Kalistan

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Her Imperial Majesty asks that most of Wilson Hill be declared a Park
House Ananto donates much of Wilson Hill to cause of Natural Recreation
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 5, 5590


Much of Wilson Hill is depopulated since reign of Emperor Fredrick II Ananto

Her Imperial Majesty has asked that most of Wilson Hill in southern Kaliburg be turned into a City Park for the enjoyment and outdoor recreation of the City's inhabitants. The reguest was made to Lord Mayor Gregory Rodriguez, who governs the City and chairs the Free City's Council. The Lord Mayor is likely to act on the Empress' request and will create Wilson Hill Municipal Park adjacent to the National Seashore already located on the Peninsula.

"House Ananto has owned the hill outright since the Prince Regent, Bjorn Ananto-Nordholm for Emperor Fredrick II Ananto purchased the land from the residents there 55 years ago," said Lord Mayor Rodriguez. "Emperor Fredrick lived there with Empress Pavlina until his death, and then when Pavlina moved to Eveari, she gave the home and land to then Princess Carolina, who has lived there ever since. Wilson House now serves as the Royal Palace, Residence, and personal Offices for both Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto and His Highness, Prince Consort Dr. William Ananto-Sandoval, who continues to direct the Ananto Growers' Syndicate. They have also kept two dozen homes in the immediate vicinity open, and use those either as guest residences for VIPs from out of country, or have offered several as office space for local Kalistani Charities."

Most of the former residences on the Hill, which used to serve Kaliburg as its neighborhood for urban elites, have been demolished and the land turned back to wilderness decades ago. The only developments in the area was the construction of Wilson Hill Amphitheater, that serves as a year round concert and theater space, which the Royal Family frequents on a regular basis.

"What her Imperial Majesty envisions for the Park is a series of hiking and biking trails that will allow outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to experience the natural canopy of Wilson Hill. The Hill itself is fairly steep, with an average grade on the roads of more than 12%, so she's had most of the roads taken out, except one main road that takes automobiles to the Amphitheater. The rest of the former right of way will become dirt tracks that will allow people to walk down broad treelined boulevards where they can see wild life, contemplate the babbling brooks that rise at natural artesian springs, and enjoy nature right here in Kaliburg. The new park would cover more than 1900 acres, leaving about 550 acres to the Wilson House Complex and would be open to the public year round.

The City Government is expected to act upon the petition by Her Imperial Majesty within 2 months.

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The Smash "Un Mes Mas tardes" Comes to Sulari
Gaduri Debut sells out across Kalistan
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
July 30, 5590


Lead Actor Mario Montes helms new Gaduri Zombie Film

In a film that essentially reenergizes, and can serve to upend the traditional Zombie movie formula, the Gaduri box office smash hit "Un Mes Mas Tardes" debuted in Sulari to a sellout crowd.  Gaduri actor Mario Montes was at the Kalistani premier, which opened two weeks after debuting in Gaduridos, and was on hand to introduce the film with co-directors Maria Ynez-Cabrera and Alejandro de la Calle.  The film premiered at Sulari's famed Star Theater and saw three showings on Opening night including a midnight showing.  Montes, Ynez, and de la Calle were on hand for the first showing, and then Montes returned for the overnight showing.

The film, which follows the exploits of Joel Morillo who wakes up into a zombie apocalypse which is in full swing, was filmed in Gaduridos, staring an all Gaduri cast, and employing an all Gaduri Crew.  Republican Pictures collaborated with the new Gaduri Production Company, Peliculas Primeras, to secure funding for the film, and to market the movie both in Gaduridos and abroad.

"Nos encantó tener la oportunidad de trabajar con Republican Pictures" said Ynez. "Reconocieron nuestra visión y buscaron ayudarnos a hacerla realidad. Esto es solo el comienzo. ¡No hay límites para lo que podemos hacer a partir de ahora!"  Since opening, the film has grossed more than ₭65 million in Gaduridos, and an additional ₭5 million during its opening weekend in Kalistan.  The film cost a meager ₭4.5 million to produce, making it one of the most successful films in recent memory, and will allow Peliculas Premeras to produce additional films with higher budgets and branch out into commercial television as it wants to.

"Esta película ha tenido mucho más éxito del que imaginábamos," said Ynez. "Como resultado, podremos abordar muchos más proyectos este año y podremos hacerlo sin tener que buscar financiación fuera de Gaduridos."  Ynes and de la Calle said they want to produce more films in the horror movie genre, because, as "Un Mes Mas Tardes" suggests, there is an appetite in both Gaduridos and Kalistan for the genre.  There may already be a sequel in the works.

What Kalistani audiences liked most about the film was that it measured the social commentary against the frightening action and the long periods of quiet throughout the movie.  "There were parts where is was white knuckle, on the edge of your seat action, like when Zombies were coming for him," said Sulari viewer Randy Block.  "But I think the most terrifying thing was the Directors' use of silence.  Yes, the zombies ran, like wild animals and a lot of that was kind of gross when they were eating people, but the scariest moments for me were the times when he had to be perfectly still and quiet.  The zombies hunted Joel, and you almost didn't even want to breathe in the theater because you felt that any sound at all would alert them...  It was full of suspense."

Others praised the character development.  "We really cheered for Joel," said Tamara Wallace, who saw the film overnight.  "He was a good guy, not too good as to be unbelievable, but good enough that you wanted him to win even if he did some despicable things to try to survive.  And then when he found the survivors, you transferred your hope for him onto all of them.  The characters were all very engaging, well, the ones who weren't Zombies."

"Un Mes Mas Tardes" will play in Kalistan for the next month, and will open in Kaliburg, Eshar, and Port Swedes this week.  It will also open in Lodamun, and across Seleya, Artania and Keris following its run in Kalistan and Gaduridos.

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Empress orders strengthening of Sanctions against Kundrati
Goal is to "strangle fascism" out of existence in Kundrati
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
January 1, 5591


Her Imperial Majesty orders sharpening of sanctions in Kalistan

Following the removal of the sanctions regime for Likatonia, and the positive reports of the potential decrease in activity in Kundrati, Anantonese officials were optimistic about the progress in rolling back fascism on the Artanian Continent. But reports of the return of the fascist leader Bronislav that came out early last summer forces a quick course reversal in Kaliburg. Over the fall, Her Imperial Majesty, Her Minister for Foreign Affairs, Her Finance Minister, and her Minister for Trade drafted new Embargo restrictions aimed at, as the Finance Minister said "strangling fascism in Kundrati," according to Her Imperial Majesty's Finance Minister, Marian Jones, who spoke on the deepening sanctions at a short public announcement in Kaliburg as the Sanctions took effect last week.

"Her Imperial Majesty has ordered us to put in new sanctions that will take effect January 1, 5591," Minister Marian Jones. "These sanctions include a full halt to all trade going in and out of Kundrati, as well as a denial of all trade with nations who sell goods in Kundrati or buy goods from Kundrati. This includes consumer goods, food, textiles, arms and ammunition, heavy weaponry, and etc. It also includes those who finance the war by loaning Kundrati money, or help them hide their ill gotten gains from the war in their own countries. We invite all those Kundratis who hold investments in Kalistan to expatriate to Kalistan and apply for citizenship, because all foreign own investments in Kalistan will be fully nationalized on July 1st, so that the profits from those operations can not be expatriated back to Kundrati."

The Finance Minister stressed that the goal was not to punish other nations. "Instead it is her Imperial Majesty's desire to make it impossible for the fascists in Kundrati to do anything at all, whether it be get access to international credit, purchase arms or ammunition, purchase food or necessities, or earn money from investments," said Minister Jones. "We may not be in open war against Kundrati, but it is safe to assume that Kalistan is not only hostile toward the fascist regime in Kundrati, as well as those who are helping Kundrati remain an outlaw regime."

Minister Jones says that it is Her Imperial Majesty's hope that all nations who intend to continue to trade with the Anantonese Empire shall publicly express support for the sanctions regime and immediately halt all trade and credit to the failed state. "We are not naïve. We know there are states who wish to play both sides--those crass cynics are the most condemnable of all and may as well be fascists themselves. But Ananto does not forget its friends or its enemies. Her Imperial Majesty is quick to forgive those who wish to show us friendship, but she will not forget those who seek to benefit from the continuation of fascism on this continent, especially a regime that has demonstrated itself to be as brutal and as psychotic as the illegitimate Bronislav regime."

The Finance Minister said that the Anantonese Empire will maintain a list of all nations who choose to continue to trade, finance or arm Kundrati. "These Nations will not be eligible to access Anantonese Ports, banks, or trade networks. Her Imperial Majesty will lift sanctions against Kundrati when they re-establish legitimate, peaceful government which is free of fascism. All nations that find themselves barred from trade with the Anantonese Empire, who feel that they have been barred unjustly may appeal Her Imperial Majesty's judgement in Kaliburg."

The Finance Minister did not take any questions after the announcement.

[GreekIdiot]

Beiteynu
Navy works with ILN in Artanian Sea; Kohav issues 1st Azhara to Kundrati, Saham imposes Neset-wide embargo; and other news
February 5591
https://forum.prtcy.com/thread-3-post-3331.html#pid3331

[GreekIdiot]

Beiteynu
Archaic Museum submits request to inspect Kundratijan Gem in Kalistan; YBI releases findings of investigation
March 5591
https://forum.prtcy.com/thread-3-post-3347.html#pid3347

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Kalistan Agrees to Gem Authentication
Extensive Background Checks and High Security in Place
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 14, 5591


Only Known Photograph of The Hulanevek Diamond, believed to be one of the 8 Gems of the Kadiyot, worn by Her Imperial Majesty

A cloak and dagger tale of missing artifacts, secret missions, and unimaginable wealth is unfolding currently, and suddenly, Kalistan has taken center stage.  The mystery surrounds the so-called Hulanevek Diamond, which was photographed for the first time on a pendant worn around the neck of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto upon her coronation.  Inquiries into the source of the massive diamond, which is judged to be more than 100 carats, traced the diamond back to an inheritance that the Empress' mother Pavlina acquired from Kundrati before she abdicated in favor of Carolina.  But the mystery around the stone has continued to grow from there.

Investigation into the source did indeed trace the diamond back to Kundrati, where it was removed from the Country by the powerful political dynasty, and sent to the scion of the Hulanevek Family, who happened to be Empress Pavlina I Ananto at the time.  It arrived in Kalistan and was given to Pavlina to give to Carolina upon her wedding day as a gift.  It since passed from there into the Crown Jewels collection where it is kept quite apart from the other vast assortment of gemstones, crowns, plaques and vast array of jewelry that is considered the personal patrimony of 15 generations of Anantos, passed from parent to child along the Main Line.  More than 25,000 gemstones are included in the Crown Jewels Collection, consisting primarily of diamonds, rubies, sapphires emeralds and amethyst, built up over time represent a fortune whose value has never been calculated, but which is estimated to be nearly 10 Billion Imperial Rubles.

But before arriving in Kalistan, the Hulanevek Diamond itself is shrouded in mystery.  It is allegedly one of the 8 gemstones coveted by the ancient ruling house of Beiteynu.  It is rumored to be cursed, and it is widely sought after by at least a half dozen nations who have made repeated private efforts to either buy the stone or trade it for something that Kalistan may want.  But its actual identity has never been fully authenticated.  Royal Jewelers in Kalistan have been able to verify that it is a flawless 110 carat oval diamond with about 1.35 length to width ratio and and Ideal cut, table representing about 58% of the diamond face, and the depth of the diamond representing about 59%, weighing 22.015 grams.   The gem cutter who cut this particular diamond was an expert craftsman.  The gemsmiths couldn't verify an origin, however, because the gem itself is older than modern diamonds which are laser printed with identifying information that lists their source.

Beyond that, the gem's origins are unknown.  All Kalistan was able to ascertain about the gem was that it was sent to Kalistan by the Hulanevek family in Kundrati for safekeeping, was then mounted into an exquisite cross which was displayed on the breast of Empress Carolina I Ananto during her coronation, and has been hidden ever since.  To officially verify the Gem's origin, therefore, Her Imperial Majesty's Government has agreed to welcome Beiteynese authenticators to Kalistan to verify that the gem is indeed one of the eight gems of Beiteynese legend.  

The team will travel first to Kaliburg where they will have the opportunity to meet with the Empress in Informal Audience to discuss the social history of the Gem in the hands of the Anantos.  Following that, Beiteynese investigators will travel to Eveari, where the gem is believed to be located, to view the stone.  The location of the viewing will remain classified.  Only two Beiteynese authenticators will be allowed to view the stone and none shall be permitted to handle it.  Armed guards will be present and at the ready to ensure that nothing untoward occurs in the room.  In addition to the two Beiteynese Authenticators will be Lord Harold Kennedy, Her Imperial Majesty's Crown Jeweler and Lady Olivia Montenegro, the Director of the National Establishment of Antiquities, who will also work with the Beiteynese to help authenticate the gem.  Lord Kennedy was present when the gem was transferred to the possession of Empress Pavlina.

The four civilians will be accompanied at all times by armed guards, and will be provided with a separate set of clothing when entering the secure facility to ensure that there are no switches made.  There will also be cameras in the room documenting all actions by the viewers.  The authentication team will be searched before and after entry to ensure that the gemstone remains in place, and after the viewing, the stone will return to its vault, safely out of access to anyone else.

Lord Kennedy eagerly await the arrival of the Beiteynu to know, for certain, just what he has on his hands in his capacity of Crown Jeweler, and looks forward to knowing for certain more about the origin of this gem.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Dana Ananto flies to Egelion
Miramar to invest ₭50 Million in Santamar
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
July 3rd, 5591


Dana Ananto in her Miramar Offices in Sulari

Miramar Holdings, the private equity company closely tied to House Ananto, is looking to begin investing in Egelion's Financial Sector. Following the recent visit to the Kingdom of Egelion recently to attend King Amadeo's coronation, Miramar Holdings decided to invest ₭30 Million Imperial Rubles in Santamar, the private Investment bank in Altea and then another ₭20 Million in reserve capital. This investment should put Santamar in a excellent position to help develop Egalion.

"A rising power in Egelion will help Kalistan in the region," said Lady Dana Ananto, Miramar's CFO and head of House Ananto. "Rather than thinking of a corporation like Santamar as a competitor, Miramar sees it as an opportunity to diversify its investments and stretch out into new horizons. An investment in a bank that specifically aims to help develop regional economic institutions will not only help build Egelion but will also improve access to Egelian markets for Kalistani goods. Regional trade and economic integration has long been a winning hand for the Empire, and helping build new markets in Egelion will benefit our investors right along with Egelion investors."

The investments in Santamar represent one of the largest foreign investments made to date by Miramar Holdings. Previously Miramar has invested primarily in Gaduridos. "Our track record there is fantastic," said Lady Ananto. "We've provided more than a half a billion Rubles worth of investment in several sectors there to keep their country growing and prospering. And Gaduri investments have provided our stockholders excellent returns." In addition, Miramar has heavily invested in the Kalistani tourist and service sectors, and still holds controlling interested in the Kundrati origin firm ArtSat, which located to Kalistan following the rise of the Fascists in Kundrati.

"While it is important that we keep House Ananto Finances and Miramar separate," said Lady Ananto, "it is also a real benefit to know that Miramar is solidly backed by House Ananto money. This encourages private investment in Miramar, which in turn allows us to make our investments far an wide. But is also provides a buffer between Miramar's investments and Her Imperial Majesty because it could be somewhat understandable that some would be leery of the Sitting Empress of the Anantonese Empire investing directly in foreign enterprises."

Lady Dana Ananto said Miramar is also looking for other Egelion investment opportunities as well. "Egelion is an emerging market in our region and as such represents a virtually untapped land of economic opportunity for not only Miramar Holdings, but other Kalistani investors as well. Lourenne more or less ran out of new investment opportunities long ago, and we are constrained in other Anantonese States with regard to how much and where we can invest. So when a new door opens, Miramar wants to be the first through it."

Santamar is the second largest financial institution in Egelion, and wants to begin investing in Egelion shipping, consumer finances and tech. If the investments pan out, Lady Dana Ananto said Miramar would be open to increasing its investments in the Egelian financial sector, as well as the various other sectors that Santamar is investing in.

[GreekIdiot]

Beiteynu
Archaic Museum verifies authenticity of Kundratijan Gem in Kalistan; launches new portal for the Yeudi Heritage
October 5591
https://forum.prtcy.com/thread-3-post-3413.html#pid3413

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[img]be there for the Kundrati people when other nations where not[/img]

10 Months of Embargo take their toll
Shortages, reduction of trade Volume for Ananto while Fascists remain unmoved
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 15, 5591


Finance Minister Marian Jones discusses Embargo at Polytechnic University

A short symposium on the effects of Kalistan's embargo specifically and economic sanctions in general was held at Kaliburg Polytechnic this week, with the keynote speech given by her Imperial Majesty's Finance Minister, Marian Jones.  Minister Jones was decidedly negative on the effects of the Embargo, saying it has done far more damage to the Kalistani economy than it has to the Fascists in Kundrati.  "They remain obstinate and unmoved," said Jones.

"Her Imperial Majesty has found out two basic facts," continued the Finance Minister during her speech before an audience made up of several hundred of the top economists and foreign policy experts in the nation.  "The first is:  Fascists are immune to the suffering of the people they claim to rule.  Starvation is nothing to a nation whose official policy is to create laws for people to break simply to put them into prison camps in order to provide their evil regime with free labor.  To the Regime in Kundrati who claims to endorse Hosianism, the death of one and the death of a million is no consequence to them, so long as they maintain a fierce totalitarian grip on the lives and minds of the unfortunate people who are imprisoned within the borders of Kundrati."

The second fact, according to Minister Jones is far more troubling.  "Most Nations of the world still trade with Kundrati, whether they do it openly or not, Kundrati is embargoed by far fewer nations than not.  So far we have found evidence of only a handful of nations who support the Embargo:  We can expect Gaduridos, Lodamun and Kalistan to be actively embargoing Kundrati and all three nations are in full compliance with Her Imperial Majesty's Policy, Beiteynu and the Dual Monarchy have both stated that they will embargo Kundrati.  Canrille has, for the most part stepped up to the plate:  Both Lourenne and Alduria joined the sanctions regime early, and there is apparently an unofficial embargo imposed by Kanjor, who stated in 5588 that they are not 'currently' trading with Kundrati.  Luthori carries out its own sanctions regime against Kundrati, and Zardugal has terminated trade relations with Kundrati.  Dundorf has 'shut its boarder' with Kundrati in an attempt to contain the crisis to that country, but there is no comment about whether or not trade is occurring between the two nations via a third party.  While many of these states are large trading economies, this is only a dozen nations in the world: less than 20 percent of nations actively support economic sanctions of any type." 

Minister Jones continued: "Meanwhile, nations like Likatonia, who openly and militantly allied with Kundrati fascism, have promised to 'be there for the Kundrati people when other nations [were] not.' Based on this, the effort to force the fascists from power in Kundrati, which relies on the cooperation of other nations, appears to be being actively undermined by those nations who have refused to take a stand against Kundrati, many who are apparently still helping Kundrati by circumventing the embargo or actively maintaining normal relations with the fascist government. In fact there are nations who have publicly expressed their intent to give the fascists the benefit of the doubt and who stand ready to help create apologism and revisionist history for the human rights abuses in that nation."

The net effect to Kundrati is status quo, said Minister Jones. "Reports that Kundrati is facing economic collapse have, to our estimation, been grossly overstated. Though 12 nations in the world refuse to trade with Kundrati, and those 12 nations are large traders amongst themselves, they are offset by the five dozen nations who either maintain normal trading relationships with them, or are not averse to selling them necessities. Kundrati may be forced to work a little harder to get the things they need to not only survive, but thrive, but the fact remains that they can still acquire all they need to continue operations as normal. We need look no farther than the fact that their two next door neighbors, Endralon and Ikradon have not joined the embargo against Kundrati and still likely serve as conduits for acquisition of basic materials. We can assume that a nation who has not explicitly spoken up for the Embargo is still either willing to sell to Kundrati or is actively selling and buying from Kundrati, either directly or through third Parties, which means the embargo orders aren't worth the paper they are written on as far as our ability to negatively impact fascism in Kundrati, who is allowed, encouraged by the apathetic majority of the world community, to coddle and enable fascism in Kundrati.

"And meanwhile, our policy of not trading with those nations who still maintain trade relationships with Kundrati has caused our own economy to suffer. Imports of foreign goods are down in Kalistan, leading to shortages of some foreign made consumer items that Kalistani consumers used to purchase. This puts upward pressure on domestic production which can't be met in the short term simply by domestic producers. Consequently, either we see increases in price for domestic goods which are available, or if you're Kalistan and have price caps in place, you simply see shortages in the markets. And that's it. Additionally, we are seeing a reduction in demand for shipping containers that we produce in Sulari, and there are fewer commercial shipping orders at all ports. As the effects of the embargo ripple across the world, we also see reduction in demand from foreign nations for Kalistani goods, which while representing a small part of the overall economy due to our production for need model in many sectors, none the less, is not insignificant."

Trade volume affects the economy even in mercantilist states like Kalistan. "No nation can be an autarky in this world, not with close to a hundred million mouths to feed, backs to clothe, and families to drive," said Minister Jones. "Kalistan likes to imagine that someday it might be one, but we all know realistically that it is as linked to international trade networks as any nation. Kundrati likes to claim to be one, but in fact, due to hundreds of years of its open trade mindset, it is far more interconnected than even Kalistan is to world networks and worse, to liberal markets, which Kalistan has at least been able to insulate itself from. But the main advantage Kundrati has over Kalistan is that we have decided to not trade with the dozens of nations who still trade with Kundrati. Our loss in this sense is only their gain. The Embargo is the sole cost of that, and without a more effective tool being brought to bear, such as the complete cutting off of Kundrati from those nations that want to still trade with it, despite the fact that it is a nation run exclusively by and for warcriminals and sociopaths, those nations of the world who are doing the morally correct thing will always lose to those nations of the world who throw normal behavior completely out the window and actively seek out pariah status."

Whether this pain that Kalistan, and likely other nations in the world who are choosing to join the embargo or are doing one of their own, suffer is likely to change policy in Kaliburg, is anyone's guess. "Her Imperial Majesty is committed to the embargo for the time being. To demonstrate her sincerity in the belief that this is the Correct response, she is committed to forcing her nation to endure all the pain of it, if need be. But if that commitment doesn't encourage more nations to take up the cause to transfer that pain solely onto the Kundratian Government, such as it considers itself, then Kalistan will be less willing to endure the suffering on behalf of a bunch of free riders who claim to like a world without fascism and human rights abuses but aren't willing to put any skin in the game. Kalistan and a handful of nations are feeling the pain of this cause, we are paying the price, while Kundrati remains virtually unaffected. Why should we pay so other nations can continue to benefit?"

The somber news and sober evaluation of the situation stunned many of those in attendance, and the keynote speech, which is usually met with applause, was this time met with a subdued, and possibly confused polite applause, followed by a roar of conversation and speculation among the hundreds gathered. A line to speak with the finance minister soon formed and she answered questions and had conversations for two hours following the speech.

[Doc]

Kalistani News in Brief:  Hulanevek Diamond Authenticated
Kalistan and Luthori conclude new Trade Deal; KalSiE notches up slightly
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 12, 5591


The "Hulanevek Diamond" in Eveari, taken this summer

Beiteynu authenticates Hulanevek Diamond as one of 8 Historic Kadmonim Gems
The team from the Archaic Museum in Yishelem has authenticated that the Hulanevek Diamond which has been in the possession of the Anantos in Kalistan since the reign of Empress Pavlina I Ananto is in fact the White Gem of the Kundratji, and matches in size, description and clarity the legendary White Gem carried by the Kadmonian people out of Majatra more than 4000 years ago.  The authentication both solves the mystery of the Gem's source but also current location and fills in a little piece of the cultural puzzle of the Yeudi people.  Her Imperial Majesty was grateful for the visit by the Beiteynese archaeologists who visited Kalistan to authenticate the artifact.

Properly authenticated, the gem goes from being worth between an estimated ₭250 and ₭400 million to being priceless.  Her Imperial Majesty is consequently not of any mind to ever sell such an item.  Nor will it be publicly displayed on a regular basis in Kalistan, according to Her Imperial Majesty's office, who issued an official statement acknowledging the authentication.  "Such an item is far too valuable to be put on display with common precious stones.  It holds immense cultural and historical value alone and requires a protection that will cause would-be thieves to not think about it.  As a result, Her Imperial Majesty has decided that it will remain under strict lock and key, and whose location only Her Imperial Majesty will know for certain."  The Statement also said that Her Imperial Majesty views the possession of the Gem to be a Trust, and also somewhat of an Insurance Policy.  "If the Yeudi people truly see their home as where their heritage is, as long as that Gem remains in Kalistan, the People will always be able to view Kalistan as their home, and the Empress intends to hold onto this gem and keep it safe to ensure that bond remains intact, and the Yeudi people know that they shall always be welcomed within the Empire."

Kalistan and Luthori conclude new trade deal
Her Imperial Majesty's Government received the Luthorian Prime Minister, Mr. Werner Reyburn, as well as the Luthorian Empress' Foreign Secretary Mrs. Mathilda Hoptkins and Her Majesty's High Commissioner for Commerce, Mr. Johnathan Daymon in Kaliburg this week to work out details of a preliminary trade deal between the two Empires.  The discussions began in Ft. William between Her Imperial Majesty's Ambassador, Lord Samuel Trelawny III, after which the issue was transferred to Kaliburg for finalization.  The Chancellor of the Empire, Dame Diane Bolton, as well as Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir and Ms. Katherine Carruthers, Her Imperial Majesty's Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Trade respectively, met with their Luthorian Counterparts, and the discussions were cordial and in good spirit.  The meeting was even joined for a short period of time by Her Imperial Majesty Empress Carolina I Ananto, who stated that it was time for her  to introduce herself to the Luthorian Prime Minister, and as the Chancellor was present at the meeting, this would be an opportune time.  The Empress listened as the dignitaries spoke and worked out the final details, and at the conclusion of the meeting, the Empress spoke directly to the Luthorian Prime Minister, asking him to convey her sincere desire to receive the Luthorian Empress in Kaliburg so she may meet the monarch.  The talks were followed by a formal dinner at Wilson House, where Her Imperial Majesty and the Prince Consort were in attendance along with the Luthorians and Members of Her Imperial Majesty's Government. 

The terms of the agreement were equal and aimed at expanding both trade volume over all, and to providing both Kalistan and Luthori access to one another's markets.  The Luthorians will provide plenty of consumer electronics to Kalistan to help offest the loss of consumer electronic trade to the Embargo, as well as new computers, televisions and a vast assortment of Luthorian manufactured goods, included needed machine parts that Kalistan is in need of.  Luthori will also begin supplying woolen textiles to the Kalistani market, which are preferable, especially in the north and West of the country due to the cold winters, as well as their durability and natural sourcing.  Kalistan will also begin importing electrical cars from Luthori, to supplement MoCo's production.  In exchance, Kalistan will provide an equal value in the way of food stuffs, finished aluminum and industrial lithium to Luthori.  The lithium especially is a valuable commodity and is very useful for modern rechargeable battery technology and Kalistan is one of the few nations that produces Lithium, which it sources from mine tailings and saltwater evaporation, commercially.  The addition of Luthorian goods to Kalistani stores is a welcome change, and should ease embargo-created shortages in some sectors.  The trade should begin immediately, and the Trade Minister has also encouraged Luthori to consider expanding trade with Gaduridos and Lodamun as well.

KalSiE notches up slightly
The Kalistani Stock Exchange was up slightly this month as news of the Luthorian Trade deal ended a relatively sustained decline over the last three months.  The gains in the KalSiE were fairly robust, closing the month of October out on a positive note, and most came within the last week of the month.  While the Stock Market is not a good indicator of the health of the economy, it does suggest that people who invest are in a bit more optimistic mood going into the winter.  During this year, only Miramar and companies affiliated with Miramar recorded gains on any sort of regularity, while most of the Nationalized industries traded lower this year than last year.  A general downturn in the economy has been attributed to the corrosive effects of decreased trade volume in Seleya and in Terra as a result of the disruptions caused by Kundrati intransigence and obstinacy.  The Government has steadfastly chosen simplicity and austerity over liberalization, given that they view this disruption to be temporary, and liberalization will lead to greater pain in the long run than it leads to help in the short term. 

"The issue is a supply side issue," said Dr. Mike Walters, of Kaliburg Polytechnic.  "The people may be Brethrenists, but that doesn't mean they always want to live like Brethrenists.  People have plenty of money, and would buy if there was anything to buy, but we have seen all five duchies impose restrictions on purchases to prevent hording of basic necessities as a minor irritation becomes a minor fear that things will not get better.  Consumers are fickle and despite the long held assumptions of market economics, they don't actually rationally when in terms of social good, only in terms of individual good.  So the job of the National Government, who wants to address the situation, is to increase supply of basic goods and consumer goods.  Gove the people something to spend their money one.  They have food and basic clothes.  Give them more choices in the market.  Increasing trade with a country like Luthori, which produces much the same thing we do, is a step in the correction to resolving supply side problems in the economy and offsetting the pain of the Embargo."  That sort of praise and cautious optimism is being shared by investors, who may be coming around to the idea of investing more in new production rather than hiding their money in banks and other rainy weather investments.  The KalSiE was up 3% in October over the previous September.

@TheRepublic