RTD 24

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Coalition partners call for more foreign partnerships
Today coalition partners have called for the government to develop more partners Europe wide on a bilateral basis in addition to any treaties that Duchies may sign with blocs. Experts have called on the government to become less reliant on one or two major partnerships as part of its foreign policy. The Union of Democrats leader Mr Terence Fitzcharles said in a statement to the house "The breach of trust by Telum partners in abolishing the Telum Treaty with no notice and establishing a new one just without United Duchies is a severe breach of trust. I can only say I'm happy to have good coalition partners to negotiate this difficult time and do not blame our partners at all. United Duchies must always pursue a balanced and fair foreign policy that is independent and is conducted on the basis of fairness and in ensuring stability throughout the region , I believe our government has done that. However this only goes to show we cannot rely fully on one group of partners with more bilateral treaties needed on top of multilateral partnerships and I believe the government should pursue this. I call on my coalition partners to develop a wide range of partnerships to benefit Europe and the region as a whole and stick to its principled, fair , reprocipal approach with consistent policy on issues not based on the whims of one or two partners." The speech was seen as wide endorsement of seeking greater foreign partnerships including defence following the wake of the Telum disaster. Polling indicates that the people of the Duchies have backed the government in its balanced foreign policy with a vast majority of 80% answering the government should continue to pursue an approach based on reprocity. The government also announced the Telum Discount has been removed until any such matters can be resolved.

The government is open to negotiations with Telum in order to restabilish old relations but it insists relations with Caspian nations including security diaologues and coooperation in anti-piracy, anti-terror and joint efforts against organised crime must be allowed. It said in a statement "We are hugely disappointed with the Telum kick out we have never shared any military intelligence as stated by some Telum members. Any intelligence sharing was solely in the realms of anti-organised crime and anti-terror to ensure regional stability and protection against crime and extremist terror in the region to protect the security of trade and public safety throughout the region. We believe sharing of intelligence of threats to other nations is essential and we'd hope other nations would warn Duchies of any threats to the Duchies they detect. We will continue to support international sharing of intelligence in these realms to protect the public security of Europe"

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Government warns restrict non-caspian country navies through Artabonos Canal or Baltic Canal opens up to Allied military traffic

Today the government warned on the opening ceremony of the Artabonos Canal that if non-caspian country navies are allowed through the Artabonos Canal then United Duchies would open up its canal to military traffic from allied nations. The prime minister John Peter Key said in a statement "We wish the people of North Diessan well and great prosperity but the canal should be for civilian ships and hospital and humanitarian ships only. We cannot allow an unbalanced scenario where our former Telum members can just send ships through to the Caspian while Caspian nations cannot do the reverse . Any conditions must be equivalent. We are willing to keep the Baltic Canal shut to non-domestic military ships but only if we can be assured that the same conditions exist on the Artabonos Canal with only North Diessan to use it militarily. We believe proportionality and fairness should be the guiding principle."The statement comes after concerns that there may be ulterior military motives in the Artabonos Canal project.

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Roscoes to enter Nofoaga, Czech and Gadalland, Kaitsja and Aspern markets
Today Roscoes announced they would be opening retail, banking and gym operations in Nofoaga, Czechslavia, Kaitsja and Gadalland and Aspern with telecoms and media operations a possibility later on with plans to set up partnerships to supply own brand goods efficiently. The company announced wages will be a minimum of € 10.50 an hour even in Nofoaga and Gadalland and Aspern with stores to open in central districts and urban area focus at first. The first format to be introduced will the hypermarket formats with banking services, groceries ,full clothing, home products, toys , media such as dvd's and blurays and electrictrical retail offerings , DIY sections as well as opticians and restaurant hubs. All stores will be designed to be accessible by public transport and cycles with buses to be provided to some stores on an hourly basis.

The company said "We will bring our full offerings to these markets to provide a good quality product at reasonable price while raising standards in these retail markets. We will offer high quality jobs with good benefits and security for our employees offering them access to our Employee welfare fund and global profit share scheme on top of a minimum € 10.50 an hour wage , with high prices for suppliers to ensure they can profitably provide high wages and will provide a full range of good quality , environmentally friendly own brand ranges. At least 60% of grocery goods will be domestic in the first few years with at least a 80% target after the first 5 years. " The company is known for its high quality jobs and high quality retail offerings being the biggest ethical retailer in Europe.The first stores are due to open in January.

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Right form new Unus party

Today the right wing Alliance of Royalists and National Rally have changed politics and the political make up of the United Duchies by merging together in an attempt to pool votes and get ready to fight better at the next election. The currenty leader of the Alliance or Royalists Dominic Marshall shall retain leadership in the deal with Mrs Lovelace leader of the National Rally getting deputy leadership. A new platform shall be voted on for next election while the politician from National Rally side of the party are expected to back coalition promises. The move should pool the votes reducing seats lost due to the split in the vote on the right and means Unus is now the largest party in the House of Duchies and third largest party in the House of Commons.

The party in a joint statement said "We have come together to progess peoples and nationalist politics in the Duchies. We will fight for the people together and fight for a society that is fair for Duchians. We will fight to continue reducing excessive immigration and erosion of traditional values by combining our resources to increase our seats in the next election. This is a good day for the Northern Duchies."

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Roscoes to rebuild bombed store in Anastasia
Roscoes have said today they will be rebuilding the store that was bombed in Anastasia city. The site will be prepared for a new store with expanded features. The site will also be built with expansion for an apartment complex in mind. The apartments would be rented 50% at social housing rates and 50% at market rates.

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Seat Projectionfor HoC(If Election held today):
CPCI:0(-1)
The Left:28(-127)
IUAC:1(+0)
PSD:146(+77)
Liberal Party:104(+37)
Moderate Party:154(+34)
Union of Democrats:108(-11)
Unus:114(+25)
New Dawn:0(-34)

Vote Percent projection in poll:
CPCI:0.05%
The Left:4.32%
IUAC:0.2%
PSD:21.3%
Liberal Party:15.79%
Moderate Party:22.5%
Union of Democrats:16.41%
Unus:19.35%
New Dawn:0.13%

The polls are indicating a rise for Unus in seats which would get above the combined total of the parties that formed it got in the last elections. The Left meanwhile is collapsing with their votes returning to the PSD , Union of Democrats is bleeding support though its not clear who to the Moderates who are riding high or Unus or it is possibly a mix of the two. New Dawn meanwhile has collapsed in support with alot of those votes likely have gone back to non-protest vote parties or possibly Unus.CPCI on current support figures projected is highly likely to lose its only seat in the HoC unless it can get an overhang seat by winning a local seat.

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Eva van der Bijl and Wolfgang Katzian denied entry to Duchies
It has been confirmed that Eva van der Bijl and Wolfgang Katzian have both been denied entry to the Duchies. The government are understood to have had them on the list of people who are a threat to the peoples security and safety for their extremism due to their previous violence and threats of violence. The government of Duchies said "We welcome genuine refugees to the Anastasia city and they can grant Anastasia visas however we have on this occaision denied the visa as they are a threat to the Duchies people and Anastasian people. We will not let known terrorists and extremists into the city and our country."

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TUI and Abbott Resorts merger announced
Today TUI and Abbott Resorts have announced the intention to merge into a single group to provide efficiencies of scale and to have a portfolio of hotels to integrate into their package holidays. The new business will merge with TUI shareholders getting 26.7% of shares in the new group and Abbott Resorts and Hotels getting 73.3% of the shares in the new group.The new group is estimated to be worth at least €42 Billion.

The new group will merge on January 4th 2022 if there are no challenges with an estimated combined revenue of €79,366,948,076.71 with potential first year profits of at least €6 billion with potential for this to rise with savings through efficiency. The group is also looking at buying the Harry Shaw Coach tour company to operate as part of a new combined group under the brand. The company if successful in this would cement its lead at the top of the holiday market being the major player in the industry. The news has shocked analysts who expect further consolidations from other players in the industry to challenge TUI with several potential mergers possible.

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High Duke Albert I dies 1 day before High Duke Dinner

The Cair Para palace has today announced the sad news that 1 day before Christmas High Duke Albert I has died triggering the election process for the High Duke position. The duke died of a heart attack in his sleep aged 83. The Duke has reigned for over 52 years with him being praised for his wisdom and being a great advisor and comforter to PM's . The United Duchies has asked all United Duchies flags be flown half mast until the election and coronation of a new High Duke as per tradition. The process is expected to take place in the new year with those interested in the High Duke position out of the Dukes having to register interest by January the 2nd. The palace has confirmed his funeral planned for 2 weeks. Vigils are being held at the palace and parliament with millions expected to attend over the Twixmas week.All major royals are invited to the funeral with most world leaders.

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Duchies sees in New Year throughout country

Goudadam Fireworks

Hamborg

Porterdam

Brummagem

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United Duchies to replace European Councillour and Deputy Councillour with Co-Councillours

Today the Duchies passed onto the High Dukes office an act that would replace Councillour and Deputy Councillourship with Co-Councillours equal in position and power. The bill would require each ticket to have two candidates who would be considered equal on the ticket. The sucessfully councillour could choose between them which sessions each one of them would attend to possibly attend sessions while on is back home on holiday time or consulting with constituents or government back home for example. Only one Co-Councillour could attend sessions on a particular act unless replacing the other as an emergency , with only one Co-Councillour able to vote on each bill again to be agreed between the two, if there is a dispute between the two who should vote on a particular bill the High Duke must step in to resolve it giving him more power than previous.

The act is designed to make the position more accessible to those with families as well as provide better coverage of the position as well as increase the quality of consultation councillours can provide. If signed a new election will be called Duchies wide for new Co-Councillour tickets with most of the current government parties expected to back the James Mizrachi-Roscoe ticket though there are rumours Skye Hook is considering retirement and James is considering another running mate for the ticket.Elections would be scheduled for after the next speaker term if James is elected to the Speakership.

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Duchies Government invites Telum Countries to discuss Transition

The Duchies government has publically invited all Telum nations to discuss the transition from the current trade relations to future trade relations including negotiations on issues such as tariffs , adminstration requirements, business licenses and canal fees. The government has said in a statement "We believe in a future of friendly relations with Telum despite previous issues especially in areas trade and cultural and education co-operation. We believe it is in everyones interests to talk as a group of nations and to ensure as little change as possible for businesses in Duchies and Telum. We look forward to meeting nations in The Duchies and ensuring continuation of good business relations."

Talks would also be expected to cover co-operation on crime , terrorism and intelligence on organised crime and terrorism where there is a threat to each others nations in order to prevent attacks and keep security high. United Duchies is expected to ask to continue to share intelligence on crime and terrorism into the future between Telum and Duchies as well as continuing arrangements for extradition into the future.

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Anastasia City a great success say government
The government have declared a success with housing capacity now at 200,000 capacity with over 70% being affordable or social housing owned by Housing Associations or partnerships with the government or sold as affordable house allocations. The housing has been distributed to immigrants and Duchian spouses and families of the immigrants from the Nicolezian community. The government expect most people to be renters in Anastasia at least at the start with rent to own schemes expanding to help people buy their homes.

The government announced today that the government would be introducing new investment scheme allowing small business owners credit towards housing if they invest in businesses with immigrants and particuarly those from Copala City getting priority. It is reported Kligenberg-MG are looking at a new supply plant in the city with other industrial companies looking at factories on the cheaper land to exploit cheaper real estate pricing and access to the ports. The government also announced they would invest in a port 50/50 with the Anastasian government in order to boost port capacity on the Caspian close to the Baltic Canal. The government of the Duchies said in a statement "We have a strong economy developing in Anastasia and are producing a wonderful city with walkable environments , affordable quality housing and great services. This city is serving its role well as a landing point for immigrants and we expect to have housing and services for 600,000 by the end of the year and are taking applications for more people to come to Duchies pending housing in Anastasia. We hope to have a city of 1,250,000 within 2-3 years. We believe this project will benefit immigrants and the Duchies by providing a melting pot city for them to immigrate to and start new businesses in." The government also announced a new fund that would specifically focus on money for non-profits and co-operatives to encourage the growth of a co-operative economy as well in the city.Roscoes announced today all its employees in the country including Anastasia would be entitled to cheaper than market rent apartments above the stores to reduce commutes and in order to provide quality homes for workers. They could rent up to a 3 bedroom apartment depending on family size in order to allow for 2 child families.

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Amaziah Roscoes Attackers face up to 60 years

Today the after sentencing after 6 of the the attackers of Amaziah Roscoe pleading guilty the trio of judges on the case voted to deliver sentences of 40-60 years. 3 of the attackers pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder, Torture and a Hate Crime for attacking him because he is Autistic while the other 3 pleadered guilty to Attempted Murder and Hate Crime Charges meaning judges had no option but to give 40 years in prison. The judges could have given shorter sentences but the Roscoes it is reported didn't give the blessing for this to take place that would be required in law. It is reported that no remorse was shown during investigations and the trial.

Details about the case have now been fully released and a picture of a brutal tragic crime emerged. It is reported that he was invited by text to the forest falsifying the number to make it look like it was his girlfriend, once he arrived he was set upon and shot from behind and stabbed multiple times before being kicked on the ground and as quoted by one of the judges "Treated like a football" . He was also tortured facing burns to his face among other injuries all while being filmed and mocked by his attackers before being left to die on camera which the perpetrators planned to pick up the day after while burying him. However luckily his father called his girlfriend to see if he arrived and they realised something was up and called emergency services to the park near his home where they reguarly met and searched themselves finding him, he was found just in time to be saved though it is reported he is still requiring extensive counseilling services which the the victims have been ordered to work into prison to help pay towards by the judges under a compensation plan unless they want to face extra years in prisons. With the attackers ranging from 15-18 the perpetrators will face being in prison in their 50's to 70's .

The lead judge when delivering the sentence said "You have shown no remorse and no guilt in fact you told police you only regret he lived and Amaziah was not under the ground and was able to give evidence against you. You cowardly used his relationship to entrap him into a brutal attack all decent people would find reprehensible and all because he is Autistic. This is why we fund no problems in passing the sentences of 40-60 years in prison. You have wrecked your lives over this attack and will not be free for a long time and will only get out if you can prove you are not a danger to others which I sincerely doubt will ever be the case. Let me make clear we have no sympathy for you and like many in society we sympathise with the clear victims Amaziah , his family and his girlfriend. I hope this sentence sends a message we will treat disgusting animals like yourself who act so callously harshly and we will protect our Autistic population. If you attack, attempt to murder and commit hate crimes you will go to prison for a long time . I hope you think everyday about what you did and eventually find a heart to realise just how wrong what you have done is but we have not seen evidence in this court room or in police interviews. " The details have shocked the nation with most showing support for the sentencing though some have suggested that it may be harsh given the age of the defendents. James Mizrachi-Roscoe outside the court room with his son gave a press to the press " My son has suffered so much and we can only thank God he was found in time to be saved. However my son now faces a life sentence , a life sentence of nightmares of being attacked and tortured , I thank the police and judges for doing their jobs well and getting justice. I hope this sends the message people like my son are valuable and their lives matter. We thank the public for their support during this time and protests and hope this case will continue to generate the change we need to prevent anti-autistic hate. For now we will be focusing on my sons recovery as much as possible so he can be in a better place in his mental health battle he now faces. I have this message no sentence can give full justice for what happened to my son, the perpetrators may have been given 40 years and 60 years but my son faces a life sentence and I can only hope the time in jail will make his attackers think about what they have done.If you want to help , please give to Positive About Autism who we will be launching a campaign with to tackle the issue of hate crimes against Autistics. Every Dux Libra helps and will be appreciated " Social media has erupted with support for the family with Ogobook as well as twitter. The leader of the The Left Leo McKulsky was condemned by the public after he said " While the attack on Amaziah is a tragedy and disgusting , there is also a great tragedy of the loss of lives for the young people who made a mistake , yes a an awful and terrible mistake in their youth. We are treating them like monsters who cannot be recovered , this shows something is very wrong with the system when it does not allow for redemption" .

The statement was immiediately condemned by many politicians including the leader of the Moderate Party John Peter Key and Liberal Party leader Arron Scott. The Moderate Party leader said "The fact LeoMcKulsky is talking about "redemption" for attempted murderers is a disgrace. I ask him why there should be leniance and lighter sentences when if the perpetrators had had their way Amaziah would have had no chance of any life on account of being dead after having suffered a horrific end. This is not the time to talk about leniancy and maybe he should focus on the issue of justice and anti-autistic hate crime like the rest of the country is united in focusing on and supporting. The government will back campaigns to deal with hate crimes against Autistics which although rare is still sadly far too common and focus on generating acceptance of differences more among the youth in this nation."

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United Duchies opens Anastasia University
Anastasia University opened today with the support of the University of Baltia and Porterdam.The government announced the funding for the university would be all covered by central government with one free course available for Anastasia s between the ages of 18-25. Any Anastasia s who can't get a place at Anastasia University will get a free courses at other universities as part of a skilling up of the population. The measure is to be funded solely by central government. The government said in a statement "We believe in the people of Anastasia any refugee on an Anastasia visa may join waiting lists for free courses at any university in the country including Anastasia University. We believe this will be good for the country and Anastasians.We hope this helps many who have had a hard time and been through so much strife and civil war and that it helps them find peace and a sense of identity as one of the Duchian family."

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Anastasia Attacked according to police statement
Today the Anastasia and Baltia police have said in a statement that Anastasia City has faced an attack and organised effort to cause chaos but praised the police on the frontline handling the situation. There have been reported explosions in Anastasia and the city has been shut off temporarily at the border while order is restored. The police have said "Today an organised attack was arranged , we believe many were induced via drugs and we will be looking for the real culprits and criminals behind the disgusting attack on the people of Anastasia and get justice for the people of Anastasia. We regret that severay people have been involved in shooting incidents with police and security and we will be investigating every incident but we have been assured so far that it was to preserve as much life as possible. We have hundreds tonight in custody as a result of the events but we will be looking at how much drugs are responsible versus individuals being responsible. We do not believe that this is intentional on their part but rather organised and it shows signs of certain drugs from the Haahne region . We will get to the bottom of this and get justice for the people of Anastasia."

The Prime minister and the cabinet are in emergency talks in Cair Para in order to decide on a response. The government are expected to aid local authorities not just in investigations but also the recovery in the city. The damage however is reported to be limited to certain districts. The police are believed to now be in control of the attack on the city. The government have labelled this as a terrorist incident and have noted similarities to incidents in Copala City and Haahne Republics and are bringing in authorities from abroad to help with investigations.

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Order Restored in Anastasia
Order has been restored in Anastasia City after a troublesome few hours. While some areas have occaisonal issues the police have said on the whole order has been restored with aid and help rushing in. The ICS church have announced all their churches are getting supplies to people they can help with the government announcing the military have been called upon to assist in handing out aid and supplies and going home to home to deliver food parcels following the attack. The military will be only lightly armed enough to protect themselves so as not to cause fear or misunderstanding.

Roscoes have announced they will be using their welfare fund to buy food from their supermarkets to distribute to residents in this emergency time. Any Anastasian may book a emergency food delivery free from Roscoes as a gesture of support to the city in this hard time. The supermarket said in a statement "We believe we should be part of the community that supports us economically. That means when times are hard we give a little back and we hope our food parcels will help with discounts available." Any people who want to go elsewhere from Anastasia may do so and authorities have set up a point to leave at the Anastasia City Railway station in the centre. It is reported some Nicolezians are temporarily leaving from the station to the Eurorail terminal to catch trains to Madrid.

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Anastasia to get two teams as stadium plans announced

Before the chaos of the day good news was announced for Anastasia with the government of United Duchies announced a grant of 1,000,000,000 Euros to build stadiums near the city centre of Anastasia City. The stadiums will be operated by a new company owned by Anastasian government called Anastasia Convention and Sports Venues Ltd. The stadiums will be home to two clubs each to be funded by the Duchies government with seed funding to encourage professional sports and also home to Anastasian Duchy team for the High Dukes Cup. Conditions are that any stadium should be able to support a mixture athletics, football and rugby between the two stadiums to allow increased use and to house multiple clubs in one stadium. The government also will give money to develop an indoor arena and convention centre for culture, conventions and music again to the operated by the companies. The move is hoped to generate money for the economy by boosting visitors and provide sporting teams to root for for Anastasians.

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Government announce plan to devolve langauge education
A new plan by government will devolve language regulations in education. While Duchian Sign Language will still be mandatory throughout the country for ease of communication with the deaf the second langauge of a Duchy will be devolved allowing them to choose German or a language of the local legislatures choice as a second mandatory language course. The move is believed to have come at the concerns of the Anastasian government who want to make Nicolezian the main secondary langauge in duchy of Anastasia. It also means Anastasia people will likely be allowed to be taught in Duchian English or Nicolezian instead of Duchian English or German. However the countries government will still require English and German to have a job with national government agencies except if the job is only dealing with local groups in non-german majority Duchies such as Anastasia, Supseaxe and Baltica. The move is designed to increase local autonomy and recognise the fact there is now a Duchy where German is not a major secondary langauge.

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Utilities to vast majority of city back online
The utility company of Anastasia has confirmed today that most utilities are back online and where they aren't army are currently distributing water and compost toilets kits. The government said in a statement "The Copalan Appeal are involved in fake news and frankly reports that utilities are down in most of the city is false. Utilities were restored fairly quickly thanks to an effective local government and national government response. We will continue to work to restore services to the streets around the blasts." The government today have reportedly condemned the Copalan Appeal for scaremongering and irresponsible journalism that could endanger lives.