blackhall officials recognised that dialogue with the incoming government in the next couple of weeks was going to be “key” in order to settle the relationship.

“We want to preserve existing ties,” said Jeoffrey Ants, Luthorian Ambassador to Xsampa to state media; “Luthori remains certain that the continuation and expansion of the current relationship between the two nations is of at both states’ benefit.”

Luthori’s future relationship with Xsampa considering its tacit and reluctant support for the Custodian was also mentioned in other high-stake talks, such as with Kalistani envoy, Ellen Hedges, during his passage in Luthori.

Blackhall is stated to be “weighing options” about its future policy, remaining blurry concerning the meaning of this statement; “It just means that we’re reviewing options, nothing more about this;” said a senior Blackhall official, who also rejected the signature of the New Englia-Luthori Trade Agreement as a mean to distance itself from Xsampa: “We’ve been negotiating this agreement since 5720, it would ludicrous to state that it’s a sign of an anti-Xsampan stance [...] we remain committed at the maintenance of ties between Fort William and Metz-Leonid – as we are with all of our Dovani partners.”

“We are simply boosting our trade with alternative partners, and I fail to see where it’s a problem.” he concluded.

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Executives from Luthori’s shipping industry have shown to have been “content” with the fallout. SouthSeas Group CEO commented on the possibility of “increased involvement” in the Eastern Hemisphere following the signature of the agreement.

Following the failure of Luthori’s mid-5610 bid for New Englian petroleum, the trade agreement comes as a reinsurance of Luthori’s relationship with New Englia in terms of trade. 

Stock prices for numerous shipping corporations have rose by some points in the last few years, synonym of good momentum and confidence from investors.

@NLB News

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The Navy Headquarters communicated on Luthori’s naval course – following the implementation of a decade-long military rearmament process, which will notably include the upgrade of military hardware, notably with the replacement of the ILN’s outdated tech.

Before a limited crowd of journalists, the Imperial Navy’s spokesperson addressed the new changes that will come into effect by January 1, 5725. That is, the dissolution of both the Home and Southern Fleets and their replacement by the Homeland and Prosperity (ex-Southern) Fleet.

While a change in name, the Naval Staff stated that these changes were “cosmetic only.”

“Changing the fleet’s name only reduce their geographical attachments but doesn’t change their purpose.”

The Homeland Fleet will still be tasked with protecting Luthori’s interests in the Artanian Sea and the Migrants’ Pass, while the Prosperity Fleet will be tasked with protecting and projecting Luthorian power in the South Ocean.

“As a global power, we have the responsibility and capability to project our power on all the seas and oceans of Terra, and of course, this will do just that.”

He moreover added that the “real” change will not be in the naming of fleets, but in the organisation of fleets from now on, the Luthorian Navy beginning to privilege small, coordinated or independent actions from smaller actors on the battlefield.

As one representative put it: “It’s merely fixing what should have been done decades ago, finally adapting Luthorian naval forces to modern warfare.”

“Luthorian fleets shall largely adopt the current institutional naval mindset and organisation, which, of course, has proven time and time it’s efficiency in ensuring the creation of a large, coordinated, yet independent naval forces under different regional commands”, it was stated as a welcomed change by most naval observers.

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Luthorian fleets will now be organised as follows: Fleets (Squadrons + CSG), Squadrons (10 to 25 naval vessels), Flotillas (5-10 vessels of a similar type [ie: destroyers, submarines]) and finally Section (2-4 ships working in cohesion) and with Carrier Strike Groups being separate.

Luthori’s two main carrier strike groups will remain, as such remain independent and versatile in their deployments.

“Sending an aircraft carrier is a message, and one not to be taken lightly, a CSG must remain a deterrent, one that is easy to use at our advantage [...] as such, ensuring her independence and granting her freedom of action, under strict supervision of Navy Headquarters remains a paramount policy”, a leaked memo from the Citadel state in relation to the maintenance of the policy.

This newfound reorganisation will also mean the end of the independent Submarine Command, which was unaffiliated to any fleets and was meant to allow for the distribution of submarines in a case-to-case basis.

The Homeland and Prosperity Fleets both have one aircraft carrier group each, the first is the CSG “Regina” docked at Middenhall and affiliated with the Imperial Navy’s Home (now Homeland) Fleet and the other is the CSG “Clockwork” deployed alongside the Prosperity Fleet.

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One of the Imperial Luthorian Navy’s main weakness, according to Chief of Naval Staff Jonathan Boer, is the lack of a “standardized” classification of fleets and the lack of “...extensive and thorough usage of potential standardised classification system”.

“It’s a typical reorganisation per se, being merely a statement of fact and a reaffirmation of Luthori’s current deployments.” he said, before assessing that “the world’s environment is currently quite peaceful, albeit instability is always luring in the corner, as such we need to be prepared for a likely bleak future”

Answering to the limited critics about this reform, he stated that the ILN merely “came back to the system that it first used before experimenting with others type of command structure, some innovative and others more traditionalist. We are merely aligning Luthori with the mainstream international vision of what a navy should look like.”

Furthermore, he added that the new designation and organisation would help the Imperial Luthorian Navy to be “better organised with strategic moves planification”.

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The Navy Headquarters also released a map of current (notable) Luthorian naval deployments in the Western Hemisphere, using the new system as a basis of organisation.