Kalistani Major History

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The Kaliburg Times
MFD LEADERSHIP PRIMARY RECEIVES FIRST ENTRANT

Community organizer Teodoro Rojas announces his candidacy for leader of the MFD.
KALIBURG: The race to become leader of the Movement for Democracy officially began yesterday with the race's first entrant: Community organizer Teodoro Rojas. Rojas, a 39 year old resident of Port Davon, was a key organizer of the protests against the UKWF than began in 4673. He plans to make his history in the movement a key part of his appeal, even saying so directly in his speech:

There are going to be a lot of people in this race who are going to claim to truly represent the movement. Well, there's no one in the race who'll represent the people of this movement than me. I helped get this movement off the ground, and when the thugs from the UKWF dressed up as police came by to try to intimidate us into silent, I was one of the key organizers of the protests that go on to this day. I led the marches, spoke at the rallies, and kept on going even after the UKWF rigged the election against us. I have been in this fight since the beginning. If we want a leader who can lead us through 4678 and beyond, why not pick the guy who's been out on the streets fighting for our democracy this entire time?

Rojas also addressed his ideology, which has been polled as a key concern for many movement members. The candidate hails from the center-left wing of the party, but emphasized his commitment to keeping the party open:

I know that many are concerned about my ideological views and positions. Some are going to say that I am too progressive to lead this party, that we need to be a conservative party to beat the UKWF. That couldn't be farther from the truth. We don't need to define ourselves as conservative or progressive or communist to win in Kalistan! We just need to show that we are passionate fighers for democracy. That's what I am, and I could care less if you're conservative or progressive and want to be a member of this movement. If I'm elected leader, there's a place for everyone and we're going to make sure that everybody knows that.

Rojas is the favorite right now to win the leadership contest due to his connections within the movement, but other candidates are yet to emerge in what is sure to be a contested battle for the position. That being said, it may be a long time until said contest is held, as the movement as yet to officially schedule the primary. That will not stop the candidates from entering however, as any entrance can surely pay off.

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CPK GOVERNMENT ABOLISHED PARAMILITARIES, ESTABLISHED NEW UNIFIED ARMED FORCE
The new CPK government of Kalistan has introduced a bill to finally ban the use of paramilitaries and disband the irregular forces, establishing a new National Republican Army
December 18th, 4679

Paramilitary forces that were still left were already being disarmed by police and military forces, unwilling to fight for parties that have already disbanded themselves

Kaliburg: The new CPK government of former entrepeneur and now premier Brett Robinson has announced that one of their first proposed pieces of legislation will include a total ban on the creation and usage of paramilitary organizations. Following the dissolution of most political parties in the nation the paramilitary organizations belonging to those parties were left uncontrolled and in the dangerous possession of military equipment. The CPK, not having a paramilitary itself, decided that this situation could not persist and came upon the decision they made today.

Leaving armed groups without proper leadership in the possession of military grade weapons and giving them a status of protection in law is irresponsible and dangerous to our democracy. Therefor me and my cabinet have decided, together with the full confidence of the Assembly, to impose a total ban on the use of paramilitaries and to instead give the official national armed force of our nation the ultimate and sole authority to operate as our defense force. In addition to this we will reorganize the national armed forces to make it more effective and clear.

The new Armed Forces will be known as the National Republican Army. Consisting of 3 branches named the National Army, National Airforce and National Navy the NRA is said to replace both the current regular and irregular forces of Kalistan and serve as the sole armed force of the nation. Police units and current regular forces of the army have already started to disarm existing paramilitaries and no irregularities or gunfights have been reported as of yet, confirming earlier believes that the irregulars have no intention of fighting as they see no reason to following the disbanding of their own affiliated parties.

This law will mark an end to centuries of paramilitaries playing a major role in Kalistani politics and military policy and will likely mark a new era for the Kalistani people and government.

Presidential Powers
In addition to this historic decision the CPK also intends on reintroducing the former presidential responsibility of putting forward the national cabinet. This will still make the Premier the most important individual with executive privilige but will give the president a bit more control over the government and will make him more important for the entire political process in Kalistan. This power was taken away from the presidency in earlier decades but will now, with a CPK government, be reintroduced.

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Socialists Reorganize
Kalistani Left activates over new anti-militia law and rollback of social programs
Kaliburg, Ananto
October 7, 4680


A reignited Socialist movement launches a political front for change, invites all Leftists to participate

The Socialist Party of Kalistan, last active more than 130 years ago, has once more emerged from the Kalistani Brethrenist meetings, and has announced a return to the political system.  The Socialists disbanded as a Party as members became disenchanted with the prevailing gridlock in Government, but now see an opening for a revitalized Left.  Newly elected Party leader Rebecca Edwards-Bennots, of the ancient Bennots political family that has been intrinsically associated with SP politics for more than 2000 years stated the objectives of the newly re-established Socialist Party of Kalistan (SPoK):

1.  The SP seeks to return to a legislative presence in Kalistan.
2.  The SP will not automatically oppose the efforts of the Conservatives, but wishes to work in partnership and good faith to pass legislation which can be acceptable to as broad a swath of the electorate as possible.
3.  The SP seeks the renewal of the ODEN and a restoration of the Militias, which have been recently abolished, as well as a rollback of drug prohibition. 
4.  The SP seeks to promote civil libertarian principles and the Dual Economy, ending complete privatization once and for all, while re-establishing the Strategic Public Sector in oil, ferrominerals, and war material.
5.  The SP seeks to move Kalistan back into the forefront of Anantonese international politics, in its traditional role.

The Socialist Party, in is refounding, has explicitly declared its ties to the Brethrenist faith in Kalistan, and has committed to being guided by Brethrenist testimonies.  Additionally, as a sign of good faith, the SP has declared that it will not contest the next Presidential elections, while it focuses on building its presence in the National Assembly.

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NRA OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED, ARMIES AND NAVAL FORCES BROUGHT UNDER NRA CONTROL
The former Regular Forces of Kalistan have been disbanded and all armies and naval forces have been brought under NRA control
January 4th, 4681

A former soldier of the regular forces, now a soldier of the National Army within the NRA

Kaliburg: The National Republican Army established in the RSAFA bill has been formally created. Its three branches the National Army, National Navy and National Airforce have all been brought under its joint command structure and members of the former Regular Forces have been brought under their jurisdiction. The new structure means that Kalistan has officially stepped away from its paramilitary past and now operates a proffesional and unified armed force. The different fleets of the navy have all been brough under National Navy and NRA control as well as air units and ground forces for their respective branches.

In order to compensate the loss of thousands of militia members the Ministry of Defense and CPK government have announced a increase in the military budget and their intention of creating a standing army of around 200.000 active soldiers. The navy will maintain its entire current fleet and the MOD will look for ways to construct additional frigates and expand the fleet slightly mainly to protect the Ananto strait. With the creation of a fully professional armed force that is bound by the state and not by a party the CPK government hopes to better protect Kalistani democracy and ensure that Kalistan will finally possess a modern fighting force to stand against its regional and international rivals if needed and properly defend Kalistani territory. One of the major advantages of the new unified armed force is the fact that it is bound by the constitution and answerable only to official authorities, limiting or maybe even completely eradicating the threat of armed uprisings or conflicts from within Kalistan.

While Socialist influences are rising again in Kalistan the CPK has confidence that it will, with the help of other anti paramilitary parties, be able to maintain the ban on paramilitaries. Even if the socialists win a significant share of the seats in the next election. To make sure the CPK has a strong chance of maintaining influence in government the party has also announced its candidate for president named Rory Porter, who will contest the presidency as one of the only right wing candidates on the ballot.

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Editorial:Comments from Our Speaker on The Militias
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 7, 4681


Speaker of the Socialist Party of Kalistan, Comrade Rebecca Edwards Bennots

Dear Friends,

I have been asked today to write with regard to the Militia re-authorizations bill recently proposed by myself and four other SP representatives in the National Assembly.  As we do not have seats, we do not have the power to obtain any votes for the bill, and it will likely fail to pass.  But we do, under the constitution, have the right to propose legislation, and we have done so to let socalists from across Kalistani know that we are active once more as an organized political association, and furthermore, that we will be on the ballot in every District in the next General Elections.  The Party has developed a slate for the Party Lists, and so we intend to make a concerted effort to obtain as many seats in the Assembly as possible, where we will certainly bring the matter up once again.

There are a few points I think it incumbent upon me, as the Speaker of the Socialist Party to address.

First, we fully endorse the reorganization of the Regular Forces of Kalistan into the National Regular Army. The name of the organization is unimportant.  If it is necessary for the Conservative Party to rename the organization, this is fine.  The Regular, professional Army has served as a bedrock of Kalistani defenses since its inception centuries ago, and we have no doubt that in its current configuration, it will continue to do so.  Looking at the organization of the force, we do not see much substantive difference between the current NRA and the old Regular Army, Regular Navy and Regular Air Force. 

As such, we have no qualms, and will only take issue if the partisan controllers of the Government decide to use the new NRA against the citizens of our nation.  We do not suggest that the Partisans in control of the Government will do so, though we note with some concern that the Conservative Party has recently moved legislation which gives the National Government the power to do exactly that as auxiliary to the police force, as well as the unfettered right to disperse crowds with force that it alone deems as a threat to general order.  We are looking into ways to roll these powers back, to free Kalistani citizens from even the hint that legitimate demonstrations will be broken up by the professional military, and in the meantime, we are doing our part to build connections with the Regular Army to remind all soldiers, sailors and airmen of their duty to uphold the law and to resist unlawful orders.

With regard to the Militia, it is important that we do not repeat ourselves.  The Socialist Party had the most professionalized of all Partisan militias at one point in time.  What they have devolved into is problematic, we cannot deny, and we do not fault the National Government for taking steps to curb abuses of the Militia law.  These steps to bring order to Kalistan after a long period of disorder are worthy of our acknowledgment and respect.  However:  the caveat is, a total banning of all militia activities by the Conservatives, we feel is a step too far.  We have invited the Government to work with us to develop a new framework for partisan forces which allows independent security activity which is apart from a National Regular Army that can easily be captured by a fascist power, should that fascist power obtain a narrow majority in the National Assembly, and then used to crush the liberties of the Citizens of Kalistan.  It has happened before, and we do not doubt that with newly increased political activity, it will surely happen again. 

We can not leave the citizens of Kalistan entirely defenseless in the face of fascism within or imperialism without.  Militias have formed a very important part of the National Defense Doctrine of Kalistan, and it is our hope that we can work with the Government to provide them some roles in the future.  We have mentioned that if there is no compromise between the two positions which may be amicably reached, the Socialist Party intends, once it achieves a legislative majority, to absolutely re-institute the right of Parties to maintain militias.  In the meanwhile, it is our hope that we can work together with the National Government to craft a solution to the issue which takes BOTH of our sides legitimate concerns into account.

Meanwhile, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that the Socialist Party of Kalistan has begun to open Socialist Party Shooting and Drill Clubs on private lands across the Republic.  We will operate entirely within the law, using only legally owned and purchased firearms.  We will conduct gun safety classes which will be open to the Community, as well as practice shooting live ammunition at stationary targets in known distance courses designed by three veterans of the Regular Army.  All bivouacing and drill events will be open to Socialist Party members only, but during times when firing ranges are not being utilized, our shooting ranges will be fully staffed and open to the public for their own amusement and enjoyment.  We hope to see everyone there, most especially Socialists of service age, and all veterans who would care to share their experience and anecdotes with younger comrades.  It is imperative that even in these times, we prepare.

I thank you for your time and your indulgence, and wish you Peace and Equality,
Sister Rebecca Edwards-Bennots
Speaker of the Socialist Party of Kalistan
Kaliburg Yearly Meeting, Convinced Friend, Kaliburg Ananto

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Socialist Party, Reggae Musicians gather in Neveras for FundraiserShow Dubbed "GanJam 4681" by concert goers
High Bong, Neveras
April 20, 4681


Reggae artist Tony Jullianny, who opened the Neveras Sunsplash festival at sundown

A concert, organized within 2 weeks was recently held in the historic High Bong Amplitheater, which is the epicenter of the former Kalistani music Festival heritage.  The Concert, officially called Neveras Sunsplash, but unofficially titled "GanJam 4681" attracted 45,000 reggae and ska fans from across mostly Neveras, and from as far away as Kaliburg.  The all night, dusk til dawn festival featured more than 20 bands, who all played between 20 and 45 minutes.  Noteable standout in the early evening was Show opener Tony Jullianny, who opened the program with some hardcore dancehall.  Also featured throughout the night was Dub Mafia, from Suldanor, who reunited for the first time in 3 years to play at the show.  Dub Mafia's lead selector, Alfred Olverson said, "We wouldn't have missed the chance to play at this show.  It has been so long since Kalistan has had a festival and the people were so cool and just happy to be out again.  It feels great, and I loved playing with my bretheren up here on stage again. Peace!"


Socialist Party of Kalistan Speaker Sister Rebecca Edwards-Bennots, following her ska rendition of the Kalistani National Anthem

At about Midnight, the Socialist Party's Speaker, Sister Rebecca Edwards-Bennots, of the Socialist Party of Kalistan took the stage to address concert goers.  Her comments were brief, but she was received with an enthusiastic ovation, especially when she announced that her Party was committed to the revival of ODEN in Kalistan.  She finished her short interlude with a ska version of the Kalistani National Anthem, which she played with the House Band for the show Bedrock Roots.  The crowd, who sand the words of the song with her, cheered wildly as she left the stage.


Reginald Davis, one of the leading voices in this generation, at Sunsplash as the sun rises behind the stage

The show closer, venerable ska artist Reginald Davis, came out of retirement to play the show.  Fan energy was waning before Davis took the stage, and he was not originally booked to play the show, but at the last minute, concert promoters finally connected with the ska legend, who had not even heard of the show.  "When these young men and women called me up and said 'Man, here's your chance for one last big show' I thought, how could I say No.  God has many surprises in store for us all, and this is the most recent one!"  When the first bars of Davis' 4657 protest hit "The Bigger They Are" started, tired fans suddenly found their second winds, and started dance and singing.  The crowd went wild to see this generation's greatest ska singer on stage, and though he often had to pause and let the fans sing, the show was still very memorable and enjoyable.

Concert promoters have said that all proceeds from the show, after expenses, will go to the ODEN renewal campaign which is being organized by the Kalistani Marijuana Growers' Association in Neveras, and which has officially been endorsed by the Socialist Party.

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reprint from the Dorvish News Service

Dorvish News Service
Dorvish Navy's Lievenian Sea Fleet to conduct Freedom of Navigation through the Ananto Strait
March 4681


Dorvish Kruthia-class Frigate, DMS Lÿndow-Sennhein

Anantonese Ocean - The Dorvish Navy's Lievenian Sea Fleet (Dundorfian: Lievlandseeflotte) underneath the command of Admiral Stefan Katzen has been conducting a number of training exercises in the Anantonese Ocean off the coast of Lourenne. The several year training exercise aimed at coordinating efforts with the Lourennian Naval Forces has been considered a success, but prior to their departure the Dorvish Navy announced that they would conduct a freedom of navigation operation through the Ananto Strait. In the past, Kalistan has claimed the very vast and wide Ananto Strait as their own but following the collapse of the radical, Socialist Party of Kalistan and the collapse of the erratic, often ill-prepared militia system of "defense" the issue has become a none issue. In its return home to mainland Dorvik, the Lievenian Sea Fleet with its flagship the DNS Heike Grossberg will conduct a freedom of navigation act through the wide strait. In a press release issued by the Supreme General Staff the the Chief of the Foreign Defense Office, Major General Franz Karsten von Sondheim noted that the decision was made to make "...all aware..." that the freedom of navigation is paramount to international peace and prosperity. Critics have cited the behavior as "...reckless and dangerous..." while others, including opposition figures in Dorvik have cited the decision as "...typically Dorvish and welcoming of international stability and rule of law." Should the Lievenian Sea Fleet encounter any opposition or if Kalistan should decide to fire upon Dorvish naval vessels, the South Ocean Fleet will be conducting a training exercises with the Ostlandic Navy in the Anantonese Ocean by the time the Lievenian Sea Fleet has begun to transverse the wide berth of the Ananto Strait.[/quote]

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Dorvish News Service
Dorvish President responds to recent freedom of navigation act by the Dorvish Navy
March 4681

Haldor, Kordusia - President of the Dorvish Republic Florian Regismund von Rohr-Mauss was asked to comment about the recent Dorvish Navy's freedom of navigation operation through the Ananto Strait and Kalistan's response. When the reporter finished asking his question the President was handed a peace of paper and read the following resolution adopted by the State Council:

A resolution in the State Council of the Dorvish Republic entitled "Resolution on the Kalistani Resolution":

1. The operational range of the "Storm Shadow" or "Storm Hammer" cruise missile is roughly 560km;
2. The operational range of the KEPD 350 cruise missile is roughly 500km;
3. The operational range of Navalized Unionfighters is roughly 2,900km;
4. The operational range of Navalized F-35C aircraft is roughly 2,200km;
5. The operational range of RBS MkIV cruise missiles is roughly 300km;
6. The operational range of the AC-335 Gunship with a 9,900lb payload is roughly 2,230km;
7. The operational range of the Dorvish Armed Forces is endless;

This resolution is hereby adapted by the State Council of the Dorvish Republic.

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GOVERNMENT ORDERS 1ST FLEET TO MIRROR DORVISH LIEVENIAN FLEET, CONDEMNS DORVIK
The CPK Government has announced the first fleet will mirror the movements of the trespassing Dorvish fleet.
May 9th, 4681

A frigate of the Kalistani National Navy moving into the Ananto strait together with the rest of the 1st fleet

Kaliburg: Following the Dorvish violation of the Kalistan claimed Ananto Strait the Kalistani government controlled by the CPK has announced that the 1st fleet of the new National Navy will mirror the dorvish Lievenian fleet until it is out of the Ananto Strait. The 1st fleet also has, according to insiders, orders to fire upon the Dorvish fleet if it changes its current course or if it decides to hold its position in the Strait.

The Socialist Party of Kalistan had already condemned the Dorvish actions as their own policy had long been to stop any foreign entity from entering the strait. Now it seems the CPK government has sided with this policy as it was already known the CPK was largely anti imperialist in its nature. In addition to the 1st fleet mirroring the government has also announced its support for the SPoK proposed condemnation of Dorvik. According to Premier Brett Robinson Dorvik tried to "use their influence and threats to undermine the claims and resolve of the Kalistani government" but he stated that "Kalistan will not stand for foreign aggression or interfference in Kalistani affairs".

The Premier also announced that the National Navy has gained his authorization to increase patrols within the Ananto Strait and to "turn back any foreign vessel that doesnt have explicit Kalistani approval to enter the strait".

As tensions rise many wonder how the situation will be resolved and whether Kalistan or Dorvik will back down on their stance.

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New political force receives celebrity endorsement
At their official launch event in Dahriel, Progress for Kalistan announced a leadership team and set out their plans for the future
13 August 4681


A new political movement was founded this afternoon when Progress for Kalistan announced that they would be seeking to put forward candidates in the next legislative elections, currently scheduled to be held in exactly two years time. At a carefully-planned event in Dahriel, the party unveiled a team of policy-specific spokespeople as well as national and district level leaders. The party's announcement follows several months of planning and meetings between various groups involved directly or indirectly in Kalistani politics. Among the most prominent bodies involved in these initial exploratory talks were the Agramontian League, the Left Society and an assortment of trades unions.



Above: J. Fletcher Compton is one of a group of public figures who have expressed support for the new political movement, having been selected as their industry spokesperson


Former defence lawyer Alejandro Saelices was announced as the party's first national leader and across the course of the launch event he made several speeches and gave a number of press interviews in an attempt to raise public awareness of the party's policy programme and political philosophy. Saelices is known best to the general public for his involvement in the high-profile trial of Cecilia Barrueco at the end of the previous decade. Barrueco, defended by Saelices, was found not guilty of the murder of her husband after she stabbed him to death with a kitchen knife when he began violently beating her and her son. The trial garnered massive public attention and raised questions over domestic violence and the law in Kalistan.

Alongside Saelices at the event were several other well-known faces. Istalian popular historian Nostriano Spezzano, who has lived in Kalistan for the past decade, was announced as the party's education spokesperson while award-winning actor J. Fletcher Compton became their industry spokesperson. Although neither has been directly involved in party politics, both are known as critics of the current government and political leftists. In his own speech in Dahriel, Compton spoke of the need for "radical change in the political equilibrium in this country to better address the concerns of the public".

In terms of policy details, Progress for Kalistan published a brief outline of their most important issues that included some broad value statements such as "defend ethical socialism as an economic system" and "protect the environment from the threat of unsustainable behaviour" as well as specific priorities like "end state funding for private schools" and "ban cryptocurrencies". Existing political parties will be interested to see where the new party perceives themselves when it comes to future government formation, though at this stage it is far too early to predict.

The Dahriel Evening Herald is a Luthorian-language broadsheet newspaper based in Dahriel, Ananto that covers politics, economics, culture and sports across Kalistan.