Kalistan

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The Anantonese Empire Welcomes Andalay Home
Lord Protector of Lodamun Commonwealth arrives in Kaliburg
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 20, 5585


Formal Audience at Wilson House Confirms Sir Eric Davenport as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth

A Formal Audience between Her Imperial Majesty Empress Carolina I Ananto and Sir Eric Davenport of the Commonwealth of Lodamun confirmed Sir Davenport as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, signaling Lodamun's official entry into the Anantonese Empire.  The occasion was marked by a simple ceremony, where Her Imperial Majesty acknowledged and accepted the petition on the part of the Lodamese Government to join the Empire, and asked the Lord Protector to serve as her official representative to the Government of Lodamun.  

Her Imperial Majesty also announced the chartering of the Order of Andalay, the new Lodamese Peerage, and has issued his first set of instructions to the Lord Protector to begin inducting quality individuals.  All members of Her Imperial Majesty's Government in Lodamun are to be granted peerage, with Lord Protector and Lord President to be received knighthoods in the Order of the Grey Smoke.

The entry of Lodamun to the Empire officially reunites nations that have been apart for more than 3500 years.  Lodamun takes its role as an equal constituent nation in the Anantonese Empire, alongside Gaduridos and Kalistan.  Like Gaduridos, Lodamun will retain its democracy.  Her Imperial Majesty has granted Lodamun the compensation to be able to select their Lord Protector democratically.  "At the end of the day, Lodamun expressed their interests in maintaining many of its institutions in place," said Chancellor of the Empire Dame Dianne Bolton, who was present in the Formal Audience.  "Most of the concessions were designed to protect Lodamun's unique position both in Northern Seleya and in the world, and were easy for the Empress to agree to."

The accession opens the gates for access to significant amounts of credit and investment to flow from Kalistan toward Lodamun.  "We have so many partnerships in place as it is," said Dame Bolton, "that the political separation was really a formality.  Whether it be the Anantonese Economic Standardization Accord, or the Anantonese Security Community, or any number of other lower level trade, cultural and security agreements, both formal and informal, the two nations were independent in name only, and the last barriers between free association have finally been stripped away."  

In exchange for the significant concessions granted to Lodamun by Her Imperial Majesty, Lodamun formally accepts Her Imperial Majesty as Head of the Lodamese State, to be directly represented by the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth, shall fly the Imperial Standard over all National Government Buildings and bases, both in Lodamun and Abroad, and will maintain the AESA, the ASC and the Articles of Empire.  Lodamun will also permit the free exchange of Imperial Rubles within Lodamun next to the Lodamese Dollar, and will agree to send delegates to the General Council of the Empire in Gaduridos when the Council is called.  Lodamun will also provide 10 Deputies to the Kalistani National Assembly, a Fleet designated for Imperial use in times of Crisis, and monetary support for the Crown according to the Articles of Empire.

"We look forward to welcoming the Lodamese Deputies to Kaliburg," said Chancellor Bolton, who noted that the size of the National Assembly will return to 79, with 59 Deputies being awarded to Kalistan, and 10  Deputies supplied each by Lodamun and Gaduridos, who will be able to caucus as they please, and will have full speaking privileges and Bill proposal powers within the National Assembly.  "If we ever reclaim Athosia, we may have to change the name of the body to the Imperial Assembly," said Chancellor Bolton.

Finally, Lodamun will be encouraged to maintain its forward positions in Mordusia and in the Mad Dog.  "Lodamese ships will continue to sail under the Lodamese Chain of Command, though they will now represent forward projection of the Empire."  The Anantonese Standard will fly along with the Lodamese National Flag over all forward military bases, and the Empress will reserve the Right to review forces at all foreign Military Bases.  "Its a similar arrangement that we have with Gaduridos at Bentasur," said Dame Bolton.  "We anticipate that Kalistan shall incur at least a partial cost to maintain the forward miltiary bases in an active and effective condition, to offset the money that Lodamun was being expected to pay.  But this will require a necessary adjustment to our military budget."

Now that Lodamun has joined the Empire, it is highly expected that there will be major pressure placed on Baltusia to follow suit and join.  There are some reports of communists setting up shop in Millford State, southern Lodamun, but with Lodamun in the Empire, it is likely that the Communists' days are numbered.  "We hope to obtain Baltusia sooner than later," said Chancellor Bolton.  "There is almost no reason for Baltusia not to join, and plenty of benefits for them should they decide to do so.  Baltusia is a defunct state, its people are leaving by the thousands, and the Anantonese Empire represents an excellent opportunity for them to get onto good footing, take advantage of their natural gifts, and be respected once more in the world."  When asked about Kregon, Sekowo and Outannais, the Chancellor said "No Comment.  We want to focus on fully integrating Lodamun right now and then turning our attention to Athosia."