Kalistani Major History

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Kalistani News in Brief: Chancellor Johnson Dies at age 92
Empress gives birth to a son; Foreign Affairs takes center stage
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 12, 5478


Chancellor of the Empire Michael Johnson, Dead at 92

Chancellor of the Empire, Sir Michael Johnson, dies at 92 in Kaliburg

Long-serving Speaker for the Institutionalist Party of Kalistan and Chancellor of the Empire Sir Michael Johnson has died, reportedly of natural causes, as the age of 92. Johnson has taken a less prominent role in Kalistani Politics in the last few years due to health concerns, and questions surrounding his mental fitness for office have swirled around the Chancellor's office for the last two years. Johnson, the primary architect of the restoration of the Empire in Kalistan, was well known as a populist and ladies man, all while enforcing a strict Party line discipline within the Institutionalist Ranks. This discipline was vital when the Republic transitioned back to monarchy twenty years ago. It was also key in moving Her Imperial Majesty's signature domestic policies of fighting poverty, encouraging growth in low cost public housing, as well as key infrastructure improvements in both Ananto, where the long stalled National Rail Lines was built, and where a rail link between Lucid Valley and Baltusia was finally established, forming an important connection in the continental dream of a trans-Seleyan Rail system. The Chancellor also played a key role in the recent war between Lourenne and Beiteynu, as he held the line on neutrality and expanded the Non Aligned Movement. This consequential life thus ended, Chancellor Johnson has willed that he should be cremated and dumped into the Ananto Strait. His sudden, but not unexpected passing has led to activity within the ranks of the Institutionalist Party, who much now work with Her Imperial Majesty to nominate a new Chancellor. There is no doubt that the incoming chancellor will be both a conservative and an internationalist, to suit Her Imperial Majesty's preferences, but there are no shortage of members who could serve as potential candidates if those are the criteria. The Empress gave a short eulogy for her friend and trusted advisor at his memorial ceremony before his ashes were spread to the wind in the Strait. She has otherwise not offered any indication of who her preferred candidates would be for his replacement.

Empress gives birth to a Son, names him Victor Joseph

As she nears 50, the Empress has given birth to her second child. The boy was born in Eveari, at 4:32 on February 1. He is reportedly happy and healthy. Eight days after his birth, The Personal Office of Her Imperial Majesty reported that the Empress and the Prince Consort had decided to name the child Victor Joseph Ananto-Martin, after his father. Little Victor joins his sister who is now 2 and a half years old in the family. "Her Imperial Majesty and the Prince Consort are overjoyed at the birth of their second child, Little Victor Joseph, and want to thank Kalistanis for their observation of privacy as mom and baby bond," said Her IMperial Majesty's personal spokeswoman. "The Empress would like to see the two children become great friends, and grow up together. But, Her Imperial Majesty also would like it known that she is looking forward to being a mother, now for a while. She does not intend to have any additional children." The Prince Consort, who is in his mid 50s already is reportedly fine with that decision, and when asked said he also looked forward to spending time with his family, but does not want to add to it. The child will be trained, when of age, in royal administration but will not replace his older sister, The Crown Princess Nicolette, as heir to the throne.

Foreign Affairs Takes Center Stage

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Dame Diane Smith is in Gaduridos, continuing to attend the peace summit between Beiteynu and Lourenne, while Her Imperial Majesty's Finance Minister is here in Kaliburg, welcoming representatives of half a dozen nations, including Lodamun and Deltaria, to a discussion about the creation of a new monetary regime aimed at creating a synthetic global currency to set a universally converible standard for international trade and sales. Meanwhile, Kalistan is also working with Eastern Seleyan Nations in the ongoing transcontinental Rail Project, maintaining close ties with Lourenne and Lodamun in the AESA, and highlighting the role and presence of both the Non Aligned Movement and ODEN in international affiars. And now, Xsampa, a Dovani Nation looks to be interested in trading with Kalistan: They are looking to source natural fibers like hemp and cotton in Kalistan, and looking for a new market for Xsampan made textiles. HIM's Trade Minister, Gregory Carruthers indicated that a trade like this would be very welcomed in Kalistan. "We see the trade as an opportunity to create a market for our commercial agricultural products, as well as import foreign fashion to satisfy the constant demand among Kalistani's for new colors, prints, and designs. Kalistani tastes are very oriented toward "the new", and in this sense, I think fashion and consumer goods satisfy a taste for change and innovation in our Nation, where other sectors of the market are a little more resistant to change. Her Majesty has asked me to focus on a deal that provides a value for Kalistan first, but also satisfies Kalistani demand for interesting and new textiles from Dovani. She eagerly awaits the arrival of the trade delegation from Xsampa here in Kalistan."

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Lady Kelly Newburg-LaRoc succeeds Michael Johnson as Chancellor
Lady Newburg is cousin to Empress and member of the House Ananto
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 14, 5478


Lady Kelly Newburg-LaRoc is a tenured Professor of Political Science at Kaliburg Republican

A distant cousin of Her Imperial Majesty, and staunch Institutionalist Party loyalist, Deputy Kelly Newburg-LaRoc has been selected by the Empress to form the next Government. Lady Newburg holds a tenured post at Kaliburg Republican University in Kaliburg, and has long been an open, but sometimes critical supporter of the Empress. In naming Newburg, The Empress will have a less compliant prime minister than she had with Sir Johnson, now deceased, but will also have a more competent theoretician to serve as her main advisor and her active hand in Government.

"It is with great humility that I accept Her Imperial Majesty's appointment to the office of Chancellor of the Empire," said Lady Newburg in a prepared statement. "I will endeavor at all costs, to me professionally, and to my personal reputation, to serve the Empress honestly, to offer forthright and candid advice on all matters, and to offer her strong, data based analysis regarding any query she may make of me. As the Empress' word is law, we shall carry her will out as she commands, but I shall also strive to give her needed context to any decision she is about to make, so that she may continue to rule wisely and justly. In following Sir Johnson in this post, I step into huge shoes, and I will do my utmost not to bring shame onto this office, nor neglect any of my duties."

Lady Newburg finished her speech with a brief statement about the Empress' agenda, stating that she hopes to continue to improve Kalistan's standing in the world and in Seleya, to continue to strengthen the economy, and to continue to work to improve lives for millions of Kalistani citizens who continue to experience stubborn poverty. She also cleaned house, cashiering most of Johnson's Government, and replacing them all with new, younger ministers. The only members to keep their seats were the Finance Minister, the Trade Minister, and the Foreign Minister. Lady Newburg finisher her first session as Chancellor by placing a bill adding several titles to the Empress' titles to better reflect reality. "Who knew that the law currently said that the Empress is Grand Duchess of Kalistan, and not Ananto? Not I..."

Lady Newburg first came to the attention of the Empress when she was gave a report on the output of state agricultural firms. "It seems that Her Majesty likes the way I presented my data that day." From then on, the Empress reportedly looked forward to Lady Newburg's speeches, even tuning out of a football championship to listen to Newburg speak on the floor of the Assembly. "She told me that she liked my fight," said the new Chancellor. "I was speaking on infrastructure, when some citizens began heckling me. Despite the fact that Her Imperial Majesty was present... I KNOW... What do they hope to gain? Anyhow, as I finished, the Empress passed a note to me telling me 'good work,' you know she was 'g;ad I was on her side' that sort of thing. And when i interviewed for the position, she remembered me immediately."

The New Chancellor, 36, takes office immediately, and intends to remain in place as long as the Empress keeps her there.

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New Chancellor Places Conservative Omnibus on the Table
Contains protections for Kalistani Workers, but restricts some liberties
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 19, 5478


Chancellor is already under fire from some moderate and liberal Deputies

Chancellor of the Empire Kelly Newburg-LaRoc has introduced a new omnibus for Institutionalist approval that has some moderates concerned that the Government intends to take a rightward turn under the new leadership. The Chancellor has offered a bill called "Some Constitutional Changes" which focuses far more on statutory law than constitutional law, and represents significant changes. The Chancellor is under fire now from some of the most leftleaning Institutionalists, who suggest that the changes represent a significant shift off Kalistan's positions in a number of key areas.

"This bill was written in consultation with Her Imperial Majesty," said Lady Newburg, in a press conference following the introduction of the moderately controversial omnibus. "To question these changes is to question the Empress, which is not the business of this government, or this Assembly, if I may be so bold. There are several very important positions in this bill which represent a significant improvement of the law, and a rectification of the oversights of my predecessor. For example: We take a stronger stand on both public displays of obscenity which are notorious in some of our entertainment establishments, and seriously undermine our pretense to be a sensible nation, as well as things like wild animal ownership. A lot of these very small changes have been waiting for years to be made, and now, at the start of my administration, we are going to take action on them."

"I heard what the Chancellor said in the Assembly," said George Meloni, deputy from Lucid Valley. "And yes, there are many parts of this omnibus which I support: For example, my colleagues and I support the expanded child credits in the bill which will life millions out of poverty, the beginning of enforcement of health and safety regulations on businesses, and the nationalization of airports. Those would be programs that the old SP would certainly support. But then she's gone and also proposed things like establishing a bail system, which implies detention for criminal suspects, rather than automatic release, as we have currently, establishing a national police force, and rolling back freedoms to consume certain kinds of media. We don't need a mother."

Others criticized the limitations of allowing foreign workers the opportunity to work in Kalistan. "While we reinstituted some capital openness in once more permitting minority share foreign investment in Kalistani enterprises," said Lady Newburg, "the important trade off was that the Government saw it prudent to reimpose a luxury tax, which has been pathetically low, and has led to some hording of resources in luxuries by the wealthy rather than encouraging their return to the society, and a limiting of foreign workers in Kalistan. The goal of the policy is to discourage people coming into this country from other places like Baltusia looking for work, and competing with Kalistani Workers. While foreign workers had identical protections as Kalistani workers, they competed on a one for one basis, but the money they earned in our economy was expatriated abroad, rather than remaining in the Empire. Her Imperial Majesty felt that this tradeoff of opening capital controls for foreign direct investment, while preventing capital expatriation from foreign workers. It gives Her Imperial Majesty's Government and the National Bank more control over monetary supply."

But opponents of the provision called it nationalistic. "This bill is conservative, ultra nationalistic nonsense," said liberal member Donna Hardwicke, who represents Addisjah. "Kalistan has long been open to foreign labor coming to Kalistan. We think the labor market should be more robust, not less. Without a regular influx of foreign workers, how will employers keep labor costs down, while the NSP is now just allowed to jack up wages because it creates shortages in the labor market? Employers need workers to compete with one another the same as they are forced to compete with other producers in the market: It's the only way they can ensure profitability in the market, above and beyond the tiny markups they are allowed to do from whatever product scarcities they are allowed to create. This is a profit killer!"

While the Chancellor was able to whip all the holdouts into voting for the bill, this controversy doesn't bode well for this Chancellor or the new Government. The Empress for her part has opted to stay out of the dust up, as she is still at home with her infant, but the Prince Consort and the Grand Duke of Kalistan, Duke Neil Houser, both made calls to reluctant legislators to ensure their votes for the bill. "It doesn't look good for the Chancellor to be burning political capital on a bill like this," said Brian Weston, Deputy representing Nevaras City. "We want to work with her, but if she has problems with getting votes locked in on a statutory bill like this one, think of the trouble she will have when a hard choice actually has to be made, and Deputies start worrying about re-election. It could be the end of the Chancellor's ability to get The Empress' agenda moved and then she's a lame duck all of a sudden."

The bill is expected to pass, but votes are slow in coming in. Close advisors, speaking on condition of anonymity, say the Chancellor will remember the trouble her Party is giving her on this bill, and it may sour the relationship between Chancellor and Assembly going forward.

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Prince Consort discusses efforts to build TMU, Military modernization
"International Agreement takes time," says Martin-Ananto
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 8, 5479


Prince Consort Victor Martin, before delivering Keynote event in Kaliburg

With Dame Diane Smith returned recently from Gaduridos having witnessed the peace accord and a trade delegation from Xsampa arriving shortly to discuss long term trade relationships, the Prince Consort was tasked to speak on the developing Terran Monetary Unit. The Prince Consort, speaking on behalf of Her Imperial Majesty, The Empress, was dispatched to give updates on the progress of development of the TMU, a currency device which could change the face of international currency markets.

"We are at an unprecedented moment in history," said Prince Consort Victor to TV-1's "Hoy" news magazine. "The Terran Monetary Unit, which is being designed in Kaliburg along with delegations from Beiteynu, Narikiton, Lodamun, Deltaria, Tukarali, and Dundorf, is, as we all know, a potential candidate for a new standard of international currency exchange and transfer. It will make trade more efficient, will allow nations to effectively trade on parity with one another, and will set a standard as to the actual value of local currencies around the world. Her Imperial Majesty's Finance Minister, Mr. Marcuse, has created a proposal that we think is workable. but of course, designing something this is not an easy task. There has to be buy in internationally, and we need to make sure everyone's questions and concerns are addressed. International Agreement, as the conferences in Gaduridos and Indrala demonstrate, takes time."

The Prince Consort was in town to speak at an event for the Kaliburg Conference. The topic of his speech was "The Terran Monetary unit will ease transaction costs to international trade", and it was delivered before a packed auditorium filled with mostly Kalistani economists, along with foreign guests being hosted at Kaliburg Polytechnic. During the discussion, the Prince Consort noted that the Empress is open to trade in currency, but just wanted to make sure that no nation was able to gain an advantage over any other nation in the exchanges. "As a Brethrenist, Nicolette believes that you should let your word be your word. When your standard is a country's local currency itself, that country automatically gets the benefits of full convertibility, to the determent of every other country. Long ago, the world order determined that Lodamun would be that currency. I am sure that has led to as many problems in Lodamun as it has elsewhere, because they also lose a certain amount of control over their own currency. Nicolette hopes that Lodamun gains the same tools to manage their currency supply that Kalistan has enjoyed this entire time."

It is no secret that Kalistan has long railed against the Lodamization of international currency exchanges. Ultimately, the complaint has always been that establishing the LOD as the single globally convertible currency made no sense, because that is both a tremendous advantage and burden that is placed on Lodamun, when really, it could be anyone. But Kalistan has long argued against it being anyone at all, and instead has long lobbied for the creation for an extrenally valued Terran Monetary Unit which is free of any one nation's policies, or of random events that occur in that nation. "The TMU will allow planners in Lodamun and around the world to manage monetary policy against an internationally accepted and independent standard which is immune to changes in the world climate. The change may affect a currency locally still, but the standard itself will remain, well, a standard, so the goal posts don't keep moving around and Lodamun can more accurate measure the real value of their currency the way Kalistan can, as we already have adopted the TMU as our standard for exchange and international trade." Prince Consort Victor noted that like many systems and institutions, the monetary system is due for an upgrade. "The Empress has told me on numerous occasions that it feels like the global monetary system was designed by someone who had just enough information about monetary systems and exchanges to build a system which allowed us to do the equivalent of speaking words, but didn't give us any ability to communicate ideas with those words. From the weird voter behavior to our currency system, it seems like the designers knew code, but not theory. Hopefully this conference and other conferences, bring some theory to our systems, at long last."

The Prince Consort spoke about the TMU for a little over a half hour, and then answered questions from the crowd, ranging to finer details of the TMU and how it will affect given local economies, to what its like raising two small children. The Empress reportedly watched the lecture from the Imperial Palace in Eveari, where she was meeting with the Chancellor about the Domestic Agenda.

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Empress opens annual Vrassan Faire as Grand Marshall
Greets citizens and Announces new Cultural Initiatives
Vrassa City, Duchy of Vrassa
April 30, 5480


Empress arrives at Vrassan Faire and addresses subjects on Cultural Initiatives

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette I turned up at the Vrassan Faire this month to serve as the Faire's Grand Marshall. In doing so, the Empress was required to ride in a parade through Vrassa City, and then speak before the gates of the Vrassan Fairegrounds. Following her short speech, the Empress declared the Faire opened, and welcomed more than 6500 fair goers on the first day of the two week exposition.

While the Vrassan Faire, generally held at the very beginning of Spring in the Vrassan capital often has unpredictable weather, this year Opening Day was warm and sunny for the Empress' Visit. The fair features Vrassan art and artisanship, including quilting, embroidery and needlepoint, painting and photography, wood working, and demonstrations of various skilled crafts, including joining, welding, sculpting and pottery, and forging. It also features an agricultural expo that highlights both farm produce and livestock exhibits. There is also several livestock auctions held during the faire, a rodeo championship, and sheep riding events for kids. Besides the rustic events, there are also rides and lots of various kinds of food to be enjoyed. There is a free concert every night, usually featuring two bands, one of them being a major touring band, and live demolition derby, horse racing and pari-mutuel, and a petting zoo. The Faire usually hosts more than 1200 exhibitors, has contests in more than 85 categories, and is visited by more than 75,000 people, mostly from Vrassa and Nevaras, over the two week period.

The Empress also used the event to kick off a new Cultural Initiative. The Empress has asked Vrassa District University to host the Working Center for Kalistani Culture. The CKC will study Kalistan's history and development of its culture, including making an effort to trace the cultural influences loaned to Kalistan from various waves of immigrants. The goal is the create a working and living knowledge of Kalistan's culture, as it is, as it has changed, and as it is always changing into the future. The CKC will have funding to researching specific aspects, will publish a quarterly journal, which will have both peer reviewed and popular literature sections, and will operate a new museum in Vrassa.

"We see this as a complement to the International Music Hall of Fame in Luxon," said the Empress. "Kalistani culture is so diverse and exciting, and has borrowed so much from so many people. Whether it be the major influences of Gaduridos in Suldanor, or the Lourennais Disapora in Dulnerstaad, or the Indralan influences in parts of Odufaray, or the Eastern Dovani descent populations throughout our empire, Kalistan is a cross section of the world. This is something that we celebrate, and it is also something we hope the People of this Empire celebrate as well. Our people are a shining example of a single society where racial and ethnic identities are fused under the Banner of the Empire. As Kalistan welcomes the entire world, she should have it know that ours is not just about music, or drugs, but also about taking the best of the world and offering it to our people, always honoring the source material, but always putting a uniquely Kalistani spin on it. We are so proud of the People of this Nation and their openness to new ideas and new ways of seeing the world. That is Kalistan's role, and it is something our people relish."

The Empress said to her audience that the Center for Kalistani Culture at Vrassa District would open within a new year, and her Minister of Education was allocating more than ₭10 million for its initial capitalization. "This will be a start, but our Ministers for Education and Culture understand that this is to be a long term investment, and it is our wish that the capitalization serve as an endowment to allow the center to run in perpetuity, to train cultural scholars, and to encourage the development and exploration of all the various facets of Kalistani Culture."

The Vrassan Faire runs until May 10. All are welcomed.

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Empress issues Strongly Worded Warning to Luthori
Orders Regular Naval Forces in 2nd and 3rd Regular Fleets into the Straits
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 1st, 5480


Her Imperial majesty warns Luthori against deployment to Anantonese Ocean

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette, in a rare address to the National Assembly, issued strong condemnation to Luthorian plans to send an entire fleet to Baltusia. The Empress stressed that Artanian Naval Forces, especially from a hostile nation, are simply "not welcomed" in the Anantonese Ocean. The Empress emphatically condemned Luthorian deployments to Baltusia, and warned that attempting to sail armed naval vessels through the Ananto Strait would be considered an act of war by Ananto.

"We are not sure why Luthori has decided to adopt this belligerent posture toward a peaceful part of this world, but we wish to make it explicit: Deployment of an entire naval fleet from the other side of the planet to the pacific Anantonese Ocean will not be permitted to occur without response. This part of the world has maintained peace and harmony and has avoided conflicts that association with far away nations, especially expansionistic nations like Luthori, always entail. They will not be permitted passage through the peaceful shipping lanes in the Ananto Straits, and if they somehow make it into Seleya anyway, they will need to have come by some other path. This unprovoked action creates an immediate and serious security dillema for Kalistan, and it is not one that we will accept without response."

The Empress then reiterated that the Ananto Strait remains closed to all non-Anantonese Military traffic, and has ordered the 2nd and 3rd Regular Fleets onto alert along the Northern and Southern Limits. "The brave men and women of the Regular Navy have been given order to refit and refuel in Yoshimi and Swedeport, and are in the process of taking up defensive operations along the Northern and Southern Limits to prevent incursion into Kalistani National Waters by any Artanian Powers. The 1st Fleet in Bozo has been ordered to maintain surveillance on the northern approaches to the Strait, and to assist as needed." The Regular Airforces in Kalistan have also been ordered onto alert, and recently rebuilt Surface to Surface batteries along the Vrassan Coast have been called into action as well. "Kalistan will defend the Anantonese Ocean from all incursions by foreign Imperialist Nations."

As the Empress was speaking, word came out that representatives of Her Majesty's Defense Ministry and the venerable Foreign Minister Dame Diane Smith were dispatched to Eroncourt to consult with their Lourennais Counterparts. The Empress confirmed the trip in her speech. "We have sent representatives of our Government, including our Foreign Minister, to the United Kingdom of Lourenne to act as our official envoys during this period. It is imperative that we have the most up to date information about our Neighbor's plans in response to this pending crisis, and Dame Smith is a trusted advisor with our complete confidence. We hope to coordinate with Lourenne for the peace and security of the Anantonese Ocean."

Following the details of the crisis, the Empress held out an olive branch. "We hold no malice toward Luthori. They can't help what they are. They are under enormous internal pressure, and it has made them international pariahs. While it is clear that they have no regard for international norms or correct behavior or concern for the consequences of the actions of the cabal that claims to run that nation, we want to make it clear that we still wish for good relations with our neighbors in Baltusia. Whatever their reason for accepting the hand of the Devil, we acknowledge it is their right to do so. And as Baltusia is a sovereign nation, we hope she will acknowledge our equal rights to defend our coast from a nation which has, for centuries, only had expansionist territorial designs on Seleya, and which Kalistan has served thus far as an effective check against. We respect Baltusia as our neighbor and fellow Sovereign Nation, and would like to invite Baltusia to Kalistan to discuss Baltusia's security needs, and talk about how Kalistan and Baltusia can partner for effective continental and Oceanic security which excludes Artanian nations from our hemisphere."

Her Imperial Majesty received a standing ovation from the Deputies in the National Assembly. Several of the more conservative deputies were overheard commenting that they liked "this version" of the Empress far better than the Empress at the beginning of her career, when she tended to be seen as something of a "hippy." "Her Majesty was forceful and unequivocating," said one Deputy on condition of anonymity. "I think she is determined, and this is what we have been waiting for: Someone who will stand up for Kalistan. She makes me very proud to be a Kalistani."

Following the speech, the Empress went immediately into meetings with Regular Generals, and began discussing the Militia preparations with Institutionalist Leaders and Cabinet Ministers. Elements of the 2nd and 3rd Fleets have already begun taking up positions on the Limits.

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Dolgavan Empress renews Anantonese Bond with Kalistan
Konstanja III meets with Empress Nicolette during Ananto vacation
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 22, 5480


Empress Konstanja III surrounded by security as she visits Luxon Station during visit to Ananto

The reigning monarch of the Dolgavan Empire, Empress Konstanja III recently concluded her visit to The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan. During the visit, which was officially an informal visit, the Dolgavan sovereign met with Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette to renew an old friendship begun many years ago during a similar visit by The Empress to Dolgava. Her Imperial Majesty not only served as tour guide to the visiting Empress in Ananto, taking them to many cultural sites like the National Assembly, the Imperial Natural History Museum, the National Art Gallery, and Kaliburg National Speedway, but also invited the visiting Royal Family to take a trip on Ananto's maglev rail to visit the Imperial Estate in Eveari, where the Empress treated her Dolgavan counterpart and her family to a formal state dinner complete with various local cuisines from across the Empire.

Following an overnight stay in Eveari, Konstanja was welcomed to board the AnantoRail and travel further to Luxon in Ananto, where she stayed at Pacific Bay resort. While there, the Empress enjoyed days and nights in the warm seaside resort, taking a break from the troubles of office. She was invited to take surfing lessons, went parasailing and snorkeling off the Ananto Reef, and suntanned on the beach. The visiting Royals also took in the Global Music Hall of Fame in Luxon, where they were treated to a command performance of the Vrassan-based alt-folk band Plateau. The Empress also enjoyed Luxon's criminally underrated night clubs, where she saw DJs, local bands, and at least one national touring act, and partied with locals, who greeted her warmly, as they would any other Luxon residents. Most Kalistanis were not notified of her presence, and she was not bothered by paparazzi at all, ensuring that her vacation was without stress.

During her two week stay on Ananto, Empress Konstanja and her family also took day trips into the Xanadu Mountains and to Dahriel, the center of Kalistan's cannabis cultivation zone known as the Gold Plain. She was given a tour of one of the major plantations on the Gold Plain by Jane Delgado, who is General Secretary of the Ananto Growers' Syndicate, and shown the agronomical processes of cultivation of Dah Gold, including germination, plant sexing and transplanting, watering and fertilization, harvesting, selection, and packaging for ODEN-K Warehouses in Kaliburg. Dolgava is a fellow member of ODEN, and Ms. Delgado was happy to exchange information with the Empress, who showed a remarkable degree of knowledge about Dolgava's own processes.

Following her lengthy stay in Luxon, the Empress and her Family returned to Kaliburg, where she was greeted one final time by Her Imperial Majesty, and Chancellor Newburg, who held one final luncheon with the Empress, that included a select press conference with journalists from The Republic and KRTVN Channel 1. Following the Press Conference, Konstanja was transported to the airport where she and her family returned home. She was seen off by the Empress and the Chancellor, as well as a small crowd of Kalistani well wishers.

The visit restored a long standing friendship between Kalistan and Dolgava which formed centuries ago over music and ODEN. The Chancellor reported that she found Empress Konstanja to be delightful and serious, and very curious about various aspects of Kalistan and her people. She also said that the two Empresses share a similar sense of humor and have many points in common on both weighty and less consequential topics. "They got along famously," said Chancellor Newburg.

With the successful visit of Empress Konstanja, peace continues to reign in the Northern Anantonese.

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HMFM Dame Diane Smith, in Lourenne, calls for new ASCA, supports Meridian Strait Accord
"Old agreement does not reflect current climate", says Smith
Eroncourt, United Kingdom of Lourenne
January 9, 5481


Dame Smith speaks before forum of foreign policy experts in Eroncourt earlier this week

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Dame Diane Smith, continues her residency in Eroncourt along with members of the Kalistani Defense Ministry to work with Lourenne on regional security. Speaking before the Lourennais-based Foreign Policy think tank Institut Politique Anantonais (IPA), Dame Smith outlined Kalistan's willingness to work with Lourenne to establish a new regional security regime which aligns the current practices in the Ananto Strait with Lourenne's interests in the Meridian Strait.

"Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Nicolette I is moving away from the regime created 750 years ago governing the Ananto Strait between Kalistan and Dorvik," said Dame Smith, referring to the Ananto Strait Comprehensive Accord. "That treaty was more or less imposed on Kalistan by great powers, and no longer reflects the interests of the Primary Signatories: Kalistan has long held complete sovereignty over the entire strait, not just the 200 nm permitted by the treaty, and Dorvik isn't even a player in the Northern Seleyan region any more. As the old agreement does not reflect the current climate, Her Majesty believes that Kalistan needs a new treaty that reflects Kalistan's defacto status in the Strait, and codifies practices that Kalistan has been doing for more than 1000 years."

The Foreign Minister went further and said it looks forward to proposals by the Lourennais Government concerning the passage to the East side of Ananto, which is currently governed by the Law of the Sea, which Kalistan does not officially recognize. The Meridian Strait (historically the Lourenne Passage in Kalistan) is an international waterway that allows ships to circumvent Kalistan's restrictions in the Ananto Strait by travelling well away from Kalistan proper and more toward Lourenne. Kalistan has historically relied on both the 1st Fleet in Ananto and the Lourennais Navy to patrol the passage and conduct security operations there. But Dame Smith also noted that Lourenne seems open to the idea of imposing restrictions similar to the ones placed on the Ananto Strait on the Meridian Strait, and the Empress has signaled her willingness for Kalistan to work on enforcing restrictions on military traffic of foreign origin in the Meridian Strait as well. "Her Imperial Majesty's prime focus with regard to these two straits is defense of Kalistan and the isolation of the Southeren Anantonese Ocean from the conflicts in the rest of the world," said Smith. "As we have seen, occasional sparks can set off global conflagrations, and while Kalistan does not actively participate in those conflicts, we also do not turn away from our defensive doctrine and heavily armed neutrality. Lourenne's proposal to establish a demilitarized zone on the Eastern Side of Ananto which is similar to the one we have established on the Western side, Her Majesty believes, will add to that security, not only for Kalistan but also for Western Dovani, Eastern Seleya, and the entire Anantonese region."

The speech generated a discussion over regional security and logistics in the audience which lasted for more than an hour. Dame Smith said that as of the moment of her speech, there was no formal language around either proposal. "Updating the Ananto Strait Accord is something Kalistan can do itself, since it only concerns our National Waters, and nothing else," said Smith. "I anticipate working very closely in the coming months to develop a similar agreement with Lourenne to ensure that Her Majesty's interests for the Meridian Passage are fairly represented as I continue my work here in Eroncourt. I think after the work is completed, we will have two new treaties that govern the waters around Ananto which will obtain Her Imperial Majesty's approval, and will allow Lourenne the security it seeks as it moves toward neutrality."

Dame Smith has described her working relationship with her Lourennais Counterparts as "excellent", and feels that there is consonance between Her Majesty's goals with regard to Luthori's encroachment and the Government of the United Kingdom. "This is a reflection of a long and close relationship between our two Nations, and it serves everyone well, even beyond our borders for Kalistan and Lourenne to work so closely together. It is also our hope that friendly nations work out similar international and intra national agreements with themselves to further enhance their own security and to act as barriers against outside aggressors."

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Kalistan selects Eshar band "The Starving Artists" to Represent the Empire in Baltusia
FOMAT XXV will be first time Seleyan Republic hosts the Contest
Eshar, Duchy of Odufaray
August 19, 5481


The Starving Artists, on tour in Odufaray, will represent Kalistan at FOMAT XXV

The Festival of Music Arts in Terra, or FOMAT, has been officially launched, and this has led to a predictable flurry of effort on the part of local and national bands in Kalistan to push out new music in an attempt to represent Kalistan. FOMAT XXV will be held in Ralston, Baltusia, and, like previous contests, will feature music from around the world, all competing for the FOMAT title. The 24th Edition, held in Kalistan during 5431, was won by Dundorf, who officially passed on hosting option earlier this year, opening the door for Baltusia to take the opportunity to host. While the contest is still seven years away, time usually works a little funny in the music universe, and both artists and labels know that the time is now to submit music for the contest.

Kalistan's nominee, as usual, is determined by radio poll on KRTVN's flagship music station, Radio 1. This year, the competition was fierce, with 64 different acts entering music. Over the course of two weeks, Radio 1 held a round robin with listeners calling, emailing and texting in their preference in head to head match ups between different artists. Most of the entries were either alt-folk, hip hop, or pop, as these acts have historically done well on both the radio poll and the contest. But this year, there were a lot that went head to head--maybe too many, as most of them cancelled out, and then one of those genres that had beaten out several other songs, tended to lose to one of the relatively few hard rock songs in the contest.

At the end of it all, the winner overall was judged to be a relatively unknown independent rock act from Eshar, Odufaray named The Starving Artists. Brother and Sister Andre and Mellie Arnhart from Eshar are joined by Nathan Black on Bass and Walt Richardson on drums. The song they enters, and which subsequently won also had the longest song title of all the entries: "Heroin (is Quite Passe, but I wouldn't give it to you f you were the Last Junkie on Terra)" Mellie Arnhart, primary song writer for the band explained the title in a recent interview: "No, its not an anti-drug song. It is more like a hate song about a pathetic dude I used to know. Its kind of funny when Andre sings it: He's pretty effeminate, and that makes it more kinda sneering and snotty, and less like "f--k you, I hate you..." which is how I wrote it, but I think he really gets the sentiment of what I was going for, and it really came out a lot better with him singing it."

When informed that they won, Andre, who was stoned and drinking at the time of the announcement, and incidentally performing in Springfield, reportedly walked off the stage to go pack, before the rest of the band informed him that the contest wouldn't be for seven years, and that he had to finish his show. It took the band several minutes to communicate this to Arnhart. Following his return to the stage, he promptly fell off the stage and bruised three ribs. Several days later, at a press conference held by ODEN, who is sponsoring the band's entry into FOMAT, Arnhart said, "No, this is the first I'm hearing about this. I'm not sure why this happened, but the song was like a breakup song. It was a fun little track, we had fun with it, but no, I don't think its going to win. I voted for (Vrassan Alt-Folk singer) Veronica Mark. Her song was so much better than like everything we've ever done. Like no offense to Mellie or anything, but we need better songs. I mean, yeah Baltusia? Cool Yeah, of course we will win. Mellie is the most creative person I know, and she writes such awesome songs."

The Band will travel to Ralston for the FOMAT Contest. But you can check out The Starving Artists' "Heroin (Is Quite Passe, but I wouldn't give it to you if you were the Last Junkie on Terra)," the track that won the Kalistani contest and will represent Kalistan, here:

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3xjI0fCKfM]

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Chancellor Greets Luthori standdown in Baltusia
Signals reduction in Patrols on the Limits as Kalistan prepares to sign Meridian Treaty
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 8, 5481


Chancellor Newburg-LaRoc addresses National Assembly on reduction of tension

Chancellor of the Empire Kelly Newburg-LaRoc briefed the National Assembly today on several matters of foreign policy import. The speech came in conjunction with a decrease in tension in the Anantonese following the withdrawal of Luthorian Naval elements. During her briefing, the Chancellor noted that Kalistani regular units were already stepping down patrols on the Northern and Southern Limits in preparation of the full execution of the 2nd Ananto Strait Comprehensive Accord. "Her Imperial Majesty has ordered the Naval Minister to begin returning naval units in the 2nd and 3rd Fleets to regular peace time operations in the Strait, to end combat patrols, and to stand down from Alert. Over the next month, the stand down will be completed and most units will return to their barracks at Yoshimi Station and Port Swede," said Chancellor Newburg.

With regard to the closure of the Ananto Strait, the Chancellor reported that Her Imperial Majesty is awaiting the passage of the 2nd ASCA and the Meridian Strait Comprehensive Accord, which Kalistan intends to join before the Strait will be fully reopened. "The Empress is maintaining the closure of the Straits for the time being," said Chancellor Newburg. "But Regular Naval Units are being ordered to selectively enforce the closure ahead of the passage of both Straits Accords, which means Kalistani Regular Naval Forces will monitor all transits through the Straits but only turn back selected nations. Right now, Kalistan is restricting transit by Artanian and Majatran Flagged Military Vessels only. And the List of countries on those lists will gradually reduce to zero upon passage of the Meridian Accord." The Chancellor stressed that all flagged commercial traffic continues through the Strait unhindered.

Finally, When the Meridian Accord enters ratification, Dame Diane Smith will be recalled from Lourenne, along with the military detachment that travelled to Lourenne with her to coordinate Anantonese Response to the Luthorian encroachment. "Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister will be returning to her post in Kaliburg following the beginning of the ratification of the Meridian Accord. Her Imperial Majesty is satisfied with the consonance between Kalistan and Lourenne over maritime policy in the Anantonese Ocean, and Dame Smith has done her job." It is widely believed that Dame Smith seeks to retire from public service, having served for nearly 4 decades already in her post, and a recall could be a step in that direction.

Finally, the Chancellor held out an olive branch to Luthori following their sacking of their Naval Affairs Minister. "Her Imperial Majesty has expressed a growing interest in improving relations with Luthori. The closure of the Strait was prompted by a foreign war, but if not for Luthori's surprise basing arrangement with Baltusia, Kalistan should have gone back to a peaceful posture there long ago. Instead, there was lack of all communication between the foreigners and local nations, and The Empress acted how any nation would react when they discovered that a nation with a history of hostility toward Kalistan has parked an entire fleet in our Backyard without so much as a diplomatic communique to even let Her Imperial Majesty know it was going down. Her Majesty congratulates the Luthorian Government for sacking the Minister who made this decision, and would like to welcome Luthori to send representatives to Kaliburg, so that the Empress may ascertain whether or not there is a modus vivendi that can be discovered between the Emprie of Ananto and Kalistan and the state of Luthori."

The comment was met with several boos from heretofore taciturn Conservatives Deputies who oppose talking to Luthori, but the Chancellor insisted that the Empress will command full observance of diplomatic protocol and decorum should a member of the Luthorian Government travel to Kalistan to open a dialogue concerning establishing peaceful relations with Kalistan. Following more boos from Conservatives, joined by more than a few Nationalists, the Chancellor calmed the crowd down by informing the hecklers, "Surely it is not your intent to suggest that you will not follow the Empress' directives? May I be the first to inform you that there is no future for you, if you follow that course of action. Not in this Party at least." With this nominally veiled threat, the boos ended.

The Chancellor finished the briefing with a closed door Executive Session, where the Chancellor briefed Party leaders of national security affairs.