28th January 2022. Het Goor, North Diessen

"She's here, Ekrem."

President of the Confederacy of North Diessen Ekrem Mueller sighed. For weeks, even months, his new and orderly reign had been undisturbed by attempts to oust him, or uncover the ways in which he had gained power. Surprisingly to him, no one had openly challenged why he should have been the one to follow in former President Inge Pekcan's footsteps when she had oh-so-inconveniently been injured during civil hostilities earlier this year. No one had questioned why units from the Inimician armed forces had cut communication lines to and from military compounds and had prevented anyone in military high command from communicating with one another.

All things considered, the ruse had gone perfectly, and Ekrem had the Inimicians to thank. He had even been slightly frightened by their immense efficiency. Within a matter of days they had completely quashed the rebellion Ekrem had instigated in Reuland -- always the odd State out in this country. At the same time, they had organised themselves entirely according to the discussed plan and positioned units at crucial junctions and infrastructure checkpoints. Within an hour or two, it had all been done. Pekcan was out, and Mueller was in.

He hadn't killed her. For some reason, there was still a sense of loyalty towards his former employer that had prevented him from, as it were, finishing the job. The Inimicians had insisted she be 'taken away' to their country, which Ekrem knew full well was one of the most gruesome euphemisms one could use. Instead, he had insisted Pekcan be kept under guard here, in the cellars of the Presidential Palace. She had not seen anything other than the four walls surrounding her since her ousting last autumn.

Until now. The head of Pekcan's security detail had informed Ekrem last week that Pekcan had found a way of getting in touch with a journalist, perhaps through a less-than-perfectly loyal guard, and was threatening to leak the whole saga to the Hilverbode unless she were granted an audience with him. Naturally, he had 'dismissed' all guards at her cell immediately and had had new detachments take their place, but one could never be too careful. That, if anything, was the lesson the Inimician Emperor had taught him. Cover your corners, pay attention to the details, and you will always outsmart those who threaten to bring you down.

"Inge", he said as the former President sat down in front of him, "Good to see you again." She was quite literally a shadow of her former self. Her face was pale, devoid of exposure to sunlight. Her incarceration diet had reduced her body to bones and skin, and her hair to thin, textile-like strands dotted around her scalp. Her voice, which clearly had not been used like it once had been, was hoarse, rough, and weirdly horrifying.

"The more humane result would've been to put a bullet in my head and be done with it, Ekrem. You see what a life I live. All day, every day, for four months, I have done nothing but think about what I'd do to you if I had the chance."

"And now, you have your chance."

"My chance came and went a long time ago, Ekrem. You know, I pity you, in many ways. If you had waited for a few years, you would have risen to the top of the ladder by yourself. But you didn't have the patience. And now, you will suffer the consequences of your mistake."

Ekrem saw Inge sigh. He would not have been surprised if she had dropped dead right there, right then, but she kept going. She appeared to gaze at her surroundings, the office which she had occupied herself until last October. It was a sentimental type of gaze, the sort of look one gives one's holiday apartment on the day of a return journey home.

"I just wanted to see you in person before your demise, Ekrem. It's all been done, the press are aware. They'll be verifying their sources by now. You've left it too late."

Ekrem frowned. He wanted to interrupt, but Pekcan continued: "Loyalists in the government will see through your lies and deceit, and at a moment's notice, they'll stand up to fight for what is right."

He stood up, walked over to Inge's chair, and slapped her across the face. She grinned. "You should've listened to your puppet master, Ekrem. Leave no stone unturned, or it may come back to bite you. Or spit at you."

A glottal sound, a wet splash on Ekrem's face. The guards in the corners intervened and began to drag Pekcan back down into the bowels of the Presidential Palace. "Take care of it", Ekrem shouted after them as he wiped his face, "And get my crisis team here at once." Artabanos had once said, nip crises in the bud, resolve them before they emerge. Perhaps, however, this crisis had already emerged further than he could possibly have imagined.

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Bundesaußenbeauftragte/Dışişleri Bakanlığı) Arnum Blauberg

STATEMENT ON REITZMIC REPEAL OF TREATY OF BUCKINGHAM

Legislative authorities in the Kingdom of Reitzmag this morning announced the unilateral repeal of the Treaty of Buckingham, putting the lives of hundreds of thousands of Nicolezians, Haaneans, and Copalans in jeopardy. The Confederal Government of North Diessen recognises the right of Reitzmic authorities to have sovereignty over its own territory, but sees the backtracking on its promises as an incredibly worrying sign.

The Confederal government is currently engaged in negotiations with Reitzmag, the United Duchies, and Pravoslaviya, on the organisation of the Caspian Sea and the fate of artificial islands Reitzmag built illegally. Although it is far from certain an agreement will be reached, given the stubbornness and demanding nature of Reitzmag's position, the Confederal government is now less than enthusiastic about making any sort of agreement with Reitzmag.

Simon Bridges and his government have now demonstrated that international treaties are worth not a shred more to them than the paper they are written on. The Confederacy of North Diessen is therefore reluctant to agree to a treaty concerning the Caspian Sea without formal, written reassurance of the Kingdom of Reitzmag that they will not simply repeal any agreeements within weeks or months of signing.

The Confederal Government also would like to stress that if the Kingdom of Reitzmag rescinds on any clause of any agreement concerning the Caspian, the entirety of such agreements would be seen as null and void in the eyes of North Diessen. If Reitzmag refuses to agree to any Caspian Treaty, or fails to give proper reassurance about its conduct, the Confederal Government intends to lodge a formal Sanction Request with the European Commission.

Sanctions packages against Reitzmag, announced in the Confederal Gazette on 3rd March 2021, shall remain in force until the signing of any Caspian agreement, and may further be reinforced with the expulsion of Reitzmic citizens resident in North Diessen and a complete ban on aircraft and vehicles originating from Reitzmag if Simon Bridges's government does not commit to a peaceful solution to the Caspian issue.

Joint Statement of the Confederal President of North Diessen and the Emperor of Inimicus

To all whom these presents may reach, greetings.

The governments of North Diessen and Inimicus, united in an eternal bond of friendship and collaboration, note with horror the events taking place on our doorstep. Troops from the Kingdom of Reitzmag and United Duchies, supported by the United Kingdom and Gadalland and Aspern, have assailed a sovereign nation on the Caspian Sea.

No matter our differences, force can never be the answer unless as a last resort. An unclear situation at sea cannot be the grounds for full-scale military intervention. Standing together as one, we condemn the assault on sovereignty that has transpired over the last few days. We cannot and will not support the side of Reitzmic aggression and Imperialism through any means.

It is with this in mind that we have determined and decreed, by the powers vested in us through the mechanisms of Presidential and Imperial Decrees, to close the national borders of the Confederacy of North Diessen and the Empire of Inimicus to all nationals from the Kingdom of Reitzmag, the United Duchies, Gadalland and Aspern, and Svarna Surya without exception. Nationals of the aforementioned states currently present in the territory of the Empire of Inimicus and/or the Confederacy of North Diessen are mandated to report to local or national law enforcement for processing by the Inimician Imperial Guard Anti-Terrorism Command.

Financial, material, or other assets held by nationals from any of the aforementioned states in the Confederacy of North Diessen or the Empire of Inimicus, or any of its subject states or individuals, are hereby seized. This includes holdings by the Roscoes conglomerate of the United Duchies.

Any naval vessels, whether military or civilian, which enter the territorial waters of the Confederacy of North Diessen are now subject to internment until, at least, the end of the conflict. Assets held on such vessels may, by Presidential Decree, be transported to the custody of officials from the Inimician Imperial Guard.

SIGNED,

ARTABANOS, Centuriorum, Legatorum, Quaestoriorum, Imperatorum, Rosarorum, Praestoriorum, Diutiorum Imperator Maximus; Dominus Noster, Βασιλεύς Πολεμιων, Αύτοκράτορ Πρώτος; Pontifex Maximus Religio Inimiciis; Dux Districti Teli; Caesar Legioni Inimici; Crux Maximus Ordinem Imperatoris; Dominus Ordene Supremus Nicolesii; LAUDATE!

Nestor KARAMAN, President of the Confederacy of North Diessen, Grand Cross of the Order of the Empire.

PRESIDENT PEKCAN SILENT AS INIMICIAN MILITARY MAKES SHORT WORK OF REBELS

Reuland commanders survey the Goirke Valley (left) as an exhausted Reuland paramilitary rests (center) and Inimician soldiers prepare to infiltrate a village near Wollek (right).

Reuland, 22nd October 2021 -- Reports from the Diessenian Defence Force (DDF) and Imperial Armed Forces (IAF) of Inimicus suggest strong headway has been made against the separatist rebels in Reuland State. IAF Force Commander Major General Ettore Stuart announced this morning the only remaining rebel stronghols are bases in and around the Reuland capital city of Goirke, and the major cities of Beek and Berdao. A significant military presence has assembled near Goirke, possible awaiting a full-scale offensive to retake the city. Similarly, elements of the Inimician fleet have been spotted off the coast near Berdao, where they are expected to launch attacks against rebel positions in the city. "I continue to advise anyone and everyone in rebel-held territory to stay indoors, switch off gas and electricity as much as possible, and await rescue by the Imperial Armed Forces", General Stuart further announced.

Inimician operations in North Diessen followed a formal request by Confederal Minister for National Defence Ekrem Mueller, who responded to an armed insurgency by Reuland State forces under the leadership of Reuland State President Erin Malih. This followed weeks of high tensions between the Reuland State government and the Confederal administration, amplified by the refusal of the Confederacy to work with the governments of Reitzmag and the United Duchies to combat piracy in the Caspian Sea. General Stuart also commented on the apparent origins of the conflict: "The pure silence on behalf of Reitzmag and cautious, non-committing statement of support from the United Duchies are telling. It is poignant to remember their conduct in the Caspian is one of the root causes of the present situation."

Inimician-led operations in the last few days have been met with support in the Grand National Assembly, the North Diessenian Confederal Parliament, and in the office of the Minister for National Defence. However, rumours emerged that President Inge Pekcan is skeptical towards IAF deployment in North Diessen. President Pekcan has not been seen in public since her joint press conference with Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus, and official channels indicate nothing more than that she is supposedly somewhere in Het Goor's government quarter, against advice from DDF authorities: "Het Goor remains a high-level target for terrorist activity", claims DDF General-In-Chief Lyndah Barhame, "And we advised Her Excellency to vacate the area accordingly. Given that she has not done so, our primary duty remains to protect Her Excellency and the government quarter. We find ourselves helped significantly by the presence of Inimician Imperial Guard troops in our capital."

The most significant fighting of the conflict has so far centred on the Goirke Valley, a mountainous region just west of the Reuland capital. Advancing DDF columns came under heavy bombardment from Reuland separatists yesterday. After calling in support from the Inimician Imperial Air Force, whose ground attack aircraft arrived within minutes, DDF troops proceeded to clear the valley. In sections of the terrain where air support was limited, requests for Inimician ground and artillery support became more frequent, and as of this morning the valley has mostly been cleared of Reuland presence. "At the end of the valley", General Stuart announced, "Lies Goirke, and the restoration of Diessenian state integrity." It is expected the final assault on Goirke will commence sometime today, 22nd October.

A Message From the Board of Trustees for the Artabanos Canal Project

Confederal President of North Diessen Nestor Karaman; His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus; Chief Engineer Layla Marini; Chief Accountant Hugo Bercow; Head of Resources Dahle Uguz; Head of Personnel Johannes Tagu; and Six Other Unnamed Trustees

Today is a joyous day.

After a record €12 billion invested in the future of our region, tens of thousands of workers putting millions of manpower hours into the destiny of the Confederacy and Empire, hundreds of thousands of train deliveries of materials and equipment, and above all, a limitless spirit of optimism and determination, the Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the opening of the Artabanos Canal for commercial traffic from 1st August 2022.

A grand celebration, hosted by the President of the Confederacy of North Diessen and the Emperor of Inimicus, shall be held on Saturday 18th June, and the Board invites all friendly heads of state and equivalent statespeople to attend. Formal invitations are to be sent out in due course.

To further celebrate the opening of this vital second link between the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf, all vessels registered under the flags of any member state of the European Union shall enjoy free transit through the canal in the first three weeks of operation (exceptions apply**). This offer has been made possible by a further €200m grant from the Artabanos Foundation, for which the Board of Trustees is eternally grateful.

**This promotion shall not apply to vessels registered under the flags of the Kingdom of Reitzmag or the Clan Democracy of Strathae.

CANAL CONSTRUCTION BEGINS WITH FESTIVE OPENING CEREMONY

Inimician and Diessenian leaders at the Artabanos Canal Opening Ceremony. From left to right: Inimician Emperor Artabanos, Diessenian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Arnum Blauberg, Inimician Imperial Foreign Officer Sarah Gladwell, Confederal President Ekrem Mueller, and Minister for Agriculture and Forestry Pamut Ebbi.

Fatima, 8th December 2021 - Works on the Artabanos Canal Project have officially begun with a gathering of spectators, funders, and politicians at the canal's northern end at Fatima, in the State of Hammikeln. The first shovels of dirt were moved by Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus and Confederal President Ekrem Mueller, who lauded this moment as "the start of a new era of friendship between our two nations, and the opening of North Diessen to the world." Also in attendance were representatives from the European Development Agency, who have pledged half a billion Euros to the project. Emperor Artabanos, whose Foundation is another major funding source for what is the largest infrastructure undertaking in Diessenian history, thanked the EU's funders for "showing us all how the European Union can work."

An army of construction workers, diggers, engineers, wagons, and freight trains, has now begun the immense task of excavating a small stream to a cargo-size trans-national canal. While celebrations were ongoing in Fatima, excavation started just east of Waspik, where the proposed canal emerges into North Diessen's largest river, and on into the Persian Gulf. The majority of equipment used appears to have come from the Confederacy's southern neighbour Inimicus, with truckloads of small equipment and heavy excavators making their way across the border in the last few weeks. Foreign Affairs Minister Arnun Blauberg, speaking at the opening ceremony, celebrated the "immense commitment of the Empire to our joint prosperity". He further commented that "Inimicus has a great deal to gain by this project, naturally -- but so have we, and it is us who will hold all the cards."

Inimician Emperor Artabanos, arriving at the site by Imperial Air Force helicopter and dressed in rural leather and hiking boots, gave a short address to all those gathered, in which he praised Confederal President Ekrem Mueller's "resolve in Diessen's recent struggles". He further pledged another forty million Euros' worth of humanitarian aid to the State of Reuland, whose government initiated a brief civil conflict last autumn that was swiftly put down by Inimician armed forces. This money, Artabanos commented, "is solely to be used for the rebuilding of key infrastructure, for providing food and water, for rebuilding the Reuland state apparatus; in short, for construction works that are at least as important as the ones we are celebrating today."

The Emperor and President were cheered as they began digging together, laughing and joking.

"De Hilverbode, the Diessenian Guardian, the Voice of Wollek, all of them. Chase whoever has access to the government quarter, anyone."

Panic had struck in the Office of the President of the Confederacy of North Diessen. With her final breaths, the walking skeleton once called President Inge Pekcan had delivered a potential hammer blow to the administration of Ekrem Mueller. "And get the Inimicians on the line, we may need their help." The dozen or so people present busily typed away on tablets, shouted down landlines and mobiles, and ordered aides in and out of the room. Inge had been chatting. And, more seriously, she had been chatting to a journalist, from inside her prison cell. The fact she had used one of her final moments on this earth to spit in Ekrem's face was nothing compared to the harm this might to do him.

What did she tell them? How much of the whole story might appear in the press? Just his opportunism, or his years of planning the whole operation? Just his internal connections, or the Inimician involvement with his plans as well?

As he wandered off into thought, a shout from one of his aides brought him back to earth. "We've got a Hilverbode staffer leaving the compound on CCTV."

When? Where? How? Was his security so lax that pesky journalists -- not just that, a mere staffer -- were allowed into the governmental complex without any sort of check? "Do we know who exactly this is? Get people out to the Hilverbode headquarters. Find them -- enter every room."

"Surely", a quiet voice spoke up, and the raucous of the room instantly died down, "Surely it would be prudent to exercise a discreet sense of caution at this point?"

Albert Rosenfield, Commander of the Inimician Imperial Guard Investigation Unit, rose from his seat in the corner opposite Ekrem's desk. Rosenfield had been appointed Special Envoy to North Diessen following Ekrem's rise to power. Everyone knew, everyone accepted, that the eyes and ears of Emperor Artabanos were present deep in the Diessenian structure of state. Rosenfield was famed for bringing the late great Augustus Barrington to justice in his own country -- it was known he would not hesitate to bring anyone else to justice the Emperor felt needed it.

"With all humility", Rosenfield continued, with no humility whatsoever, "May I offer a suggestion? I thought so. I think you will find that when your men arrive at the Hilverbode's headquarters, they will find a suspicious package there. A very suspicious package indeed, suspicious enough to lock down the whole building for several hours. Suspicious enough to let no one in or out for a day or more. Suspicious enough, even, to cut all communication lines to the inside."

Ekrem hesitated. "A suspicious package? I mean, well, OK -- "

Rosenfield rose and proceeded across the room. The grand fireplace in Ekrem's office had traditionally played host to a range of historical artefacts from the Confederacy's history. A 12th-century drinking cup gifted to the rules of Reuland at the time. A framed copy of the first Diessenian constitution of 1801. A rectangular box containing the chess set of the Confederacy's first president. It was this rectangular box that Rosenfield picked up. Looks from across the chamber at the apparent sacrilege occuring before everyone's eyes. Muffled hushes.

The Imperial Guardsman, in his usual sense of flair and efficiency, proceeded to wrap the priceless box in newspapers from Ekrem's paper bin, Just moments later, he handed the suspicious package to Ekrem. "Go wild."

Artabanos Canal Project

Aims

The aim of the Artabanos Canal Project is to realise the plans drafted by the Confederal Government of North Diessen on request of the government of the Kingdom of Reitzmag in summer 2020. These plans were fully developed, but never realised due to diplomatic tensions. The Artabanos Canal Project's mission is to construct the second vital link between Caspian and Persian to benefit the Diessenian state.

Development

The Artabanos Canal will be constructed using already existing waterways and infrastructure as guidelines. As seen in the map below, two main river arteries, the Kızılırmak river in the north and the river Sakarya in the south, are connected by the small stream called Veleka, which is currently non-navigable to vessels over 3,000 tonnes. The Artabanos Canal Project aims to develop coastal and navigation infrastructure in the parts of the Kızılırmak and Sarkaya rivers designated as part of the sea link, and excavate the Veleka stream to allow major vessels to pass. The Veleka will be deepened to 15 metres at a minimum, with deeper stretches at several points where drydocks and military yards are to be constructed,

Plans call for the construction of four locks, each with a two-way transit system. This is a relatively small amount for the length of the canal, however, the Veleka is not subject to major elevation changes, running through the flat Plains of Linnich, a Confederal Nature Reserve. No locks are required at the Saraya or Kızılırmak stretches of the water link.

A railway runs from the mouth of the Saraya at Waspik in the south to Piushaove, in the northwest, at the point where the Kızılırmak opens into the Caspian. This railway will also be developed as part of the Artabanos Canal Project and used extensively to carry materials, excavated earth, and personnel. Confederal President Ekrem Mueller has used an emergency ordinance to designate this railway as crucial to government interests, meaning the government can use the railway exclusively for construction efforts.

Funding structure:

• Total projected cost: €11.6bn
• Confederal Government contribution: €3.0bn
• Artabanos Foundation contribution: €4.1bn
• Imperial Government of Inimicus contribution: €600m
• Private contributions: €2.3bn

Key Employees:

• Board of Trustees, including Confederal President Ekrem Mueller and Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus
• Chief Engineer, Layla Marini
• Chief Accountant, Hugo Bercow
• Head of Resources, Dahle Uguz
• Head of Personnel, Johannes Tagu

Estimated Completion Date: Summer 2022

INIMICIAN SOLDIERS TO COMBAT REULAND SEPARATISTS AS MORE BOMBS EXPLODE IN MAJOR CITIES

Three separate bombings occurred across the Confederacy overnight, the largest in Piushaove and Jerusalem, the capitals of Hammikeln and Linnich State, respectively.

19th Oct 2021 == The Confederal Government in Het Goor announced this morning that military contingents from Inimicus's Imperial Armed Forces (hereafter IAF) have been deployed against increasingly worrying troop numbers in Reuland State. IAF forces crossed the border between Inimicus and North Diessen last night, 18th Oct, and have immediately begun securing key Diessenian sites against potential attack by separatists, and have begun an offensive against paramilitaries in the east of the Confederacy. President Inge Pekcan, in her first statement following the escalation of the Reuland conflict, lauded the Inimician response as "evidence of the impeccably strong bond between our two nations." Pekcan further uttered strong condemnations of Reuland State President Erin Malih, whose statement yesterday she termed an "intolerable unilateral declaration of secession".

Deployment of Inimician military units in North Diessen follows renewed terrorist attacks, claimed by Reuland paramilitaries, in the capitals of the two other Diessenian States, as well as on a commuter train running between Het Goor and Piushaove. Casualty numbers are as yet unknown, but local response spokespeople declared "multiple fatalities at each incident". It is not known whether foreign nationals are among those killed or injured. Shortly after the blast on the 19:04 departure from Het Goor to Piushaove, Inimician armed forces appeared on scene, providing first aid, handing out thermal blankets, food and water, and liasing with local law enforcement. Similar scenes emerged in the locations of other explosions, leading some locals to take to the streets brandishing images of Inimician Emperor Artabanos, hailing him as "the hero we have wanted for so long".

Early reports suggest IAF aircraft have attacked known Reuland military depots and military bases, although no statements from Reuland's secessionist government have been released so far. IAF Force Commander Major General Ettore Stuart (pictured), who co-ordinates operations against Reuland in tandem with the Diessenian Defence Force (DDF), announced this morning: "At the request of the Confederal Government of North Diessen, which the Empire of Inimicus continues to recognise as the only national-level authority in the State of Reuland, the Imperial Armed Forces were deployed against secessionist rebels in the State of Reuland. The IAF further secured key Diessenian government sites and continues to protect these against rebel and terrorist attack. IAF first response units have been called to sites of recent bomb attacks across the Confederacy of North Diessen, and have been hard at work relieving the pains of the Diessenian people."

The Confederal Presidency announced a joint press conference with President Inge Pekcan and Inimician Imperial Consul Christopher Strathclyde for later on today, 19th October. Preceding the press conference, the Confederal Office for Prosecution is expected to issue arrest warrants for all the signatories of the Reuland Declaration -- it is further expected that Imperial Armed Forces units will assist in bringing the signatories to Het Goor.

"Well, he's across. So... what now?"

Ekrem had just witnessed Nestor Karaman, in possession of inflammatory testimony about the President's eventful rise to power, cross the now open border into the Empire of Inimicus. Karaman was taking former President Inge Pekcan's secrets, potentially rather disclosing information about Ekrem, into a foreign country.

Moments before, Albert Rosenfield, the Inimician representative (read: colonial lordship) to North Diessen had whispered to Ekrem to allow Karaman to cross unhindered. It was clear to him that the Inimicians wanted the prestige of catching Karaman. Or perhaps even the first rights of interrogation, and before they could hand him over, stashing him away in some Imperial compound.

More so than anything, Ekrem felt ashamed. This meant he would have to ring Emperor Artabanos and tell Him of his failure to contain a single, unremarkable man. He already knew what His reply would be. Oh yes, of course, Ekrem, we've already got him. That was very silly of you, yes. Now, I can of course give him to you, but perhaps you would like to give me something in return first?

And so, the mineral rights of North Diessen would be surrendered. Or its exclusive fishing rights in its territorial waters. Or the control over its airspace. Or the training of its soldiers. Or all of those at once. In any case, Ekrem's hold over his country would be damaged once more, as it had time and time again since he started colluding with the Inimicians. He had begun to realise what he had sacrificed, what his nation had sacrificed, in order to be rid of Inge Pekcan's ineffective and pacifist governance. In a sense, North Diessen had sacrificed its nationhood.

"All right", he said, sighing. "Get me a line to Telum. The Inimicians were already aware, I assume?"

Having received a confirmatory nod from the Special Envoy and Imperial Guard Investigation Unit Commander, he sat down at his desk and, with the telephone to his ear, awaited the Emperor's familiar voice.

"Helloooooooooo? Ekrem? Ah! Yes, hi, I'm the car. No, no, just heading up to Praestoris to meet your famous Nestor. I saw the photo of him you sent over - is this intentional? You picked quite the guy, so thank you for that. No, no, I thought I wouldn't wear my pink tie, I didn't want things to be too obvious, you know. So uh, what is it you rang for?"

Ekrem never really understood Artabanos. One moment, He would be as He was now, joking, light-hearted, and slightly uncaring. From one moment to the next, however, He could turn completely and utterly ruthless. Artabanos had told Ekrem the story of how He had had to smother His former lover with a pillow. At any moment, He might do the same to Ekrem -- at the very least figuratively. The President breathed deeply before speaking: "I was hoping to arrange extradition of this Karaman, Your Imperial Majesty. He is, as You'll be aware, in possession of some sensitive information."

"Oh yes of course, Ekrem. I'm fully aware. If anything, him twittering and tweeting away would be more damaging to Me than to you -- just think of what Jean-Claude would say, or Mikaela, or even Simon. It'd be quite the thing. We'll make sure to get him back to you of course, but I'm sure you won't mind if I have My way with him first. Perhaps in more ways than one."

"W-- well, yes, of course, but I'd just like to stress---"

"Oh, got to go, Ekrem. So sorry. I've got Christopher on the other line, and you know what these Imperial Consuls are like. Speak soon!"

And just like that, the line broke up. Ekrem was left with the vague sense he was being played, while playing others himself.

Joint Statement of the Confederal President of North Diessen and the Emperor of Inimicus

To all whom these presents may reach, greetings.

The governments of North Diessen and Inimicus, united in an eternal bond of friendship and collaboration, note with horror the events taking place on our doorstep. Troops from the Kingdom of Reitzmag and United Duchies, supported by the United Kingdom and Gadalland and Aspern, have assailed a sovereign nation on the Caspian Sea.

No matter our differences, force can never be the answer unless as a last resort. An unclear situation at sea cannot be the grounds for full-scale military intervention. Standing together as one, we condemn the assault on sovereignty that has transpired over the last few days. We cannot and will not support the side of Reitzmic aggression and Imperialism through any means.

It is with this in mind that we have determined and decreed, by the powers vested in us through the mechanisms of Presidential and Imperial Decrees, to close the national borders of the Confederacy of North Diessen and the Empire of Inimicus to all nationals from the Kingdom of Reitzmag, the United Duchies, Gadalland and Aspern, and Svarna Surya without exception. Nationals of the aforementioned states currently present in the territory of the Empire of Inimicus and/or the Confederacy of North Diessen are mandated to report to local or national law enforcement for processing by the Inimician Imperial Guard Anti-Terrorism Command.

Financial, material, or other assets held by nationals from any of the aforementioned states in the Confederacy of North Diessen or the Empire of Inimicus, or any of its subject states or individuals, are hereby seized. This includes holdings by the Roscoes conglomerate of the United Duchies.

Any naval vessels, whether military or civilian, which enter the territorial waters of the Confederacy of North Diessen are now subject to internment until, at least, the end of the conflict. Assets held on such vessels may, by Presidential Decree, be transported to the custody of officials from the Inimician Imperial Guard.

SIGNED,

ARTABANOS, Centuriorum, Legatorum, Quaestoriorum, Imperatorum, Rosarorum, Praestoriorum, Diutiorum Imperator Maximus; Dominus Noster, Βασιλεύς Πολεμιων, Αύτοκράτορ Πρώτος; Pontifex Maximus Religio Inimiciis; Dux Districti Teli; Caesar Legioni Inimici; Crux Maximus Ordinem Imperatoris; Dominus Ordene Supremus Nicolesii; LAUDATE!

Nestor KARAMAN, President of the Confederacy of North Diessen, Grand Cross of the Order of the Empire.

A Statement From the Confederal President of North Diessen

To all whom these presents may reach, greetings:

I, Nestor Karaman, the President of the Confederacy of North Diessen, in brotherhood assembled with the Peoples and Emperor of the Empire of Inimicus, take note of the recent announcement by the Foreign Office of the United Duchies.

Under the authority granted to me by Presidential Decree 86 (7/9/22), I hereby reject and condemn this unsolicited offer by the Duchian Government. The Peoples of North Diessen are no scrubs, living off change flicked their way by folks in suits who live in high-rise buildings, to make themselves feel slightly better about their miserable existence. North Diessen is a proud nation, and will not be coaxed into accepting blood money from the Duchians.

Thank you.

Presidency of the Confederacy of North Diessen

--

Imperial Palace of Inimicus

Formal Invitation to the Artabanos Canal Opening Celebrations, 18th June 2022

The Confederal Presidency of North Diessen, the Imperial Palace of Inimicus, and the Artabanos Foundation (sponsored by Artabanet Telecommunications Inc) are pleased to cordially invite foreign dignitaries to the grand opening ceremony of the Artabanos Canal, to be held June 18th, 2022.

The Opening Ceremony will take place on board the luxury yacht HIMS Eric Pickles, generously made available by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus, and will commence in the Diessenar Caspian port of Piushaove. The yacht will complete a full transit of the Artabanos Canal from north to south, before terminating at Waspik on the Persian Gulf.

Full catering and drinks services will be provided, as well as appropriate security measures and transport to and from each terminus to Het Goor International Airport.

The organisers invite foreign heads of state and/or government along with their direct spouses or partners, as well as current or recent European Commissioners to fill out the following information and return to Curator Palatii (Chair of the Imperial Household) Martin von Royston.

**Nation/organisation:** 
**Number of Attendees:**
**Name(s) of Attendee(s):**
**Mode of arrival to North Diessen:**

**Dietary requirements (if any):**
**Requested Apéritif(s):**

A Message From the Board of Trustees for the Artabanos Canal Project

Confederal President of North Diessen Nestor Karaman; His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus; Chief Engineer Layla Marini; Chief Accountant Hugo Bercow; Head of Resources Dahle Uguz; Head of Personnel Johannes Tagu; and Six Other Unnamed Trustees

Today is a joyous day.

After a record €12 billion invested in the future of our region, tens of thousands of workers putting millions of manpower hours into the destiny of the Confederacy and Empire, hundreds of thousands of train deliveries of materials and equipment, and above all, a limitless spirit of optimism and determination, the Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the opening of the Artabanos Canal for commercial traffic from 1st August 2022.

A grand celebration, hosted by the President of the Confederacy of North Diessen and the Emperor of Inimicus, shall be held on Saturday 18th June, and the Board invites all friendly heads of state and equivalent statespeople to attend. Formal invitations are to be sent out in due course.

To further celebrate the opening of this vital second link between the Caspian Sea and Persian Gulf, all vessels registered under the flags of any member state of the European Union shall enjoy free transit through the canal in the first three weeks of operation (exceptions apply**). This offer has been made possible by a further €200m grant from the Artabanos Foundation, for which the Board of Trustees is eternally grateful.

**This promotion shall not apply to vessels registered under the flags of the Kingdom of Reitzmag or the Clan Democracy of Strathae.

Update for North Diessen:

Head of State (Title + Mr/Ms* + name in bold): Confederal President Nestor Karaman
Head of Government (Title + Mr/Ms* + name in bold): Confederal President Nestor Karaman

In Full: Confederal President Nestor Karaman's Swearing-In Speech

Newly sworn-in Confederal President Nestor Karaman delivers his inaugural address outside the recently renamed Inimician Cathedral (formerly the Cathedral of Sts Peter and John) in Het Goor.

Highlights

- President-Elect Nestor Karaman is sworn in as President of the Confederacy of North Diessen in the Inimician Cathedral, Het Goor

- President Karaman promises "a renewed focus of internationalism", stressing Diessen's relationships with its neighbours as top government priorities.

- Other key promises include the reiteration of the pledge to complete the Artabanos Canal in the first 100 days of the Presidential term, the capture of former President Mueller and his associates, and general left-of-centre economic policies such as tax hikes for higher incomes and moderate increases in government spending in the economy.

Het Goor, 2nd May 2022 -- Not 48 hours after the Presidential election results were certified by the Confederal Electoral Commission and the Inimician Imperial Guard Investigation Unit, Nestor Karaman was sworn in as Confederal President. Citing "safety concerns" and a "filling of the executive void", Karaman had pushed legislators to allow for an earlier-than-usual inauguration date, which, given he is not replacing any previous incumbent, the Grand National Assembly was content to accommodate. Speaking to a crowd tens of thousands strong in the central Cathedral Square in the Diessenar capital Het Goor, Karaman set out a legislative agenda for his next five years in office in an inaugural address.

"My friends and compatriots, thank you. It truly is the greatest honour that any Diessenar citizen could experience to stand before you today. Our popular movement was successful during the election, and it will continue to be successful during the coming presidential term, during the next legislative elections, and into the long distant future. I have you to thank for your support.

"The Diessenar Peoples know what the first priority of this administration will be. We will build the vital link between our two shores with renewed vigor and strength, and complete the entirety of the Artabanos Canal within the first one hundred days of my Presidency. To this end, the Confederal Government will infest a further ₺50 million on top op the previously pledged infrastructure fund. I have further managed to extract another ₺200 million from our friends to the south and the Artabanos Foundation. Truly, our canal will be the envy of the infrastructure world.

"Our nation needs healing. Our Confederacy was severely weakened by the rift of 2021, and this administration will take the necessary steps to close this rift. We will start by eliminating the mould and rot of Ekrem Mueller from all levels of government; Confederal, State, Local, Ekrem loyalists and pro-putsch actors will be hunted down and put to trial. I promise you, Peoples of Diessen, that after the first year of my term we will have a renewed democracy in North Diessen, free from corruption, free from self-centered imperialists, where the livelihoods of every citizen count equally.

"This, sadly, we cannot do alone. You know as well as I do that last year's war tore down our industry, destabilised our internal economy, and left us exposed to the stealing, criminal hands of the Mueller clique. It is with this in mind that this administration will seek investment from the European Development Agency to repair the damage that was done. We have also arranged further negotiations with the Imperial Government of Inimicus, who have offered a ₺5bn annual fund to shore up our economy. Truly, the Confederacy is blessed with such allies and such a community in our region; I intend to ensure we can be there for our allies, such as our allies are there for us.

"We will seek rapproachment with the United Duchies, whom my predecessors alienated and cast aside. We will work as an active member of the Caspian Treaty, improving relations with all our Caspian partners, including the Kingdom of Reitzmag and Pravoslaviya. We will seek to end the scourge of piracy in our northern waters, collaborating closely with the Inimician Imperial Navy. And finally, speaking of which, our greatest and most trustworthy allies to the south, who intervened decisively when our nation was on the brink of destruction last year, must receive our unrelenting and unwavering support and loyalty. The Inimicians were there for us in our times of need, including in safeguarding this past election campaign, and we will be there for them should their time ever come.

"To His Imperial Majesty Emperor Artabanos of Inimicus, I say thank you, on behalf of the Peoples of Diessen. To you all, wherever you may be and whatever your personal circumstances are, I say thank you. I will get to work, this administration will get to work, to ensure that every Diessenar citizen will, very shortly, once again voice with pride our national motto: He is happy who says 'I am a Diessenar'."

KARAMAN IS PRESIDENT

Het Goor, 30th April 2022 -- With a record 34% of first-preference and 56% of second-preference votes, former Hilverbode journalist and recent political refugee Nestor Karaman has been elected to the office of President of the Confederacy of North Diessen. Karaman defeated runner-up Emma Artabanoglu (Radical Centrists), who received 22% of first preferences and 18% second preferences. All other candidates scored under 20% on both rounds.

Karaman's victory speech at the newly-constructed Artabanos Halls in Het Goor celebrated "the true Diessenar spirit of internationalism" for which his campaign "stood with tooth and nail". In his first three months in office, Karaman pledged to "accellerate and complete the construction of our beloved Artabanos Canal; to continue to intensify the close partnership North Diessen has developed with our southern neighbours; and to root out the last of Ekrem Mueller's rot in the heart of our government." Thunderous applause and cheers accompanied the new President-Elect into the night.

Artabanoglu conceded her loss at an election rally this evening. All other candidates similarly congratulated Karaman on his election victory, barring the Conservative and National Worker's Party's Devlet Scherer, who issued a formal request with the Confederal Electoral Commission for a recount just minutes after results were published.

Karaman's election makes him the youngest ever Confederal President at 34, and the first ever President from Reuland. Karaman's home State was close to seceding in October last year, yet has now delivered the most popular President in history of the Confederacy (as measured by vote share).

International reactions to Karaman's collection were spearheaded by a press release from the Inimician Imperial Palace, which congratulated the new President-Elect on "a stellar campaign and an equally stellar manifesto". The Palace further commented it "awaits with eager anticipation the President-Elect's plans for accelleration of canal building".

Finally, the communiqué included a personal message from Inimician Emperor Artabanos: "I have come to know you during your time in exile at the Palace as a conscientious, honest, kind, thoughtful, incredible individual: I have no doubt your people are blessed by your election, and I look forward to meeting you hopefully very soon."

Karaman Emerges as Presidential Front-Runner after Passionate Pro-Canal Address --//-- Polling Suggests Two-Way Karaman-Artabanoglu Stand-Off

Highlights

- Independent Presidential candidate Nestor Karaman jumped by as much as a dozen percentage points in nationwide polls after addressing construction workers at the Artabanos Canal site;

- Karaman now leads polls, trailed closely by Finance Minister Emma Artabanoglu, whose supporters include anti-Canal activists and moderate Diessenar voters;

- Frontrunner debate last night watched by virtually no one at all.

Fatima, 25th April 2022 -- Speaking to a crowd of workers dressed in high visibility jackets and wearing hard hats, Independent Presidential candidate Nestor Karaman countered his main opponent Emma Artabanoglu's claims a Karaman presidency would end up "voluntarily opening the doors to Inimician colonialism", by emphasising "to you, the ordinary workers of this Confederacy, the immense importance of this vital infrastructure project." Karaman further called for pay increases for public sector workers such as those in front of him, greater international co-operation with Diessen's neighbours on "canals, bridges, borders, and boatways", and announced a Karaman presidency would "mark the end for the forces of corruption that were clearly rife under Pekcan and Mueller's reign", and which, in direct reference to his main opponent, "could become even more widespread if the people elect their pawn."

This opponent, current Finance Minister Emma Artabanoglu (representing the Radical Centrists, the same party which produced Inge Pekcan and Ekrem Mueller), responded to Karaman's harsh yet seemingly popular call for change by appealing to her record in government, which -- by Diessenar standards -- is remarkably clean. Artabanoglu further called for the "immediate cessation of works on the Artabanos Canal until our allies have been consulted", placing her at odds with the now immensely powerful construction unions.

Both candidates have been polling at around 25% of votes in recent days, with Karaman outperforming Artabanoglu in most polls by around 4 points. Coverage of the Presidential election has been marred by incidents involving the Inimician Imperial Guard, which is assising the Confederal Electoral Commission and the Grand National Assembly in safeguarding the election process. In one incident, footage of which was released on social media before being taken down hours later, protestors assailing candidates emerging from the Hilverbode studios after last night's electoral debate appeared to have been selectively targeted by Imperial Guard troops. Demonstrators harrassing Conservative and National Worker's Party candidate Devlet Schrerer threw tomatoes and rotten eggs unopposed, while Karaman and Artabanoglu were seen rapidly escorted to armoured limousines, with several protestors being beaten in the process. Inimician authorities say they are "reviewing" the footage.

The election debate preceding this incident was reported as the least watched electoral debate in the history of the Confederacy, with only 400,000 viewers nationwide tuning in for the initial hour. The debate, organised by Hilverbode TV, was designed to give all candidates an equal standing and paid specific attention to candidates polling below average. Nevertheless, viewers across the country tuned out en masse, evidenced by what Hilverbode TV CEO Peter Hillyum called "an almost mechanical, bot-like" swarm of Twitter reports complaining about the debate set up.

Most viewers took to social media with negative opinions on candidates and the debate process. Among the most frequently cited words, "boring" and "bland" were most prevalent, followed by "incomprehensible" and "nonsensical". One Twitter user lamented the "time and attention spent on cretins who won't win anyway", with another simply suggesting "#BuildTheCanal. Not tuning in until it's built." However, an undercurrent of users complained of "TV blackouts" or "weak receptions". One viewer related how accessing the livestream of the debate from her home in Reuland -- the state most opposed to the building of the Artabanos canal and polling most favourably towards Artabanoglu -- was blocked by "DDoS protection software" from viewing the debate, however when setting her virtual private network to originate from Inimicus, she could watch the whole thing without issue.

Most candidates have now pulled out of the one remaining debate scheduled to occur before the 30th April election date, with most preferring rallies and media publications instead.

Presidential Candidate Line-Up Finalised as Registration Period Ends --//-- Ex-President Mueller "Still at Large" - Law Enforcement

All certified Presidential candidates for the 2022 election. From left to right (in order of registration date): Nestor Karaman, independent; Emma Artabanoglu, Radical Centrists; Pamnut Ebbi, Social Democratic Appeal; Devlet Schrerer, Conservative/National Worker; Don Benjamin, Communist League.

Highlights

- Major Diessenar political parties put forward Presidential candidates;

- Former journalist and political refugee Nestor Karaman remains the only indepedent candidate with sufficient support for electoral registration;

- Campaign season begins in earnest: major themes include corruption, confederal state structure, and the benefits of the Artabanos Canal

The Diessenar Confederal Electoral Commission has ratified the candidacies of five nominees for the Presidential election of April 30th. The snap poll, called by a council of high-ranking Grand National Assembly members, will replace now-deposed President Ekrem Mueller, who Diessenar law enforcement sources confirm is still on the run from arrest.

Nestor Karaman, whose revelations about former President Mueller's illegal rise to power sparked mass protests and revolts across the country, travelled to the Diessenar capital of Het Goor tonight for his first campaign rally. Flanked by Inimician Imperial Guard troops who were invited by the Grand National Assembly to supervise the democratic conduct of the election, Karaman called for a "complete renewal" of Diessenar politics as well as "intense accelleration" of the Artabanos canal project.

A joint candidate was put forward by the Conservative and National Worker's Party, whose party leaderships released a press communique on Saturday suggesting the "odds of a victory for common sense" were "significantly less slim" with a combined candidate for both lists. The right-wing coalition calls for increased centralisation of the Diessenar state and the elimination of the confederal structure, something which would require a large amount of constitutional amendments.

Two currently serving members of the Cabinet registered as candidates on behalf of their parties: Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Emma Artabanoglu is to campaign on behalf of the Diessen Radical Centrists (who came out victorious in the 2018 elections, propelling the late Inge Pekcan to the Presidency). Pamnut Ebbi, whose involvement with the construction of the Artabanos Canal filled most of her brief as Agriculture and Forestry Minister over the last year or so, was nominated on behalf of the Social Democratic Appeal. Termed by analysts as the "continuity candidates", Artabanoglu and Ebbi are largely considered mainstream, and can count on the support of large swathes of moderate Diessenar voters.

Several multi-party debates are scheduled for the coming two weeks as Diessenar citizens make up their mind. The April 30th election is constitutionally mandated to use the Alternative Vote system, meaning candidates are also marketing for second, third, and even fourth preference votes to improve their chances in later voting rounds.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CHAIR DECLARES MUELLER PRESIDENCY OVER, CALLS FOR ARREST OF FORMER PRESIDENT AND NEW ELECTIONS SUPERVISED BY INIMICIAN PEACEKEEPERS --//-- KARAMAN DECLARES CANDIDACY

Now ex-President Mueller (left) and GNA Chair Maaike Wolum (right)

Highlights:

- President Ekrem Mueller deposed and charged by Grand National Assembly

- New Presidential elections scheduled for April 30th -- to be supervised by Inimician military

- Administration of National Unity to head interim government

- Controversial journalist Nestor Karaman first to announce presidential candidacy

Het Goor, 8th April 2022 -- With the words "the Mueller Presidency is at an end", Grand National Assembly Chairwoman Maaike Wolum declared the long-awaited end of Ekrem Mueller's Confederal reign. Speaking to crowds gathered outside the Presidential compound, Wolum's words were met with great enthusiasm from protestors, who had been calling for Mueller's resignation for several weeks. The Defence Minister turned President stands accused of gross crimes against the Diessenar state, several individuals including former President Inge Pekcan, as asll as of illegally seizing power in the wake of civil unrest late last year.

Wolum, who declared she spoke with "the authority of the vast majority of the Grand National Assembly and the backing of the Imperial Government of Inimicus", later released a press statement detailing formal criminal charges to be served to former President Mueller, including high treason, armed insurgency, and murder. Sources confirm to the Hilverbode that Mueller has fled the capital and is currently being chased by Diessenar law enforcement. In the meantime, new Presidential elections have been scheduled for April 30th, and until such time an "administration of national unity" is to respond to any urgent governmental matters.

Some critics of Wolum's statement have suggested the Grand National Assembly lacks the capacity to declare the President deposed, to prescribe new elections without government approval, or to issue criminal charges. Moreover, the Assembly was formally dissolved by Mueller himself not three weeks ago, putting the legality of any decisions in doubt. Wolum's statement quoted the "unprecedented historicity" of the current situation, and the "clear and united calls for change" eminating from all States of North Diessen over the last few weeks.

Public opinion appears to have swayed in favour of Mueller's deposition, however, further evidenced by the great enthusiasm for the first declared Presidential candidate, Nestor Karaman. The former Hilverbode reporter, who is currently a refugee at the Imperial Palace in Telum, Inimicus, was the subject of a major controversy in which he claimed to be in possession of documents and testimony suggesting a violent and illegal takeover of power by Ekrem Mueller. Karaman fled Het Goor for the Inimician border several weeks ago, and the Inimicians refused multiple extradition requests filed by Mueller's administration. Maaike Wolum, whose Administration of National Unity formally invited Karaman back to North Diessen, has further appealed to the Inimician leadership to supervise and ensure the democratic legitimacy of the April 30th elections.

The Inimician government was swift to agree to this proposal, and offered to send at least 3,000 peacekeeping troops to various population centres across North Diessen around polling day.

The Hilverbode will keep up a rolling coverage of events as they unfold further.