RTD 24

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29th December 2020
Government announce plan for private rail in Duchies
Today the government of United Duchies have announced a part privatisation of the rail system. The government announced they would allow private companies to set up with track rights in the United Duchies. The government will split the national train operating company Duchies Rail from the tracks operating division which will be split into a company called Duchies Track to manage the railway upgrades, access , stations and signalling.

Private companies will then be allowed to bid to run services between stations by obtaining an operating license. The move is designed to increase competition and options with train services for all budgets. It is expected that some budget train companies will develop along with entry of other countries operators into the market. The government said no company would be garunteed competition free access including the regional train companies and transit agencies. THe government also announced they would look into a public transport wide season pass between all public owned companies with private companies able to opt in. The plan is to increase rail travel even further. Bids are expected from many companies to access the market.

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31st December 2020
United Duchies to be Carbon Neutral by 2035
Ahead of the green summit for the EU the government of the Duchies have announced they will unveil a package of measures within a month emissions to net zero by 2035. The target is to expected to be achieved through a variety of measures including transport, energy and construction reforms. All houses and buildings are expected to produce zero carbon within 10 years including existing buildings.

Further measures expected are mass pedestrianisation and private car bans in all city and town centres , bans on non-electric boats in domestic use and bans on all plastic use from virgin oil .Other measures are being considered including a ban on all domestic flights to prevent unnecessary carbon. The government Joint Comittee on Net Zero are expected to report within the month having been consulting over the year.

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3rd January 2021
Bag tax to be raised to 2 Dux Libra and applied to all bags and packaging to be taxed

Today the government announced in a bid to further reduce number of bags being made and packaging on products not hitting recycling that a new tax regime for bags and packaging would be introduced from February 2021. The government announced the first move would be a tax of 2 Dux(2.78 Euro) Libra(per shopping bag to encourage reuse of bags and sales of bags for life.The move is estimated to decimate the amount of bags being made for Duchies market.This would be enforced by spot checks by newly hired Eco-Wardens who would enforce green laws in the nation.

The second move is a new 50p(0.69 Euro) deposit for any recyclable packaging or bottle and 1Dux Libra(1.39 Euro) tax on any product in any non-recyclable packaging. The move is designed to reduce non-recyclable packaging by 100% and waste of recyclable packaging by at least 80%. The automatic recycling collection machines will refund the 50p(0.69 Euro) deposit per packaging or bottle to the consumer for bringing it back to encourage people to bring it back during their next shopping trip or take it to the local recycling banks. The Left criticised the move saying "We are risking pricing poor people out of shopping" . However the government have commented they do not expect it to hit the poor as they will get money back for taking the items back to the recycling banks and could even stand to gain by picking up bottles and packaging dropped in the street. The deposits and tax will also be extended to takeaways ,cafes and restuarants.There has however been a duty free shop exemption announced on packaging deposits except on the packaging tax or if one shows a foreign id at the shop.Half of the taxes will go to green organisations promoting or running green projects.These taxes and deposit prices are 4 times existing prices.

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6th January 2021
Kligenberg-MG to discontinue petrol and diesel cars by end of 2021

Kligenber-MG have annnounced today the company is officially discontuing all petrol and diesel cars in favour of the PHEV biofuel and Electric car ranges throughout the company with manaufactauring to switch over n August to the Electric and plug in Hybrid ranges. The company behind the best selling MG 5E saloons and estates has said in a statement "Market conditions and regulations have played a big part in this decision. We have found sales of petrol and diesel pure ICE models to be at levels now uneconomic in the long run with sales projected to drop 30% this year. We are proud of this achievement showing that if you make good hybrids and electric cars at the right price people will buy them. From now all brands will be discontinuing all cars that are not biofuel PHEV or electric models."

The move is seen as a brave move by industry insiders and there is speculation on which other manufacturers will follow suit. However experts have said United Duchies and Inquista manufactaurers are ahead of the curve thanks to generous government incentives and steep eco-taxes on cars that are uneconomical. It is expected that companies such as European Automotive Group and JLR may also choose to discontue non hybrid-ICE care sales in United Duchies and possibly throughout Europe though the timeline is not certain. Eyes are also on top selling brands such as Vauxhall , Seat and Dominion Motors who have also seen their ranges of EV's and PHEV's rise.

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6th January 2021
Opinion piece: We need to reconsider mass immigration if we want to stop rise of fascists

Following the election last week of Euro-Councillour James Mizrachi-Abbott among the celebrations was a sense of weariness and dismay and rightfully so. How could an openly fascist party rise from just 5% to 17% of the vote in the third round of the councillour by-election in less than 12 months. Indeed it is alarming times with increased attacks on immigrants , increased anti-semetism as demonstrated by the " Hey Jude light your fire " signs and memes aimed at James and his family. Disgusting anti-semetic attacks . But there is a painful truth and one acknowledged by James Mizrachi-Roscoe in a post on his public Ogo+ account this week and his victory speech and that is we are failing.

We cannot just simply continue to paint those who express concerns over immigration numbers being too high or stretching our services and causing increased unemployment in lower skilled sectors racist fascists any longer. This hasn't worked all it does is push people towards the actual fascists the actual traitors to our United Duchies. We need a frank conversation , immigration reached a high of 1 million net immigration this year and is changing the faces of our neighbourhoods, its changing our language and culture at an unprecedented rate. I hear the screams of "diversity is our strength" and yes it is true but we need to face a reality it can go too far too quick. Waiting lists are increasing, school places are harder to get if you are working class and this is driving extremism on both sides the far left and far right . Diversity is good indeed but so is tradition and so is our native culture. The truth is we need to at the very least open the discussion up and listen to the working class and balance their concerns. Otherwise the extremes will continue to grow and the far right backlash may become the biggest threat to us all , native people included. So lets stop keeping silent on the subject and actually deal with our mass immigration crisis.We cannot let the far right be the only ones engaging the average working mans concerns on immigration, it would be a grave mistake and error as the past has taught us many times.

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01/02/2021
Pedicab Revolution?

For over 10 years the cycling first scheme has been running in the Duchies increasing cycle lane , cycle usage and bike parking facilities. Cycling has been estimated to have increased by 1019% in the Duchies over 10 years however soon you maybe be saying au revoir to cabs as we know them in city centres. Marketshare data has shown for city centre journeys the Pedicab and Pedivan industry has had trips grow by over 300% in just 2 years. We are in the midst of a silent revolution in the way we travel. Also there has been a growth in trips to school by GoCab and Pedicab trips of school children to school. The move has been promoted by the urban authorities and local councils as a way to cut emissions and congestion with car usage dropping. Pedicabs have been encouraged by many councils being allowed to use special pedicab and pedivan lanes in the cities. The usage has been hailed as a prime way to cut emissions in the Duchies while providing convenient transport options. It is expected that pedicabs will take over cabs in city centres as a model of travel significantly reducing the need for electricity freeing it up for other green technololgy though some electricity will still be needed for the electric assist most of these cabs have. The government have announced today they will be increasing incentives for the industry and giving grants to schools who wish to start a pedicab service to offer parents a conveniant safe way to get their children to school that is quick and efficient.

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Anti-Immigration protests form as population grows by 3,825,000

Anti immigrations protests erupted throughout the nation led by National Rally and New Dawn politicians as immigration and refugee numbers swelled the population by 3.825 million in a year. This is a signicifant increase on last year with much of the surge being related to the refugee programmes implemented this year for the many crises in the EU and with increased refugees from outside of Europe. The surge has alledged led to shortages in school places, doctors appointments and housing in the country though most mainstream parties deny this is the case saying they increased capacity in anticipation of the surge. The protests are the latest in a series of protests over the last 5 years as immigration has continued to clime in the Duchies.

Leeson who is running for premier has expressed concerns over the protests though has said the politicians need to listen to concerns over mass immigration. He said in a statement "I am dissapointed that extreme parties are using this issue to spread their hatred but we only have ourselves to blame. For years it has been taboo to speak ill of immigration or express concerns we need to listen to the concerns of the ordinary Duchies citizens who often face their communities changing overnight. We need a better way to manage the numbers and spread out the refugees so that one council is not left dealing with capacity issues. We really need to look at this issue and reassess how we manage immigration in the Duchies.

I am proud we attract so many people and are seen as a good place to live but perhaps now is the time to look at the negatives of immigration and challenges caused by it. "

The topic has risen in mentions in the news and debates according to pollsters with immigration now being seen as one of the main issues the Duchies faces today according to Duchies Poll. The number polled who say immigration is the main issues has risen to 29% up from 12% just a year ago.In good news however the GDP per capita increased from 55,965 Euros per capita to 62,212 Euros per capita one of the highest increases of any country in Europe.

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Roscoes announces new Corporate and Staff training and consulting arm.
Today Roscoes has announced it will launch a new division in the training and consultancy market to provide businesses small and large with the training they need. The company says it will hire staff from the Roscoes Wellfare Association as well as good disabled and neurodivergent trainers and speakers it knows. The move is aimed at making most training internal to increase efficiency and reliability.

The new firm Roscoes Training and Consultancy will offer health and safety, efficiency, diversity , staff management and disability and neurodiverent adaptability training and consultancy to cover all the base needs of a companies core training and consultancy needs. The company said in a statement "We have a wealth of talent internally, we have decided to pool this together and offer their benefits not only in cost savings for us but also to help other businesses realise staff potential and give other companies our model of participatory capitalism and our management experience. We will have courses for managers and staff and pay well above the living wage to recognise the skill and expertise of our trainers. We are looking for a new COO experienced in this area both internally and externally.We also promise to provide positive and neurodiverse training based on the model af acceptance and social model of disability." The move has been viewed positively by experts who say it will not only cut costs but also increase the quality of training available in the market.

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19/02/2021
BREAKING NEWS:Attacks in Duchies leave estimated 2,120 dead
In breaking news a series of 14 terror attacks in the United Duchies targeting shopping centres, stations and other key sites have left over 2,120 dead. At 17:10 today 14 van bombs went off in car parks underneath popular destinations or being driven into the public spaces. There is little news so far but we will update you as more comes out however not long after the co-ordinated attack a group called the United Peoples Front potentially linked to UNSR and Union of Syndicates claimed responsibility saying they were going to" fight on until the evil Duchy and capitalist system is replaced". People from many nations have been reported dead including Duxubarians, Inquistans,Reitzmen ,Spanish, and Innimcican citizens. There is concern over the fact such a large scale attack was able to occur with calls for an enquiry into how exactly it happened. The government have called military out on to the street and raised security levels and terrorism threat alert to code 1 alert the highest in the nation.

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19/02/2021
3,349 confirmed dead in Duchies terror attacks as several prominent victims names unveiled

3,349 people have been confirmed dead in the Duchies terror attacks with 102 Reitzmen, 144 Innimicans, 98 Spanish , 112 Inquistans, 66 Duxubarions , and 49 North Diessians confirmed dead. The Home Minister released a statement today saying " I am sad to confirm 646 foreigners have died in the attacks from 28 different nationalities. We are coordinating with authorities around Europe to get the bodies back to the home countries though some may need to be held for forensics examination to help the police investigations." It has also been confirmed 691 people under the age of 16 died in the attacks.

They have confirmed the 289 died in the bombing of Brummagem Pavillions and 422 in the bombing of the Intu Goudadam . The cities attacked were Goudadam with 3 bombings Brummagem with 2 , Porterdam with 2 , Cair Para with 3 , Hamborg with 2 and Castcon with 2.The Roscoes confirmed Emmanuel Mizrachi-Roscoe 15 died on the scene of the Brummagem Pavilions attack under the rubble while 12 year olds Amaziah Mizrachi-Roscoe and Hosea Reubenstein-Roscoe are fighting for their lives in hospital with it not known whether they will live. James Mizrachi-Roscoe was seen visiting his children at night after flying to the Duchies. A baron has also confirmed to have been killed in the attacks.

The government have also announced they have found confirmed links to UNSR and Red Hands terror group. They are passing the findings on to partner nations as they suspect it was part of a co-ordinated international attacks. They have also said they have evidence further plots may be in motion in the Duchies and abroad though they don't know the exact participants involved but pledged to find out. The attackers were known to authorities but they weren't caught in time. They have announced they will look into schemes to send watchlists out to car and van rental organisations so they can be alerted if one of those on the watch list are renting vehicles and to prevent them from renting vehicles in the first place , they also announced they would look into adding facial recognitionn integrated CCTV zones throughout the Duchies. The government plan to introduce a new National Security Act for Safety of the Public into parliament to bring into being a coordinated watchlist, increase data collection from smart devices and mobile carriers and to introduce smart CCTV integrated nationwide linked to a new mandatory facial recognition database with it being made a crime to cover your face within the United Duchies. They would also look at introducing more drone surveillance to counter terrorism. The new proposals from Moderates and Union of Democrats have been met with concern by privacy advocates who argue it could lead to a creeping police state in the Duchies though the government have stated they have no intention of introducing a police state and merely want to prevent future deaths in the Duchies. They have also announced they are considering taking tourists fingerprints and facial photos on entry to put on a database of tourists visiting the country along with the taking of passport information that currently takes place.A further 709 are in critical condition.

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26/02/2021
Roscoes buy 100% stake in Cadburys to turn it into an own brand chocolate makerwith cocoa houses
Today Roscoes brought a 100% stake in Cadbury's for 16,074,532,500.00 euros. The company based in Bournville Brummagem is close to the heart of Roscoes founders who grew up in the surrounding area.

The company said "We have brought Cadbury's because we think it is a great fit into our business. Cadbury's as all know was all about the workers and being part of the community and built the famous Bournville. It is also a great fair trade brand which is something we will keep as well as looking to launch more higher end products in the organic end. We will investigate turning it into an all organic own brand to boost its environmental credentials and fundamentally change the chocolate market place.We intend on keeping the Cadburuy's family at the helm and on the board as they are vital to the brands value and company culture. "

Cadbury's released a statement saying "We have faced increasing amounts of bids over the years and were concerned about possibility of hostile takeover. We are happy to join forces with one of the greatest ethical retailers in Europe and the world and are confident they will keep our values while providing investment and extra market oppurtunities."

The company will become a supplier to Roscoes only in the supermarket sector countries where Roscoes have presence though they will continue to sell to convenience stores and other businesses like Whittards do. The company will also be in charge of all Chocolate related research and development and product lines for Roscoes.

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25/02/2021
National Security Act for Safety of the Public passes house of commons
Today the National Security Act for Safety of the Public has passed the House of Commons in the United Duchies with major broad consensus on the right and from the middle. There was however and liberal and moderate rebellion lead by the liberal leader against the act. The act was also amended to add some authorisation measures but not altered significantly. The act passed 330-320 with significant opposition from left and liberals who despite voting against are likely to remain in government.

The act will establish a united dna, blood sample database and facial database for all citizens residents with tourists expected to provide a fingerprint and photo verifcation to be entered into a new database for visitors and tourists that will be established. There will also be National Security Threat Database for residents and foreigners even those currently abroad considered a threat to national security which will be shared with car and van rental agencies, airlines and many other companies including those selling knives and weapons such as guns or any chemicals or supplies that could be weaponised. It will also including banks who can then shut down a bank account if they wish. being on the list also allows warrant free phone and date tapping of mobile and homephone and home internet by security services.

The act will also make cctv smart zones compusory throughout the Duchies in city centres and busy areas with face coverings to be banned even if for religious purposes throughout the duchies effectively banning the Burqa or niqab and baraclavas except in the event of a pandemic or disease outbreak.

The law has been criticised by freedom and liberty advocates as a gross over reaction to the attacks though advocates have said it is the only way to stop another attack taking place. The act is expected to pass both the middle and upper house which are often much more conservative.

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28/02/2021
Abbott Group buys Aerodux
It was announced today that Aerodux had found a buyer in the private sector. The Airline which was formerly owned by the 7 duchies and High Dukes estate will now be owned by the Abbott Group who also own Abbott Resorts and Hotels. The company in a statement said "Aerodux is a true flag carrier and the pride of the Duchies. We will continue to invest in the long and medium haul fleet and look at improving service even further. We aim to make Aerodux not just the best in Europe but in the world with quality service, good pricing and a good amount of destinations." It is hoped that Abbott ownership will see the return of service of Aerodux to more regional airports.

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01/03/2021
BREAKING NEWS:Councilllour James Mizrachi-Abbott fighting for life in hospital after intervening to save councillour's in Europolis parliament incident
News has just come in that the council in Europoolis is in lockdown after an attack in the council during a closed session.It is reported that the attack has led to hospitalisation of many councillour's though from reports many were saved by quick intervention from Councillour James Mizrachi-Abbott who intervened to stop the crazed attacker before she could do any more harm to other councillours. However in the attempt he was rendered unconcious with many stab wounds according to his family who released a statement.

The statement read " Today James Mizrachi-Abbott was took into hospital with potentially life threatening injuries after defending felllow councillours from an attack. He is suffering effects of stab wounds, bite wounds and drug inhalation. We are gutted as a family especially as it comes hot on the heels of Hosea and Amaziah still remaining in hospital fighting for their lives also.. We are asking for prayers and support during this difficult time. It is requested only close friends and family visit hospital though any councillours close to him and the speaker are welcome to visit. Sadly his wife and sister Rachel is unable to visit him due to having to focus on the children in United Duchies."

The prime minister praised the councillour as the "best of Duchian values" and the High Duke has offered the highest civillian medal for bravery for his actions and intervention in the council. He has been wished a quick recovery by all with many on all sides of the aisle praising him for his quick intervention and bravery during the incident.

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02/03/2021
Red Hands placed on high priority terror watchlist

The Red Hands has been placed on the United Duchies terror watchlist as of today.The Red hands have been elevated to the high priority terror watchlist following the attacks with foreign links being investigated. The country has vowed to find whoever is behind the Red Hands.

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03/03/2021
Reitzmag Sanctions timetable unveiled

The United duchies government has unveiled its sanctions timetable for Reitzmag if it does not sign the Caspian Treaty by the 8th March.The ongoing crisis due to Reitzmag's island building in unrecognised territory has caused tensions throughout the Caspian with almost every Caspian neighbour opposing the island building programme and unhappy with the attitude of the Reitzmag government. The government set the deadline for reimposition of sanctions for next week.

The government have announced the following timeline for sanctions on Reitzmag
8th March: Imposition of flight ban and canal access ban for ships going to Reitzmag
1st February: Imposition of 80% tariff on Reitzmag imports
1st April:Tariffs to increase to 100% on Reitzmag imports
1st May:Travel ban for any member of the Reitzmag government to UD
1st June:Ban on any aircraft and transportation vehicle parts sales to Reitzmag

The sanctions are intended to end the crises once and for all by tightening the noose on the Reitzmag economy according to experts. Experts in United Duchies economics fields have estimated the sanctions could significantly drop GDP in Reitzmag causing a recession or depression as a result of loss of access to the canal and air space and add up to 100 Euros to a flight with increased route length and decrease route options available with the same fleet size.Ministers are looking at how to exempt Copala City once autonomy is restored.The foreign minister today spoke out saying "We very much hope no sanctions come to pass but this has gone on long enough. Reitzmag must stop acting like a rogue nation building islands outside of their territory and respect their Caspian neighbours. We cannot tolerate consistent overreaches by the Reitzmag government and rogue actions ruining the environment of the Caspitan that we all rely on for our economic success."

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06/03/2021
78 The Left politicians and 200 members arrested in midnight raid for connections to and support for terrorism

78 politicians and 200 members of The Left have been arrested for connections to terrorism , support for terrorism and links with foreign hostile regimes supporting terrorism. The move comes from the police after investigations following the terror attacks in the Duchies.Those arrested include Leo McKulsky the party leader and over 7 of the senior cabinet members in the party leadership.The home office today thanked the police for their work saying "I am proud the police have worked hard to get justice for the victims of the terrible bombings and we are deeply concerned The Left seem to be infested with connections to extremism. We will be seeking a ban on the party and any of its politicians participating in politics to protect the nation. We will also look at new elections due to the amount of seats including local constituency ones that will need replacing."

The government are expected to introduce a motion to dissolve government and run elections if The Left is banned.The home office are seeking to put The Left on a list of threats to national security and terrorist or terrorist supporting organisations.The courts are to hear the case in the following weeks. Investigations into other members of The Left are ongoing.TheLeft have described the arrests and planned baning of the party as a " disgrace to democracy and a witchhunt" and warned in its words "We need to be careful the attacks are not used to crush the lefts democratic rights to be elected , participate in politics and to free speech and protest."

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07/03/2021
Amended National Security Act for Safety of the Public passes House of Duchies
An ammended version of the National Security Act for Safety of the Public has passed the House of Duchies. The new act will seperate tourist and visitor databases from citizen databases.While all citizens fingerprints and update facial pictures will be kept on a databse with citizens required to visit a police station to update their photo once every 3 years and childrens photos uploaded from schools at the start of the year securely tourist and visitors will be put on a Visitors Security Check Database System upon entry but the government can only keep their photo and fingerprints past 1 month or their date of leaving if longer if they consent, those who consent will however be able to use the updated e-passport gates to be installed in airports which will require fingerprints and facial photos on file to use with all others going to queue at manned desks.The government expect most visitors who visit frequently to opt-in to the system to store their prints and photos longer. However photos would still need to be updated every 3 years in line with requirements for citizens.

All other aspects passed unchanged. The bill will now go back down to the House of Commons to be voted on again where if it passes in its ammended form it will go on to the Imperial Senate to be passed before it gets signed or not by the High Duke.

40 more politicians from The Left and 500 more members arrested as thousands flee to UoS , Czechslavia and UNSR
In more midnight raids 40 more politicians were arrested along with 500 members of The Left for links to terrorism, support of terrorism, terrorism or links to terrorism supporters or hostile foreign enemies. The police said in a statement "We have found significant evidence that The Left systematically supported terrorism and maintained links with Duchies enemies despite the illegality. We will be treating these offences with the seriousness they deserve to be treated , we have even found terrorists among the ranks of the party." The government expressed concern over the scale of the problem though some on the far left have questioned whether this is politically motivated.

Thousands have been reported to have fled to Union of Syndicates, Czechslavia and UNSR with the government condemning this. The government urged all to "come back to clear their name or face justice" in a statement the home office said "We will be seeking warrants for all those suspected of a crime who are fleeing and we condemn attempts to escape justice of the Duchies. If you haven't done anything wrong we assure you you have nothing to fear."

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08/03/2021
Sanctions on Reitzmag kick in
The first ships and planes from and to Reitzmag were denied entry to the Baltic canal and Duchian airspace today. The sanctions kicked in as the state refused to comply with conditions that it sign a treaty and agree to stop island building in the Caspian outside of its territorial waters. The move has caused businesses to reduce imports from Reitzmag also as port restrictions started applying also with extra paperwork required to import from Reitzmag to prove it was essential for business with no alternatives.

Experts predict that the Reitzmag economy could drop by 8% or more this year should Reitzmag not resolve its issues with its Caspian neighbours as Pravoslavya and North Diessan restrictions and sanctions also kicked in including airspace restrictions. Ships bound for Copala are to be allowed through as long as Copala introduces customs checks on Reitzmag border in line with the previous agreement. The government said in a statement "We have been forced to introduce these sanctions due to the arrogant selfish attitude of the Reitzmag government who have decided their pride is worth more to them than good relations with their neighbours. We have offered multiple chances to negotiate , sign agreements and get on a good footing with us and their neighbours , they have refused all reasonable attempts to negotiate. I call on them to sign the reasonable treaty proposed for the sake of their businesses and citizens , f they really care abotu their citizens rather than their pride they will sign to end this crisis. We will implement stage 2 of sanctions if there is no signing of the treaty within a month."