Intelligence Services to be consolidated into new "Imperial Security Directorate"
October 5622

Strani List

The Commission on Military Reform and Restructuring has released its recommendations for military reform. The 200 page document titled "A new military", describes the need for a "modern, growing and evolving military capable of adapting to changing circumstances when needed." Where some called for a total overhaul of military doctrine, the commission has actually called for a "return to previous, tested ideas." The Deltarian military, far to often, had tried to focus on both mass and modernization, resulting in a military that does neither well.

Under the CMRR recommendations the commission calls for a "increase in mass", referring to a bigger military, and a "increase in firepower", mainly targetted at non guided munitions. 
Conflicts in recent years have shown that "wars of attrition" are not at all uncommon, and that nations with vast military resources can usually outweigh any edge in technological edge later down the line. The commission believes that the likelyhood of a large scale conflict has grown in recent years and that Deltaria should adapt its military to prepare for that reality. Specifically, under the recommendations, Deltaria would focus on producing equipment at a faster pace and bigger quantity then it ever has. Munition production would be focussed on unguided munitions, mainly used in tanks, artiillery and other unguided weapon systems. The military needs to expand in size and focus on producing and using "battle tested equipment that we know works and is both cheap and effective." The report also calls for targetted investments into modern systems, focussing on Deltarian strengths such as the construction of cruisers and missile-defense systems.

Deltaria its capability to fight a minor conflict is to diminish significantly under the recommendations, with the commission proposing the downsizing of Deltarian special forces as well. In return, the remaining special forces will be specifically trained to operate in minor conflicts or interventions, being granted more modernized equipment and specialized training. Due to the small size of this force however, the capabilities of these special forces are likely to be "severely limited", with the CMRR noting that under the recommendations the special forces are to be reduced to just 2000 in active duty personell. Such a downscale (currently 30.000) will mean that any new force "will only be effective in a severely limited, surgical operation" and would "not be suited for substained operations." 

It is thus clear that if adopted, this new doctrine would focus on the eventuality of a large scale conflict, severely limited Deltarian capabilities to fight more technologically advanced smaller scale conflict. The report has been send to the Imperial Ministry of War but will, according to insiders, be approved. Once approved, work on the details will commence and a new plan for military expansion will likely be announced. 

In the works for decades, the South Majatran Economic Cooperation Organization is now a fact. In a joyous ceremony in the Deltarian city of Branovice, representatives of the Grand Empire of Deltaria and the Majalite Kingdom of Kafuristan signed the documents to create the organization and become part of it. Under the founding document, member states will enter into a customs union and all structures and provisions of SOMECO, all created to establish an easier trade environment in the region. The ultimate goal of the organization is to increase trade as well as make it easier to trade between member states. The foundation of the organization marks a new chapter in regional cooperation. For years, Majatra has been divided and major scars have rippled through the continent. Emperor Slavko congratulated all involved in the drafting of the treaty in a rare public statement. He expressed his "sincere hope" that Deltaria may once again be the nation that "takes the Majatran continent into an era of peace and prosperity, together with out Kafuri partners." 

SOMECO will consist of several bodies, all meant to create checks and balances within the organization and ensure a environment of dialogue and debate is accepted. The most important of the organizations bodies is the South Majatran Economic Council (SOMEC), composed of the Heads of State or Government of member states. Decisions in the body are taken by concensus. The decisions are binding on all States parties. It may also direct other agencies and bodies of the organization but will only do so in cases where it is deemed "absolutely necessary." It also approves the budget of the entire organization. 

The South Majatran Commission (SOMACO) is the governing body of the organization. The commision can make decisions on the customs policy of the customs union but also the macro-economy, competitition regulations, energy policy and fiscal policy of the organization. It is chaired by a independent chairman, appointed by the SOMEC every 5 years. It is supported by five additional "commissioners", all also appointed by the SOMEC and all having their own portfolio to work with. Decisions in the SOMACO are also made by concensus. 

Lastly the South Majatran Court of Disputes (SOMCOD) has been established to resolve disputes between member states on anything related to the organization as well as interpretation of its legal order. It is composed of 10 independent judges, appointed by the Chairman of the South Majatran Commission for a period of 10 years. 

Under the agreement, SOMEC will gather in different capitals on each occasion on a rotational basis. SOMACO is to be headquarted in Branovice while the SOMCOD will be establishing itself in al-Kasraj. With the signatures of both Deltaria and Kafuristan, SOMECO is now fully operational and both countries have expressed their willingness to invite other South Majatran nations to join the organization "as soon as possible." 

CAHCTICA - In a moment of celebration of many Deltarians, our Emperor Slavko I, adressed Terra in a rare public speech in the city of Altea, Egelion. In the Villamor Palace, the emperor was in the presence of many world leaders to discuss the current state of world affairs. In his speech, the Emperor talked about the injustice in Quanzar and Alaria, with thousands of people now trapped in a country that does not want them. He discussed Deltaria's role in the world, and humbly accepted responsibility for our past mistakes. He promised that Deltaria would be a "gentle power", reffering to the diversity in Deltarian society and the strengths it gives our country. 

While some within the Empire have denounced the end of democracy, it cannot be denied that the Emperor has been accepting of all Deltarians, regardless of their background. Several ushalanders sit in high positions of government while the Emperor's closest advisor is a Akigan duke. The consolidation of his power within our country has furthermore not resulted in discrimination against minorities, something which some of his predecessors did do. And, in a ultimate act of compassion and humanity, the Emperor announced that Deltaria will introduce a policy of birthright citizenship, with anyone born on Deltarian soil to be granted citizenship upon birth. 

While we interviewed some in our capital that were sceptical, many seem to be excited and proud as our head of state shows the world the great compassion and growth of the Deltarian people. It is a turning point in our country, a turning point in Majatra, and as we look towards the future it is our Emperor that leads the way for the Deltarian people with dignity, respect and resolve.