Gaduridos

[Elena1012]

Prime Minister Barrios welcomes talks from Kaliburg; "A mutually beneficial resolution for security in the Schismatic Sea and Bentasur is an ideal solution."
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January 14th, 5736
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Late last year, Luthori began moving naval assets into the Schismatic Sea, directly south of Gaduridos. Framing this as in the name of peace and securing trade interests, a representative was sent directly to Ciudad de Gadur to address potential Gaduri concerns. Almost immediately however, Kaliburg condemned the Luthorian move and offered talks with Gaduridos on strengthing Pan-Seleyan security cooperation, and perhaps more importantly, the possibility of the return of the Bentasur Naval Base.

Long being a sore spot in relations between Gaduridos and Kalistan, and a prize for Gaduri nationalists across the aisle, it would be impossible for any government to realistically ignore such an offer and expect to be re-elected. Even with the pacifist wing of the PSSG being validated with the abolishment of Mandatory Military Service, it's been well agreed that Gaduridos must maintain some self defense force, and this has presented an opportunity to do so (as there's political willpower and public support), and also secure Bentasur in the process. As such, this week, Prime Minister Barrios (PSSG) has welcomed the offer of talks with Kalistan and accepted them wholeheartedly. 

While we are optimistic that Luthori is honest in their word, there is merit to the argument that security of the region must fall to domestic actors. The time has come for Gaduridos to begin introducing armed neutrality into its vocabulary. Should Kalistan keep it's word regarding a phased transfer ship of Bentasur, then the Gaduri Navy will see itself invested into, strictly for means of defense and security.

While pacifists are understandably upset over this shift in course, especially after Pardo's administration (5730-5735), Bentasur is simply something no government can realistically ignore. With the Prime Ministers statements receiving widespread endorsement from nationalists across the entire political spectrum, there isn't much momentum to cause the Barrios Administration to reject Kalistani talks. However, the real question will be over how much the Gaduri Navy can be modernized and developed, as such a task will likely be demanding, both for political capital and the economy. Even if it is kept strictly for defensive measures. Barrios was elected on the platform of housing reforms, not warships after all.
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In Other News;

PNPG applauds government; "The cause of Gaduri Nationalism is a bipartisan effort."

Queen Gabriella reportedly at the hospital; Concern rises as doctors say there's little to worry about.
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El Mensajero de la Mañana (Morning Courier) is the nationwide daily morning newspaper, located in Ciudad de Gadur.