France Active in Foreign and Domestic Policy: War Prospects Still Loom
Paris, France (AP)
French President CJ Blake issued a statement today which garunteed French support of the English military in the event of conflict actually breaking out in the former United Kingdom. Mr. Blake assured Prime Minister Sheffield that France desired a peaceful solution, but should the Scots and English find themselves in open conflict, the French would not back down from their responsibilities.
In another foreign policy move, Mr. Blake also endorsed the formation of the Balkan Union today, issuing a statement from which we obtained the following exerpt, "As of such, I wish to offer you whatever you deem necessary in order to bring such a desirable cause to reality, including but not limited to monetary aid, equipment, or the assistance of this government in brining this about." With the official endorsement of every major Western European nation, the Balkans will no doubt feel pressured to fall in behind Greece in the campaign for a unified penninsula. Thus far, talks proceding between the Greeks, Serbians, and Bulgarians have been relatively productive, and optimistic estimes point to the ratification of the treaty actually occurring early in 2002.
The third major foreign policy move from France came in the form of a petition for increased trade betwen Brazil and France. The French government has agreed to sell machinery, engineering and farming equipment, and other essential goods for a growing economy. In return, the Brazilians have agreed to the free trade of foods, chemicals, and raw materials. This move is likely to boost the French economy, and coupled with a recent tax hike, the French government is expected to soar economically over the next quarter. About the only projected event which could harm the French government would be the outbreak of war in England.
In a belligerant move, the French government placed their rapid action forces on full alert, and have dispatched the First French Submarine Unit to the waters off the coast of the Scotland-England boarder. Scotland has yet to reply to this move.
England Releases Statement on Position in Conflict: No Scottish Reply as of Yet
London, England (CNN)
My friend,
The UK seeks no war with anyone. however, at the moment it seems that war may be an eventual necessity. SCotland has refused us the right to monitor their miltitary construction, giving me the opinion that suspicious activity must be taking place... To me, these are clearly signs of war. Unless he can prove to me that this is just a big misunderstanding, its seems to me that the course of war is the only one which can be taken at the moment. Thank you for your support.
PM Sheffield
Scotland Petitions Commonwealth of Nations to Oust English
Edinburgh, Scotland (AP)
Scottish government officials announced Scottish plans to petition the Commonwealth to suspend England's membership due to England's recent invasion of another member's territorial waters. President Scott is reported as saying, "England has preached for so long to its fellow members about the pen being more powerful than the sword and using diplomacy before warlike action. I feel that a motion to suspend England from the Commonwealth would get a sympathetic hearing." Other nations have yet to make a decision, though things look decidedly gloomy for England's prospects.
Scotland Places Order for SAM Missiles from Nordic Union
Edinburgh, Scotland
Scottish military officials announced today intentions to purchase a large quantity of Surface to Air Missiles from Scotland's principal ally, the Nordic Union. Scotland hopes to both increase their own defensive cababilities from the English RAF (which nearly has the whole nation surrounded, and which is virtually larger than all effective Scottish combat units), but also to boost the economy of the Nordic Union. The shipments are due to arrive in Scotland within a matter of days, as due to the urgency of the order the Nordic Union has agreed to send pre-existing SAMs from their own boarders.
Israel Places Units on Full Alert, Suggest Independant Vatican-esque City-State in Jerusalem
Tel Aviv, Israel
Responding to recent Egyptian demands, the Israeli government has ordered all Israeli units to full stand-by, in hopes of deterring the incurring Egyptian forces. The Israeli government also proposed the creation of a seperate City-state in Jerusalem, to be governed by a triumverate of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish leaders. This move is highly unorthodox, and has brought criticizm from both Jews as well as Muslims. Egypt has yet to step down or advance against Israel. We will bring you more as it developes.
Scotland Broadcasts Images of England-Scotland Standoff
Edinburgh, Scotland
In attempts to stimulate intellectual debate over the matter in the English parliament, Scotland has launched a full-fledged media campaign to show the world exactly how the standoff is going. Unarmed Scottish boarder police are shown over the airwaves facing off against English Challenger IIs, and the media has been pumped full of images of Scottish shipyards with a looming backdrop of large numbers of massive English naval vessels. Scotland has also encouraged opposition to military action in the English parliament to speak out, and the large minority has become quite vocal in their opposition to Prime Minister Sheffield's recent actions. Only time will tell in what ways this will affect the situation between the two nations.
Ukranian peacekeeping vessels have departed today for Scottish ports, as Scotland has agreed to host the ships and to facilitate them with their required upkeep and fuel costs.
Summit Membership Extended to Nordic Union
Brussels, Belgium
In response to Scottish demands to counteract the French and German presense in the up-and-coming peace talks to take place in Geneva, Scotland's principal ally, the Nordic U nion, has been invited to the talks as well. In fact, all of Europe has been invited to participate in the talks, though only France, England, NU, Scotland, and Germany will be given full active voices in the American-chaired talks.
Ukraine Recieves Monetary Aid From United States
Kiev, Ukraine
The Ukraine recieved promises today of funds totalling $200,000 American to improve the infrastructure and communications conditions in the economically-struggling economy. This is expected to improve living conditions for Ukranians vastly, though much work will still be needed to place the military power into a place of economic influence.
Economics:
Europe: Last New Change
Germany 5,153 5,156 +3
France 4,056 4,284 +228
England 5,229 5,301 +72
Nordic Union 2,693 2,704 +11
Scotland 556 578 +22
Italy 4,362 4,211 -151
Spain 3,252 3,152 -100
Portugal 1,207 1,237 +30
Poland 1,056 1,054 -2
Ukraine 736 767 +31
Greece 1,047 1,052 +5
Asia:
Israel 2,254 2,362 +108
Iran 2,105 2,101 -4
China 6,121 6,134 +13
Japan 6,767 6,798 +31
Russia 3,104 3,129 +25
India 2,023 2,019 -4
Pakistan 1,800 1,789 -11
Indonesia 1,212 1,224 +12
Americas:
United States 6,635 6,736 +101
Canada 3,338 3,359 +21
Brazil 2,321 2,367 +46
Mexico 1,203 1,169 -34