Kalistan

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Elections bring in Orthodox Majority
Dame Bolton to retire from office
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 17, 5614


Presumed Chancellor of the Empire Daniel Levine led a Orthodox Revolt in the National Assembly

In a shocking outcome that was expected by nobody, the Orthodox faction of the Institutionalist Party has won a resounding victory in last week's elections across the Empire.  Internationalist Deputies took and average 58% of the votes in every Duchy in Kalistan and 54% in Ananto to produce an Assembly where 49 of 79 Seats are now controlled by Orthodox Institutionalists.

The leader of the Faction, and presumed next Chancellor of the Empire is the firebrand from Sulari named Daniel Levine.  Levine, who served as a Gunner's Mate in the Regular Navy and is a veteran of the Artanian Sea Campaign, has become a staunch anti-war activist and was elected for the first time to represent the constituency in Sulari Free City in 5613.  Since then he has been active with veterans groups and Brethrenist Meetings across the Empire, bridging the gap between the two groups and building up a strong Orthodox constituency.  In this, the first election since the end of the Conflict, Levine ran on the platform of reaching out to the world and taking Kalistan's rightful place among the community of nations.

"When our government under the hard Nationalists led by Dame Bolton began involving Kalistan in Artanian Affairs, this is when we opened ourselves up to a war which saw more than 65,000 Kalistanis killed over three bloody years." said Levine while campaigning in Eshar last February.  "Because we insisted on Kalistani Interests being at the forefront of the World Affairs, we made enemies of people who were otherwise friends.  We have no problem with rearmament:  A strong navy keeps Kalistan strong.  But we want those ships, and more importantly the men and women who operate them, to be used to guard our home, not to start wars with foreign powers that no longer pose a serious threat, and certainly not to promote gunboat diplomacy abroad."  Levine went on to reiterate the words of the Emperor, who is on record as saying that No More Kalistanis will die in vain.

"It is our intention, should we win this election, to seek peace with the nations of the world," said Levine.  "One of the Testimonies of the Brethrenist Faith is the Peace Testimony, and another is the Equality Testimony.  We want to get our nation back to that position, so that Kalistan can be at peace with not only our neighbors, but also with potential adversaries who would otherwise do us harm.  Kalistan should be focused on working with our neighbors, both the Constituent Nations of the Anantonese Empire, as well as other Anantonese Nations like Dalibor, Varona, Egelion and Dolgava, and yes, maybe even Likatonia and other Seleyan neighbors, because good relations start much closer to home.  Not as those who wish to control the conversation, but those who want to be just a part of a larger discussion about how we all can live in this world together."

As Chancellor of the Empire, Levine will be asked to form a cabinet and get Assembly approval.  But with 62% of the seats in the National Assembly, the Cabinet that is proposed will likely be made up of Orthodoxos, and will be approved.  It is unclear how the incoming Chancellor and His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick III Ananto will get along, given the differences of sentiment between both men.  But the new Chancellor is astute enough to know who he now works for.  "My job, as Chancellor of the Empire, will be to advise His Imperial Majesty on what I think the correct course of action is in every instance.  But this is the strength of our system:  Ultimately the choice is his, and not mine, and so whatever he selects as a course, it then becomes my job to ensure his Will is carried out in fact.  And as long as I remain Chancellor, that will be my sole obligation."

Levine is the most popular incoming Chancellor in a long time.  In previous picks, there has been strong continuity between the policies of the outgoing and incoming Chancellors.  In this case, the shift in both foreign and domestic policies will be noticeable--Dame Bolton, who began her career as Chancellor in 5583 as a Nationalist herself, has governed with a strong Nationalist majority for decades.  The victory for Levine also represents one of the most democratic elections in decades in Kalistan, as Levine was the outside choice even among Institutionalist insiders, who almost to a person anticipated another term for Dame Diane Bolton.  News of the Orthodox Faction's sweeping election victory was followed very closely by a concession speech by Dame Bolton which indicated her desire to retire from office, ending her 31 year long administration and immediately sparking a special election in her constituency in Addisjah, Vrassa.

Deputy Levine, who's grandparents immigrated to Kalistan from Beiteynu during the reign of Pavlina I Ananto, is the first ethnic Yeudi to become Chancellor of the Empire, though he is a practicing Brethrenist.  He will meet with His Imperial Majesty later this week, who is expected to entitle Levine, and will ask him to form a Government and the proceed to carry out the Imperial Will in the National Assembly.

@TheRepublic

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Sir Daniel Levine proposes Visit to Dolgava
Levine is Knighted according to Imperial Protocol
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
March 30, 5614


His Imperial Majesty sits with the new Chancellor of the Empire, Sir David Levine

The new Chancellor of the Empire met formally for the first time this week with His Imperial Majesty in Eveari at Ananto Estate.  The Chancellor brought the names of the new Ministers who will form His Imperial Majesty's Government.  Of the new Ministers, only Lt. Commander Henry Reals has retained his position as Defense Minister.  The resignation of His Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister George Bennots has been accepted and he has been replaced by Lady Anya Waltrip, Duchess of Vrassa.

Following the acceptance of the Chancellor's List, His Imperial Majesty formally knighted the Chancellor, so he could perform his duties as Chancellor.  The Knighthood formally makes Chancellor Levine a member of the Peerage, and gives him the right to speak directly with the Emperor in Formal Audience.  The ceremony was simply a formality, but is the final step necessary to conform to Imperial Protocol.

Following the official ceremonies, the Chancellor announced to gathered reporters to announce that His Imperial Majesty intended to make a trip to Dolgava to greet the Dolgavan King Sigismund III and the Crown Princess Jaanika in an effort to lay a new foundation for friendly relations between the two Anantonese Nations.  "Our two nations have a long history of cooperation, which has sadly gone quiet in the last few decades," said Chancellor Levine.  "His Imperial Majesty has expressed a desire for peace and is now seeking opportunities to rebuild relationships that have had to be put aside while our Empire was distracted with the war."  The Chancellor said that the visit will be a friendly visit, and Her Highness Empress Consort Monica and the two Minor Princesses Mary and Margaret Ananto-DeLaurentis will join him on the trip.  The visit will be an effort to get to know the Dolgavan King and soon-to-be Queen and look for new opportunities to cooperate economically, politically and culturally.  The trip follows up on the recent Kalistani trip to Xsampa.

The Chancellor said that His Imperial Majesty is also considering opportunities to visit the new governments of Dalibor and Vorona, and then to return to Egelion.  During the trip to Dolgava, His Imperial Majesty and the Empress Consort intend to stop in Kennsington, Lodamun to meet with His Imperial Majesty's Government in Lodamun and to grant Unit Medal Commendations to Lodamese War Veterans who distinguished themselves in Likatonia.

The Visit will take place by October, but meanwhile, The Chancellor said his first priorities are to evaluate Government spending and prioritize reconstruction of the Kalistani Fleet and ingoing reconstruction of Kaliburg, Port Swedes and Eshar, which is ongoing.

The new Government proposed by His Excellency the Chancellor of the Empire is as follows:

Chancellor of the Empire   Sir David Levine
Foreign Affairs   Lady Anya Waltrip Vrassa
Internal Affairs   Mark Reiley
Finance   Dr. Tanya Ontiveros
Defence   Lt. Commander Henry Reals
Justice   Hon Rachael Richardson
Infrastructure and Transport   Leo Bradley
Health and Social Services   Miguel Gomez
Education and Culture   Nathaniel Douglas
Science and Technology   Dr. Wendy Smith-Guerra
Food and Agriculture   Melissa Locke
Environment and Tourism   Timothy Wu
Trade and Industry   Margurite bon Maison

@TheRepublic

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Excellent reports from Aikums
His Imperial Majesty and Empress Consort find Dolgavan Royals "Very Welcoming"
Aikums, Kingdom of Dolgava
October 7, 5614


His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, Her Highness, the Empress Consort, and Her Majesty Crown Princess  Jaanika in Aikums

His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick III Ananto and Her Highness, the Empress Consort Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis flew to the Northern Kingdom of Dolgava today to meet, at long last with the King Sigismund III, who is set to retire soon, and the Crown Princess Jaanika.  While the visit was formally referred to as a State Visit, the topics of discussion were more on the social side, as the goal of the trip was for the Kalistani Royals to introduce themselves to the Dolgavan Royalty.  "His Imperial Majesty and Her Highness wished to pay a social call to their neighbors," said Allison Stewart, His Imperial Majesty's personal secretary, official sign language interpreter and as such, spokeswoman.  "The meeting was quite informal and the Royal couple found their northern neighbors to be very welcoming and open to cooperation on a whole host of matters." The Royal Couple were greeted at the Airport by the Dolgavan King, who spoke in Vrassan and said "Welcome Friends!" to the Anantos. His Imperial Majesty, who had been practicing his Dolgavan, responded slowly and deliberately with "Man ir prieks ar jums iepazīties" in an accent which was difficult to understand, given that the Emperor had never heard Dolgavan before losing his hearing. The King graciously smiled at the Emperor's sincere effort, and the two men shook hands, and then they all drove into the City.

Though the meeting was primarily a social call, the two Monarchs did spend more than an hour at the Dolgavan Capital discussing affairs of state.  "We have a hand shake agreement on the status quo," said Stewart who served as sign language interpreter for the Emperor during the meeting.  "Most things that have been in place for decades are set to remain in place, and both men said they look forward to further talks about economic, military and cultural cooperation, including the possibility of Dolgava considering joining the Anantonese Security Community Treaty along with the Three Anantonese Empire nations and Egelion. The two monarchs also talked about intelligence cooperation in geographical areas of mutual concern, specifically the Karzon Strait, which is the gateway into the Anantonese Ocean. Kalistan, Dolgava and Lodamun have long cooperated on maintaining sonar surveillance of this stretch of land, and Kalistan offered to bring Dolgava in on new and improved efforts to keep that area clear of foreign ships hostile to Anantonese Nations."

One point that did come up was Kalistan's claim over the historical Kingdom of Karzon, a claim that covers the southern three Duchies in modern day Dolgava. The question was raised very delicately, and His Imperial Majesty reiterated the policy of Nicolette II that the title was an Historic claim that is not actively being pursued. "His Imperial Majesty was clear in reassuring the King of Dolgava that the title refers to an historic colony of the Anantan Empire, and merely leaves a door open for accession if Dolgava were ever interested in entering the Anantonese Empire. But as it is now, it is merely a title that does not compel any action on the part of either nation, nor is it permissive for Kalistan to attempt to make more active claims on any part of Dolgavan Territory. The Emperor was clear that Kalistan fully acknowledges and respects Dolgavan Territorial Integrity in its modern borders and have reaffirmed the law which makes it illegal for Kalistan to press the claim to the Kingdom of Karzon in any way, a law which has been renewed and reaffirmed since it was made under Empress Nicolette II before her death."

The business out of the way, the two monarchs were joined then by Her Highness, Empress Consort Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis, and Her Majesty, the Crown Princess of Dolgava, Jaanika, who had been having tea and refreshments, and members of the Dolgavan Government. The group proceeded to take a tour of the Aikums. Part of the tour included a visit to many of the places that Empress Nicolette I had visited in Dolgava when she toured the country for a week in the 5400s. The Kalistani Royal family said they really enjoyed the pretty architecture and cityscape of the capital, and enjoyed meeting with Dolgavan Citizens who were just going about their day. "We loved meeting the Dolgavan People," said Her Highness, Empress Consort Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis. "It is something we will miss when things go back to normal in Kalistan now that the war is over, but getting to meet normal people, just living their lives, and getting to talk to people without a bunch of formal rules really is a joy, and luckily, here we have had the opportunity to meet such warm and caring people who really wanted to learn as much about us as we did about them."

The first day ended with a large fireworks display to honor the visit, and both the Emperor and Empress Consort reported that the most favorable impression was that of Crown Princess Jaanika, who seemed to be a very forward thinking young woman. "The King seemed very interested in pushing his Daughter to speak on his behalf at every opportunity," said Her Highness the Empress Consort. "I really think she and His Imperial Majesty share similar ideas about the relationship between our two nations, and my Husband expressed to me that he believes that Kalistan and Dolgava can get along very well with people like Sigismund and Jaanika on the throne."

Following the fireworks celebration, the Kalistani royals retired to an apartment furnished for them by the Dolgavan King. Over the next few days, new Ministers from His Imperial Majesty's Government arrived, along with Kalistani business leaders, to negotiate restoring regular and open trade across the ocean and a dramatic increase in commerce between the two nations. Kalistan is keenly interested in developing new supplies to replace the resources and foreign made consumer goods which used to flow from Majatra and Artania but which have been ruptured by the War, and have not been available in Kalistan for the better part of a decade.

"His Imperial Majesty believes that Dolgava makes lot of sense to replace Artanian trade," said Ms. Stewart. "Kalistani consumers have lived without the Artanian and Majatran consumer goods we had once imported for a long time now, but rather than going back to trade partners who were either unreliable, or trade routes that could easily be interrupted by the internecine chaos that exists in the west, His Imperial Majesty believes that Dolgava and Keris as a whole might be a far more reliable partner." This opportunity was good news not only for Dolgavan exporters who want to start doing business in Kalistan, but also for Egelion, who will have a much easier time buying and selling from Kalsitan, as well as Kalistani Consumers. Relatedly, the KalSiE rose on the announcement of the opening of new trade opportunities with Keris.

The visit, which lasted 4 days, and served as a short vacation for His Imperial Majesty and the Empress Consort, was a great success, and the Royal couple was seen off at Aikums Airport by the future Queen of Dolgava. A formal invitation was extended to Princess Jaanika to visit Kalistan in the near future.

@TheRepublic

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Empress Consort attends Memorial in Eshar
Joined by Minor Princesses at Gathering
Eshar, Duchy of Odufaray
April 17, 5616


Their Highnesses the Empress Consort Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis and the two Minor Princesses Mary Natalia and Margaret Nicolette in Eshar

Her Highness, the Empress Consort Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis, and the two Minor Princesses Mary-Elizabeth Natalia Ananto-DeLaurentis and Margaret-Carolina Nicolette Ananto-DeLaurentis were in attendance at the Eshar Rebuilding Anniversary ceremony which marks the completion of the third year of rebuilding in Eshar.  Similar celebrations were held in Port Swedes and Kaliburg, and while His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick III Ananto spoke in the capital, the Princess Consort was asked to deliver the Key Note Speech in Eshar.  Eshar suffered 10,423 casualties overall, and given its size, it was proportionately the largest loss in the attacks of August 5612.  This is compared to the 14,820 lost in Kaliburg, and the 5,100 lost in Port Swedes.  Below are Her Highness' remarks, which she delivered at the Eshar Memorial in Downtown Eshar Free City.

I would like to thank you for inviting me and my family here to see you all again today.  During the war, His Imperial Majesty believed it is so important that our family visits with as many people as we could, to show solidarity, to hear what you all have to say about how things are going, and to try to lift morale when it began to fall during the war.  But now, peace has come back to Kalistan.  We have buried our dead, we have had our parades and our commendations, and we are now nearly completed rebuilding our nation from the devastating attacks of that night in August where a sleeping nation was attacked and nearly 30,000 people were murdered.  We will never forget those victims of that horrific attack, and we will strive to continue to meet with you all, to talk with you, and to be a part of your lives.

Part of my task here is to raise the Imperial Standard over this memorial.  This place is not only a tribute to the hard work of the people of Eshar and to the people of Odufaray who pitched in with their time, effort, and money to restore our city to a place where people can live, grow and play, but also to care for the dead, many of whom will never be identified.  So if it is ok with you all, when I raise the flag, and the color guard plays Taps, I will raise it to the top, but then lower it down to half mast one last time to honor your lost family members, friends and neighbors.  I am aware that the Emperor has ordered an end to the period of mourning in Kalistan, but I think this act of respectful tribute is not a mourning but a celebration of the memories you all share about those loved ones you knew and lost.  And it is a tribute to all the work you have done to rebuild your community and make it a safe place for you to build new families, to make new friends, and to add them to the long list of the people you know, love and care for.

My husband is not a Hosian.  He doesn't necessarily believe that there is an afterlife.  I do, for my part.  I want to believe there is something after this world, to know that this isn't all there is to it.  And I believe that if I am right, the spirits of your loved ones live on.  They visit you, they watch over you, and in the end you will see them all again.  Whether I am right or not, I can say I really believe that it is their spirit who has animated you to pick yourselves up, and after the shock wore off, to start working to rebuild what others ruthlessly destroyed.  I encourage you to let their spirits continue to motivate you to finish this job, whether they were lost, either in the attack or during the war, or whether they are standing next to you right now, not lost but alive as you are, let them boost you up, lift up your own spirits, and do good work here on Terra.  And then when you think you are done, do an extra ten percent just for the good of all in Kalistan.

I thank you for allowing me to speak with you all.  Many of you I know, and feel that over the years, we have become close.  When I first arrived in September of 5612 to lend my efforts and my energy to the reconstruction of Eshar, I felt myself motivated by the Spirit of Empress Pavlina, my husband's grandmother, who performed similar national service right here in this very city, helping the people of Eshar clean up after civil disruption.  I felt that I was called to do this.  Since then, I have been here every single month to do service.  And maybe that's the Brethrenist way:  to listen to your callings.  Maybe my Husband is rubbing off on me a little.  And maybe there is something to both traditions.  Either way, it has been a pleasure for me to get to know all of you, to work with you and alongside you, and to see this project through to its completion.  Both The Emperor and I are so proud of how well the People of Eshar worked together to rebuild this town, and I personally am so grateful that you welcomed me into your community time and again and allowed me to work next to you all.  Thank you, and I will be here until we are officially done, and then I will come back to see how things turned out.

The Empress-Consort's speech was met with a loud standing ovation from the more than 3,000 people in attendance, which carried on for more than half a minute, until the color guard arrived on the podium, presented the Empress-Consort with an Imperial Flag, and then assisted her as she attached the flag to the flag pole.  As the brass ensemble played Taps, all stood silently.  The flag creeped up the flagpole, unfurling as it rose, and then once at the top, caught the wind and flapped briefly, before being lowered to half staff, at which point the halyard was handed to a member of the color guard and the Empress Consort stepped back and stood at attention until Taps was completed.  A minute of silence was observed, and then the cheer erupted once more as the Empress Consort stepped off stage.

The Empress-Consort's frequent appearances in Eshar have been largely responsible for the recovery of His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor's popularity in Eshar, Senvias and both Odufaray and Vrassa following the start of the war.  She served primarily with Odufaray NSP, but also went on Morale Tours of the Mainland during the war to keep people's spirits boosted.  Her speech today was delivered extemporaneously, not from notes.  Because of Her Highness' popularity, there has been a public drive to name Empress-Consort Monica as "Empress," while so far, Her Highness has demurred at the attention and has said she hopes to not get the title of co-sovereign.

@The Republic

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Kalistani News in Brief:  Reconstruction in Kaliburg nearly completed
Emperor and Empress Consort pay respects in Egelion; New Movie about life of Eliyahu begins shooting in Majatra
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October 17, 5618


Actors Frank Westley and Jamar Sylvester depict the Betrayal of Eliyahu by Onan

Reconstruction of Kaliburg nearly Completed
Chancellor of the Empire Sir David Levine was in Downtown Kaliburg today to dedicate the Kaliburg Peace Park.  This park, built over the site of the demolished 400 block of Orange Avenue west of the National Mall, is also the site of the Artanian War Memorial, where Kalistanis who died in the Artanian Sea and Likatonian Campaigns are remembered.  In Dedication of the Peace Park, Chancellor Levine said "We dedicate this park, not only as a memorial to our own brothers and sisters who died in the wars against Fascism five years ago, but also as a memorial to the 29,893 Kalistani victims of inexplicable violence on that night in August, 5612.  We will keep this park here as not only a tribute to those lives lost, but also as a reminder of the horrors of both war and fascism, so that we will never forget those we lost, and so we are less willing to jump into wars in the future."

The small ceremony marks the last phase of the rebuilding in Kalistan, which involves reconstructing dwellings in the largely demolished Imperial City Neighborhood, which was severely contaminated by phosphorous and chlorine gas, and has remained uninhabitable for more than six years now.  Other projects include the Peace Park, the sweeping and levelling of the homes in the Wilson Hill Neighborhood, which were themselves contaminated when the wind shifted during a storm after the attacks, and includes the old Wilson House that belonged to the Royal Family, and the rebuilding of the parts of Lolla which were destroyed in the attacks, to include KRTVN's Kaliburg studios.  The Imperial Park Neighborhood suffered the worst amount of contamination, and therefore took the longest to clear so that new homes can be rebuilt there.  Plans for the revitalized Imperial City include new dense residential and light commercial mixed zones along with new public amenities, at least two new schools, a new library, and a planned City Museum which will house exhibits about Kaliburg's long history.  Building should be completed by 5622.

Emperor and Empress Consort travel to Egelion to pay respects
His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick III Ananto and Her Highness Empress Consort Monica Ananto-DeLaurentis, as well as Princess of the Empire Lady Carolina Ananto flew to Altea, Kingdom of Egelion to attend the small memorial service for the late King Amadeo.  The affair was a very small affiar, but the Anantos thought it was important to be there to say goodbye to a person they considered to be a family friend.  "When Kalistan was looking around for friends, and most nations of the world were hostile or criminally ambivalent toward Kalistan, King Amadeo was one of the only of my peers, outside the Anantonese Empire, to welcome me and my husband," said Princess of the Empire, Lady Carolina Ananto.  He was a generous and a decent man, and he was a visionary for his people.  I will miss him greatly, and would like to have it know that His Imperial Majesty has said that the hand of friendship to Egelion and the Egelian people always remains extended from Kaliburg."

The Princess of the Empire also noted that His Imperial Majesty invited the new King, Romulo the First, to visit in Eveari.  "It would be my pleasure to host the new king in Eveari, and my son also wishes to get to know him better.  The Egelian Monarch is always welcomed to visit us in Eveari, and we will, of course treat him like family."  The former Empress stated that Kalistani affinity for Egelion is higher than it would be for even most Seleyan nations because the Egelians were so gracious to her.  "To me," said Lady Caroline, "welcoming me and William and of course, our two children is the mark of class and dignity, and earned both the Late King, as well as the New King and his whole nation a respect and appreciation which will carry on into the future."  This visit was a rare public appearance for Princess of the Empire Lady Carolina Ananto since her retirement eight years ago.

Republican Pictures begins principal photography in Pontesi and Beiteynu for story of Eliyahu's Life
Republican Pictures is on location this month in both Pontesi and the deserts of central Beiteynu for filming Eliyahu the King.  Its a movie that is roughly based on the last week of Eliyahu's life before he vanished several days before returning as a Ghost to continue teaching his followers.

"There's a lot of stuff in that story that doesn't make a lot of sense," said director Ron Westmoreland, for Republican Pictures.  "But this isn't a biopic.  It's more like a Rock Opera.  The lyrics are inspired by the teachings of Eliyahu, but a lot of the magical nonsense that Hosians seem to require to tell what is essentially a political and moral story is left out.  We don't see, for example, Eliyahu actually healing anyone, or doing miraculous things like walking on water or anything like that.  What we do here is present Eliyahu as fully a man, though, perhaps more in touch with God than your average illiterate desert dweller or fisherman.  He cares for people, he gives people hope, and he is, in a lot of ways, very much like a modern celebrity, that his followers ecstatically build up, and gleefully tear down, for no reason whatsoever.  Eliyahu in this film is that guy, and you can see all the stress and burdens of all those expectations on him while he is still very much alive, though, most Hosians seem to believe that salvation only comes from his ghost after he dies."

Eliyahu is played by veteran actor and singer Frank Westley, who has played the same role in the Theater rendition of the opera.  Onan, the betrayer of Eliyahu is played by very talented thespian and musician Jamar Sylvester.  "The tunes in the movie version of this show are far funkier than the ones in the theater," said Sylvester.  "I mean the whole thing is pretty campy, but the songs are mostly all funk or funk rock.  I mean, its not only a real treat to play this role in the film adaptatino, but these songs just slap.  I really love it."  The remainder of the cast is made up mostly of actors that were taken off the stage, and have the ability to sing and dance well.  "Yeah, acting kind of takes a back seat when the whole scene is just a choreographed song with like 25 hippies dancing to funk music," said Westley.  "Luckily, they got a real talented bunch, most of the principles came here right out of musical theater."

Shooting is expected to be completed in January, and then the movie will go into post-production.  "Luckily, we are singing to tape," said Sylvester.  "It's our voice you hear, but we recorded that music last summer in Sulari, and we're pretty much dancing and lipsyncing in the movie itself."  Eliyahu the King is expected to be released in Kalistan in May.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwgrHcmMrNw]
Early release of Simeon's (Reggie Duarte) song "The Zealot" from the forthcoming Eliyahu the King from Republican Pictures

@TheRepublic

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House Ananto Announces Charitable Foundation
The Great Society Fund will match funds for all social initiatives in Kalistan
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
October 18, 5619


Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval reading to Children at Dulnerstaad City Library as part of her early literacy campaign

Her Highness, Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval, who is the head of House Ananto, has announced that the Royal House will be opening a charitable foundation with the aim of encouraging philanthropy in Kalistan.

"The Imperial House has given the go ahead to capitalize a new philanthropy fund called The Great Society Fund," said the Princess in Sulari, at a press conference announcing the new push for philanthropy.  "The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan has a remarkable social security network in Kalistan to ensure that all basic needs are met for all people across the Empire.  But the House Ananto believes we can do more than just ensure that nobody needs basic things.  There is so much more to society than simply feeding and sheltering your people, and the Great Society wants to encourage Kalistanis to take that second step, to ensure that all people have a good quality of life, not just a basic one."

The Great Society Fund aims to provide matching grants for programs that aim to build affordable houses, provide nutritionists and preventative health care, improve public infrastructure to make it more accessible for individuals with disabilities, to improve clean energy generation across the Empire, and encourage families to participate in early childhood education, child care and other early developmental programs.  "So often, people want to help and they will come to me and say "I have this idea and we can raise part of the money, but not all of it.  Can House Ananto help?"  said Her Highness, Princess Michelle.  "Well, after speaking with His Imperial Majesty, my brother, and my mother and aunt, it was decided that we should formalize our efforts to help Kalistanis help Kalistanis."

According to the Princess, House Ananto will match any private fundraising for a program with a social improvement component.  "We don't want to limit what we do to a specific category," said Princess Michelle.  "House Ananto has more money than we could ever do anything with.  So if you have an organization and a plan, submit it to the Great Society Fund.  If you can demonstrate that you can raise part of those funds for your initiative yourself, House Ananto will match your fundraising, Ruble for Ruble, to provide the necessary capital to get these projects off the ground."

The Princess went through some stipulations.  The plans need to be vetted by a committee, not for their worthiness, but for their soundness.  "We would prefer to work with established organizations who have a long track record of helping," said the Princess.  This is not to say that new agencies won't be considered for funding, but there is an additional set of criteria that will apply to see whether the program is indeed viable, or if it is just some effort by a private individual to make money."  The program has to have a social improvement function as its primary purpose.  "We would also like to see low overhead for the organization, so we will try to focus on those organizations that spend more money on the programs than they are on say advertising," said the Princess.

The matching funds can be used for any part of the organizations' operations.  "So often donors want to give money just for the programs, because they want to feel good about thinking that their money is going right to some family in need, but we also know that it costs money to keep programs operating, money that doesn't ever come from grants or donations, but pays things like salaries, rent, bills etc.  So this matching money won't be restricted to just programs, but Agencies can shore up their operations budgets."   The Princess also said that the money can be applied for for retroactive fundraising up to one fiscal year.  "Show us how much you raised last year, and tell us what you did with it-  We'll match that Ruble for Ruble, and continue to match it for two additional years."

The Princess also said that right now House Ananto is focusing on the Anantonese Empire Nations.  "Its our intention to see how this goes for Kalistan, Lodamun and Gaduridos first.  There is a lot of work to do in these nations, and our Family obviously has an interest in promoting the wellbeing of the Anantonese Empire over all other nations."  But she also said that after 5 years, this will be re-evaluated, and could be extended to nations with good banking practices.  "We obviously won't engage with some countries, as sad as that is, because their governments are horrible.  But there are a lot of clean nations in this world, and they need a lot of help that House Ananto may be in a position to provide."

The Princess, who spends her days involved in charitable work, has added the cause of Early Literacy in Kalistan's Cities to the benefit events she sponsors for Marine Wildlife, which is her lifetime passion.  She makes public appearances as fund raisers for local pre-school and early childhood development programs and she reads to children at the Dulnerstaad Library in the Afternoons.  "I love my work and am so lucky that I get to do it daily.  I hope this new Fund will help lots of people across the Empire."

@LaModa

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Emperor and Empress return to Wilson Hill
New Imperial Residence overlooks Wilson Bridge and Ananto Strait
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 17, 5619


His Imperial Majesty opens new Cliff House on Kaliburg National Seashore in Wilson Hill Neighborhood

Following the Chemical attacks in 5612, the home of the Emperor, purchased in 5535 by Prince Regent Bjorn Nordholm for the Imperial Family, and which had been the official Imperial Residence since then, was officially abandoned.  One consequence of the attack was that significant portions of the town were contaminated by poisonous gas, and Wilson Hill itself, initially safe from the attack, became contaminated when an incoming storm brought a shift in winds that blew the gas and pollution from Imperial Park straight over Wilson House, and forced an evacuation of the whole neighborhood.

Since then, the intention was to always reclaim Wilson House, but a number of issues prevented doing so.  The House itself, while solid, was very old, and the contamination worked its way into the interior of the house.  Structural engineers said that the house could be remodeled, but at current labor prices, it would be far less expensive to level the house and rebuild on the site.  The problems were compounded when the water supply for the house became contaminated as the strange chemical worked its way into the metal pipes and progressively corroded them to the city source.  The Emperor and Empress Consort, who were then relocated to Ananto Estate in Eveari, decided to have the home demolished in 5614.

They did however always intend to return to Wilson Hill, which is a neighborhood that is entirely owned by House Ananto.  In In early 5618, the decision was made to rehab a number of homes on the west side of the Peninsula, in the Devon Dunes National Seashore.  The Seashore is considered a recreational area, where citizens of Kaliburg enjoy tanning and surfing.  Further down the coast is also a marine habitat which the City Government protects from human incursion or use.  When Wilson Hill was purchased by House Ananto, most of the homes were abandoned, but were maintained, to a large degree by the National Service Program, to retain the historical feel of the neighborhood and to serve as service buildings for tourists and visitors.  

View of Wilson Bridge and Imperial Park from Cliff House

When the decision was made, the Emperor hired general contractors under Guillermo Rosa-Caballo, one of Kalistan's most sought after architects, to remodel six houses on the Dunes side of Wilson Peninsula, and selected Cliff House, a house on the Point that overlooks Wilson Bridge and Imperial Park neighborhood as the new Imperial Residence.  The other five homes which are just east and south, up the hill from Cliff House will serve as staff quarters for those who work at and maintain Cliff House  The home directly adjacent to Cliff House, which will be named Cliff Office to distinguish it from the Residence, will serve as the personal offices for His Imperial Majesty the Emperor and Her Highness, the Empress Consort.  House Ananto will also have a presence at Cliff Office, though the Princess Michelle Ananto-Sandoval prefers to keep the Operations HQ of House Ananto in Sulari in the Miramar Building.  ODEN will also rent an Office at the building and will use the space for meetings with Government members.

Cliff House is a comfortable 6 bedroom, three bathroom modern design that has several terraces for roof top gardens and photovoltaics.  The design is meant to allow the home to blend into the hill side, and provide a more green, energy efficient space which can provide the Imperial Family the opportunity to see nature, even though they live so close to the City.  Cliff House is actually closer to Wilson Bridge than Wilson House used to be, so the commute into Kaliburg will be shorter for the Royal Family.  The modern interior is meant to get as close to the interior design of Wilson House as possible, including large bay and picture windows, a large dining room, and comfortable bedrooms, all offering spectacular views of Wilson Bridge and the entrance to Davon Bay.

The view from the Middle Level Sitting Room frames Wilson Bridge and Davon Bay in a Bay Window

During the summer, the family can swim in their private rooftop pool, or can follow the private staircase to the beach below, which belongs to the property.  Guillermo Rosa-Caballo said, "It is amazing what we can accomplish cuando dinero se no importa.  When we took this project up, this place was run down and had these weeds growing all over it.  Some of the facades needed to be completely rebuilt, because this place had been vacant for decades.  But Her Highness Princess Michelle showed up with a blank check, y que carajo, I think we created a work of art out of that little piece of paper she gave to us. No mas problemo."  It is rumored that the full remodel took more than a year and more than ₭8.4 million Imperial Rubles.  "No comment," said Rosa-Caballo to the question about how much it cost.  "8.4, conservatively..."

The Emperor and Empress-Consort, along with the Minor Princesses, will move into Cliff House in March of 5620.  The other homes will be ready in May.

@TheRepublic

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Sir David Levine Addresses National Assembly
"Focus of Foreign Relations is on Anantonese Nations," said Chancellor
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 14, 5621


Chancellor of the Empire, Sir David Levine speaks before the National Assembly

"Upon meeting with His Imperial Majesty, His government will continue its policy of working to improve relations with our neighbors in the Anantonese Region, and focus less on regions like Majatra and Artania," said Chancellor of the Empire, Sir David Levine this week in Kaliburg.  "We are currently hoping to improve links with other Seleyan nations, and will also focus our efforts on improving relations between the Empire and adjacent Keris and Dovani states."

While the Chancellor did say that the focus of Kalistani Foreign Relations is on Anantonese Nations, he also did note that Kalistan hoped to reach out to other Seleyan Nations as well.  "For far too long, our empire has worried about what Artania is doing, what Majatra is doing.  Those continents 1) don't care whether Kalistan is involved in their petty squabbles or not, and 2) don't really step up to the plate when it comes time to put up or shut up in those conflicts.  So, over the last decade and a half, Kalistan has spent billions of rubles in conflicts that are Artanian Conflicts, not Kalistani ones, and further more, Kalistan has taken those conflicts far more seriously than Artania has.  Tens of thousands of people have lost their lives in what is essentially an Artanian problem.  The problem is not solved, and it is unlikely that Artania will solve it, so, Kalistan hopes to adjust our focus to states that matter for the security of the Empire.  None of whom are in Artania or Majatra."

The Chancellor notes the positive reception that His Imperial Majesty received in both Dolgava and Egelion in recent years.  "The beginning of His Imperial Majesty's Reign was marked by bloodshed and death," said the Chancellor.  "But Kalistan is rebuilding and moving toward a much more positive future.  The Government is hoping to build on the positive diplomatic foundations laid down by Emperor Fredrick III Ananto and the Empress Consort in their recent visits to Keris, and expand the diplomatic initiatives to both Vorona and Dalibor, as well as to Lourenne, Talmoria, Sekowo, and Indrala in the near future.  Building good relationships and strong ties with our neighbors is good for peace and stability in this region, as well as economic prosperity for all our nations."

The Chancellor also gave a brief report of improving trade via Keris.  "We are already beginning to see a recovery of the standard of living in Kalistan as many new and familiar products produced abroad are returned to our department stores," said Sir David Levine.  "Kalistanis can wear cotton and linen, but we love silk.  Domestic production is fine to meet daily need, but Kalistani consumers also enjoy foreign made goods too.  With the wars, all those things were interrupted.  But trade with Egelion and Dolgava make it possible to bypass other less friendly suppliers of consumer goods completely."  The Chancellor noted that trade volume with Gaduridos and Lodamun have both increased as well, following a wartime contraction.

Finally the Chancellor touted the Government's Cultural exchange programs.  "As our focus shifts toward closer relations with our neighbors, I am also happy to note that several major universities here in Kalistan are offering study abroad credits to students who wish to take a year of education in Dolgava, Egelion, Lourenne, Seko, Vorona, Indrala, Talmoria or Xsampa.  These programs, which are offered through a new Consortium of International Education Opportunity (CIEO), includes fifteen colleges and universities, as well as three technical colleges, that will cover the tuition of study abroad for their students for up to one full year and will count all credits earned toward the student's degree program here in Kalistan.  This is a first such large scale commitment to making this sort of program an offering for Kalistani Students in a generation and is aimed at exposing Kalistani Students to countries outside of the Anantonese Empire.  So far more than 1500 students have applied for the program in just four short months."  The Chancellor expressed his hope that Anantonese Nations will reciprocate and that Kalistan can welcome students from other nations to the Empire.

The Chancellor's speech was very welcomed by Deputies and ends months of speculation about the direction of the new Government and the attitude of the new Chancellor regarding Kalistan's orientation in the world.

@TheRepublic

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1st Fleet returns to Anantonese Ocean, 2nd Fleet redeploys to Yoshimi
Pre-War deployment retaken up as western tensions retreat in rearview Mirror
Port Swedes, Duchy of Vrassa
April 20, 5621


KRS-165, an Ananto Class Destroyer prepares to sail into Port Swedes for refitting

The Combat missions of the 1st, 2nd and 4th Fleets have officially ended in the Mad Dog Ocean.  The last of the ships from the heroic 1st Fleet, which was responsible for the final destruction of the Kundrati Navy in the Artanian Sea Campaign has sailed into the newly rebuilt Port Swedes and is being inspected and refitted and repaired as necessary.  The Kalistani 1st Fleet will return to patrolling the Eastern Anantonese Ocean, and when HQ I Fleet returns to Bozo River this Summer.

Meanwhile, II Fleet has returned to Yoshimi Station and shall resume patrolling the Central Artanian, while the 4th Fleet, still largely under reconstruction, is expected to take up patrols from Port Swedes and patrol the Northern Limit to the Karzon Strait between Lodamun and Dolgava.  This will give Kalistan its long valued naval supremacy in the Northern Anantonese Ocean once more, and represents a return to peace footing.

The redeployments will end Kalistan's lease in Newport Lodamun as Kalistan pulls back from the Mad Dog.  Kalistan will still continue to support Lodamese patrols of the Mad Dog, and will still seek to maintain forward intel assets in Lodamun, but the Naval High Command argues that there is no further need for such a forward leaning defense posture in the Mad Dog Ocean, especially if it could bring Kalistan in contact with Dorvish Fleets in that region, who are currently beginning to work with Dolgava half way around the world from their home.  "The last thing we need is any more encounters with Artanian naval units," said Rear Admiral Nathan "Mac" McGuinness.  "As the 4th Fleet reforms, it will focus on anti-submarine operations in  the Karzon Strait, but for the most part, will just stay off of everyone's radar.  But part of that mission includes working with Lodamun on surveillance north and west of Lodamun."

The Navy also says it will contact Dolgava about reactivation of the sonar network it once maintained in the Karzon Strait.  "The goal is to find and track every single submarine that is going or coming through that strait, to keep out those who don't belong in the Anantonese Ocean, and to pinpoint the locations of those who do," said Admiral McGuinness.  "But that is for the future.  The 4th Fleet is still several years from being back up to 100 percent.  So that is obviously our focus for the moment."

@TheRepublic

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His Imperial Majesty Interviewed in Eveari
Discusses Anantonese Affairs
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 7, 5623


His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick III Ananto, with Official Interpreter Allison Stuart

One of the most welcomed changes in His Imperial Majesty's more than ten years has been his willingness to speak directly with the Press.  The exclusive Interview with The Kalistani Republic this last week was no exception.  His Imperial Majesty, speaking through his Official Interpreter Alison Stuart, who has served the Royal Family since the early days of His Imperial Majesty's reign, was candid and somewhat humorous, revealing a Monarch in good spirits, and reflecting a newly revitalized mood that is shared by most of the nation.  Here is the interview with His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick III Ananto, held at Ananto Estate in Eveari.

(Republic's interviewer) T(homas) C(onnelly):  Before I begin I am required to state that upon command of His Imperial Majesty, rules of protocol around addressing the Emperor directly have been waived for the purposes of conducting this interview.

(His Imperial Majesty, Emperor) F(redrick III) A(nanto, speaking through his sign language interpreter and official spokeswoman Allison Stuart):  This is correct, and it is a pleasure for us to meet you today Mr. Connelly.  Welcome to Ananto Estate.

TC:  It is indeed a pleasure to meet His Imperial Majesty today.  This room is quite famous, if I am not mistaken.

FA:  It is.  Many of the photographs we take when we meet with very important people are taken right in this room.  There is a lot of history here.  Ananto Estate has seen so many famous people over the years, very powerful folks, that kind of thing...

TC:  Getting right into the interview, last year was the tenth anniversary of the chemical attacks in Kalistan.  Could His Imperial Majesty give our readers a brief overview of how those attacks changed the nation?

FA:  First of all, we should say they brought our nation together.  We lost many wonderful people that night and in the weeks and months that followed.  There were so many losses, but the flip side of that was that those who survived had a new resolve to rebuild and work together.  It gave our armed forces a new will to fight and complete the war.  One would have to look pretty hard to find a case of resiliency following such horrific events.  We could point to a nation like Xsampa who, not a few years before we suffered our own tragedy, suffered a similarly destructive attack of their own, and first.  So, we could also say that we took a lot of notes from how a country like Xsampa recovered when we were organizing our own efforts.  I'd say Xsampa worked through their suffering, and their example was a model for our own efforts.  And beyond that, it also led us to a recommitment to a world free of weapons of mass destruction.  We have reauthorized the Anti-NBC Treaty which puts Kalistan clearly on the side of opposition to not only the use of weapons of mass death, but also against their possession and development.  It is an important document aimed at a more peaceful world.

TC:  While rebuilding, did Kalistan receive assistance from other nations?

FA:  We didn't see the world rush to our succor the way the world rushed to Xsampa's.  No.  Kalistan was in Xsampa for years.  But...  we handled things on our own, as we usually do.  Xsampa needed the world to band together to help it.  Kalistan would have welcomed assistance, but as in so many other things, the only folks we could count on are other constituent nations of the Anantonese Empire.  Few other nations even acknowledged the attacks, let alone offered any assistance.

TC:  Would His Imperial Majesty say that the response of the world to Kalistan's war against Fascism in Kundrati has colored Kalistan's Foreign Policy?

FA:  It would be difficult to pretend that it didn't.

TC:  Why does His Imperial Majesty feel the world responded differently to Kalistan than they did to Xsampa, or really, to anyone else who would have faced similar attacks?  Why do you think the world was less than enthusiastic about combatting Fascism?

FA:  It is possible that the world didn't understand the fight.  We are sure that, from the perspective of most people in the world, the battle against Fascism was seen as a rabidly evil imperialist power interfering in the internal affairs of another nation, and to many in the world, they figured that if we both kill one another, they will be rid of us both without having to do anything.  So they did nothing.  This is not to say that nobody did anything.  We saw some belated effort by Luthori, but only after Kalistani power was utterly decimated in Artania.  Our Imperial Partners worked with us as well, and we did see some enthusiasm from Alduria toward the war.  But those who were most directly affected by fascism in Kundrati were in fact benefitting from that regime, are probably still benefitting from it, and have no intention of doing anything more than publicly decrying the existence of fascism.  And meanwhile, we even saw some opportunism around the battle taken by some countries, which in our opinion was pretty frustrating--  Kalistan was occupied, so its time for others to take advantage of that situation...

TC:  So more than ten years have passed, and as far as we know, the tentative ceasefire has held this long while.  Where is Kalistan now?

FA:  We have had some initial successes with our regional neighbors, of course.  Naturally, few other nations share our priorities or our interests.  However, with the status quo restored, the Anantonese Constituent Nations are stronger now than even before the war.  New trade reorientation toward Keris has greatly increased the supply of imported goods, while reducing the cost of those goods, which lower prices in our own markets.  Meanwhile, we are directing trade flows out of our region to new markets in Dovani and Southern Seleya.  The disruption of the old trade lines that flowed through Likatonia into Northern Seleya has been a blessing in disguise for member states of the Anantonese Empire, forcing us to no longer rely on old partners and instead seek new partners that increase both efficiency and volume for our trade.  Kalistan probably has more access to foreign consumer goods now that at any time in recent memory.

TC:  Part of that increase is culturally, yes?

FA:  Absolutely.  Kalistan has a bit of a reputation for insularity.  But opening these new avenues of trade, finance, and commerce has also given us the opportunity to send our students abroad to new places, to learn new things, and then to bring that information back to the Empire to improve quality of life here.  The students who have studied abroad not only took classes in the universities and colleges abroad, but also soaked up foreign cultures and acquired foreign tastes, and have brought those back to Kalistan to share with the rest of us.  And it goes without saying that that cultural infusion makes us richer as a people, both broader minded, and more appreciative of new tastes, ideas, and folkways.

TC:  Has His Imperial Majesty had the opportunity to sample the new cultural trends in the Empire?

FA:  Of course!  Take for instance Dovanian food.  Lourennais food has been with us for a long time.  But one hasn't lived until they have eaten Xsampan Momo or Thenthuk.  Not that there really is much mind blowing about the cuisine, but the techniques, the ingredients, the spice palates, they are all so foreign to what we are accustomed to in Kalistan.  And there is a Xsampan restaurant not two miles from Cliff House that we can order food from, started by a one time Xsampan refugee who decided to make Kaliburg his home, and a Kaliburg Imperial University Student who studied Xsampa and fell in love with yak and yoghurt.  Here is an example of not only a cross cultural cooperation, but also one which has increased economic activity in our city.  And that sort of thing has been happening nation wide, for years now.  It's a boom and a very exciting time to live in Kalistan.

TC:  What other ways has the aftermath of the war been good for Kalistan?

FA:  Your readers may not know this, but our Government is spending the peace dividend on improved social infrastructure within our cities.  Not only in Kaliburg, Port Swedes, and Eshar, where significant rebuilding needed to happen due to the destruction, but also in major cities like Sulari, Vrassa City and Yoshimi, we have really made an effort to make yet another concerted effort to upgrade our housing stock.  Before the war, we were seeing homelessness creeping up.  A lot of that was associated with the economic downturn we experienced pre-war, but there were other pressures as well.  Well, following the end of the war, we had a large population of demobilized veterans on our hands as well.  You don't just ask several hundred thousand men and women to go kill the fascists, then bring them back home, shake their hand and throw them out on the street.  A lot of these folks had enlisted for between four and six years.  And suddenly:  there is no war? 

Well, we found work for them by allowing them to continue their service helping those in our nation.  We had them build new housing units for relocating internal refugees, some 250,000 in all, as well as building lots of infrastructure to support those housing units.  And they built them quickly too.  You saw new suburbs spring up in Sulari, in Dana and Gendaris, in Nevaras City.  You name it:  The first homes, which were largely prefabricated, went up within two weeks of the chemical attacks.  They laid sewer pipes, water pipes, electric and fiberoptic cable lines, paved new roads, built new schools, new police and fire stations, new medical clinics and hospitals, then new libraries, new business structures, new bank branches etc etc.  All the services to service the services.  Within two years of the attacks, all the people were housed in new neighborhoods, and reconstruction on the older areas was well underway.

The result of course is that homelessness have been completely eradicated in Kalistan, which is a remarkable feat considering that the homeless rate pre-war was often as high as 1 family in 250 were housing insecure or unhoused.  Those days are completely over.  But we have also increased access to good quality and affordable housing too, by creating a glut in the market that drives prices down for everyone, except landlords, who regrettably for them, are not able to treat housing as a profitable industry any longer:  We should say that in and of itself has resulted in many properties being sold to the National Government, which we can then determine how we wish to utilize that housing as well.

In addition, it has increased access to medical and school facilities to all as well, easing over crowding, long commute and wait times (for Kalistan anyhow) and access to services.  We have been able to streamline our provision of service across the entire Empire, allowing people to better use their time and money for the things they want, rather than the things they used to need to pay for.  And in the process, we were able to create more civic beautification as well, making our cities cleaner, safer and more enjoyable to live in.

War, but more importantly peace, put all those things within our grasp, and has resulted in a noticeably improved quality of living for Kalistani Citizens.

TC:  Has this translated into cultural dividends for Kalistan?

FA:  We are seeing the beginnings of a return to an emphasis on Kalistani Culture as well.  Though our Cultural Minister stresses that as it returns, it may take on a decidedly international flavor for a while.  This is not a problem:  Now that needs are once again being provided for, it is natural for our people to seek diversion and entertainment.

TC:  Has the pivot away from Artanian and Majatran affairs to a more Anantonese Centered policy strained relations with those other countries?

FA:  We have recalled our Ambassador staffs from several Artanian and Majatran Nations as part of this general refocus of affairs, and the FM isn't even sure they have even noticed that we are gone.  We have not met with Artanian or Majatran diplomats in more than a decade, on any matter, so we aren't sure they are even still here either.  So be it:  This sort of neglect of Kalistan abroad is pretty de rigeur for foreign nations, especially those in Artania.  So we'll focus on Anantonese Nations.  We have a number of things to take care of closer to home anyhow.  We would like to still meet the governments in Vorona and Dalibor.  We need to name a new Viceroy for Gaduridos, as our cousin Lady Dana Ananto is ready to retire from public life.  And there is still the matter of Athosia that is still outstanding, which may never be resolved.  We would like to meet with anyone in our sphere, and would like to keep the focus in our region, where we can see a better consonance of interests.

TC:  Speaking of regional partners, how would His Imperial Majesty describe relations with local nations?

FA:  We would say we are on cordial terms with our neighbors.  There are always things that concern Kalistan about Artanian penetration into our region--We are seeing increasing efforts especially by Luthori and Dorvik to increase their presence in the Anantonese Region.  If we felt they were here with good intentions, we would also be open to working with them, but as it is, the motivation of those two nations is usually with the aim of increasing their own profile in a part of the world they don't really belong in, and so we view their overtures with our partners in Dolgava and Egelion with suspicion.  Trigunia, unfortunately, if far too chaotic for Kalistan to engage with at the moment, and it feels that Lourenne, Seko, Baltusia and Kiezenia are more on auto-pilot than anything.  Our best effort for really making improvement in relationships therefore is in Vorona, Dalibor, Egelion and Dolgava, and so this is our focus.

That said, we are also increasing our ties internally as well, with our Constituent Nations.  We wish to deepen existing investments and support in Gaduridos and work with Lodamun to improve cooperation on an number of both commercial and security related initiatives.  We have a unique relationship with these two nations due to our Imperial ties, and the barriers to deepening and expanding cooperation do not exist.

TC:  I thank His Imperial Majesty for speaking with me today.

FA:  It has been a pleasure.  Hopefully you will stay after the interview and have tea with us.  The Empress Consort has told us to ask.  And our Mother would like to join us if this ok.  It is her house, after all.

TC:  It would be an honor.

FA:  It is settled then.

@TheRepublic