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61

Edited on 20 October 2017
War on Gemica
Published on 13 October 2017
By Imani Lucim
For the La Rochelle Times
From La Rochelle
[hr]
The Oan Isles will not invade Gemica. The invasion of Gemica has been cancelled. The Command of the Polynesian Defence Pact Chiefs of the National Defence Service decided to conduct naval and air strikes instead, rather than put boots on the ground. They agreed to give the necessary support and avail the necessary resources to achieve this task.

The National Assembly approved the declaration of war and empowered Oan Plenipotentiary to the Command of the PDP to seek the support of the PDP in implementing the state of war. He was given full rein and has received a positive response from the command.

In an official statement by the Command NDS, it “recognise(s) the tyranny of the Gemican government over the Gemite people and the threat it poses to our member state, the Oan Isles. As conduits for dialogue, while the Oans will keep them open, have failed, military force will be used to liberate the Gemite people and extend to them the freedom that the people of Polynesia enjoy. We recognise and affirm Oan claims over ths islands of Gemica and respect the claims of East Malaysia over East Gemica. As such, we have authorised the use of military force to complete Oan claims over Gemica and, again, free its people. With Oan extension of rights to the people of Jewelica and the investment it is making in the island’s infrastructure, commerce and civil society, we are confident in the earnestness of its intentions and the restraint it will exercise over the people of Gemica. Our base in Jewelica shall house the air force we will deploy. We will deploy ships and planes as requested by the Government of the Oan Isles”.

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East Malaysia and the Oan Isles resolve dispute and enter into business
Published on 20 October 2017
Kaha Moana
Noa City
Noa Economic Journal
[hr]
The Oan Isles and East Malaysia have agreed to recognise each others respective claims in the Caven Sea to Gemica (the Kƍhatu Isles) and East Gemica respectively. The two countries acknowledge the sovereignty of the other over the territories in question and the waters surrounding them.

A the King of Caven, Alex Templeton-Caven and the Head of Diplomacy and Immigration, Locklyn Le Roy on behalf of East Malaysia and The Oan Isles respectively, held discussion in the Serene Palace in La Rochelle. The atmosphere was a little tense, but proved to be an opportunity to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations.

The meeting went so well, that the Oan Isles has decided to employ Royal Caven Petroleum to explore and extract petroleum in a field that spans the maritime boundaries of the two countries. Both countries had speculated on the existence of the reserves, but as relations have been clarified and warmed exploration and extraction can begin.

The East Malaysia and the Oan Isles have had largely neutral relations. They have operated within the respective spheres of influence, one in Yasteria and the other in Aurora. With warmed up relations, and mutual business to bind them together, the two countries look set to become important strategic partners in the future.

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The Importance of the Oan Monarchy
Published on 29 October 2017
From Ata City
For the Ata Tribune
By Alana Rotorua
[hr]
The monarchy plays an important role in the daily life and political framework of the Oan Isles.

The monarch has emergency powers. These powers allow the country to effectively deal with crises. They include the power to dissolve the National Assembly, the power to issue decrees, to take command of the armed forces and leadership of the executive branch. In April 2017, by assuming emergency powers, Emperor Ehe I, and his regent at the time Prince Oaloanu (sometimes spelt Oahoanu), was able to effectively respond to the Auroran Pacific War and terrorist attacks from the Al Jaheed.

The monarchy forms the institutional basis of the political framework. According to the founding and constituting documents of the Oan Isles, the Crown of Polynesia is the source from which the right to rule and the sovereignty to exist emanate. It creates a framework for the union of the political power over the nation, and a conduit for the democratic institutions of the nation to be framed. The monarch does not regularly wield large amounts of direct control or power. The symbolic nature of the Crown is far more important than the effective role of the monarch.

The monarch forms a part of the culture of the Oan people. The monarch is regarded as the source and the authority on matters of culture of the Oan people. The monarch regulates bridal prices. These are the inverse of dowry, paid by the male partner to the female’s family in return for her hand in marriage. The monarch oversees the restoration of honour. When one has dishonoured their clan, the shame can be wiped by overcoming certain trials and performing certain actions. The monarch sets peaceful contest of clans. Rather than wage wars, clans use a duel among their sons to test and determine strength.

The monarch promotes the notion of an Oan civilisation. The monarch supports art, architecture, literature, music, fashion, theatre and education. The monarch influences tastes and expands on the existing components that make our civilisation unique, by promoting a particular architectural style, by supporting artisans, or supporting a particular style of dress or genre of music.

The monarch forms the spiritual leader of the Oan nation. Oan folk spirituality is inseparable from the culture of the nation. Rituals are still performed. Cattle are still slaughtered at funerals. Tree branches are still used to collect souls from sites of death. Cleansing rituals are still used to remove a curse. Animal sacrifice is still used as a means of worship to the Almighty and incense in prayer. These processes are united and made uniform by the monarch, for all matters of the nation are said to emanate from the Crown.

The monarch forms the basis of the unity of the Hia (Islander), Kƍhatu (Gemican), Oan and Noan people. The monarch is our shared figurehead. Although his role in the cultural affairs of those nations is less direct, he is still regarded as their leader. Matters of culture and spirituality are still referred to the Crown. And the Emperor, usually and wisely so convenes councils to mediate disputes in practice and law. He also encourages the unique arts or fashions of those nations through patronage.

From this, we can see that the monarch plays an important role in the daily life and political framework of the Oan Isles.

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Oan National Aid Agency
Published on 29 October 2017
By Aroha PĆ«tea
From Noa City
For the Noa Journal
[hr]
The Oan National Aid Agency was founded by Emperor Oahoanu in his capacity as a Prince to provide aid to developing countries. The organisation is commonly refererred to by the acronym: Oanaid. Oanaid was first established as an Oan limited company. When the state became a partner and took over the organisation, it became a state agency.

The purpose of the agency is to provide aid for development projects. It was taken over by the government to coordinate Oan foreign developmental aid programs. The organisation then forms a big part of where money goes and how money is spent to support programs that aid development.

The agency is financed by the Oan National Development Bank and the Ahua Foundation. The agency essentially acts as the aid arm of the Oan National Development Bank. The Development Bank usually gives out loans at low cost for developmental projects, but gives money to Oanaid for humanitarian aid purposes. The Ahua Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Ahua Trust, the financial portfolio of the Ahua Clan. In return for its support, the Ahua clan (sometimes spelt Ulua), retains operational control of the body.

Oanaid has done some good work. It has encouraged education in Furnifold, which has even presented a report of the progress of its programs. But Oanaid has faced challenges. It needs to attract more funding, sponsor more programs and work closely with international partners to expand its capacity and the change it makes in people’s lives.

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OANAID gets new director
Published on 29 October 2017
By Imani Lucim
For the La Rochelle Times
From La Rochelle
[hr]
The new director of the Oan National Aid Agency (also known as OANAID) is Aroha PĆ«tea.

She was unanimously appointed by the National Council after being nominated by His Serene Majesty, Emperor Oahoanu today to serve as the head of the humanitarian and development aid arm of the Oan government. The role carries the responsibility to implement the mandate and directives from the national government and the manage its operations and affairs.

Aroha PĆ«tea is a journalist and activist. She has worked for numerous publications in Maungapa (Mountain City), Noapa (Grace City) and Atapa (Serenity City) with a focus on social issues. She hosted a conference on women’s rights and delivered a talk on feminism in 2017, in Jewelica. Aroha PĆ«tea’s ambition, vision, values and managerial skills and leadership qualities make her the perfect person to act as its new head.

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The Emperor is ENGAGED!
Published on 29 October 2017
By Imani Lucim
For the La Rochelle Times
From La Rochelle (Tokapa)
[hr]
The Spokesperson of the Office of the Emperor of Polynesia has announced that His Serene Majesty Oahoanu and journalist/activist Aroha PĆ«tea are engaged.

A press conference was held at the Serene Palace, in which and whereby the engagement was announced. A statement published by the Royal House of Ahua affirms this statement and wishes the couple well.

The two will get married in one month. They managed to keep their romance a secret for a long time. Buoyed by the strategic alliance of the Royal Family of Ahua and the noble house of PĆ«tea, their marriage will be a match made in heaven.

[spoiler]https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3023/3076438293_f55732fceb_z.jpg?zz=1
[/spoiler][edit_reason]Added a picture of Aroha[/edit_reason]

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Oil Discovered in Caven Sea
Published on 7 November 2017
By Imani Lucim
For La Rochelle Times
From Tokapa (La Rochelle)
[hr]
Petroleum has been discovered in the Caven Sea. The Royal Caven Petroleum Company was employed by the Oan and East Malaysian government to explore for petroleum in the water around and between the Kƍhatu Isles and the East Gemica Isles, oversees territories of the Oan Isles and East Malaysia respectively earlier in the year.

The company has concluded the first part of its investigation and published its findings in a report available on its website that affirms the existence of a large resevoir of petroleum under the sea that falls within the boundaries of and is shared by Oan and East Malaysian territory.

This large pool of reserves will be a major source of income for the Oan Isles and lead to energy independence for the nation. The country will be able to tap into the lucrative petroleum market and expand its economy and by extension political influence in the world. Although the exploration is an ongoing process the major and foundational parts of it have been completed will enable exploration of oil in the near future.

Environmental activists are worried that the discovery and subsequent extraction of oil will encourage carbon emissions, pollution and disruption of marine habitats. Members of the Green Party’s activism branch have expressed their concerns and attempted to dissuade the state from viciously or aggressively exploiting these resources.

The ruling government has voiced its support for the exploration and extraction of these resources. It has, however taken heed of the concerns that have been raised and has promised to funnel funds into research into technology that will reduce emissions. The mood has, however, been optimisitic that this discovery will lead to job creation, economic growth and energy independence.

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Aroha in Kostoria Obertonia
Published on 7 November 2017
By Imani Lucim
For La Rochelle Times
From Tokapa (La Rochelle)
[hr]
The head of the Oan National Aid Agency and fiancée of the Emperor, Aroha, is visiting Kostoria Obertonia. She is leading an investigation by OANAID into the humanitarian situation in the country. She is touring the country to investigate the problems that the people of the country are facing in the aftermath of a serious war and nuclear explosion earlier in the year.

She will be in the country for a few days and will speak to experts, ordinary people, politicians and businesspeople. The complete report will be published at the end of her visit, but so far Lady Aroha and her team have made some discoveries that portray the situation in Kostoria-Obertonia as very negative.

Most of the population have access to sanitation, shelter, food and clean water. But a sizeable minority of people are struggling to have consistent access to these basic services. They are faced by a lack of or damage to infrastructure, a decrease in experienced personnel, a decrease in the overall supply. Life in Kostoria Obertonia is difficult for many people.

There has been a lot of internal displacement in Kostoria Obertonia. Many people were driven from their homes when fighting first began and when the nuclear power plant exploded. But they have struggled to find permanent and suitable places to stay. They are still wanderers in their own nation without homes.

Many people have been affected by the radiation from the explosion from the powerplant. They have gotten sick. Some have only been affected slightly while others have been affected severely. Although the Kostorian healthcare system is trying its best to give everyone the care it needs, it is struggling to meet the needs of every person.

The economy of the nation has been affected very badly. While some businesses have remained open or even gotten started, the overall state of the economy has gotten bad. The economy is much weaker than it was before the explosion and the war. Many people are out of work and have not found jobs ever since. This means that quite a few people do not have a steady income.

There has been problems in getting electricity to people. As the nuclear plant in Nuremkastel was a major source of power, when it blew up many people were left without power. With all the problems that the nation is facing, it has not been able to replace plant and give everyone consistent access to energy.

The death toll has been very high. Hundreds if not thousands of people have been killed either directly by war or by the nuclear explosion. Many more people have died from injury, sickness or hunger. With so many people dying, the nation has suffered a lot. It has lost manpower and fathers, mothers and children.

The future seems very uncertain. It is not clear what will happen. It is not clear how
quickly the nation will be able to get back on its feet. Aroha said, “I spoke to many people and they all seemed to want the same or similar things. The international community must help clean up and contain the radiation and provide basic humanitarian aid, to help the people get back on their feet. Oanaid will provide humanitarian aid and help raise funds for the people of Kostoria Obertonia”.
[hr]
>
Jointly made with Asendavia

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Staynes and The Oan Isles to Collaborate on the International Icelab
Published on 7 November 2017
By Imani Lucim
For the La Rochelle Times
From La Rochelle (Tokapa)
[hr]
The University of La Rochelle and the Oan National Aid Agency (known as OANAID) from the Oan Isles and the Royal Bursil University from the United Kingdom of Greater Morstaybishlia and Justelvard have formed a partnership to conduct research in the Antarctic as part of the International Icelab.

The universities were approached by OANAID to collaborate on a project to conduct research that would have an impact on the world. One of the topics that was chosen was research into black algae in the Antarctic as both a sign and a cause of global climate change.

The collaboration between the two universities, and by extension the two nations, aims to strengthen academic and diplomatic relations between the two countries and their intelligentsia, expand existing knowledge on geography and biology and come up with up with answers to questions and solutions to problems.

The details of the partnership such as funds, manpower, date of commencement, division of duties and ownership rights have yet to be released, in fact they have yet to be discussed. But this academic partnership will catalyse greater collaboration and follows in the trail of COMECON, which has sent a joint delegation to the International Icelab.

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[spoiler]The Oan National News Broadcaster does not take responsibility for advertisements it publishes[/spoiler]

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Op-Ed: Xagrurg’s Makeup Fools No-one
Published on 22 November 2017
By Alana Rotorua
From Atapa (Serenity City)
For the Ata Tribune
[hr]
The President of Xagrurg, Woodrow Taft, announced a change in the formal of name of Xagrurg from the Greater Xagrurgian Empire to the Republic of Xagrurg, the country’s name prior to a military coup earlier this year. The military has purportedly lambasted the President for the move, considering it unpatriotic and unnecessary.

How much of this change is not just superficial, but substantive? None of it. The “reversion” to a new name highlights that democracy is merely the foundation of the government. The engineers would be mistaken. The foundation in this case is not the metal and concrete base of the nation, but the superficial layer of chemicals it uses to hide its true appearance much in the same way a woman (or some men) would conceal marks using make-up.

The actions of Xagrurg have proven to contradict the supposition that the nation is democratic at all. It joined the Fire Pact Alliance, a notorious alliance of dictatorial nations without a clear mandate or ideology. The body has long been seen as an extension of Asendavian and Celannican power and a mechanism to spread war and oppression.

It gladly contributed all of its naval resources to invading a democratic nation: Adumara. Adumara has had a freely elected government and abundant political and civil rights for its citizens. It has promoted this through interaction and cooperation with democratic nations such as the United Kingdom. Yet Xagrurg has vindinctively attacked it, along with the other FPA as retribution for the attack on Chianski.

Chianski is known to perform state terrorism. Earlier this year it supported the Al Jaheed’s mission to destabilise and weaken one of the Oan Isles’ key allies: Latianburg. Al Jaheed also perpertrated terror in the Oan Isles, Yor and continues to do so in a recent attack on South Hills. By its support of the FPA and Chianski it is supporting Al Jaheed.

Xagrurg is thus a proponent of terror, of the reckless slaughtering of innocent men, women and children. The Al Jaheed is also supported by Packilvania with military-grade hardware. From this it is clear that not only is Xagrurg in support of Al Jaheed, it supports Packilvania, a malevolent evil hedonistic nation.

The Emberitian President has organised a conference in their shining city Aura. It’s unfortunate that all that cement-thick foundation, concealer, mascara and lipstick that Xagrurg is using to portray a sense of reform will smear the image of democracy and unity that the Auroran nations desperately wish to convey.

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Oil Driling Begins
Published on 14 December 2017
By Imani Lucim
From Malakopa
For the La Rochelle Times
[hr]
Two offshore oil drilling platforms commissioned by Oan National Petroleum Company and Royal Caven Petroleum have been completed by the Pacific Shipwrights Company in Karaihepa and have been deployed to drill for oil in the Caven Sea in and around the waters off the Kƍhatu Isles.

The first phase of the Akato Refinery has been completed as well to store and refine oil that has been extracted by the two oil drilling platforms within the Oan Isles. This will enable the country to process and sell its own petrol rather than rely on the technology and infrastructure of other countries.

The two platforms cost 310 million kiribs and the refinery’s first phase cost 180 million kiribs. The construction of the refinery includes not only the equipment and facilities needed to process oil, but also housing, roads, water supply and sanitation, railways and peripheral facilities in the area concerned. Thusfar the urban development project has cost 670 million kiribs, and is expected to increase to 1.242 billion kiribs over the next year.

The city of Akato has been significantly improved by the refinery’s construction and investors have been attracted to the town. Akato Local Mayor, Roahi Hakahaka, says that the construction of this facility and the infrastructure that surrounds it will redistribute investment and development beyond the Kƍhatuan capital, Malakopa.

The port of Malakopa is being revamped to take in bigger tankers. While groundbreaking and limited construction have begun to make way for cranes and dockyards, full scale construction will begin in January 2018. The discovery of oil has proven its worth by the significant development it has already brought to the once poor island chain. The leadership and resources that have been poured into developing Kƍhatu are emblematic of the Oan model of development that aims to encompass and benefit all people. Indeed Kƍhatu has benefitted from being part of the great nation of the Oan Isles.

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Metatron leaping into the New Year!
By Rea Toroa
For the Tech Times
From Fort Staynes, the United Kingdom
Published on 2 January 2017
[hr]
In this piece, we will be exploring the Metatron Corporation’s flagship smartphones released under the “Tupuni” brand. The word “Tupuni” is derived from the Oan language Reƍa. It means “galaxy”. When the first cellphone in the series was released, the chief executive officer at the time described the cellphone as follows on its premier: “The Metatron Tupuni is a smartphone that opens one up to a galaxy of possibilities. It accomplishes what once seemed impossible: uniting man and machine with a cellphone”.

The Metatron Tupuni is a range of touchscreen smartphones released by the Metatron Corporation since 2007. They run using the Cyborg software developed by Café Net Information Technology. It has a simple user interface that has proven popular with other phone manufacturers who have used the software on their cellphones as well. The format and ease form the major attractions to the software. Through a linked Café Net account, one can access a range of apps such as Cmail (an email app), Café Docs (an online document editing and publishing app), Café Drive (an online cloud storage app) and Café Music (an online music streaming and offline music listening app).

The first phone released by the company under the Tupuni brand was the Metatron Tupuni H1. The phone was lauded by critics and tech aficionados alike for its affordability and great software. Unfortunately the ever-so-great phonemakers in Fort Staynes were wary of this new device and took to the courts to sue Café Net and Metatron for ripping of their IOS (Internal Operating Software) for the PrimPhone.

While damages were paid and adjustments were made to the smartphones’ software, the Metatron path to sell its phones did not grow cold. The company shortly released the Metatron Tupuni H2 a year later. The phone was a raving success on most front and was praised for its new LED display.

The company went on to release the Metatron Tupuni H3, H4, and H5, which received fairly positive reviews and sales. They were, however, criticised for the relative continuity and lack of “WOW” factor from one phone to the next. The company decided to develop the Metatron Tupuni Note 1.

This phone was massive by modern standards. It was too big to call a phone and too small to make a tablet. A new term was coined to describe this new phone: phablet. The phone had been criticised as “too big to sell”. It was just so damn big! While many early naysayers said the phone would fail, it didn’t!

It proved a remarkable and surprising success. The days of 5 inch screens were over. People wanted more. They wanted a bigger screen to take better pictures, and explore better games and apps. With the aluminium casing and fairly light weight, the phone proved an attractive one. The company felt ambitious enough to release Metatron Tupuni Note 2 to 4. The phones also proved a fair commercial gain, but fell into the pit that Metatron products often do: stagnation.

There was little by way of improvement on the Note front. The “H” front seemed to do better. Working closely with CafĂ© Net, they expanded the features they gave and what the cellphone could do when they released the H6. They accompanied this one with a watch that seemed to extend the phone from a device to an entity. It was on your wrist and in your hand.

The H7 was released and broke new ground: a curved screen. With edges on the sides curved, the phone presented a new dimension to the way people thought a phone could be. This change in design presented a new leap in the technology that was used to make phones.

Then Metatron hit a snag. In mid 2016 its new Tupuni Note 5 had a bad secret: it exploded! Well not all of them, of course. But there were cases of about five phones exploding with no clear cause. When asked as to why the fault occurred, it was blamed on the new factory that was producing the phone. In a bit of damage control, Note 5s could be traded in for any other Metatron phone.

While the company took a bit of a knock it resurfaced later in the year when the H8 was released. This phone opens up new possibilities in virtual reality for phones. While the technology had struggled to crawl off the pages off comic books and TV screens, it finally made its best performance when the new Metatron Tupuni H8 made full use of virtually reality headsets.

Yes, virtual reality was kinda around, but the commercial scale of its use had hitherto been unexplored. And now Metatron is adding a new constellation to its galaxy: the H9. The Metatron is offering even more: faster, clearer, easier and prettier. Hopefully it lives up to the expectations when it’s released later this year.

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OAN NEWS
Published 04 June 2018, Edition No.: 70[hr]
MAN MURDERS WIFE AND CHILD
By Timoti Raui[hr]
Hakaua Wangi, a 45 year old man from the town of Akara, shot his wife and child to death yesterday in their home. Neighbors heard gunshots and called the police who soon arrived and found the man holding the murder weapon and holding his wife’s dead body in his arms. The police took him into custody and had the bodies removed. He will be facing trial in the Akara Local Court later next week. He will be defended by Poeha Kuora, who will be expected to plead for bail, and the inquisition will be led by Judge Varuo Ngahi. His Serene Majesty, the Rangitanga, has released a public statement in which he expressed his sincere condolences for the family and wished them peace, he urged the court to ensure that justice was meted out and encouraged the community to remain united in these troubling times.

Arana Wangi (38) was a teacher at the local primary school and a devout member of the local Poronēhian congregation. She was beloved by members of the community who praised her humility and generosity. The Principal of Akara Local Primary said of her, “She was a kind and humble women, beloved by her students, the staff and the community. Her senseless death has been a heavy loss for the community. We wish her soul peace and her family comfort in these troubled times”. Her son, Marku Wangi was 10 years old and attended the same primary school where his mother taught. His school mates and teachers said that he was a happy and bubbly child who worked hard, was playful and friends with everyone. His teachers are deeply saddened by his death. The family of the deceased from both Mr and Mrs Wangi’s sides released a joint statement in which they thanked the Rangitanga and the public for their support and urged the community and media to give them privacy as they mourned the loss of a loved one.

There was an outpouring of community support as members of the public laid wreaths at the home and held a night vigil led by Shepherd Kauai Honohara at the local house of worship, the congregation of which she was a part. They lit candles, sang hymns, and prayed while the Shepherd led them in scripture. The family was represented by Mr Wangi’s and Mrs Wangi’s friends and family. The murder shocked the community all the more because it was so unexpected and murders in this small town seldom occur.

Mr Wangi was a mechanic with his own business that he ran from home. The people of the community described him as an industrious, polite and sturdy patriarch. He was an active part of the local community forum. There is little that suspected that there could be a murder, which leaves us all the more shocked. The inquisition urged the media not to infringe on their ability to work and investigate what happened. It is believed that Mr Wangi has been interrogated and will be asked to write a statement.MID-YEAR STATE OF THE ECONOMY REPORT
By Aloha Rotorua[hr]
The Minister of Finance, Kia Uye, gave her mid-year state of the economy address before the National Assembly that was televised live. She addressed how the economy has changed (or not), how state intervention measures (where implemented or planned) were carried out and what progress (or not) was achieved on those plans. She would also address how the budget was being implemented. She addressed trade issues, public and private debts, the national currency and other pertinent issues. Our reporters were at the National Assembly building. We will summarise what she said and how experts, the public and members of the National Assembly felt and what they thought on the address.

She said that the economy had grown by 2.5% over the past two quarters. Although this growth was below average, she forecasted that the growth rate would increase over the next two quarters. Unemployment increased from 6% to 6.1%. This was due to a number of port services stopping and factories shutting down. The impact of the sale of the Oan Shipwrights Company to kAE Industries from Kuthernburg is being felt as shipyards are closed and factories are shutdown. She said the government will engage with the private sector to handle issues that influence their long-term sustainability to ensure that other projects do not meet the same fate. In general she was optimistic.

She said that poverty remained virtually unchanged. She said that this was a good thing as it indicated that things were not getting worse (how reassuring). The agricultural sector has seen some decrease in activity as the dry season comes through. The services sector has been healthy and is reaping the benefits of tightened regulations on Blueacian banks, whose secretive laws and low tax rates were hurting Oan banks. The nation also experienced a boost in tourism as relations are somewhat mended with Axis states and travel restrictions are being lifted. She also said that fishing would experience a boost as fish came from the far southern seas to the equator in search of warmer water. She also said that the national currency was very strong. The public debt has remained the same, but the interest has increased. The government will be negotiating with lenders such as South Hills and the United Kingdom to make concessions while increasing the proportion of borrowed funds to local banks.

She said that the government’s strategy to tackle employment issues was working. Through easing of red-tape, companies are finding it easier to register, report on their taxes and meet their employment quotas and obligations. She said the public-private sector dialogue was important to further growth and the government would pursue all avenues. The petrol rate has increased by 3 cent a litre, slightly above inflation targets. She encouraged commuters to use the public transport system and walk or cycle to work and school. Overall the economy looks healthy.

Unions were concerned that easing of state protections and processes by which businesses reported on their employment obligations might hurt temporary and unskilled workers. Members of the Pacifist and Green Party were pleased with the speech and praised the government’s handling of these important issues. Members of the opposition felt that under the ruling alliance, the nation’s industries were in decline and growth in the services sector has failed to absorb people who are losing jobs. Members of the public were less than pleased by the petrol hike but were generally content with the economic outlook report. Experts felt that although the report was fairly sound, they felt that the government was underestimating how effective a devaluation of the Oan national currency: the tara, could be in attracting customers and investors.

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OAN NEWS
Published on 14 June 2018, Edition: 71[hr]BAIL REFUSED FOR AKARA MURDERER

Hakaua Wangi, the man who infamously murdered his wife and child, known to the public as the Akara Murderer has been denied bail by the Akara Local Court. The judge overseeing the trial felt that it would be a great risk to let him go. After commissioning an investigation and mental health report, the judge felt that the man could possible self-harm or attempt to evade the law. With these things in mind, he denied Mr Wangi bail. He also considered that the gravity of the man’s crime, not only against an innocent woman and her child but against the society itself, might provoke the local community. He felt that Mr Wangi would be safer under police custody.

The legal representative of the accused spoke to reporters outside the court. He called for calm and asked the community to allow justice to take its course. He expressed his condolences for the family and asked that reporters respect their privacy. He also urged the family to make themselves available to assist the court to make the best decision. He said that he was unable to give any details on his client’s plea nor the likely outcome of the case. He felt that the issue was too sensitive and underdeveloped to discuss. Furthermore, he stated that he was obliged by confidentiality laws to retain critical information, especially from the press.

We spoke to a legal advisor on what he thought the outcome of the case would be. He felt that although there is a great deal of evidence support the likelihood that he may have committed the crime or had a hand or knowledge about the crime prior to its execution, the man’s record as a community and family man might mitigate the punishment. Coupled with the judge’s insinuation that the man might have mental health or psychological issues has preemptively given the defence ammunition to file for temporary insanity. He felt that the judge was loose on that topic because Oan law focuses on the crime that was committed before the motivations behind it. In that senses, we can expect an outcome that would see something happening to the man if he pleads or is found guilty.

Our legal advisor also stated that a guilty plea is not enough in Oan law to prove guilt. It might help mitigate the weight of the punishment but it can do no more. Under Oan law, a crime has to be proven beyond reasonable doubt. Coupled with the fact that the man cannot be retried should the court make mistakes, the inquisition will be careful to ensure that the outcome is not unnecessarily hasty nor are any facts or outcomes preempted. This might mean that the case might continue for several weeks. While the public’s opinion about the case has no bearing on the decision of the court, the court is sensitive to the court given that this injury is perceived to affect the society as a whole. The immense sense of loss, fear and disgust arising from this murder give the feeling that the social injuries will play a significant factor in directing the decision of the court.OAN AMBASSADOR TO ZUKCHIVA DEAD

Oan ambassador to Zukchiva, Atamoto Toangakau, is dead. The Oan government released a statement that the ambassador had died a day or so ago. Given the primitive systems in place in that country and the ambiguity of the correspondence received, as the representative stated, it was difficult to ascertain exactly what happened. Given that no embassy facility has been set up, diplomatic staff will be housed in temporary accommodation as the investigation continues. Clarification on the extension of diplomatic immunity given the extent of the case could not be given, but by international convention, any diplomatic staff could not be arrested without the approval of the Oan government. Given the tone of the representative and sentiment of the government, it is unlikely that should a member of the staff have been involved or knowledgeable of the death prior to it in a fashion that could incriminate them, the government would not suffer a member of its staff to be tried in a foreign court.

The government expressed condolences for Mr Toangakau’s family and wished them comfort and peace through this experience. The government promised to come forward with any information as soon as it arrived under the relevant procedures. Although Mrs Toangakau, the late ambassador’s widow, has expressed some desire to go to Zukchiva herself to get his body and see what was happening for herself, she has been advised that a post-mortem autopsy will be conducted on the body and a forensic investigation would be carried out. With this in mind, the state has preferred that Mr Toangakau’s stay in Zukchiva for the next few days until they can ascertain what has happened and how this happened.

Given the fact that no formal agreements exist between Zukchiva and the Oan Isles on this issue, there are ambiguities as to the extent of the jurisdiction of each country over the case. Although the death occurred in Zukchivan territory, Mr Toangakau was under Oan diplomatic protection. Since he is a high profile man and representative of the Oan government itself, it is assumed that the Oan government would be eager to handle the case, as far as possible, by itself. Without a formal team or leader in charge, the government has decided to postpone further development of the embassy. The process of procuring property or finding a suitable site to build an embassy has been halted altogether. The state felt that even without the organisational limits in place, the staff need time to mourn and it would be disrespectful to plough on with the work given the sensitivity of the events that occurred.

Mr Toangakau had been a public servant for a very long time. He worked primarily in the Department of Foreign Affairs as an administrator, managing the paperwork. His public profile increased when he rose to prominence as a member of the National Assembly for Maungapa, representing the Green Party. He was a backbencher. In general, backbenchers take on the work of dealing with constituents even of those constituencies they do not represent because the front benchers are often in charge of national issues, drafting laws and sitting in committees. His colleagues speak kindly and proudly of him. He was a diligent and quiet man. He worked hard, was efficient and a competent manager. One of them felt that given the time he would have made an outstanding ambassador. His death proved a profound loss for the nation. Plans for a memorial service have not been communicated nor has there been information about the funeral. National Assembly did, however, hold a moment of silence at yesterday’s sitting. The Emperor is expected to release a statement later in the day or tomorrow.

76

OAN NEWS
Published on 14 June 2018, Editioon: Appenditure to Edition 71 (Late Evening Publication)

UPDATE ON DEATH OF AMBASSADOR TOANGAKAU
Republished with permission from the Zukchiva National News

— Begin quote from ____

Hello! Today we have breaking news to report! Recently the ambassador from the Oan Isles, Mr Atamoto Toangakau, was recently declared deceased as of earlier today at 2:32 PM, June 11th, 2018. While police are still investigating how such a tragedy could have happened, here is what was released to us.

Recently the criminal known as Ajenadro Haker was putted on the police wanted list for his latest robbing of another government bank in Fajadi. Police have stated that the have found from Haker that he had bought a flight out of Zukchiva at Seveni International Airport and was wearing expensive clothes to fit in with the rest of important travelers. However, police appended him near terminal 2B, when the late Mr. Toangakau was exiting the terminal. Due to how they looked alike and the sketch given to police was not distinct enough to discern the two, they were both asked for identities. Mr. Toangakau told them that his luggage was still in the plane, and he accidently left his identification there. While some police were dispatched, the rest guarded the two suspects.

The police do not know why, but Mr. Tangakau broke off and ran down past the terminals, gunning for the security booths. Two policemen instantly gave chase, screaming into their radios for backup. At first no one noticed, though as the shouting of the officers intensified the airport soon cleared out to give a free way for the officers to chase him down. As the walking way cleared, one of the officers raised his knife, sighted, and threw, aiming his knife to hit the suspect’s arm. At that moment Mr. Toanagaku, say the police officers who chased him, began going down some stairs and was already turning left to jump the last of them. The knife hit him in the head instead, and he fell dead to the ground.

Zukchiva grieves sadly at this tragic incident, and hope that this will not dampen relations between the Oan Isles and Zukchiva. Current investigation is being taken under way to see what the next course of action will be for the two nations.

— End quote

77

OAN NEWS
Published on 15 June 2018, Edition: 72
PUBLIC OUTRAGED ABOUT AMBASSADOR’S DEATH

The people of Maungapa, the constituency which Atamoto Toangakau, the deceased ambassador to Zukchiva, represented in the National Assembly were protesting in the streets, calling for the government to pursue justice for the deceased ambassador and his family. Reports came yesterday, re-published by Oan News from the Zukchiva National News site, about the ambassador’s death. The people are angry given the nature of the event and the repercussions on the relations between the people of the Oan Isles and Zukchiva.

Mrs Toangakau led a crowd through the Maungapa streets in a peaceful demonstration and sign of solidarity against Ambassador Toangakau’s death. The carried signs and candles calling for justice for the fallen ambassador. They signed a memorandum that was sent to the Oan government as a symbolic act encouraging the state to, broadly, take ensure that the death of the ambassador was settled timeously and fairly.

The report received from the Zukchiva National News was received rather negatively by the general public. The ambassador was mistaken for a fugitive who had slipped through the crown at the Seveni International Airport in Zukchiva. He attempted to explain that his credentials were in his luggage which was coming down from the plane. For some reason he ran from the police officers. The officers claim that they were trying to incapacitate him by throwing a knife at his arm which “accidentally” hit the back of his head, causing instant death.

The death and the gruesome nature in which it was carried out. Apparently the Oan government requested that the Zukchivan authorities allow them to send forensic experts to investigate the death. There have been rumours that the government will pursue legal action for gross incompetence and negligent endangerment of life in the Zukchivan courts. It is believed that they will make an announcement on the course of action to be taken.

Mourners lay wreaths at the Toangakau family home in an expression of grief and solidarity. Well wishers have sent messages of encouragement and support. The Green Party, the party that Ambassador Toangakau was a member of, held a night vigil outside the home. They sang songs of camaraderie and held prayers well into the evening, leaving the next day. Leaders of the party visited the family and expressed their grief and offered their condolences. A spokesperson for the Toangakau family expressed gratitude on behalf of the family.AKARA MURDER INQUISITION PUBLISHES CHARGES

The inquisition has published the full list of charges against Hakaua Wangi, the man who murdered his wife and children. He is being charged with culpable homicide. Homicide is the conspiracy or attempt to cause, and/or the act that causes the death of a sapient being. The different components of the charges are more specifically explained in the court document submitted by the inquisition. They arise from the Oan Criminal Code which is a legislative act that explains all the rules by which criminal matters in the Oan Isles are explained and are to be adjudicated (The Criminal Procedure Code explains the general procedure for the submission of evidence, cross examination of witness and other important issues).

This is a huge step in setting out what the inquisition hopes to achieve. The team responsible for managing the case was commissioned by the judge to whom it reports. As a part of Oan legal procedure, the court must prove that the crime was committed against the evidence and witness accounts of the defence. We have received confirmation that a list of witnesses has been drawn up and they will be summoned before the court.

The defence has tried to allay the media. It has stated that Mr Wangi’s statement to the police will be available later on. It has been mum on his plea. Given the man’s reputation and close association with honesty in the community, some assume that he will plead guilty and accept the punishment. Others believe that the silence on the part of the defence brings some uncertainty about what the man will actually plead. It will be very interesting to see what the defence will eventually plea.

78

OAN NEWS
Publication Date: 26 July 2018, Edition 73[hr]PROGRESS ON UNAC

There has been significant progress on the United Nations of the Auroran Continent (known as acronymously as the UNAC). Representatives of most of the member nations of the UNAC and other states which had not been members, were able to approve the Charter written by multiple representatives through a collaborative process. Locklyn Le Roy proposed a timeline for the formation of the various institutions of the body so that the union could begin operating as soon as possible. With much of the focus being placed on the approval of the Charter and legal establishment of the UNAC, there have been several questions which were not addressed.

It is assumed that the seat of the UNAC would most likely be Aura. There has been significant lobbying on the part of the United Kingdom for the capital to be located or significant institutions of the UNAC to be seated in its territory, with Aeternum and Sani Bursil as likely candidates. Xagrurg, having fiercely lobbied other nations for the formation of the UNAC and worked so hard to get the tired wheels of democracy for itself, would have aspirations. Given its past posturing when nearly half of the member nations of the ACA withdrew (who were mostly enemy states), it seemed to have aspirations to consolidate power in Xagrurgian hands and lift it’s prestige by moving the capital to Imperium or Fort Wahington. Given the boldness of Xagrurgian diplomats, this proposal is very likely. There has been some speculation that many of the bodies will be distributed as far as possible among the member states. Given the relative quietude of the Oan Isles, it is unlikely that any major body of the UNAC will move off the continental mainland. It has been speculated that the Oan Isles might be offered a small to medium sized sub-branch of the UNAC as a conciliatory “olive branch” to secure peaceful and productive cooperation.

There has also been little discussed about the leadership of the body. Given the fact that members of the Council (the upper part of the legislative branch of the UNAC) must be elected by the law-making bodies of their respective countries, there has been significant ambiguity about the permanent staffers who would be deployed to fill those positions. There has also been no talk about how the President of the Council position would be rotated among the different nations and who would fill it. It is unlikely that any prominent politicians like Ministers of Foreign Affairs would resign themselves to serve, so there are no prominent characters to fill those posts. There are also no mentions of names for positions on the Auroran Commission particularly the crĂšme-de-la-crĂšme: the President of the Auroran Commission. We can expect significant differences on who should fill those positions, but we can expect allied nations to make trade-offs and support each other. It is likely the Oan Isles and United Kingdom will band together, while Xagrurg tries to enlist smaller states, the former Ethalria(n nations) and Kostromastan to push its preferred candidates.

The UNAC, constituted by treaty and voluntary membership, bridges the political divide that arose after the Auroran Pacific War. Nations purportedly supporting democratic values were invited by the Oan Isles and the United Kingdom to establish an “Auroran Union” seated in the Staynish capital, Sani Bursil. The political and economic dominance of the United Kingdom and Oan Isles seriously diminished the democratic character that proponents of the Auroran Union was attempting perpetuate. With Emberwood Coast calling for reconciliation between the Auroran Union (comprised of former Allied nations) and remnants of the Auroran Continental Assembly (where most Axis nations remained), the Oan Isles and United Kingdom were unable to secure the “moral authority” that the Emberwood Coast provided. Coupled with the neutrality and silence of Dragonia, they lacked the diplomatic weight to convince some of their sceptical allies, particularly Axdel, which was wary, particularly, of Oan influence and neocolonialist aspirations.ANCIENT ARTEFACTS ON DISPLAY AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY

The National Gallery will be showcasing ancient artefacts from the private collection of the Emperor and the royal family. The collection comprises approximately fifty pieces. These include, but are not limited to, articles of clothing such as cloaks, accessories such as fans and combs, pottery, wooden carvings particularly ornaments and marks. The most famous piece of the collection is an elaborate and well-preserved fighting hook (that resembles a fishing hook) made from whale bone. The exhibition will be used to extol the virtues on Oan art and showcase its ancient civilization. The National Gallery, located in La Rochelle, is a large repository of art (such as paintings and sculptures) representing a variety of eras and genres from international and domestic artists. [hr]PROGRESS ON LANDFILL REHABILITATION PROGRAM IN TOKAPA

There has been significant progress on the landfill rehabilitation program for the city of Tokapa. A tender was granted to engineering and architecture firm Tupori and Co. by the Tokapa City Council to rehabilitate the Marama Landfill Site. The landfill was full and scheduled for closure. The company was asked to develop the area. It devised and undertook a program to plant trees and lawns, and build working class accommodation (particularly low-cost apartments and condominiums). The project was projected to cost approximately 200 million kiribs and be completed over 5 years by mid-2018. The site has not been completed due to delays, but has been cited to open by mid-August. Families have already bought properties and the City Construction Inspector has expressed confidence in the facilities there. [hr]ACADEMIC AND FINANCIAL EXCLUSION AT OAN UNIVERSITIES

The tertiary education in the Oan Isles has been criticized by student organisation who have accused institutions of higher learning of academic and financial exclusion. At most private institutions students are expected to pay hefty tuition fees. This poses significant challenges for working class families who are often forced to take out a loan or take up additional work to pay the fees. Students have complained that this “commodification” of tertiary education is excluding many young and bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Public universities were not unaffected. Although their fees are more affordable, additional living expenses and the challenges in accessing scholarships particularly for average performing students has been criticised.

The universities were also accused of academic exclusion. Oan universities are notoriously difficult to get into and stay in. Many of the courses offered, particularly at undergraduate level, are considered to be some of the most robust and comprehensive curricula. In general students with a degree from an Oan university have sterling job opportunities and relatively high entry salaries and a fairly fast promotion trajectory. Along with their extensive research, universities have prided themselves for their internationally renowned status. A representative of the University of La Rochelle said that the students’ complaints were important but short-sighted. He felt that the excellence of Oan universities was more important than their inclusivity, a sentiment shared by many of his colleagues.

79

OAN NEWS[hr]WAS AL JAHEED REALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE NIS BOMBING AND CAFE NET BLACKOUT?

The Oan News has received papers from sources at the National Intelligence Service that bring to question whether the bombing of the headquarters of the National Intelligence Service and the worldwide blackout of the Cafe Net internet service provider were actually linked to the Al Jaheed, an Islamist terrorist organisation that orchestrated an insurgency in Furnifold in 2016. Our sources have papers that bring to question the extent to which these events are linked to the Al Jaheed. If these links were doubtful, there is a more serious question on the table: why did the government use them as justification to unilaterally invade the Yor Isles? Even worse, although not the subject of this article, who are the real perpetrators of the bombings if they were not perpetrated by Al Jaheed.

The source reveals that the bomber was a man named Muttar Mumahid. Muttar Mumahid comes from Latianburg. He was a member of the Al Jaheed who attacked the regional office of Cafe Net , along with some other members of Al Jaheed. He had kidnapped Nina Takatunuye. Nina Takatunuye is the sister of Mr Etiyanu Takatunuye, the CEO of Cafe Net. She was assigned to check out the regional office. When there were threats of violence with the insurgency in the Lahid region, the Oan Army was sent to protect them until they could be evacuated. Muttar Mumahid attacked and kidnapped her. Through an operation of the Furnifoldian Special Forces, she was found and rescued and Muttar was arrested. By request of high ranking members of the Oan government, he was transferred to an Oan military court for trial.

It is therefore, very interesting that he perpetrated the attack. He was found at the site of the bombing when it happened, buried under rubble. What is strange is that the government kept his arrest underwraps? My source did speculate that Muttar escaped from prison with the help of the Al Jaheed. But my source says that according to the papers of his arrest, other than his former membership in the Al Jaheed, there were no phone records, letters, financial transfers or other information that linked Muttar to Al Jaheed.

The links to the Cafe Net blackout are even sketchier. Cafe Net is a major internet service provider. It has a number of products such as a browser and social media service. It is a major giant, operating on most continents with particular popularity in Aurora, Atlantia and Concord. They have hundreds if not thousands of layers of encryption to protect their network. Al Jaheed may be a formidable threat, but based on the papers from the NIS, it described Al Jaheed as small, lacking in the resources to carry out major attacks against a sophisticated country like the Oan Isles. Perhaps it was hubris, considering that Al Jaheed was able to launch an insurgency in Latianburg, Yor Isles and Kostoria-Obertonia, and kidnap a cruiseliner from Celannica and orchestrate some attack on that nation with details just as shrouded in mystery as the supposed attack on Cafe Net.

In all, the NIS report felt that the links of the Al Jaheed to the Cafe Net blackout and NIS HQ bombings were not adequate and there was too little information to justify a unilateral invasion of a foreign country even that foreign country was illegitimately invaded by Xagrurg. TÄ«pene Rahua presented a report to the ACA that blamed the attacks on Al Jaheed. His report suggested that the role played by the Al Jaheed was beyond a shadow of doubt, when in fact it was not.

Political analyst, Kauri Rakau, from the University of La Rochelle said that he believed that the government was both opportunistic and desperate. They were desperate to stop the Greater Xagrurgian Empire from expanding throughout Aurora and shrouding the world in darkness. They used the opportunity to establish their power and influence in Aurora. Whatever the motives, the actions of our government and the motivations behind them, bring the most serious question of all: can they be trusted.

80

OAN NEWS[hr]
OAN GOVERNMENT TAKES OAN NEWS TO COURT

The Oan government has sued Oan News for violation of the Protection of State Secrets Act. The case has been presented to the La Rochelle Regional Court. The government argues that the exposition of the information in yesterday’s article without official declassification from the National Intelligence Service is a criminal act. The judge served Oan News with a summons yesterday evening when the article went to print. We appeared earlier in the morning before the judge before this article went to print.

Our lawyers argued that our publication of the information exposing the potential errors in the operations and decision-making processes of the government were poor was valid under the Exposition of Information in the Public Interest Act. Firstly, the article was based on papers directly from the NIS. Although the papers had not been declassified, whistleblowers are protected from prosecution when the information relates to abuse of power and moral turpitude on the part of state officials. Secondly, the article raised questions, but did not accuse the government of wrongdoing explicitly. We simply stated that the government made decisions on faulty information and raised questions, which the government is free to respond to and refute.

The article is an exposition of the potential faults in the decision-making process that the government followed to invade the Yor Isles. We acknowledged that there possibly legitimate reasons behind the decision that the government made (which the government has repeatedly explained ad nauseum), but we had aimed primarily to express and explain those points which had not been raised or which we felt were inadequately raised in the public discourse based on information that was sourced reliably. We can and are willing to provide the original documents for the National Intelligence Service or Criminal Investigation Service to view or probe, but not give them into their permanent possession.

We believe that justice will take its course. The Oan judicial system is served by judges who have inquisitorial powers. They are held to high moral and ethical standards. Both the government and ourselves are satisfied that the judge who is adjudicating our case has no conflict of interest or prejudices that will be unfair against or for ourselves. We will comply fully with the judge’s request for our full cooperation. The government asked us to apologize, return the papers and withdraw yesterday’s article. We have announced, unequivocally and unambiguously, we will do no such thing.GOVERNMENT INCREASES CONTRIBUTION TO PKFU

The Foreign Minister announced that it will be expanding its contribution to the Peacekeeping Forces of Urth. It will be sending 10 million kiribs and 100 - 300 personnel to the force. The Foreign Minister said that the government believed that the Oan Isles has a crucial role to play in the organisation. He said that the Oan government acknowledged that the organisation will require additional funding and manpower to support its operations around the world. He said that the Oan Isles was recommitting itself to humanitarian aid, disaster relief and peacekeeping. This is a reflection that in spite of its many flaws, our government has the potential to do some good even though there are unexplained and unknown political reasons.

The PKFU maintains peacekeeping operations in many countries. It maintains a demilitarised zone on the border of Ambravia and the Fortunan Empire. It has been of significant help to refugees fleeing violence and poverty and hunger in Imperial Fandom. The PKFU also maintained a demilitarised zone on the Xagrurg and UK border. The PKFU has been remarkably resilient given how the energy it had last year dissipated. Last year, it was active in the terrorist insurgency in Latianburg. It did, however, struggle to get involved in the Auroran-Pacific War because it was a very volatile and active warzone. [hr]NUC RESPONDS TO ACADEMIC AND FINANCIAL EXCLUSION ACCUSATIONS

The National University Council has addressed our recent article on academic and financial exclusion at Oan universities. Here is the statement as follows:

— Begin quote from ____

“The Oan News article raised serious questions on academic and financial exclusion at Oan universities. We would like to address these concerns as they have been raised by students over some time. Firstly, there are no systematic and institutional barriers created with the intention of negatively affecting access to tertiary education. The fact that we have below average access to tertiary education fits into a broader narrative covering economic, social and political realities that our nation as a whole is facing”.

“Secondly, although public universities receive an endowment from the government, these funds are not adequate to cover operational and capital expenses and maintain the quality of research that has been a major feature of Oan universities. We not only charge tuition fees, but we must raise funds through private fundraising. We have to receive funds from private donors, through merchandise sales, renting out office and accommodation space and other means. These challenges are even worse for private universities”.

“Thirdly, Oan graduates are highly sought after. We have some of their most technically skilled workers in Aurora. They are produced not only by the tertiary education system. Our primary and high school education systems and early childhood development systems, while having significant room for improvement, has proven to be capable of producing employable young people and young people who can start businesses and continue with further education. While there are issues being addressed, the accusations levelled against Oan universities are blown out of proportion and have not been taken into context. We will be releasing a plan to address these concerns in the near future. We assure the public that we take these issues seriously and will address them accordingly”.

— End quote