Best posts made by Gadalland and Aspern

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

The Six Unions of Gadalland and Aspern votes:

For Premier Commissioner:

1. Jean Claude Juncker (Spain)
2. Sofie Cikarová (Czech Slavia)

For the Offie of Internal Affairs Commissioner:

1. Emma Granger (Montenbourg)
2. Peter Leeson (United Duchies)
3. Joe Biden (Reitzmag)

Ms. Edutitalle Dina

(Ms. Dina speaking through a translator)
Good Morning, everyone.

I am duly pleased to welcome you all here today for such a historic union of friends. I hope I can speak for everyone when I express my gratitude for this occasion, and how lucky our Sertian island is for such wonderful neighbours from the Republic of Nofoaga.

It is for reasons of common understanding and the betterment of lives that we have decided to enter this union of states known proudly as the Caribbean Community Accords. By allowing free trade and movement, we are also incentivising cooperation and goodwill.

Gadalland and Aspern and the Republic of Nofoaga are now a united front. We are sovereign nations who have decided to put our commonalities to good use.

Through the new joint office, the Caribbean Common Community Commission, we will share one voice regarding foreign and domestic affairs.

Through the Caribbean Maritime Service, we will oversee the well-being of our citizens at sea.

Through Free Movement , a common currency, the Caribbean Central Bank, and dual-application laws, we will provide opportunities to those who seek them, and incentivise the benefits of a Common Market.

It is my hope that we can prove the power of unity through these Accords, whilst also showing that sovereignty of nations does not have to suffer. I am confident we will set a powerful, yet humble example for the future.

And now, I'd like to invite the President of Nofoaga, Mr. Jacques Sale, to speak.

Wednesday, 19 May
Special Announcement from Council Alcalde:

Following the ruling by Council Alcalde in Holmes Homeowners v. Department of Immigration, immigrants seeking to buy a home in Gadalland and Aspern are not necessarily entitled to residence permission. All non-citizens wishing to purchase property in Gadalland and Aspern must be legally allowed to remain before they may do so.

Immigrants who are here on a visa, such as a Study or Work visa, are not allowed to buy property unless they are granted Permanent Settler status. All visas are affected by this new ruling.

The ruling also states that residents of Gadalland and Aspern who are governed by Bank 1 or Bank 3 immigration rules may be able to purchase homes. Citizens of Gadalland and Aspern living abroad under Bank 2 immigration rules may be able to buy property, but they first must apply stating their intent to return from overseas or return to Gadalland and Aspern first before purchasing property.

This ruling goes into effect 31 October.

GUIDELINES FOR AFFECTED PARTIES

• If you are a non-citizen and an owner of property in Gadalland and Aspern, you may apply to keep your property by 31 October 2021.

• If you are a non-citizen, you own property and your visa expires by 31 October 2021, you may apply for Settlement through the Property Settlement Scheme, which closes on September 1, 2021.

• If you are a citizen of Gadalland and Aspern living abroad and governed by Bank 2 Immigration Rules, you are entitled to keep your property indefinitely.

We recognise the instability in Istkalen and acknowledge that it will take work to resolve. Our Customary Logistics Council has voted that we will participate in the Peacekeeping Mission for Istkalen if this is approved.
Even now, we will continue to welcome asylum-seekers from Istkalen to our shores in hopes of a better life. We are in the EU for a reason, and we would want someone to help us if we needed it.

Cllr Dina

Some Traditions of Gadalland and Aspern

This follows the traditional life of a Sertian family in the far reaches of the countryside. Many city-dwellers have adapted to a more general Western life.

Morning

For a Sertian family, the morning is a time of labour and productivity. Breakfast is traditionally eaten before sunrise, when the temperatures are cooler. If the family lives by the ocean they will take their fish net and cook the fish caught that night.

At around sunrise, the family will go together to the local cities and sell their fish at the market. To celebrate the end of a market day (Monday-Friday), the people will engage in a ritual that dates back to the days during the Great Raids of the 1100s to show their gratitude to the world to be alive another day. In the 1100s, it was not uncommon for a Market Day to be interrupted by a raid by another society. This celebration was known as 'Aws Wapier Verenae', a token of gratitude to Verna II. Aws Wapier Verenae is where Osperfey gets its name.

Though this ritual is not seen in all parts of Gadalland and Aspern (it originates in Osperfey), it was integrated into tradition by Verna II Osperfey in 1220 who is credited with creating Gadalland and Aspern.

For the rest of the morning, the children will play in the town and the families will talk and tell stories. Before high noon they will return to their homes.

If a loved one or other person in arriving by sea, Sertian tradition calls for it to arrive in the morning to a traditional Seeing In the Mast. Because of their height, masts are the first parts of ships seen over the horizon. It is a time of happy reunion and gratitude for a sailor's safe return or to welcome a newcomer to these shores.

Afternoon
In much of Gadalland and Aspern, especially in the Summer, the time when it rains is usually in the early to middle afternoon. The Sertian tradition during this time is to rest and eat what they didn't in the morning.

This down time is known as 'Hasnazer', of unknown origin.

This period of rest continues into the early evening.

Evening
Seeing Out the Masts has become a tourist staple and many Sertian businesses and caterers make their profit during these Summer celebrations. However, though it has become somewhat commercial, it's a reminder to all to be thoughtful and enjoy the time given to us.

This Sertian family is seeing off their mother and wife who is headed to Spain to live with her sister. This family will take part in Seeing Out the Masts.

The first phase of the celebration includes a call to prayer to wish for well-being and love for all.

The second phase is the banquet, where everyone eats food and drinks hearty wine or spirits and mingles with others in the crowd. The idea is not to make those departing feel isolated.

The third phase comes at the sunset, where there is one last prayer, then it's time for the sailors to leave. The crowd of people on shore sing songs or shout things to those on board. When the masts have been "seen out" over the horizon, celebration usually ends there but sometimes there is more celebration.
Sailors or those departing have often written about Seeing Out the Mast in the past.

'...and then we were on board, waving our last goodbyes. And the crowd on land was chanting and singing as if to remind us that we will never be alone on our journey. The clamour and fury slowly died out as we approached the horizon, and we went to sleep to the rocking of the Sertian sea, content with the new friends we had made.'
-Unknown

NS6, official Sertian News Network

Local Volcanic Activity Warning

The following is a message from the Sertian Union Geological Unit:

THE SERTIAN UNION GEOLOGICAL UNIT HAS ISSUED A VOLCANIC ACTIVITY WARNING FOR THE ENTIRE SERTIAN UNION. THE VOLCANO MAUGA'AFI IN THE REPUBLIC OF NOFOAGA HAS BEEN REPORTED AS ACTIVE.
ALL AREAS OF THE SERTIAN UNION ARE AFFECTED BY THIS WARNING UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PLEASE FOLLOW THE UPDATED GUIDANCE THAT WILL APPEAR ON THIS MESSAGE OR TUNE INTO RADIO STATION 4.663.

A History of Sertia's Former Subjugated Territories

Gadalland and Aspern has not always been the humble island nation it is today.

Before its founding in 1224, the land that is now the Sertian Union consisted of the Six Nations, each of which were quite isolated from one another despite their close proximity.
The Gallishes (old tribe in current Gadalland) were known for their innovative seafaring techniques which they used to travel long distances to other lands.

Precia
The first land which the Gallishes claimed their own was the Isle of Precia in 202 AD. They brought many of the native Precians back to Gadalland and Aspern as enslaved individuals. The signing of the Sertian Domex in 1224 brought an end to the trading of slaves across Sertia and Precia. Many of the old buildings in Gadalland and Aspern that date from before 1224 were built by enslaved individuals.
After the trade of slaves ended, Precia still remained primarily under the protection of Gadalland and Aspern and became officially a member of the Sertian Union in 1802.

The West Olves
Being the closest in proximity to Gadalland and Aspern, the West Olves were originally an area avoided by the early Sertian empiricists of the 1st and 2nd centuries. A raid was attempted by the Gallishes in 314 AD, 380 AD and 429 AD, all of which failed. This is credited to the ingenuity of the Olven clans in navigating the harsh, craggy terrain of the western island.
The West Olves remained their own nation until 1740 when they were finally conquered by the New Sertian Army. They have been a member of the Sertian Union since then.
It is for this reason the West Olves have a distinct dialect of their own, Awlhish (Olvish) which the colonisation by Sertia could not rid.

Saratsika
During the early 1400s, Sertian nautical equipment was some of the most sought after but the hardest to obtain as it was hardly traded with other nations. Though some historians credit the isolationist position Sertia took on trade with the current developing economy, it enabled them to use all the resources to explore the World.
Saratsika, about 1,590 nautical miles from Sertia was discovered on an expedition led by Chi. Graum Battwr. Saratsika was found to have large deposits of Platinum, which was desired by the Sertians as it had (and still has) religious significance in Bothorism.
Though enslavement was unlawful at that point, the Sertians ultimately subjugated the people of Saratsika and forced them to give up their land for Platinum mining.
The subjugation lasted until Saratsika declared independence from Gadalland and Aspern in 1885. Now known as the Commonwealth of Saratsika, Sertian culture continues to permeate though it is dying out.

Capture of Baernsall
Possibly one of the parts of Sertian history most discussed for its utter heinous nature is the Capture of Baernsall.
The Capture lies approximately 3,400 nautical miles Southeast of Gadalland and Aspern. On 7 January 1561, word returned to Gadalland and Aspern of a terrible war in the Capture of Baernsall. Having no record of an expedition ever leaving for Baernsall, and no word of the return of any ship, the Customary Logistics Council enquired into the issue.
According to official CLC records dated from 1562, about 12 ships set off for the 'Capture of Baernsall' in 1533. The expedition began as an informal exploration of the far reaches of the World, which is the reason there was no official record.
However, the Sertians who arrived in Baernsall immediately made a concerted effort to eradicate the entire Baern population for reasons unknown to 'the source.'
One night, as the island lay asleep, a person began to scream and was soon joined by all of the people on the island. As reported by Jaun Suyanson (the 'source' referred to above),

"the people began to flee to the shore whilst they screamed. All at once they climbed into the water and drowned. I was the only one left."

Suyanson arrived back in Gadalland and Aspern distraught, and discouraged anyone from ever travelling to Baernsall. Since then, Baernsall has remained a Protectorate of Sertia, though nobody is legally allowed on the island.

3 August 2021
International Edition

Two New Acts Introduced to the Customary Logistics Council

This afternoon, Councillor Jamison Earhart of the Cadinafoy province and Councillor Fey Sewarty of the West Olves introduced two major bills to be debated and voted upon in the Council Chamber.

The first, introduced by Councillor Earhart would allow a judge appointed by Council Alcalde to change the category of a case from Layeonic (civil, in international terms) to Criminal in order to impose a criminal sentence upon someone who is suspected to have committed a heinous felony or an Unaccepatable Offence. Such would be done if the judge presiding over the case could prove beyond any doubt to Council Alcalde that the suspect should be tried for a criminal offence.

There are four Unacceptable Offences in Sertian Law:

• Treason
• Kidnapping
• Grade 4 murder
• Perjury

The controversial punishment for the four Unacceptable Offences, under medieval code, is permanent and strict exile which still exists today. However, many convicted of these offences are permitted to remain in Gadalland and Aspern under detention to have their case appealed. About 20 Sertian citizens per year are exiled under this pretense.

The bill would also serve to protect those wrongly accused of a criminal offence by allowing a judge to change the category of a Criminal case to that of a Layeonic one, eliminating the chance of detention.

"I am confident that this bill will only serve to promote fairness in our justice system," Councillor Earhart said in opening statements.

Thus began a long debate in the War Chamber today, with Councillor Earhart defending the bill from the many verbal attacks delivered by disapproving councillors.

"I am worried, councillor Earhart, that this bill will make it easier for us to banish our citizens. It is surprisingly easy to find someone guilty of an Unacceptable Offence, the idea of which is wholly outdated," said Councillor Gillibry of Unthrushroe. Councillor Unthrushroe also serves as a Council Alcalde appointed judge.

The second bill, introduced by Councillor Sewarty, would allow for countries with "strong diplomatic ties" to Gadalland and Aspern to be permitted entry for 90 days without needing to apply for a visa. This comes after the Embassy of the Kingdom of Reitzmag opened in Hemberdale last week, and the Embassy of the Nofoaga Islands opened last month.

This act received a more positive response in the War Chamber, which has tried to promote healthy tourism after Gadalland and Aspern has been placed on high-risk travel advisories. The act defines "strong diplomatic ties" as nations with which Gadalland and Aspern has established embassies.

The Council of Diplomacy hopes to establish embassies with all European nations by next year in order to promote the well-being of European citizens.

A separate provisional act has been put in place for citizens of the Nofoaga Islands still seeking refuge from the eruption and subsequent displacement caused by the volcanic eruption last month, allowing them to obtain an emergency six month passport for safe passage through or residence in Gadalland and Aspern. The provision is set to expire the end of this year.

There has been no debate on this bill in the chamber yet, and all councillors have declined to comment.

Official Statement Regarding The Volcanic Eruption In The Republic of Nofoaga

--
This statement has been translated into English from Sertian
Henry Spiggen, Head Councillor

*"People of Sertia,
It was communicated to me by officials of The Republic of Nofoaga and the Sertian Union Geological Unit that a volcanic eruption has been reported in Nofoaga
At about 12 PM this afternoon officials from the Sertian Union Geological Unit spoke before the Customary Logistics Council and brought the issue before our attention. It is now my responsibility to address you and to tell you what the Geological Unit told us today.
The volcanic eruption in Nofoaga is not only dangerous in itself. It is a danger to all life on the tectonic plate Nofoaga shares with Gadalland and Aspern. Not only did the volcano erupt, but the potential for eruptions throughout Nofoaga and Gadalland and Aspern has become somewhat imminent.
My first order, regarding this threat, will be to provide all Nofoagan evacuees expedited travel to Gadalland and Aspern via plane or ferry. These vehicles will be provided on a two hour service every day for two weeks from this order. Given the information I have received by the Geological Unit, our country is in a position to allow refugees to enter. If the situation arises that we must evacuate Gadalland and Aspern, both Sertians and Nofoagans will be the top priority of Gadalland and Aspern's diplomatic discussions.
Voting in the European elections must continue as long as possible, but please remain safe and adhere to the Emergency Rules set out by Emergency Rules Act 2008.
And now, I want to offer sincere heartfelt sympathy to those affected by this brutal disaster. Let's take a moment of silence to recognise those individual struggles.

Thank you.