Oan News (Open to Syndication)

OAN NEWS[hr]FOREIGN MINISTER RESIGNS AND WITHDRAWS FROM UNAC PRESIDENCY RACE

Locklyn Le Roy, the Foreign Minister of the Oan Isles released the following statement earlier today in which he resigned from his position as the Foreign Minister and withdrew from the President of the UNAC Commission race.

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Good morning to the public and the press.

I have served as the Foreign Minister for several years. I have been honoured to work alongside talented and intelligent colleages who have discipline and integrity. I have been honoured to work for the public. The prosperity, peace and security of the Oan people has been my primary concern that has guided the decisions I have made. I hoped that I could bring the change that was needed, retain the values that protect our nation and its democracy. I have worked closely with numerous people from foreign nations and have been part of one of the greatest moments in our history.

I believe that I have achieved a great deal to benefit our people. With that I officially announce that I am resigning from the position of Foreign Minister and I am officially withdrawing from my nomination to the position of President of the UNAC Commission. I am honoured by the support I have received and the confidence that many of my colleagues in Aura expressed that have in me. While the position would have been a great conduit to do a great deal of good, I believe that it is best that it is filled by someone else. I wish luck to my successor and to the new President respectively and I hope that they will uphold the principles of integrity and public service that make democracy work. Thank you and goodbye

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ACTING FOREIGN MINISTER ANNOUNCED

The office of the Prime Minister announced shortly after that Mrs Arana Marama would take over as the acting Foreign Minister until a permanent Foreign Minister could be appointed.

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The office of the Prime Minister is pleased to announce that Mrs Arana Marama will be taking over as head of the Foreign Ministry from Locklyn Le Roy for the time being until his permanent successor is appointed. Mr Locklyn Le Roy has served his country with courage, integrity and tact. We are sad to see him go, but we wish him luck and success in his future endeavors.

Mrs Marama is the leader of he Green Party. She graduated from the University of La Rochelle with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences. She has worked in community organising projects. She founded the Water Project, a non-profit organization that provides clean water, water management solutions for places affected by natural and human disasters. The project raised millions and has helped thousands. She left the project to lead the Green Party where she placed water as the bedrock of her campaign and the party’s environmental platform. She has the led party for several years and we believe that although she does not have foreign policy experience, will bring her managerial competence and organic leadership to the diplomatic service. Congratulations Mrs Marama.

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OAN NEWS[hr]WATER PROJECT TURNS TEN YEARS

The Water Project is celebrating 10 years of its existence this year. The Water project is a non profit and non governmental organisation founded in 2008 by the incumbent acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arana Marama. The project focuses on water management projects. These project focuses on the proliferation of clean water, water filtration, piping, human waste removal and waste water processing initiatives. It also focuses on the construction, maintenance and operation of water control systems particularly dykes and drains to mitigate, prevent and alleviate the effects of flooding from rainstorms and seawaves.

The Water Project is currently run by Timoteo Marama, Mrs Arana Marama’s husband. She has, however, led the organisation since its inception, overseeing hundreds of projects around the world. The Water project was founded by Mr and Mrs Marama. Mr Marama financed the organisation through Marama Construction Solutions, a multi-million dollar company in property development as part of its corporate social responsibility. Mrs Marama identified water as a critical issue that had significant political, economic and social effects. She founded the organisation to tackle water issues and was able to take it off the ground with the financial support she received from her husband.

The project grew from a volunteer group of six people who collected clean drinking water for drought stricken countries overseas to a multi-million dollar organisation with hundreds of volunteers. The organisation has raised 50 million dollars for water related projects over the past ten years. It has participated in or started 100 projects. It has operated in 10 countries. It has employed nearly a hundred people, enlisted nearly 500 volunteers and trained 80 people in water management through scholarships at Oan universities and internships. The organisation has affected thousands. Many communities have been relieved from drought, flooding, poor infrastructure and poverty through employment opportunities that the project has created by attracting a number of foreign companies.

In 2017, the Project received a large endowment from Kuthernburg as part of its project to invest in Oan infrastructure. The Project used its resources to install water filtration systems for many working class homes particularly those with children, the elderly and disabled and installed stormwater collection systems for several communities. The project has expanded the water collection area of several local communities and helped alleviate many from the cost of medical bills arising from water contaminated with iron oxide by ageing pipes.

The project also handled a major water campaign in http://forum.theeastpacific.com/topic/7021725/. It is the largest project that the organisation has participated in. It raised 5 million dollars in donations. It has dug wells, installed taps and public fountains, installed plumbing in many homes, installed 10 large water tanks. The project covered numerous communities and hundreds of families. The organisation worked closely with opposition leader, Marine Louise Zlatny, a close friend and colleague of Mrs Marama’s, to get the permits to bring in the necessary equipment when faced with onerous government checks.

The project has helped many and continue to help others. It plans on undertaking a project to install digital water metres that would allow public authorities and private citizens in third world countries to receive accurate and updated information on water usage and waste. The project also aims to invest in infrastructure to build systems that will use storm water to replenish underground aquafirs. GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR LARA TARASOVNA

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the government of the Oan Isles has decided to support Mrs Lara Tarasovna’s bid to run for President of the UNAC Commission. This comes after it withdrew the Oan candidate Locklyn Le Roy, who resigned from his position as the Oan foreign minister. The candidate was proposed by the Tivot government. The Tivot Foreign Minister and Auroran Representative, Ivan Trikolovich, has been speaking to world leaders, raising support for Lara Tarasovna.

We have received intelligence that the Oan government directed its allies to switch their support to Lara Tarasovna as well. Lara Tarasovna is a grandmotherly and concilliatory figure who has served as the Speaker of the Chamber (the presiding officer of one of the chambers of the legislature of Tuvaltastan) for many years and has had significant experience in foreign affairs particularly related to Aurora. She knows this all too well and has placed reconciliation of the Auroran continent as a major policy goal.

Other details of her campaign and platform have mostly been restricted to closed door conversation in Auroran diplomatic circles and have yet to be released to the public. But unlike Le Roy and her Xagrurgian opponent Mr Trevor Gomez, she seems to have a platform that she is actually running on. The platform is said, by sources at the diplomatic office, to be robust. Apparently the Oan government negotiated some policy matters with her team and have come to an agreement on a number of issues. It is not clear what these are, but we can speculate that they include free travel (given the Oan anti-immigration sentiment that has swept the nation) and maritime trade (given the fact that the Uye-Ahua premiership rests on promises made to shipping companies at the start of his campaign that have gained no traction because of political differences and divergent economic interests with Tivot).

The switch to a new candidate has been speculated to be an attempt by the government to court the support of Tarov’s on a number of key issues it wanted to push through UNAC and salvage it’s dignity and reputation. Mrs Arana Marama has been doing a lot of damage control, reassuring foreign diplomats of the Oan foreign policy position and the evidence presented by Oan News questioning a portion of the Oan involvement in the Auroran-Pacific War. This olive branch, might help to divert the questions lingering dangerously around La Rochelle for some time.

OAN NEWS[hr]THE OAN ISLES GETS MILITARY AID FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM

The United Kingdom has committed to giving the Oan Isles a military aid package. The Oan government approached the UK government through negotiations undertaken by the Oan Foreign Minister, Arana Marama, to give them military aid. The Parliament of the United Kingdom approved the request, committing to give the country military aid. The leaders of the Oan Isles will sign the treaty that will give effect to the agreement. Negotiations have yet to fully conclude, but it is rumoured that the Oan military stands to receive billions in aid.

The military aid was requested primarily because the Oan Isles does not have the money to spend on research and development, and capital projects. The most likely reason that the aid was approved was because the United Kingdom may have desired to strengthen a key ally. The Oan Defence Force proved that it was effective for the most part during the Auroran-Pacific War and the invasion of the Kōhatu Isles. It was able to strike at major cities, invade the territory and sink a large part of the navy of the Greater Xagrurgian Empire. Although it suffered heavy casualties and damage to equipment, it was able to support the resistance movement in, and invade and annex the Kōhatu Isles. The United Kingdom can be assured that the money is in capable hands.

The United Kingdom can also be assured that the money is gravely needed. The Auroran-Pacific War significantly damaged the ODF’s strength and exposed serious weaknesses. The ODF lost 800 men in a meltdown of the nuclear power station in the Kostoria-Obertonian capital of Nuremkastel. The country also lost most of its unmanned aerial combat vehicles in its attack on Xagrurg. The country also suffered heavy damage and loss of ships in the battle against the Xagrurgian Navy. These losses were so great, that it had to sell off its stake in the Oan Shipwrights Company to the Kuthern company, kAE Industries.

The United Kingdom can also be assured that its own objectives will be met. This package will not only allow the Oan Isles to protect itself, but to meet its obligations. It will be able to patrol the Caven Sea more effectively. It will be able to maintain and expand search and rescue and disaster relief operations (which will help the UK Pacific Territory and Justelvard which are prone to cyclones) and respond to military threats against the UK and help the UK protect Tivot and Blueacia. It will also make a credible and robust argument for Aurora to take over the protection of Emberwood Coast from South Hills, essentially maintaining the superpower hegemony that the United Kingdom has over Aurora. It will also be a powerful show of force and strengthen an already strong alliance.

The United Kingdom can also be assured that the money will be managed well. The government outlined the areas that it will need money. It needs to construct a base in the Kōhatu Isles. This will mostly be a mixed base for all three arms of the ODF. It also needs to expand the capabilities of the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) to reconnaissance, data analysis and cybersecurity. This will include the construction of a dedicated headquarters and resuming the production of unmanned aerial vehicles for combat and reconnaissance. The UK might just get a piece of the action as well. It needs to also create a more robust ballistic missiles countermeasures program. This may include proofing underground transport networks for a strike, emergency response and R&D for antiballistic missile protection. This money can also be expected to go into upgrading planes, helicopters, ships, submarines, artillery, armoured vehicles and personnel gear.KUTHERN COMPANY PLANS TO BUILD GIANT RESORT IN THE OAN ISLES

The Kuthern property development, hotels and resorts company JV Marineworld Parks and Entertainment, the biggest property development company in the world, plans to build a Marine World resort in the Oan Isles. The company is in talks with the Anapa local government to build the resort. It is earmarked to be the third largest such resort that the company owns. Although the National Assembly will be required to approve the project, which is expected to be an investment worth billions, it is expected to approve because of government support and the potential jobs and foreign earnings from foreign guests it could bring.

The Marineworld is expected to be a waterfront resort. It expected to cover a massive area of nearly two square kilometres. It will feature hotels, restaurants, shops, an aquarium, zoo and film development studios, and the rides for which the company is known. There are plans for cruiseline services to East Malaysia and Tivot and possibly Asendavia and Blueacia. The company is also lobbying for the Marineworld Park to be reincorporated as an autonomous city under the JV Marineworld company.

The size and scale of this project have naturally raised concerns from relevant stakeholders. Firstly, the company will be bound by Oan laws, if, for instance, the Marineworld Park is reincorporated as a city. Secondly, through discussions facilitated by Arana Marama, in her capacity as the head of the Green Party, the company has agreed to as environmentally and community friendly as possible.

Green Party lobbyists especially their heroic leader, Arana Marama, were fervent on ecofriendliness. The company plans to ensure that the carbon footprint of the park is small. This may possibly include recycling wastewater, preserving coral reefs, effecting an eco-conscious waste disposal and recycling system, using storm water, and wildlife conservation. The park will also be as forested as possible, with invasive species removed and new trees planted. Arana Marama said that the Green Party will lobby for the Marineworld Park to use geothermal power and desalinated water.

The park spells a massive boost for the Oan economy. The company plans to employ a large amount of local people. The company also plans to open up bidding for the design and construction of the park centerpiece, Ocean Castle. This massive centerpiece contains marvels and wonders that have yet to be disclosed to Oan News, creating more jobs and bringing in more income. The company also plans to use locally sourced materials which spells great news for construction companies, furniture makers, loggers, quarrymen, miners, textiles and other sectors. The flow of money in the long term flow through the arrival of foreign guests and the hopes that they would visit other parts of the nation.

This project is a Godsend for the Oan Isles.

REPOST

OAN NEWS[hr]SUCCESSFUL DIPLOMATIC VISIT TO XAGRURG

The Oan foreign minister, Arana Marama, undertook a diplomatic visitation to Xagrurg to mend wounds, that has largely been praised as a success. According to the minister, the meeting was fruitful and led to compromises on major issue that has allowed relations to thaw considerably. The Xagrurgian government agreed to cool down its rhetoric on the UNAC Self Defence Force and support a collaborative framework by which member nations of the UNAC share intelligence. In return for which the Oan Isles would support Xagrurg hosting the so-called Auroran Security Agency.

This is a major compromise and has been welcomed. As two of the most polarising nations on the continent, when they agree on a major issue, then a similar pattern is observed in how other nations vote. This is observed in how after withdrawing both their candidates and agreeing to support Lara Tarasovna, she virtually has unanimous or at least almost unanimous support for the Presidency of the UNAC.

This compromise will allow the UNAC as a whole to move forward on this key issue and helps facilitate reconciliation. Although Arana Marama was greeted with protesters lining the route of her cavalcade, her reception was less hostile (albeit still antipathic) than expected, a major achievement on its own. Along with Xagrurgian head of state, President James Deref, she laid wreaths at the Monument of the Unforgotten, which the Oan air force destroyed in a drone strike last year. This Monument is the most powerful symbol of Oan power and aggression against Xagrurg. Ironically it is the site of a new warmth between the two nations. Both President Deref and Minister Marama struck the same note and appealed to same ideas: both spoke of how war is damaging and called upon people to put their differences, stopping short of distributing blame, which is also a major achievement.

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— End quote

ARANA MARAMA NOMINATED AS PERMANENT FOREIGN MINISTER

The Office of the Prime Minister announced that the Prime Minister, Maui Uye-Ahua has formally nominated Arana Marama for the position of Foreign Minister. She will run unopposed and her confirmation hearing is expected to start later today after her return from Xagrurg. The government feels confident in her because she has displayed “incredible leadership and competence”. The Prime Minister has already submitted her name and the Speaker is making arrangements for the Foreign Affairs Committee to meet as soon as possible to begin her hearing.

The statement cites her recent negotiations with the United Kingdom by which billions in military aid were secured for the Oan Isles. The statement also cited her recent actions calling on JV Marineworld Parks and Entertainment to be environmentally and culturally friendly in the construction and running of its planned resort city near Anapa. The statement includes her recent successful visit to Xagrurg as indicative of her ability to bring people together and achieve a compromise.

Oan foreign ministers, particularly Locklyn Le Roy, are notoriously belligerent. They have a great degree of latitude over how their department is run and a great level of influence over Oan foreign policy. As their name appears on official communications and they conduct foreign visits, they are considered the highest representatives of the Oan Isles. Arana Marama has proven herself to be a stellar representative and leader because she brings something new to the table: a maternal instinct sorely lacking and desperately needed in the diplomatic service.

OAN NEWS[hr]
OIL TANKER DISAPPEARS IN THE CAVEN SEA

An oil tanker has disappeared in the Caven Sea. The ship left Fort Jubrayn on 18 July 2017 and was expected to arrive in the Port of La Rochelle in the early morning on 20 July 2017. The Port of La Rochelle Authority lost contact with the ship and contacted the Port of Fort Jubrayn Authority to find out whether the ship had left. The Port of Fort Jubrayn was unable to establish contact with the ship. The owners of the ship, the Embask OilCorporation was contacted regarding the sudden disappearance. After failing to establish contact with the vessel, it lodged a case with the UK Coast Guard and maritime search and rescue division of the Oan Navy. The Oan Navy has contacted the UK Coast Guard to cooperate on the search and rescue mission. The Chief of the Oan Navy, Rear Admiral Tamatea Kaeha, announced that the Navy has started preparations for the search operation and will begin looking for the ship around 12H00 20 July 2017.

The search and rescue operation will face numerous challenges and the cost will be high and a large amount of resources will be expended. The National Meteorological Service announced that it believes that the winds over the ocean will be at speeds of 30km per hour over the next few days with waves rising 3 to 4 metres. They must triangulate the location of the ship. This presents challenges because although the Port Authority failed to make contact at a specific time, no transmission was received for approximately five hours. Given that the ship is a Category A ship having a speed of 50 kilometres per hour on average and the fact that the time since the last known transmission is already 18 hours, the ship could have travelled a distance of 90 kilometres. This means that the search and rescue team has an area 8,100 square kilometres to search. The port authorities are keeping their lines open should any sign of the ships emerge.

The Oan Navy will also coordinate with the Auroran Security Agency as far as possible to find out what happened to the ships. The Chief of the Navy said that they need all the help they can get and any assistance offered is welcome.

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Early this morning, “Lady Amphitrite”, a crude carrier owned and operated by Embask plc was transporting 1.8 million barrels of oil (286,177m3) to the Oan Isles before it lost communications with land. It lost communication 19 nautical miles (21.8 mi) south east from the Baykalian Islands, heading east-north-east past Lazlowia to Toka (La Rochelle). HMS Mercury, an Admiral Grigorovich-class frigate testified that the distance to the last known location of Lady Amphitrite was 61 nmi (70 mi; 112.6 km) and took it several hours to reach it. There was no debris or oil spillages found, concluding that the ship was not sunk. Radio transmission to Lazlowia and the Baykalian Islands turned over no evidence of the ships whereabouts. Social media erupted this morning, with environmentalists slamming Embask owner Matteo Jiss for potentially harming local reef conversation sites, if the ship sank. Matteo has yet to release a statement.

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OAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO MEET WITH UK PM

The Oan foreign minister Arana Marama will meet with the UK Prime Minister to formalise the military aid package. It is widely believed that the two leaders will take the opportunity to discuss important issues. Foremost among them will be the disappearance of the Lady Amphitrite. This will be a major diplomatic issue given the size of the ship, the danger in which the crew have been placed and the millions of dollars worth of oil. We will be bringing you updates on the meeting as soon as they are available.[hr]JV MARINEWORLD PARK RAISES QUESTIONS

JV Marineworld applied for its planned theme park and resort near Anapa to be an incorporated city. This request is unprecedented and has raised questions on what such an outcome would look like. As an incorporated city, the park would be able to access government funding for law enforcement, water, transport, sanitation and electrical infrastructure. The city would also constitute an electoral district with the right to elect its own representatives. Its employees would be regarded as civil servants, having access to the same pension and health insurance. This has raised the ire of those opposed to the move which they feel will give a corporation the benefit of Oan government funding.

To an extent, they are right. The park will be private property of a foreign agency, with restricted movement. Decisions will be made solely by the administration and management. The governance of the park would be undemocratic. Should the company abandon the park, the state will be left with a large property that will prove difficult to maintain and tax dollars will be used to finance entertainment instead of infrastructure, the military and other important issues with which our government must concern itself.

The government is seeking legal advice to work out how the law would govern such a scenario. Local government is established based on the Local Government and Tribal Authorities Act which gives the National Assembly the right to create, disestablish and amend the borders of a local government. The incorporation of the park as a city does not, however, meet the standards and criteria of governance by which a local government is determined. It is believed that the government may propose a special bill that will resolve the confusion and conflicting legal issues.

OAN NEWS
OAN CITIZEN SHOT IN CONCORDIAN FEDERATION

An citizen of the Oan Isles, Mr Kauai Wharenui, was shot by Concordian police, in a Concordian. The citizen was a tourist who had come to visit the nation with a friend. He went for a checkup at a local hospital, but contracted the Vanoi Fever from another patient. It is not clear how he came into contact with the patient. When he exhibited signs of the illness, he was admitted to the hospital again. Due to unexplained reasons, he escaped the facility. His friend reported him missing. Concordian police listed him as a threat. Upon finding him, a police officer, is said to have ordered the man to stop coming towards him, but given his disoriented state, he kept coming toward him. The policeman shot him three times with one shot in the head and another two in the chest. He died instantly. The man was identified and his friends and family were contacted to come fetch his body.

The man came from the city of Maungapa. He had gone to the Concordian Federation on a holiday for academic and leisure reasons. He was a teacher of history, and was compiling a travel guide for the local market on historic sites in the Concordian Federation. The man is survived by his wife and child. They spoke kindly of him as a loving father and caring husband and he will be sorely missed. He was a middle-aged man and his students and staff at the Maungapa High School spoke fondly of him. The people of the community in which he lived expressed anger and dismay at his unjustifiable and tragic death. His family has currently corresponded with the Oan foreign ministry on pursuing remedial action against the accused police officer.

The Oan foreign ministry expressed their condolences to the family. The minister stated that the government would do all that was necessary to help the family. She echoed Mrs Wharenui’s sentiments that remedial action should be pursued and an investigation should be conducted not only on the context in which the incident occured, but on the practices of the Concordian police and policies that guide their law enforcement actions. LAW DRAFTED TO GRANT SPECIAL STATUS TO MARINE WORLD PARK

The minister in the cabinet for local government affairs has drafted a proposal for a law to grant the Oan government the power to grant special status to a particular city or area by which the government can determine its structure and governance as suited to the needs and circumstances under which such a special status must be conferred. The legislation, although aimed at this particular issue, grants extraordinary rights to the Government which allow it to infringe upon the rights and independence of the local governments.

The local government is established and defined by a specific act. This is done to ensure that democratic institutions and responsible governance is observed. Critics of the law believe that it will give the Government the right to circumvent the established processes to achieve political objectives that may be to the detriment of the communities that live or work there. The government sought advice and found that it was unable to resolve that legal problems that approving the creation of an incorporated city for a property development project would induce. Thus the government felt that it was better to draft a new law instead.

The minister felt confident that his draft of the law could pass. There is evidence that the law is backed by major government and party leaders would agree with his plan. This law remains unprecedented. It gives the Government to create a multiplicity of areas administered under various systems and with various laws. This might also be an opportunity for the minister to gauge and coalesce his support in the party and protect his tenure at the ministry of local government. LOOKING BACK AT THE MELTDOWN

The biggest casualty of the Auroran Pacific War was Kostoria-Obertonia. Oan News wants to look back and assess one of the greatest tragedies to ever befall our continent. Kostoria-Obertonia was a small but moderately wealthy nation. The country was invaded earlier last year by the Greater Xagrurgian Empire, the fascist dictatorship the under Erwin Pipua. The Al Jaheed took advantage of the political uncertainty and climate of instability that permeated the nation, to establish a base of operations by which it could plan and prepare to perpetrate acts of terror against Aurora.

In light of the terrorist attacks on Cafe Net and the National Intelligence Service, and invasion of Kostoria-Obertonia by the GXE, the Oan government invaded that nation. During that invasion, a nuclear power plant had a meltdown. The ensuing explosion covered the skies with ash, irradiated the land. The damage to infrastructure and human health due to the high levels of radiation was so great that most of the population fled to neighbouring countries. The nation has since been largely uninhabitable and the Kostorians and Obertonians have no state to call their own.

Economic activity largely ground to a Gault while any semblance of a government was shattered. The nation lost much of its arable land. This resulted in the loss of agriculture as farms closed, plantations were abandoned and the economy collapsed. The dangers of living in KO were so bad, that cancer and deformities were reported in significantly higher quantities than ever before. Many buildings lie empty and places are ruined because of the meltdown.

OAN GOVERNMENT DEMANDS CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS BEGIN AGAINST CONCORDIAN POLICEMAN

The lawyers employed by the Oan government from the Thorton Nose Fulwright law firm have approached the District Attorney of McKeesport to commence criminal proceedings against the policeman, whose name is James Howard, who shot Oan citizen Kauai Wharenui. The lawyers charged the man with first degree murder. Although the lawyers do not handle the prosecution, they will be advising the Oan government and Wharenui family on legal issues and representing their interests in that country, offering any support or assistance that they can. The Oan government has expressed its disappointment with how the incident was handled and hopes that that Mr Wharenui and his family will receive justice. The have expressed their condolences and offered continued support to the Wharenui family on any matters concerning this case.

The murder of Mr Wharenui, a teacher and father from the city of Maungapa, sent shockwaves in the nation and has created a serious diplomatic incident between the Oan Isles and the Concordian Federation. An act of violence by an official of a foreign government against an Oan citizen is a serious issue that has raised the ire of the Oan government. The police officer shot the man to death, who was apparently in a visibly disoriented state supposedly as a symptom of the Vanoi fever which he contracted. His death has not only saddened the nation, but has revealed flaws in the handling of the Vanoi fever pandemic that spreads throughout the world, but has so far not come to the Oan Isles. The seriously unprofessional way in which the police officer handled the sick man brings the training and policies of the Concordian police into question and brings the overall handling of Concordian officials of the disease and those who have been infected with it into question. LAW ON MARINEWORLD SPECIAL STATUS SUBMITTED TO COMMITTEE

The law proposed by the minister for local government has been presented to the Committee on Local government, tribal authorities and autonomous territories of the National Assembly for review. The law aims to give the government powers to grant special status to the Marineworld Park proposed for construction by the JV Marineworld Parks and Entertainment company, the largest property development corporation in the world. The proposed project will bring many jobs, attract many foreign tourists and bring in a large amount of money. The government wants to incentivise the company that is building the park by giving it governance over the area that the park is located and various concessions and tax brakes. Given that current laws do not allow for either, the government has put a new law to give it the power it needs to effect its plans.

The law, if passed, represents a major change in subnational divisions of the Oan Isles. This will give the government more power of local government and tribal authorities and autonomous communities. The government has mainly stated that the law is aimed at this particular matter, but local leaders are worried that the government will use the law to circumvent existing processes to achieve its political and economic objectives even if it impinges in the community’s rights or the community disapproves. The government asserts that these fears are unfounded. It points to the Anapa local government which has gladly welcomed and supported the move as a reflection of the cooperation and consultation between the various spheres of government and called for calm. UNAC CRAWLING TO A START

The United Nations of the Auroran Continent is nearly completing all the procedure necessary for the organisation to begin operating. Leaders met in Emberwood Coast a few months back to draft and ratify the Charter of the UNAC, upon which the organisation is founded but have spent the months that followed trying to fix the issues that arose. They have now begun the work of setting up the relevant institutions and getting the organisation started. This will be vital if the organisation is to begin its work and work efficiently.

The President of the Commission, currently Lara Tarasovna, former speaker of the Chamber of Tuvaltastan, seen as the highest official in that body was elected a week ago. The Auroran Continental Bank, although a theoretically independent organisation, was moved from Tivot to Sani Bursil, Staynes. The Auroran Security Agency was founded in the Xagrurgian city of Laona with Trent Gomez as its head. The Court of Justice was founded in the Axdelian capital of Nnikt. A vote on the office of the Chief Justice is still ongoing and a result on that is expected soon. It is believed that the Auroran Parliament and UNAC Commission will remain in Aura, Emberwood Coast. Progress is expected on Auroran Parliament elections very soon.[hr]ERRATUM: An earlier version of this article stated that the Xagrurgian capital, Imperium, is the headquarters of the ASA. This has been corrected to Laona in Xagrurg.

OAN NEWSTRAVEL RESTRICTIONS PUT IN PLACE

As of today, restrictions have been placed on travel to and from countries affected by the Vanoi fever. When the Oan citizen, Mr Wharenui, became infected with the disease, the Oan health department became worried that the disease might possibly come to the Oan Isles. The council of ministers has issued travel restrictions. In some cases special screening for the disease is required in the country of origin prior to departure with deportation likely if the clearing documents cannot be displayed on arrival. In other cases screening will be conducted in the Oan Isles upon arrival (this is generally for Oan citizens and citizens and permanent residents of countries that have negligible but likely cases of infection). The government has also advised citizens and permanent residents not to visit countries that have been affected by the disease.

There has been serious considerations of implementing travel bans on people arriving from countries with high infection rates. Although there is no travel ban as part of this round of restrictions, there is some consideration for it especially if the infection rates do not improve significantly in the near future in countries that have high infection rates. The relatively slow response on the part of the Oan government arises from the lack of imminent threat the disease posed to the Oan Isles since the first case was reported. Although the disease has spread in many parts of the world, it was the opinion of the government that there was no serious threat to the Oan Isles. Although there are no cases of the disease at present, the government is taking precautions to keep the people of our country safe. OAN COMPANY TO WORK FOR NOBEREAN SECRET SERVICE

Kōrero Security Systems, a company from the Oan Isles that produces security equipment and provides relevant services has been awarded a contract to provide such products to the Noberean Secret Service. The company’s operations in that nations are led by Matiu Noapaere who announced the contract. He said that the company is looking forward to providing “innovative solutions in security that will be a display of Oan ingenuity and sophistication in the sphere of security technology”. He also thanked the Noberean procurement team for recognising their superior skills and expertise and promised to provide a good service for the agency.

Kōrero Security Systems has worked for the National Intelligence Service of the Oan Isles before and has produced products that have been considered of world class quality. But the company has struggled to expand into the Auroran market which is heavily regulated and saturated. With penetration of the this market being difficult and onerous, the company wanted to display its capabilities and attract foreign customers by offering its services to the Noberean government. Given the dismal human rights record of the Noberean institutions, there has been serious doubt among human rights activists of the ethics of the involvement of the Oan company in such an exercise. But the company is allowed by Oan law to work for that country so there are no legal or economic barriers to taking the job.

OAN NEWS
COMPROMISE REACHED ON MARINEWORLD 
 
Conflicting parties on the JV Marineworld amusement park and resort have reached a compromise. After over a year and a half of negotiations and changes to the original draft submitted by the Minister in charge of local governments, tribal authorities and autonomous communities, they agreed to pass the JV Marineworld Independent Incorporation Act, 2019.

This act significantly differs from the previous and original version submitted by the minister. In the original draft, the Oan government would have had the right to change the boundaries and devolve powers to administrative divisions by decree. This would have given it significant control over the rights and powers of subnational administrative authorities that already exist. Many such as traditional leaders and civic society organisations argued that the bill would allow the government to impinge on their rights without their approval or without being consulted.

They eventually worked a new law that would set out specific powers and duties of the JV Marineworld specifically. A joint board comprised of representatives from the Anapa local government, Anamotu tribal authority, Oan national government and JV Marineworld Property Development Company would be created to oversee and manage the internal affairs of the area. These will include managing the supply of power and electricity, and drafting by-laws regarding issues such as speed limits. This law also changes the manner in which the area is taxed and will affect things such as property tax, rates and fees and other financial issues. It further clearly defines the different entities that operate here and their roles.

In terms of the act, the company entered into an agreement with the government. The president of the company welcomed the legislation and fully supported its aims and terms. Generally, opposition to the bill has been fairly muted with different stakeholders expressing support for the bill as well.  
USING FINANCE AS A VEHICLE FOR PEACE ON THE AURORAN CONTINENT

By Arana Marama, the incumbent Minister of the Crown for Foreign Affairs

Since the incorporation of the Kōhatu Isles (also known as Gemica or West Gemica to East Malaysians) and the discovery and successful extraction, processing and sale of petroleum and natural gas, unrivalled prosperity has been brought to the Oan Isles. The wealth has been ploughed back into our industries. This wealth has trickled down to the vulnerable and needy who have an even wider array of government programs and support measures to help them get by and live dignified lives. This wealth has also manifested itself in the large surpluses we maintain. Yes (to answer the reader’s imagined questions), the Oan Isles lends more to foreign nations and receives more in income than it borrows or spends itself.  This fortunate turn of events should not be overlooked.

This money can be used to provide development aid and affordable access to finance for developing and emerging markets in Aurora. Many of the grievances which beset our neighbors to the south are issues relating to the distribution of wealth and access to jobs. If countries that were suffering political and social instability because of their economic problems could easily access funding for infrastructure and capital projects, lending to the private sector and paying off expensive loans from non-Auroran lenders, it would significantly alleviate the suffering of the people and remove the tendency to revolution and war.

One of the most salient features of the impact that economic problems can have on political stability, is unrest in eastern and southern Auroran countries. This unrest is not as prevalent in developed and industrialised nations like the United Kingdom, Emberwood Coast, Axdel or even the Oan Isles.

Although we have free trade, free travel and the relatively free flow of capital between member states of the United Nations of the Auroran Continent, it is evident that is is not enough. Unrest has arisen despite the stated aims of the UNAC to prevent the time of mass unrest and political instability we are seeing now. This is because, political stability is not merely achieved by military force (as demonstrated by civil resistance to military operations by some or other central Auroran nations in one or another southern Auroran nation).

We need a well-developed coordinating mechanism for the three pillars of economic policy throughout the continent: fiscal, trade and monetary policy. Trade policy is somewhat in place but its achievements are dubious and our monetary policy is firmly placed in the hands of the Auroran Continental Bank. In the fiscal realm, there is chaos. Governments aren’t collecting enough taxes to balance their books and cover their spending.

This is where a unified mechanism can step in. It can create a single market for credit in which both lenders and borrowers are protected from unfair terms and poor debt enforcement. This mechanism should have a unified set of codes and principles which all countries must meet. This mechanism should enable disputes to be settled efficiently and concretely. This might perhaps find expression in the creation of a “Auroran Monetary Fund” or something to that effect.

OAN NEWS

OFFICIAL WHITE PAPER FOR THE AURORAN MONETARY FUND RELEASED

The National Treasury and Department of Foreign Affairs of the Oan Isles have published a joint white paper in which they make a cause for the Auroran Monetary Fund. The Auroran Monetary Fund  (AMF) would be a branch of the United Nations of the Auroran Continent (UNAC) which acts as a middle-man between governments of members states that need to borrow money and financial institutions and other countries that want to lend money to other nations.

The official paper is given the rather excessively long title Auroran Monetary Fund - Google Docs. According to our source at the Foreign Department, it was not meant to be published so soon, but after a heated debate on Thalria and Kostromastan between members of the Council of the UNAC, the government rushed the release of the document as a formal policy proposal for using financial power as an instrument for peace.

The paper is available for anyone to read and the government is soliciting comments and opinions. I have many criticisms against the Oan government and I have always viewed them with suspicion. For a change, I want to laud them on something. Often, the UNAC, responds when people’s grievances have boiled over into war and revolution. It is saying that by making development finance easily and widely accessable to poor countries they will be able to fix some of the problems that are causing the wars and revolutions in the first place. Just to make sure that these nations do not misuse the funds, they have to meet certain criteria.

That is about as far as my praise goes. The AMF would have a lot of power to influence monetary, trade and fiscal policy in Auroran countries. While I will not tear into the AMF per se, I feel compelled to warn Auroran leaders to be careful. Financial institutions have a lot of potential for both good and evil. They need to ensure that the best minds and hearts are put in charge of this thing. It needs both good ethics and excellent economic and political skill and knowledge. Secondly, it will need the nations of the Auroran continent to be fully invested in making it work. It will not if Tivot is still worried about going a cent over the balance sheet or if Kostoria-Obertonia is changing its government every two days. We need serious political will and strength, just maybe the politicians of Aurora might actually do something right for a change.
KOHATU SOVEREIGN WEALTH FUND ACQUIRES LARGE STAKE IN OAN OIL

I almost abandoned any hope that politicians actually deliver on electoral promises but here we are, enjoying a pleasant surprise on a Sunday afternoon. The Kōhatu Sovereign Wealth Fund was formally established earlier today and the Parliament voted for its board and approved its memorandum of incorporation. Although the relevant legislation had been passed earlier this year, the government took some time getting all the details down. The purpose of the fund is to allow the people of Kōhatu to benefit from the natural resources of their country and redistribute that wealth to the people. This presents an opportunity for businesspeople, homeowners, workers and many others.

The first act was to transfer the government stake in the Oan National Petroleum Company to the Wealth Fund. The company was started as the Oan part of a joint venture with East Malaysia to extract petroleum and natural gas from undersea reserves within Kōhatu territorial waters.

The wealth fund is comprised of experts and representatives of the the people of Kōhatu. It is meant to take the wealth they gain and reinvest it in industries that will benefit the people. This makes it possible for the people to gain back not only the political freedom they acquired after the war, but the economic freedom to lead lives of happiness and fulfillment.

OAN NEWS

The Vices and Virtues of Oan foreign policy and where to from here
By Arana Marama, Foreign Minister of the Oan Isles

Oan foreign policy has often been aimed at increasing the country’s international influence from a middle to great power. This approach has moved from the soft power influence exerted through its moral authority as a nominally pacifist state, environmental activism and its multinational corporations to economic and military might.

This role arose from and was emboldened by the military assistance that the country lent to other nations such as Latianburg. Not only did the country’s military showcase the technological advances of the Oan industrial capabilities and display their competency in combat situations, but they received international praise and gained powerful allies. The country became further emboldened by terrorist attacks against its civilians and strategic infrastructure at home and abroad to take a more aggressive and polarising stance on international issues.

Faltering diplomatic ties with Stratarin after the coup that brought Mikail Starikov to power and its antagonism toward the SEPC, entrenched an “us-vs-them” mentality in the Oan diplomatic community. It became apparent that Oan allegiance should rest with and promote the interests of liberal democratic constitutional developed nations.

Above all others, the Auroran-Pacific War engendered the greatest polarisation of Oan foreign policy. The Allied, of which the Oan Isles was a part, and Axis fought heavily, with dire consequences for people on the mainland, during this conflict. The outcome of the war was far from the ideal and the Oan Isles feeling cheated of its major ambitions sought to create a multipolar world order in which liberal democratic developed nations used military and economic might to foment regime change in authoritarian emerging nations.

This polarisation has overall weakened the Oan Isles’ moral authority. Its desire to found the Auroran Union was seen with enough suspicion by the public and met with lackluster support by the Oan Isles’ traditional allies that it collapse at the first hurdle. Despite its recent victories, the truth is that the Oan Isles is a small nation. Notwithstanding its multinational corporations, it lacks the population, economic size or military manpower to unilaterally enforce its will without the support of larger nations like the United Kingdom and Kuthernburg, who are often reluctant to support Oan ambitions.

In that vein, it is clear that the Oan Isles must seek multilateral cooperation and international governance, and shift its ambitions away from hard power to soft power tactics. As such, the Oan Isles must integrate itself more with the United Nations of the Auroran Continent and fully participate and contribute to its structures such as the Auroran Continental Bank and the moribund Auroran Security Agency. It is apparent however that the Oan Isles is making strides to a bona fide based international order through the promotion of the Auroran Monetary Fund.

These international coordinating and governance mechanisms provide powerful tools to shape the international order and bring about trust and cooperation among nations. Gravitating away from the polarisation of its current political stance, the Oan Isles can restore its international credibility and maximise the effectiveness of its foreign policy.

Military aid bearing fruit
by Imana Takara


The Chief of the Defence Staff of the Oan Defence Force has announced that the military has completed construction on a million kirib military base in the Caven Sea and that several military assets are coming online. This comes after the United Kingdom of Great Morstaybishlia and Justelvard offered a generous military aid package to help the Oan Isles modernise and strengthen its military capabilities. The exact size of the package was not released but according to sources in the Department of Defence, it comprised over 75% of the capital budget and around a third of the annual budget. Furthermore, the package would be given over several years. Adjusted for inflation, we calculate that this amounts to 5 billion kiribin a year. We approached the Department of Defence to confirm the amount. As of the publishing of this article, they did not respond. Part of the deal requires that the Oan Isles gave Morstaybishlian arms manufacturing and construction companies preferential treatment when awarding tenders. Several Oan and Morstaybishlian companies were involved in the purchases.

The Akate Military Base allegedly cost the Morstaybishlian taxpayer around 1 to 1.4 billion kiribin based on initial estimates from the draft proposal. The final report was sent to the Morstaybishlian House of Representatives Committee on Defence and remains classified. It is located in Akatepa, a city on the second largest island in the Caven Polynesian Realm of the Kohatu Isles: Jewelica. This base provides the Oan Defence Force with reconnaissance and surveillance, aircraft and ship refuelling, equipment repairs, barracks and supply storage facilities, hangers and marinas. While this has not been confirmed, there is speculation that the facility has cruise missile launching capabilities, with the ability to launch massive ballistic missiles that can strike any part of Aurora and Yasteria Major. This has not yet been confirmed, but amateur footage has shown ballistic missile tests on Jewelica Island.

The navy has also procured new ships. 3 attack submarines able to dive depths of 700 metres below sea level. These can launch at least 40 torpedos each. They came at the cost of 700 million kiribin each, bringing the total number of active commissioned vessels to approximately 33. 20 F-22 Raptors were procured at the cost of 300 million kiribin each, a total of 6 billion kiribin. These expensive assets will allow the Oan Isles to dominate the skies, according to the Department of Defence. Another 20 F-18 fighter jets were procured at a total cost of 4 billion kiribin (200 million kiribin each). 40 Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks were acquired for a total cost 2 billion kiribin (5 million kiribin each). Apparently, the Oan Isles contributed 3 to 4 billion kiribin to procure these assets. The manufacturers will also provide training, support and upgrades free of charge. There is information that the entire initiative created 2,000 contract jobs and 1,000 permanent jobs split roughly evenly between Oan and Morstaybishlia. 
Serene Council Approves Amendment of Succession Law
by Paure Ohone


The Serene Council approved changes to the law concerning the succession to the Serene Throne of Polynesia which allows all descendants of Ahua the Great regardless of their gender, sex or sexual orientation to inherit the Ocean Throne (another colloquial name for the joint Polynesian monarchy). The process was started by the Youth Caucus in the Council of the People of the Oan National Assembly. The proposal involved consultation with the public, spiritual leaders, political figures and members of the Serene House of Ahua. The law will allow Oahoanu’s successor to ascend the throne regardless of their sexuality. Presently the most likely successor is Emperor Oahoanu’s son His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Moana.

There were many arguments for and against this, but the reasons that made themselves into the final law were as follows:

  • Lord Maui, Angelic Protector of the Polynesian People, granted all descendants of Ahua the right to inherit his throne, regardless of their sexuality according to the will of his subjects. As representatives of the will of the people, the Serene Council of the Polynesian Union was positioned to adjust the succession law.

  • The existing law already allows women to inherit the Ocean Throne, thus it is only natural that people of any gender expression, gender identity, biological sex or sexual orientation should also have their legitimate claims to the throne respected.

  • The monarchy must align with the aspirations and evolution of the Polynesian people. Over the past century, the Polynesian people have embraced gender and sexual inclusivity and their monarch must reflect this.

This change has been welcomed by organisations such as the Rainbow Society of the Oan Isles and the Progressive Mauist Alliance. The following changes will occur to royal titles:

  • All future monarchs regardless of gender etc, will be referred to in Staynish as Emperor of Polynesia and in Te Reo as the Rangitanga-a-te-Moana. No adjusted forms will be used to compensate for the gender.

  • The royal anthem’s lyrics will be changed to reflect the monarch’s preferred pronoun where pronouns are applicable.

  • The formal styles Her Serene Majesty and Their Serene Majesty can be used in addition to His Serene Majesty depending on their preference.

  • All Emperors would be referred to as Kakano when speaking informally regardless of the language. Kakano is a Te Reo word which means seed and is an abbreviation of “Seed of Ahua”.

ANALYSIS OF THE GEOPOLITICS OF THE OAN ISLES

The Oan Isles has various geographic, political, social and economic factors that give it geopolitical strengths and vulnerabilities that have shaped its history and will continue to shape its future. This article aims to help the casual reader, investor and policymaker to understand the geopolitical realities of this country.
Historically, the people of the Oan Isles have been a sea-going nation that has explored and spread to other southern and western Pacific Islands, carrying their culture and religion to surrounding lands. Its geographic realities offer a useful point of departure in understanding why this is.

The country has a total area of approximately 44,150 square kilometres. The area is broken up into approximately 30 islands. Most of these islands are mountainous, volcanic and exposed to violent storms. This makes about a quarter of the nation’s territory uninhabitable. Another half of the country’s territory is heavily forested and has poor soil. Of the remaining land, 10% is high yield land while 15% is medium yield land. This has forced most of the population to inhabit and depend on a small portion of an already small area for food and habitation. Despite the excellent weather conditions, the geographic challenges and the monsoon storms made agriculture prohibitively difficult. Today, 8 islands make up about 90% of the economy and 95% of the population. To alleviate overpopulation and gain access to markets, food and natural resources, the Oan people have been a sea-going nation.

The broken-up nature of the Oan Isles made it difficult for the central government to control the islands. At the turn of the 20th century, the central government used a jingoistic militaristic autocratic style of ruling to centralise power in the hands of the central government and effectively mobilise its labour resources for economic growth and national defence. In the modern era, the government has used a wide social safety net and liberal economic policies to maintain the economic prosperity and social mobility required to maintain political stability.

While facing these incredible internal challenges, the Oan Isles has been faced with hostile powerful enemies. Although Great Morstaybishlia and the Oan Isles are close allies today, these two were historical rivals. Great Morstaybishlia cleaved the Oan Isles and weakened its economic and political independence. Thus the Oan Isles was forced to use grow quickly and forcefully. The country fiercely educated its people, becoming a manufacturing nation. As it moved up the value chain, it faced the middle-income trap in the mid-20th century. Economic and educational reforms and relationships with more nations (especially Kuthernburg), allowed the nation to be a leader in innovative high-quality manufacturing and services. This helped the Oan economy become more independent and fast-growing. With prudent fiscal policy, the country maintained budget surpluses and became a net lender.

Nevertheless, sustaining this growth while ensuring a high standard of living for its population has been highly challenging especially as other nations have challenged the economic niches it was able to capitalise on. Moreover, the increasing challenge of accessing energy sources loomed large. Luckily the oil discoveries in Great Morstaybishlia and favourable economic relationship (which disproportionately benefitted the Oan Isles), maintained the country’s growth. Regardless, it also faced enemies who coveted its strategic position at the mouth of the Morstaybishlian Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This required the construction of a powerful military and robust alliances abroad.

These challenges came to a head in 2017. As a result of complicated economic circumstances, a slow and quiet economic decline culminated in many economic issues that destabilised the nation (including granting autonomy to Noamotu). These issues formed part of the eagerness with which the Oan Isles embraced adventurism and militarism while dropping its long-held peaceful development foreign policy. While there were political reasons for the Oan participation in the Auroran Pacific War, economic reasons were a major contributor. Weakening the Greater Ethalrian nations would allow the Oan Isles to access resources and low-cost goods cheaply and open a market that was traditionally protectionist (especially as advanced markets were saturated and increasingly domestically driven). Despite the ambivalent outcome, the Oan Isles managed to achieve some of its economic goals through the partition of the Matriarchy of Ethalria. Stratarin was one of the nation’s greatest threat since it had the greatest possibility of invading, confirming the nation’s biggest fear.

The fortuitous absorption of the Kohatu Isles (also known as Gemica) has been single-handily responsible for allaying many of the disaster waiting for the country near the end of the century. One of the benefits that Kohatu provides is that it gives the Oan Isles’ increasingly ageing population a young workforce to replenish it. This is especially significant given the cultural similarities between the nations. This is part of why the nation is fiercely fighting to defend and retain it.

From this, the Oan Isles will need to critically examine its close relationship with Auroran, Norvarian and to a lesser extent Gondwanan nations especially Great Morstaybishlia, Kuthernburg, Stratarin and Ethalria and to build up its military strength and diversify its economy. Luckily Stratarin remains weak, although it is not to be underestimated. Greater Ethaln nations are a mixed bag, and need careful examination. While Kuthernburg and Morstaybishlia are powerful and close allies, dependency poses many risks.

Agnar Moutuara
Professor of Politics at the University of Tokapa

OOC: Edited this to remove mention of the Asian Pacific Islands as it was removed from the map and fleshed out the last paragraph and to change Atlantian to Novarian. Sorry for all the edits.

REASSESSING THE MORSTO-OAN RELATIONSHIP

Yesterday, Professor Agnar Moutuara of the University of Tokapa critically examined the geopolitics of the Oan Isles. I wanted to touch on an interesting topic point that he made: that we should reassess our relationship not only with our enemies but with our friends, chief among whom is Great Morstaybishlia.

About 160 to 180 years ago, Great Morstaybishlia invaded the Oan Isles and took over about 30% of our territory. Today, that territory forms part of the Morstaybishlian West Pacific Islands. It remains a colony of Great Morstaybishlia in spite of Sani Bursil’s supposed shift to decolonization. Great Morstaybishlia only ended the slave trade in 1917, yet only managed to end slavery in general in 1930. That means that the children and grandchildren of the slaves are still alive. That means that a handful of former slaves are still alive.

One of them is my great-grandmother. She was born into slavery shortly before the slave trade was banned. She was owned by a white man from Great Morstaybishlia, John Islington. When she was freed, she came back to the Oan Isles and lived in abject poverty. She took out loans to survive. After failing to pay them back, she was put into bonded labour until she could pay back the debt. She worked the debt off for another 20 years. When bonded labour was criminalized, she left her bondholder, got educated, worked her way up and benefited from the tremendous economic growth that the Oan Isles experienced in the 20th century. She had lots of grandkids and great-grandkids.

Sometimes, she’ll have us sit around the fireplace where she would recount the horrific experiences of living in slavery. The Oan Isles is still living in slavery. Great Morstaybishlia was never held accountable for its actions and paltry compensation to former slaves pales in comparison to the economic and social and personal cost of the slave trade on the Oan people both in the Oan Isles and MWPI. Today, the Oan Isles is content to beg for scraps at Morstaybishlia’s table. Our Emperor is an Emperor in name alone, tending to his Constantine masters.

This nation abandoned its pacifist ideals to build an armed forces and arms manufacturing industry to fight wars for Great Morstaybishlia. This nation’s economy and foreign policy is subject to the dictates of Great Morstaybishlia. Our culture and values continue to be undermined on the international stage. When we wear our traditional garb, uppity Auroran diplomats call it “primitive”.

Yet, our government, the government of Maui Uye-Ahua, Locklyn Le Roy, Jonathan Dunes and all the other politicians whose pockets are filled with sweet Morstaybishlian kiribs. We fought against Stratarin and Ethalria because we sincerely believed we were honoring Treaty commitments and standing up for freedom, dignity and democracy. I think we misjudged who the real enemy is. The real enemy isn’t the one who’ll fight you on the battlefield - it’s the one who will poison your Hobsti tea and tell you everything is fine.

Everything is not fine. Today we form part of some organization called the Intercontinental Regional Security Accords, which is basically just an updated neocolonial project. UNAC institutions are still housed in Sani Bursil where the Constantines can continue lording over smaller less powerful nations, secure in their sense of moral self-righteousness and the wealth that was built on the backs of Oan and other Polynesian people. The unmitigated temerity of that nation is so large that they annexed another Polynesian nation, Justelvard in 2017 and had the indecency to call it “Union”.

People are quick to say that Great Morstaybishlian industry, economy and security is the reason that the Oan Isles enjoys the prosperity and abundance that it does today. My response to that: that’s NONSENSE! We built ourselves despite not because of Morstaybishlia. We have been uniting and uplifting Polynesian people, yet we missed the biggest owner of Polynesians today: Morstaybishlia.

I believe that, one day, Morstaybishlia will pay for what they did. But that won’t happen as long as our leaders are still suckling on Morstaybishlia. Here’s what our relationship with Morstaybishlia should look like:

  • Former slaves and their families should receive monetary reparations of no less than 1 million kiribs each.

  • Former slaves and their families should have their land returned to them.

  • Former slave owners should stand trial (dead or alive) and their estates should be divided among their former slaves.

  • Morstaybishlia as a country should stand trial for human rights abuses (some of worst known to history).

  • The Morstaybishlian West Pacific Islands should get the right to vote for independence or to rejoin the Oan Isles.

Even though this would never compensate or justify what they did to us, at least there will be some semblance of Justice.

PS: I hate Morstaybishlia.

Waitangi “Black Fist” Iparoha
Human rights activist, Student President of the University of Tokapa and Oan delegate to the UNAC Youth Assembly.

THE OAN ISLES PLANS MAJOR INVESTMENTS FOR WEST POLYNESIA
STUDENT ACTIVIST RUNS IN BY ELECTIONS FOR KOKORUTAONE 2ND ELECTORAL DISTRICT

By Iparahimu He
By Apikairu Ihone

Proposed design for one of the projects under the Four Year Infrastructure Initiative

The Oan government has sent a proposal to Morstaybishlia to invest 20 billion KRB in infrastructure development projects in the Morstaybishlian West Pacific Territories (known domestically simply as West Polynesia). The Department of Public Works and the Department of Commerce and Workers prepared a proposal which was forwarded to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Morstaybishlia and Justelvard, Franklin Barvata by the Oan Prime Minister Maui Uye-Ahua.

Half the funds will be financed directly by the Oan Treasury from tax-payer kiribs, and sub-prime loans from the Oan Industrial and Commercial Bank will finance the other half. The government has also been in talks with the private sector to at least raise 10 billion KRB for additional projects. The scheme involves rail and road links between West Polynesia and the Oan Isles, an undersea internet cable and a hydroelectric dam system on Koroimotu Island. The government aims to promote cooperation, create job opportunities, encourage economic growth and improve business confidence. Political and economic analysts have predicted that this is an aim to consolidate UNAC unity and strengthen Morstaybishlia’s declining global image. To what end, it is unclear.

Waitangi “Black First” Iparoha at the University of Tokapa

After Member of the Council of the People for the Kokorutaone 2nd district, Emana Aha, resigned due to personal reasons, a by-election for the district will be held on Monday, 8 February 2021. Among the candidates who are running is the former Student President of the University of Tokapa and Oan delegate to the UNAC Youth Assembly, Waitangi “Black Fist” Iparoha. The young leader penned a scathing rebuke of Oan foreign policy and Morstaybishlian colonialism and slavery 2 days ago which raised controversy. The 25-year-old gender non-conforming candidate (who prefers being addressed by the pronouns “they” or “them”) is running on the Pacifist Party ticket and is a member of that party’s Youth and LGBT+ Wings.

Critics believe that they published the letter to gain publicity for their candidacy. People close to the candidate said they are passionate about their belief in the Pan-Polynesian identity and human rights. According to Iparoha’s campaign site, they aim to promote urban renewal and environmental rehabilitation in their district and Pan-Polynesianism at the national level. The Regional Coordinator for the Pacifist Party, Uroha Hene, praised the candidate and believes that more young queer people should participate in politics.

Opening of the National Assembly
13 February 2021
Yesterday, Friday 12 February 2021, His Serene Majesty, the Emperor of Polynesia, Oahoanu convened and opened this year’s session of the National Assembly where he delivered the Speech from the Throne and whereafter new members of the National Assembly were sworn in, among whom is Black Fist Iparoha, the rising political star who won a by election to the Council of the People in a by election on 8 February.

The Emperor, reading an address prepared by the Council of Ministers and speaking on behalf of the government highlighted the major issues and achievements of 2020, such as the construction of a military base in the Kohatu Isles, and he announced new programs such as renewed lobbying for the Auroran Monetary Fund and the start of a massive infrastructure development scheme for the Morstaybishlian West Pacific Territories.

The vigorous debate which followed marked the tone of the coming session. Iparoha did not wait long to display her opposition to cajoling Great Morstaybishlia while Oan national dignity and Polynesian unity was undermined. This nation will confront numerous foreign policy challenges while grappling domestic and internal issues. Nevertheless, the nation stands on strengths such as its oil reserves.
Want to Visit the Oan Isles?

The Oan Isles is an incredibly beautiful landscape historic monuments and vibrant cultures. Some key attractions are the Marama Caves where billions of bioluminescent algae illuminate the cavernous halls. Incredible waterfalls drape mountains like silk gowns. In rural communities, traditional lifestyles offer a view to the past. The cities contain attractions such as clubs, resorts and museums.

The Oan Isles is incredibly safe and the people are warm and welcoming. For citizens of UNAC, IRSA and SHACOG member states, visa-on-arrival is available. Moreover, emergency renewal is available.

What are you waiting for, visit the Oan Isles!
Brought to you by the Department of Cultural Heritage

OAN NEWS
SECRET GOVERNMENT DOCUMENT LEAKS:
GREAT MORSTAYBISHLIA IS A GEOPOLITICAL PROBLEM FOR THE OAN ISLES!
Please note that the information in the document has NOT been confirmed by the government (which will probably deny that these allegations are true). SO DON’T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT! (We don’t want another lawsuit like when we accused the Oan government of State Terrorism).

It seems that we are obsessed with GM these days, but something crazy just happened today! A secret government document was leaked which shows that the Oan government perceives Great Morstaybishlia as a long-term geopolitical problem.

The document in question is called a Geopolitical Threat Assessment. It’s prepared and compiled by the Oan Intelligence Bureau and it tells the government about all the threats to the Oan Isle’s economy, people and other security interests. Because the OIB is responsible for foreign intelligence, the Director of the OIB is accountable to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who in turn presents this document to the Council of Ministers. This particular document highlights the following core issues with the Oan Isles’ relationship with Great Morstaybishlia:

  • Great Morstaybishlia’s foreign policy is about trying to make the Ethalrians feel good and to bring together former warring foes. This includes forgiving the Ethalrians and their allies and trying to build them up and make them into a mini version of Morstaybishlia. The Oan Isles has always thought that this was a horrible idea. The Oan government has always thought that democratic free-market monarchies should band together and resist the enemy. This is not a secret, since the Oan Isles did try to found the Auroran Union as a neo-ACA for the Allies of the APW. What’s different is that they feel that the GM policy will backfire and they’ll be caught in the cross-hairs. As such, the Oan Isles should rethink its alignment with the GM.

  • GM is no longer a viable market or source of imports. The Oan Isles has been able to become economically prosperous by producing goods and services GM needed at competitive prices. The issue is that GM has been able to cost-effectively produce some of these goods and has been able to import similar goods and services from other countries. Moreover, the Oan Isles is basically energy independent and no longer needs GM oil. Moreover, the Oan Isles is able to access food, heavy machinery, vehicles and raw materials from other countries at more competitive prices. Thus, the economic links between the two nations are thinning out. Nevertheless, the Oan Isles sells almost a third of its exports to GM, so diversifying its markets will take time.

  • GM is an unreliable global partner. The fact is, there are several global positions and international initiatives that the Oan Isles has tried to undertake, but GM’s support was halfhearted at best. Firstly, the GM didn’t stand with the Oan Isles when it suggested the AU, it dragged its feet on proposals for the Auroran Monetary Fund, reform proposals to the Auroran Security Agency and its Cabinet has not prioritised the massive investment deal that the Oan Isles is proposing (we are literally giving you free money!). Moreover, GM did not support Locklyn Le Roy’s nomination for President of the UNAC or Tipene Rahua’s nomination for head of the ASA. All these snubs have left a bad taste in the government’s mouth. Thus, the government feels like it’s time to start looking beyond the GM orbit and taking on more independence in its foreign policy.

  • GM is a mess. This is not immediately obvious when you look at their insane GDP and massive population and military. But truth be told, the terrorist attacks, the insurgencies and riots, civilian deaths and the weak response of the Barvata government demonstrate that the GM is not at its peak. The nation has always risen, but the Oan government feels that the country needs more reliable and politically stable partners and GM is not high on the list.

CELEBRATING OAN-MORSTAYBISHLIAN SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION
THE GREAT SEED REPOSITORY TURNS THREE!

There’s this really cool thing, that you probably haven’t heard of, called the Great Seed Repository. It’s turning three years old this year!

For context: The Great Seed Repository is a project at the International Icelab undertaken by the Joint Oan-Morstaybishlian Research Task Team, which consists of Oan and Morstaybishlian plant scientists. The project was sponsored and administered by the Oan Aid Agency (OANAID), the University of Tokapa and the Royal Bursil University. The project aims to collect, preserve and study the seeds of all the plants on the Urth. And, it’s well on its way to this goal, with 10 million seeds from 6,000 species stored here. The purpose of this initiative is that if a nuclear war or meteor strike leads to the destruction of the plants on Urth, we (or some alien species that discovers our irradiated remains) will replant them and restart life on the planet. At the very least, the project aims to rehabilitate endangered species and find better ways of producing food (lame).

At the ceremonies at the International Icelab, King Lambertus of Great Morstaybishlia sent a heartwarming recorded message about all the feel-good politically stuff that politicians usually say when they have to speak on a topic as esoteric and mundane as botany. Apparently, our Prime Minister made an appearance, but no one cares about him (fight me!).

The part that we at the MORE INFORMED ABOUT PLANTS/VEGANS SOCIETY are concerned about is what the actually have in store.

  • Edible wood tree. This plant is incredibly rare and grows in the Oan Isles and surrounding islands. It’s incredibly expensive because it’s one of the only “tree” plants whose wood is edible. Apparently, it has a creamy woody taste (paper), but our journalist salaries don’t enable us to affordable (capitalism).

  • Rare varieties of Hobsti tea. We in civilised nations who drink tea (looking at you, drinkers of Peregrinian coffee) love the Hobsti tea from Great Morstaybishlia. But did you know that there are incredibly rare varieties that have deep purple leaves and give off a rosy aroma? Now you know.

  • Pink thrift. The pink thrift is a small plant that grows in massive clusters by the sea. Research from the GSR suggests that plant clusters may be one organism.

Exciting stuff right?! Not our usual reporting, but we’re excited to see all the discoveries that GSR makes and will continue to make in the future.

OAN NEWS

Official Communication of the Oan Isles
Response to the article titled “Secret Government Document Leaks” dated 19 February 2021


Recently, OAN NEWS published an article alleging that a leaked Geopolitical Threat Assessment Report shows that the Oan Foreign policy position towards the United Kingdom of Great Morstaybishlia and Justelvard is shifting. The piece did so by making outrageous allegations which this statement hopes to address and clarify. While the vitriol that passes for journalism at OAN NEWS is unworthy of a response, in the interest of the public, the Oan government has asked me to make clear its views as outlined below.

  1. Great Morstaybishlia has supported our nation in remarkable ways. For instance, they provided military aid and they backed the successful invasion of the Yor Isles. Thus, they remain a dearly valued ally and partner.

  2. This is reflected in mutually beneficial trade and investment. The most recent major investment was from the Oan Isles investing in MWPT. Surely, this demonstrates that the Oan Isles values and is committed to its relationship with Great Morstaybishlia. Moreover, the deal was only announced a week ago or two ago. Such deals take time to discuss and the Morstaybishlian parliament has announced that will be discussing the deal. To chagrin of naysayers, we look forward to working with Morstaybishlian politicians on this deal.

  3. OAN NEWS outrageously claims that there is some grand disdain for Ethalrian countries. This is utter nonsense as is demonstrated by continually working with the North Ethalrian Confederacy, Faethalria and other related nations in multilateral organizations such as the Kirib Monetary Union vis a vis the Auroran Central Bank and the United Nations of the Auroran Continent. Thus, any concern expressed by the intelligence community is not a witch hunt but an exploration of security circumstances. We remain confident that Ethalria’s prosperity and alignment with Auroran democratic values may bear positive fruit for the broader continent. Furthermore, the robust discussions in the Palace of Karlmington demonstrate that Morstaybishlian leaders are not naïve in their relationship with Ethalrian nations. Thus GM can be trusted to make its own decisions on Ethalrian and we fully support their position.

  4. Calling Great Morstaybishlia a “mess” is distasteful and reductionist. Great Morstaybishlia, despite its challenges, is one of the oldest and internally stable nations in history. While it has its fair share of challenges, it remains a stable bulwark of democratic values.

While we do not condone the news article published by OAN NEWS and similar news, we believe that common sense will bring the incompetence and recklessness of OAN NEWS into full view. We call upon the editors to take greater responsibility for the journalism which they allow on their platform and we condemn the recklessness that the authority has displayed. We will not entertain OAN NEWS by bringing up a lawsuit. Instead, concerned citizens have of their own volition published a complaint with the Oan Broadcasting and Media Regulator. Relevant processes will play out and we implore OAN NEWS to act with integrity and professionalism going forward.

Regards,
Arana Marama,
Foreign Minister of the Oan Isles

OAN NEWS

VOTING FOR IRSA HEADS KICKS OFF

On 20 February 2021 voting for the new heads of the civilian and military administrations of the Intercontinental Regional Security Accords kicked off. With the elections administered by the Oan Isles, 5 candidates for both positions have been nominated bringing the total to 10. For context, the IRSA comprises 2 arms: civilian and military, at the apex of which are the IRSA Council and Security Council respectively, which are comprised of Representatives of member states. The heads will be responsible for presiding over meetings of the respective Councils of each administration, representing their administration, managing the operations of their administration and administering directives agreed by the Councils. Teoti Mohinahina, who infamously served on Locklyn Le Roy’s UNAC leadership campaign team, will be representing the Oan Isles and overseeing the elections.

The candidates for the civilian post are as follows:

  • Cedric Gowershold of Great Morstaybishlia, former Home Secretary and Member of the Morstaybishlian Parliament.

  • Nexhmije Kērpaçi, former Vivancatadian Home Secretary

  • Karoline Teiche, former Valerian Defence Minister

  • Mara Jade Wilson, former leader and founder of the Nagatoian Centrist Party

  • Lancer-Valentine Jolva, former President of Axdel

The candidates for the military administration are as follows:

  • Freya Matteri, Axdelian Defence Undersecretary and former Naval Engineer

  • Surya Abdi, Malordian army general

  • Pierce James Brosnan, Nagatoian political spokesperson and former Naval general

  • Rasmar Vetrec’h, Valerian colonel

  • Admiral Lukas Normanzoon Heide, Vistaran Imperial Navy head

We spoke to political analyst and professor at the University of Tokapa, Agnar Moutuara to weigh in on the candidates and the position that the Oan Isles is likely to take and this was his view:

“The candidates, in general, do not have to most inspiring foreign policy credentials. Although they have been prominent leaders within their own nations, we haven’t seen examples of stellar leadership at the regional or global level save perhaps for Jolva as a former head of state. Campaigning will be crucial for candidates to display their foreign policy chops. Another influencing factor will be the country from which the candidates originate. Supporting the candidacy of another nation’s nominee is usually is a cheap foreign policy tactic to build a rapport with that nation”.

“The Oan Isles has been gradually moving away from the Morstaybishlian political orbit, so its support for Cedric is not guaranteed. Moreover, the Oan government will be looking to make headway in building links further afield so it is likely to vote for a candidate from a more powerful country. While Axdel has been a major ally, including in providing Indigo Island as a station for Oan military forces in the APW, Tokapa is ambivalent about Andel’s place in its long-term geopolitical goals”.

OAN SCIENTISTS INVENT NEW SOLAR TECHNOLOGY

Oan scientist Dr Tamatea Rotorua,  and his team at the Great Seed Repository at the International Icelab have collaborated with engineers to develop a new solar panel which promises to revolutionize the renewable energy sector. At a conference of the Academy of Sciences of the Oan Isles in Tokapa, Dr Rotorua announced that the patent had been file with the Oan Patent Office for the Green Solar Panel Technology.

Dr Rotorua and his team extracted chlorophyll from plants and imbibed it into plastic panels. They found that the panels were able to absorb ultraviolet light, allowing them to continue producing power during cloudy weather. Moreover, the panels absorbed up to 80% more light than ordinary glass photovoltaic panels. Through an agreement between the University of Tokapa and the Ra Energy Corporation, the former will allow the latter to produce, distribute and market the technology for a royalty. Moreover the university and the company will continue working together to improve the efficiency of the technology and its supporting infrastructure.

The deal promises to bring hundreds of millions of kiribs in income over the next ten years and it will be instrumental in curbing carbon emissions. Leader of the Green Party and Minister of Foreign Affairs Arana Marama has congratulated the scientists and expressed her support for increased government funding for green energy projects. Dr Rotorua received the Order of the Blue Macaw at the rank of Knight for contributions to science and society.