Kalistani Major History

[Doc]

Kalistani Protestors renew demands for Urban Renewal
"We have to get this business done" says Interim Infrastructure Minister
Kaliburg, Ananto
July 18, 5377


Public Housing Advocates march on the Capital to demand action in renewal

The Kalistan urban renewal policy has been ongoing for nearly 20 years, and only 60 percent of the previous housing has been replaced. Widescale demolition actions in most mainland cities have left large swaths of green areas in formerly densely packed cities like Sulari, Port Swedes, and Eshar-Gendaris. But residents who used to live in those green areas say they are ready to move back home and are demanding action of the interim Government of Kalistan.

"We want the Republic to finish what it started," said Angela St. Michael, spokesperson for the recent People's March that descended on the Capital last week. "We have gone a generation without being able to go home to the places where we grew up. I am middle aged now. I have kids of my own. I want them to know my neighborhood and my family's friends and I want to rebuild my community, but I can't if the state doesn't go in an build more homes for us."

Many of the residents of Mainland Kalistan's once blighted cities have long since relocated, and much of the internal migration appears permanent. The Government for their part has been slow to return much of the newly green city scape to residential development. "Well, to be honest, the reason we had so much blight was that we had an over abundance of housing stock in the Republic," said interim Infrastructure Minister Lindsey Kingsbury. "We need to get this business done, obviously. But we also will need to balance it so that the houses we are building will not just replace the houses being used. We will, as policy keep pace with population growth, and to be honest, that has been fairly stagnant since we began which puts a lid on new construction."

The Interim Minister met with protestors, and has asked the Government to name an advisory board with socialist Governors and representatives of tenant and resident groups to determine how to proceed with reconstruction of the urban landscape. "This is not to say that having these vast swaths of green belts in our cities is all bad," said St. Michael. "In many of these areas, the community itself has taken the vacant land and transformed it into urban farm land, where communities can support their local food banks with fresh, nutritious local foods. Or parks which provide kids safe places to play. But then there are lots of places which are just eyesores, homes for vermin and loaded with trash that people just throw in there. And these areas should be the ones that are rehabbed into homes and businesses. But that all takes money." Noticably absent was a fixture who had protested renewal in the past, the landlords groups, who seem to have come to terms with the fact that their concerns and interests would no longer be placed at the front of the line.

St. Michael promised that her group would be back protesting if progress stalls out. "We have good, credible commitments from this interim government," said the protest leader. "We already have meetings scheduled with Minister Kingsbury and three governors on the mainland in the coming months, to begin the work of rehabbing out cities. It looks like for the first time in a generation, this socialist government is going to get serious about this issue. Our hope is that there is also follow through. We keep hope eternally alive."

[Doc]

New Kalistani-Kazulian Film discusses Love and Culture
"Utvekslings" premiers at Under Nordlyset Music and Performing Art Fair in Kazulia
Hagsun, Kazulia
December 25, 5379


Margrete Asleson and Don Esposito star in this romantic comedy about love despite cultural barriers

Two years ago, Republican Pictures began work with Kazulian movie company FilmKazulmark to produce a collaboratively made film. Kalistani film maker Steiner Brekken, who was himself born in Kazulia but immigrated to Kalistan as a child due to his parents health conditions, wanted to make a movie that highlighted all the weird things in both his native culture and his adopted culture. This clash of cultures then is depicted in his debut effort "Utvekslings" or "The Exchange", which is a title with a double meaning. "My leading man is both a non-traditional exchange student," said Brekken, "but he is also trading one culture for another. And, there is also a hint of, you know, maybe a little sexuality in the term as well... Though of course, by Kalistani standards the film is very sweet and tame."

The film, which stars Kazulian actress Margrete Asleson as Gjertrude and Kalistani surfer-turned-actor Don Esposito as Henry in the lead roles, follows Henry's relocation to Kazulia to attend school for interior design. "Henry wants a different life," said Brekken. "Kazulia is such a foreign nation, and yet he is surprised to find that everyone speaks Vrassan, or I should say Luthorian there when he gets there, but when people learn that he is from Kalistan, of course, nobody will speak to him in anything but Kazulianisk, which presents a problem for him right out of the gate." Henry struggles to learn the different cultural traditions of the nation and is about to give up when the pretty Gjertrude, herself a non-traditional student who has returned to school to study art and philosophy, takes pity on him and agrees to teach him about Kazulian culture and society. Proximity breeds familiarity and eventually they realize that they have romantic feelings for one another.

"But of course, Gjertrude's father [Markus, played exceptionally by the Kazulian actor Bengt Kolberg], an ardent nationalist is opposed to Gjertrude falling in love with Henry," explains Brekken. "Kalistani's are lax morally for Markus. He is concerned for his daughter but he is also just opposed to Kalistanis, who he feels to be a bad influence." Tensions with the father drive a wedge between the two lovers and eventually, Henry is deported following a night of heavy drinking and vandalism. Once Gjertrude learns that Henry is gone from Markus (who doesn't tell her the whole story), she thinks the worst of Henry. But ultimately she discovers the truth, finally confronts her domineering father, and receives his blessing on his death bed. And as the movie ends, Gjertrude arrives in Kaliburg International airport, just as the sun is rising, and with a smile, steps off to find Henry.

"The story proves that even love can overcome barriers of any height," said Brekken. "The story is one of hope and it is also one that presents my own native culture in both a very positive light (we have wonderful traditions in Kazulia, and the people, while reserved are really very kind once we get to know you) but also some corners, I think of parochialism that maybe we would be better doing without. It presents Kazulian culture as a living, growing thing. I wanted to showcase our beautiful Skalm to the world, but also I admit, I have to do it as an outsider, fascinated by more like a memory of the place I grew up, than as a person who has called Skalm "Home" for fifty years. Because while I intimately recognize the city, a lot has changed even since I have left, so it was like I was getting to know that city again for the first time. I tried to represent that feeling in this film as well."

When asked why he chose romance as the topic for his debut feature film, Brekken answered, "Well, I think beautiful people naturally gravitate toward one another. Henry was destined to meet Gjertrude, almost from his birth. The chemistry between the two characters was so natural and easy, and Don and Margrete played them so organically, it seemed like I almost didn't have to do any directing. But, also, the romance gives our audience an easy way to cheer for these two: It helps us get over the fact that Kalistan and Kazulia have historically not always gotten along the best, or if they did it wasn't the warmest friendship you could imagine. Why would a Kalistani even come to Kazulia? How could you convince a Kazulian to go to Kalistan? The answer must be 'To find love'. And so this is what happened in the movie."

The film premiered at the new Kazulian arts fest known as the Under Nordlyset Music and Performing Arts Festival, where it was screened by more than 8 thousand Kazulians. It will premier in Kalistan in a week and is expected to do well at the Box Office. The soundtrack for the movie features several Kazulian bands plus Kalistan's own One Cold Year, who provided a track on the closing credits. "They wanted to try the song in Kazuliansk," said Brekken. "But after hearing how these vrassans mangled our language, I told our music director to have them re-record the lyrics in Vrassan and just sing from the heart. Their recut version was much more palatable, and fit in well among the other Kazulian songs in the film, some of which were sung in Luthorian anyway."

Brekken said he looks for more opportunities to make films and work with Kazulian actors and crews again in the future. "Utvekslings" will remain in Kazulia for the next month before leaving theaters in preparation for distribution on streaming and physical media. This movie is widely thought to provide an important assist in the nacent film industry in Kazulia.

[Doc]

Radio Kaliburg returns to AM and FM Frequencies
Aims to promote Kalistani Viewpoints and culture in Terra
Kaliburg, Ananto
February 25, 5380


Radio Kaliburg Poster from outside RK studios in Downtown Kaliburg

For centuries, Radio Kaliburg has been an institution of independent radio broadcasting in Kalistan. Not affiliated with any particular Party or Government institution, Radio Kaliburg operates on the same business model that Kalistan's newspapers and magazines operate on, the subscriber model. As a result, Radio Kaliburg stands as the sole terrestrial broadcast media outlet for all of Kalistan, which is not governed by the KRTVN charter or system. The Government has encouraged the formation of other alternative radio stations in Kalistan, but most stations are online only, finding the acquisition of broadcast equipment to be for the most part cost prohibitive.

Radio Kaliburg began as a microwave station in 3290, under the handle "Radio Free Keymon" during the Keymon Crisis. The broadcast headquarters of the Radio station then served for hundreds of years as a time station, broadcasting clock signals to ships at in the Northern Anantonese Ocean for calibration as a part of the Signals Intelligence department of the Kalistani Regular Force. But the station was taken over by ardent Nationalist and propagandist Daniel de Laurent, who in 4704, reengineered the station as a shortwave broadcast station during the Bush Wars in the Anantonese. Billed as a station with 100,000 watts of power distributed over the AM, FM and SW frequencies, Radio Kaliburg's reach really only extended by shortwave, as FM was only line of sight, and AM waves were often absorbed by the water of the Ananto Strait. During the crisis, de Laurent broadcast was directed at Lourenne, specifically hoping to convince the people of Lourenne to pressure their government to sue for peace. Whether he was effective or not is unknown, but de Laurant and his spouse and co-host Claire-Louise Bisset were treated as national heroes when peace came back to the Anantonese Ocean a few years later. Soon afterward, Radio Kaliburg stopped broadcasting over AM and FM frequencies, and stuck to developing better propagation through stronger short wave technology. When not used for political purposes, Radio Kaliburg features alternative music, news and talk.

Fast forward to 5380, and Radio Kaliburg, now under the ownership of Veronica Laufer, a Kalistani businesswoman who also has a significant stake in La Moda magazine, has obtained the permits to expand Radio Kaliburg back to AM and FM frequencies. "We look forward to the opportunity to compliment KRTVN coverage in Ananto, in Northern Kalitan and in the world," said Laufer. "Radio Kaliburg is an institution in this Republic, one who does not get much attention, but also one which is vitally important as a source of alternative viewpoints and culture." Lauffer is a member of the Socialist Party, but describes herself as a political moderate. "The people of Kalistan certainly have the right to be critical of our government when it fails us. And we also have the right to comment on world events, even if that comment doesn't line up exactly with the position taken by our government."

Lauffer has hired an independent company to provide operational and artistic management of the Station. "I want to avoid any suggestion that I am interfering with the content of our station. I am merely the owner. But I am not the program manager, at any rate." The management company, Capitol Enterprises, will work with focus groups in and around Kaliburg to determine what sort of content they want to hear on the radio and how they would like it to be used. But Lauffer also noted a strategic direction for the Company. "KRTVN seems to try to be everything for everyone. We don't have to be that. We can say and do controversial things. We can play unsigned musicians, or take strong political stands if we like. I intend to give my staff that latitude."

Radio Kaliburg will be the first independent radio station in the Republic since the passage of the KRTVN Act in 4767 which sharply curtailed independent and alternative Radio. The FM signal is expected to cover the entire Kaliburg-Port Davon basin as well as all suburbs, and internet repeating towers are to be set up in Sulari, Dana, Gendaris-Eshar, Vrassa City, Nevaras City, Port Swedes, and Addisjah. The AM signal can be heard for a much wider range and will cover all of northern Kalistan and all of Ananto as well as several hundred miles out to sea (with the addition of microwave translators), and the primary shortwave frequency of 6060 kHz as well as other frequencies in additional bands, will be available throughout Terra, with primary signal propagation best in Central Artania, Northern Majatra, Keris, northern Macon, central Selaya and North Western Dovani at different points throughout the day. "Eventually, we would like to have translated news broadcasts in the langauge of the countries that our antennas are aimed at," said Lauffer. "Our goal is to present Kalistani news and international news to countries in the world. We aim at reaching as many people as possible." Radio Kaliburg can also be streamed at their website RadioKaliburg.ks

[Doc]

Hutori to Rejoin Commonwealth of Nations on background of ongoing resource Bid war


Department of Foreign Affairs HQ in Bekenial

After withdrawing from the Commonwealth of Luthorian Nations over the so called "70s Crisis" due in large part by the instability caused by the Fatherland Front in Luthori, Foreign Affairs Minister Natalie DuMarquis, has confirmed that Hutori will be formally rejoining the Commonwealth of Nations. This formal rejoining goes hand in hand with an evolution of the talks between multiple Hutorian and Luthorian financial and commercial interests finally making headway into their respective markets. Imperial Oil, one of the largest oil extraction firms in Luthori, is currently in town attempting to secure oil extraction rights from Hutori and the province of Kenai, to extract oil from the Althorcaea Shelf, which is off the eastern coast of Kenai and Roccato and south of the Isle of Sutton. Talks in regards to that are ongoing, though insiders in the Department of International Trade, Economic Development and the Kenai provincial Department of Energy and Resource Development, have reported a multi national bid situation, where multiple nations have sparked interest, and a slew of lobbying, for rights to work on the lucrative Althorcaea Shelf, with even more still attempting to sway the Mashacara in Falristan, to give foreign access to the Tremaine Oil Sands, where 80% of Hutori's oil reserves sit, of which 90% is controlled whole or partially by the one of the five Nations of Mashacara and their owned energy giant, the Carter Energy Group, the largest private energy conglomerate in the northern hemisphere. Spokesmen for Foreign Affairs Minister Natalie DuMarquis, International Trade Minister Erika d'Entremont have all refused comment stating "They did not want to influence ongoing negotiations and allow each of them to play out without outside interference." A spokesperson for Prime Minister Tristan Taylor merely noted that it was a good sign so many foreign firms were interested in investments in Hutori, proof of the strength of the Hutorian economy.

Hutori is also proceeding with rejoining of the Kalistani lead ODEN-III Treaty, with changes to Hutori's Controlled Substances Regime. Attorney General Madison Ross, has stated that she and her team have been working carefully and closely with both the Department of Health and the Department of International Trade, to ensure that Hutori's laws are robust enough to protect Hutorian citizens, but also all the import of high quality recreational drugs, of which Kalistan is still considered the crown jewel internationally. The Hutorian-Kalistan relationship is one that insiders close to Prime Minister Tristan Taylor, say is of high importance to the government to expand and reinvigorate, with one source stating. "Bekenial and Kalburg used to have an extremely special and unique relationship, not built by military alliance or long standing economic interests, but one built on diplomatic cooperation and an extremely intertwined cultural aspect. Relationships like that, the Prime Minister wants more of." Foreign Affairs Minister Natalie DuMarquis is expected to visit Kalistan later this year.

[Doc]

Kalistan Welcomes Hutori
"It's been too long" said Interim Foreign Minister Mann ahead of elections
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 12, 5383


Hutorian FM Natalie DuMarquis participates in Forum with outgoing FM Nathan Sanchez on cultural tourism at Kaliburg Polytechic

A long anticipated and certainly welcomed visit from the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Hutori Natalie DuMarquis took place last week. Kalistanis turned out by the hundreds to welcome the visiting Hutori dignitary who arrived in Kaliburg to restore ties between Kalistan and the Northern State. "It has been too long," said interim Marcus Mann, as he welcomed the Hutorian delegation. "Kalistan and Hutori enjoy deep cultural ties and a close affinity that is unparalleled in Terra. And we are excited for the opportunity to renew our bonds of friendship and warmth."

DuMarquis was welcomed to address the crowd who waved Kalistani and Hutorian flags. In her brief remarks she spoke of Hutori's desire to rekindle the productive cultural exchange which characterized much of the 49th and 50th centuries. The years of deep and abiding cultural exchange were net gains for both nations, and were part of a larger cultural flourishing in Terra generally. Included in these exchanges was technology, music, military hardware, and various consumer goods. The Foreign Minister expressed her enthusiasm to restore the links, and announced the successful passage of ODEN in Hutori. "Let the Whiskey Flow," declared Mann in celebration. Hutorian whiskey has long been the preferred foreign alcohol, and the announcement that it will return to Kalistani shelves was met with enthusiastic approval from the attending crowd.

Following the reception for the visiting minister, Mann, who is expected to be confirmed to a permanent position on the Cabinet within 4 months ahead of upcoming elections and DuMarquis began discussions with the outgoing President of the Republic, Danielle Diaz over a special cultural visa named "The Secord Visa" in honor of famous Hutori expat Erica Secord, who moved on a semi permanent basis to Kalistan to record music in Kalistan's music industry. While a cultural visa which will encourage exchange between the two nations, the Kalistani politicians also opened the idea for a formal structure for dual citizenship between the two nations, which might obliviate the need for a special visa all together. "Kalistan's law is that anyone can claim citizenship in Kalistan," said Mann. "This should not preclude dual citizenship between Kalistan and Hutori. We already maintain zero national restrictions on travel between Lodamun and Lourenne and Kalistan. The precedent is there, which would allow the people of our two nations to freely move between our two nations with minimal harassments." Mann suggested ongoing talks which could lead to a standardized passport for dual citizens which would be endorsed by both countries in turn, and which might open additional travel options in third nations.

"Naturally, we welcome Hutorians as our brothers and sisters," said Mann. "Hutori has the advantage over Lourenne in that as close as we are, we are separated by language. It makes it a natural choice for artists and technologists from our respective countries to visit, settle, and live. There should be as many opportunities to encourage that exchange as possible." Mann also noted formal agreement over ODEN III as an additional bond between Hutori and Kalistan. "Historically, Kalistani enthusiasm for the treaty was matched by Hutori, who sees the treaty as a method to export and raise the profile of several very important luxury items including Whiskey. As Kalistan does not have a domestic whiskey industry, the return of Hutori to ODEN also returns Hutorian whiskey to Kalistani shelves, and by extension, to the entire southern shore of the Anantonese Ocean through the AESA. Naturally, this is not the only intoxicant and pharmaceutical product Kalistan imports from ODEN-H-what they do, they do well, and Kalistanis have greeted the Hutorian readoption of ODEN-III with celebration."

The visit signals a new phase for Kalistani Hutorian relations. Once Mann is seated, he expressed his intention to travel to Bekenial to begin discussion to re-start the technology partnership with Lexington Corporation, with whom Kalistan cooperated on several excellent video games that were world wide best sellers, and which encouraged modification and several long standing online communities of Kalistani and Hutorian players, some of which are still active, including for the whacky and kitchy MMORPG about multiparty democracies called, facetiously enough "Democracy". The visit is expected to take place in mid 5384.

For now, the two Foreign Ministers celebrated the restored friendship with a shot of Hutorian Whiskey, and in true Kalistani fashion, a public concert featuring primarily alternative rock music and reggae on the Mall, Sponsored by ODEN-K. Below is a highlight from the show, from the Yoshimi funk rock band Optimus, with the song "Diggin in the Mud."

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHQ8JYcoZH8]

[Doc]

Kalistan to send Indie Rock Group Karen and the Karens to FOMAT
Song is filled with "passion and blistering guitars"
Kaliburg, Ananto
June 7, 5389


Karen and the Karens, featuring Karen Y on vocals, Karen J on Guitars and Karen M on Drums

An unusual indie rock trio from Addisjah Vrassa, named Karen and the Karens were selected to represent Kalistan at the upcoming FOMAT contest in Rabesburg Dundorf. The trio, consisting of three individuals named Karen won the KRTVN Radio 1 poll, which has historically been the vehicle for selecting the Republic's representatives to the concert. Their song "Wait" is from their independently released EP also called "Wait," which has seen a sudden surge in interest since the band won the poll.

"I suppose they picked our name out of a hat to enter the contest," said singer Karen Y. "I don't think we entered a contest, so you can imagine, while driving to work one day, I was so surprised to hear our song not only on the radio, but in consideration for FOMAT. I called off that day and went home and told everyone."

In fact, the song "Wait" was selected to enter the contest by an engineer for the Radio Station who heard the band perform it in the Spring in Addisjah. That engineer, Mike Douglas, bought a copy of the EP and had his friend call up to request the song, and since they had a copy of the EP on the desk in the studio, they were able to satisfy the request. Several days later, due to overwhelming demand for the song, it was entered into the FOMAT poll as a dark horse, and came out on top with a clear plurality.

Asked about the name of the band, Karen Y explained "Well, clearly only one of us is actually named Karen. My name is Molly actually..." Karen Y said the Band used to be called Bombsound but then one day an attendee of one of the shows the band was playing at said that the guys in the band all looked like girls. "And so it sort of became an injoke with the band. We selected a name, and all adopted this personna. I piked Karen Y, because you know, why not? I'm kind of an anything goes kinda lady. And Brad, the guitarist picked Karen J Because he always thought if he was a female, he'd be named Julia. And Mike, the drummer picked M because as he says, he lacks imagination."

Karen and the Karens is the first entry from Kalistan in a long time that is not supported by a Label. But Karen Y says the band is determined to attend the Contest. "Well, since we are independent, we are gonna be holding some bake sales," said Karen Y with a laugh. "KRTVN has pledged some money to help us get everything to Dundorf, and KalAir has come through with plane tickets for us and the crew, so maybe only three or four bake sales." Karen Y also said she would like her mom to see her play. "My mother is currently suffering from untreatable cancer. This might be the last opportunity for her to see us, so I am damn sure gonna get to that contest, so she can see me play for the whole world! Winning would be nice, but just the chance to play for an international audience is like bigger than any of us could have ever imagined."

You can listen to Karen and the Karens' song "Wait" right here, and no doubt it will be playing in heavy rotation on Radio 1 between now and FOMAT.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIIxlgcuQRU]

[Doc]

Hutori and Kalistan team up to Send Bostick and Taiga to FOMAT
Team collaborated on Bostick's last entry, and return for a number of Firsts
Kaliburg, Ananto
January 8, 5394


Jennifer Bostick and Kalistani Rapper/Producer Taiga formally partner for FOMAT XXIII

Back in Kalistan for a month, Kalistani producer Taiga has announced his formal collaboration with Hutorian Pop singer Jennifer Bostick, and their entry into FOMAT. After a ruling from the judges for the upcoming contest to be held in Eroncourt at the Garden of the Princes in Lourenne, Kalistan quickly endorsed the collaboration and will join Hutori as the First Joint nomination of a contestant. They will enter the song "What You Waitin For?" about two individuals interested in casual romantic relationships.

Jennifer Bostick is a sensation in Hutori and her work, supported in the past by Taiga, has made waves on Kalistani pop radio as well. The Kalistani music scene immediately embraced Bostick, even before her entry as a solo artist in the last FOMAT: The song she entered into FOMAT XXII "Feel It" went to Number 3 on the Kalistani Pop Charts immediately after FOMAT. But this marks not only the first time that the same performer (Bostick) has returned to a second show, but also that two countries are openly collaborating to enter a single contestant.

"The quick turn around time was what went into Jenni and I getting to go back," said Taiga. "I did her beats on her last record, and for this record, I got to get in front of the tables and join her on the track. And I think we have a shot at winning, given the voter's preferences for pop music." In this song, Bostick sings the hooks, but it is mostly a rap and dance track. "I was able to bring a little more of that hip hop influence in, especially on this track," said Taiga. "And the fans seem to really dig it. It's a fun song, and we had a lot of fun making it."

Bostick directed and choreographed the video for "What You Waiting For" which features a cameo by Kalistani Boy band former member J Tommy at the end. "Jenni let J sing back up on the track. He's a good kid. He's gonna go places, but he was up in Bekenial when we were recording so we had to put him on the track." J Tommy is himself building a solo career, and is learning production from Taiga, and as a result earned an assistant producer credit on "What You Waiting For."

The song, whatever it does at FOMAT, is expected to do very well in Kalistan. Though it has only been released in the Republic for a Week, it has already entered into the Top 10. It is expected that following FOMAT, Taiga will be offered a recording contract in Kalistan. "There is an upcoming artist in Vrassa I'm looking forward to working closely with," said Taiga. "Her name is Melissa E and she's sent me like 6 demo tapes. I can tell we are gonna be working together in the near future."

Meanwhile, Kalistan is behind Bostick and Taiga in the FOMAT that is coming up, and thousands of Kalistani pop lovers expect to be in attendance in Eroncourt for the show. "I know my whole family will be there," said Taiga. "Jenni has already said all her people will be there too. And like, we're swamped with requests on how to get tickets and everything. It's gonna be huge."

You can check out the video for "What You Waitin For" right here.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J3vgcE5i2o]

[Doc]

Socialist Party Launches Socialist Gun Clubs
"Come Get Them" Becomes new motto
Kaliburg, Ananto
April 12, 5399


With help from 4 of 5 District Governments, RSMoK reforms as Private Gun Clubs

As the fascist threat once again descends on the Republic, and the National Government dissolves the Militia, the Socialist Party has issued a call for all socialists who are currently serving in the military to deactivate rather than joining the newly ordered full time professional military. Shadow Defense minister, Socialist Major Tera Ulysses made the following statement: "Each member of the Kalistani Regular Force signed a contract when they enlisted for a specific term of service, under specific conditions. Those conditions do not include participating in a full time professional military force. Upon passage of the KCP's Military Reform Law which the Socialist Party was unable to oppose successfully, the terms of service will effectively change. This means all terms of enlistment currently in effect will be null and void."

The Major has noted that Socialist Officers have begun resigning enmasse ahead of the change, and the officer corps have been decimated. "We will not participate in the establishment of fascism in Kalistan," said Captain Janet Pak, spokesperson for the Kalistani Regular Officers' Union. "We will follow the lead of the Enlisted NCO's and non-NCO unions and demobilize formally on August 1, 5399." The Officers' Union estimates that more than 75% of all officers in the Regular Army, Navy and Airforce will demobilize, and 80% of all active duty Enlisted members have decided to not re-enlist under the new terms of service.

Militia elements have begun reorganizing as private gun clubs, such as the Socialist Rifle Association. They are being supported by District Governments of 4 of the 5 Districts in Kalistan, which remain under Socialist Party Goverorship. "No only did the Socialist Party receive a majority of all votes cast in the last election, but we retained control in 4 of 5 Districts. The Conservative Government is a truly minority Government, and the Militia has no interest in supporting any government that would like to call in the Military to support the police force."

"Kalistan is essentially a libertarian state when it comes to civil liberty," said Party Leader Eduard Albertson. "Why the Conservatives have had any electoral success without campaigning, without proposing an agenda that conforms to the desires of the population, without doing anything at all except proposing horrific and fascistic legislation, is beyond me. But the Socialist Party of Kalistan will do everything in its power to undermine the ability of the Conservatives to promote their hateful agenda in this nation. And District Governments in Ananto, Neveras, Odufaray and Suldanor have signaled that they are on our side."

The Private Gun Clubs such as the SRAhave begun drilling with elements of the RSMoK in training bases in Ananto and Nevaras already. "We are continuing our normal training regimen with newly arriving members of the militias" said Albertson. "We also expect to be assisting the Regular Navy in moving Regular Naval units from the 2nd and 3rd Fleets to Lourennais Ports ahead of the August 1st Demobilization. The Militia's marines and naval units associated with the Navy will then make their way back to Kalistan to begin training on Militia naval units to practice amphibious operations as part of the Gun Clubs."

The move from formal paramilitary attache to private gun clubs under fascist rule in Kalistan is not wholly unprecedented in Kalistan's history. "One of two things happens when the Militia is transformed into private gun clubs," said Tera Ulysses. "Either the fascists fade from power, or we head to civil war. But Socialist demobilization means that there is no way that the Kalistani Regular Force will be able to use the military for anything for at least a decade while all the military experience has departed and is serving in the gun clubs."

And if the Conservative Government in Kaliburg decides to strip Kalistanis of their guns, the SP has one message for them. "Come Get Them."

[Doc]

Antonese Ocean in Crisis?
2nd and 3rd Regular Fleets decommission in Lourenne
Kaliburg, Ananto
August 1, 5399


3rd Regular Fleet's KRS 882 Frigate decommissions in Lourenne, 100% of ship compliment requests political asylum

Breaking:

As of 7am August 1, 5399, the Kalistani Regular Force has in essence been demobilized. Here's what The Republic knows so far.

1. Both the Kalistani 2nd and 3rd Regular Fleets, conducting operations in the Lourenne Passage between Lourenne and Ananto, have sailed to Le Port D'Artaine, Valois, Lourenne and have decommissioned enmasse. Hundreds of commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted sailors, represented by the Naval Officers, Naval NCO and Naval Non-Rate Unions, have requested political asylum in Lourenne. While the de-enlisting and resigning of the enlisted and officers is not illegal, due to the change in terms of the contract by act of the National Assembly, the legality of the striking of the fleets' colors is unclear.

2. More than 200,000 enlisted and NCOs in all three branches of the Kalistani Regular Force due to the change in terms of the Contract by the National Assembly nullifying all service contracts. At press time, more than 87% of all members have opted to no re-enlist, while 10% have opted to re-enlist under new terms. 3% remain undecided about de-enlistment at this time.

3. More than 2000 regular commissioned officers have resigned their commission rather than serving under the Conservative Government. 300 officers, primarily with the 1st Fleet in Port Swedes Vrassa remain with the service.

4. Socialist Rifle Associations are forming across Ananto, Nevaras, Odufaray, and Suldanor. There is some talk in the Ananto District Government about the SRA units serving as a District auxiliary.

5. Six regular Bases have been shuttered. The primary bases which remain operational are radar stations and missile batteries in Vrassa and Ananto, which monitor the Anantonese Ocean.

Members of the Socialist Party of Kalistan are in communication with former counterparts in Lourenne as the crisis deepens in Kalistan.

More to follow as developments deepen.

[Doc]

Kalsie drops dramatically as effects of financial changes take hold
Protests against Police Force and economy remain peaceful
Sulari, Suldanor
January 20, 5400


Protestors peacefully demanding reversal of Conservative Financial Policies are surveilled by Police

Thousands of Protestors took to the streets in Sulari this week in what promises to be the first of many protests in the weeks and months to come against policies of the Conservative Government. The protests come on the heels of a bloody week in the Kalsie, which saw National stocks and private securites drop more than 29 percent over the past month, and more than 13 percent last week alone. The reason is a falling confidence that the Republican Government will maintain the stability that Investors repeatedly state they want.

"Kalistan has been long viewed as a rock solid investment," said Dr. Nathan Atchinson, of Kaliburg Republican University. "It is a safe place where investors from around the world can park their investments which they are trying to shield from volitility. The Kalistani Ruble has floated between =/-.05% for the last two hundred years, maintaining value that both limits economic growth, but also protects the society from exogenous shocks like the ones we are seeing in the petroleum markets in Majatra right now. Our stock exchange, the Kalsie similarly hovers at right around 2% growth a year, and has been this way over its history. Its growth investors can count on, as long as economic liberals aren't monkeying around with the mechanism of the economy. But, Conservative Policies signal a desire to do just that, and it is giving investors palpitations."

The policy changes at the Central Bank, the imposition of the Sales Tax, which is highly regressive, and places a high burden only on the poor, and the undermining of union power in setting wages and salaries that was forced through by the barest majority in the National Assembly, has hinted that Kalistan's savings and economic future are no longer certain. This artificial and capricious introduction of uncertainty into the economic system has finally generated ripples in the economic institutions of the Republic and has been met by popular outcry. That outcry is now manifesting in protests, primarily in Suldanor. The protests are remaining peaceful at the moment.

"We are calling for the National Government to pull back its moves toward Liberalism," said Allison Hughes, Student and protest leader. "These moves put my future and the future of my generation in jeopardy and strengthen the hands of capitalist actors who seek to prey upon the people and the working class of this nation. We will keep the peace; Kalistanis are willing to work within the system as long as the system allows us to do so. But if things get worse and we start looking like a liberal dystopia, and if the Government forecloses more and more avenues to peaceful social and political change, the calls for change will certainly get more intense and our action will certainly become more direct."

Elements of the Sulari Police Force, newly reorganizing under Conservative guidelines to appear more threatening and militaristic, were observed at the protest march, though they largely let the crowd pass unharassed. No elements of the much reduced Kalistani Regular Force were present, though members of the Socialist Rifle Association were clearly visible in the crowds, with banners calling for military reformation and re-establishment of the Militia. "We are here to ensure that our side remains orderly," said Frank Weiss, of the SRA, "and to ensure that cops do not practice their craft with impunity. They are out here watching us, but we want to let them know that we are watching them too, and as long as nobody starts nothing, there won't be nothing, you know what I'm saying?" There were no arrests made at the protest.

The future of Kalistan's economy is more uncertain now than at any point in the recent past, and people are genuinely worried. "We want to make sure there is still a future for Kalistani workers," said Hughes. "There are countless examples of capitalists being allowed to run roughshod all over workers in other countries, extracting every cent of wealth from workers whenever possible. Kalistani's are better than that: We have a better, more stable economic system than one that allows a segment of the population to thrive off the life blood of the rest of the society. The last thing we want, and I think the last thing we will allow in this Republic, is for our Government to drag us down that path." Hughes resolutely finished before marching on, "We will resist."