Kalistani Major History

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Emperor Offers Canrille States Bailout
"Ananto Offers hand of Friendship to Seleyan Nations"
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 12, 5555


Emperor addresses Situation in Canrille

"We do not aim to replace Lourenne in the hearts of Canrille," said His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick II Ananto in a speech before the Kalistani National Bank in Kaliburg yesterday. "Ananto offers the hand of friendship to our Southern Seleyan brothers and sisters."

The Emperor was at the National Bank to secure a line of credit from the National Bank for economic Stabilization in Canrille States of Southern Seleya who have been receiving significant support from Lourenne which has all but ended. The line of credit would be considered an open ended loan from the Kalistani National Bank and will be secured by a deposit of more than ₭50 billion from House Ananto with more available on demand. The Emperor has also authorized the Finance Minister to make up to an additional ₭100 billion available from the National Revenue Reserves through either trade credit or direct financial aid.

"Our pledge of support is aimed at prevention of massive suffering due to the withdrawal of support from their mother country. We are aware of the dangers of economic destabilzation anywhere: it tends to have a cascading effect on the economies of those nations around it. It is in Kalistan's interest most specifically to prevent Southern Seleya from experiencing this, to prevent it from becoming another Dovani, full of basketcase economies, or worse, susceptible to revolutionary and destabilizing movements. The last thing Kalistan would seek for those nations is to be weakened to the point where communists, fascists or liberal took over and brought down the established order. We would much rather see Seleyan Nations stand on their own feet, completely free of any alien power or ideology."

The move was welcomed by many foreign policy experts who said that Kalistan alone in Seleya stands at a place where they can offer meaningful assistance to the Southern Nations. "Kalistan maintains treaty relationships with Lourenne, such as it is, that can still benefit the nations of Canrille," said Heather Jones, of the Seleyan Security Institute, a foreign policy think tank that is associated with Kaliburg Polytechnic. "The collapse of the PRN in Lourenne didn't mean that Lourenne has faded from existence. They may be leaderless and rudderless, but they still have one of the largest economies on the planet, and their economy is deeply connected to Kalistan's. It makes sense that a country like Kalistan should step into the void and try to help stabilize Canrille where it can."

But Jones also hinted at an ulterior motive. "Kalistan does nothing altruistically. Helping Canrille on the surface seems like a move just to aid our fellow Seleyans. But Kalistan is also making moves to check Luthori's suddenly growing interest in the Continent. Kalistan will try to establish ties of friendship with Southern Seleyan nations to pre-emptively check any Artanian nation who seeks to influence the area. Given the South's longstanding distrust of Kalistan, this move is a significant gamble and is more likely that the offer will be rejected, but the Emperor is never one to not try when there is a possibility. And it is entirely possible that His Imperial Majesty really is sincere about his offer to help, whatever his motives are."

The Emperor did not discuss terms in his pronouncement, but invited representatives from Kanjor, Rildanor, and Alduria to come to Kaliburg if they are interested in discussing the offer further. "We wish to open the door," said the Emperor. "It will remain open unless the Canrillaise replaces their former masters with new ones."

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Profile of an Empress
Princess Consort Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek Speaks with La Moda
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
May 7, 5555


Her Highness Princess Consort Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek

Since marrying His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick II Ananto, Her Highness, the Princess Consort Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek has been the target of a lot of hatred. She has several times received credible death threats to both her and the Minor Princess Carolina Hulanevek, as well as been an object of protest across the Mainland. Most of the supposedly pro-democratic protests have also included a large measure of anger at the Emperor's decision to marry a foreigner, but not just any foreigner: This one in particular. A member of an Artanian political dynasty, Princess Consort Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek have come to embody Kalistan's general distaste for Artanians and protestors have demonstrated their will to commit violence over the choice.

Her Highness says she is "determined" to not be defeated by Protestors. She sat down with La Moda over coffee to talk about how her rocky two and a half years in Kalistan has affected her.

(La Moda reporter) A(rin) L(awson): Your Highness, it is my pleasure to finally get the chance to speak with you.

(Her Highness, the Princess Consort) P(avlina) A(nanto-Hulanevek): Thank you. I am pleased to finally have the chance to speak with you and to speak with your readers. Please forgive my Vrassan, if I don't do it correctly. Luthorian is my third language, but you have, very colorful idioms her in Kalistan. So if I should get them wrong, it is my apology.

AL: We will quote you honestly and charitably, Your Highness.

PA: Excellent. Shall we start?

AL: Yes, Your Highness. How have you settled in to Kalistan? Do you enjoy it?

PA: I have not seen, well, since I have been married, I have not seen Kalistan. The people there may wish for me to visit some times, but I think it may be too, I want to say dangerous, but I do not think that is the correct word. Maybe more like incendiary, or irritating, to the wrong people if I go now. Some people there really have made it clear that they do not want me here.

AL: I am sure that's not everyone, Your Highness. You are the wife of our Emperor, and there are many millions in this country who absolutely adore you and would love to see you, even in Kalistan.

PA: You are right, I am certain. However, you may think it is possible to perhaps, take break and enjoy vacation, but then I read in the paper that the Duchess of Odufaray was slain while she was attempting to make peace. That does not bode well for me, or my daughter to visit right now. Ananto is safe, and we feel comfortable here, but it is like prison in some ways. A beautiful one certainly, but I have not left Ananto since I was married. They do not think it is too safe for me.

AL: That is sad, Your Highness. Have you had the opportunity to travel outside of the country?

PA: It is our intention, my husband and I to return to Kundrati to visit my family for a while. We wish to bring my daughter there. She is forgetting what her home there was like. She speaks Vrassan far better than me now, and she is forgetting her Lurrian. It is a shame, and I speak to her in our native tongue of course, but her friends all speak with her in Vrassan, and as mother, how can one compete, you know? It is an experience I never thought I would have and I feel that I should encourage her to fit in here as best as possible, because this is her home now. But I do not want her to ever forget her home in Kundrati too, where she came from, and where she will always be welcomed.

AL: Now Your Highness, the Princess Carolina, she is your adopted daughter, is this correct?

PA: Yes, this is correct.

AL: Would you tell the story for our readers about how you two found one another?

PA: Of course. It is touching story. I was never married, I think perhaps I worked too hard. I had a lot of oh, business and I was always in and out of court as representative for Etxea Bank in Kundrati. But I never had any time for men. But My daughter, Carolina, her mama died when Carolina was born. It was complicated birth, and the doctors saved the baby, but could not save her mother. And her father never wanted to even have a child, he was alcoholic and was believed to have beaten Carolina's mother, which was the cause of the complications. When my daughter was born, her father was nowhere to be found, so she was taken by the State and lived with foster parents, one of whom was a very close friend of mine. I visited once, saw the baby and thought Oh Katerina, I had no idea you had had child. Has it been this long, you know? That kind of thing. And she said, no I am just foster mother, this little one needed a home until maybe we can track down relatives, but she has been here for three months, and no luck with the relatives or the father. So I would babysit for Carolina while my friend would go out, and when I first picked her up, she was having some kind of colic or something, but she stopped crying and looked at me with her pretty green eyes, and smiled at me. And my heart melted. When it came time for Katerina to return her, I immediately requested to adopt Carolina, and she has been my heart and happiness since then. She is very loved.

AL: It sounds like you two have a very special bond.

PA: Yes, like Nature. She goes where I go, she sometimes follows me around. We like spending time together. So in a way it is a good thing I can't go to Kalistan right now. Eveari and Kaliburg are such nice places, and Carolina is safe here.

AL: Do you still practice law?

PA: I still read law, and I teach now in Kaliburg. It would not be fair... (the Princess Consort laughed) Think of me in court arguing, being Emperor's wife. Nobody would ever get a fair trial in that situation. I am, as my husband says, too powerful now to represent crooks in finance industry. 'We have too many criminals running lose now for you to win every case you argue and get more out of jail,' he says.

AL: Indeed. Do you like teaching?

PA: I do. I can make arguments without having to worry about win or lose. And I learn as much as I teach. Laws are not so different from Kundrati to Kalistan. But you have a very strange relationship between Government and various industry sectors. So it is a challenge sometimes to remember in Kundrati, money is freer than it is here, and I have to watch out for what I teach so I don't teach about Kundrati.

AL: Do you enjoy your life as Princess Consort?

PA: Well, what my husband says is true: it is like living in a gilded cage. On Estate here, we are free to do as we please. But you see, when we go out into public, there is so much protocol to follow. Nobody is allowed to speak directly to him, so people speak to me for him. They are afraid of him I think, or maybe intimidated? No this is not the right word. I think in awe maybe is correct. I have feeling that if he asked a person to jump in front of car, they would and be honored to do so. So if we go out, they put us in like secret room where we dine alone. It we wish to go to concert, we have box seats just for us, when we might like to do dancing. Many do not know this, but Fredrick, my husband, is very good dancer. He is very romantic, and is lot of fun too. He enjoys loud music, and he also like to work on car. He is mechanic, was mechanic first before Emperor. You know this?

AL: No, I didn't know he was a mechanic.

PA: Yes, he showed me pictures of his time in National Service, where he was mechanic. His mama was engineer. This family is very intelligent, and I feel sometimes that intelligence is wasted here in this office. There is so much that they can do, but don't get to. I worry that I won't be able to do many things I wish to do, because of who I married. So, there are good parts and bad parts. I want public life, maybe someday my husband can change things so Emperor can have public life instead of people bowing as he walks by. But Kalistani so stuck in their ways, something tells me I will bend first.

AL: You make it sound very lonely.

PA: It is impossible to be lonely when you have thousand servants taking care of everything around you all the time. (Her Highness Smiles) No, I joke. It is not lonely at all. We have many friends here who visit Wilson House or here at Estate. We are always entertaining guests. And we have whole movie theater in house here. But Eveari is special. Here, people so used to seeing Emperor walking around: the Anantos have made this place their home for centuries. People don't lose their minds over Emperor being on same city block as them as they do in Kaliburg or other places. Here, people pay us the courtesy law demands, but that's it. They respect us and have only ever treated me as one of them. I appreciate that. Here we can go to movie theater, or see opera, or go to dinner where we can be among the people, and nobody bows or loses mind. Emperor is normal person here. And this town has really taken a liking to me and Carolina, and I am very greatful.

AL: When you are out and about, what sort of activities do you do?

PA: I like playing golf. We watch football on Sundays, and I think I understand the rules well enough to have good conversation with my husband about football. I ride horses here on the Grounds. Somedays, Carolina and I go into town and go to paint: We have a very nice spot by Bay where we paint landscapes. There on the wall, that is one of Carolina's works. (The Princess Consort points to a beautiful impressionistic landscape of a shoreline with the setting sun behind coastal hills.)

AL: Of yes, that is very pretty. How old is your Daughter?

PA: She is almost 9 now. See, she is already great painter. Follow in mama's footsteps, yes?

AL: Indeed. What else do you do?

PA: We also like concert. I think last time we saw Amethyst Lemon when they came to Eveari. That show was very loud.

AL: Did you enjoy the music?

PA: Oh, haha. I should say yes, they are going to represent Kalistan at FOMAT. So, while it was very loud, maybe unnecessarily loud, I liked them and hope they win contest.

AL: If you could select any music at all to listen to live, what kind would it be?

PA: I did spend time in club when I was younger, much younger than today. So I like club music, dance music, you know. I like to dance, and you need song that you can truely feel in soul, you know?

AL: Have you been to an RF Club?

PA: Oh, haha no. I have heard of them. But I think maybe I am too shy for that. I have heard about those club, yes... But, no, I have not. I will probably not.

AL: What have you heard about the RF club?

PA: Well I believe there are some clubs where public sex is accepted.

AL: There are a few of those yes. But I think most of the RF clubs have cleaned that up. There is lots of drinking and drugs, for sure, but I think most of the sex stuff is in the past.

PA: Not that I oppose it, understand. It is just perhaps too embarrassing for me. My husband would also never go to one: he is more into rock and roll. But maybe someday we can go to club and dance. Maybe if we go incognito.

AL: Have you had the chance to visit an ODEN store since you have been here?

PA: Of course.

AL: And how did you like it?

PA: Haha, Miss, I am pretty experienced in drug. The Kalistani product is maybe a bit stronger than Kundrati, but same effects. You have ninety different varieties of marijuana here. It may be almost too many choice. I feel pity for the person who is stoned and come in store to have to buy more.

AL I should finish up here, I think I have taken more time than your secretary told me I had.

PA: No worries, I will push my next meeting until later. I like talk to you. This is fun. You treat me like human being. You and my husband and daughter only. My next thing can wait.

AL: Ok, well, do you have any big plans for your upcoming year? Now that you are the Princess Consort, what good things do you hope to accomplish in your role?

PA: My only actual job is to produce heir for Emperor. We try, but I am older than Emperor by two years. Biology will resolve that one way or other. But in terms of thing to do out of bed, once we get back from Kundrati, I have made start on book about Kalistani institutions. It helps me to do research on this topic, so I understand them better myself. I am also starting to attend Brethernist meeting with Husband and Daughter. It is nice community, and they do not require that I believe in God or Yeshua. But silence is excellent time to do thnking and sometimes there is communal meal. It is different life, for sure. I also want to learn Go. Kalistan is major Go center in Terra, and masters who will teach me to play live here. My husband is also a wonderful Go player, and he and people from Eveari Go club play game in silence, so nobody has to deal with protocol. Its neat, but he has wonderful time playing game, and I would like to learn so I can perhaps beat him at it one day. (Princess Consort chuckles)

AL: I will end the interview right here, Your Highness. Thank you for speaking with me. You really put a lot of context to your life and given us all a lot more to think about. I wish you well on your visit to Kundrati, and I hope someday you can come to Kalistan proper: We have so many amazing places and things to see.

PA: I am sure we will travel there someday. Just not today. Probably not tomorrow either.

AL: I understand. Thank you Your Highness.

PA: Thank you for talking with me. It was very enjoyable conversation

I found the Princess Consort to be very intelligent, very kind and caring, especially about the Emperor and the Minor Princess Carolina, and very eager to learn more about Kalistan and our country's customs. "Perhaps fitting in more will calm down protestors," she said, in an optimistic tone. I told her I hoped so. At one point, before the interview began, she said "At first I thought I should just return to home in Kundrati. But the more I think about My husband, the more I am glad I did not flee." Princess Consort Pavlina has fully embraced the role of Princess Consort, and while she is humble and soft spoken, making a great sympatico for the Emperor, she also does have an imperious streak in her. "Emperor talks about how people are just confused. But I think if someone kills someone in the steps of a major hotel, at what point is the Emperor going to act decisively to end terrorists? I ask him: Why concern yourself with what these people think. This is not democracy--We have seen here where people "vote"--with bullet. We had to call the police for that nightmare. Emperor can answer the terrorist anyway he likes. If it were me, nobody in Kalistan Proper would be confused with regard to law or consequences of breaking law. A quick march of the police through town would end the protests."

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Kalistani News in Brief: New OTH Radars to be installed in Likatonia and Ananto
Militia Trains with Pontesi Regulars; Emperor and Princess Consort to visit Kundrati
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
October18, 5555


Over the Horizon Radar Arrays currently under construction in Luxon and Likatonia

OTH Radar Bases Under Construction in Likatonia and Ananto
The Kalistani IBSI has announced that three new Over The Horizon Radar arrays are being constructed. Two will be placed in the Grand Duchy of Ananto, one north of Luxon and one in the Green Mountains near Eveari, and the third will be constructed on the Island of Meria in Likatonia. The goal of these OTH radars is to provide Kalistani Intelligence information on ship and aircraft movements in the both the Anantonese and Mad Dog Oceans as part of Kalistan's strategic defense in depth doctrine. These radars will allow us to track ship movements using OTH and relay that information back to the IBSI in Kalistan," said military spokesman, Maj Anthony Otley. "The OTH uses basically the same technology as Short Wave radio: It sends a signal to the Ionosphere and then listens for echoes. As the angle is adjustable, it can in theory sweep thousands of nautical miles of ocean in an hour, monitoring surface and air traffic, and allowing us to prepare in real time for adversaries that are days or weeks away." These system can also give size, speed and direction of travel information as quickly as a satalite, at a significantly less cost. It has two limitations: The ability to see OTH reflectivity can be disrupted by magnetic or radio active solar storms, so during intense solar activity, the radar arrays will not be as reliable, and it cannot see below the surface of the Ocean. "We also won't be seeing a lot of private craft, as that data will be a bit too granular for these systems," said Otley. Other Line of Sight radar will need to be used in tandem. IBSI said establishing a similar base in Likatonia is on the agenda for the Emperor's upcoming visit, and all data from the Likatonian site will be made available to the Likatonian Government as a condition of allowing the establishment of the base. "The Building of these bases is still a net gain for Kalistan" said Otley, and will give Kalistani Military Intelligence another tool in the Defense in Depth arsenal.

Pontesi Regulars to train in Neveras
In a move widely seen as an effort to increase Kalistan's defense profile, His Imperial Majesty's Minister of Defense has announced joint training exercises between Institutionalist Militia units and Pontesi regulars at the Lhasa Mountain Warfare Training Facility in Lhasa Neveras. "The mission of the joint exercises is to introduce Pontesi regulars to the practices of irregular warfare," said Department spokeswoman Joanna Burkholz. "Kalistan has a reputation for integrating regular and irregular combat techniques in its tactical doctrine, and therefore, we were approached by Pontesi to help them learn some of the things we do on a daily basis." Burkholz said the training will involve Militia members, as well as Regular Force Observers and Pontesi regular infantry. "We want to share with them our techniques," said Burkholz, to include demolition, psychological warfare, improvised arms and ammunition, civilian relations, military-operations-in-urban-terrain (MOUT) and special use of indirect fire. "We are also interested in discussing with them the tactics of guerrilla warfare," said the spokeswoman. "In almost every war situation, Kalistan assumes that it will be outnumbered, out gunned, and out supplied. So that will necessarily change how we will behave on the battlefield. Besides just cold endurance of hardship, and the challenges of morale in those situations, we also need to specialize in a number of survival techniques that ensure we survive, and the enemy's will to fight is constantly eroded. This includes basic land navigation and survival, but also foraging, squad and fireteam level tactics, and improvised battlefield infrastructure, meant to allow small units to survive indefinitely on the field, while maintaining a high level of discipline and combat effectiveness. Kalistan's Militia can help Pontesi learn these things, and become a highly lethal and highly motivated fighting force under any situation." The Training is expected to be conducted for 6 months and will occur during three cycles, beginning in January. Reciprocal training opportunities are being discussed.

His Imperial Majesty and Princess Consort to visit Kundrati
At long last, the Emperor and Chancellor have concluded that the security situation in Kalistan has settled to the point where the Emperor can take a honeymoon. More than three years after he was married, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick II Ananto and Her Highness the Princess Consort Pavlina Ananto-Hulanevek will travel to Kundrati for two weeks to enjoy a vacation, which will serve as a long delayed Honeymoon. Her Highness, the Minor Princess Carolina Hulanavek will also travel to the Artanian Nation along with the Royal Couple. While there, The Princess Consort wishes to visit relatives and introduce her parents to the Kalistani Emperor, hang out with friends and relax. The trip will not be all pleasure: Emperor Fredrick will also meet with the President of the Kundrati Union to discuss long term cooperation between our two nations and renew bonds built around mutual association through NAM. The Emperor will also discuss the establishment of radar facilities and other defense matters with Kundrati in a move some see as a response to Commonwealth expansion into Seleya. Initial reports suggest favorability toward more military and security cooperation between the two nations, and some analysts feel that a desire to work closer with Kundrati was at least part of the controversial pick for a Spouse for His Imperial Majesty, but official sources have not made any additional comment in this regard. The Visit will take place over two weeks in late November, and will likely lead to a positive development in Seleyan-Artanian relations. The Foreign Ministry has also noted that a new Ambassador to Kundrati will likely be dispatched when the Emperor returns and is currently vetting candidates. The Chancellor has announced that an additional security detail has been assigned to both Her Highness the Princess Consort and Her Highness the Minor Princess Carolina due to residual concerns over older threats from the now defunct Liberty Brigade. But the trip is expected to go off without incident.

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Emperor and Princess Consort Visit Kundrati
Honeymoon trip interrupted by vulgarity in Kaliburg
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
December 1, 5555


The Emperor and Princess Consort on long overdue honeymoon in Kundrati this November

A long overdue vacation to Kundrati for the Royal Couple and the Minor Princess Caroline ended today with a obscenity and violence laced tirade at the Kaliburg International Airport, as a small group of Protestors gathered to meet the Royal Couple as they returned from three weeks in the Artanian Nation. 14 arrests were made, and His Imperial Majesty's Minister of Justice has officially charged the protestors with disturbance of the peace and violation of Lese Majeste, a law that has passed in the National Assembly that forbids insult or violence toward the Sovereign. Legal scholars expect the case to be tried in the new year, and this will be the first test of the new law as applied to Kalistani Citizens since its passage. If convicted, the protestors could face up to seven years at Kings Island Penal Colony in Odufaray, as violation of the law is considered a violent felony.

"It is unclear how the court will adjudicate the case," said legal scholar Martha Zearing. "The insults were not directed at, or even toward the Emperor, but the Princess Consort as she and His Imperial Majesty transited the Concourse after arriving on their private jet from Kundrati. Though there was a lot of security present, the Protestors posed as passengers until the Security began clearing the path for the Royal Couple, and then they congregated to throw both insults and refuse at the Princess Consort. The Emperor was not in any danger, but this is clearly an embarrassment for the Royal Family's security, and a real irritation for the Emperor."

The trip to Kundrati, for the most part was very relaxing. The Royal Family arrived in the Kundrati Union on November 10, 5555, and proceeded to the Island of Etxea, where they would be staying most of the trip. From their rented private home, the Royal Family enjoyed perfect privacy and a wonderful view of the Artanian Sea. By day, the family took sightseeing tours around southern Kundrati, or went to meet in-laws (The Princess Consort's family reportedly loved the Emperor at first meeting, and we so happy to see little Princess Carolina again) or took in various cultural and historical landmarks and institutions. They went to the Art museum, and even had the opportunity to go skiing, thought the Princess Consort, who is known to be afraid of heights, stayed with Princess Carolina on the bunny slope. The Emperor and Princess Consort also reportedly purchased a new home in Kasaema, the nations Capital, which will serve as a vacation home for the two or that the Princess Consort can use as a home away from home when she is visiting her family, and the Emperor went with the Princess Consort to three Lurrian language classes, where he was introduced to basic grammar and vocabulary of his wife's first language.

The Emperor also took a couple days while they were in the Capital to meet with President Arruzabarrena from the Kundrati People's Party. Most of the discussions were in private, but it is reported that the Emperor has offered to build a new OTH Radar base in Kundrati that would be jointly owned and operated by both the Kalistani and Kundrati Governments for the purposes of giving both nations intelligence about the activities of Kundrati's neighbors. It is also reported that Kalistan has offered Kundrati the opportunity to lease the Expeditionary Naval Docks in Bozo River CAGCC on a long term basis in exchange for the lease of an airstrip from which to operate AWACS in and around the Artanian Sea.

If Kundrati agrees to this offer, this could be the first time Kalistani troops would receive an overseas posting in centuries (the last foreign posting was in Dovani as Kalistan Worked with the military of Nsanlosa before leaving the country when that military was used to overthrow the government. Stationing AWACS in Kundrati will contribute to Kalistan's defense in depth strategy and expanding intelligence network that has been the focus of recent military activities. If there is to be a basing agreement, a Status of Forces Agreement could be signed as early as Next year. A potential for selling more weapons and joint exercises in the Anantonese Ocean with other nearby friendly nations was also discussed during the meeting. The Emperor noted that he intends to send a new Ambassador and Embassy Staff to Kundrati in December, and invited the President to reciprocate at their earliest convenience.

During the three weeks in Kundrati, the Royal Family had the opportunity to fully take in Kundrati culture and daily life. They were able to act informally everywhere they went without having to observe strict protocol. The Emperor was able to meet and talk with commoners directly, a privilege he is not permitted in Kalistan, where a strict law against fraternization is constantly and consistently enforced, and was reported to have really enjoyed his time in the Artanian democracy. The Princess Consort was reportedly very relaxed and was so glad to have the opportunity to destress and get away from all the rigors and social calendars that are associated with being Princess Consort in Kalistan. She reportedly missed her staff after three weeks and looks forward to getting back to her foundation work in Kaliburg, but during the entire time she was in Kaliburg, she said she spent time just treating herself like a human being again. By the end of the vacation, both Emperor and Princess Consort looked healthy, happy and at ease. The Minor Princess Carolina also reported that she enjoyed her visit, but was more eager to return to Kaliburg, where her friends and schoolmates were at. Even though for her it was only three years since she moved to Kalistan, it was a third of her life ago, and she has forgotten more about Kundrati than her Mother.

The good vibes of the visit to a friendly foreign nation were cut short when the family arrived in Kaliburg, and were met by protestors yelling vile insults at the Princess Consort. Following the incident, she was visibly shaken by the incident, as was the Minor Princess Carolina, who was heard to ask the Emperor "why do they hate us so much?" before all three were whisked away by security. Though the protests have, for the most part died down on the mainland, this was the first incident of this kind on the Island of Ananto, and demonstrates that there is still a simmering resentment of the Emperor's decision to marry a foreigner that was originally stoked by nationalist deputies in the National Assembly, and then transformed into a pro-democracy movement on the Mainland. The Royal Couple made it safely to Wilson House in south Kaliburg, and the next day, the Emperor held extensive closed door talks with the Chancellor for an entire day. The Chancellor had no comment following the meetings, but has signaled that there will be a high level Cabinet meeting this month.

It is anyone's guess what the topics on the agenda will be for this meeting.

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Kalistani News in Brief: Protestors acquitted in controversial free speech case
Kalistan welcomes Lodamese SoS, Ambassador; FM issues statement on Luthori
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
February 19, 5556


Dame Jacqueline Dumont, His Imperial Majesty's Foreign Minister, discusses Empire's increasing role in Seleyan Security

Protestors Acquitted in Airport Case; Free Speech Advocates cheer
Advocates for the right to protest the government cheered across the Mainland as the 14 defendants who were charged under the Lese Majeste law for their vulgarity laced protest of the Princess Consort were acquitted this week in the National Court System. Prosecutors from the Ministry of Justice were unable to convince a jury that the fourteen individuals had actually violated the law. The primary argument for the defense, which was represented by Kaliburg lawyer Michael Dayton was that the charges brought under the Lese Majesty law should be immediately dismissed because the law only covers the Sovereign, and does not explicitly cover a member of the Royal Family. As a result, the jury found, the action, regardless of how distasteful it was, still falls under civil protections for free speech and protest, and were therefore not a crime. The failure to convict sparked outrage by supporters of the Princess Consort in Eveari who asked "Is there no justice in this Empire?" and sparked debates on nighttime news programs on KRTVN between supporters of a more libertarian position regarding civil liberties and those who tend to argue that civil protest needs to have a specific goal of altering some policy. "We should not countenance random acts of personal violence toward the Spouse of His Imperial Majesty," said Professor Richard Martinez, from Kaliburg. "Where will it end?" On the other side of the debate, Dr. Francisco Bostick responded, "It ends where free speech begins, of course. These individuals are contributing to the society by challenging power structures on a basic and fundamental level. But at the end of the day, they did not violate the law, and so ethicality aside, they do not belong on King's Island." The Chancellor of the Empire vowed to continue to look for additional protections for the Royal family under the law, and will bring some policy proposals to begin researching to the next meeting of His Imperial Majesty's Cabinet later this month.

Defense Ministry welcomes Lodamun to the Empire; Key intelligence discussions held in Kaliburg
His Imperial Majesty's Minister of Defense, Colonel Martin Jackson, welcomed his Lodamese Counterpart, Edward Mears to Kaliburg this week to hold meetings over increased cooperation in intelligence sharing and possible cooperation on joint Naval Exercises in the Northern Anantonese Ocean. "We want to re-affirm our commitment to partnership with Lodamun on a wide range of defense related and intelligence related activities," said Col. Jackson. "They have expressed an interest and a desire of taking a larger role in hemispheric security and Kalistan wants to play an active role in that effort in our shared part of the continent and adjoining oceans." To this end, the Defense Minister confirmed that the Kalistani Government is interested in working directly with the Lodamese Naval, air force and intel services to further secure both the Northern and Central Anantonese Oceans, and to include Lodamun in any future joint naval exercises in and around Kalistan. "We face a wide spectrum of simmering threats in our corner of the world," said Col Jackson. "Whether it be the void left by Lourenne's slow collapse, or the obsessively arming nation of Baltusia, or a return of interest of Luthori in our Continent, or any number of threats beyond this, Kalistan stands ready to work with Lodamun to address these threats, and resolve them without resort to war and conflict. Lodamun is one of Kalistan's oldest Partners in defense, and we hope to fully re-ignite that relationship." Kalistan also hinted at possibly increasing access to Kalistani Naval Air Station Yoshimi for Lodamese Intelligence flights, and working with the Lodamun government in OTH radar access out into both the Mad Dog and Western Anantonese. "The political question of Andalay is no stumbling block to the practical benefits of working together," said Jackson who also noted that formal cooperation with Lodamun would be a great opportunity to work with other friendly nations such as Likatonia, Dolgava and Kundrati on exercises. In related News, His Imperial Majesty has welcomed the arrival of both Lodamese Secretary of State Kenly and Ambassador The Honorable John Edmiston, who has taken residence in Kaliburg, with the dispatch of His Imperial Majesty's Ambassador Sir Gregory Waltrip, who will represent His Imperial Majesty to the Government of Lodamun. The visit was covered widely by both the Kalsitani and Lodamese Press, and covered several wide ranging topics, mostly around security and intelligence sharing. It is believed that the two Northern Seleyan Governments have parallel interests and will work closely together as Lodamun steps into a new hemispheric role.

Dame Dumont discusses Luthori
Dame Jacqueline DuMont gave comments to Kalistani Press today concerning the ongoing situation in Luthori. She was responding to a comment made by the Luthorian Press where their Foreign Minister declared that Luthori would not tolerate a permanent presence in Artania.

"At one point in time," said Dame DuMont, "there were open channels between the Empire and Luthori. Those channels have apparently broken down now to the point where Luthori feels the need to pass along warnings to His Imperial Majesty's government via the Press. I have been asked to state that if it is truly Luthori's desire to resolve whatever issues are compelling it to turn its rapacious attention toward our continent, we would certainly welcome the opportunity to discuss our issues with them using normal channels. However, the tenuous relationship promoted by the Former Empress, Princess Nicolette II has been all but dissolved by Luthori's continued moves to re-establish its commonwealth in Seleya and orient our neighbors toward their capital. Each act is a provocation that must be responded to, especially where it concerns the Crown Lands, and Kalistan is prepared to answer by fostering mutual partnerships and associations that are meant to offset relative gains by Luthori in Seleya and western Dovani. Should Luthori continue to push in, or as they themsevles say, attempt to fill a power vacuum on a completely other side of the world from their home base,, this will force Kalistan to push back, and currently, Kalistan is likely in a better position to do so. And as for any warnings about force projection, we will be satisfied when Luthori points that sharpened stick in a different direction than at Kalistan."

Dame DuMont said that Kalistan has already recalled its ambassador to Luthori, and will be considering a reduction in trade between Kalistan and Luthori should the provocations continue. "We will also be exploring other sundry options that represent a proportional response to Luthori Imperialism in Seleya," said Dame DuMont. When asked what that means, she noted that "All options remain on the table. We'll have to see what they do." Dame DuMont also welcomed Likatonian Comments about Baltusia and associated the Kalistani Government with those comments. "We maintain heavy surveilance on the border," said Dame DuMont, "and are ensuring that the communist contagion does not attempt to spread into Kalistan once more."

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Empress Pavlina Crowned in Kaliburg
Kundrati to assume the title of Co-Sovereign first since reign of William I
Eveari, Grand Duchy of Ananto
April 2, 5556


Kalistan has a New Empress, Her Imperial Majesty Pavlina I Ananto

In response to the court ruling which guaranteed protestors free reign to insult royals who are not the Emperor, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Fredrick I Ananto took a dramatic step in Eveari in entitling his spouse as Empress Pavlina I Ananto. In doing so, the Emperor has made his spouse co-Sovereign of the Empire of Ananto and Kalistan. Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Pavlina I Ananto was crowned Empress of Ananto and Kalistan in a traditional ceremony at the Eveari Monthly Meeting House, where ceremonies for Kalistani Monarchs are traditionally held.

"His Imperial majesty took this extraordinary step due to the incomprehensible refusal of our Courts to protect Her Imperial Majesty from insults and other things lobbed by detractors and xenophobes," said the Chancellor of the Empire, Dame Lindsay Ontiveros-Maxwell. "His fiat being law, he felt that in order to continue to comply with the law and protect the now Empress from vile misdeeds of a bunch of malcontents, making Her Imperial Majesty co-sovereign will place her under the Lese Majeste law, and it will now be a felony to insult her, abuse her, or assault her. Had the courts offered her this simple degree of security, the Emperor would not have had to take such extraordinary steps."

The Empress herself welcomed the move and said, at the Brethrenist Meeting Hall: "We humbly and graciously accept your entitlement and agree to rule over you as your Empress, together with His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor." Indeed, it is far more than the Empress bargained for when marrying the Emperor, and reports suggest that the Emperor pushed very strongly for this move, over both Ontiveros' initial objections and the Empress'.

"Reports are that the Emperor was livid that the courts found the protestors not guilty of violating the Lese Majeste law," said Crown Watcher Alesha Calendar, "and when he called the Chancellor in to have her discuss options with him, naming Empress Pavlina I Ananto to the position was not even on the table. Then when it was suggested that this be an option, the Emperor decided then and there that this was the course he sought to take to ensure that there is never a repeat of the stunning disrespect shown by protestors at the airport last November. Now, it will be clear that any disrespect shown to the Empress falls under this law, and there will not be another not guilty verdict in the future."

In a move sure to upset the protest community, the Emperor has also named Empress Pavlina I Ananto Duchess of Odufaray, to replace the slain Duchess Martha Allistair after a year and a half. "The center of the Protest activity has been in Odufaray," said Calendar. "Naming the Empress as Duchess of Odufaray is sure to reignite protest sentiment, but now protestors are over a barrel because protesting their own Duchess, who happens to be covered under Lese Majeste, could lead to much more serious consequences than just a regular Duchess."

The Empress keeps her title to Luxon and gains a number of official titles that are tied to the crown, but has not been named as Queen of Andalay, Vintalli, or any of the Crown Lands. "The Empress will use Courtesy titles still," said Calendar. "That is her right to do so. But the Crown Lands titles, especially are particular, and courtesy titles are not eligible for these. The same goes for the Duchy of Icehaven in Hutori, where House Ananto has a holding, awarded by the Royal Family of Hutori. The Empress may refer to herself as Duchess of Icehaven as a courtesy title, but does not possess the actual title, in her own Stile. The other symbolic titles, such as Embodiment of the Anantonese People, the Empress possesses in her own right."

The Emperor is also expected to begin the process of adoption of Empress Pavlina's daughter, Her Highness the Minor Princess Carolina. This is seen as a step to naming her as Crown Princess in the event that the two do not produce a child of their own. There is still plenty of time, but "better safe than sorry," said Calendar. "The Emperor likely wants to name her as Crown Princess just in case something happens where naming an Ananto is impossible." Some others expect the current Acting Crown Prince, Mark Ananto-Orleans would get the title in the event that both Kalistani Monarchs expired, and Mark Ananto has three Children with his wife, all of whom would serve to maintain continuity with the line, but it is also known that Mark Ananto does not want to crown, and has officially attempted, with no success, to take himself out of the Line of Succession. Naming Princess Carolina Hulanevek will allow Mark to continue to focus on his businesses, but should she actually succeed to the throne, Kalistanis who are already upset that the Emperor did not name a Kalistani as his wife, and now Empress, will explode because a foreign born person would eventually be in line for the Crown.

"Kalistan practices naturalizing adoption," said Calendar, "meaning that children, or adults as the case is occasionally, when they are adopted it is as if they are their adopted Parent's birth child unless otherwise explicitly stated. If the Emperor adopts Empress Pavlina's daughter, who is herself an orphan, he can make the argument til he he is hoarse, but there are some people who will simply not accept a Kundrati as the heir to the Ananto Monarchy." The Empress reportedly dismissed concerns. "He hasn't really considered the question yet," said Calendar. "But sure enough, there are many people on the mainland that will protest anything but making a Kalistani the next Emperor."

Time will tell. As for now, Her Imperial Highness, the Empress is crowned and Kalistan has two co-sovereigns who will jointly dictate to the Empire.

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Empress attends panel on democracy in Kaliburg
Discussion grew heated, but was mostly respectful and called for reform
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
November 19, 5556


Her Imperial Majesty joins audience at Kaliburg Democracy Forum to listen to proposals for reform

A long promised plebiscite on democracy occurred at Kaliburg Polytechnic this week, sort of. The event, called Kaliburg Democracy Forum, took on the form of a panel sponsored by the Political Science Department. The Chancellor of the Empire was invited to sit on the panel to speak for the Crown, but in the audience was Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Pavlina I Ananto, who permitted the Chancellor to receive questions, some of which she responded to. This is the closest thing Kalistan has had to direct communication between Kalistani Citizens and their Sovereigns in decades. Other panelists included noted liberal political scientist Dr. Brent Lynn from Vrassa City, scholar on media and democracy Dr. Jill Fisher from Kaliburg, Civil Society activist Natalie Swanson from Sulari, and Kenneth Bonsal from the Eshar Democracy Club, a non-partisan political discussion group focused on advancing the cause of increasing civic participation in the Government.

The panel began with 10-15 minute presentations from each of the panelists. The speeches were informative but mostly focused on the ongoing demands for liberalizing democratic reforms in the Government. Dr. Lynn discussed how important it was for the people to feel like they had a say in who their government is: "Whether they actually do or not, people tend to see elections as pressure valves, and participate in them rather than doing other, more destructive things like rioting," said Dr. Lynn. "When you close off all avenues of redress of grievance to them, with an oppressive tyrannical government that exists simply to justify its own existence and insinuate two non elected heads of state into everyone's life, people are going to turn to violence."

The media scholar discussed the importance of civil liberties in Kalistan. "Paramount of all freedoms is the free press," said Dr. Fisher. "The Press has a major role in informing the population, so they can make decisions about self-government. Yes, it is true that there are problems in the media. Yes it is true that editorial boards and commercial advertisers often dictate content. But let me ask, who would you rather trust? The largely benign and amoral capitalist who is just trying to inform consumers of the products they may already want, or a self-interested government that shoots protestors in the street for voicing legitimate concerns?"

Finally, Swanson said "I'm not extremely educated like these others here. All I know is that we the people has had enough. This country should be a republic again. I am not sure how things got this way, but I saw this clip on the internet that talked about a connection between the current Monarchy and Beiteynu: the clip talked about how Beiteynu is really behind the monarchy, and it made a lot of sense to me at the time. I also think Luthori has something to do with this: They are always talking about their empire and it would make sense that they would prefer a dictatorship here to a free and educated people, We the People, ready to defend Seleya from Artania."

Following the three pro-democracy speakers, the Chancellor delivered her speech, which served as largely an apology for the stability brought by the Institutional Party and the Monarchy. "I invite the audience here to consider that before the Empire, we had to put up with a bunch of fascist parties forming all the time, and government policies that were largely and directly detrimental to the freedom and liberty of the people," said Dame Ontiveros, referring to various ephemeral Parties that formed in opposition to Socialist Party Government. "Since the re-establishment of the monarchy, we have seen no hard right, hard left, or pro capitalist Parties that used to plague our nation. The Monarchy is an enduring institution that offers stability to the Empire, to allow the people to live a life free from the turbulence of internecine political struggle by a bunch of power hungry lunatics. We have solved the problem of political struggle, and it has been a net gain to the liberty of the people of Kalistan, who enjoy one of the highest standards of living, among the highest levels of civil liberties, and one of the most robust social security systems in all of Seleya, if not Terra. It is because the consensus has been codified into the Monarchy and is unassailable. Isn't not being bothered to learn about candidates and positions worth the good things provided for by the Empire?"

Following the presentations by the panelists, the audience members were invited to ask questions and make suggestions for improvement of the system. Most of the comments were directed to the Chancellor, but after about the sixth question, audience members started asking the Chancellor to ask for information from the Empress. "Please ask Her Imperial Majesty what her opinion of democracy is?" asked one audience member.

"As many may already be aware," said Empress Pavlina, "We grew up in Kundrati Union, which is liberal democracy such as most of our panelists are requesting. While two states may not be specifically comparable, due to different regime in Kundrati as opposed to Empire, and we do not wish to say negative words toward land of our Birth, we shall instead extol the benefits of Kalistani system. Democracy can be difficult to accomplish major things for the People in efficient manner. When action needs to be taken, often, there is no time for long debate or negotiation. It simply needs to be done. If for example, there is service needed by people, those people usually cannot wait for Government to hold hearing, ask experts, craft law, debate, negotiate, talk to stakeholder, maybe vote, maybe lose vote, and then people suffer. Democracy is good for corporate governance, but when people's lives are at stake, we feel democracy is unnecessarily and inexcusably slow and unpredictable, and as often produces horrible results as good."

Another audience member asked "What democratic reforms would Her Imperial Majesty, as Co-Sovereign of the Empire, be willing to consider so that the people have more control over the government and the Monarchy?"

The Empress gracefully but firmly answered, "We shall not entertain reforms to Monarchy. This suggestion that Monarchy be reformed, while not a violation of the Single Party Act, comes very near that boundary. As for democracy in the Government, it is our opinion that there is enough democracy at local level to allow people to have adequate say where matters are closest to them. We shall not promise reform to our Government, because it is not our desire that regime is democratic in form."

The Empress' frank rejection of the suggestion of democratic reform raised some eyebrows and provoked murmuring among the crowd.

The Chancellor added "To be clear, we have as much democracy in Kalistan as most liberal democracies have. I would argue we have more, in fact. People vote in elections which returns the Institutional Party each time to office. And local elections are considered non-partisan where anyone can run and serve. But in fact, we have never been a direct democracy in Kalistan, even when the Socialists governed. I would say in all indirect democracies, the people have as much direct control over the actions of their government as they do in Kalistan, where the people elect members of the legislature to make laws in the name of the people. And I will also remind you that the the first words in the official title of Her Imperial Majesty is 'By the Consent of the People...'" The Chancellor's suggestion that the monarchy was somehow an institution that derived its legitimacy from the will of the people provoked laughter from the audience, a low laughter that the Empress herself indulged in.

"Will Her Imperial Majesty permit protests on the Mainland to be held now that she is Duchess of Odufaray?" was one question.

The Empress nodded. "We have always been in favor of the people voicing their opinion in public, even in large groups, so long as activity is peaceful and orderly. We have never ordered police actions toward orderly protestors, or protestors who are marching or demonstrating peacefully. And in fact, our Courts have routinely sided with protestors who have disturbed the peace, or protestors who insulted and violated our own person. The Protestors have friend in Kalsitani courts, even if they are convinced that we are somehow a monster or a foreign spy of some sort. And we ourselves welcome our people to be able to demonstrate for things they care about. We merely insist that public order is not violated."

In one of the more tense exchanges of the evening, Natalie Swanson, the civil society activist from Eshar, directly challenged the Empress. "But how does Her Imperial Majesty suggest we force change if we do not create disorder, if we are not unruly, if we do not break the peace? How can we get our Emperors to listen to us unless we force them to pay attention to what we want and do it?" asked Natalie Swanson. "You are suggesting that we act all peaceful, when we know that you can easily ignore us that way, and we don't want you to ignore us."

"Ms. Swanson," said Dame Ontiveros, "please address your comments directly to me, rather than Her Imperial Majesty. Protocol dictates that..."

"Oh f--k protocol," exclaimed Swanson. "I want her to answer my question."

"Ms. Swanson! Please watch your language," answered Dame Ontiveros. "It is illegal to address the Empress directly, may I remind you."

"Madame, we are not forced by anyone, over anything. Force is beneath us. So, what will you have us do instead?" asked the Empress.

Swanson, who took a moment to collect herself, answered, "Please, Madame Ontiveros, I would have Her Imperial Majesty give us what we are demanding. Then we wouldn't have to be violent or disruptive. I want the Empress to listen to us, to pay attention to us to let we the people run our own lives."

"Madame Swanson, violence is not necessary," responded the Empress. "We are here now. Do we not listen to you here today? You have had your opportunity to speak your mind at your liberty, and few protocol rules aside, nobody has prevented you from speaking. And we have heard you, you did not need to compel us to do so, nor use force in any way. We came of our own will. But we shall also not negotiate anything with terrorist or groups who hold our cities hostage to their demands, especially when their viewpoints are tiny minority of society's viewpoints. Calls for democracy are particularly loud from tiny population. Data shows that majority of population seeks to live in peace and go about day. Not join protest, not shut down major cities, not shoot Duchess."

Swanson attempted to interject: "Your Highness we had nothing to do..."

"We are not finished," answered the Empress. "We have excellent intelligence from sources with IBSI to suggest that perhaps not grassroots, but leadership is being manipulated by revolutionaries who want nothing to do with your cause for democracy. They use your very serious and deeply felt beliefs for democracy for their own aims. This is well known fact among those who have better information than you. Liberty Brigade was just sloppiest among them because of their love of crystal methamphetamine, but we know of at least three other conspiratorial organizations, two of whom are of fascist right wing, all of whom are far more professional, who will actually be tyrant if they win, who are funding and manipulating pro-democratic groups in Kalistan. But we cannot arrest them, because they remain underground and free association is not illegal. Your resort to violence and disorder does not serve your cause, but their cause. Chancellor can confirm this. And violence only serves to alienate people from Empress and Emperor. Which is not what we would prefer. Force invalidates legitimacy of your demand for democracy. But if you claim to support democracy, you have failed to convince even a slim majority. So why should we do as you order?"

As the Empress spoke, Swanson was clearly agitated, and was waiting for the Empress to finish speaking, but just before she responded the Chancellor gave the signal to the Forum's stunned silent moderator, who announced that time was up for this round, but a new panel would be planned for the near future, and the invitation to the Empress to come back would be made via the Chancellor. The panel being over, the Moderator held the crowd while the Empress and her security left without a word. The Chancellor stayed behind to talk further with the panelists and the Moderator. Several members of the audience also came up to the Chancellor, but none of the exchanges appeared to be elevated. Swanson, for her part adopted a very apologetic tone when talking with the Chancellor after the event, who promised to pass Swanson's apologies onto Her Imperial Majesty.

The panel concluded on a tense note, it was more surprising that it was not more heated, but most of the people in attendance were from Ananto, given its location at Kaliburg Polytechnic, and therefore, the audience was likely far friendlier than it would have been had the panel been held in Vrassa or Odufaray. Immediately following the panel, analysts said that given the Empress' responses to the questions, meaningful democratic reform is less likely now than even directly before the panel began.

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Kalistani News in Brief: Emperor formally Adopts Princess Carolina
Armed Drone Program with Kundrati; 2nd Democracy Panel in Sulari
Kaliburg, Grand Duchy of Ananto
September 4, 5557


Her Highness Princess Carolina Ananto-Hulanevek is named Crown Princess

Emperor Formally Adopts Princess Carolina
In an unprecedented move, His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick II Ananto has formally adopted the Her Imperial Majesty Pavlina I Ananto's daughter, the Princess Carolina as his daughter and heir. The 11-year old princess, who has lived almost half her life in Kalistan, was reportedly thrilled at the prospect of becoming naturalized as a full Citizen and member of the Ananto family. "It's very overwhelming, but my mom and dad decided that it was something that they wanted to do for me, and I really feel very special and happy!" The Princess, who was adopted a few months after her birth by then civilian Pavlina Hulanevek, had initially lost her mother in childbirth, and was then abandoned by her father to the Kundrati foster care system, before being adopted by Hulanevek. "My mom is the only mom I have ever known," said Princess Carolina. "And my dad (the Emperor, who Carolina has long called her "dad") was very welcoming to us both and we became a family very quickly. I just remember him telling the story of how he lost his mom when he was a kid too, and I think we found we had a lot in common. And he's such a kind person too, I know he's so busy but he always makes time for us." The Emperor and the Minor Princess notably share an appreciation for automobiles, and family outings often revolve around trips to the Kaliburg National Motor Speedway. "While I won't ever forget Kundrati, Kalistan is my home now. I don't really remember much time when my dad was not in my life." With the adoption, the National Assembly has acknowledged the Emperor and Empress' desire that the Minor Princess should become the Crown Princess. She is expected to begin formal training for her future role when she enters High School in two years. Most Kalistanis greeted the news with support. The Chancellor of the National Assembly passed an informal resolution officially congratulating the Minor Princess while ratifying the Imperial fiat. Princess Carolina will be henceforth known as Her Highness, Crown Princess Carolina Ananto-Hulanevek.

KMC to construct "suicide drones" with Kundrati
KalMilInCo (KMC) and their Kundrati counterparts, KDC, have announced plans to develop a series of unmanned aerial vehicles capable of both providing surveilance and serving as guided cruise missiles. The so called Journey Missile program is slated to build a military drone that will serve Kalistan by providing visual overflights of the Ananto Strait, and either remotely patrolling the waters in and around Kalistan, or converting to strike mode and utilizing its armaments as sort of a kamikaze aircraft that controllers can direct right into a target. "Most modern ships have anti-missile technology that can easily take out cruise missiles which are coming in at a low trajectory," said Defense Ministry Spokesman Kenneth Whitmer. "These drones work a bit differently in that they come in over a target and then act more like a guided powered bomb, rendering many modern defensive systems less effective than they would be against other similar weapons." The UAVs can also be mounted with sub detection Magnetic Anomoly Detection Systems to help the Green Water navy detect enemy subs, serving as an early warning system for other weapons in the Kalistani arsenal. The vehicles will be built in Kundrati, and Kalistan is providing both capital and technical expertise in the joint development of the drone.

2nd Democracy Forum to be held in Sulari, Chancellor expected to attend
A followup to the Kaliburg Democracy Forum, held last November, is expected to be held in Sulari, Duchy of Suldanor. The Duchy tends to more strongly support the Institutional Party than Odufaray and Vrassa, so it is seen as a good compromise spot for many pro-democracy activists who complained that the 1st Democracy Forum was inaccessible to the Opposition. "Oh, We'll be in Sulari," said Democracy Activist Juanita Suarez, of Gendaris. "Holding the first one in Kaliburg was kind of a slap in the face to the movement, because most of us do not feel comfortable travelling to the Lion's Den." Suarez said that pro-democracy activists likely would have been arrested if they had travelled to Kaliburg. "You know the cops aren't going to let anyone with any different ideas get within fifty miles of the Empress! Because they're afraid that we are going to say something that they don't want the people to know. The truth about the Empress: She's actually a foreign Banker, and you know what that means." When asked to expand on her comments, Suarez said "Find out in Sulari. Just let her come there. We won't back down this time. This ain't gonna be no Swanson Part 2." She was referring to activist Natalie Swanson who directly questioned Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Pavlina I Ananto during the first Democracy Forum and then publicly apologized for overstepping propriety, and who the activist community has since roundly painted as a coward. The Empress, for her part has already said she will not attend, but the Chancellor of the Empire has volunteered to attend as a representative of the Government, and has required the attendance of Suldanor's Deputies at the forum. The Sulari Democracy forum will be held on October 30, starting at 5:30 local, at the Sulari Civic Center in downtown Sulari, and entry passes, which will include a security check, have already been made available to various civic and activist organizations, as well as Sulari's academic community.

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The Republic sits down with Leo Ingleton
Head of Democracy Forum Movement Describes Goals, tells us what he really thinks
Senvias, Duchy of Vrassa
November 19, 5557


Leo Ingleton is new face of pro-Democracy movement in Kalistan

The last six years have been an excessively turbulent period of time, as the first significant pro-democracy movement has grown out of nationalist protest over the marriage of the Emperor to a foreign national. Behind the scenes the entire time has been Leo Ingleton, who represented Senvias in the National Assembly before he was required to resign over a failed vote of no confidence in early 5552, and has since emerged as the primary organizers of the Democracy Forum movement. Mr. Ingleton hasn't spoken much in public but has been very busy behind the scenes raising both money and awareness to support Democracy Forums, which is seen as a "public dialogue between Power and the People, in true democratic fashion," according to the Organization's literature. Following the recent Democracy Forum in Sulari, The Republic got an opportunity for a one on one interview with Mr. Ingleton to talk about the goals of the Movement, and his hope for the future of the democratic movement in Kalistan. Things did not turn out well.

(The Republic's) K(asey) M(acAlister): Hello Mr. Ingleton, and thank you for agreeing to talk with the news.

L(eo) I(ngleton): It is my pleasure, Ms. MacAlister, and please, you may call me Leo.

KM: Thank you Leo. If you please, tell the readers about Democracy Forum?

LI: Well, the Government under Dame Ontiveros has become profoundly undemocratic and supine to the fiat of The Emperor. And the people are fundamentally denied the opportunity to have any input whatsoever into the actions of their government. We are not allowed to form competing parties, we are not allowed to pass bills independently of the Emperor's orders. Our Legislature, under the control of the Institutional Party acts as a rubber stamp for the Emperor. It is a sham. So Democracy Forum is a place where people can get together and speak, both to power and to one another. At both of the Forums so far, the Chancellor has been on the panel, and as a result, we have been able to directly challenge the Government, and demand accountability. It is more democracy than we have had in decades.

KM: Is your movement committed to peace?

LI: My movement is committed to doing what works. We have had success so far with these forums, which have been peaceful, where other movements who resorted to violence have failed. But if democracy is our ultimate goal we should be willing to fight for it.

KM: So far, both Democracy Forums have indeed been very peaceful. But at both forums, there have been very heated exchanges beween activists and members of the Government, first in Kaliburg, where the Empress was very candidly spoken to, and then now in the most recent forum, where the Chancellor was shouted down by rowdy activists in the audience. Do you condone these behaviors?

LI: Of course I do not condone any sort of violence, but I can't say that the passion of the pro-democracy is unreasonable. When the Government chooses to listen to the demands of the people, then passions will naturally cool. However, civility should be reserved for those who acknowledge the power of the people. I certainly won't call for their censure, even though Democracy Forum does not itself organize those demonstrations.

KM: Indeed. So what does Democracy Forum seek to accomplish? Do you seek to bring down the monarchy?

LI: Certainly not. You haven't forgotten, I hope, that I spent twenty years as an Institutionalist Deputy. I would still be in the National Assembly, as an Institutionalist, if that Party has not gone so far down the road of toadyism, and played a role instead of loyal opposition, as democracy should dictate.

KM: Well, then, what are your goals?

LI: In a word, democracy. We seek a more proper relationship between the National Assembly and the Monarchy. We seek the repeal of the Single Party Act, and opening the National Assembly to all Parties of all ideologies.

KM: Excuse me, do you mean you'd be willing to open the National Assembly to even fascists?

LI: Well, as unlikely as it is, we would have to allow fascists if we say "All Ideologies." It is greatly unlikely that fascists would seek to take obtain a seat in the National Assembly. In fact, it would be more likely that socialists and communists will gain seats first. And as anathema as that would be, it is a consequence of democracy, which is the most important thing.

KM: Would you seek a seat in the National Assembly?

LI: I wouldn't dream of it, unless there were a new Nationalist Party that would organize. But alas, there is no Nationalist Party, and I can continue to do good work outside of the Government.

KM: Do your nationalist sympathies drive Democracy Forum?

LI: My opinions about the Empress are my own. We are fighting for democracy in Kalistan, the sacred right to govern ourselves, rather than accept dictates from on High. There are plenty of constitutional monarchies, where the power of the Monarch is limited to affairs of state while matter of government are left up to representatives of the people. In a democratic government, the majority speaks.

KM: And what would you do if the majority of the people say they want to keep the monarchy as it is?

LI: That would be impossible.

KM: The Republic recently conducted a poll which showed a mere 11% supported a more democratic political system, while support for the monarchy has increased more than 16 points to 82% since Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Pavlina I Ananto was crowned. How can you call your movement democratic when such a small minority supports what you are proposing?

LI: The fact is, democracy means we the people rule. It doesn't really require a majority to actively support it, it merely requires a majority to not fight against it. In a representative form of government, which I call a Republic, as long as the people are electing representatives that represent the will of We the people, you don't see every person making laws. There will still only be 79 Seats in the Legislature. But they won't all be owned by the Emperor's puppets.

KM: Actually, a republic is a government that does the business of the public. It has nothing to do with...

LI: Young Lady, please do not presume to lecture me on etymology. We all know what a republic is, there is no need for pedantics.

KM: Let's change subjects then. What is your opinion on the Empress.

LI: No Comment.

KM: Surely a man as outspoken and important as yourself, the leader of the main democracy movement in Kalistan has an opinion.

LI: I'd rather not jeopardize my movement by saying something that might introduce complications for my movement.

KM: But you left office over your opposition to Her Imperial Majesty's marriage to the Emperor. Has your loss of your seat in the National Assembly propelled this movement in any way?

LI: The Foreigner has nothing to do with Democracy Forum. Excuse me. The Empress. She has nothing to do with Democracy Forum. These people are people who care about democracy, and who want democratic reforms.

KM: The Republic has been provided evidence that suggests that your group receives money from a small group of private sector industrialists called The Vineyard, who seeks establishment of a market economy in Kalistan. How does this square with your populist public image?

LI: Am I on trial here?

KM: No, there just seems to be a mismatch in what you say and what it appears you are doing. And The Republic's mission is to inform the Public about things they need to know about.

LI: The Public are not interested in such prurient matters as who funds Democracy Forum. But if you must know, I have never heard of any group called the Vineyard, and we specifically do not have any pro-market positions in our manifesto.

KM: And how about Liberty Brigade?

LI: No. They are discredited. And we do not have anything to do with them. Ms. MacAlister, if you are here to interrogate me on behalf of IBSI, please print that I have been harassed by those thugs regularly for the last four years. I've answered all questions under oath. And I certainly did not think this was to be part of that.

KM: Excuse me, Leo. I certainly did not mean to...

LI: Mr. Ingleton, Madame. I appreciate it...

KM: Mr Ingleton... I...

LI: Yes?

KM: I... I uh rather...

LI: Then we're done? I am sure I have better things to do than to speak with a Government Rag.

KM: Excuse me?

LI: I could sus it out when you walked in. You work for that Chancellor don't you?

KM: I assure you I...

LI I believe this interview is over. I don't have to put up with this from a woman... and a government spy at that... What, nothing to say then? It is certainly different from the foreigner: We couldn't get her to shut up... It's a good thing she's afraid to come to Sulari... She... All this is off the record, is that clear?

KM: Mr. Ingleton. You are correct about one thing: this interview is over.

At that, our reporter departed the interview room. For the record, the entire interview was on the record, as are all formal interviews, and this interview is a thrice verified transcript of the recording Ms. MacAlister made during the conversation. The Republic attempted to contact Mr. Ingleton to clarify his comments, giving him an opportunity to amplify or correct any statements, and his office did not return our telephone calls.

[Doc]

Grand Duke Mark Ananto-Orleans returns to Gaduridos
Purchase of ₭6.2 Million Villa signals new interest in Republic
Ciudad de Gaduri, Gaduridos
November 20, 5557


Grand Duke of Kalistan, Lord Mark Ananto-Orleans lands in Gaduri International this week

His Highness, Lord Mark Ananto-Orleans, cousin of His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Fredrick II Ananto and Grand Duke of Kalistan, took possession of a new villa on the coast just outside of Ciudad de Gaduri, Marlingantos, Gaduridos this week, signaling a return of interest in the Central Seleyan republic. Following the ouster of the fascists, Ananto's purchase acknowledges that fact of Gaduri political stabilization, and aims at providing a conduit for Kalistani Investment to begin flowing once more to the Central Anantonese Ocean. The home and adjoining 25 acres of beachfront property, which costs Ananto ₭6.2 Million, is a far cry from the 400 acre estate that the Grand Duke grew up on which had been owned by the Grand Duke's Father, Prince Victor Ananto-Martin.

"Como nativo Gaduri, fue un día triste para mí decir adiós a mi hogar," said the Grand Duke to Gaduri reporters, upon arriving in Ciudad de Gaduri. "Pero ahora, después de ocho años, por fin puedo regresar a mi hogar y llevar a mi familia conmigo a vivir y trabajar en este maravilloso país, que tiene tanto en común con Kalistán. Mi esposa y mis hijos están muy emocionados de comenzar nuestra nueva vida en Gaduridos, al tiempo que regresan a Kalistán para visitar a amigos y familiares tan a menudo como la vida lo permite." It is known that the Grand Duke, who was raised in Gaduridos and then lived there most of his adult life, has treated this nearly decade-long sojourn as an exile of sorts, and has always sought to return to Gaduridos to pick up where he left off. "Espero trabajar para acercar Kalistan y Gaduridos, diplomática, cultural y económicamente."

The Grand Duke and Duchess will retain all titles and rights and duties in Kalistan, and will retain Kalistani Citizenship while living abroad. Additionally, The Grand Duke will maintain his family's estate in Sulari, and will keep his 70 person staff in Kalistan's Second City employed. He will be expected to respond to Imperial Summons' still and will be required at all peer functions, but except for special events, there are no official barriers to him living and working outside the Empire.

"His Imperial Majesty considers the Crown Lands to still technically be a part of Kalistan, so he has given the Grand Duke his Blessing," said Crown watcher Janelle Montgomery. "And in this age of instantaneous telecommunications, getting the Grand Duke on the phone even if he is on the other side of the planet is no challenge. Living in Gaduri City, the Grand Duke will be closer to Sulari than he would if he lived in Dulnerstaad, Eveari or Kaliburg, so it isn't really an issue." Montgomery also said that having Ananto in Gaduridos is also a good way to have an informal channel to the Gaduri Government. "Ananto's word is essentially the word of the Empire in Gaduridos. If there is something Gaduridos needs or would like, and they speak with the Grand Duke, they can be sure to have the ear of the Emperor. This offers them a great advantage that even Kalistan's closest friends do not have. And Mark Ananto sits on top of a veritable mountain of money due to his successful and conservative management of the prersonal accounts of House Ananto. A friendly Gaduridos can assure a friendly Kalistani investment community."

Grand Duke Mark Ananto-Orleans, Countess Margaret Alvarez-Ananto, and their three children have already moved into the Cottage as they renovate the Main House. The grounds have a small wooded area with a trail system for hiking or running, a brook that flows into the sea, a tennis court, large fields of wild flowers and cliffs that look north over the Central Anantonese Ocean. The Grand Duke said he intends to build a riding stable, a rifle range and a bocce court on the grounds as well. Renovations are expected to be complete in March, at which time the family will occupy the main house. The Grand Duke has named the estate Mer Verde.