Kalistani Major History

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Luthorian band, the "Chiefs" set to make global appearance in World Tour.
The Luthorian band, which came second at the latest FOMAT organized in Gaduridos, has announced that a "World Tour" would be organized in the most continents of the world.
1st, June 5503


The Chiefs' members, during one of their many photos before FOMAT;

Fort William, Principality of Orange, Luthori - Luthori's most renowned band in the entire world, the "Chiefs", which made an impression during last FOMAT organized by Gaduridos, after their victory at FOMAT XXV (54**), has announced its intention to make a world tour to "meet with the fans overseas, ameliorate their music by collaborating with local musicians", the band has defied expectations after their wonderful second place at the most recent edition of FOMAT, which said earlier, was organized by Gaduridos, with their song, "I Predict a Riot". The record company affilated with the band, CWIC, announced that the Tour would take place in many countries, over a period of over 1 to 2 years, with multiple representations being organized in some countries affected by the Tour in question. The lead singer, Mark Batter stated that "it would be a great experiment and a great opportunity to mix many cultures and give our songs some exotic culture rather than just Luthorian/Hutorian/Kalistani rock", speaking of these three nations, the tour would first begin in Luthori with a representation at the Royal Amphitheater of Fort William (OOC - Royal Albert Hall, London, UK), where, normally, opera and classical music representations are made. Other countries which are concerned with the tour are (by order of appearance):

- Dundorf, with 5 scheduled appearances.
- Narikaton/Darnussia, with 3 scheduled appearances.
- Beiteynu, with two appearances in Yishelem
- Hutori, with 10 appearances scheduled as of now.
- Baltusia, with 6 appearances scheduled as of now.
- Kalistan, with 10 appearances scheduled as of now.
- Gaduridos, with 5 appearances being scheduled as of now.
- Lourenne, with 8 appearances, scheduled as of now, with 2 in Eroncourt.

Some other countries are also planned to see a passage from the Tour, with either one or many appearances taking place in these countries, the countries in question are, Lodamun, Aldegar, Dankuk, and other countries. As of now, the group is planning their performance at the Royal Theater of Fort William, where a large crowd is likely to be present to say goodbye to their stars.

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Empress inaugurates new Dam Projects in Neveras, Suldanor, and Vrassa
Also announces pending visits from Luthorian PM
Lhasa Narrows, Duchy of Neveras
September 9, 5505


Her Imperial Majesty describes new Neveras High Dam in press conference north of Lhasa River

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II was on hand today to inaugurate the new Neveras High Dam Project at Lhasa Narrows along the Neveras River. When completed, the Dam will stand more 625 feet tall, and will be the tallest dam in Kalistan. It is one of 8 dam projects beginning across Kalistan Proper designed to serve as hydroelectric power generation and flood control in the Duchies of Neveras, Suldanor and Vrassa. Neveras will host three high dams, Vrassa will be the home to four dams, and Suldanor will receive one dam.

"We are very pleased to be here to formally inaugurate these large public works projects," said the Empress. "Not only will these projects supply ample power to our Mainland Duchies, but they will also serve as engines for jobs and then for both recreation and wildlife preservation. We have expressed our desire that these projects add more to the natural environment than they disrupt, and the plans for multi-purpose use of the new reservoirs that will be created along these rivers shall indeed serve both humans and wildlife for decades to come."

The Empress said that the eight sites had been chosen along a very strict list of criteria, including ecological and cultural impact, availability of existing infrastructure, to insure that not much new infrastructure needs to be created, and relative remoteness from population centers. "Additionally, we wanted the engineers to select sites where our work would have an impact on hydrology downstream," said the Empress. "For example, this site here, at the place called Lhasa Narrows, will allow us to build a fish run to allow fish migrations, but will also allow us to control frequent flooding downstream in the Central Valley. The water released on a regular schedule by the dam operators will allow farmers more predictability for their irrigation projects, and will allow civil engineers to control erosion and siltation which has long plagued farmers in the Valley. Each of these projects will add regularity, beauty and inducement for our Citizens to go out and explore nature."

In addition to the dam projects, the Empress announced a new initiative to create the lands adjacent to the new reservoirs as National Recreation Sites, and protect the natural beauty of the land as a pubic resource. "Reservoirs tend to attract those who wish to develop their shores," said the Empress. "It is our wish that these areas remain free of development, so that our citizens may enjoy them in as natural a state as possible." Several towns that sit in the areas that will eventually be under the surface of the 8 new man-made lakes that the dams create will be evacuated and demolished, and the residents will be resettled in nearby areas. In all fewer than 10,000 citizens will be affected over the 8 dam projects.

In addition to the dam projects, the Empress took the occasion to welcome various Luthorian visits to Kalistan. "We want to take a moment to announce the impending visit of the Prime Minister of the Empire of Luthori to Kalistan," said Her Imperial Majesty. "It was long the ambition of my mother, the Empress, to forge a new relationship with Luthori, but for one reason or another, those plans were shelved for decades. But we have picked that concern up once more, and it is our desire that this visit happen as soon as possible, because we are interested in finally dispatching an Ambassador to Luthori to occupy the now mostly empty Embassy that was built in their capital. A visit from their Prime Minister will be the first step in building a new relatonship with Kalistan. And we certainly look forward to their visit. We have asked our Chancellor, the Lady Kelly Newburg-LaRoc to host her Counterpart from Luthori, and we have also expressed our intention to attend these meetings, so that we may get the measure of the Luthorians, as well as their intention vis a vis Kalistan from the first hand. We look forward to their Prime Minister's visit as soon as possible."

The Empress also added an informal note. "We would also be remiss if we didn't inform our Press that we welcome the so-named 'Rock and Roll Diplomacy,' between our country and Luthori. It has been a couple years now since the Luthori hard rock band The Chiefs toured Kalistan. We ourselves were in attendance at their shows in Kaliburg, shall we say, incognito... They received our support when they played FOMAT, and we felt their concert was something that we would enjoy seeing live." The Empress explained that the cultural exchange between the two Empires has laid a ground work for positive relations between the two peoples. "We have long been estranged from Luthori," said the Empress, "and yet, it is our opinion that this should not be. Our two peoples have quite a lot in common, and it is our desire that we should take every opportunity to get to know one another, to travel back and forth with ease and enthusiasm, and to be friends. It seems that it has started with music: We certainly welcome musicians from Luthori, as we have welcomed so many musicians from other nations, and appreciate the ties that this form of exchange forges for our two people."

The dam projects will take between 8 and 10 years to complete, but the Lhasa Narrows Dam project is already well into its 5th month, and the site clearing is nearly completed.

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Sulari's Hypoderma tops hard rock album charts
Alt-Metal band combines surf themes with nihilism
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
January 5, 5507


Hypoderma's Sophomore album "PowerPlant" is as loud as its name suggests

The Sulari Alternative Metal band Hypoderma has been staples in the Sulari hard rock scene for about 5 years. Forming around their love of loud music and surfing, the foursome has now topped the Radio 1 Hot 100 Album Chart with their follow up to 5502's Out of Bounds. The new album PowerPlant brings a heavier grungy sound than Out of Bounds and is led off by the Single "Deep Swell" which is a metaphor using surfing to describe the trial and tribulations of heroin addiction.

"We tried to focus our music and our lyrics on stuff we know about," said lead singer and songwriter Rob "Mondo" Phillips. "So basically surfing and drugs. The single talks about the ups and downs that you get when you do hard drugs for a long time. It kind of undermines you, you might say, like it pulls you down like if you were caught in a huge wave and getting thrown around and getting bashed up against a reef. You really dig the high of riding the wave until you get basically drowned. Some people never make it out of those waves, you know. We're the lucky ones."

Other themes explored on the heavy hitting but introspective album including the band's ambiguous sexuality, depression and anomie. "A lot of it has to do with drugs." said lead guitarist Will Montero. "I think we can explore some metaphors, but in reality, drugs have been the common thread. Addiction is something we'll probably struggle with for a long time, but you know here, we can look at this and say we were clean enough to put this record together, like to be all on the same page long enough to make this music."

Discussing his process, Phillips put it like this: "Well, I start the day with like a smoothie. Lots of fruits and plants to get me some nutrients. And then I go surfing til about 9:30, and then I come home and have a sandwich. A lot of the time me and Willy and Gerard (Hassan, the drummer) will all go out surfing, while Brian (Michaelson, the band's bassist) is doing other sh-t, like working or something. We'll start writing music about 1 or so and keep at it til 6:30 or so, maybe come up with some riffs, and try to put it together in these songs. For dinner we eat some pizza or something then go surfing again. Surfing takes our minds off a lot of stuff. It's a pretty good routine to maintain, and we're kind of in this little surf gang at Vista Muerte (Beach, south of Sulari) and we all maintain this community and try to help each other stay clean and sane, you know? That mental health thing is also part of the process. We've got a ton of songs we'll probably never record."

"Yeah, you know, sometimes the girls will go surfing with us, or come over just to hang out," said Montero, "But I think especially Mondo and I spend most of our time on the water... we started using together, and I think that is a bond, even though we're both pretty straight now, like its a bond that you don't really ever give up. And we're keeping each other strong."

When asked why so much of their music is about drugs though they are trying to distance themselves from their previous drug abuse, Phillips said "Well, you write what you know. Not all of our stuff is about drugs, though. I mean some of our music actually just is about being out in the sun and feeling the warm rays and basking in it, some of it is about love, and the weird ways that can twist and turn. You might even say that some of it is basically pop music, but just played with like really heavy guitars, you know. It's not all dark and evil."

When asked how this record progresses Hyopderma's sound from Out of Bounds, Montero laughed. "We made a little money off the first record so the first thing we did was like eat. And then the second thing was buy all new instruments. I had some really crappy guitar that I bought at some thrift store here in town, and like one of the pickups was busted and everything. I got a few pedals, and we actually got a PA. I think this time I am experimenting with ways to produce different sound quality, I think its called, with like the same set up. So I will explore what guitar feedback does with harmonics and then I'll put like a reverb pedal on there, and you know, just try different stuff to make different sounds, and if I like the way that sound makes me feel and the things it makes me think of, I'll try to fit it into a song here and there. And I think the guys are really getting real good, for real. You can tell, like Brian's grooves (on bass) are head and shoulders above where he was at on the first album. I'd like to say its because we're clean now, but really, it just because he started practicing and stopped being so lazy."

On plans for a tour, Phillips was non-committal. "Yeah, touring is probably not a huge priority for us right now, just because life on the road... eh, you know, there's a lot of great people you meet on tour, but I think like you also meet a lot of people who say they are your friends and the next thing you know, you wind up in a dirty hotel room somewhere like four days later and you missed two shows... It's not really the healthiest place to be right now with maniacs like us, you know what I mean?" Montero added, "We have dozens of venues we can play here in Sulari, for sure, and we'll go up to Kaliburg and promote the record up there because the only people we know up there are with the lable (KMI released PowerPlant). But, I think I'm healthy enough to say I ain't going anywhere near Swede Port or any of those places... Not for a while. And in other countries, like ODEN stuff finds you. People know we're from the -Stan, you know and they are like 'Man I picked up this ODEN stuff, wanna do some with me?' and you just know that its all stepped on and cut up because in most of the world it's all illegal and sh-t... its not safe."

You can check out "Deep Swell" on M7, or right here below. Meanwhile, as PowerPlant on KMI Records hits number One on the Weekly Hot 100 Album poll, expect more singles from this band, and several dates in and around Sulari, Dana, Yoshimi and Kaliburg in the coming months.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K50oa8-iw5E]

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The State of the Empire
Despite contradictions, Kalistan remains on firm ground
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 31, 5507


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette serves plates food at Eveari Public Kitchen weekly as National Service

Introduction
Kalistan is generally known as a land of contradictions which seem to work out well. On the one hand, Kalistan is a country governed by an absolute monarch who is clothed in unquestionable fiat authority by a legislature that serves as a device to ratify the word of the Empress, and is surrounded by several layers of protocol and etiquette rules that she is not allowed to even refer to herself in the first person singular. And yet the same Empress is a devout Brethrenist, outwardly eschews all forms of ostentatious display of wealth, and refuses to wear a crown or any emblem of her office except at the most solemn official functions. On the one hand, Kalistan is an extremely conservative nation which protects its institutions in their places almost as a matter of civic religion, and on the other hand, Kalistan is a socially progressive, forward thinking nation which jealously guards its reputation for both independence in all matters and its willingness to innovate to try new policy responses to new problems. On the one hand, Kalistan is a nation that can marshal tremendous economic, cultural, and diplomatic resources to resolve the problems it faces, and on the other hand, Kalistan is a country that practices zero percent growth and holds the value of its currency at +/-.5% of the index value, controlling for population growth, a robust social spending system, and a dynamic infrastructure ministry that is currently in the midst of one of the largest publics works projects ever envisioned by the Nation.

These contradictions feel like paradoxes, and this is a point that has been made by external observers for centuries. And yet, we still Kalistan in the top ten economies in the world, and maintaining its role as arguable the greatest cultural exporter in Terra. Kalistan's Empress is respected and sought after by world leaders and equals of other nations. Kalistan's name is synonymous with internal stability and external neutrality, and their reputation as "the Pirate Republic" seems to be well behind them. And though Kalistan continues to face many internal issues such as persistent shortages in green energy creation, some moderate levels of political corruption, despite rigorous efforts by the Institutionalist Party to root out graft and unethical behavior by public officials, as well as some need of public poverty which continues to remain stubbornly out of reach for Her Imperial Majesty's Government, Kalistan remains on stable bedrock. This article will serve as a brief overview of the State of our Empire.

Politics in the Empire
Long before the Anantos were returned to the throne of Kalistan, the Institutonalists were successful in depoliticizing Kalistani society. The result is that elections in the National Legislature, known as the National Assembly, are rarely contested. Within the Intstitutionalist Party, there are several caucuses and formations, most notably the Liberal and Conservative factions. The Liberal faction tends to support more capitalism in the society, and has hinted at reforming the Monarchy in recent years, but Liberalism in general is a long discredited ideology in Kalistan, and Liberals have never represented the majority of the Institutionalist Party. The Conservative faction are the rump of the old Socialist Party of Kalistan, and are dedicated not only to preserving the Monarchy in an absolute form, but maintaining Kalistan as a one Party state, and preserving Kalistan's long standing national institutions and industries. The result is an Institutionalist Party that is utterly supine to the will of the Empress, and exists as her functional legislative arm. The body routinely ratifies the will of the Monarch, and while there may be robust and open, and often contentious debate over the policies that are promoted in the Assembly by Her Majesty's Government, there is no confusion as to what the ultimate outcome of these policy debates will be. The Empress is the sum total of all public policy in Kalistan.

On the office of the Empress, the original design was to be a monarch which was still accountable to the people, but practice and tradition in Kalistan dating to the original members of the 4th Dynasty has neutralized any impulse toward constitutionalism and republicanism in the Empire. Despite the absolute nature of her authority, Kalistan has been blessed by enlightened Sovereigns, all of whom have, to date been devoutly and openly members of the Brethrenist Faith. This commitment to the tenants of Brethrenism, which paradoxically preaches about the equality of all humans, by absolute monarch after absolute monarch ensures that the civic spirit is not entirely extinguished in Kalistan. The People of Kalistan are never referred to as Her Imperial Majesty's subjects, but are still encouraged to think of themselves as citizens, with both robust civil rights and a strong sense of civic duty and responsibility. While voter turnout in elections has reached disturbingly low percentages, National Service is at an all time high. In fact each of Kalistan's Monarchs have very publicly participated in National Service before taking office, and in several cases, coronation has been delayed so that the Monarch can complete their mandatory term of service.

The Person of the Empress in Kalistan is, to date, known to be honest, level headed, just, and generous. Her Imperial Majesty is known to care for the poor and the dispossessed, and demonstrates that care and concern often at the expense of the wealthy and power in Kalistan, who must periodically suffer what they consider to be "dispossession" for the sake of wealth redistribution and national priorities. The Empress frequently appears in her role as the Embodiment of the Anantonese State at different events to underscore the social responsibility of all Kalistanis for various projects and initiatives. The Empress frequently demonstrates volunteerism, and has said that her commitment to National Service did not end as soon as she was discharged from the NSP--she instead holds that National Service is a lifelong commitment and spends at least four hours a week volunteering either at local Public Kitchens that feed Kalistanis, or at other civic events, nearly always in service to the impoverished and needy. She also maintains her engineering discipline and joins NSP road crews as a survey instructor. Though protocol forces Kalistanis to keep a respectful distance, the Empress' active participation in public service keeps her close to the people, and aligns with her Brethrenist testimonies.

In terms of policy, the Empress is not only very shrewd but she is well known for seeking advice from many different sides and weighing as much evidence before coming to a decision. But once a decision has been made, Her Imperial Majesty's Government will certainly confirm that Her Majesty's decisiveness is coupled with a certain imperiousness--Her Majesty is well known for expecting her dictates to be carried out in both letter and spirit, and any opposition after decisions have been made have historically been met with somewhat severe reactions. Though Her Imperial Majesty is known to forgive easily, she deals with those who outright defy her will swiftly and definitively. She is every bit as dreaded as her mother, which in itself is a contradiction because her outward demeanor when away from affairs of state is far more humane and warm. She is kind, and reserved.

Politically, Kalistan can no longer be called a democracy. There are very few democratic institutions that remain in tact. There is not only few, if any democratic institutions remaining, at least on the national or duchy level, but there are few avenues for people to directly influence their governments. The one exception to this general rule lies in the five Free Cities in Kalistan: The Grand Mayors are appointed by the Empress, and they then serve as executives for wholly democratic city councils, who are in charge of their own policies, budgets and public services. The five cities are Kaliburg/Port Davon, Vrassa City, Eshar, Gendaris and Sulari, which together represent about one fifth of the population of the Empire.

Economy of the Empire
Kalistan has a fully modern economy, with a strong mix of agriculture, industry and services. Kalistan's model of the Dual Economy promotes public, social ownership of all sectors that supply human need and national interest, while guaranteeing to the Private Sector all economic activity that supplies Kalistani want. This Dual System has been the foundation of the Kalistani economy for more than 2000 years and has ensured that Kalistan is able to avoid the boom bust cycle that is endemic in capitalism.

Kalistan is self sufficient in agriculture, growing nearly all of its food stuffs. Domestically, grains preferred by Kalistanis are wheat, rice and rye. Corn is grown in the Empire, but it is used primarily for animal feed and more recently biofuels and polymers. There is some demand for corn in Suldanor who prefer it to wheat for tortillas. Kalistan also grows legumes and tubers in abundance, and annually produces amble beans of all varieties, lentils, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peanuts which are a popular snack. The Empire also grows almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews and pistachios commercially. Kalistani farmers also produce garlic, onion, a both of which is widely used in various dishes, herbs such as oregano, thyme, sage, parsley, and basil, and assorted hot and sweet peppers.

Besides the wide assortment of leafy vegetables, Kalistan also grows tons of fruits, including grapes, oranges, lemons, limes, tomatoes, cherries, apples, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, black berries, currants, mulberries, blueberries, pineapples, watermelons and pumpkins and other gourds. Most of this food is grown on cooperative farms, run by Growers' syndicates and staffed by both free labor and NSP conscripts, and most food produced is purchased by the State and provided to National Food Banks, which operate as not-for-profit grocery stores across the Empire. Highly processed agricultural products are not widely available in Kalistan. Most of the agricultural production occurs in Odurfaray and Ananto.

Besides edible produce, Kalistani commercial agriculture consists of plants grown for other things. The largest non-foodstuff grown in Kalistan is sugar, which represents the majority of the agricultural operations around the Lucid Morass in Suldanor. Additionally, large swaths of soybeans have recently been opened to provide sources of oil for biofuel and polymers. ODEN also works with growers coops to maintain vast plots for the growing of cannabis, opium poppies, raw coca and several other natural precursors, that supply Kalistan's expansive legal drug market. Most of the sugar and soybeans are utilized domestically, while most of the crop that is designed to be turned into intoxicants will eventually be sold to international dealers in the ODEN storehouse in Port Davon.

Industrially, Kalistan has historically had a major petroleum industry, though production has sharply fallen in this sector directly before Empress Nicolette II began her reign. Additionally, Kalistan is a major producer of raw iron and Steel, getting nearly all its iron ore from extensive seams of hematite found in Nevaras, as well as a major regional producer of aluminum, tin, and lithium. Kalistan produces nearly all of its own automobiles at Kalistani Motor Company, or MoCo, as well as its own commercial, cargo and military aircraft at AeroKal. There is a strong consumer electronics sector in Kalistan represented by the flagship company Kalistani Micro Divisions, or KalMD, who also has moved into making batteries for consumer and commercial applications. Large cargo vessels are fabricated at Kalistani National Shipyards in Port Davon, and Kalistani factories produce large quantities of textiles and apparel, including shoes, clothing and fashion, and all weather apparel.

MoCo Plant in Sulari produces enough cars to provide Kalistan with a large surplus which goes to export

While the ethic of Kalistani Industrial doctrine is self-sufficiency due to lack of trust of global markets, Kalistan has long adopted an open trade policy and fair/reciprocal trade relationships with all other nations in the world. As a result, Kalistani consumers get the benefit of a relatively large import stock, primarily in consumer goods, foods, and disposable items. Kalistani consumers often will choose foreign made items because of the novelty of the foreign product. It is considered fashionable to purchase foreign goods, including foreign automobiles, and there is strong demand for consumer goods of all kinds from Kalistan's regular trade partners. Kalistan's largest trading partners are Lourenne and Lodamun, with whom it enjoys a customs union that have eliminated any barriers to the flows of goods and people across national boundaries, making all good from these states treated as domestic products, and giving those nations' products a distinct advantage in Kalistani Markets.

The Commercial and services sector in Kalistan is both robost and growing. Kalistan has a modern financial services sector as well as a National Stock Exchange (the KSE, or KalSiE) that is heavily regulated to protect against unhealthy speculative activity. Kalistan is also seen as a tax haven for foreign nations, as it ensures privacy and confidentiality of all deposits, foreign and domestic, in the Kalistani National Bank. The National Bank system is carefully controlled, and does not engage in highly risky financial activities, nor does it charge interest on any loan it makes to Kalistani Nationals. Small local banks are allowed to participate in more risky and speculative behavior, so long as they are transparent in their activities to their clients, and all banks have a binding fiduciary responsibility to their depositors and investors. There is no shortage of retail outlets in Kalistan, and the retail sector is almost entirely deregulated, according to the structure of the unique Dual Economy, which has ensured that public sector and private sector remain as separate as possible.

One of the main industries in Kalistan is the entertainment industry, featuring the most extensive, prolific, and longest established music industry on Terra. The fully privatized music industry features no fewer than 5 major record labels, including KMI, or the Kalistani Music Industry. Kalistan's music industry covers all rock, pop, R&B and electronic adjacent genres, and has existed actively in Kalistan for more than 1000 years. Associated with the Kalistani Music scene has historically been the Kalistani festival scene which has produced a semi-regular concert series called GanJam. In addition, music fetivals are a regular event and serve to entice tourists to Kalistan, feeding yet anothe major industry: the tourism and hospitality Industry. Kalistan also has a robust movie industry that makes all types of movies, from documentaries and concert films to romcoms.

Infrastructure of the Empire
Kalistan will boast of significant investment in infrastructure. Not only does Kalistan have one of the most advanced national rail systems in Seleya, with the National MagLev highspeed train network, but also forms a very important link in the Trans Seleyan RailNet, linking Lodamun (and points east) with Central Seleya, and ensuring that passengers and freight can quickly and efficiently travel from ports in Lodamun and Kalistan through Baltusia, Gaduridos and into Aldegar. Kalistan has two major international airports, in Kaliburg and in Sulari, more than two dozen regional airports for domestic flights, and a National Ferry Service that transits passengers, automobiles and freight between Ananto to Odufaray.

Kalistan has three major Commercial Ports, at Port Davon, Ananto, Port Swedes in Vrassa and Port Elga in Sulari. Yoshimi, Gendaris/Eshar, and Dulnerstaad all represent important domestic freight ports. Kalistan also has a national highway system and a fully nationalized electrical power grid. The Kalistani Government attempted a public/private cooperation for energy generation that resulted in the Kalistani Energy Consortium, but following a massive collapse and crippling corruption crack down, KALENCON was liquidated and all its real assets went under the administration of the nationalized petroleum company, KALNAPECO. KALNAPECO is in the process of constructing eight high dams in Kalistan proper, to relieve the stress on the power grid caused by the failure of the Fusion Generation program.

In Kalistan, Media is a mix between socialized and privatized entities. The Kalistani Radio and Television Network controls a network of television and radio stations that are operated in the public interest, without influence from the State, though it is overseen by a publicly appointed Ombudsman who is required to answer for quality and service. There are a number of Low Power FM, AM and freely operating Short Wave stations in Kalistan as well, which have no government oversight with a legal requirement to tell the truth in advertising. One major shortwave station is Radio Kaliburg, which technically is owned by the Socialist Party of Kalistan, but as that organization is defunct, the radio station, which has in the past served as an internationally oriented propaganda station, now operates as an independent music station owned by private owners and funded by advertising revenue. The Press is entirely privatized in Kalistan and receives no Government support, nor government influence. Several magazines and specialized periodicals are printed regularly for Kalistani consumption, and there is no restrictions whatever on media imported from foreign nations, to include movies, television and print media, though KRTVN both radio and television stations only feature Kalistani produced media except on foreign media channels.

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Civil Rights and Liberties
In Kalistan, citizens enjoy and expect a full range of civil rights and liberties. The only restrictions are where the public safety is concerned, and where the legitimate interest of the State to protect the lives and the liberty of others is concerned. Police are unarmed, and do not actively arrest: in fact, jails exist to ensure that Kalistanis are either separated from someone they intend to injure, or they are awaiting trial and intend to flee. Penitentiaries and prisons do not exist in Kalistan, with exception of the King's Island in Odufaray, which is a penal colony, where inmates are physically segregated from the rest of society, and live as caretakers of the Island, governing themselves within the facility, growing their own food and policing their own members. King's Island is reserved for those who are criminally violent, unrepentant for their crimes, and are too dangerous to be allowed to remain at large in society. Otherwise, the judicial system is intended to return individuals to society as soon as they are no longer a threat to themselves and others, and punishment is not emphasized.

The only other civil right which is not considered sacrosanct is the right to own property. Kalistan has a long reputation for its zealotry in nationalization, especially of foreign assets. Though this has not happened in the recent past, underlying Kalistan's attitude toward private property is the believe that the only thing that is not public property is personal property (ie. toothbrushes and underwear). If an individual owns private property, they are granted the use and the benefit of that property so long as they do not use it to enrich themselves at the expense of others. As a result, there is no copywrite or patent protection for intellectual property. As a result, despite the extensive civil liberties that exist throughout Kalistan, and are enthusiastically enforced by Kalistan's judicial system, Kalistan could be described as an "illiberal" nation, since property and contracts do not receive protection from the State.

Kalistan is strongly socially progressive, though because they do not have explicit policies supporting issues around marriage, they have had their international reputation blemished. The official policy of the Government on same sex marriage is that it has no explicit policy on marriage, so it cannot have an explicit policy on same sex marriage. The only marriage that the state takes a position on it incestuous marriage, which it outlaws due to the nature of the relationship which the State does not seek to support in law.

Conclusion
The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, under the complete control of a single autocrat, with a Legislative body that exists to carry out Her Imperial Majesty's expressed will, can hardly be called a democratic state. But in the ranks of non-democratic states, Kalistan not only has one of the broadest guarantees of liberty and rights of any modern nation for individuals, but also offers a robust, if not lucrative economy that protects the society from the more base interests of economic actors. The state explicitly ensures housing, medicine, food and all basic necessities through public sector institutions and ensures private goods in the Private Sector which is allowed to operate as close to the laissez faire model as socially possible. There is therefore extensive opportunity and freedom in Kalistan, and therefore though it lacks the trappings of formal liberal democracy and capitalism, it also avoids the pitfalls of basic, power oriented authoritarianism. In doing so, it ensures stability and predictability for Kalistan's citizens, to the greatest degree possible, and gives them all the room they need to live fully actualized and fulfilled lives.

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Lady Kelly Newburg set to retire in April
"I've done my share," says the venerable Stateswoman
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 7, 5508


Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Kelly Newburg-LaRoc announces her retirement

At age 65, Lady Kelly Newburg-LaRoc has served the Empire for three decades as both Speaker of the Institutionalist Party, and as Her Imperial Majesty's Chancellor. A member of the Peerage and holder of the rank of O.G.S. 3rd Degree, Lady Newburg has long supported both the Elder and Junior Nicolettes as they guided the Anantonese State through both international and domestic events. She was the primary defender of Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Nicolette II during the Liberal Protests lasting from 5501-03, and oversaw the rebuilding of the coalition of Institutionalists in the succeeding years. And she is responsible for nuts and bolts of the ambitious Public Works program which is now taking place around the Empire that aims at restoring Kalistan to the forefront of green energy and an agricultural revolution.

But recently, several health scares, including a bout with thyroid cancer and declining mental sharpness has led the Chancellor and the Empress to consult together about beginning to search for a replacement, to allow the Chancellor to retire. While Lady Newburg's replacement has not yet been named, she has expressed confidence that there will be a smooth transition when she retires at the end of April. "I trust that Her Imperial Majesty will select an appropriate successor for this office. She already has a few close advisors in the National Assembly, who she has requested as shadow Ministers in the event that Her Government is unable to fulfill their duties, and I suspect that she intends to elevate one of them into the Chancellor's role. I have made my own preferences known, but at the end of the day, She must surround Herself with those who she trusts to give her not only wise and intelligent advice, but also someone who will tell Her the truth when She most needs to hear it. I have tried to fill that role for our Empress, as well as for her mother, the Princess Nicolette, and it is my hope that whoever Her Imperial Majesty selects will give her the same candor that I have tried to provide, and always faithfully uphold Her as I have tried to do."

The Chancellor leaves many things behind to continue: Chief among them is to find a suitable spouse for the Empress. "We have received nominations from Hutori, Lourenne, Kazulia and Luthori," said Lady Newburg. "At least one of the potential suitors is well known to Her Imperial Majesty, Prince Stephen Stuart, who is the brother to the Queen of Hutori and is the head of ODEN-H. In that role, he visits Kalistan frequently, and over the years, both he and his sister the Queen have spent a lot of time with the Empress. But the Lourennais candidate and the Kazulian candidate both bring additional positives to their respective suits, and I think she likes them both too for their various qualities. She aims to make a selection by the end of this year and prepare to marry because she would like to have children soon." Other items of major concern that the Chancellor is leaving for her successor are the ongoing High Dam projects in Kalistan proper, the establishment of wind and solar production facilities on the mainland and on Ananto, and the continued exploitation of geothermal power on Ananto. "These projects will likely continue for more than a decade before we get back to where we were before the end of the fusion program," said the Chancellor, "But of course, I will have to pass these on to the Government that comes after this one."

Lady Newburg said she intends to retire with her Husband to her country home in Dulnerstaad County. She will retain her Peerage and will be created the Marques Newburg, an honorary title she will hold for the remainder of her life by the Empress upon her retirement, and will remain on pension. "My villa in Dulnerstaad overlooks the city," said Lady Newburg. "I look forward to doing some gardening and some painting of the scenes around Dulnerstaad. And I so look forward to reading for pleasure once more!"

We salute Lady Newburg, and wish her well as she enters retirement. And we will standby to hear news of the incoming Chancellor.

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Empress is Engaged to Prince Bjorn Nordholm
Bjorn Nordholm is First Cousin to Queen Helga Nordholm
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 18, 5508


Nordholm, who has just recently been created Titular Prince in Kalistan, and Her Imperial Majesty in Eveari

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II is engaged to be married to Kazulian noble and titular Kalistani Prince Bjorn Nordholm. Nordholm is the first cousin of Kazulian Queen Helga. The Kazulian businessman, 35, was introduced to the Empress by Lady Kelly Newburg, former Chancellor of the Empire, last year, and the courtship has finally resulted in an engagement. "I'm sure that Lady Newburg is pleased as punch that the Empress selected her candidate," said Ms. Marcia van Wallen, Kaliburg reporter and gossip columnist. "The courtship was quiet for a whole year, but it seems that the two are very happy together and finally decided to announce their engagement."

Since the engagement has been made public, the Empress and soon-to be Consort have been seen out in both Eveari and Kaliburg attending the Theater, giving interviews to tabloids and posing for photographs. Nordholm is well educated, having received an PhD in quantum mechanics in the Kingdom of Bae, and has travelled extensively in Keris, Macon and Artania. He is reportedly fun-loving and enjoys practical jokes and puns. He also enjoys competitive shooting, hiking, and music. Nordholm, who speaks several languages fluently including Egelian, Canrillais and Vrassan said earlier this week, "I do look forward to hiking and climbing in the Nevaran Mountains. Obviously we [Nordholm and Empress Nicolette] have had to keep things quiet, but the Empress and I have already conquered Mt. Su together, and now I would greatly relish an excursion to the highest peaks along the border with Lodamun and Baltusia. So much is possible here in Kalistan."

Nordholm is also highly opinionated, and when pressed, will certainly offer his considered opinion on the state of the World. He recently caused a bit of a stir in an interview immediately following the announcement of his engagement to the Empress when discussing Dovani Affairs. Kazulia has made headlines recently for celebrating the return to constitutionality in the Dovani State of Hanzen. Nordholm commented on the press from Eveari, "My cousin [The Queen of Kazulia] is correct I think to both condemn the assassination of the Hanzen Monarch and to welcome the return of stability in Hanzen. I understand also that Her Imperial Majesty has not issued a statement on Hanzen, so I put this down to my own opinion and wouldn't dream of speaking for the Empress here. But, I think also, that in regards to republicanism in general, I have grown to really appreciate the Kalistani model, and think if my own home country were to study this and perhaps strengthen the Queens' hand in matters of state, we certainly would have less to be concerned about when looking nearer to home at communists, for example, who act like children on the Queen's Border. I believe that sometimes democracy can have its limits, especially when it permits extremists to run amok and cause trouble for their neighbors, and as our Empress here demonstrates very effectively, permitting a legislature to have its own will could possibly undermine the Queen's response."

The comments, which were printed internationally caused the National Assembly and the acting Chancellor Bruce Morrison to quickly issue a retraction that said simply, "The Comments of the future Consort Prince Bjorn Nordholm are those of an independent observer who is not yet a Kalistani National, and I wish to make it clear that Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette has, to date, not issued any statements on the situations in Dovani, nor has she ever offered advice to other sitting monarchs with regard to the power relationships within their own government. While the Prince Nordholm's statements are his own, the Empress reiterates Kalistan's Neutrality in all foreign affairs." While there was an official retraction from Her Imperial Majesty's Government, the Empress herself made no official comment, suggesting that she may agree in part.

Whatever the Empress' opinions on foreign affairs, the two seem very happy together in Ananto. Crown watchers said that Nordholm makes the Empress laugh. "He seems to have a very dry wit about him that she really enjoys," said van Wallen. "Since they have gone public with their engagement, every time we see one of them, the other is there. He doesn't laugh in a big way, but his smile tends to light her up, and it is very sweet to see the two together. Clearly this match is a love match, and Lady Newburg, if she is behind this pairing, knew what she was doing." The wedding date is set for April of next year, which should give the Empress time to name a permanent successor to Lady Newburg, and then allow the Government to form a committee for the royal wedding. "My guess," said van Wallen, "Is that she will hold it at the Brethrenist Meetinghouse in Eveari where she was crowned. It is the centerpiece of the Empress' personal life, and the meeting takes special care to protect her and her privacy. They have her trust. But I wouldn't put it past her to do something unexpected: after all, this match between her and Nordholm was foreseen by nobody except I think Lady Newburg, who didn't say anything to anyone. My money was on the Hutorian Prince."

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Stephen Wilkes Named New Chancellor
Political Science Professor specializes in Public Policy
Vrassa City, Duchy of Vrassa
March 8, 5509


Dr. Stephen Wilkes will join Peerage and become Chancellor of the Empire in May

Dr. Stephen Wilks, who currently serves as a Tenured Professor at Vrassa District University has been tapped by Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress Nicolette to become the next Chancellor. Dr. Wilkes has no public service experience, having never served in the National Assembly. However, he does bring a wealth of public policy experience, having written several peer reviewed articles and three books that examine various aspects of the Dual Economy in Kalistan, and is well known within his field for championing Zero Percent Growth strategies of the Imperial Government.

"In naming Dr. Wilkes to be our Chancellor, we feel that he, among all candidates that our Working Group advanced, will both keep our ship of Government headed in the correct direction, and will be free to innovate where we feel changes and improvements need to be made," said Her Imperial Majesty from the Floor of the National Assembly. "Dr. Wilkes has demonstrated a commitment for free thinking and honesty, and most importantly to us, candor with regard to our policies, and we think that between his expertise and his willingness to be outspoken, he shall make us an excellent First Advisor, and will serve us well."

Dr. Wilkes, when approached for comment, said, "Her Imperial Majesty called me into her office, and asked me some questions about certain policies she was considering. Without knowing that I was being interviewed for a job, I told her, this will work, that won't work. Here's why, and here's what you need to improve this. I gave her my opinion as an expert in my particular field, that's all. And three days later, they called me up and asked me if I would take a permanent sabbatical to come and serve the Empress. At first I said a flat 'no', because I don't want to uproot my family, or lose my position at the University that I have devoted my life to. But... Her Imperial Majesty can be quite persuasive..." When asked what he meant, Dr. Wilkes responded, "Well, when I returned to the Office on Monday, the Dean came in and told me I was fired, and that the Empress' office called him to inform him I was needed in Kaliburg. So, I suppose I'm working for the Empress now." The new Chancellor elect added, "I won't be joining her fan club anytime soon."

Dr. Wilkes will be named Count of Vrassa County as he prepares for his Job as the Chancellor, and will join the Peerage. His wife, Stephanie Wilkes, said she looks forward to moving to the Capital, noting that she hasn't ever been off the Mainland. Their two children will be enrolled in Kaliburg Public Schools, and shall start a new life. Their home will be maintained in Vrassa City, and the family will also receive a townhouse in Downtown Kaliburg, right off the National Mall.

Dr. Wilkes is expected to maintain a steady course for Kalistan, and to signal their approval, investors sent stock prices in the Kalsie 4 percent higher following the news. Stocks in the Construction, Energy and Electronic Sectors did particularly well. The Wilkes' will relocate to Kaliburg in May, following the end of their respective semesters in Vrassa City.

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Empress is Married to Prince Consort
Bjorn to Titled Prince Consort, and to receive County of Luxon
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 15, 5509


His Highness Prince Consort Bjorn Ananto-Nordholm is now wed to Her Imperial Majesty, The Empress Nicolette II Ananto

In a Brethrenist Meeting for Worship with the Concern for Marriage, held at Eveari's historic Brethrenist Monthly Meetinghouse, Her Imperial Majesty, The Empress Nicolette II Ananto married His Highness, Prince Consort Bjorn Nordholm. The ceremony, like all previous wedding cereminies held by the Imperial Family, took place in the Eveari Brethrenist Monthly Meetinghouse in downtown Eveari.

Over the preceding week, dignitaries from around the world began flying into Kaliburg. While some headed directly to Eveari to meet the Empress, most remained in Kaliburg to take in the sights and do tours around Ananto. Among the visiting VIPs were:

*** From Hutori- Queen Victoria and Prince-Consort Henri, the Duke of Newport, along with Prime Minister Victoria Masterson Hutorian Ambassador to Kalistan, Elena Bostick. Queen Victoria, who nearly became the Empress' Sister in Law, instead graciously agreed to serve as the Empress' Maid of Honor, and her entire family were The Empress and the Prince Consort's honored guests for the week in Eveari
*** From Lourenne- His Royal Majesty King Leopold VI and Her Majesty Queen Consort Marguerite, along with Prince of Aluvium, Philippe joined the Hutorian royals in Eveari and were likewise guests on the Ananto Estate for the week. The High Chancellor Alexis Vivaldi-Vandam and members of the Royal Government also arrived but remained in Kaliburg, and met with their counterparts in Kaliburg for much of the week preceding the wedding.
*** From Dundorf- President Louis Kreisler-Schumacher and Chancellor Kristin Metz both arrived in Eveari a few days early to visit the Empress and tour Ananto.
*** From Kundrati- President Barhulianir Manusulsky and his entourage arrived in Kaliburg, and took in the sights before arriving in Eveari yesterday.
*** From Gaduridos- President Rosalana Garcia arrived two days ago and was warmly greeted by the Empress, who eagerly looked forward to making her acquaintance, especially given the Ananto Family's and Kalistan's longstanding historical affinity for and cultural ties with Gaduridos.
*** From Aldegar- President Zahra Tarrokh arrived by cruise ship a week ago and spent a significant amount of time touring Suldanor and Ananto before proceeding to Eveari.
*** From Deltaria- President Toislav Brnetic and Foreign Minister Gabrijel Lukacevic both arrived and met with representatives of Her Imperial Majesty's Government, Interim Chancellor Bruce Morrison and Foreign Minister Paco Delgado.

Noticably absent from the festivities were any representatives from Lodamun, Baltusia, Dolgava, or Luthori, all of whom were looked for. Representatives from Her Imperial Majesty did not offer a comment on the conspicuous absence. Also expected were Kazulian members of Prince Consort Bjorn's family, who were also expected, as they are now the Empress' Inlaws. Both Her Highness Princess of Ananto and Kalistan Nicolette I Ananto, the Empress Mother, and His Highness Duke Victor Ananto-Martin, the current Crown Prince of Kalistan joined Her Imperial Majesty in Eveari for the week, to prepare for the celebration.

The week prior to the Wedding consisted of plenty of recreation for the Wedding Party and their guests, including a snorkeling excursion north of Dulnerstaad, a large cookout at the Estate featuring barbecued Snapper and tuna, a large public concert in Eveari where FOMAT winner, (and favorite of the Empress) Megapipe performed, and was followed by Kaliburg Electronic/RF band Transistor and dance pop Duo Micki and Allie, and a fireworks display. There were also tours of the Estate, and an opportunity for a nature hike in the nearby Green Mountain Wilderness. Her Imperial Majesty introduced several of her guests to the game of Go, and others went to the Imperial Stables to ride horses on the Grounds.

This morning, the entire assembled Party moved to the Eveari Meetinghouse. The Guests of Honor were all seated in the balcony, with the floor of the Meetinghouse reserved for the members of the Brethrenist Meeting. The Marriage in a Brethrenist Meeting doesn't happen the same way as traditional marriage ceremonies, and certainly not the same ways as Royal Weddings. It is primarily a silent meeting in Kalistan, and lasts about an hour. About 40 minutes into the Meeting, family and Friends were invited by the Clerk to speak out of the silence, and wish the Bride and Groom well, and give words of wisdom and advice, or share whatever message they felt is appropriate. Her Majesty Princess Nicolette, who has kept a very low profile since her abdication was visibly moved to tears and used her personal privilege to embrace the Empress and the Prince Consort to Be, keeping her messages just between the three of them. Other Members, mostly Brethren from Eveari and Kaliburg, spoke and said how proud they were of the Empress who they all had the opportunity to watch grow up in the Meeting.

The Bride and Groom were eventually invited to share their messages for one another and exchange their rings, and then the Clerk stated "Before these Brethren and Witnesses here gathered, as Clerk, I affirm that you two are married in fact and in law." All present were then invited to sign the poster sized Brethrenist Marriage Certificate, which is a feature of all Brethrenist Weddings, as witnesses. The first to sign were the Empress and the Prince Consort, followed by Princess Nicolette I Ananto and Duke Victor Ananto-Martin. The signature procession took more than an hour as everyone present filed forward to sign the Certificate which was then placed into a frame and presented to a member of the Empress' Household to display.

The Newlywedded Royal Couple pause for a Photo before heading back to the the Royal Reception at the Ananto Estate in Eveari

Following the Ceremony, all were invited back to the Ananto Estate in Eveari for a great reception. After about an hour, after everyone present had had the opportunity to change out of their formal attire into party clothes and freshen up, the celebration began. Royals hobnobbed with commoners, as the entire town of Eveari was invited to join the celebration, as a gesture by the Empress toward her People. Though the rules of propriety and protocol were maintained during the entire event, all guests were made to feel welcomed and comfortable, and the Empress deliberately made it a point to spend much of her time talking to the People, rather than being overly attentive to VIPs. Security remained on alert, but there were only positive interactions throughout the afternoon.

Hobnobbing was intermingled with plenty of music and dancing. The Empress and Prince Consort led the first dance, and then everyone was invited to dance along with them through several numbers performed by the Royal Command String Orchestra, who mixed several classical dance tunes in with modern numbers, and which included two or three songs native to each of the VIP guests' home countries. Finger food, cake, and plenty of wine was available to all, and though ODEN was represented on the Estate, abstinence from drug use on the Estate Grounds was requested as a courtesy to the Empress.

As the afternoon wore on, dinner was served. The Royal Party was served by the Kitchen Staff who cooked from a menu that featured chicken, several varieties of ocean fish and seafood, and meatless pasta and herb options as entrees paired with a rice pilaf and garden vegetables, along with soup, salad, and desert courses. Meanwhile, Commoners in attendance could either eat what the Official Party was having or could opt for Pizza, fries and soda prepared by the Empress' kitchen staff. In all, more than 400 meals were served on the ground at the Estate. The dinner was cleaned up, and dancing and carousing resumed, with some guests, including Her Highness Princess Nicolette retiring, though most stayed on. The evening was capped off by another concert featuring the dub reggae band Ras Hampton Five, who played played until 10:30, when another massive fireworks demonstration was made over Eveari Bay for the benefit of the Residents of Eveari, and then was followed by an hour and a half set by Alternative Band Hypoderma, who is releasing a new album later this year.

The events were a massive celebration of the marriage of the Empress and her new husband Prince Consort Bjorn Ananto-Nordholm, who will now be known as His Highness Prince Consort Bjorn I Ananto. Interim Chancellor Bruce Morrison announced that His Highness the Prince Consort, while he was expected to become Emperor and Co-Ruler with Her Imperial Majesty, has himself opted to not accept the title. "His Highness has informed me that after discussing things with Her Imperial Majesty, the Empress, the Prince Consort will not become Emperor. He said he has made this decision out of humbleness and humility, noting that six months time is not nearly enough to learn about Kalistan's Government or Society enough to make decisions for it.

"He also noted that he wouldn't feel comfortable accepting the title after finding out how important National Service is to Kalistanis while he has not, nor will complete an enlistment in the National Service Program," explained Chancellor Morrison, though as a foreign born citizen, he is not obligated by law to complete National Service. "His Highness will instead work to support Her Imperial Majesty in her Office and will accept a County in the Grand Duchy of Ananto, though he also said that he would be open to a larger portfolio in the future." Close observers also feel that there may be a more important, informal role that the Prince Consort can play--As Emperor, he would be bound by protocol regarding things he can say, but as Count of Luxon, he is not so constrained. Many feel that he will serve the role of saying the things in public that the Empress herself dare not say.

Whatever role the Prince Consort will play in the future, Kalistan now has a new First Spouse. A betting pool has already been started as to when Kalistan can begin expecting an heir. We join all of Kalistan in wishing Her Imperial Majesty the Empress Nicolette I Ananto and His Highness the Prince Consort Bjorn Ananto-Nordholm all happiness, health and luck with their future

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Foreign Minister Delgado named Flores-Ananto Ambassador to Luthori
Successful visit from the Luthorian Prime Minister finally helps Empress accomplish goal
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 8th, 5509


Dame Michelle Flores-Ananto to represent Empress in Ft. William

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Paco Delgado, has named Kaliburg International Law Attorney and distant cousin of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Nicolette II Ananto, to head the Kalistani Embassy in Luthori. Dame Michelle Flores-Ananto, 42 of Kaliburg will represent Her Imperial Majesty at the Luthorian Court, and will lead efforts to continue improving relations in the Artanian Capital.

The nomination was made following the recent visit of the Luthorian Prime Minister, Lord Rosemary, to Kaliburg last month. During the visit, the Prime Minister and entourage met with Chancellor Lord Stephen Wilkes and Mr. Delgado before being granted a brief audience with the Empress at the Imperial Seat in Kaliburg. "The Prime Minister from Luthori presented her Imperial Majesty with a very excellent painting from the Luthori Master Lydia Bukengo upon his visit," said Delgado, "And Her Imperial Majesty ordered it displayed in the Main Hall of the Ananto Estate in Eveari. She informed the Prime Minister that our two countries had much to discuss, but she was sure that the Prime Minister would agree that the first step is to exchange Ambassadors, and establish regular lines of communication between the two capitals. Then she inquired into the health and wellness of the Luthorian Emperor, and expressed hope that he return to full vitality soon. After a brief meeting, the Empress excused herself and discussions continued between myself, the Lord Chancellor, and our Luthorian Guests." When asked about what topics were discussed, Delgado said "We talked primarily about expanding trade and cultural ties, as well as the logistics of exchanging Embassies. Luthori has a standing permit to acquire adequate premises for their Embassy, and we are merely waiting for them to do so."

Following Luthori's very successful visit to Kalistan, which included day tours to Ananto and Sulari for the visiting Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister Alexandra Ramsay-Hayden, the Empress directed Delgado to provide her a short list of acceptable candidates for the diplomatic work. Of the ten nominees interviewed and vetted by the Foreign Minister, Dame Michelle Flores-Ananto was the candidate selected. "Not only does Dame Flores have an academic background in International Relations and 20 years of experiencing advising Kalistani Companies on International Trade Law for the Firm Flores, King, and Dawson in Kaliburg, but she also spent time in the Kalistani Regular Force where she specialized in Signals Intelligence, Languages, and machine learning, and has reportedly maintained extensive contact with the Imperial Bureau of Security Information, which she uses to keep her abreast on developments overseas. "The Empress selected Dame Flores because of her background, and based on her interviews. The International Relations background were particularly impressive to Her Imperial Majesty. But it certainly didn't hurt that Dame Flores is also a distant cousin of the Empress, and therefore can be counted on explicitly to represent the interests of our Nation and Her Imperial Majesty above all other considerations."

Flores will take a short three month course in Kaliburg before taking her post in Fort William Luthori. Meanwhile, the Embassy building, which has long been for the most part vacant, will be brought up to speed by Consulate Staff who have worked there for decades to serve Kalistani travellers abroad, as well as any seeking to emigrate from Luthori to Kalistan. The Kalistani Embassy will consist of the Ambassador, her Political, Economics and Cultural Section Chiefs, their Staffs and families, a company of Kalistani Regulars who will perform local security and maintain a small crypto transmitter and receiver for direct secure communication back to Kaliburg. Most staff will be housed in the City, and the long planned second Consulate will be opened in Northminster, Northriding, Luthori, after everyone is settled in in Fort William.

"The Empress eagerly awaits the naming of the Luthori Ambassador to Kalistan," said Minister Delgado, noting that failure to do so in years past has stymied development of formal relations between the Empire and Luthori.