Kalistani Major History

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The People's Press
Ending Discrimination
Former President pushed onto the defensive as HRF begins letter-writing campaign
Kaliburg, Ananto
November 11th 4132


Human Rights Foundation Secretary-General Sophia Conti says she 'won't be bullied'

Former Kalistani President and Labour leader Sophia Conti, now the Secretary-General of the Human Rights Foundation, has been forced to defend her leadership of the non-governmental, non-profit organisation in recent months. Conti resigned from the Labour Party in order to pursue the cause of justice and freedom on an international level, free from any partisan bias. In January, the HRF published its first 'blacklist' of nations which have not yet abolished capital punishment (twenty-nine in total) and notified the governments of every country on the list. In response, the Trigunian Chairman of the Committee of Ministers attempted to condone the willful slaughter of his own citizens by suggesting that only individuals from certain parts of the country are murdered. Meanwhile, the Kazulian government suggested Conti should pursue a 'mediation process' instead of trying to save human lives.

Conti has hit back, though, saying that she 'won't allow the Human Rights Foundation to be bullied into whitewashing its reports and findings by governments who seek to protect their interests alone. Where nations are in contravention of our standards,' she continued 'we will absolutely call them out and put pressure on them, however possible, to address their shortcomings. No amount of harshly worded statements from press secretaries and official spokespersons will shake our determination to change the world'. Conti served as the President of the Republic from  4120 to 4123 and later as the Foreign Affairs Minister during the Persson Presidency.

In their most recent campaign, the Human Rights Foundation has targetted nations which permit discrimination in the military. Endralon, Jelbania and Beiteynu all have legislation banning women from fighting for their country, while Saridan, Indrala and Vorona have banned homosexuals on top of that. The HRF has asked supporters from across Terra to write letters to the leaders of these countries calling for change, the postage cost being covered by the Foundation where required. In particular, they want women and gays who serve in their own national armed forces to recount their experience- in an attempt to personalise the legislation and help lawmakers empathise with their population.

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McCrae's Kalistani Values
Labour Education Minister outlines plans for 'promoting cohesion and diversity'
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 27th, 4132


Education and Culture Minister David McCrae speaks about the new programme

Starting next year, all Kalistani students between the ages of six and eighteen will be expected to study a second language, so says Education and Culture Minister David McCrae. In his department's annual report and plan for the future, McCrae delineated plans to promote multi-linguality among the general population by mandating that all school pupils show some attempt to learn a language other than their first. Though the report was not specific about which language this should be, it highlighted Egelian, Rodshya and Istalian as those which could be most beneficial when finding employment in addition to Rajavanshi and Ananti, which have a cultural significance. 

On top of this, some subjects, like history and religious studies, will see their scheme of learning drastically changed to incorporate more 'diverse' aspects of society. Rather than focusing primarily on Kalistan, the civil wars and world war, history students will be permitted to choose from nearly a hundred different areas of study including some as recent as the Triguno-Deltarian War. Those behind the programme argue that a greater flexibility of study helps engage students with the subject and develop a genuine passion for their work although other says it will make comparing students more difficult. Meanwhile, in religious studies the focus has shifted from Kalistan and Terra's most popular religions (Hosianism, Ahmadism etc.) to a wider array of belief systems.

Furthermore, the new National Curriculum will require teachers of older students to allocate time for discussion of contentious moral and ethical issues, with a focus on Kalistan's role in the world following successive elections to the World Congress Security Council and this, in particular, has created some controversy. Opposition figures have accused the government of indoctrinating students but McCrae rebuffed such accusations, saying;

As Minister for Education and Culture, I am committed to creating a national curriculum which allows every student to fulfill their full potential and provides them with the opportunity to pursue avenues they would not otherwise be able to. I take my responsibility extremely seriously and I believe in this most recent curriculum we have achieved a tremendous balance between encouraging and promoting healthy discourse while not pushing the views of the state or educators upon students. During the time when there was no national curriculum, a small group of schools piloted a similar scheme and we found some quite remarkable results. My faith in this programme is absolute.

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The People's Press
Presidential Rapprochement
Foster attempts to ease tensions in a special, one-off speech in Kaliburg
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 23rd 4133


President of the Republic Franklin Foster appeared to criticise the Human Rights Foundation

President of the Republic Franklin Foster delivered a unique speech in the centre of Kaliburg this morning, aimed at reducing the tension between Kalistan and nations across Terra. In his most significant engagement since his election last year, Foster seemed to take aim at his former colleague Sophia Conti and her Human Rights Foundation. Attached is a transcript.

In the twelve months since I was elected President, we have a seen a great deal of pressure and strain placed on the relations between Kalistan and her allies. No sooner had we regained control of the National Assembly and, in doing so, eliminated the internal politic threat to those relationships, a new threat seems to have appeared. Many, internally and internationally, have tried to establish some kind of link between the Human Rights Foundation and the government of Kalistan. They suggest that, simply because Mrs Conti has been involved with both, the two entities must be one and the same: that is utterly false. Tainting Kalistan's name based on the actions of an NGO is wrong and I will not stand for it.

Nevertheless, it seems that some damage has already been done. Beiteynu has requested we extradite Mrs Conti, insisting that she is a terrorist and showing a complete disregard for our national laws. It seems hypocritical to me that the nations who rail against the HRF on the basis that it undermines the sovereignty of national governments are often the same nations who believe their own national laws should override those of other countries! At any rate, there is no chance whatsoever that Kalistan will extradite any citizen of the state, especially not to a nation which has repeatedly shown a complete disregard for the lives of ethnic minorities, as Beitynu has.

With such turbulence and bitterness permeating throughout our international discourse, it is important that we do not allow ourselves to be whipped into a frenzy of self-righteous jingoism, as the Kalistan Radical Front would like us to. For that reason, I have asked Foreign Minister Fabian to promptly contact the Kazulian and Vanukean governments to determine their own positions and establish a strategy for the future. No positive outcome can be reached without direct communication between senior figures on both sides. If those nations feel that previous behaviour has had such a negative impact on their view of Kalistan, that they no longer want to deal with us, at least that can be made clear. If they decide, as I sincerely hope that they will, that it is mutually beneficial that we retain a relationship, we can discuss the next steps.

Kalistan has always been a nation which prides itself on being open to anyone, that includes foreign leaders and diplomats. Any government who wants to establish a relationship need only contact us and we will do everything in our power to facilitate a fruitful discussion. We do not and will never desire conflict, that is helpful to nobody.

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Buccismo Genesis Takes to the Campaign Trails
Mr. Genesis Resigns as Peoples Party Spokesman
Vrassa City, Vrassa
May 7th, 4133


As Buccismo Genesis left the Headquarters building of the Peoples Party - a small two story dwelling - he was met by several reporters. This one got in the first question: You have been in an executive meeting for some time. Is there any news you can report out?

Buccismo Genesis said this:

I have been with the Peoples Party since its creation in 4123. That's ten years. Our Party needs to take the next step in working for the people of Kalistan. That is why, with the support of my wife, son, and the Peoples Party, I am announcing my plan to run for the Premiership in the next election of 4135. I want to unite our sometimes divided parties. We have done many great things in the Assembly and I hope to keep those who have done fabulous jobs where they are. But there is more to be done.

Buccismo Genesis gives a few remarks about his new ambition.

After Mr. Genesis answered three more questions regarding other minor details, he left to spend time with his family. To fill his position as spokesperson of the Peoples Party, former Financial Manager, Lola Corie, stepped up. Anita Rigora took Ms. Corie's position. The Peoples Party's large switch up of positions leads some to question their foundations, but new Spokeswoman Lola Corie said this:

We are still a fairly new party in Kalistan when it comes to the grand scheme of things. Ten years ago, several of us were citizens who felt that not a singular party fit our ideals. So we formed the Peoples Party, because we are a bunch of people. Now, after finding support amongst our countrymen and women, the Peoples Party would like to head forward towards the future.

Other party members added their support of the new heading for the Party. Buccismo Genesis hits the streets next month to see about garnering enough support to gain the Premier of the Republic position.

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The Official PEP Newsletter

Michael Bergmann - A Political Legacy


Michael Bergmann, Minister of Internal Affairs

  - In last year's pivotal elections, we saw the PEP go from one of the lesser parties of Kalistan to the second largest in the Assembly; and at the head of it all was Michael Bergmann. Whilst he didn't win the Presidential Elections, Bergmann managed to generate a new enthusiasm which had been lacking in the PEP for quite some time. He didn't do that by ranting about the right-wing, in fact, just the opposite; Bergmann extended a hand of compromise over the aisle. His message of unification and taking on the status quo garnered him nearly 20% of the vote on election day; far more than pundits had originally predicted. However, to disappointed supporters of Bergmann: Don't worry, he's not going anywhere anytime soon. In fact, Bergmann has almost overshadowed Party Chairman, Jacob Knapp, as the figurehead of the PEP. Not wanting to lose the spark that Bergmann created, the PEP officially named him its candidate for the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Just after this decision, President Franklin Foster appointed Bergmann to his cabinet. Giving up his seat as Party Chair at Odufaray, Bergmann managed to find a way into Foster's government.

  - However, once you look beneath the surface, Bergmann isn't really a fresh new face in Kalistani politics at all. His father, Stephen Bergmann, was inundated in politics all his life, first serving as a councilman in Odufaray and then making his way into the Assembly by means of the now disbanded SOPK. From all indications, Bergmann Sr. was a radical liberal. Surprisingly enough, Michael Bergmann ended up being much more moderate, using his talent for public speaking to win over a number of compromises with rival parties during his tenure as a councilman in Odufaray. After the formation of the PEP, Bergmann went from being an Independent to the PEP's Chair at Odufaray, and then eventually, to its Presidential candidate.

  - Now, Bergmann is the PEP's minister of Internal Affairs and seems promised to make a big name for himself in Kalistani politics. There are questions as to whether Chairman Knapp will step down and Bergmann will take the position of Party Chair, but that seems highly unlikely at this point. Even if Knapp were to step down, the fanatical progressive and spokesman of the Alt.- Left, Lyle Peters, would be next in line as Knapp's Vice Chairman. Reports have come across that Bergmann and Peters both had some tense feuding after the primary, as they both appear to be the heads of the two unofficial, ideological factions of the PEP.

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Peoples Party Guard
A new militia is formed
Vrassa City, Vrassa
May 25th, 4133

By: Kal Groggi
Formed in late May of 4133 to offer protection of high value candidates and Party regional offices, the Guard was placed under the control of Lieutenant Joshua Chambers. Initially, the Guard consisted of only a platoon- 60 men and women. They are still in training, expected to enter official service in October of 4133. 1st Platoon shall be the core of what the Peoples Party plans on creating. I was given an exclusive interview with Lieutenant Joshua Chambers.


Lt. Joshua Chambers, Commander of the Party Guard

Groggi: What should the citizens expect the size of the Guard to be?

Chambers: The Party Guard is estimated to recruit no more than a battalion-sized force to ensure protection of Party members. The battalion will be made up of five companies, each located in a region of Kalistan.

Groggi: This comes at a time where Buccismo Genesis has announced his running for Premier of the Republic. Is this militia intended primarily for protection services?

Chambers: Mr. Groggi, the Guard is intended to provide protection for all Peoples Party members. It doesn't matter if you are a Minister in the Cabinet or a family in Ananto; we shall protect you from anything. In addition, we are willing to assist local police forces if requested.

Groggi: A battalion seems like a large force. Can you explain the necessity of it?

Chambers: It has been ten years since the Peoples Party was founded. We haven't found any reason to be insecure, but it is best to be proactive. The battalion is the largest we are going to be. Our goal is not to intimidate others or damage relations, but we hope to be able to ensure that people feel safe.

Groggi: Could you explain the organization a bit more?

Chambers: Absolutely. The battalion is commanded by a Major, who has a staff that handles several areas. These might include Administration, such as paychecks, promotions, demotions, etc. There is the Training and Operations, Provisions and Requisitions, and other departments as well. Each Company is commanded by a 1st Captain, with a 2nd Captain if the 1st is unable to do his duties. Companies are separated into platoons, commanded by Lieutenants like myself. Squads are commanded by sergeants, and a section is led by a corporal.

Lt. Chambers illustrated both the structure and equipment of this militia, constantly reminding me that this was a defensive force only. The Lieutenant told me that a battalion may be formed by 4140. For the reader's informational needs, I've included a detailed analysis of what to expect when the Peoples Party Guard is completely outfitted and formed up.

Battalion Combat Troops-750
Battalion Command Staff- Major
Administration- 50, led by a 2nd Captain
Training and Operations- 75, led by a 2nd Captain
Provisions and Requisitions- 150, led by a 1st Captain
Public Information Office- 30, led by a 2nd Captain
Headquarters Security- 75, led by a Lieutenant

Company Combat Troops-150
Company Command Staff- 1st Captain, 2nd Captain
Communications- 5, led by a Sergeant
Medical Personnel- 30, led by a Lieutenant

Platoon Combat Troops- 50
Platoon Command Staff- Lieutenant
Communications- 5, led by a Sergeant

Squad Combat Troops- 25
Squad Command Staff- Sergeant

Section Combat Troops- 10-15
Section Command Staff- Sergeant

Combat troops are issued a pistol and bullet proof vest for on and off-duty. On duty, they may carry combat rifles, shotguns, or high-rate-of-fire weapons.

A support Company is in the works, but isn't expected to be operational for some time. It would consist solely of AWD vehicles to provide quick transportation for troops.

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Royal Affair
Kazulian Crown Prince visits Kalistan on behalf of the royal family, aiming to 'promote peace and mediation'
Kaliburg, Ananto
June 2nd, 4133


HRH Crown Prince Arvid II was shown around the Libertad

Crown Prince Arvid II of Kazulia arrived in Kaliburg this week, following a request from the Foreign Ministry to calm tensions between Kalistan and his country. Issues arose as a result of the controversial activities of the Human Rights Foundation, which included the Kingdom on its 'blacklist'. In response, Jean-Baptiste Fabian, the Kalistani Foreign Minister, has organised the visit of His Royal Highness to reaffirm that there is no hostility in the relationship between the two nations.

As part of the trip, the Crown Prince witnessed a display from the 'Kalistani Daggers' aerobatics display team and was given a tour of the newest vessel in the Kalistani Navy's fleet Libertad, purchased from the Leonardi Industrial Group by former Defence Minister Temple Pisani. Yesterday, he was introduced to Secretary-General of the Human Rights Foundation (and arguably the source of current controversy) Sophia Conti. Though the exact details of their conversations have been kept entirely private, the exchanges are said to have been respectful.

For the remainder of the trip, His Royal Highness will leave Ananto and travel to the mainland where he will attend a variety of different events, witnessing the traditional Kalistani sport, demolition derby, and speaking to industrial leaders such as KALNAFERCO Chief Executive Officer Amaya Del Olmo. Both sides have agreed that no diplomatic discussions or negotiations should take pace between the Crown Prince and the Kalistani government, though the Foreign Minister stated that he 'expects relations to return to normal'. He will return to Kazulia on Friday.

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Kalistan Radicalized, watch out Leftist!

Today "Leader" of the Kalistan Radical Front, Randall Ross has a new title he is know known as the "Emperor" of the KRF. In a party meeting cheers of "All Hail Emperor Ross!" rocked the arena. We talked to a supporter of the KRF about why she believes in Ross so strongly she said this: "Emperor Ross was sent here by Elijah himself nobody can mess with Ross! He is the one who will guide us and he is the one true leader of Kalistan! All hail Emperor Ross!" In other news Randall Ross made this press release today: "I know that the other parties are weak, but it is time for us to stand up.. as your leader my soilders I want you to go get a gun.. go shoot and fight every Leftist you see! We hate leftist and want them to burn in hell! Send them to their graves! Hail Ross" and not only that but all KFR members now have uniforms to wear on a daily basis! Everyone should head the warning.

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The People's Press
Defence of the Population
KWLA to swell in size in order to protect innocent civilians
Kaliburg, Ananto
November 2nd 4133


New Kalistani Workers Liberation Army recruits, displaying improvised equipment

The Kalistani Workers Liberation Army has announced it will increase it's number eight-fold, to one-hundred-and-twenty-thousand, by the end of next year, in an attempt to protect the lives of the terrorist Kalistan Radical Front and their rogue leader Randell Ross. When combined with the Emergency Powers Act, the Labour Party hope the move will restore law and order following several high-profile attacks on members of the governing parties. Initial terror has now receded, as the KWLA took to patrolling the streets in most cities and the individuals responsible were sent to the Kings Rock facility. However, a high degree of fear still permeates throughout the population- not least because elections are due in less than two years time.

President Franklin Foster has called on non-KRF parties to rally behind him and put the future peace of our nation above party politics and the Populist Environmental Party have already said they will support the incumbent President. In a short statement, he vowed that Ross 'would pay dearly for his actions'. Foreign Minister and Labour Party leader Jean-Baptiste Fabian has already tabled motions to ban Ross from public office and outlaw the Kalistan Radical Front although it is currently unclear whether these will pass or not. What is clear is that the current violence is unlikely to end soon...

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ROSS ASSASINATED
Controversial former President and KRF leader shot dead before event in Kaliburg
Kaliburg, Ananto
December 14th, 4133


Randell Ross pictured minutes before his assassination in Kaliburg

Yesterday afternoon, while preparing for a party rally in the capital, Kalistan Radical Front leader and three-time President of the Republic Randell Ross was shot multiple times by an as-yet-unnamed gunman. Ross was pronounced dead at the scene and the gunman was also killed, by KRF officials accompanying their leader- who were later taken in for questioning. Ross' assassination is the latest in a series of violent events, arguably precipitated by the former President himself. Several left-wing individuals have been killed in recent months, supposedly by members of the Kalistan Radical Front and the Kalistani Workers Liberation Army had mobilised to restore order to the streets. Whether Ross' death will bring an end to the brutality is a matter for speculation.

Current President Franklin Foster issued a statement saying that 'while Mr Ross was an entirely reprehensible individual, who had blood on his own hands, more death and violence was beneficial to nobody'. Additionally, he called upon the Kalistan Radical Front to 'seriously consider its direction from now on and acknowledge that they have created a toxic political atmosphere, which should be eliminated as soon as possible'. In contrast, the KRF stated that they were 'very, very upset'.

Questions will now be asked about how the current political climate was able to develop. The rise of the Kalistan Radical Front, as well as the Conservative and (now defunct) Libertarian parties, surely had an impact but such parties have experienced support before without triggering such barbarity on the streets. If a similar escalation is to be prevented in future, serious critiques of Kalistan's political system must be forthcoming.