Geopolity

Annual Union Progress Address - 2024+1 - "Hopeful progress"
_{Archbishop, Prime Minister and Ministers outline progress over the last year.}

The Annual Union Progress Address, which has taken place since 1993 was widely anticipated given the changes over the last year especially after a delay due to administrative and statistical issues. With Ministers and States Council members sitting along a table behind the lectern, the Archbishop, Prime Minister, and Ministers took their turn at updating on the general progress of the Union.

Head of State, The Archbishop of Cape Town, His Grace, Thabo Ndungan, introduced the event calling for "continued hard work and unity within and between our nations" and congratulating the populace for their entrepreneurism and efforts. His Grace spoke about how the UZA was "finding it's place in the world, with defence and economic partnerships that can endure."

The Prime Minister, Mr Bulani Mbeki, then took the lectern and updated on the federal government's programmes which include big investments in infrastructure, military capability, industrial strategy and rail. Headline growth was 4.22% year on year with nominal GDP now at 612.81bn USD with population estimates at 80.36mn people, of which around 50mn were documented citizens active in the economy.

The economy had "almost completely re-aligned away from the Global Security Association 2 in the face of their excessive protectionism and tariffs and towards -Empire of Japan- The United British Kingdom, Zeleniya the Europe through initiatives such as the Atlantic Battery Alliance ".

The impact of the International Trade Association had been very positive in increasing trade with unaligned and western nations in the face of GSA trade aggression. By setting maximum tariffs, trade had increased with and with Indhiya Imperial Eagle and other unaligned nations such as Banglades h.

Specific initiatives that were starting to pay dividends included On-shored lithium processing and Improved terms with De Beers.

Mbeki handed over to Minister for Mining and Natural Resources, Mr Devondo Alweendo who said that "Next year should see benefits coming through from increased lithium exports, BP Gas and Oil Investment and inward investment from global brands such as
Toyota of Japan".

Defence Minister - Mr Kagiso Mamila then gave an update on armed forces renewal.
the UZA has now taken delivery of 18 HAL JAF-17 Thunder, with pilot training ongoing. 18 Dornier 228 transport planes are now in service. The generous contribution of Kawasaki C1s from Japan for electronic warfare have now replaced the C-47 Dakotas dating from the 1950s. 16 Bataleur helicopters are now in service.

The Challenger II tank, licensed from the United Kingdom is now in serial production.

The Air force is considering the future of the domestically produced Rooivalk Attack helicopter. The 15 current airframes date back to the 1990s. A new version could provide a low cost long range patrol and interception capability. This would include updated avionics and materials, foreign partners are being sought to reduce the unit costs.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure - Jack Burgher updated on future social projects. The learning points and information received from the current visit to Flourishing Southlands was being considered. Of specific note was their approach to welfare and providing banking to the unbanked.

Ministers, civil servants and the States Council were deliberating on a 'new contract' which would be put to the vote in election dues next year. This is likely to include a UZA version of initiatives to make bank accounts more accessible, business easier to set up and simplifying pensions and benefits with simple cash payments with simpler means testing.

The event was officially ended by the Archbishop who thanked the speakers, the audience and the people of the Union at large and lead a reciting of the Lords Prayer.

Japanese Embassy in Russia - Formal Notice to the Russian Federation Government

Due to events happening in Karafuto and members of the Imperial Family being in Karafufo this notice is to inform the Russian Federation government that any Russian military aircraft or ship that violates Japanese sovereign airspace and territorial waters in and around Karafuto will either be shot down or sunk.

Sincerely,
Ambassador Hideki Fusi
Japanese Ambassador to the Russian Federation

Annual Japanese Nuclear Weapons Report

The Ministry of Defense has released the following information regarding Japan’s nuclear weapons:

Total number of nuclear capable missiles: 64 Trident II Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles

Total number of nuclear warheads: 320 W-88 475kt nuclear warheads. 5 W-88 Warheads on each trident missile.

Total number of submarines that launch the ballistic missiles: 4 Nuclear Ballistic Submarines (Columbia Class)

=-= TENSIONS RISE WITHIN THE PROGRESS PARTY ON THE TOPIC OF POLITICAL PARTIES. =-=
Date: 07/05/2024.

What's happening?

With the recent political reforms, Adwilaur accidentally embraced the legalisation of political parties, ending years of a non-partisan system and democratic centralism. From this legalisation, two large parties formed, among others. The largest of these is the Progress Party. However, fractures are already appearing within the membership as two broad camps have broken out into heated debate and discussion. Should Adwilaur continue with this newfound relationship with political parties? Or should it correct the mistake and return to a non-partisan system?

The case against political parties.

Making up the majority camp, there are the so-called 'Returners', who want to return to a system of non-partisan democracy and democratic centralism, albeit modified to fit with the new federal and presidential structure of the country. Their argument is that Adwilaur was never supposed to embrace political parties, and that the country has always viewed them as divisive bodies that turn people against each other. They state that Adwilaur seeks to create a cooperative democracy, with unified goals, and for that reason, Adwilaur should not accept political parties, and should remove them at once.

The case for political parties.

On the other side of the issue, you will find the so-called 'Reformers', who seek to embrace the political parties, and adopt them as a permanent feature of the Adwilaurian system. They are, however, just slightly in the minority. It would appear that although the Progress Party was quick to form, many of it's members joined in a type of protest, to tear it up from the inside. The Reformers say that political parties would give people additional choices, and that a more competitive democracy might actually be beneficial.

So, what next?

It's uncertain what will happen next. The Progress Party holds a majority in the APA, and many sitting representatives are Returners. It's therefore very possible that legislation could be proposed to return Adwilaur to a non-partisan system, but only time will tell. It's almost certain, that if that does occur, the Reformers will fight back.

Statement on the Historical Annexation of Russian Federatsya’s Territory 08/05/2024

The Government of Dniesteria has undertaken a comprehensive review of the historical events surrounding the annexation of Sakhalin Island by -Empire of Japan- in 1905. This examination has raised significant concerns regarding the conditions under which this annexation was carried out, indicating that it may have occurred under duress.

The principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are core elements of international law and order, as emphasized in numerous international agreements and resolutions since that time. It is crucial that historical actions, which have long-standing implications on regional stability and national identity, are reassessed to ensure they align with these enduring principles.

Given the historical context and the potential implications of the annexation conducted under duress, Dniesteria calls for a formal review of the circumstances surrounding this event. We believe it is imperative for Russia and Japan to engage in bilateral discussions aimed at addressing the consequences of the 1905 annexation. Such a dialogue should seek to explore avenues for a resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of all affected parties and adheres to the principles of international law.

Dniesteria is prepared to offer its assistance in facilitating such discussions, should it be deemed helpful by both Russia and Japan. We advocate for a resolution that not only acknowledges historical contexts but also fosters reconciliation and peace in the region.

We hope that by addressing these historical issues in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation, we can contribute to the establishment of a lasting peace and respect for international norms.