Kalistani Major History

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Empress Nicolette laid to Rest
National Assembly Confirms Crown Prince Fredrick Emperor
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 1, 5528


Funeral For the late Empress Nicolette II Ananto, at National Cathedral, Officiated by Kalistani Yearly Meeting Clerk

The National Cathedral hosted the funeral for the Empress Nicolette II who died in the train crash in northern Ananto last month. The State Funeral was held in Brethrenist Fashion, and was in every way similar to the previous funeral for Princess Nicolette I just ten years before. The funeral was attended by the people of Eveari, who were specifically by the Crown Prince. In addition to the thousands who drove in from Eveari, tens of thousands of mourners filled the streets of downtown Kaliburg in a spontaneous demonstration of grief for the loss of the vibrant Empress. Following the Brethrenist Meeting, which was presided over by the Clerk of the Kalistani Yearly Meeting, the late Empress' casket was driven in a fifty mile long procession from Kaliburg to Eveari where it was interred in the Ananto Family Mausoleum, located on the Imperial Estate.

The Prince Consort, who was also nearly killed in the crash, is said to have wanted to attend the funeral, but the severity of his injuries and his ongoing treatment prevented him from being permitted to leave the Eveari Medical center. The Crown Prince attended with his uncle, Duke Victor Ananto-Martin, with whom he is currently staying along with the Duchess Carlota Ananto-Orleans, and was reportedly devastated by the loss of his mother and the news of his father's near death. The Prince Consort is reportedly awake in the hospital, and though he doesn't remember the crash at all, he said that he is looking forward to being strong enough to begin rehab. He is expected to remain in the hospital for several more months before doctors will discharge him to his home.

Following the funeral, the National Government met in emergency session to make the acting Institutional Party Government legitimate, and to officially Affirm the enthronement of the Crown Prince, who is currently only 11 years old. Duke Victor has agreed to act as Regent in Kaliburg, for as long as it takes for His Highness Prince Bjorn to heal completely and step into the role. Though Fredrick is not old enough to serve, Victor and then Bjorn will take his instruction upon themselves, and shall work closely to ensure that Fredrick gets enough training to Carry on the title. This position is unexpected for Victor, who has built a life for himself in the world of finance, and spends much of his time travelling abroad to secure financing for various Kalistani ventures.

Prince Regent Victor said three years ago, "People will ask if I feel passed over, and I say not at all. I like to make deals and enjoy my private life. Nicolette has more of the temperament for Rule. I would be a horrible ruler, because I couldn't just put up with all the formality and protocol. I am just not cut out for that sort of separation: I love schmoozing and I love the finer things in life. I have more money than I know what to do with, and all the freedom which comes from being anonymous." As Prince Regent, however, Victor will cast into a new role: None of the Imperial Protocol will apply, but he will be vested with proxy powers of the Head of the Kalistani State, and will be required to perform the functions of that office as an example for the minor Emperor.

Though clothed with Imperial Authority, the Minor Emperor Fredrick will remain cloistered as he continues his education, and shall not be permitted to speak publicly in his role as Emperor until his 16th Birthday, which is the age of Majority. At that point, he will be free to claim his Majority, and then take up the Mantle of State. An official coronation will then happen. Meanwhile, the Minor Emperor will continue to attend school and will receive an accelerated political and administrative education from both Prince Consort Bjorn and the best political and constitutional scholars and political theorists in Kalistan, who aim to inculcate not only the ideology of Absolute Imperial Rule, but also a strong emphasis on theories of distributive and procedural justice, mercantilist economics, and the duties and expectations of a Kalistani Monarch. Fredrick will also receive a rigorous education in Anantonese and Kalistani National History, as well as introductions to physics, biology, languages and music. There is a question as to whether Fredrick will also serve in the National Service Program, an act that will prolong the regency; that question will be resolved as the Minor Emperor gets closer to his age of majority.

The Prince Regent is expected to send official delegations to the Governments of Lourenne, Dolgava, Lodamun, Gaduridos, Luthori, Dundorf, Hutori and Kundrati with formal greetings and expressions of good will from the Government of Kalistan, with the aim of starting the Regency off on a positive note and invite foreign diplomatic, cultural, and economic missions to Kalistan.

The Empress Nicolette II Ananto is not with her beloved Mother: a new era is upon Kalistan. We hope that other nations will welcome the Minor Emperor Fredrick II Ananto, and defer to him as they did to Nicolette. Long live the Emperor.

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Prince Regent discusses coming Agenda with Press
His Highness PR Victor Ananto ensures investors of continuity
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 3, 5528


His Highness the Prince Regent Victor Ananto says Government is in holding pattern

His Highness the Prince Regent Victor Ananto emerged from initial conferences with Institutional Party Leaders in Kaliburg this week and announced to the Press that there are not to be any large changes in the Kalistani Polity or economy during the Regency Period. "My sister the Empress kept Kalistan on an even keel even as the people flirted with the multi party government," said Prince Regent Victor. "It is my job to maintain the course she set our Empire on for my tenure in the office of Regent. We will not be significantly altering the constitution, nor will make any significant alterations in the economic structure of Kalistan."

Asked how His Imperial Highness is doing, The Regent answered, "My nephew, the Minor Emperor is dealing with his grief. We have leaned fairly heavily on the Brethren in Eveari, which is our family's home meeting, for support and care, and many of the Brethren have stepped up and offered to try to help Fredrick through this time. The grief is difficult, but it is something that must be embraced. Fredrick is strong, and I think he is also a little afraid of what is in store, but he is also in agreement that there is so much to learn in a short time. He enjoys visiting his father and just sitting together and talking about Nicolette."

Asked if the Prince Regent has spoken with Prince Bjorn, the Regent said, "The Minor Emperor and I visit the Prince daily, but have been advised by his doctors to limit our visits to short periods of time. The Prince is still in serious condition, though he is improving by the day. It is expected that he will start his rehabilitation in Eveari in May-- I can say that while he did not suffer permanent brain injury from the crash, his spine was severely damaged. It was worried that he might be paralyzed, but after several weeks, he demonstrated that he could move and feel his extremities. Prince Bjorn is a real fighter: He has the constitution of an ox, and the official prognosis is that with significant rehab, he may not ever win any olympic gold medals, but he will walk again, and can be expected to make a full recovery."

The Prince Regent added, "His role in Government may be limited, however, as he always saw his job as supporting his wife, the Empress, rather than actually doing any governing. So we're taking the question of transferring the regency on a day by day basis. If I have to keep this role for longer than I had anticipated, I shall continue to serve at the pleasure of His Imperial Majesty, the Minor Emperor, but I certainly hope that Prince Bjorn will one day be capable of taking up this job, having plenty of experience from his decades at my sister's side."

The Regent added, "Now that the Empress dwells with our ancestors, I have tasked the Chancellor with overseeing the repair of the section of track destroyed by the landslide between here and Eveari. That track is a vital link between the Capital and the Imperial estate. I am also looking for responses to my diplomatic letters. And there are a few retirements from the cabinet that are upcoming that I am going to have to work the Chancellor to fill. The job is pretty big, and I am lucky that Lord Wilkes has returned to his role. His experience is invaluable."

Having completed the Interview, Prince Regent Victor excused himself to meet with representatives of the National Bank to discuss monetary supply, which is expected to increase between .02 and .04 percent this year. The news that there are no significant changes on the horizon was calming for the investment community, and the Kalsie rose 135 points in afternoon training, while trading volume was down for the day.

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Prince Bjorn released from Hospital
"I was the lucky one," says new Prince Regent
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 5, 5528


Prince-Regent Bjorn takes post as new Regent of Empire from Duke Victor of Suldanor

Prince Bjorn has been released from the Eveari Medical Center nearly 8 months after the horrible train accident that took the life of Empress Nicolette II Ananto and nearly ended his own. The new Prince-Regent walked out on his own two feet, an accomplishment that Doctors doubted even possible a few short months ago as the Prince underwent major surgery that saved his life. Though officially taking over the regency in September, it wasn't until now that Doctors have felt that he is progressing in his physical therapy to the point that he could leave their direct care.

"I came in to this hospital on a stretcher tied to the treads of a helicopter," said Prince Bjorn, whose life flight from the remote pass where the accident happened to Eveari looked like something out of a war film, "and I leave on my own two feet, plus, of course a cane. I will probably have this for the rest of my life, and have nicknamed it Nicky, because I wish I had her with me instead. But like this cane, I will lean on her for strength and courage going forward that I can complete the task she began in raising for our Nation a new Emperor."

The Prince Regent vowed that he would continue Nicolette's policies of cautiously opening the economy to foreign investment, promoting peace, and working to restore the Empire. "I govern in the name of my son, the Minor Emperor Fredrick II, and in all things I do, I will want him with me, so he can watch and learn how to be the Emperor he was born to be. Nicolette had always privately stressed the idea of birthright: The power of sovereignty had been invested in her family, passed by blood from her mother, through her to her son. Birthright includes many other things as well, including the extension of our national sovereignty over all of Kalistan Proper, including those parts of Kalistan which were stripped unjustly from our nation in the imperialistic wars of the past. Those territories, which are now considered parts of no fewer than five foreign nations, were not forgotten by Nicolette, and it is my job to make sure they are remembered by our son as well."

The Prince Regent took a moment to thank the governments of Luthori and Lourenne. "Both of these mighty Emperors took a moment to express their condolences over the loss of my wife. I take that personally, and want to express my gratitude at the shows and gestures of kindness toward me and my son and brother-and-sister-in-law over our loss. I assure you that Kalistan does not forget who its true friends are, and even a simple gesture such as a note or a word of kindness in the single darkest and most terrible moment in my entire life, goes so far. We... I... owe those two countries a gratitude that can never be fully repaid. And my son has also accepted this debt of gratitude as his own."

The Prince Regent also took a moment to thank Duke Victor of Suldanor. "During these seven months, the Duke stepped up to ensure continuity of rule in Kalistan. He had to put his life and his business on hold, and did so without a single second thought or complaint of any kind. Both he and our Nicolette's mother have done so much to welcome me to the family, and I am very glad for his steady hand and expert advice any time he cares to offer it. I'll probably see less of him now that he will be returning to his villa and business in Gaduridos, but he has now born the burden of Government as his sister did before him, and for his willingness to step into this position, I thank him personally. I also would like to thank the Duchess Carlota for her warmth and kindness toward me and my son in our time of mourning. We wish them safe travels and will always look for their return, for any or no reason."

The Prince Regent may be returning home and taking up duties of the Regency in Eveari, but he will also continue physical therapy at home. "The doctors had to remove a portion of my left fibula which was shattered in the accident. It has been replaced with a titanium steel rod that allows me to stand but it will take me a very long time to feel comfortable with it, and then to build the strength back up to stand or walk for more than a few minutes. I'll likely always use this cane, and though I escaped most of the neurological damage associated with this kind of accident, just, physically, I am kind of a mess. So it will take me a long time to really be able to get around." But he ended his interview with a sad smile, "I was the lucky one, they said. I get to go on living, while basically everyone around me didn't make it, while my wife, who was resting in our cabin while I was out playing cards in the bar, didn't make it. I was the lucky one."

Following the Interview, a car drove the Prince Regent to the Ananto Estate in Eveari, which will act as the defacto Imperial Seat for the indefinite future.

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New Movie about the Plateau Wars to be made in Kalistan
"Gloria" tells the tale of the Defense of Athosia in 1876
Sulari, Duchy of Ananto
February 2, 5530


"Gloria" staring Vernon Sutherland (right) describes desperate campaign to defend Athoisa

A film which seems to match the current mood of the Empire is being produced in Suldanor for Republican Studios. The film, titled "Gloria" tells the tale of a little discussed historical event in Kalistani History: an event that Kalistan is more known for losing than for anything else. "'Gloria' talks about this great historical battle in what is now Eastern Baltusia, in a region that was formerly known as Athosia, but is now the regions of Santiago and Ralston," said Director Yvette Buenasuerte for Republican Studios. "We don't talk about this war much in Kalistani Schools, because this war, and the other two Plateau Wars, were times when the Anantan Empire, which Kalistan was part of, was on the decline then. While our country eventually lost those wars, there were some moments during those conflicts where Kalistani troops, facing almost insurmountable odds, fought bitterly and courageously to defend our homeland from foreign invasions, and there were times when we won."

"Gloria" is specifically about the Battle of Gloria, an ancient city near modern day Hallsboro in eastern Ralston, Baltusia that was razed after the Third Plateau War to punish Kalistani residents of the town. During a 9-day battle, Kalistani troops, exhausted, low on food and ammo, and with catastrophically mounting casualties, conducted a series of defensive maneuvers that are considered archetypical of modern Kalistani battlefield tactics. "The regular forces more or less turned into guerrillas," said Buenasuerte, "and Gloria turned into a meat grinder. The inability of the Allied force to dislodge the Kalistanis from the city was a tremendously demoralizing failure on the part of the invading forces, and essentially broke the advancing forces' will to continue to fight. It really was one of the last stands for the Anantan Empire, and more a swan song than a tide turning victory." The battle ensured that Kalistan would keep Athosia for another year, until Kalistan was ultimately forced to sue for peace after Kalistan's war effort was undermined by Selucian backed Independence in Gaduridos.

"We cast Vernon Sutherland to play the far sighted Captain Arthur Reynolds," said Buenasuerte. "He brings a lot of gravitas to the role. Those who know the story will know how, while he dies relatively early in the 9 days of fighting, was instrumental in including irregular tactics in his company's training program from day 1, so that when they realized that they were outnumbered and outgunned by the Allies at Gloria, they were able to shift tactics, take to the hills, and fatally cripple the advancing Corps under Valruzian, Luthori and Baltusian command, creating a rout. It was Reynolds who was posthumously credited with the defense, and many of the tactics he and his troops perfected are still employed today, especially the tactics that focus on demoralization, seemingly random killings, ambush, and refusing to offer direct combat, while destroying infrastructure behind enemy lines."

The movie is expected to do well. "I think a lot of themes we present in the movie are still current," said Buenasuerte. "Themes like being proud of who you are, defense of what is your own, unyielding desire to defend what is good in the world from forces that seek to destroy, to take, and to spoil. This was really the end of the Anantonese Empire and the 3rd Dynasty: Those of us in the future know how these wars ultimately led to Kalistan being illegitimately and brutally stripped of more than two-thirds of its land by foreign powers, and how it led to more than a century of internal turmoil, civil war and military dictatorship for Kalistan. The film admittedly plays to Kalistan pride and interest in the Past, and in the history of Kalistan's Empire, and may serve as a touchstone in the movement for justice for what was stolen from Kalistan. I hope my film plays a part in that effort."

While the film is expected to open in Kalistan by October of this year, it is unknown whether it will play internationally. "I am sure someone in a different country will want to watch it, even if they don't know the history attached to it," said Buenasuerte. "After all, we do have an excellent script and more than 50 million Rubles to make this movie. It will be a great action movie, even if the audiences do not get the symbolism and history of the whole thing. But, I can also imagine some countries may have a problem with the subject matter. After all, the Baltusians are painted in a pretty bad light in this movie: that is on purpose, of course. Because though Baltusia had been an important part of Kalistan for centuries before this time, we wanted to make sure that this wasn't presented as a civil war. It was not: Baltusia had, at this time, a king who was a puppet of Valruzia, and was used by both Valruzia and Luthori to strip Kalistan of their territory. And meanwhile, expected Selucian aid never came, because they had switched sides in the conflict secretly, and were working for themselves. At the end, Kalistan was defending its territory alone, against two of the world's greatest empires at the time. So: pointing that out might run afoul of a few countries' self image of their own history. It is what it is."

As noted, Republican Studios' "Gloria" is expected to open in October. It has been announced that the Minor Emperor and Prince Regent have been invited to attend the premier.

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New Bank to ensure complete secrecy of all deposits for Foreign Investors
Foreign Investment Bank Charter goes to the Floor in the National Assembly; Passage expected
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 7, 5530


Bank directors meet to put the finishing touches on the For-In Bank Charter with Ministry of Finance officials

Bank Governors from the P/P Commercial Bank of Kalistan in Kaliburg met with His Imperial Majesty's Foreign Ministry officials to put the final touches on the Charter of the Foreign Investment Bank (For-In Bank), the first fully Privatized Major Bank in Kalistan. The new Bank, targeted solely at obtaining Foreign Investment offers a number of benefits that other banks in Kalistan do not offer. For example, according to the Charter which is now making its way through the National Assembly, (http://classic.particracy.net/viewbill.p...lid=706653) all deposits are deemed secret and inviolable.

"Essentially, what this bill does is set Kalistan up as a tax haven in Northern Seleya, aimed at undermining the efforts of surrounding states to provide similar services," said Anne Stuart, spokesperson for the Bank of Kalistan, which is providing the initial ₭40 million capitalization for the Bank. "As the Charter's only processing fees are a 1% foreign currency exchange fee, the Bank will be able to take deposits denominated in both Kalistani and foreign currency, and then, upon withdrawal, will be able to pay out in most if not all foreign currencies. This provides foreign investors the opportunity to bring Kalistan foreign Currency, and either store it here away from the prying eyes of foreign Governments, or use it here to invest in the Kalistani Economy."

There are several other features built into the bank charter that should increase the attractiveness of the Foreign Investment Bank. "The Charter permits the Bank to lend money at an interest rate set by industry best practices to allow it to directly compete with similar institutions abroad. It also has the ability to adjust that rate to more aggressively compete for investors, especially if it means stealing them from competitors. This Bank is an entirely private entity, and the Charter, which will carry the force of a National Statute, forbids the National Government from seizing assets, or nationalizing any or all of the Bank without full compensation for all deposits. And the National Government offers all deposits in the For-In Bank ₭500,000 in deposit insurance per account against failure, which is something that is unheard of in the international finance industry. We want the world to know that the Bank is safe, a competitive investment, and a great way to do business in Kalistan."

The Bank will also have the power to provide unsecured revolving credit to Kalistanis for the first time as a bank product. "The issuing of what is called elsewhere 'credit cards' for the first time in Kalistan is a significant change in Kalistan's attitude toward debt and credit," said Stuart. "This country is notoriously allergic to debt, and the Charter makes it deliberately difficult to obtain revolving credit, with strict credit limit caps and a relatively small debt to income ratio threshold, but for those who are financially stable, and would like access to small amounts of capital to make purchases on credit, this product will become available." The Bank will also offer secured loans to both foreign and domestic investors. "We anticipate that making a source of private capital available will spur whole segments of the economy which have previously lagged," said Stuart who said she anticipated a building wave and increased foreign opportunities to invest. "Having your money in a local bank that you can draft on or obtain credit from will make it a LOT easier for foreigners to bring capital to Kalistan and spend it here."

Finally, the Bank is given the right to open Cambios in Kaliburg, Sulari, Addisjah and Lucid. "We want to capture the foreign currency exchange in Kalistan," said Stuart. "Right now, people could go to local banks to exchange currency upon arriving in Kalistan, but we are putting these official cambios, which aim to outcompete local banks with better exchange rates, in our airports and train stations, for both the convenience of travelers, and to allow the For-In Bank the opportunity to acquire foreign currency under better conditions that we would if we had to buy it on the international market."

The initial capitalization will be purchased by the For-In Bank from the Bank of Kalistan over the next 20 years, at which point, the institution will be entirely self-governing and will only fall under the same regulations as all other corporations in Kalistan. Foreign Investors are entitled to purchase stock in the For-In Bank during the buy back period, and following the passage of the Charter, the Bank will be open for investment.

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OpEd: Counterpoint: Seleya is Anantonese
Beiteynu Editorial presents Canrille as if it's a fait accompli
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 30, 5530


Kalistan doesn't figure into Canrillaise propaganda but it should

By, Lord Stephen Wilkes, Chancellor of the Empire

The Re-establishment of the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, liberal and republican reactions aside, in 5147 signaled the return of a new rising regional player--The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan has since then served as a speed bump for some, and as a means of empowerment for others. But the ascension of Empress Nicolette I Ananto, more than 90 years ago put Kalistan on a much different course: from friend to all and foe to none, to a serious, and some would say revanchist player in regional affairs. Since then, both Nicolette "The Great" and her daughter, the late Nicolette II have leaned more forward than their predecessors dared regarding Kalistan's imperial attitude and posture.

The Empress Nicolette II recreated the ancient crowns of Andalay and Vintalli, much to almost nobody's notice, and while promising not to pursue those claims, never disavowed taking steps to bring those long lost realms back into the Empire. Do the Anantos plan to stop at Andalay and Vintalli, or would they dare go forward and attempt to reclaim all the lands that Kalistani History describes as having been "stolen" from the Empire, the lands of the so-called "Greater Kalistan"? And what effect will a more robust and aggressive form of imperialism have on Kalistan's relations with its surrounding neighbors?

The answer to that question was unknown until recently, when the Yishilem Post, owned by Luthorian media conglomerate Humperdink Media, and published with no by-line, released an Editorial called "Meet the World of Canrille." In this editorial, the author issued an apology of Lourennais dominance in the realms of trade, finance, and culture. The Editorial extolled the unprecedented economic influence and military projection of the world's acknowledged superpower:

"Altatepec's fate hangs at Lourennais chambers, solely. They decide, the dwindling Beiteynuese machine follows, thankful for the scraps of gravitas in the face of conflicting policies with the ideals of the United Kingdom... And steadily Whale Island comes into play. And who could blame the WC for listening to the only superpower the world has seen in a millennia? Alas, the World is Canrillaise; as the World of Canrille is the World itself. Embrace it."

The rhetorical question Kalistan asks is: "Is the world really Canrillaise?" The answer of course, is no, it really is not. We acknowledge some basic facts in the Beiteynese editorial: Indeed, Lourenne's military might is unprecedented. It seems that they have one aircraft carrier for each enlisted man in their navy these days, and they are scattered across the face of the globe. It seems that the Franc is popping up all over the place, has for some reason become the actual currency of several nations who inexplicably abandoned their own ability to manage their monetary supply and address local crises, in favor of a market based currency from the other side of the planet. And it seems that Lourenne has members of royal families across Terra, including our own royal family, whose current Minor Emperor is a descendant of Lourennais Royalty, and whose recent Prince Regent is married to a current member of a cadet branch of the Lourennais Royal Family. We can't deny that Lourenne does have impressive reach.

But to say that there is no alternative, that we should all just embrace a Canrillaise future that is apparently already upon us, is just pretty asinine. Kalistan--a country which is deeply economically integrated with the Lourennais economy, perhaps more so than every single country that has actually traded their own currency for the Franc, including Beiteynu--exists entirely outside of the Franc regime. The Kalistani Ruble has a rock solid valuation based on centuries of zero-growth policies and a strong infrastructural, educational, and innovative base in Kalistan. The Ruble can't compete one for one with the Franc, given its international scope, but Kalistan does not have foreign debt either, nor does its currency float with the market. As such, it makes an attractive alternative to those who want an investment that will grow at a steady and predicable rate, year after year, without fail, which makes it a much better and far less speculative buy than the Franc which, though controlled by the Royal Institute, nonetheless relies on market rates and debt to grow.

Ultimately all business cycles take a down turn, and if a country can't afford to lose its shirt, the Franc is not as strong as it seems. If you are brave and have money to burn, the Ruble has its downsides. Either way: the Franc is not all there is, contrary to the opinion of the Beiteynese author.

And what about militarily? One of the reasons (not the only reason, by far) that Lourenne can project globally is because Kalistan sits on its front door step. The Island of Ananto has long treated itself as a hornets nest that acts as a warning sign against military encroachment from outside. Our strategic doctrine in Kalistan is not specifically consonant with Lourenne's strategic doctrine, but the two work in a complementary fashion, to allow Lourenne to do what it does internationally, while not feeling threatened close to home. The recent war with Seko, a rinky-dink backwater of a state appended to Dovani and adjacent to a nation whose military budget dwarfs the entire economy of Seko, was started because Sekowo decided that it wanted to poke Lourenne. It literally "f--ked around and found out." But this was not an external threat that Lourenne was facing: Seko was a mad-dog regime that had lost its mind. And now it is being reconstructed.

Lourenne's peace at home that permits its international posture is created in part by Kalistan's Guarantee of the Anantonese Ocean, though Kalistan and Lourenne are not specifically allied, and Kalistan has been known to strongly oppose Lourenne's overseas adventures from time to time, including the recent international war with Beiteynu and its recent invasion of Seko. Is Lourenne strong? Absolutely. Can it do it by itself? A determined Kalistani effort to stand against Lourenne in the region would certainly put the answer of that question into doubt. And Kalistan no longer even observes Altatapec, so the question is: What value is it for Seleya when one of the major regional players isn't even a part of it? Is it even relevant?

None of this is to say that Kalistan approaches Lourenne or the Canrillaise Empire at the present moment: We do not, nor do we really want to. It is only to say that a friendly Kalistan is a good partner in the region, while a non-friendly one is a dagger at the heart of the United Kingdom. This is not a threat, just a sober assessment. The Beiteynese Author would do well to remember that fact: Kalistan follows its own way, whatever Canrille is doing. That is how it has always been, and now that our Monarchs are starting to believe they ought to rule all of Northern Seleya, that is how it will be for the foreseeable future. It is the policy of this Empire so far to maintain friendly relations with the world, but failure to acknowledge the Emperor's choice in that matter is done at great risk.

Sometimes it is not the enemy at the gates, but the spider in your own house that is the bigger threat. That fact is ignored at everyone's peril.

The world is not Canrillaise. Not even close. Not even next door. Beiteynu ought to remember that fact.

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Olympics Torch Relay to come to to Kalistan
Path to traverse Suldanor, Odufaray, and Ananto
Luxon, Grand Duchy of Ananto
August 25, 5530


Olympics' Torch Path through Luxon Mountains marked with Olympics Rings

The Olympics Torch Relay will Arrive in Kalistan in just a few months ahead of the 5532 Games to be held in Aldegar, where Kalistani Athletes will also compete. The Relay route is expected to travel from Lucid Valley to Kaliburg, along the national Highway through Suldanor through Sulari and Dana to Eshar Odufaray, where it will travel by ferry to Luxon, and then north along the wild and rustic Luxon Mountain's Trail, through some of the Island's most scenic environs, before descending the Davon River Valley, into Kaliburg. From Kaliburg, it will be carried by aircraft to Merida Lourenne where it will be handed off and continue through Dovani.

Expected to run much of the distance in Ananto is the husband and wife Marathon team Brad and Jessica Andrews of Dah. "It is a run we've been conditioning for for about a year," said Jessica Andrews. "The Mountains can get up to 6500 feet in some places along that trail, and the air is quite thin. But we have become acclimatized to running at that altitude, and are ready for our legs of the relay when they finally get here."

Each relay station, paced about 30 miles apart, is marked by a small shelter with cots and camp stoves where relay members will be stationed to await the arrival of the torch. They are also marked by the Olympic rings, which symbolize peace and unity for all nations of the world. The shelters were built to keep runners warm and dry at their stations until the torch is brought to them, and will serve as way stations for hikers following the passing of the Olympics torch through the wilderness. In Suldanor and Odufaray, similar waystations have been constructed, though much of the path of the torch takes place on the pavement of the National Highway, one lane of which will be closed to traffic as the Torch makes its way to Ananto. The waystations in on the Mainland are temporary, and will be removed after the rally.

The Prince Regent was on hand to comment on the relay's passage through Kalistan. "It is something that both myself and the Minor Emperor will watch as it passes through Kaliburg. The Emperor is very excited about the event, and we are planning a trip to Aldegar to watch the Event and cheer on the Kalistani Athletes."

Including the relay, Kalistan will also be participating in a number of the events, including surfing, skateboarding, beach volleyball, BMX Bike riding, track and field, and rhythmic gymnastics. "In all, Kalistan will participate in almost 2 dozen events," said Andrews. "It will really be something else to watch, and with skill and luck, we will do well."

The relay will take Several days to travel through Kalistan. The Official route through Kalistan Proper will follow the National Highway from Lucid City through Yoshimi, Sweet Port, Sulari, Dana, Kluptoon, Gendaris, Bowendorf and Eshar, detouring from the Highway in each of the cities along the route to run through the towns, and then in Ananto, will follow the Luxon Trail, and the Davon River Hiking trail into Kaliburg. It will finally board an flight to Lourenne for the Handoff in Meridia. Over all, more than 100 long distance runners, including the Andrews' will take part in the relay as the Torch passes through Kalistan.

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Baltusian Aircraft carrier sounds Alarms in Yoshimi
3rd Fleet returns to alert, while subs deploy south of the Limit toward Gaduridos
Yoshimi Station, Duchy of Suldanor
October 7, 5530


Elements of the 3rd Regular Fleet deploy to the Southern Limit, while subs took up stations further south

The rising tension in the Middle Anantonese Ocean south of Kalistan took a sharp turn toward escalation today as His Imperial Majesty's Defense Minister, the aging Rear Admiral Guillermo Davis put the 3rd Fleet on full alert following the deployment of an aircraft carrier in Baltusia. "We are currently monitoring that ship very closely," said Admiral Davis, "and if it so much as drifts in the direction of our Empire, we have authorized our submarine captains to take decisive action."

The statement is an acknowledgement that this alert is significantly more serious than previous alerts over Baltusian militarism. "The existence of that Aircraft carrier, built right in our back yard, poses something of an existential threat to Kalistani and Anantonese Security," said Admiral Davis. "It is a weapon of force projection, and it is unclear why Baltusia felt the need to build it, or why they felt it wise to deploy it. Surely they knew what kind of reaction it would provoke in the Empire, and yet they made the choice to do it anyway." Davis' statement is also an acknowledgement that Kalistani submarines are now patrolling the waters off Baltusia, which is a significant change in SOP for the 3rd Fleet. "Deploying that carrier on a northward heading, while it remains undefended would be a catastrophic mistake on the part of Baltusia," said Davis. "We are all hoping that Baltusia doesn't do something stupid," adding, "Well, more stupid than launching the thing in the first place."

So far there is no word from the Government of Baltusia. Admiral Davis reported that Baltusian diplomats have not yet arrived in Kaliburg to talk with the Foreign Minister at press time. "Normal countries would have prepped our government for anything remotely provocative in this area," said Davis. "The more information we have, the better we all sleep. But Baltusia does things a bit differently. I have it on good authority that the Foreign Ministry and the Prince Regent are currently going over various diplomatic scenarios, while the Defense Ministry is ready to move on a moment's notice."

A hair trigger mentality doesn't bode well for peace in the region. Nor does the deployment of the Militia to the Lucid Morass, in preparation of any sort of land action from Baltusia. As the 3rd Navy is deployed in the Central Anantonese Ocean, they will be joined by elements of the 1st Fleet, including a strong submarine contingent to greatly bolster the 2nd Fleet's assets in theater. "We are also deploying the new Lodamese AWACS which will fly surveillance missions off of Baltusia to ensure that there are no surprises from any other quarter," said Davis. While this deployment of forces does not amount to a blockade or quarantine in the strictest sense of the word, Kalistani seamen obviously have one and only one target. Accomplishing their objective will certainly lead to war, so, as Davis points out, it is imperative that Baltusian diplomats arrive in Kaliburg post haste to begin discussions aimed at avoiding the war.

"We cannot tolerate the existence of this offensive weapon system in waters adjacent to Kalistan," Admiral Davis added. "His Highness the Prince Regent was very clear on this point. Whatever Baltusia does with it, we would obviously prefer that it had never been constructed in the first place." When asked how Kalistan missed the construction of the Aircraft carrier, Davis responded, "We didn't miss it. We underestimated Baltusia's resolve to provoke this Empire. It is a mistake we will not make again."

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Prince Regent and Minister of Foreign Affairs meet with Baltusian Delegation
"We're sympathetic, but Carrier remains a threat," says Delgado
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 12, 5531


FM Paco Delgado Addresses Baltusian Situation in Kaliburg

Meeting with Baltusian representatives at the Imperial Seat in Kaliburg, His Highness, Prince Regent Bjorn and His Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister Paco Delgado took tentative steps toward de-escallation of the situation in the Middle Anantonese Situation. The closed door meeting took place over two days following the arrival of Baltusian negotiators in the Capital. Following the second day of meetings, the Baltusians left without comment, but were followed by FM Delgado, who briefed reporters on the meeting.

"I'd have to say that the meeting was quite productive," said Delgado to reporters from both press and radio media. "We took the first steps toward de-escallation of the situation in Baltusia. The Prince Regent very clearly laid out Kalistan's position with regard to the Athosian coastline, and the Baltusians reiterated that they had the right to keep an aircraft carrier, but maintained it was not aimed at Kalistan. Prince Bjorn said he was sympathetic, but reiterated that the carrier remains a threat. Baltusia said they understood, but planned to keep the carrier. Though it may not seem, on the surface, that anything was accomplished, I think the real work came in ensuring that both sides knew that they were being heard by the other. The Prince Regent has, for the time being, chosen to keep the 3rd Fleet on Alert, but is very interested in maintaining an open channel of communication with the Baltusians until this affair is resolved to everyone's satisfaction."

The Foreign Minister reiterated that much of the crisis is due to lack of regular relations between the Empire and Baltusia. "Cordial relations between our two countries is not unprecedented," said Delgado. "It was Baltusia who spurred the innitiative to link up to the Trans-Seleyan Rail Network. There are obvious benefits to trade with and travel to Baltusia, especially given their rapid economic growth in the last few decades. It doesn't do anyone any good to be enemies. The Prince Regent does not want that, and I am sure the Baltusians do not either."

One thing that Delgado said that was somewhat new information following the meeting was "Baltusia really wanted to impress upon the Prince Regent that the aircraft carrier, while provocative, was built to symbolize the role of continental security that Baltusia has adopted for itself. This is something different than a threat to Kalistan: Baltusia is flexing, but not necessarily at Kalistan's expense--It is possible that the carrier might be a message that is being sent to someone else entirely. And while Kalistan correctly sees itself as being at the center of Northern Seleyan and Anantonese political, economic and diplomatic affairs, Baltusia was keen on suggesting ways that this machine of death could enhance, rather than reduce Kalistani Security. I am not sure that the Prince Regent was entirely persuaded, given Baltusia's erratic and unpredictable nature, but the argument was made, and I can assure it, it was at least taken seriously by the Prince Regent."

The situation will not be resolved by a mere two days of meetings, but the Baltusians have committed to establishing a permanent diplomatic presence in Kaliburg, and the Prince Regent has chosen to reciprocate, so that talks between the two governments can continue. "Prince Bjorn is convinced that a more charitable treatment toward our Southern Neighbors is in keeping with the Olympic spirit," said Delgado, "and in keeping with that spirit, the Prince Regent is willing to listen to what the Baltusians have to say and work to de-escalate the tension in the Middle Anantonese Ocean."

Delgado did not mention international reaction to Baltusia. "We agree with the Baltusians in one thing," said the Foreign Minister. "This is a Seleyan Affair. We will handle it ourselves, and do not need any outside intervention. Punishing Baltusia commercially when a more delicate approach might yield better results not called for."