Kalistan

[Doc]

Kalistan News in Brief:  Lady Nicole Ananto calls Egelian Trip a "Success"
10 Years of Ceasefire observed in Kaliburg; Government demands investigation on Warcrimes
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 1, 5623


Lady Nicole Ananto-Bjorksdattir speaks with Claudia Marques in Gaduridos

Lady Nicole Ananto-Bjorksdattir calls Egelian Trip a "Success"
Widely reported in the Egelian newspaper over the summer was the the visit of Lady Nicole Catalina Ananto-Bjorksdattir, youngest daughter of Her Excellency Lady Dana Ananto-Alvarez, Viceroy of Gaduridos and former Kalistani FM Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir.  Last week, Lady Nicole gave an interview to Gaduri TV, where she called the trip a resounding success and intends to return next month.  

"Los asuntos de negocios que tenía en Egelion se resolvieron con bastante rapidez," said Lady Nicole.  "La Casa Ananto hizo varias inversiones nuevas en el Banco Santamar y en la industria turística de Norterra, pero tras la resolución de esos asuntos, también me invitaron a reunirme con el rey. Diría que nos llevamos muy bien. Desafortunadamente, tuve que regresar a Gaduridos porque tengo un par de reuniones en la Ciudad de Gaduri a las que asistir este mes, pero a principios de diciembre regresaré a Egelion por invitación personal del Rey Rómulo."

Crown watchers are abuzz, noting the personal gifts that the King presented to Lady Nicole during her visit, including a pair of earings and a silver tiara which she wore when they spotted in public one evening.  Asked directly by the Gaduri reporter who was interviewing her what she thought of King Romulo, she answered "Por supuesto, el rey es muy encantador y su acento es muy... tal vez podría decir suave. El egeliano de Gaduridos es más directo, pero escuchar el acento hablado en Egelion es muy diferente. Uno pensaría que sonaría más como el Suldanorano, como hablan en Kalistan, pero no, todos en Egelion hablan como oficiales de policía o funcionarios del gobierno. Es muy formal. Será divertido acostumbrarse."

It sure sounds like she aims to try.

10 Year anniversary of the End of the Likatonian War is Observed in Kaliburg
In what has long been seen as a draw in Kalistan, the 10 year anniversary of the end of the Likatonian War and Kalistan's return to peace was observed last week in Kaliburg.  "Tens of thousands were lost in the international fight against Fascism," said Chancellor of the Empire, Sir David Levinie, who is himself a war veteran.  "The Artanian Sea War will be forever etched into the collective cultural memory of this nation, both in terms of the horrors of war, and as a constant reminder of the threats of international fascism."  The Chancellor called the war a catastrophe that could not be avoided, and joined with the gathered crowd of 5500 on the National Mall to commemorate the lost.

"Kalistan suffered far more than any other nation in this war," said the Chancellor.  "Not only did our war dead far exceed the casualties lost on the other side, or in any of the allied nations, if we include the chemical attacks, but our capital City and two of our major Kalistani Cities were also severely damaged in those same chemical attacks.  And the rotten ideology that led to the war in the first place remains in place where it was before the war began."  The Chancellor did note a positive outcome of the war, however:  "We may not have overthrown Fascism, but we at least cleared Seleya of its curse.  Our partners in Lodamun have contributed to the rehabilitation of Likatonia, which has been guaranteed peace now for a decade by an international peace keeping force.  If we accomplished nothing else in the war, this alone would be enough."

The Chancellor asked the crowd to observe a minute of silence for Kalistan's war dead and wounded, and then reiterated that pensions will continue to be paid to spouses and children who lost one or both parents in the war.  "In addition, the National Health Service will also be working with the Ministry of Defense to open Veterans' Hospitals which will offer services exclusively to veterans, which will include mental health services for those who still suffer mentally and emotionally from their experiences in the trauma of the Artanian Sea War."  He added that even ten years of peace cannot erase the scars of two years of war for many.  "Most wounds suffered by our soldiers and sailors can't be seen by someone who was not there.  Many of my comrades at arms carry their scars on the inside."

Government responds to accusations of War Crimes in Likatonia
As the Chancellor was commemorating the 10th Anniversary of the end of the War, several Institutional Deputies took to the floor to demand an investigation of the growing allegations of warcrimes in several battles in the Likatonians War.

"I have in my hands here affidavit after affidavit that alleges horrific behavior on the part of the Kalistani Armed Forces of I Corps under Lodamese command in North Bend, St Jackson and Delores," said Deputy Julie Ann Zimmerman, who represents the Constituency of Luxon.  "These are sworn statements and testimonies of not only Likatonian Civilians who were victims of inhumane acts by Kalistani Regulars, but also more than 50 Regulars who say they themselves were commanded to commit depredations against civilians and surrendered foreign fighters."

The accusation drew cries of foul from several of the rump Nationalist Caucus in the House, who have been in the minority since the old Government was thrown off in the 5614 elections.  "Would you force our soldiers to fight with one hand tied behind their back?" asked Mark Webber, who represents the Port Swedes Constituency, and whose family was lost in the attacks on the town.  "Surely you can't suggest that our men and women have to concern themselves with fairness when they are fighting against fascists!"

Ultimately the National Assembly voted to begin an investigation of allegations of abuse of civilians and disarmed foreign fighters, as well as wanton destruction of civilian and peaceful infrastructure.  Chancellor Levine cast a yes vote by proxy, a sign that His Imperial Majesty was also supportive of an investigation, and the vote passed by a comfortable majority on caucus lines.  "If there were no war crimes, as our Nationalist collogues claim," said Greg Hollin of Sulari, "then the investigation will clear Kalistani Regulars.  But we have to conduct the investigation to find out if there is any evidence to corroborate these very serious, and very credible allegations, some of which were made by our own veterans.  So let us get to the truth of this."

Nationalists spoke to the press following the contentious vote.  "These people are bent on undermining the integrity and credibility of the Kalistani deterrent," said Deputy Webber to reporters.  "What's next?  Rubber bullets?  We were in a war.  Sure, there will be some collateral damage, but war crimes?  Hardly."  Webber said Nationalist Caucus members would not be cooperating with the investigations.  "No, in fact, we'll do whatever we can to undermine them," said Webber, "rather than let these hippies tarnish the spotless reputation of our fighting men and women who came back home as heroes, not war criminals."

@TheRepublic