Vardic News Media

[Vayinaod]

Aftenposten

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Carita Falk Leads Polls by 30 Point Margin

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Nyetthem, Vayinaod
July 14th, 08:32 GMT +2:15

Carita Falk's lead in the polls has held consistent as Speaker Firoux's hairline. with her approval ratings still in the high 60s, low 70s, and now her electoral polls having her with an easy 65% victory margin.

Many attribute this to her own mantra of being a "pragmatic Europhile" in the vein of EU politicians such as Speaker Firoux. Her activity in the EU Council in maintaining consistent beliefs and voting dogma has the support of many Vards.

The real question of the campaign remains who will succeed in obtaining second place? The Liberals have officially nominated Diana Voll, currently the Storting Member for Havic East, who has struggled to get a message out that has not been hampered by the actions of ELDR-related politicians in Europolis and other EU nations. Voll's campaign initially relied on her relation to the upstart political group that took Europe by storm but has since started to distance herself due to the negativity publicity the group has received in the eyes of many vards.

Writing about upstarts, you need to include the Democrat's nominee Ari Ovesen, mayor of Ericsund, who has been sponsored by local MEGA elements who has embraced all the aspects of his group's issues. "I'm Vardic first, and European second but European is not a bad thing. Losing is." seems to be the primarily campaign mantra to the campaign which has resonated for a small group of vards.

With Voll and Ovesen fighting getting recognition among the greater Vardic population, Carita Falk has managed to keep a clean campaign with focuses on getting a 'consistent and standardised Europe' as a main goal. With just under two weeks to go, most political analysts do not expect any major changes to the polling and that Carita Falk will coast to an easy victory for a full four year term to the European Council.

[Vayinaod]

Aftenposten

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Carita Falk Secures Reelection with 66% of voters: Speaker Edward Firoux named Vogue Varda's Sexiest Man Alive

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Nyetthem, Vayinaod
July 27th, 02:32 GMT +2:15

Pollsters around Vayinaod sighed with relief as Carita Falk secured her reelection to the European Council within the expected margins weeks of polling showed. Carita Falk secured 66% of the vote in the first round of voting, negating the need for additional automatic rounds as provided by the Alternate Vote voting system employed for the council election.

The campaign from all sides was noted for a general quietness compared to the election for the Storting only a few months prior. It should be noted that the Storting election occured during the initially scheduled period for the council election, and many attribute the quietness to most parties wishing to avoid getting their campaign operations going once more just for a relatively dark horse campaign against the popular incumbent.

This election secures the Vardic councillor to the EU as an independent office, the issue of which caused the snap elections for the Storting months prior which allowed Carita Falk's Green party to take hold with the Archkonsulship. While some agree that Archkonsul Nylund's coattails, the popularity Cllr. Falk has managed to hold since Vayinaod joined the European Union is the main driving factor.

A popularity that goes into her colleagues as well, even though they have disagreed multiple times, Speaker Edward Firoux still came out for a massive round of polling the day prior and day of the vote. One Falk Campaign staffer out of Nordsyen noted an increased presence at the polling line for Falk supporters. To the point that Falk nearly tied in the city with Ari Ovesen, the MEGA-sponsored candidate.

In a slight surprise, Diana Voll came in second with 17% of the vote compared to Avi Ovesen's 15%. Some attribute this to lower turnout in the Elysrake river valley without Dragan Tyrmpov coming out to support his brands candidate, meanwhile Diana Voll saw support from multiple prominent ELDR candidates who may have hurt her respectability amongst the wider electorate but still gave her the push to reach second which is a major feat for the relatively small Liberal party.

Meanwhile Vogue Varda announced on Saturday, coincidentally with Edward Firoux's campaign stops in Nyetthem, that Edward Firoux was to be named the Sexiest Foreign Man alive for 2020, with the fashion magazine promising up to 1.5 Million Krones split among any number of charities of his choice.

[Vayinaod]

Dagens Nyheter

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Mars on the Horizon!

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Midtenskov, Fremet
July 30th, 1340 GMT +0

The VRA and FLR, the space agencies for Vayinaod and Fremet respectively, successfully conducted the launch of their joint Mars orbiter and rover project. After failing to launch the project during the last transfer window nearly three years ago, the VRA and FLR successfully utilized a modified version of the Chariot B launch system to send the Mars Imaging, Reconnaissance, Atmospheric (MIRA) Orbiter, and the rover named Eftirför.

After three years to refine the payload moreso, along with additional stress testing, the VRA and FLR were 'blown away' by the near perfect launch today from the Midtenskov Space Port. The only issue being a short lived delay due to weather.

MIRA and Eftirför will work together to uncover the Martian capacity presenting to support life, the possible capacity it had in the past, and what it would be required to potentially terraform the planet by extension. MIRA will remain first capture itself into Martian orbit before imaging the planet to select the best site for the rover to land.

Both space probes were a joint effort by the FLR and VRA, however the FLR took the lead on MIRA while the VRA handled the design of the Eftirför . Both probes contain instruments, and design choices from each partner agency, and each provided equal levels of funding for the project collectively known as 'Mars One'.

Their current orbital trajectory has their planned Mars encounter sometime in February.

[Vayinaod]

Aftenposten

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Head of Air Corps Acquisition Admits Corruption over F-12 Upgrade Program

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Nyetthem, Vayinaod
July 30th, 10:32 GMT +2:15

Major General Max Karstensen, Commander of the Air Corps' Air Material and Test Command, admitted today that the Air Corps' acquisition program for the F-12 Midlife upgrades and overhauls was flawed and filled with corruption. He noted particularly internal push-back against the F/A-19 proposal from Kron Industries which only began a trainer and demo aircraft for the Air Corps instead of its full potential as a low-cost multi-role fighter alternative.

The F-12 multi-role fighter's was due to retirement for a sizable portion of the fleet a few years ago, instead of purchasing new multi-role aircraft such as the proposed F/A-19, the First Konsulate at the time decided to do a midlife upgrade to extend the service life of initial production F-12 models to bring them up to spec with newer ones. While independent cost evaluation by various sources agrees that the midlife upgrade was more economical, any sort of bribery and corruption taints the acquisition process regardless of its 'proper' outcome.

General Karstensen admitted this among other acquisition problems at a hearing conducted by the Storting's First Committee which handles topics covering the First Konsulate, and therefore the area of defense. General Karstensen was quick to point out that these scandals took place before his appointment six months ago, and that the Inspector General of the Air Corps had only finished its investigation a few short weeks ago.

"These incidents were not under my command, but these incidents will be investigated, prosecuted, repaired, and isolated as if they occurred under my command. Any officers or enlisted personnel who were involved in any of the programs affected by these scandals will be called in for any thing the investigation needs, regardless of their active duty status," General Karstensen told the committee.

Karstensen avoided questioning on which specific contractors were responsible for atttempting to and successfully bribing Air Corps personnel, but various committee members pointed out that First Konsul Henningson's former employer, Accelererad Mikroarkitektur Design, was involved in the avionics upgrades for the F-12. General Karstensen noted that pending review by the Inspector General of the First Konsulate, that it would be premature to comment on specific companies due to legal precedent.

The Greens, and Moderates are demanding an independent commission conduct reviews on all First Konsulate acquisition programs over the last four years. The Social Democrats contained a somewhat muted tone, due to the fact former First Konsul Brage Vilhjálmsson was from the Social Democrats.

'The Moderates may be trying as a Storting group to avoid a future incident in case First Konsul Henningson was involved in any corruption accusation. They are trying to portray themselves as the knights against corruption, and portray this as a Social Democrat incurred problem. I would not be surprised if we still the Moderates bring up the Social Democrats' controversial politicization over some officer appointments in the armed forces," Konrad Koppel was quoted as. Mr. Koppel is a senior military correspondent for Aftenposten.

Archkonsul Kristian Nylund made it clear in a statement following the testimony that there would be no tolerance for further corruption, and bribery, and that anyone involved will be tried, with companies involved dealt major fines and loss of government contracts. First Konsul Henningson was beside the Archkonsul during the press conference.

More testimonies are expected in the coming weeks as the Storting expands its search for specific parties.

[Vayinaod]

Aftenposten

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-- Pictured above is Inquistan Giulia Magnolius fistbumping CV-02 mission commander Vidar Carlsen --

VRA/FLR Launch Thor CV-02 and CV-03 Sucessfully: First Spainard and Inquistan in Space

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Elsyven, Vayinaod
August 8th, 2243 GMT +2:15

Schlender Space Center took on today two simultaneous missions after succesful launches from Midtenskov Space Port in Fremet. Thor CV-02 and CV-03 took off about eight hours apart earlier today, these missions requiring the time difference to ensure that the launch windows could line up to support the primary mission of proving the European Docking Standard technology employed on the Thor Crewed Vehicle.

Notable partcipatants in the two missions, together termed the Crewed Docking Demostration, including the first Spainard and Inquistan in space. Pedro Duque of Spain, and Giulia Magnolius of Inquista were both nominated by their respective countries for the Nordic Space Partnership's "Nordic European Space Coperation Intiative" intended for nations outside of Vayinaod and Fremet to partcipant in certain NSP missions when invited.

Duque took off on CV-03, while Magnolius was the guest of honor on the CV-02. They will switch seats when its time to return to the surface, CV-03 will remain in space for an additional few days compared to the CV-02 due to recovery logistics.

VRA also announced that in a joint agreement with Fremet, that the Kingdom of Reitzmag was offered two seats on the upcoming CV-04 mission later this month provided the Crewed Docking Demostration proves successful. CV-04's original mission was a three personnel mid duration mission in low earth orbit for four weeks, now it will ferry the Reitzmag astronauts who have begun an 'intensified' orientation program to get them ready for the mission due to the last minute notice. The VRA confirmed that the two astronauts are veterans of Reitzmag's prior space manned space program which relied on licensed variants of the Nicolezian soyuz program, and that they were slated to be among the first crews for the KRSA's Dragon intiative.

CV-04's original launch date was pushed back to reflect this, and is now intended for August 22nd in order to meet Reitzmic needs to ensure that their Cansey Space Station remains functionally cleared due to the recent events with the UNSR. Some insiders have indicated that several key sensors on the station have failed due to an unknown reason, likely unrelated to the UNSR incident, and that only a visual inspection by a crew can verify the status of the CSS.

The Kingdom of Reitzmag is intent on reoccupying the station within the next six months, and if the failures of the sensors indicate a wider problem this may set back their intiative. CV-04 will itself bring some intial supplies and tools, with equipment for a spacewalk if required for potential 'simple' repairs. CV-04's mission may be extended up to eight weeks provided the KRSA fulfill their time table for their Cargo Dragon demostration earlier next month.

[Vayinaod]

Aftenposten

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Vardic Air Corps Fields The F-14 Scorpio After 3 Years of Research and Development

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Møller Air Base, Ericsund, Vayinaod
September 20th, 2020 1030 GMT +2:15

After three relatively calm years of research and development, the F-14 Scorpio was officially fielded by the Vardic Air Corps total at Møller Air Base. The issue fielding comes after the Air Corps confirmed the Scorpio met their operational requirements, and successfully completed all necessary testing to begin entering initial production earlier this year. The first fifteen aircraft, known as Block 1, will be stationed at Møller Air Base.

Research and development while generally considered calm, was the child of multiple failed attempts at the program, one of them being a temporary attempt to field the T-19 as a full-fledge multi-role fighter to postpone the program instead for a sixth generation program.

The F-14's fielding comes as the the last set of F-12 Lupus received a midlife upgrade to sustain a longer service life in either Vardic Service or sold as surpass aircraft internationally. The VF-X program has thus far avoided being consumed into the scandal surrounding the failed F/A-19 bid and midlife F-12 upgrades that is plaguing the First Konsulate over corruption, bribery, and conflicts of interests of various defense contractors. While the initial report from the Inspector General has yet to be released, many are expecting First Konsul Henningson's prior employer, Accelererad Mikroarkitektur Design, to be named as one of the companies. Training F-12 Lupus' will be the first to retired, as they were the oldest aircraft as well as not receive any mid-life upgrades due to only having a training role.

Ten of the aircraft will form the newly established 43rd Fighter Squadron as a geographically separated unit from the 3rd Fighter Wing (Yngvar Air Base, Strondheim, Vayinaod), which until more aircraft enter service will attack as the first tactical squadron and help bolster initial transition for many pilots. Five of the aircraft will form the 5th Test Squadron under the 1st Test and Research Wing (Møller Air Base). This initial grouping of aircraft is to help centralize maintenance and pilot training as more of the Air Corps transitions from older F-12s and F-10s.

The F-14 is a stealth multirole centric aircraft intended to complement and overtime replace the F-12 Lupus. Currently the Air Corps does not intend to field a two-seat variant of the F-14 for pilot training or other purposes relying instead on more virtual based training to complement pilots transitioning to the aircraft, as well as expand its fleet of T-19 Raven trainer aircraft to bolster F-14 squadrons. Both aircraft were developed by Kron Industries, and the company has committed to a new version of the Raven with Scorpio-focused systems to enhance pilot training.

The F-14 was designed with the ability to supercruise (the ability to sustain speeds past Mach 1 without the use of afterburner). with a top speed expected by sources to be around Mach 2. The requirements for the VF-X program were only a max requested speed of Mach 1.81, however analysts noted the FE300 engines designed for the F-14 would surpass that in a two-engine configuration with the size of the aircraft. The aircraft's 10 external hardpoints, and integrated weapons bay will allow it to surpass the F-12 Lupus in terms of weapons capacity when not operating in a full stealth aspect.

Most importantly, the sensor integration with the 'DRADIS' combat systems both the naval and land based dyad will allow the F-14 unprecedented information about the battlefield and allow it complete information fusion to the benefit of the pilot, those at the command post, and those on the frontlines.

With the ability to produce the fighter largely domestically, Kron Industries managed to obtain the government a total cost of 43 Million Krones (70 Million Euros) for the initial block of F-14 fighters. The First Konsulate expects this to drop below 30 Million Krone by Block 3.

(((((OOC: Some aspects of this article are no longer canon due to updates within the war system, picture was adjusted to reflect some RP continuity. Article will remain unchanged for transparency's sake.)))))

[Vayinaod]

Aftenposten

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Archkonsul Nylund Condemns Brutality in Eastern Haane, Reitzmic Military Operations; Calls for No-Fly Zone Ignite

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Nyetthem, Vayinaod
September 29th, 2020 0640 GMT +2:15

Archkonsul Kristian Nylund, with the backing of the rest of their Konsulate and most of the parties in the Storting signed the Vardic condemnation over the atrocities occurring in Eastern Haane. While news reports available to the public are few, and often cryptic, there is an overwhelming consensus that the nation-state (if Eastern Haane could be classified as one) has experienced a cultural deevolution to a state similar to that of the dark ages.

Numerous conspiracy theories have been expounded, including the 5G Cell Towers proposed by Atty. Winston and Commissioner Juncker were tested in Eastern Haane and the radiation has corrupted the brain signals of the inhabitants. Other theories include a brand new disease, whether natural or as part of a bio-weapons research program that needed a test run. Regardless the situation is less so supernational, as much as pushing the limits of cultural psychology.

The Archrepublic today rebuked all violence in the area, and announced a flurry of additional economic and travel restrictions. The Fourth Konsulate, along with the Seventh and First Konsulates, confirmed that all known Vardic citizens were returned safely to the Archrepublic in the weeks proceeding this rapidly growing wildfire. The Konsulates noted that any citizen who had not headed their warnings should seek shelter, and prepare for a long stay as the military had no plans at this time to commit to any extractions.

The Archrepublic announced it was to begin a limited refugee program for Eastern Haane citizens in the Archrepublic and as a port of refugee for those who may be denied refugee status in other nations. This program also works in conjunction with a newly planned series of aid missions aiding more information from the European Union about what it plans to sponsor.

Notably the Archkonsul specifically called out the Kingdom of Reitzmag, condemning its hastily done military operations in Eastern Haane as "reckless, deranged, and so brazen in its attempt to simply establish Reitzmic credibility that the Kingdom of Reitzmag should admit it was not down for the citizenry of Eastern Haane."

Many military analysts noted the hastily done operation was likely an attempt for the Kingdom of Reitzmag to secure a front-row seat to any talks revolving around the future of the state. Reitzmag likely looking to limit the conflict in Eastern Haane from spreading into Reitzmag and reigniting its own civil war that ended not even six months ago.

The Archkonsul in their press conference also declared that Reitzmag must halt all active military operations in the interest of peace, as to allow the European Union to responsibly figure out a plan of action.

"Reitzmag can still come back and join the ranks of sane Europeans by stopping all military operations, at least until the European Union has time to discuss the situation. Reitzmag was quick to jump into the fray, much to the horror of its troops I imagine being sent into an unknown situation. Just as quickly as it entered, it can stop and wait for Europe to come together."

The Archkonsul was not the only one with comments, First Konsul Henningson was quoted as saying that, "I doubt that many Reitzmic troops share the same eagerness to give up their lives for a foreign nation which bore them no threat or hostile intentions as their Prime Minister is eager to simply sacrifice them to gain notoriety and prestige."

The First Konsul's comments come as many analysts noted that the Reitzmic occupation of the capital has already seen its first slew of casualities, and they would most definitely not be the first. The variety of elements in Eastern Haane make any attempt to enforce a peacekeeping operation, difficult at best, and nearly deadly at worst. The Archkonsul declined to comment about their opinion on the First Konsul's comments.

Aftenposten can also confirm reports that the Archrepublic is currently shoring up support among other EU members for a No-Fly Zone to be instated until the European Council commits to an active plan involving ground forces and movements. Some reports indicate that Fremet, Inimicus, Spain among others to be included in the initial phase.

[Vayinaod]

Aftenposten

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Archkonsul Nylund Announces Withdrawl from Eastern Haane

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Nyetthem, Vayinaod
November 11th 2020, 1431 GMT +2:15

After nearly a month and a half operation, the No-Fly Zone imposed over Eastern Haane will soon come to an end. In a joint statement earlier today, the Four Assembled Powers of Vayinaod, Fremet, Spain and Inimicus announced the end to their administration of a No Fly Zone. In a proceeding speech to the nation, Archkonsul Nylund confirmed that the Vardic mission to Eastern Haane had met its end and that all deployed assets to the area will return to their home stations or back to regular deployed status.

The Four Assembled Powers had stated that the beginning phases of operational scale-back would begin November 27th and should end sometime around December 11th if all conditions were favorable met. While no indications have been made by the Inimician, Spainish or Fremetian governments of their future involvement in Eastern Haane, rumor is abound that Fremet is likely to pull back from the region to reinforce its security against the UNSR.

The No-Fly Zone came about after the Kingdom of Reitzmag executed a unilateral 'intervention' into the nation-state of Eastern Haane that worsened the already volatile situation which came to a head after mullite coups, constitutional reforms, and levels of civil strife that will leave sociologists studying the phenomenon for decades. While most sources indicate that Nylund Administration was interested in an EU-lead or at least sanctioned No-Fly Zone first; the Reitzmic intervention forced their hand especially after reports of fighting between Reitzmic forces and that of the Haaneans.

The rushed intervention by Reitzmic had resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Reitzmic troops, in what most political and military analysts would call a disaster for the nation. Both within public standing at home and abroad, and among most foreign governments.

The No-Fly Zone established by the Four Assembled Powers meanwhile representing a multilateral, calculated, and organized response with a clear goal; stop letting more variables into the unbalanced equation. Safe to say that had been met as the day before the No Fly Zone was to be erected, the Reitzmic government backed down and announced a withdrawal over what was to be a stalemate on the ground after they lost their supply line. With tails tucked between their legs, Reitzmic troops and aircraft were escorted from the area and subjected to various inspections in Vayinaod.

In the following weeks the No Fly Zone met a more calm environment as most of its missions were simple escort duties for various humanitarian bound cargo aircraft, a few local daredevil pilots who were escorted back to an airstrip etc. In-fact the EU-lead intervention as legally sanctioned by the EU Council was not even necessarily an intervention, while the Four Assembled Powers joined the coalition in order to continue the NFZ, the day-to-day operations remained the same.

Now as Vardic forces return home or to Fremet to stand against the UNSR, the proven deployment process of the Vardic forces will be good research material to ensure more rapid responses.

"I definitely think that given this experience that the First Konsulate could organize a similar response in about four days compared to the seven it took this time. The foundation is there now, and this administration intends to build upon it," First Konsul Lorens Henningson was quoted today following Archkonsul Nylund's press conference.

Time will tell if the Vardic Forces will be called upon again for a 'similar response."

[Vayinaod]

Dagens Nyheter

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*A flight of four F-11S Hydras from the 19th Strike Squadron 'the Daredevils', 5th Fighter Wing, Åkerman Air Base, Ericsund, Vayinaod

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OPINION: WHEN DOES MIGHT MAKE RIGHT?

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Nyetthem, Vayinaod
February 28th, 8:23 GMT +2:15

When does might make right? That's the question prodding its ugly ahead once again in the aftermath of a renewed Eastern Haane crisis, terrorist attacks across Europe, and Reitzmag setting its foot down in Copala City. The Konsulate under Kristian Nylund followed in the foot steps of its close allies, issuing denouncements, travel advisories and bans, posturing forces. There were rampant rumors in the First Konsulate about a potential redeployment of the 2nd Fleet to the Mediterranean to support new operations in Eastern Haane, even potential alternative plans involving a swift deployment of the 69th Strike Force to provide additional options to the Archkonsul.

Sources in the Konsulate suggest that the Archkonsul was convinced not to establishing another No Fly-Zone in Eastern Haane ,or taking more forceful measures to retrieve the dozen Vardic Citizens, during a phone call with the new Fremetian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. The lack of excitement on the new Prime Minister to venture once again into a European adventure likely had a strong effect on the Archkonsul. First Konsul Henningson announced during the initial days of the Eastern Haane crisis bolstered troop numbers in Fremet. This suggest there was concerns in the upper echelon over the UNSR making a move of some kind.

The Fremetian and Vardic alliance and partnership is the cornerstone of the Archrepublic's modern foreign policy, Fremet being the largest trading by far for Vayinaod in terms of percentage and gross worth. I would argue might makes right whenever your friends back you up, but if the Premier Commissioners statement he made is to be true, a few of Vayinaod's friends were down for round two for Eastern Haane.

Truth be told, might makes right when the elements for a 'passive' resolution dissolve away. Eastern Haane itself during this cycle of violence seemingly resolved itself, even if the process was generally unpleasant for most of Europe. Last time the Vardic Government sents forces into operational missions abroad was after the Kingdom of Reitzmag entered in some 'crusade' like mentality, causing the elements for 'passive' resolution to be destroyed.

Passive resolution is something best defined as when the political instabilities, and other crisis's affecting a nation-state can no longer run out their course naturally for reasons such as foreign intervention in some fashion derailing a 'natural' process.

What remains now is the aftermath? Where has passive resolution left us? Well Europe is now facing the aftermath of multiple terrrorist attacks which claimed thousands of lives, Vayinaod is pulling back its citizens across Europe back home and issuing travel bans to the Union of Duchies, Reitzmag (This includes Copala City which the Archrepublic does not recognize as a separate entity for travel and trade purposes), Eastern Haane, Alkharya, and a travel advisory to Inimicus. Some states like the Union of Duchies have regressed into nearly condemnable surveillance laws, instead of taking the time to properly investigate what has occured, and others are dealing with a sprung up revolt in their streets.

The coming days will showcase another test, the Konsulate is debating actions to take over the recent crisis in Copala City. Thus far, High Representative Anne Eriksson has only offered 'support' to establish legal procedures governing the city, and denouncing any violent action undertaken by any side. Sources are claiming the Archkonsul is worried that if the Kingdom of Reitzmag uses the incident as an excuse to completely remove the autonomy of Copala City outside the two year transition period as required by the Nyetthem Accords it will cause more strife in the province still recovering from last year's civil war. There is no way that passive resolution is always an option.

[Vayinaod]

Dagens Nyheter

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The first production F-16 'Valkyrie' at the Kron Aerospace Industries Production Plant in Falkor, Vayinaod

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Nylund Archkonsulate Prepares for Defense, Infrastructure, and Technology Investments as GDP nears 4 Trillion Euros

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Nyetthem, Vayinaod
December 8th, 10:56 GMT +2:15

The Second Konsulate, the national government department similar to Ministries for the Treasury and Commerce in other nations, announced today that they are projecting the Archrepublic will exceed €4 Trillion before the end of this year. This follows the economic plan laid out by the Nylund administration which forecasted slow consistent growth throughout H1 of the fiscal year before a rapid rise in H2. The Second Konsulate says it is expecting a €5 Trillion GDP by June 2022. In response various Konsulates have announced new projects for the 2022 Fiscal Year.

The First Konsulate has confirmed that the Advanced Multi-Role Fighter program will move forward into the testing phase in early 2022 with the first series of the F-16 'Valkyrie' from Kron Aerospace Industries heading to Møller Air Base for testing and training evaluations. The integration of the F-16 'Valkyrie' , follows the introduction of the F-14A from Fremet as a stopgap measure after the program met various delays. The First Konsulate also confirmed that the navy was to see a rise in the number of deployable submarine forces, and the purchase of two more Submarine rescue ships for use throughout the EU. The Republican Army confirmed a multi-billion Krone investments into a major project known as Project Ulir due to Government Transparency laws, however, no details were provided on the project and few sources have willing to even provide more than a basic acknowledgement of the project. Some analysts believe it is for a hypersonic missile, while others believe it to be more likely to be a next generation tank project.

The Fifth Konsulate confirmed that the Republic of Istkalen had committed to a high-speed rail network intended primarily for heavy freight connecting various parts of Istkalen to major ports in Vayinaod. More details will be announced in the coming weeks however the network is intended to start construction in the new year with Vayinaod being a primary investor while Istkalen will retain a major-stake holder position on all portions of the rail within their territory. The move is viewed by many to protect the Vardic interest in Istkalen mineral reserves, while preserving the Istkalen rights to their own resources. Part of the initial agreement also includes provisions to allow Istkalen register maritime vessels to use Vardic as guaranteed ports of call with little to no tariffs.

In a major move the Fifth Konsulate (responsible for Transportation, Environment, Fisheries, Resources etc.) confirmed for the first year since 1987 that it was stopping new permits for oil drilling off the Vardic coast and that it would not renew 80% of expiring permits this year, while natural gas would see a small increase. This was in response to various Ninth Konsulate (Science, Technology, Energy) programs committed on the transition for the Vardic economy was a major oil provider to an economy more viable in an increasingly anti-oil Europe.

The Ninth Konsulate confirmed that the Ölvirsson Energy Institute in Strondheim would receive a new grant to finish the construction of its New Generation Fusion Energy research reactor, reports indicate that scientists believed that next years test would reach a new milestone in reaction viability. The VRA in the same announcement commented that they had received permission to go forward with ten manned launches next year with Fremet in anticipation of the 2023 Lunar Missions, as well as confirmation of a new initial funding for viability studies on a regional effort to attempt a Mars mission in 2024.

Those were the highlights today for announcements, thought not the only ones. Stay tuned for more.

[Vayinaod]

Aftenposten

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Vayinaod and the Kingdom of Mennrimiak Sign Historic Mutual Defense Agreement

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Nyetthem, Vayinaod
February 13th, 1431 GMT +2:15

The Kingdom of Mennrimiak and the Archrepublic of Vayinaod signed a historic mutual defense agreement today, the Fourth Konsulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Mennrimiak have spent the last few months deciding the finer details of the agreement. The agreement is based on a series of terms and conditions initially agreed upon in a meeting between Archkonsul Nylund and Prime Minister Sauli Niinistö.

Alongside the defense agreement, the Archrepublic of Vayinaod has agreed to work with the Kingdom in order to procure it two Adeler Class carriers, up to four Ragnar's Reckoning Class assault ships, up to ten Knight class cruisers, as well as exclusive access to the Zellweger class destroyers. The Archrepublic will conduct construction of the carriers and assault ships in its own ports, but provide technical expertise to help Mennrimiakian shipyards construct the cruisers and destroyers to support their own overhaul maintenance. The Archrepublic is also commited to providing a variety of naval helicopters, and will be transferring decommissioned AV-8B Harriers from the Vardic Aircraft Regeneration and Storage Center to the Mennrimiak navy as an interim measure until the Kingdom is able to acquire its own S/VTOL aircraft for the carriers.

The agreement also includes economic provisions to include lowered tariffs in many economic sectors, and a joint ice-patrol in the Northern Atlantic during winter months.

Some analysts have noted that a variety of informal commitments were likely not included in the final agreement, potentially for political considerations in both states.

[Vayinaod]

Aftenposten

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Yosai-Vardic Summit Ends with Trade Deal

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NYETTHEM, Vayinaod
FEB 21 2022 16:21 GMT +2:15

General Secretary Junichi Watanabe met today with Archkonsul Nylund to sign the first of a series of trade agreements between the Archrepublic and the Federal Republic of Yosai, as well as begin the first of a series of cultural exchanges between the two nations. The Summit was in talks for months between the Yosaijin Department of State and the Vardic Fourth Konsulate. It marked the General Secretary's first visit to the Archrepublic, Archkonsul Nylund is expected to return the favor in the summer.

Yosai agreed to eliminate tariffs on Vardic shipments of iron, natural gas, and oil in exchange for Vayinaod eliminating tariffs on Yosaijin silicon-based technology exports. All other economic sectors saw tariffs limited to 5%.

Vayinaod and Yosai will also fund a scholar exchange program to begin October of this year, each state would commit the equivalent of twenty million Euros a year to fund a year of study for doctoral candidates of Vardic and Yosaijin citizenship to spend a year in the other nation. The University of Nyetthem and the University of Tokyo are set to be the pilot universities for the program. The program covers housing, and other living costs so it is expected to be a highly competitive program.

Yosai will also be invited to take part in select missions in the Nordic Space Partnership between Fremet and Vayinaod as a "Guest Nation". This will include training of Yosaijin astronauts at the Schlender Space Center in Elysven, Vayinaod.

The two nations agreed to eliminate visas between themselves for any stay under ninety days, with anything over ninety days requiring a visa that may be applied for at respective embassies in either nation. The two states to alleviate security concerns on potential flight risks for criminals agreed to extradition to any non-visa holding citizen of the other nation facing criminal charges.

Unconfirmed reports have suggested that General Secretary Watanabe donated a series of "Manga", a form of literature found in Yosaijin culture, to the Archkonsul's Library of the Republic. If true, the "Manga" will be avaiable for public viewing in the coming weeks.

[Vayinaod]

Aftenposten

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Markets Tumble After Duxburian Cargo Protest Announced - Spanish-Vardic Summit Not Enough to Save Decline

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NYETTHEM, Vayinaod
FEB 26 2022 8:28 GMT +2:15

The Nyetthem Exhange (NEX) shall an average of a 5% decline across the board yesterday after the first reports of a protest at sea organized by the Duxburian Longshore Union (DLSU). The report areas in which the expected protest is set to occur control seaways that involve some of the largest EU economies such as the Duxburian Union, Inimicus, United Duchies, Angleter and various nations participating in Caspian trade. While initially markets remained stable, the Nordsyen Dockworkers Union announced it was considering similar measures across dockyards in the Elsyven River Valley. Whether the protests are set to continue is yet to be seen as Cllr. James Mizrachi-Roscoe of the United Duchies withdrew his "European Enterprise Penalties" Act from consideration.

Various sources close to the office of Carita Falk, Vayinaod's representative on the European Council, suggest she is planning a meeting with Speaker Tilkanas of Istkalen to voice concerns about Cllr. Mizrachi-Roscoe on Monday.

The markets are expected to slightly recover once they reopen on Monday, especially as news about the finalized agreements from the Spanish-Vardic summit held in Madrid on Thursday. While the news had made its way on Friday, the uncertainty over regional trade in the coming weeks especially as supply and demand in Vayinaod will rapidly shift between industries in the coming weeks as the Winter ends.

The Spanish-Vardic summit saw an agreement to eliminate the need for visas for both countries for any visit below 210 days. Vayinaod also reaffimed its commitment to the European Monetary Unit program after Spain expressed concerns over its implemented, as the EMU has now been adopted as a secondary currency in the Vardic economy. The Archrepublic and Spain agreed to study the feasibility of eliminating tariffs between both nations, and studying and a agreement to pave the way to free movement. For now a tepid agreement on Vayinaod eliminating duties for Silicon imports, and Spain eliminating duties for natural gas and oil imports was reached. The Archrepublic would also reach out to private corporations on guaranteeing the Spainish market its needs.

"The Archrepublic is on its own timeline, and is completing the requirements of the Treaty of Finisterre as it sees safe to do so," Archkonsul Nylund was quoted as saying.

Prime Minister Aguilar of Spain affirmed that the Kingdom of Spain had no discernable interest in the Arctic region, and has no goals to interfere with nations in the region or the Archrepublic. This comes after Vayinaod took on a major political in a thinly veiled deal with the Kingdom of Mennrimiak where they removed the Spanish base from their arctic region in exchange for a Vardic mutual defense agreement. Sources close to the summit suggest that Vayinaod has agreed to generally turn a blind eye to happenings in the Southern Atlantic region, or more specifically events happening south of the Strait of Gibraltar without consulting the Spanish.

In the after summit conference, Archkonsul Nylund stated the following when asked by Spanish reporters over the Vardic stance on the Strait of Adventuranza.

"The Archrepublic of Vayinaod recognizes the strategic interest that the Kingdom of Spain has throughout the strait, but that Strategic interest does not in the Archrepublic's opinion overwrite the the natural right of the Federal Republic of Yosai to transit waters they border, as well as impede in any way their right to use those waters for trade as well Yosai's right to directly coastal waters. That right does not grant them ownership over any portion of strait necessarily however, and we implore both states to keep using diplomacy as the sole means of discussing issues pertaining to it. "

The far most interesting announcement was that after a year and a half of negotiation, the nations of Fremet, Inimicus, Spain, and Vayinaod had agreed to formalize the partnership they held during the Eastern Haane crisis in October 2020. This treaty organization, referred to as the Madrid Co-operation Organization, would see the previously Four Assembled Powers agree to share intelligence pertaining to national security and other fields, and develop joint tactical procedures in the event of another situation requiring their intention.

The treaty also requires the participating states to offer transit rights to some of the other nation's military forces whenever possible. This was done as a way to enable the ability for other nations to use each other as locations for military training. The Vardic portion of the Uralic mountains, as well as the Vardic tundra is likely to be an area of interest for many according to some military analysts.

However, the treaty specifically denies its use as an obligation for mutual defense in the case of attack. This was likely done to appease Vardic policy of preferring single-state mutual defense agreements wherever possible.

The formal signing for the Madrid Co-operation Organization is set to take place next week in Madrid with the heads of government of all four nations attending. The formal treaty text has been released for the publics use however in the mean time.

More news to follow next week.