|
|
 |
Tundukubwan Parliament Defeats Motion for Independence
1 March, 2303 The Colonial Parliament of the Azanian colony of Tundukubwa on Tirane today defeated a motion calling for steps toward independence. The motion, introduced by flamboyant industrialist and MP Absalom Thabani, failed by a vote of 65 to 27, with eight abstentions. The amendment called for a colony-wide vote for the breaking of governmental ties with Azania on 1 July of this year. President Lansing Intembe of Azania expressed his pleasure over the result, vowing to visit Tundukubwa within the near future to discuss the Tundukubwan citizens' complaints. Prime Minister Tanik Verwoerd had no prepared statement, but expressed his satisfaction that, "...the parliament of Tundukubwa understands the need for unity at this time." Colonial Governor Adeline Urimbo, long a political opponent of Thabani, applauded the vote as well, declaring 1 July, the day of the intended vote, a colonial holiday to, "Celebrate our Azanian heritage. Absalom Thabani and his political allies expressed disappointment, but vowed to renew their efforts to press for Tundukubwan independence in the future. When asked about President Intembe's promise of a visit, Thabani replied, "Well, you see, Intembe may come, but no one from Earth can truly understand the issues facing Tundukubwa, nor is it in their interests to understand. Unfortunately for Lansing Intembe, I am not interested in his interests, if you see what I mean." Responding to questions of whether Tundukubwa was not better served by the protection of a mother country in light of the recent war with the hostile Kafers, Thabani replied, "I would feel [safer] depending on my fellow citizens of Tundukubwa...rather than depending on the impulses of a far-away government." Political observers on Tirane were not surprised by the motion, as Tundukubwa has long maintained a high degree of independence from Azania and has, in recent years, become largely self-sufficient. Leading industrialists and business magnates of Tundukubwa, such as Thabani, have been highly critical of Azania's policies toward her colonies. In particular, many manufacturers have been frustrated with Azania's export policies, wishing to increase business with Manchurian colonies up the Chinese Arm of Human space; currently, Azanian policies encourage trade with ESA colonies and nations via significantly reduced tariffs and government purchase programs. In addition, Tundukubwans have often expressed displeasure at the lack of investment in economic development and infrastructure on Tirane. President Intembe is expected to discuss these issues and others in his as-yet-unscheduled visit. Sandoval Gutierrez
|
|
 |
 Azania to Present Motion to Admit Ukraine to ESA President Lansing Intembe today stated his intention to nominate the Ukraine for membership in the European Space Agency (ESA) following an informal request by the Ukrainian Ambassador to Azania. "The Ukraine has proven its value to the spacefaring nations of the ESA and the rest of Humanity in the recent conflict with the Amaphela (Kafers - ed.), and I feel it is time that the ESA expand its membership. In the face of the cooperation we all must provide to repel these invaders, I feel that it is imperative for the ESA to strengthen its commitment to the welfare of the colonies within its sphere of influence." The Azanian government has been critical of the treatment afforded the Ukraine and, in particular, Ukraine's Admiral Borodin, whose actions prevented the ultimate fall of Aurore and the gateway to Human space. During the recent Kafer invasion, Prime Minister Tanik Verwoerd of Azania made public comments denouncing the, "Shabby treatment of Borodin by the French Space Naval Command despite Borodin's notable achievements and obvious tactical and strategic genius." Verwoerd later retracted the comments under heavy diplomatic pressure, but has reportedly made critical remarks in private since that time. Japan has reacted favorably to the impending motion, while the French ESA delegation released a terse statement reading: "We do not wish to comment on any motions before they are formally presented to the ESA Board of Directors." The British government released the following statement: "Her Majesty's Government will certainly welcome Ukraine as the sixth member of the ESA Board of Directors. We understand that Azania and Japan have already reacted positively and we urge the two other permanent members to do so." The German government has yet to respond, although historically the Ukraine and Germany have been on good terms diplomatically; only the cooperation historically known between France and the Ukraine may stand in the way of full German approval. The ESA Board of Directors is expected to reconvene after the lifting of the Interdiction Diplomatique decreed by France in the interests of post-invasion reconstruction. Joseph Kintale
|
