Kalistan

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Kalistani News in Brief:  Lodamese Ship building Ramps up in Kaliburg
Kundrati Space Program is expelled from Kalistan; 4th Fleet is put on Alert in the Mad Dog
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 4th 5584


Kaliburg National Shipyards fires up their Welding Torches to welcome Lodamun

Lodamese Shipbuilding Ramps up in Kaliburg
The Kaliburg National Shipyards has begun working on ship construction to fill Lodamese orders.  "We have begun our work to fill the order for  10 Cobia-class offshore patrol cutters, 5 Union-class Domestic Security Cutters, and 15 Semper-class fast response cutters for the Lodamese Coast Guard," said Project overseer Michael Edwards, of KNS, who is working closely with reps from the Lodamese Cowgill-Masterson Maritime Engineering. "These ships are not huge vessels, but they do have very modern designs that Kalistan is not familiar with, and so it is important that we work very closely with the Naval Engineers from Lodamun to ensure their specifications are met." The order should be completed within 10 years, due to the size and complexity of the order, and the Shipyard has taken on a third shift in the process. Also under construction are fifteen new Indica-Class C submarines which will be attached to the 4th Fleet in the Mad Dog. The new Submarines have been ordered due to a shift in attitude from Kalistan's primarily Artanian Partner, Kundrati, over the last week. While the new ships will not come on line fully for the next few years, they do hint at increased attention once more to the Empire's Western Frontiers.

Kundrati Space Program joins Kundrati diplomats in Exodus from Kalistan
The recently begun launches of the Kundrati ArtSat, which began just two and a half years ago from the Spencer Space and Test Center have been halted and Kundrati engineers who have been overseeing the launches have been asked to join the Kundrati officials who are leaving the nation. Her Imperial Majesty issued a "Persona Non Grata" Declaration to Kundrati diplomats following the election of an avowed Fascist Party known as the Kundrati Legion. "Fascism is explicitly illegal in the Anantonese Empire, and so continuing relations with a Government that endorses even a soft variety of that horrific ideology is simply impossible," said Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir. "Unfortunately that means we have to sever ties to the Kundrati Space Program as well. Her Imperial Majesty has expressed reluctance to send them away, but without Consular representation in Kalistan, allowing them to stay in the Empire is simply impossible." Kalistan has withdrawn all its consular and embassy staff from Kundrati as well, and the Ananto Family has closed Ananto House in Etxea, perhaps permanently, in protest of the Kundrati elections. "The election of a fascist Party to government is an all too frequent occurrence in a supposedly liberal democratic system," said Sir Christopher. "This is why Kalistan ended that possibility once and for all by jettisoning even the pretense of liberalism in our society. We slammed the door on dangerous ideologies that Liberals themselves fall victim to far too often." The rockets preparing to launch will be disassembled and returned to Kundrati via Likatonia, along with the satellite technology that was scheduled to go up as well.

4th Fleet is put on Alert in the Mad Dog Ocean
The Anantonese 4th Regular Fleet has been placed on alert by Her Imperial Majesty's Minister of Defense Naval Captain Jessica Miller. "We have ordered the 4th Fleet on alert throughout the entire Mad Dog Ocean," said Captain Miller, "due to the results of the Kundrati elections. Fascists in charge in Kasaema is, in and of itself an existential threat to the world, and it is reasonable that we should greet that nation's endorsement of fascism, especially fascists who have threatened the world with holocaust, as a security issue for Kalistan." The 4th Fleet will be joined by both surface and subsurface elements of the Kalistani 1st Fleet, who will back up the 4th Fleet's mission in the Karzon Straits as the main body of the fleet moves west into the open ocean. "The 4th Fleet will be patrolling for movement from Kundrati specifically," said Miller. "Any movement out of the Artanian Sea will raise all kinds of red flags for Kalistan." Captain Miller said she has sent a Naval attaché to Kensington, Lodamun to consult on Anantonese Security Community matters, and looks forward to Lodamun being willing to increase their role in the Mad Dog as well for the duration of the crisis. "We do not have any specific threats from Kundrati at the moment," said Captain Miller. "But we are being prepared for the worst, hoping for the best. It may be nothing, but when you think it is nothing from a Party who has sworn to personally punish all those who laughed at it, preparedness doesn't hurt." The Imperial Government also awaits a response from other nations to see where people stand on the brewing Kundrati affair.

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ODEN-K prepares to flood Eastern Artanian Nations with inexpensive, high quality product
"Change in Relations" said to be catalyst for alteration of Export targets
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 4, 5584


Ananto Growers' Syndicate Operation in Dah will be one of the more than 50 suppliers for ODEN-K's "DFA Program"

ODEN-K, the last major player in the world's oldest and only legal drug cartel, announced that it is taking an unprecedented step in alteration of its export policies going forward.  "Her Imperial Majesty has put out an 'All-Hands On Deck' call for Kalistanis to do what we can to fight fascism," said ODEN-K Director Caroline Carter in a press conference.  "Therefore, effectively immediately, ODEN-K, in a program called DFA, will be picking up the costs of exporting ODEN products from Kalistan to a list of specific Artanian States who we all pretty much believe should take a toke and chill a bit."  Carter said the nations include Kundrati and nations that are geographically adjacent to Kundrati, and the move is seen largely as an effort to undermine public support for fascism in Kundrati.

"ODEN does not move product ourselves," said Carter.  "Instead our warehouse here in Port Davon welcomes international shippers, all of whom are absolutely 100 percent legitimate businesspeople, to purchase, most often in bulk, to bring it back into their own countries.  We don't ask questions, we just collect the money, pay our taxes and salaries, and then return the rest of it to the Growers' Syndicates.  But this is one way ODEN can support the broader effort to combat fascism."  Carter said that the ODEN warehouse partners with more than 50 different growers' syndicates, both on the duchy level and among the smaller scale farmers.  The program amounts to a subsidy by ODEN to grower syndicates to protect their earnings, while allowing ODEN to absolutely flood eastern Artania with marijuana, cocaine, opium and other narcotics, LSD and Mushrooms, and various stimulants, depressants and hallucinogenic.

"Yes, the change in relations between the Kalistani Government and the Kundrati Government has altered our policy here at ODEN," said Carter.  "But more importantly, ODEN has been on the retreat as of late, and while one country or another leaving the cartel doesn't affect what we do here in Kalistan, we are a business, and our business is selling the world intoxicating and addicting substances, and we feel that our market share on the continent has been slipping.  So really, it is a happy coincidence that we can target a hostile government at the same time that our business model needs a bit of a boost."

Carter insists that ODEN-K is a fully independent operation and has no connection to the House Ananto or the Anantonese Government.  "We work next to them, not for them," said Carter.  "ODEN-K does a lot of things that Kalistan benefits in.  For example, we buy from the Growers, we guarantee them a good price.  But the Growers' Syndicates have their own internal structure and do their own thing.  It is a happy coincidence that we can help them out.  Same with the legal drug trade here in Kalistan.  The Government needs someone to ensure high quality, safety and full consumer information, and ODEN happens to be the perfect organization to do that.  But they still charge us taxes for the privilege of operating.  Their Government still regulates our activity.  We aren't the same as the Government.  We are a civil service organization, just like every other organization."  

In this case, though Carter says her Organization is fully on board with Kalistani Foreign Policy Goals.  "I have had the opportunity to meet Her Imperial Majesty.  Highlight of my entire life, but she politely explained what she needed from me, I said we couldn't do that, but here's another way we could support her Foreign Policy." And this, according to Carter, the DFA program was the result.  "DFA will continue for between six months to a year, and the entire time we will evaluate our success.  We expect to see an immediate uptick of traffic, especially from Eastern Artanian Nations here in Kaliburg.  After the program ends, we will happily report what we were able to transfer to Artania."  DFA is currently in effect in Kaliburg, and to qualify, you merely need to demonstrate that you are an Importer from either Kundtari, or any nation geographically adjacent to Kundrati.  ODEN-K officials will inspect the documents and orders will be filled at that point.  ODEN maintains two docks at Port Davon with a total of 8 berths for those who arrive by sea and can load their orders directly into their respective cargo holds.

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Is Carolina the "Black-er Empress"?
Her Imperial Majesty's Nationalist Foreign Policy on an International Stage
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
June 17, 5584


Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto is quite possibly the most Powerful Woman in Terra

The one that separates the Kundrati Dynasty of Anantos and the Gaduri branch is the confidence.  So far, both Kundrati Empresses who have reigned in Kalistan have done so with a confidence and surety of their own rectitude and right to rule that is unknown in the world.  The Gaduri branch, which was cut short following the untimely death by assassination of Emperor Fredrick II Ananto were quiet and unassuming, graceful, charming, and curt but welcoming.  The two Hulanevek Monarchs on the other hand, are gutsy, forward leaning, and not afraid to claim an entire room as it suits them.  Pavlina insisted that Kalistan be respected by all nations of the world, and if not respected, then feared, and she held the line as Artanian powers began pushing into Artania.  She never let a slight go unanswered, and she never forgot a friend.  She was the epitome of haughty dignity, and served Kalistan as a unifier, overseeing Gaduridos' Entry into the Anantonese Empire, making it a truly hemispheric force, on terms that Gaduridos could happily accept and thrive under.  She was known as the Black Empress, because she spent much of her reign in mourning, but was also known as a maudlin figure, who had known happiness once, but for the life of her could not find humor in anything around her.

But her daughter, Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto, is in many ways her opposite.  A fun loving, adventure seeking, outgoing and effervescent personality that loves learning, loves puzzles, and loves challenges, she married a man who is in many ways both a simpatico and also her supporter in chief.  She frequents music events, freely talks to the press, and enjoys travel.  She is as worldly as her mother was reclusive, and carries far more of the Gaduri mentality about life in Kalistan than her grieving mother ever could.

Yet.  In foreign affairs, Her Imperial Majesty is every bit Pavlina's daughter and then some.  The Empress is currently actively destabilizing one nation (it's not a secret) and she is beginning to destabilize another.  She openly taunts communists and fascists alike, most recently by greenlighting the exporting of hard drugs in a specific effort to target Kundratis, by ODEN.  She uses the Navy far more effectively than Pavlina, extending Kalistan's submarine Patrols into the Central Anantonese Ocean, down to and past Indrala, while boosting Kalistan's sub net nearly into the Artanian Sea.  She speaks frankly about Kalistan's intersts, and doesn't even bother to couch things in diplomatic language.  She has appointed an avowed "Ladies' Man" to be the Ambassador to Luthori, while not hesitating to change terms of long standing agreements to something more along the line of Kalistani National interests.

So we have to ask ourselves:  Is Carolina the "Black-er" Empress?  Carolina's brashness in foreign policy demonstrates that she will take any action, bend any norm, meet with any dictator if she believes it will further Kalistani national Interest.  "The problem with Lourenne flickering off again," said Professor Mica Sorrenson of Kalistani Imperial University in Kaliburg, "is that now Kalistan is free to continue to expand westward and southward.  You already see Her Imperial Majesty getting twitchy over Athosia:  Kalistan has LONG covetted Athosia, and now that Baltisia is utterly defunct as a nation, Athosia is nearly within Kalistan's grasp.  It is the apple that is just outside of her reach.  This fact frustrates this Empress to no end, and she is spoiling for an opportunity to remove any possibility of Communists on Kalistan's border forever."

"Athosia would be the jewel in Empress Carolina's Crown," said Arthur Beckett, of Kaliburg foreign policy think tank Seleyan Overview.  "In many ways, Athosia is a national obsession:  it is a lot like the Beiteynese gems that drive so many nations wild.  The Anantos are obsesses with retaking what they insist is their legacy, because they see it as a unifying factor in Seleya, and to them, a strong North Eastern Seleya can withstand any force on Terra.  But for some reason, whenever the Empress prepares to grasp it, it slips through her fingers, like the ancient story about the Kalopian fellow who served the gods his own son in a stew and then was cursed to live on an island, and every time saw food he would go after it only to find that it had reappeared elsewhere."

There is no telling what Her Imperial Majesty's next steps will be, either as Athosia is concerned, or Andalay, or the land of her birth, Kundrati.  "The situation in Kundrati is very tenuous and poorly defined," said Sorrenson.  "Pavlina would have sought alliances to help contain the situation.  But it looks like Carolina is making moves to oppose it more directly.  She has already given a green light for unfettered sales to Artanian Sellers buying supplies in the ODEN warehouse in Port Davon.  But she has also kicked out the Kundrati diplomatic corps, allowed her family's home to be seized by the Kundratis, and has incited the incoming government of Kundrati on several occasions.  It seems she is spoiling for a fight with the nation of her birth, and its entirely possible that they are looking to take her down a few pegs."

As it stands right now, Her Imperial Majesty is certainly approaching international relations with a forward posture not even seen in the days of Nicolette the Great.  She may be her Kundrati Mother's daughter, but Her Imperial Majesty for more Kalistani now.  She may outdo her mother, affectionately known as the Black Empress,  in terms of accomplishments for this Empire.  At just 38, Carolina has juggled far more than many of her predecessors.  She has already wracked up enough to have fully earned the title she was granted by her adoptive father, the last of the Gaduri branch of the Ananto Family.  For this woman, clothed in absolute authority and immense power, there is no telling what she take on next, but you can already tell it will be monumental.

Is Carolina the "Blacker Empress"?  It's possible.

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Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir calls for new Anti-Fascist Coalition
"When you sleep with dogs, you get Fleas" said Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 19, 5584


Sir Christopher Bjorksdattirr calls for Anti-Fascist Alliance in Terra

Single handedly sounding the clarion call against Fascism, the Anantonese Empire currently stands alone in its condemnation of the Kundrati Fascist Legislative Putsch.  But this does not dissuade the Empire in its quest to push back against the fascist threat, or call out those who seek to coddle it.

"We see the brave example of Gaduridos, who stand up as a beacon of Democratic values in Terra," said Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir, while speaking in the National Assembly yesterday.  "Though Kalistan feels differently about the ideals of democratic governance than our friends in Gaduridos feel, none the less, Gaduri bravery in this matter ought to serve as a shining example to other so called democratic nations to take a stand, resist the theocratic police state movement that has taken a formerly free nation like Kundrati by the throat and is currently killing what good is left in it.  This means those countries that call themselves liberal but are currently rushing with all haste to Kasaema to kiss the tyrant Bronislav's ring and adopt a 'wait and see' approach.  You should never wait and see with totalitarians.  You know what they are--there's nothing to wait for.  And yet, you still want to 'wait and see'?  Please.  Spare us all the laugh."

Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir called for the free nations of the planet to form a new anti-fascist association dedicated to "containment, not coddling of the fascists which are currently enjoying legitimization in Kundrati right now."  Sir Christopher specifically signaled out Luthori, who called Kalistan for an ambassador and meanwhile are one of the nations who have adopted a "wait and see" approach, in Sir Christopher's words.  "We know Luthori.  Hurry up and wait for fifty years.  Her Imperial Majesty has advised Ambassador Thomas to return to the Empire for consultation while Luthori makes up its mind about 1) whether they actually ever intend to receive Ambassador Thomas' credentials and 2) which side of history they want to be on in regard to this Kundrati business.  I am farily certain Ambassador Thomas will be far happier here in Kalsitan, where things make sense."

Sir Christopher called on all nations who stand opposed to fascism to declare as much in their national policy.  "Silence is very telling and right now, most of the planet is silent on Kundrati.  Only one country in Terra besides Kalistan has even come out and spoken out against fascism.  That is Gaduridos.  And yet we see communist nations like Xsampa rushing to Kundrati to legitimize the fascist regime there.  We see our old friends in the Jelbic Empire even considering attending.  We see Likatonia...  Likatonia... of all places, enthusiastically embracing Kundrati's fascist government...  its baffling to us here in Kalistan, who can see the writing so plainly on the wall, why others cannot."

Sir Christopher closed with "All nations who stand opposed to the twin evils of fascism and Metzist Leonidism have a friend in Kalistan.  We would love to meet with you, we would love to work with you.  We would love to stand together as nations opposed to fascism, and bent on its containment and ultimate obliteration.  Right now, we don't see others lining up.  But, you are known by the company you keep.  If you sleep with dogs, you get fleas.  At least Kalistan will not suffer those parasites."

Sir Christopher's speech, which was almost certainly directed by Her Imperial Majesty, received a standing ovation from the entire Nationalist Majority including the Chancellor of the Empire, as well as some in the minority.  But many Deputies privately expressed concern over the somewhat belicose and hyperbolic tone taken by the new Foreign Minister.

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Kalistani News in Brief:  IBSI replaces Billboards in Lucid and Yoshimi
Kalistan Welcomes ArtSat back to Kalistan; Dana Ananto replaces Mark Ananto at head of Royal House
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 4, 5584


New Billboards to replace the anticommunist posters facing into Athosia

IBSI changes out Athosian Billboards
The billboards which have been broadcasting Anti-Communist messaging into Baltusia from Kalistani territory have been repainted with a new graphic.  The template is fairly similar and features the message "Athosia is a fact:  The Anantonese Empire Stands Ready to Welcome You Home!"  The messaging was approved following the passage of the Athosian Protection Act in the Kalistani National Assembly, and features a pastel pink and purple theme and an updated photo of Her Imperial Majesty.  "We decided to keep the same basic design," said Stacy Albertson, of IBSI Public Information.  "The design is familiar by now to Baltusians and has become something that many of them say they look forward to seeing every morning on their daily commute.  The message might be different, but good propaganda is consumed whole in a way where the consumer is not really aware they are consuming it."  Albertson says it is important for those in Athosia, AKA "Santiago" in Baltusia, to continue to develop the Athosian cultural identity.  "Athosians are different than inland Baltusians," said Albertson.  "They tend to be better educated, travel more due to better access to infrastructure, and adopt more cultural trends from both Kalistan and Gaduridos, which are viewed as prestige cultures.  They tend to have better access to health care, and therefore live longer than their back country cousins, and tend to be better paid.  They are, for all intents and purposes, much closer to people just across the border in Kalistan than they are to some of the wildest reaches of a place like Westbrook along the Valruzian border, where people are downright rustic."  The Billboards will remain in place indefinitely, as Kaliburg takes steps to more closely tie Athosia to Kalistan.

Kalistan Welcomes ArtSat
In a last ditch effort by Kundrati executives and investors to expatriate capital holdings and escape nationalization by the Kundrati Government, Miramar Holdings, the business Branch of the House Ananto, has agreed to purchase a majority share of the Kundrati Space Communications firm Artanian Satellite, permitting the corporation from opening in Suldanor.  "We wanted to ensure that if we helped the investors from Kundrati out," said Miramar Spokeswoman Carly Thompson,  "we would not accidentally be helping the Kundrati Government out instead.  As a condition of safe haven, Kalistan has allowed us to purchase a majority stake in the corporation, so we can protect profits against repatriation."  ArtSat has opened an account with the Kalistani Foreign Investment Bank to hold the Kalistani block in trust, in the event that the corporation is ever able to return to Kundrati.  "Miramar stands ready to divest its full stake in the company when they return to Kundrati," said Thompson.  "We have no interest in owning that company, only in helping right minded Kundratis protect what is theirs from fascists who would expropriate it."  Part of the terms of the deal include providing space in Spencer to ArtSat to open their new Corporate HQ, and a restoration of access to Spencer Space and Flight Center.  "They are also planning to employ their own people in the program to ensure that as few people as possible lose their jobs," said Thompson.  "The people of Spencer stand prepared to welcome the Kundrati Exclave to Suldanor, and look to learn more about them and their culture, and in exchange, share Suldanorese Culture with them."

Dana Ananto-Alvarez Officially takes the reigns of House Ananto
Lady Dana Ananto-Alvarez has officially taken over House Ananto from her retiring father Mark Ananto-Orleans.  Lady Dana, who holds a Barony outside of Sulari, was originally slated to become Duchess of Suldanor, but Mark Ananto feels that she would do a far better job running the Family's finances, and has requested that she be named head of House Ananto.  Her Imperial Majesty Empress Carolina I Ananto confirmed the choice, and has instead named Dana's brother, Calvin Ananto-Alvarez to become Duke of Suldanor.  As Grand Duke Mark Ananto retires, Her Imperial Majesty will likely look for a replacement outside the family, with many suspecting her preference will go to former Chancellor Bradley Downs, who is currently head of the Orthodox faction of the Institutional Party in the National Assembly.  Some believe that naming Downs to the Grand Duchy will effectively neutralize him as a political opponent to the ascendant Nationalist faction, but others ague that Downs is a competent administrator and is the natural choice for the position.  Her Imperial Majesty is expected to make that decision within the month, and meanwhile, has already started working with Lady Dana to conduct and independent audit of the Family's finances to kick off the administration with balanced books.

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Lady Dana Ananto-Alvarez flies to Gaduridos
Aims to kickstart Gaduri Coffee Industry, Imperial Brands
Ciudad del Oriente, Duchy of Cuernatecas
April 24, 5585


Lady Dana Ananto-Alvarez, head of House Ananto, meets with Gaduri Coffee farmers in Manzamal

The new head of House Ananto, Lady Dana Ananto-Alvarez flew to Gaduridos this month to begin meeting with Gaduri Farmers in an effort to jump start the Gaduri Coffee industry.  "Creemos que existe una excelente oportunidad para que Gaduridos tome la iniciativa en la producción de café Seleyan," said Lady Dana.  "El suelo y el clima son perfectos para el cultivo de café a escala industrial y la Casa Ananto está dispuesta a invertir importantes sumas de dinero para iniciar esta nueva y emocionante industria que beneficiará tanto al pueblo Gaduri como al Imperio en su conjunto."

Lady Dana Ananto, who grew up in Gaduridos, has proposed the creation of a new food production and distribution collective called Imperial Brands.  Corporate Headquarters will be located in Sulari, where House Ananto's holding company, Miramar will have a controlling interest, but Lady Dana also wants to open a Gaduri Branch here in Ciudad del Oriente, which will be majority owned by Gaduri Investors, and underwritten by the Kalistani parent Company.  "Estamos proponiendo un acuerdo de suscripción en el que Imperial Brands en Kalistan cubrirá todos los costos y fondos operativos de la subsidiaria de Gaduri," said Lady Dana, "hasta que la compañía comience a ser rentable. En ese momento, reduciremos nuestra participación en la compañía para entregársela casi en su totalidad a los inversores de Gaduri, quienes podrán utilizarla para expandir la producción de alimentos de Gaduri. Kalistan se beneficiará al obtener variedades económicas de alimentos que no podemos producir, pero que nuestros consumidores apreciarán, mientras que Gaduri obtiene una industria de producción de alimentos que le permitirá competir con operaciones a gran escala en otras partes del mundo."

Gaduri farmers enthusiastically met with Lady Dana, who took a tour of several farms in both Cuernatecas and Manzamal.  For one day during the visit, she was joined by His Highness, the Prince Consort William Ananto-Sandoval, who, in his resumed capacity as head of the Ananto Growers' syndicate, spoke with landowners about the benefits of different growers' syndicates.  "Los sindicatos de productores agrícolas de Kalistan permiten a los propietarios de tierras garantizar, en mayor o menor medida, la rentabilidad de sus explotaciones," said the Prince Consort.  "Al trabajar juntos para negociar los precios, no sólo se elimina la competencia perjudicial del mercado agrícola, sino que se garantiza que su producto pueda cumplir con los estándares de calidad específicos que todo el mundo busca, pero que los agricultores independientes, que tienen que competir para conseguir los precios más bajos, no pueden garantizar.  Es mejor para todos que los productores trabajen juntos: se obtienen precios más altos por acre y los consumidores obtienen productos de mayor calidad. El consumidor puede pagar un poco más de lo que pagaría con precios competitivos, pero le encanta el hecho de que puede confiar en que el sindicato le proporcionará lo mejor por su dinero."

Miramar has dedicated ₭45 million in the first year to launching Imperial Brands in both Kalistan and Gaduridos, and has earmarked at least that much for the next 10 years.  "This is a significant investment on Miramar's part, because we believe in Gaduridos," said Lady Dana Ananto, "and we want to see it thrive, but also, because we know that they are capable of selling to the world and becoming even more important than they already are, and Kalistan stands ready to support those efforts."

She expressed hope that Gaduri Farmers would begin building growers' syndicates, and also indirectly endorsed the formation of farm workers unions as well, to ensure good wages for farmers and a good life for farm families.  Lady Dana said she expects Imperial Brands to begin marketing Gaduri Coffee in Kalistan by the fall.  "Perhaps someday we will also branch out to higher value items.  We are also working with Gaduri farmers to begin exploring large scale fruit and sugar production, and looking to encourage experimentation with cocoa and also baked goods, a conversation about which kicked this entire process off in the first place."

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Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir flies to Kensington
Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister visits Lodamun to begin proceedings for Accession
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 1, 5585


Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir boards a commercial AeroKal jet to Kensington Lodamun to discuss the Empire

Her Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir, has flown to Kensington Lodamun to begin conversations with the Lodamese Government about accession to the Empire.  Sir Christopher departed yesterday for the Northern Seleyan Capital during an unseasonably cold period which is more reminiscent in Kaliburg of late Winter than mid Spring.  But the Minister was not deterred, and the flight took off as expected.

Before departure, Sir Christopher was on hand for a few comments to the press.

When asked what he looked forward to in Lodamun, he answered "I hope its a bit warmer there than it is here at the moment."

Asked what his agenda for the trip included, he answered, "I hope to meet with the President of the Commonwealth, John Haney, and discuss with him how the Anantonese Empire can ensure Lodamese regional autonomy, while at the same time, agreeing to the modest political requests of Her Imperial Majesty.  Joining the Empire will require some small changes to the constitution of Lodamun, but we imagine that transition into the Empire will be as easy for Lodamun as it was for Gaduridos, and they will be able to do so on the same terms that the Southern Kingdom did.  In addition, I hope to be able to speak before the Lodamese Senate and answer whatever questions they may have for me, or for the Empress, with regard to accession, to address their concerns, and to ensure that transition goes smoothly.  We are also arriving with a list of things we are willing to work on together with Lodamun, and areas of overlapping interests that we already share."

Asked what significant roadblocks the Foreign Minister foresees, Sir Christopher said "Well, the thing is, Lodamun has already done most of the work themselves.  We share an historically close relationship already:  Lodamun is Kalistan's biggest trade partner, followed very closely by Gaduridos, due to our long association through the AESA.  We are also both members of the Anantonese Security Community, and several other treaties.  Lodamun also overlaps with Gaduridos on a number of areas.  They are a natural fit and not much needs changing at all."

When asked to detail what regional autonomy looks like for Lodamun, Sir Christopher answered, "Well, I am going to go get some more details to find out what Lodamun wants it to look like.  We do know some things:  For example, Lodamun is a major independent military actor in Western Dovani.  They just signed a base deal with Mordusia, and are involved in some activity in the Migrants' Pass.  The only thing about the base deal will be that the Anantonese Flag will fly above the Lodamese Colors on that base, but it will remain wholly operated by Lodamun, as the Kalistani Regular Navy has no capability or desire to go that far south.  Where Lodamun goes, they bring the Empire with them, but Kaliburg is no more in control of the Lodamese Navy than it is the Gaduri Navy, no more in control of it today than it was yesterday.  Its an image thing, I suppose, and if Lodamun's partners can continue to work with them on the terms they agreed to, Kaliburg will abide by those agreements too.  We have no desire to mess with their industries, or their culture.  We simply seek to tie our historical Empire back together under one Empress and one Flag.  If that is a given, we want to keep hands off in all strictly Lodamese matters, and give them the same latitude to act independently in non-security related foreign matters that we have offered to Gaduridos this entire time."

When asked if the addition of Lodamun to the Empire will have any effect on any other nation's foreign policy toward Kalistan, the Minister responded,  "Why should it?  Kalistan and Lodamun have worked closely together for decades, why should that change now that they accept our Imperial Rubles or fly the Anantonese Standard at military installations and over national Government buildings?  We value Lodamun, and will value their contribution to our Empire, and we won't want to do anything to jeopardize that relationship now that it finally within our reach."

Sir Christopher is expected to be in Lodamun for a month while various details are worked out.  When the enacting bills finally pass the National Congress, Her Imperial Majesty is expected to create the Order of Andalay for Lodamese Peers, and induct both the Lodamese-selected Lord Protector (the equivalent of the Gaduri Viceroy) and the Lord President, or the Head of Her Imperial Majesty's Government in Lodamun into both that and the Order of the Grey Smoke.  Both will be eligible for Lifetime Peerage in the Order of Andalay, but will receive peerage in the Kalistani order only as long as they continue to serve in their respective roles.  It is expected that Her Imperial Majesty will not be devolving the Crown of Andalay back to Lodamun at this time, but will continue to hold the title Queen of Andalay, as she does the title Queen of Vintalli, in trust.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FM heads out on first mission after Lodamese Ascension
Itinerary takes Sir Christopher to Narikaton and Darnussia, optionally to Mordusia
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 20, 5585


Her Imperial Majesty dispatches Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir to new Dual Kingdom and possibly Mordusia and Lourenne

Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Carolina I Ananto has ordered her Foreign Minister, Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir to conduct a meet and greet mission with Queen Theodora von Thaller-Lackmann, the newly crowned monarch of the former Dual Republic. The mission is designed to see what sort of individual the new Queen is, and determine whether Ananto and Narikaton can work together on international affairs. The mission is a significant one as The Anantonese Empire works to shore up its Constituent Nations' relations in Artania and perhaps restore relations with the Jelbic Empire.

"Her Imperial Majesty has told me to go out and get a read on the new Monarchy," said FM Sir Christopher Bjorksdattir. "At the first meeting, I'll likely meet with my counterpart in N&D, and have plenty of time to ask questions and get the lay of the land. It is a rare occurrence that a new Monarchy pops into existence, and Her Imperial Majesty obviously sees some opportunities to cooperate with the Dual Monarchy." The Foreign Minister said there is not a specific list of things that he will speak with Narikaton and Darnussia about.

"We just want to feel them out, see if they are warm or cold to the Empire, and more or less introduce ourselves. I think Narikaton and Darnussia had some friction with Empress Pavlina over their sponsorship of the anti-Kalistani regime in Valruzia a few years ago, but of course, Carolina is more open to cooperating with Artania and would like to discover what sort of person this new Thaller is." The FM will travel with letters of greetings from Her Imperial Majesty, and an invitation for the Dual Kingdom to reciprocate with a visit to Kalistan.

Though the FM is expected to be in N&D for about two weeks, he also has a couple optional trips, if things come together following the visit to the Dual Kingdom. One is of particular strategic importance to the Anantonese Empire. It seems that Mordusia has privately expressed concern about changes in Lodamun's status in regard to the basing that Lodamun and Mordusia concluded before Lodamun joined the Empire.

"If we can meet with our counterpart in Mordusia, that will obviously be something Her Imperial Majesty is eager to do," said Sir Christopher. "The Empress has directed me to make all efforts over the next several weeks to make an appointment to sit down with Mordusia to discuss the basing issue and work out a solution that everyone can live with. While I can assure everyone that Her Imperial Majesty is committed to standing on Lodamun's rights and insisting that Mordusia fulfill its part of the agreement, she has also informed me to say publicly, that she is not opposed to offering political concessions from the Empire to accomplish this important goal and improving Anantonese-Mordusian relations."

Sir Christopher said that if he is able to get an agreement to meet over basing, he will push for the Lodamese FM's presence so that they may advocate for their rights from a Lodamese perspective, and would welcome the presence of the Luthorian FM at the talks as well, so the Commonwealth can be represented. "This will either go very badly, or, hopefully, very well. It could spell a shift in relations with Mordusia specifically for the Empire, and another opportunity for an opening with Luthori."

A second optional stop for the Foreign Minister will be to Eroncourt, where the Foreign Minister hopes to meet with his Lourennais Counterpart. "Her Imperial Majesty has expressed a desire to discern whether Lourenne will seek to maintain the status quo in the Northern Anantonese Ocean," said Sir Christopher. "Our relationship with Lourenne is very important to the Empire, and maintaining things as they are is something that Her Imperial Majesty is very interested in. Though things have changed significantly in the region over even the last ten years, and the Anantonese Empire is in a much better position than they were even then, the strategic, economic, and diplomatic relationship between the Anantonese Empire and the United Kingdom remains our primary concern, and we seek to confirm that it will continue, though there has been a major change of administration in Lourenne."

The FM is expected to be out of the country for more than a month, and will be travelling with his wife and Mr Trent Marshall, who is a sugar salesman from Yoshimi, and who will be on the lookout for new business opportunities abroad. Marshall will be accompanied by his team.

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Her Imperial Majesty issues Embargo Proclamation
Calls for support from Empire, endorses Privateering
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 4, 5585


Her Imperial Majesty Speaks in National Assembly on Embargo

Her Imperial Majesty has issued an Embargo Order against both Kundrati Union and the Likatonian State in an ever escalating cold conflict between the Free Nations of the East and those who have fallen prey to Fascism.  Below are Her Imperial Majesty's remarks, delivered in the National Assembly in Kaliburg yesterday.

Our world stands on the edge of a knife blade:  Will we continue to walk the straight and narrow path, or will we fall to extremism of one form or another?  It seems that some nations, one of whom is among the typical cast of characters, are bent on bringing the world order down in flames with it.  That nation is our neighbor, Likatonia, who has openly sided with the Fascists in Kasaema, and do so brazenly.  What do they hope to gain from such a radical move?  It's not like the Fascists are interested in supporting Likatonia in any meaningful way.  And yet, here is the Likatonian Government, playing willing puppet once more, to a foreign power, for no other reason than to demonstrate that their government is flailing.  We expect this sort of behavior from Kundrati under the domination of fascism.  It is sad to report that it is becoming far too common in Seleya as well.

And yet here we are.

It is with great exasperation that we must announce yet another embargo against Likatonia, joining them with Kundrati.  We shall read our Embargo Order here in full, and will expect all three of our constituent Nations to support the Embargo wholeheartedly.  There can be no daylight between Kalistan, Lodamun and Gaduridos on this matter.  We will stand as one to clip these menaces' wings before they can fly too high.  The Embargo Order is as follows.

1. Be it so ordered that Likatonia and Kundrati Shall be embargoed throughout the Anantonese Empire, from this day until resolution satisfactory to all three constituent Nations of the Anantonese Empire is reached with Likatonia and Kundrati.
   
2. Be it so ordered that No Commercial Ship bearing either Likatonian or Kundrati Colors shall sail unmolested through the Anatntonese Ocean.  All ships attempting to enter through the Strait of Karzon will be stopped and turned back.  If they refuse to stop, they will be fired upon, with the aim of disabling the ship.  Should these ships be disabled, they will be towed to the nearest Imperial Port where they will be impounded, along with all their goods, while their crew will be deported back to their home nation.  Any ship found to have run the Karzon Strait and to be found within the Anantonese shall be immediately impounded, along with all their cargo at the nearest Imperial Port.
   
3. Be it so Ordered that no ship bearing Kundrati or Likatonian Colors shall receive safe harbor at any Imperial Port in any situation other than impounding or Verifiable Emergency, when intervention is necessary to save human life.  Running out of fuel does not constitute an emergency.
   
4. Be it so ordered that ALL nations' commercial vessels who have had as a port of call any port in Kundrati or Likatonia listed on their manifest will be subject to stop and search at the Karzon Strait.  All goods originating in Likatonia or Kundrati will be declared contraband and will be seized.  This order holds for friendly nations as well as hostile nations.
   
5. Be it so ordered that all overland commerce to and from Likatonia along the Trans Seleyan Railroad shall be halted.  Passenger Travel is still permitted as pass through to Baltusia, Tukarali or points south.
   
6. Be is so ordered that the Anantonese Empire authorizes private actors from Gaduridos, Kalistan and Lodamun to act as agents of the Anantonese Imperial Government under the Privateer Act disregarding all language pertaining to Lourennais colors, and applying instead to Kundrati and Likatonian shipping.  All Privateers must travel to either Kaliburg or Sulari to receive a Letter of Marque to act in the name of the Crown, and must present their ship or ships for inspection.  Privateer Ships may be armed with .50 Caliber M2 Machine guns and smaller arms.
   
7. Be is so ordered that the expansion of this Embargo, under these terms may come by voice vote of the National Assembly in Kaliburg, but one or the other nation that is subject to this embargo can settle independently with the Anantonese Empire, by offering terms which all three constituent Nations find acceptable.
   

These terms will go into effect upon our Pronouncement.  It is our will and as such, is beyond Contestation.  Therefore, we fiat these terms as the Policy of the Anantonese Empire.  Madame Chancellor, you are commanded hereby to ratify this act into law and pass all necessary and proper legislation to see it enacted fully as our will.

It is with great sadness that it has come to this.  Likatonia has had so little peace, but like small children waving a pistol around, they are as big a threat to everyone else around them as they are to themselves.  And therefore, it is incumbent upon us to mete out the consequences for their shortsightedness and attempt to get them to correct their self-destructive behavior once and for all.

The floor is yours, Madame Chancellor of the Empire.

With the pronouncement, Her Imperial Majesty left the chamber as the Chancellor of the Empire read the Embargo Pronouncement into the record, and immediately put it up for a vote.  The room erupted in chaos as the Yays and Nays were called, with 62 voting for and 27 opposing the measure.  The no votes came primarily from the Orthodox members, who demanded the opportunity to address the matter from the floor but were not recognized to do so, because their motions were deemed dilatory.