OUTRAGE OVER ‘CHAOTIC’ NEW SANCTIONS LAW

Government has given no guidance to affected parties since the sanctions came into force.

Chaos followed the enforcement of Rolling Sanctions Act 2021 on Friday at midnight as those affected scrambled to make plans to return to their country. The most affected were those subject to individual sanctions, and the government has given no guidance for persons subject to individual sanctions or persons from countries subjected to sanctions.

Nationals of Sharifistan, Syrnaseria, and Precia have been allowed to remain in Gadalland and Aspern provided they are residing or visiting legally. However, the narrow list of exemptions to the newly enforced law has forced many to change plans, and no new permits or visas are being awarded. Nationals from sanctioned countries may stay if they have a visitor’s permit or other travel permission, they are deemed essential, they have direct family, they are refugees or they are citizens of Nofoaga.

The most widely infuriating part about this new law, according to a NS6 poll, is the rules for sanctioned individuals. The law states that “high ranking officials” from Precia and Istkalen are prohibited from entering Gadalland and Aspern at all costs. From last Friday, they have a week, or 168 hours, to leave Gadalland and Aspern from an approved port of entry and head directly for their country of nationality. Under this rule, refugees who fall under the rather vague umbrella of “high ranking” are to be sent back to their country of nationality. There are thought to be about 10,000-15,000 escaped government workers from Precia in Gadalland and Aspern as refugees who will be forced to return to the fascist state.

“We cannot, and we will not tolerate individuals who may well be spies remaining in Sertia from a hostile state,” said CLC general manager Goordon Dreb. “These states must be sent the message that these illegal activities committed by these people in Gadalland and Aspern are unacceptable.”

While Iskalen didn’t make the list of official sanctioned countries, the government approved, along extremely partisan lines, individual sanctions for any government staff worker coming to Gadalland and Aspern from the Istkalenian Territory. It is unclear what is meant by that wording in the law.
“This is absolutely ridiculous,” remarked Terry Halensót, Council Member 5 who voted against the bill. “We’ve barely even thought about having a summit with EU member nations, or how we’re going to achieve the Climate Accord goals and instead we’re resorting to un-Vernidian punishments such as banishment.

This law comes about a week after the notorious CLC meeting that ended in a shouting match over how to respond to the Istkalenian crisis, as well as a longer movement by the Tríante Party to curb immigration. Proponents of the new law say it will condemn the actions of "unsavoury" governments, and critics say it will harm the Sertian position within the EU, as well as trade with potential partners such as the Istkalenian state.

“It is an inhumane, unjust, confusing and poorly worded, and completely unnecessary law, and to be honest I feel we've ruined our relations with some countries by banishing their diplomats and foreign officials. We should focus on making agreements, not enemies.”

The government has yet to publish any guidance for sanctioned parties, leaving many affected people confounded and unsure what to do. Sanction notifications were sent out on Friday at 00:00 when the law went into effect.

The list of sanctioned countries will be reviewed the last day of each month.

13/6/2021

Gadalland and Aspern is a union of six ancient island kingdoms, formerly seven (Precia). This realm was known by many as Sertia, coming from the term "Sar-dria" or "Ser-dria" meaning "sovereign". To the North and East lie the islands of Prew, Henwer, Yudrey and Climaer. To the South are Reddwycrh and Tytnyn and the former Seventh Union of Gadalland and Aspern, Precia. The name Gadalland and Aspern comes from the names for the Sertian people.

For over 400 years (200-600 CE) each of the sovereign islands were at war for a multitude of reasons. The Northeast lands, in 610, became "Gath-alla-nand", the first evidence of the people of those islands calling themselves Gadalland. The same happened to Reddwyrch, Tytnyn and Precia, becoming Aspern.
Between 625 CE and 1000 CE, Gadalland and Aspern were separate countries constantly fighting one another. They had no stable governments, no ways of organising their social classes or land allocation. They were nomadic, and built stone hovels that remain today as tourist attractions.

In about 1000 CE, a woman named Verna of Osperfey (the old capital of Aspern on the island of Tytnyn) made campaigns around the countries to try to unite the lands. She was the earliest recorded anthropologist in Gadalland and Aspern. Her written works about the Sertian people are some of the most highly regarded patriotic Sertian values. To each island's people, she introduced the Sertian Domex, which didn't become law until 1224, and outlined the basic laws that each country should abide by. The incentive was that they could keep away from war and become a great nation. Incentivised Anthropology, also known as Vernian Anthropology, is now a highly practised form of critical theory in Gadalland and Aspern that focuses on the patriotic and social values of Sertians.

Verna of Osperfey's system has worked since then, through the rise and fall of many social and cultural movements. The government, the Customary Logistics Council (CLC) creates and executes the laws of the Sertian Domex, which instills natural freedoms such as speech, religion and language as well as responsibilities such as mandatory military service at the age of 18.

In 1908, the island of Precia cut off all communication from Gadalland and Aspern. The island was discontent with the inability to create nationalist laws to be approved by the Head Councillor. They are ruled by the Supreme Party, a fascist dictatorship and they have violated many of the Domex's rules. As of January 1, 2019, all Precian people who aren't government officials are citizens of Gadalland and Aspern. Should they be able to escape, they will have the right to reside for the rest of their lives. High ranking government officials have all been branded criminals and are prohibited from entering Gadalland and Aspern.

8 June, 2021
International Edition

CUSTOMARY LOGISTICS COUNCIL APPROVES SANCTIONS LAW, WITH ISTKALEN NOT ON THE LIST

This afternoon, the Customary Logistics Council approved Rolling Sanctions Act 2021 into law, making it easier for the government to place sanctions on countries that are seen as a threat to Gadalland and Aspern.

The new law allows the Government to put in place harsh sanctions against treacherous countries or individuals, including a ban of trade on all resources with an abundance of 1% or more, a strict ban on the trade of Sertian-made marine equipment coming from any country, and a travel ban with very limited exceptions.

Noticeably, the Republic of Istkalen was not on the list of sanctioned countries due to a stringent requirement of approval to add an EU country to the list. The law requires all islands' councils to vote unanimously upon applying sanctions to an EU country. The Council of Tytnyn did not provide a unanimous vote, and Istkalen will remain unsanctioned for the time being.
However, all high-ranking government officials from the Istkalenian state are subject to individual sanctions.

The current list of sanctioned countries is:

• PEOPLE'S STATE OF PRECIA (as of Friday, 11 June at 00:00)

• FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF SYRNASERIA (as of Friday, 11 June at 00:00)

• CHAMPAGNE SOCIALIST SHARIFISTAN (as of Friday, 11 June at 00:00)

The following individual sanctions are in force as of Tuesday, 8 June at 14:00:

• All high-ranking government officials from the Republic of Istkalen, with the exception of a duly elected EU councillor, are subject to the rules of Rolling Sanctions Act 2021 with immediate effect.

• All government officials from the People's State of Precia are subject to the rules of Rolling Sanctions Act 2021 with immediate effect.

All officials familiar with the matter declined to comment.

The government will release guidelines for affected parties including those awaiting a visa decision, those residing legally in Gadalland and Aspern and those with direct family in Gadalland and Aspern.

The list of sanctioned countries is to be reviewed at the end of each month, with countries to be added or taken off at any time. There will be a four day grace period before a sanction comes into force or is removed.

Updated Sertian Passports

The government of Gadalland and Aspern, since creating the 4C agreement with the Republic of Nofoaga, has redesigned the Sertian passport to better reflect the modernisation of Gadalland and Aspern.
The new passport incorporates new biometric technology, including a SafeBio seal to reduce passport fraud and protect the interests of Sertian citizens abroad. The new passport also features new images designed to induce some pride among Sertian citizens.

The Cover Page

The new cover of the Sertian passport. It is violet to represent the bonding of red and blue, which shows unity and novelty, and features the seal of Gadalland and Aspern, which is gold on all other passports.
There are special Diplomatic and official passports but they all possess this cover to show that every Sertian is equal in their rights of movement. The biometric information stored within the passport, however, will be a different type for each specific type of passport.

The Biometric Information Page

The biometric page of the new Sertian passport. It features in the upper left corner the SafeBio seal which changes colours depending upon wavelength and angle of light. However, the seal of Gadalland and Aspern will retain its original colours even as the rest of the seal changes.

The design behind the passport holder's photo is the design of the frame of the famous painting of Joaie of Embersley housed in the War Chambers.
And the image behind the main information is the Knighting of St. Aras, a painting housed in the Osperfey Museum of the Arts.

The page above the biometric page also bears the 4C logo, which shows the unity of the Caribbean and the one-voice policy which has recently been adopted.

Not all security features of this biometric passport can be disclosed to the public as it is a sensitive personal proof of citizenship document.

Update on Sertian Visas

The Department of Visas and Immigration will implement a new immigration system beginning 1 January, 2022 to reflect Gadalland and Aspern's membership in the 4C agreement. The new policy will honour the right of abode for Nofoagan citizens and nationals as well as create "Community visas" for citizens of third countries to be entitled to free movement between the two countries.
Please expect an announcement as soon as next week or earlier.

23 December 2021
International Edition

UPSET VICTORY FOR GUTHRUN WOND, NATIONALIST PARTY

Guthrun Wond To Be New Head Councillor In 2022

In what seemed to many a shocking upset of an election, on 13 December it was announced that Guthrun Wond, the figurehead of the Nationalist Party for Gadalland and Aspern, has been popularly elected to the seat of Head Councillor for the next term.

The Nationalist Party Association spokesperson, Emmy Gwynath was 'admittedly a bit surprised' after hearing the news, but she attributes it to 'the popular opinion of the state at this moment in time'.

Meanwhile, some expressed shock and dismay over this upset victory, one of whom being Councillor Dína, the current Head Councillor.

"I am shocked people in Sertia feel so strongly about some issues, enough to elect a nationalist leader. I can only speculate the things which may happen in the future." Many others are not optimistic about what Mr. Wond may do to Sertia, calling him 'corrupt' and 'embarrassing.'

Mr. Wond began his political career, after graduating from Dredthe University in Hemberdale, as an outspoken member of the Customary Logistics Council. He was ousted in 2021, just before Gadalland and Aspern joined the EU. However, when such deliberations came about in early 2021, Mr. Wond vehemently opposed membership, calling it 'illegal' and 'pointlessly expensive'.

As Interior Councillor from 2014-2017, Mr. Wond made a concerted effort to prevent rail development across the country, calling it 'inefficient and crowded', and that 'taxpayers will absolutely think us monsters'.

In 2018, Mr. Wond was arrested and tried by Council Alcalde over suspected money-laundering whilst he was Interior Councillor. To the dismay of many, he was acquitted.

'I want to thank everyone who helped me get here. You're all truly great', he said in his victory speech. 'Now we start what should have started long ago'.

Filó District, Hemberdale, Kingdom of Gadalland

The usual police business of the day, including answering emergency calls and dealing with overreactions, was interrupted by a call to the Sertian Police Force non-emergency number. Officer Morris Dramson received the call.

The area code was +8980, which usually indicated an urgent message from the government. Government officials in Gadalland and Aspern are always instructed to use the non-emergency number, as it is at less of a risk of illegal surveillance.

+8980.+8980. Officer Dramson looked at those numbers and knew he was not allowed to pick up the call. What would happen if I did? What if this is a test? Dramson looked around, making small movements with his head and large movements with his eyes. He picked up the phone.

"Sertian Police Force non-emergency number. What can I do for you today?"
"This is the government of Gadalland and Aspern requesting a Turnip for the Man."
Dramson immediately knew what the voice meant. Sure, he spoke Stamp Lect (The Sertian Official Secret Language).
"Sir, I'm not classed to receive this information. May I transfer you to our police chief?"
"Do it. Now."

Dramson dropped the phone, got up from his chair and walked quickly down the hall to the Office of the Chief. He knocked on the closed door, unable to see through the frosted glass.
Knock.
Knock.
Taking a deep breath, Dramson turned the handle and walked in. Inside the office were three other men around the police chief. They turned to look at Dramson.

From the Chief's perspective, Dramson looked so nervous he might have urinated on someone at any moment. The three men Dramson recognised as his colleagues who worked on the emergency line.

"Sir," Dramson began, "I received an 8980 call to disclose classified information. They're on the line now."

The Chief looked at Dramson, not with alarm but with a furrowed, slightly anxious frown. "I know, Dramson. They called us three times already. " He gestured to the three men in the room.

"They're still on the line, sir, if you would like to talk to them. I think it's urgent."

"I'm going to put them on speaker. Do you know what this means?" the Chief asked.

I'll have to keep this secret for the rest of my life. Yes, I do know.

"Yes, sir," Dramson replied. The other men nodded in nervous agreement.

The Chief picked up the phone. "Speaking?" he asked the receiver.
"This is Councillor Dína for Councillor Spiggen. Is this Solitaire?" said the receiver.
What was the European Councillor doing in Hemberdale? Shouldn't she have been on recess?
"Solitaire on call," the Chief replied.
"What goes around and comes around, Solitaire?"
The Chief replied, "He who bears the Crown of Horns." This was the riddle asked to confirm the identity of high government officials. Though nonsensical, the answer to the same question changed every day.
"You received a turnip from the Man?" Dína asked through the phone.
"Yes."
"Do you know what to do?"
"Don't tell the press, a secret is a safe secret. Yes, I do, Councillor Dína. I will send these gentlemen to the Hall immediately."
Dína hung up the phone.

"Gentlemen," the Chief said, "Mr. Spiggen has been kidnapped."

Dramson had always wanted to be a professor of Oceanography, not an emergency responder because he knew something like this would happen. Oh well, he thought. Here we go.

13 July, 2021

All Nations to Be Removed From List of Sanctioned States in August

Head Councillor for the Customary Logistics Council Henry Spiggen announced Tuesday evening that, after a majority vote in the CLC, all nations previously on the list of Sanctioned Statesaccording to Rolling Sanctions Act 2021 will be removed starting in August.

Individuals sanctioned by the Sertian government will still be subject to their sanctions at the CLC's determination.

Starting 1 August at 00:00, citizens and nationals of sanctioned states will be permitted to travel to Gadalland and Aspern provided they abide by immigration rules. Official guidance will follow this message.

Council of Diplomacy

Statement Regarding the Crisis of the Strait of Adventuranza

The Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern, noting our extreme reliance on the open sea for trade, will commit to promoting the compliance of international maritime law. Therefore, the CLC recognises the Spanish possession of the Strait of Adventuranza, and further will not attempt to interfere in the current situation, in an attempt to reconcile the European governments involved in this dispute.
The Customary Logistics Council also expresses its concern over the Spanish decision to suspend its military treaty with Mennrimiak.
Gadalland and Aspern offers its services as a mediator, and our proficiency in this field is modelled exceptionally by our lack of involvement in recent international disputes.

ERE BACH'AIR DUN

29 January, 2022

Response to Travel Restrictions Imposed upon 4C Nationals by the United Duchies

The Caribbean Common Community Commission expresses its concern regarding the announcement by the government of the United Duchies of increased immigration checks for Sertian and Nofoagan nationals.

The Caribbean Common Community Commission considers Rolling Sanctions Act 2021, as well as Ambassador Act 2021, to be necessary in the effort to staunch trafficking. Both pieces of dual-application law were passed with human trafficking as a primary concern.

Gadalland and Aspern and the Republic of Nofoaga are working hard to combat the trafficking of human beings, and our governments are conscious of the sheer effort and responsibility it has taken on in this endeavour.

The hard-earned money given to our governments by our people is helping to fortify our infrastructure and prevent human rights violations. It is therefore reasonable, in this mind, for the 4C organisation, on behalf of its citizens, to ask for a more detailed explanation as to the nature of the imposition of these new rules.

OFFICE OF THE 4C ORGANISATION

Changes in immigration requirements for foreign international students

effective 10 November 2023

Previously, all international students studying in the Kingdom of Sertia were required to apply for a visa before they arrived in the Kingdom of Sertia.

Citizens of certain countries will now be able to study in Sertia without any foreign immigration requirements, provided that they can prove on arrival to Sertia they have

• proof of intention to study
• sufficient funding and resources for at least 9 months

The list of eligible nationals is below:

Montenbourg

Fremet

Icholasen

Ineland

Brickston

Czech Slavia

United Duchies

Spain

California

Yosai

Inimicus

Angleter

Leagio

Elthize

Nofoaga

ERE BACHÁIR DÙN

Changes to travel rules for citizens of the United Kingdom

19 August 2023

Previously, the Brætha have instituted a ban on travel by citizens of the United Kingdom to the Kingdom of Sertia.

The Brætha appreciate the disruption this travel ban has caused, disallowing many family reunions, business affairs and affecting income due to a decrease in tourism.

Effective 19 August, citizens of the United Kingdom will be able to apply for an E-visa to come to Sertia. This visa will be valid for one entry, with a maximum stay of 91 days out of every 180 days.

The Brætha continue to condemn statements made by the government of the United Kingdom concerning the domestic affairs of Sertia, but recognise the need for uninterrupted trade of people, goods and services for the betterment of the European Union.

It is illegal to publicly endorse, by speech or by media, the former regime of the Republic of Aspern, due to continued violence and danger posed by the Aspernians to the good people of the Kingdom of Sertia. Anyone found guilty of committing an offence on these grounds will be subject to 180 days in prison or 250 hours' community service. The Brætha reserve the right to notify InterSpol of any pertinent offences.

ERE BACHÁIR DÙN

Tourism Spotlight: Monastery of St Verna of Osperfey

Likely the most popular Sertian landmark, and one of the most important to the island's history, the Monastery of St Verna of Osperfey lies in the Erdàis district of the city of Osperfey. This monument was dedicated to St Verna in 1240 to honour her successful effort to unite the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern.

Before the union, Osperfey lay in the Isle of Yudrey, and the foundation upon which the Monastery now stands can be dated back to around 550 BCE, when the Yudreians used it likely as a tomb for their nobility.

The wider Erdàis district, until around 1500, was its own city, and the Monastery was then known in Sertian as the Ipiarnas yw Vaernaw lly Erdàis, or the Monastery of Verna of Erdàis. Until the town took the name of Osperfey, which was a village outside Erdàis, Verna was not associated with Osperfey.

The cityscape changed when, in 1564, the Brætha of Erdàis declared that only residents of Erdàis could scatter their ashes at Verna's tomb. The practice of bringing a deceased loved one's ashes to the tomb of Verna had been a longstanding tradition to pay respect to the saviour of the Kingdom of Sertia. Therefore this act by the Brætha of Erdàis enraged many people, and the Head Brætha had to intervene to allow this tradition to continue. To do this, he put the town of Erdàis under the jurisdiction of Osperfey, run directly by the Head Brætha.

Today, many pilgrims still come to see the tomb of Verna for many reasons. Visitors may find many urns of ashes stocked at the foot of Vernas effigy. To this day, pilgrimages are subsidised by the government to allow people to seek out peace. Join them and visit Osperfey!

Declaration of new powers under Rolling Sanctions Act 2021, to be applied to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

15 July 2023

Under Rolling Sanctions Act 2021, the Brætha, by majority vote, have decided that new powers to punish foreign nations may be utilised if there is sufficient concern for the national security of the Kingdom of Sertia, the community of the Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern, or the Caribbean community including the Republic of Nofoaga.

These new powers include the ability of the Brætha to prohibit nationals of hostile foreign nations to come to or reside in Sertia, and to expel foreign nationals of hostile countries from Sertia within 168 hours.

The Brætha, after receiving news that the UK considers the Republic of Aspern to be a legitimate state, expresses concern over the UK government's effect on Sertian national security, and under this pretence issues the new powers listed above to be applied to nationals of the United Kingdom with immediate effect.

Therefore, as of 15 July 2023, all nationals of the United Kingdom must leave the Kingdom of Sertia within 168 hours of this address, and no national of the United Kingdom will be permitted legally into the Kingdom of Sertia until the Brætha has decided that there is no longer a threat to national security.

BY ORDER OF THE BRÆTHA

*ERE BACHÁIR DÙN

Our Brætha have made the decision to recognise the NSC as the government of Istkalen in the event of a change in authority. We are of the mind that while it is surely right to challenge these oppressive laws, which we certainly plan to do should they come into force, for Sertia engaging in violence or covert manipulation will only serve to make the issue worse.

In addition, we have determined that sanctions are not an appropriate Sertian response. We want to be able to help the people of Istkalen through this difficult time by providing what aid we can, if possible, and this takes precedence over making an international statement of condemnation.

We currently have an active Civilian Maritime Force stationed in the Kingdom of Reitzmag, which we plan to continue to support. The CMF will provide help to refugees from Istkalen to apply for asylum in Sertia.

Any assistance in these efforts already ongoing would be much appreciated.

To the British Councillor, it's rather silly that you'd sacrifice the wellbeing of EU citizens because you've been emotionally abused. We have had countries knocking down our door in an attempt to pervert our course of government, including you, but we stand tall and do what we can do with what we've got. Your idleness will be remembered.

Cllr. Dína
ERE BACH'AIR DÙN

What is 'Statutory banishment?

The Brætha have released guidance raising the minimum age of statutory banishment to 21. But what exactly is statutory banishment?

You may recall that, only a few months ago, the Brætha released a statement concerning Mr. Wond's punishment for treason. He was convicted of this unacceptable offence without recourse to a trial due to overwhelming public favour and a unanimous vote by the Brætha.

As in the case of Mr. Wond, successful conviction of an unacceptable offence warrants statutory banishment. In its original form,conceived in the 1500s, it stripped convicts of their status as Sertian citizens, and they were unable to return to Sertia. Many sought refuge in nearby Rowsperch or the West Olves, both of which were independent at that time, but mostly were refused entry because they recognised convictions of unacceptable offences decided in Sertia.

Now, statutory banishment takes a less severe form. You can only be banished from Sertia completely if you have claim to nationality of another EU nation. This was the case with Erab Danulch, who was convicted of treason due to his position I the Aspernian paramilitary during the Schism. He was permanently banished from Sertia because he possessed dual nationality with Istkalen. His banishment was a subject of national concern because he had never been to Istkalen in his life.

However, most are banished from the major cities in Sertia if they are successfully convicted of statutory banishment.They receive government support to find a home and manage their finances, and are confined to their property except for special circumstances, for example to go to hospital.

The recent guidance sets out a more lenient scheme for the rehabilitation of under-21s, who cannot be found guilty of statutory banishment and the age at which statutory banishment applies is expected to continue to rise in future.

30 December 2022

Government ends war declaration, retains humanitarian protections

Today the Order of the Braetha has voted to rescind the declaration of war against Svarna Surya. This follows reports that Svarnan leaders have agreed to participate in peace talks with the United Duchies.

This comes after the Order passed a declaration of war to enable certain international humanitarian powers, such as rescue vessels being allowed to foreign shores for a maximum of 45 days.

However, alongside their gutting of the war declaration, the Order also passed the same humanitarian provision which can now be enacted in peacetime, to recognise that, as HB Fornithias Cranst put it, 'not all conflicts deserve a declaration of war'.

The declaration of war passed by the government was 'largely ceremonial', HB Fornithias Cranst said today. 'We simply wanted to provide the humanitarian protection which we wouldn't have been able to during peacetime'.

Now that the Order has passed the Peacetime Amendment, as it is unofficially referred to, a vote by the Order can send the Civilian Maritime Force on humanitarian missions across the EU, during times of war and peace alike.

What happens if I can't pay my taxes?

Gadalland and Aspern is known widely for its astonishingly high income tax rates. It seems only natural that you may ask: what happens if I can't pay?

In Sertian law, it is technically a crime not to pay your taxes, with the highest penalty for this being a fine of 500,000 SCD. In case you're unfamiliar with the concept of money, that's quite a bit!

So will you be penalised even more if you can't pay your taxes?

Technically, you should be. Sertian law clearly states that not paying your taxes is a crime. But that's no reason to be scared.

See, when you do not have enough money to pay your taxes, you are technically considered to be in debt. And being in debt in Gadalland and Aspern is not a crime under any circumstances. In fact, it makes you entitled to financial assistance from the government.

This clever little trick by the government creates a distinction between those who cannot pay their taxes because they haven't got the ressources, and those who are actively avoiding paying their taxes even though they could reasonably contribute.

Anyone receiving certain types of financial assistance from the government are exempt from paying their taxes. Were you to pay taxes whilst receiving government support, this would achieve nothing. The government would give you money, only to get it all back, and you'd be left with nothing.

So, to put it briefly, the government only considers not paying taxes a crime in order to catch tax evaders. And since the government collects income data on many Sertian residents, tax evaders don't get very far.

26 December 2022

Emotions run high as civilian maritime workers leave for continent

Across Gadalland and Aspern this afternoon, members of the Civilian Maritime Force have been departing from harbours across the country, in a widespread and coordinated effort to give humanitarian relief to the war effort in Svarna Surya. This comes only hours after the government joined Yosai, the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Reitzmag in declaring war against the Svarnan state.

The Civilian Maritime Force workers registered voluntarily and under full knowledge of the risks. This morning, the ports and marinas across the country had queues out the gates as seafarers bound for the war effort obtained their Humanitarian Licences.

Members of this humanitarian effort include all citizens of Gadalland and Aspern, over the age of 18 who either own a boat or have joined the owner of a boat. They must also have received CMF training. Many members of the force are those who are already fishermen, or spend much of their time at sea.

The first vessels left only hours after the announcement from the government today. Families have been seen saying goodbye to their loved ones, who have quite the journey ahead of them.

We spoke with a family from just outside Rowynnith. Daran Chlay is leaving his wife, Irinna, and their two children Meresy and Balbric. Daran said it was "a difficult decision to make," but he and his family ultimately feel it is "the right thing to do".

"We have a humble home here in Sertia, but at least we're safe. Irinna and I spoke and we believe that the best thing we can do is offer our safety to others. We could use the extra money as well".

Daran and Irinna, like many CMF members, will be compensated for his efforts, and family members back home will be offered living support while the CMF are away.

It is expected that the first CMF sailors will arrive to the continent in 10-20 days' time. What happens next will be determined by whether, and how much, the war escalates.

Today in pictures

Members of the CMF stood in queues this morning to obtain their licences.

Daran says goodbye to his wife, Irinna, before he leaves to the continent.
Three boats leave Rowynnith Harbour, bound for the continent

26 December 2022

Declaration of war on the state of Svarna Surya

We, the Order of the Braetha, recognising the hostile and aggressive nature of the state of Svarna Surya, and highlighting the need for humanitarian relief, join the Kingdom of Reitzmag in a declaration of war against the state of Svarna Surya.

This document, here signed by all present company of the Order, evidences the provisions of the war in which our good country engages. Here are those provisions.

The Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern, in this time of war:

• will NOT engage in any direct wartime hostilities, alongside our allies, against the state of Svarna Surya

• will NOT impose any mandatory military service of the residents of any domestic premises

• will NOT manufacture or deliver weaponry to our allies for the purpose of wartime conflict

• enacts the Wartime Refugee Scheme, and allows exceptions to any sanctions upon Svarna Surya for this reason

• mobilises the Sertian Civilian Maritime Force and the Caribbean Maritime Authority for the purpose of humanitarian aid, and the rescue of civilians displaced by the war.

All EU nations are humbly requested to accept civilians who possess both a Sertian passport and a Humanitarian Licence, issued after 25 December, to their shores for a time no greater than 45 days for the purpose of wartime humanitarian relief.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BRAETHA

ERE BACH'AIR DUN