Kalistan

[Doc]

Their Imperial Majesties condemn incarceration of Egelian Queen
"This is an affront to propriety" says Spokeswoman, reading statement
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 5, 5678


Lady Amber Dawson delivers Imperial Statement in support of Egelion

Reporters met the Spokeswoman for His and Her Imperial Majesties, Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Empress Jennifer I Ananto this afternoon for a brief statement concerning the continued incarceration of Queen Anastasia of Egelion by the government in Trigunia. She wanted to ensure that the statement was on the record, and read the short statement in full. Below is the transcription of the statement:

"From His and Her Imperial Majesties, Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto and Empress Jennifer I Ananto

We stand with the Royal Family of Egelion and our cousin, King Artemio Montelivet in demanding the release of the illegitimately incarcerated Queen Ananstasia of Egelion from house arrest in Trigunia. This act of seizing and incarcerating a Queen of a foreign Nation on bogus and trumped up charges is an affront to propriety in every sense of the word. We do not recognize the right of a foreign state to arrest, detain, or in anyway judge a sitting monarch of a foreign nation, much less a fictional nation that adheres to republicanism as a governing principle. The Government in Trigunia, as it constitutes itself 'Nadiya' has abandoned any and all sense of propriety and legitimacy in holding the Queen of Egelion hostage in a foreign state, and should be condemned by the world.

The Empire of Ananto and Kalistan will follow the lead of the Kingdom of Egelion in leveling appropriate sanctions against the Government in Trigunia. This will include whatever Egelion deems necessary to free the Queen and put her back at liberty. It is positively outrageous that that government would see it within its authority to violate international norms in this fashion. The Queen of Egelion must not be forced to condescend to the laws of a lesser state, nor should she expect to have her liberty reduced in any way, for any reason.

The Government in Trigunia is not officially recognized in Kalistan and therefore, we do not have the power to pull our diplomats from the country. We also do not regularly trade with Trigunia, nor do we encourage our Nationals to travel there. But if this is how the Government in Trigunia treats foreign monarchs, how much more horribly would they treat mere foreign nationals? We cannot say that those with no power will be treated better than a sitting and reigning Queen of a neighboring state.

We encourage every nation in the world who does do business with Trigunia to put a halt to that intercourse for the duration, to register protest against this horrific and abnormal act against the Kingdom of Egelion, and will work closely with Altea to enforce any and all reasonable and painful sanctions against Trigunia until they relent, release the Queen, and end this ridiculous sham of a republic once and for all."

Lady Amber Dawson did not take any questions following the statement.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

A New RF Wave is brewing
Vrassan post punk band Addishjah drops "Cocaine" on ARC
Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor
December 15, 5678


Addisjah's debut "Cocaine" combines RF, disco and Rock in hybrid melange

The band Addisjah, based in Port Swede, has dropped their debut titled Cocaine on ARC. This record isn't necessarily derivative of music released earlier this year (speaking primarily of Carly Kaye's KMI release In Dreams) because the two bands are contemporaries and were in the studio at roughly the same time. What is more interesting, in the way that two points make a line, the new release on ARC heralds in a new wave of electronic based music that draws heavily from older forms like disco, funk and RF, while also incorporating the more current Kaliburg Art rock aesthetics and lush production of that scene. This new wave of RF could possibly be described as a fourth wave, but it may be too early yet to call it that.

The six piece band, hailing from Port Swede, has evolved from their more underground punk rock roots. Bassist and founding member of Addisjah Carl Stuart said "Well, to be completely honest, our roots are in punk rock. At the beginning it was me, and Diana (Randal, the Lead Singer) and Brad (Mitchell, who plays rhythm guitar) we were just teenagers then. We didn't even have a drummer, and I played percussion on the bass to kind of fill in. We used to play clubs, we weren't making any money and so we decided that if we were really going to try to make money from music, we had better get a proper band. So we added my brother Frank, who plays lead, and Xeno, who is an awesome drummer. Brad still plays with us live, but he's more of a session dude now: He wanted to go to college, so on the record, Frank also plays rhythm now. Xeno brought in Gene Hammar, who plays keyboards, and that kind of moved us from the gritty street punks who were strung out on heroin half the time into a more club and dance oriented sound. Gene also introduced us to his friend Cocaine, which, obviously, inspired us quite a bit. It's easier to play fast when you aren't laying around the house all day."

Over the next couple years, Addisjah played clubs in Vrassa and Odufaray, and started building a following, and started writing punk influenced dance songs. They met Carly Kaye late in 5677 during a split show in Kaliburg, and were impressed with her talent. "Oh well, yeah, Carly Kaye definitely opened a door for us," said lead singer Diana Randal, of Port Swedes. "We totally know her. We split a bill with her in Kaliburg last year, when we opened for her at this one club. We got along alright, considering our different backgrounds. For instance, she doesn't use drugs, and well, we all do. But I would definitely say that her success earlier this year kind of tuned people into the club music we were also doing. It's quite similar, really high tempo, bass and rhythm driven music that is meant to get people moving on the dance floor. it's not rock, because its way more danceable, but it isn't really pop and b either. It's its own thing. It more influenced by RF and punk than R&B."

Fans also seem to absolutely love it. The lead single, "Tonight" is both in the same kind of RF synth vein as "Love" by Carly Kaye, and it instantly shot to the top of the Singles Chart, duplicating the feat accomplished earlier this year by their Kaliburg contemporary. "There definitely seems to be a new sound that is the zeitgeist right now," said album critic Michelle Mickleson, of Kalistani Rawk Monthly.

"Addisjah's album is appropriately named Cocaine: It seems that a lot of this new wave of RF is definitely being driven by that highpowered stimulant," explained Mickleson. "Its pretty hedonistic, and that is reflected in the types of drugs you are seeing being used more at RF clubs, as well as the lyrics which focus on very sensual things, very tactile. This music, if you dance to it, will make you sweat, like you just got done doing a lot of cocaine. Your heart races, your senses are heightened, you feel great in the moment, and then when you wake up the next morning, you feel like sh-t. Addisjah has captured that feeling precisely with this album, and I think we're gonna hear a lot more synth driven high tempo dance music like this for a while."

For Addisjah's part, they were both surprised and not surprised by their success. "I mean: we spend our time in clubs, either we are doing shows or we are dancing" said Randal. "We know what gets people moving: I was in a club in Swedeport and I saw how the Dancefloor just got packed when the DJ put Carly's 'Love' on. From that first fade in, the floor was packed. We were doing that kind of music too, and when she blew up, ARC picked us up immediately. Our record took 3 months to make from start to finish: We came in and they were like 'You have too much guitar here, we need to boost this bassline. Trust us this will sell,' so we listened to our producer, (ARC's Dante Smith) and yeah, now we're famous..."

When asked if any cocaine was consumed in the making of this record she laughed, and said "No. We did this entire record stone sober. What do you think?" She then added, "All of it. We used all the cocaine. That was about a tenth of the record's budget."

The album, which is full of very danceable, very high tempo, nearly all synth driven RF and disco song, hit Number 5 in its debut Week, and looks to continue climbing into the new year. Meanwhile, labels are now starting to scour the clubs for bands that are switching to this new sound in the wake of Kaye's success earlier this year. Meanwhile, the first single from Cocaine debuted at Number 1 on the Radio 1 singles Chart, and at least two more singles are planned for January. You can check out both the official video for the Single "Tonight" and also the extended mix which was released on streaming services to promote the song to Clubs right here.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_WLw_0DFQQ]
Addisjah's "Tonight" from their Debut Album Cocaine on ARC

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQ8w1Sj8rLM]
The extended mix of Addisjah's "Tonight"

@KalistaniRawkMonthly

[Doc]

Kalistani News in Brief: Kaliburg congratulates Rildanor and Trigunia
Coffee purchases from Gaduridos to increase; Addisjah scores its second Number 1
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 8th, 5679


Addisjah, seen here in Sulari in January, hits Number 1 again for its single "Dreaming is Free"

Kaliburg congratulates Rildanor and Trigunia
Their Imperial Majesties' Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Henry Greene, spoke with reporters where he congratulated the Government of Rildanor for resolving their territorial disputes with Meriath. "The historic referendum, accord and reforms we are seeing in Rildanor are very positive, and allows us a measure of optimism in rebuilding our relations with that nation." Greene said that the Foreign Ministry is preparing to extend recognition to Rildanor in light of its improvement in relations with Meriath following the democratic resolution of the tensions that led to the separation of Meriath from the Mainland. "This is a positive development for all of Seleya," Greene said.

He also issued comment on the release of the Egelion Queen from unlawful detention in Trigunia. "We also want to congratulate the Government in Trigunia for doing the bare minimum in the realm of correct relations between two sovereign nations. They will say that their acquittal of the Queen on the most serious charges they had fabricated against her had nothing to do with the diplomatic pressure applied by Egelion and Kalistan: the timing of the decision was pretty telling. We cannot however take credit for any of that, because there is no evidence that Trigunia even acknowledges the existence of the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, so this victory goes to Egelion alone, as do all the negative things their Government said about the influence of foreign governments. That's not our concern: We are more concerned to encourage that Government, which has made a single solitary good decision in a long string of very completely incoherent decisions going back decades. We want to say, 'Good Work on stopping doing something you never should have done in the first place. Permitting the Queen to return home to her family would be an excellent next step.' Let's see if they will take it. Somehow I doubt they will."

The Foreign Minister said Kalistan remains committed to supporting Egelion in whatever steps it wants to take in addressing its grievances against the Government in Trigunia.

Coffee purchases from Gaduridos to increase
Their Imperial Majesties' Minister for Trade Melanie Boone announced that the Empire has increased purchases of Gaduri Coffee by another 15%, and other Gaduri production by 10%. "It's not really imports so to speak," said Ms. Boone, "as Gaduridos and Kalistan have integrated economies due to our relationship in the Anantonese Empire. But this is complementary production that Gaduridos produces that Kalistan does not compete with. Gaduri coffee is in high demand in Kalistan, and since Her Excellency, the Viceroy of Gaduridos Anantonia Alvarez-Urquizo took over, we have been working very closely with her and with the Government of Gaduridos to support them through trade."

The trade deals with Gaduridos signal the start of a new round of imports which aim at bolstering several sectors of the Gaduri economy. "Kalistanis love foreign products especially: They treat them as luxuries. So Gaduridos offers this, but without any of the barriers that exist between the Empire and other nations in the region, which may have free trade agreements, but aren't as integrated into the Kalistani supply and demand chains as Gaduridos is. Our consumers stand to benefit from the products made in Gaduridos and their manufacturers and workers benefit from Kalistani consumer demands. We are also planning to increase purchases of fruits and produce, fish, textiles, sugar, steel and automobile parts by an additional 10 percent this year, which will be a major boon for Gaduri producers."

Addisjah scores its second Number 1
The second single from Addisjah's debut album Cocaine from ARC has gone to Number 1 on the Radio 1 Singles chart. "Dreaming is Free" is a synth drenched love song about falling in love when you have no money. "This single was one of the first songs we ever wrote and so it's closer to our roots than the first one [last December's Number 1 "Tonight"]," said lead singer Diana Randal. "It still utilizes synthesizers, but its less club oriented, and a bit closer to punk." The song indeed is a departure from the new wave of RF that seems to be sweeping Kalistan at the moment, in that there is no "4 on the floor" driving bass beat, nor is it really inspired by disco. "So the strategy is: get something out there that sounds like what's popular as a gate way to the record, which has our other music on it."

"I did buy the record based on 'Tonight'," said fan Kelly Zacharias. "That song was so addictive, but there is also a lot of really just good music on the record. So I can go to a club and hear 'Tonight', but I am more into alternative too, and RF is just what I listen to when I want to go out and dance, but when I'm listening to Addisjah in my own bedroom, I am also listening to songs like 'Dreaming is Free'. This band is pretty cool in that they can bring these styles together." The song itself was released in early January, and debuted at Number 14, but made the climb up the charts as people adjusted their expectations of the band and its sound to include what Zacharias described as "just really solid, really fun music."

The video for the song, which you can watch below, was recorded at a RF club, "City Lights" in Lolla. "We were obviously intoxicated when we made the video," said Randal. "Everyone there was. It was a lot of fun, let me tell you. We did the whole video in like three takes, and the crowd was really into it too. I don't remember a lot about that night, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out."

Check out Addisjah's second single from their ARC release Cocaine, called "Dreaming is Free" right here.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU3-lS_Gryk]

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Chancellor says Kalistan is "watching" Xsampa-Beiteynu summit
Unofficial reports suggest something "untoward is afoot"
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
July 3, 5679


Chancellor of the Empire Ericka Donahue speaks about Xsampan-Beiteynese Summit in Tel Bira

Chancellor of the Empire, Lady Ericka Donahue spoke with reporters this afternoon about the ongoing summit between representatives of the Democratic Republic of Xsampa and the City State of Tel Bira, who appears to be speaking for whatever is left of Beiteynu.

"It would seem that there is something untoward afoot in the Nisrads," said Lady Donahue. "It is really difficult to figure out what exactly is being asked for between the two sides, but as it stands right now, the offers that are on the table would not be supported by Kalistan." She avoided comments about ideology, but did say "Kalistan has ignored a lot of ideological points in our association with Xsampa. But closer ties, or one may even go so far as to say a deeper sort of commercial and economic integration between Xsampa and Beiteynu would be problematic for Xsampan-Kalistani relations."

The Chancellor avoided discussing specifics, saying she would not comment more specifically on negotiations that are still ongoing. "Their Imperial Majesties, however, feel that it is important to send a signal: We are encouraging our Dovani friends to not get out too far ahead of their skis and remember who has stood with them for decades, and who has not. We understand the attraction of short term gains, but selling your soul to users of weapons of mass destruction is not worth whatever they intend to gain for their part of the deal."

The comments led to rampant speculation about what the Chancellor could possibly be referring to. Foreign policy wonks combed through pages of the very limited publicly released notes but were not able to ascertain any information that signaled any what either the Xsampans or the Beiteynese are seeking out of the summit. What is known is that there is a meeting, it is currently taking place in Tel Bira, it is called the Shar-Mearvi Conference, and it is supposedly about a final peace settlement between the two nations.

"But we are fairly certain there is more to it than that," said Lady Donahue. "We have read that there are loud protests in Metz-Leonid, and we do agree with their calls. The Xsampan people understand that there is something that doesn't seem correct. If the people of Xsampa are protesting it, this is something others need to pay attention to as well. The Premier of Xsampa said explicitly that the decisions in the Conference will be 'controversial'. And anything secret associated with Beiteynu is automatically suspect. Our Red Flags are going up, and whatever Xsampa wants out of the deal, it will not come without a price that is probably too high for Xsampa to pay without losing its soul."

Lady Donahue added, "Xsampa is a sovereign nation, and can make whatever deals it likes, as all sovereign nations can. But of course if Xsampa makes a bad deal, by which we mean, one that undermines Kalistani interests, the consequences from Kalistan will be fairly predictable. If Xsampa values Kalistani trade, handing over too much power on any level to Beiteynu, who bombed their capital, and who handed Kundrati the technology used to attack our Cities with chemical weaponry will undermine that relationship. It is Xsampa's choice one way or another. We are hoping that Xsampa will toss whatever Beiteynu offers in the trash until they resolve the longstanding issues and fix themselves once and for all."

The Chancellor did not take any questions, but explicitly said "No Comment" when asked why the Empire still has trade deals with communists in Xsampa.

@TheRepublic

[GreekIdiot]

Amudim
Kalistani Chancellor and media rather "confused", responds Sholemberg's Bureau of Foreign Affairs
July 5679 (Backdated)
https://forum.prtcy.com/thread-3-post-9787.html#pid9787

[Doc]

Kalistan Orders diplomats recalled from Xsampa
Closeness with Beiteynu is issue, says His Imperial Majesty
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 1, 5679


His Imperial Majesty Addresses National Assembly on Xsampa

His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick IV Ananto announced that Kalistani diplomats and trade reps have been pulled from the Democratic Republic of Xsampa following public announcement at the conclusion of the Shar-Mearvi Conference. "We had made our position clear in regards to any deals made between Xsampa and Beiteynu, also known in some places as Amudim," said His Imperial Majesty. "The conclusion of the conference, if the Xsampan Communist regime is to be believed, has Xsampa taking over actual territory in Beiteynu and a full integration of Xsampa into the Beiteynese security and economic networks, including the 3 Three Point Federation and the Migrant Accords. We believe our opposition to these agreements are in line with our regional Partners, and Xsampa's accession to these agreements represent a major victory in the cause of rehabilitating the state of Beiteynu, despite its mutual administration by several states."

The Emperor noted that the rehabilitation of Beiteynu represents a reversal of the long standing policy of containment of the city states in the former state of Beiteynu which was broken up in order to prevent this state from attempting to restore its previous power position. "We cannot forget that before it was dismantled, Beiteynu not only controlled significant portions of the world's economy and finance, and bent those structures to serve its own aims, but it also possessed and actively proliferated weapons of mass destruction, which it used against Xsampa, and which it gave to Kundrati as it apologized for concentration camps in that nation, and who then used those weapons against Kalistan. The grievances have not been resolved between our two countries, and we still feel that Beiteynu has the capacity and the desire to reobtain these weapons to cynically use them once more."

His Imperial Majesty also noted that His Foreign Minister had taken an appointment with their Xsampan counterparts and informed them that Xsampan Officials had five business days to evacuate the country or they would be detained and expelled. "We wanted to communicate to the Xsampans that the matter is not personal, and their invitation to leave the nation is a courtesy, but their Government's policies toward Beiteynu have created this rift. Kalistan can no longer be associated with a nation that invites the wolves into the flock. This is an entirely unforced error on the part of the Xsampan Government: they believe that their little land grab in Majatra, which really has no historical motivation at all provides them an equal trade off with Beiteynu, but it is clear that both Beiteynu and their partners in the Triad have taken advantage of Xsampa: A small portion of land in the coast of Majatra is in no way equal to the immense leverage that Xsampa provides with unfettered economic access to Dovani and military alliance with known proliferators of Weapons of mass destruction."

The Emperor also saved some words for Narikaton and Darnussia as well: "We should also note that Narkiaton and Darnussia continued trading with Kundrati during the war, in violation of Kalistan's embargo. We relied on states of good will to hold up the embargo, and Narikaton and Darnussia willingly and flagrantly violated that embargo for their own profit. The fact that they were now party to this deal with Xsampa demonstrates their cynicism, which is driven by profit and amorality. This is a bad deal all around. and unfortunately the nation which is going to take the most incoming fire for this is the nation we were convinced acted with ethics at the center of their policy, the Republic of Xsampa."

The Assembly listened respectfully to the Emperor's speech. Following his departure, a bill ending the longstanding trade agreements between Kalistan and Xsampa was read out in the Assembly and was immediately assigned to the Trade Committee for consideration and testimony.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Kalistani 1st Regular Fleet Placed on Alert
"Coup in Kizenia represents threat to regional security", says Defense Minister
Bozo River, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 17, 5679


1st Regular Fleet's KRS 129 Destroyer is part of task Force dispatched to North Anantonese Ocean

The Coup in Kizenia two days ago has raised alarms in Kalburg. Their Imperial Majesties' Defense Minister, Major Morris Grant has ordered The 1st Regular Fleet to make weigh for the North Anantonese Ocean. "We have placed the First Regular Fleet on full alert following the recent golpe in Kizenia," said the Defense Minister. "This is a precaution: Kalistan is not the target of this strike against the legitimate government of Kizenia, nor, despite its proximity to the Anantonese Empire, is Kalistani National territory a target. We do have fairly considerable business dealings, primarily in terms of import and export operations, tourism, transportation, and shipping, most especially along the southern Anantonese facing coast, and so we want to make sure that Kalistani property and our expatriate community in southern Keris remains safe and secure as Kizenia sorts its government out and restores legitimate, civilian government as soon as possible."

The Defense Minister stated that the Navy will assist in any repatriation and evacuation efforts that may be launched should Kalistani Nationals and Kizenian refugees seek to leave the state. "All Kalistani Nationals and those from Kizenia who wish to evacuate the nation should make their way to the Kalistani Embassy or various consular offices in the Kingdom of Egelion. The Government of Kalistan will certainly facilitate the repatriation of all Kalistani nationals and will expedite any asylum claims from Kizenian citizens who wish to come to Kalistan to sit the crisis out."

The entire 1st Regular Fleet will take up stations along all shipping lanes in the region and just inside international waters off the southern coast of Kizenia to make our presence known. "We also will assist any loyal forces of Kizenia's military who does not support the overthrow of the Government in any way we can without directly intervening in the crisis," said Major Grant. "Kalistan will not interfere here in the current situation. We will reserve the right to change this policy, should things change. But as of right at this moment, we are observing." IBSI is reportedly also monitoring the situation and is providing regular updates to both Their Imperial Majesties and the principles in their Government.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

Democracy Comes to Kalistan... sorta
Pollsters ask Kalistani Citizens to weigh in on Foreign Affairs
Sulari, Grand Duchy of Suldanor
November 1, 5679


Informal Pollsters fanned out across the Empire to ask Kalistanis their opinions on World Affairs

The fifteen democrats in Kalistan are celebrating today with the rise of Kalistani Democracy... sorta. Public opinion polling is a fairly common occurrence in the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan, and the public is pretty used to being asked by pollsters any number of questions at any time. It is almost a given that if people are out and about in public, as most people are much of the year, they will be approached by people running polls on everything from consumer tastes to opinion on policy, and everything in between. It is such a common event, that code has developed so that pollsters can be easily dispatched by would be respondents with a simple phrase: "I'm busy right now," is universally acknowledged by Kalistanis as a sign for pollsters to go bother someone else. But most have built poll responding into their social schedules. If you're a little late to some event, a common excuse was that you were stopped by a pollster.

A necessary evil, to be sure, but it is one of the primary way for Kalistani citizens to provide feedback to distant officials, producers, and social institutions which they are often separated from both physically and conceptually. Responding to public polls helps policy makers craft popular policies, not just legal ones, producers create new and exciting products, rather than just functional ones, and social movements direct their energy in ways that will attract participants, rather than just news coverage. It's a form of direct democracy which has risen to fill the vacuum left by meaningless elections and planned national economic decisions. And its surprisingly effective: Social science research shows that, in Kalistan at least, politicians, social leaders and producers in both the public and private sector are surprisingly responsive to public opinion polling results, and there is also a high level of trust that responses to public polls leads to policy change in directions that are popular.

So it is no surprise that the Kalistani public has been asked about the recent developments around the Xsampa-Beiteynese Summit, and the aftermath. A recent poll, commissioned by The Kalistani Republic showed that the people of Kalistan generally are surprised by Xsampa's moves, but the frustration of Kalistan's people is exacerbated by the fact that Xsampa is a communist nation. "We are learning from the people that the antipathy recently expressed in a gaffe by the Chancellor is more widespread than just the Chancellor's statement in a heated exchange," said poll researcher Michelle Estevez, of the University of Suldanor. "Kalistanis do not understand why Kalistan has so eagerly associated with communists, and feel that the break should probably have happened sooner so Kalistan can distance itself from Dovani communists."

Most Kalistanis understand that the relationship was born of humanitarianism. "There are a surprising number of people who know the history of Kalistan-Xsampa relations," said Estevez. "They know about Beiteynu's unprovoked and demonic nuclear attacks against the capital, and would still support humanitarian aid to even the communist government in Xsampa were Beiteynu to deploy their nuclear arsenal again against Xsampa. They also understand that Kalistan's continued relationship with Xsampa has a lot to do with the fact that Kalistan also suffered destruction from weapons that were at least partially Beiteynese design. The trouble most respondents have is understanding how Xsampa could just overlook both the destruction Beiteynu created, actively rehab them and re-legitimize them on the international scene, for comparatively no real gain on the Xsampan side of that equation."

Estevez said Kalistanis also were baffled by the developing communist-capitalist alliance between Xsampa and Beiteynu. "They call it Amudim, we get that," said Estevez. "But Amudim is just Beiteynu with a thin mask. Just because Narikaton has occupied that nation for decades doesn't mean they will act differently than they did before. Beiteynu was well known for pushing its tentacles into many areas of international affairs: whether it be finance, diplomacy, or commerce. Beiteynu, whether it is a sovereign entity, or it is being puppeted by Narkiaton, has not changed its stripes. Kalistanis understand that Beiteynu is just as crass and cynical as it always was, is bent on its own benefit to the exclusion of its partners, and is a dangerous entity. Kalistanis don't understand why, when Xsampa and the world joined together to cage that wild cat, which is dangerous, unpredictable and acts for evil at every opportunity, why Xsampa is now enthusiastically and deliberately working with the laissez faire aberration known as Narikaton and Darnussia, to destroy the cage which has kept the world safe from that menace for decades?"

The poll results of this study weren't all negative. Kalistanis noted that they admired Narikaton for its imperialism. "Kalistanis were, across the board legitimately impressed by the ability that Narikaton had to actually be the imperialists that Kalistan could only aspire to be," said Estevez. "While Kalistan has been stupidly and wrongly locked out of Athosia for centuries, Narikaton has had ssemingly no problem invading, forceably annexing, and apparently fully integrating most of the former nation of Beiteynu into their own little Empire. The Nisrads will claim they are independent and sovereign, and though that doesn't match the reality on the ground, Narikaton is also given high marks for propaganda and their ability to easily maintain that fiction in the minds of the world's population. Kalistanis admire the brashness of their turpitude, and express a desire for the Anantonese Emperors to adopt a measure of that to finally reunite our own Empire."

Kalistanis also admire Narikaton beer, which is apparently imported by private distributors direct from the Triad. "More than 46% of Kalistanis say they drink Narikaton beer," said Estevez. "This is a surprising statistic, but it seems to be robust: Narikaton beer is known to be so low in alcohol content that a person can actually stay hydrated with Narik beer, and never be too intoxicated to function. Children often sample Narik beer as young as 5 when parents decide to start inuring their kids to the effects of alcohol. Others consider the flavor mild and somewhat refreshing, while some claim it actually improves energy and focus, as opposed to the opposite known effects of regular beer. It is considered safer to drink than a lot of sweetened drinks, and rivals bottled water in middle class households. Working class individuals, who actually prefer stronger drink, will actually prefer watered down Kalistani beer to Narik beer."

Kalistanis however also note that they won't use other products because Narikaton actively traded with Kundrati during the war. "The amount of money that nation made off of human suffering is incalculable," said Estevez. "Kalistanis remember this: they are regularly reminded of it. And consequently, this affects Kalistani and Narikatonian trade. The people of Kalistan, for the most part, practice an ongoing informal boycott against almost all Triad products, excepting beer, of course. While this wouldn't be an issue normally, the country that represents itself as a commercial empire that has wealth accumulation as its central guiding rai·son d'ê·tre, failing to sell to a market like Kalistan's represents a significant failing for the Triad. It is unclear what they could do to change the image of Narik products as being associated with the blood and suffering of both Kundratis, and also Kalistanis--That does seem to the be common opinion of all products associated with the Triad, even the beer, which is mockingly called 'Blood Beer' in Kalistan. But it is clear, at least to our poll respondents, that Narikaton is not even trying to improve that image." Kalistanis also site poor quality in general of products made in Narikaton and Darnussia, and prefer to buy Gaduri and Seleyan products for lower quality Artanian products.

Kalistanis cautioned against wading too deeply into the crisis however. "Most Kalistanis believe that 'Amudim' is a façade state, a new rebranding for a dormant Beiteynu" said Estevez. "But Kalistan should not involve itself in Red Bass affairs, or Migrant Pass affairs at all. Kalistanis are tired of conflict on the other side of the planet. They deem any blood or treasure expended on trying to maintain influence or even a place in the Red Bass to be a complete waste, as in not worth it. One common sentiment expressed is that nations in that part of the world are perennial basket cases, as chaotic and aimless as Northern Seleya is stable. Kalistanis also tend to prefer to support nations like Lodamun who do have legitimate interests in that region, and if Kalistan has to squander money dealing with the nonsense from that region of the world, it would rather send the money to Lodamun, a nation that Kalistanis feel will correctly and adequately represent a larger Northern Seleyan outlook with means and capacity."

Estevez said that the people of Kalistan understand that the rehabilitation of Beiteynu by Xsampa has sent political and diplomatic earthquakes throughout the world. "Kalistanis demonstrate that they are becomming more conservative in response to these changes. More than 8 out of 10 report they desire more stability and regularity in international affairs, a number that is up from a year ago. But more importantly, a growing number, 35% said they would favor international institutions capable of containing rising threats like Beiteynu and their partners in nihilism in Narikaton, and would want Kalistan to both actively contribute and participate in those institutions designed to protect the world order from these chaos agents. It also bears note that 39 percent of Kalistanis view fascism and communism to be equal threats to Kalistan, and feel that Kalistan should begin distancing itself from Communists the same way they do toward fascists. This number is up a full 7 percent from a year ago. Support for capitalism, especially the sort of laissez faire capitalism practiced in Narikaton, is in the low single digits, just above the margin of error."

@LaModa

[Doc]

Foreign Minister to fly to Altea to discuss Kizenia with Egelion
"We have mutual interests in keeping this matter contained," said FM Greene
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 14, 5679


FM Greene departs to discuss Kerisian affairs

Their Imperial Majesties Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Mr. Henry Greene was dispatched to Altea this week to discuss the deteriorating situation in Kizenia.  Before departing Kaliburg, the Foreign Minister discussed the trip with reporters.  "

"Both Egelion and Kalistan have what I believe to be mutually shared interests in stability in Keris, and the coup in Kizenia undermines stability.  Egelion has sent the appropriate signals to show their concern too, and therefore it is important that our to nations coordinate our response."

The Foreign Minister said he is going to Altea to get a better read on Egelian policy, and to propose ways Kalistan can support stabilization efforts in Keris.  "Kalistan is directly involved in anything that happens in a nation that faces the Anantonese Ocean.  But Egelion is logistically in a far better position to address any security crises in the continent itself, so Kalistan's position at this moment is to offer our support for their efforts, to encourage them to continue to take the collapse of legitimate government in Kizenia seriously, and to ensure that nothing either of our two nations do causes alarm in the other country."

The Foreign Minister confirmed reports that the 1st Regular Navy remains on alert in the North Anantonese Ocean, repatriation of Kalistani Citizens remain ongoing from Kizenia, though at a very slow pace, and Army Group North has been ordered onto 48 Hour Alert in case they are needed to support the Naval operations .  "We are ready to go.  Currently, the Kalistani expatriate community in Southern Kizenia is concentrated primarily in the southern cities of Luncasi and Deltabor.  In Luncasi, which is a border city with Dolgava, Kalistanis were working with local authority to begin to develop port infrastructure in the city to greatly increase commerce between Seleya and Kizenia, but obviously this has been put on hold for the moment, and the considerable investment of Kalistani commercial investors is frozen in the town until the crisis in government is resolved." 

The meetings between Kalistan and Egelion demonstrate a continuing move toward consonance between Kalistan and its northern neighbor.  "We find ourselves in agreement with Egelion more often these days, whether it be the illegal detention of the Egelian Queen in Trigunia, or the horrific deal made by Xsampa and Beiteynu.  Restoration of the Monarchy in Kizenia and return to stability in Keris is obviously something we will also agree upon as well, and so this conversation is expected to be substantial and constructive."

The Foreign Minister is expected to be in Altea for a week to hold meetings, and will likely be joined as needed by other members of Their Imperial Majesties' Government as required.  It is also likely that the Foreign Minister will bring an official correspondence for King Artemio and Queen Anastasia from Their Imperial Majesties, pertaining to statements of fraternity and comity, though it is unclear if the Queen will have returned from Nadiya yet by this time.

@TheRepublic

[Doc]

New Music: Kalistani New Wave Strikes again as Luthori arrives in Kaliburg
Anne Jean also releases "most accessible" album to date
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 28, 5679


Luthorian New Wave of RF band Moratorium hits number 1 on Album Charts

The Kalistani New Wave of RF scores another major hit as Luthorian synth pop band Moratorium lands their debut record "64 Hour Night" at Number 1 on the Kalistani Album Chart. Anchored by singles like "I Couldn't Get Away" and their follow up single "Falling in Love", the album sold more copies than any other record available this week. New Wave tracks have made it to the top of the singles chart, but the album by the Luthorian synthpop quartet is the first New Wave RF record to reach the top of the far more important album Charts.

"We felt it was important to make this record in Kalistan of all places," said lead singer and the band's primary song writer Martin McGough. "Kalistanis understand this, but I honestly don't think we'd get anywhere if we stayed at home, so we relocated to Kaliburg to make records, and I guess it was a smart move. This is what is happening in Kalistan now. Its the center of the music world, and if we're gonna be part of that, this is where we need to be."

The record also represents a slight departure from the til now female dominated New Wave of RF sound. Critics note that Moratorium is following Addisjah down the romantic track, rather than singing a more highly sexualized RF. "This is certainly a newer trend in the genre," said Collin Wettstein, for Kalistani Rawk Monthly. "The Kalistani New Wave of RF is certainly more subdued with regard to the lyrical themes in the songs compared to older waves. Moritorium certainly personifies that, as have Addisjah, and Carly Kaye. It seems to be the direction that RF is taking: with emphasis on the techno part, and less on the hypersexualization of past waves."

Others have noted that RF is a bit closer aligned to alternative than strictly electronica. "Well, we were really attracted to the Kaliburg art rock underground scene to start off," said McGough. "It is undeniably rock based, with a lot of orchestration. We can do the orchestration with our synthesizers, but we would say people like Anne jean is certainly a great influence for our own music, and we definitely would consider ourselves more of an alternative rock that is dipping into New Wave than a dance band that is playing guitars. I think that is the difference. A pretty major one."

Incidently, also out this week is Anne Jean's third album, her eponymous LP Anne Jean, also released on KMI. As if there is some consolidation of the two scenes, Jean's newest album is considered both her most accessable and more electronic album of her career. "On this record, of course, I am also working with the popular music trends I am hearing," said Jean from her home in Kaliburg. "Synthesizers, sequencers, and electronic drums seem to be very popular, and my music is my music. The instruments are really the medium of communication the music which is kind of its own language. It really don't matter if I use cellos or a keyboard to say the same thing: What matters is that it gets said."

Her lead off single, "Soft Sights" is almost exclusively electronic but retains its art rock credibility without dipping into RF. "I did keep some of my crunchiest guitars on this song," said Jean. "The fuzz is, I think I can describe it as fuzzed itself. It sounds so trashy and grungy. Its definitely one of my favorite sounds on the record." Jean also has very wet vocal production and synthesized orchestration that makes the song sound huge. But the record still keeps plenty of its weirdness and artistry, and still has some of the noisiest guitars in Kalistani music right now.

The two major releases represent the two poles of Kalistani music that is popular at the moment. As if serendipitously predicted, both artists are scheduled to play back to back at Kaliburg's New Years Eve Concert later this week: Moritorium as part of a New Wave showcase, and Anne Jean as the Headlining musician. "I really want to meet those blokes, if I can say that, those blokes from Luthori," said Jean. "I really like their chord progressions and I want to let them know that I really think they make very pretty music."

You can check out both new singles here. The first from Luthorian New Wave musicians Moritorium, from the Number 1 Album 64 Hour Night "Falling in Love" and the second, the lead single "Soft Sights" from Anne Jean on her just released album Anne Jean. Both albums were released on KMI in Kaliburg.

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOK3rqVgN2I]
Moritorium's "Falling in Love," their second single from the Album 64 Hour Night

[Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyWIhxhwR14]
Anne Jean's "Soft Sights" from her brand new Art Rock album Anne Jean