Another Victory for the Cosmic Distractor

[Mr. President]

Ever heard of the "Island Motherland Freedom and Dignity Group"? Most people haven't. But they have apparently chosen this moment, with the crisis in Azan continuing and reporters running around everywhere, to speak up.

Perhaps they also believed the Karakan military to be preoccupied with its deployment in Azan. Several dozen armed members of the group are believed to be holed up on the lightly-inhabited island of Carlos Alberto, in the Marshall Islands. (Carlos Alberto is circled on the attached map.)

Residents of a small fishing village on the island reported that armed men landed in their village and took down the Karakan flag before proclaiming the Marshall Islands to be "independent and free of imperial Karakan rule". They then left the village and disappeared into the forest.

When SWAT officers arrived from Pearl Bay, there was no sign of the armed men, but a message had been left with the villagers.

We, the free people of the Marshall Islands, have suffered too long under the capitalist policies of Karakas which enrich mainlanders at the expense of our native population.

We declare Carlos Alberto to be our beachhead of liberty, from which point all of the islands shall be liberated.

Karakas must immediately withdraw its armed occupation forces and its illegal settlers from the Marshall Islands and must further recognize the Island Motherland Freedom and Dignity Group as the legitimate government of the Marshall Islands and pay them reparations of 1 billion Karakas Sovereigns.

SWAT officers and members of the Marshall Islands National Guard have closed the island to civilian traffic. As yet no operation has been launched against the gunmen (who still seem to be hiding in the forest in the center of Carlos Alberto). We'll bring you more news as it happens.

[Mr. President]

Forgot to attach the map.

[Mr. President]

Late last night, a marine commando unit dropped into the island to hunt out the group. Radio silence was maintained all night, during which time some of the locals claimed they heard gunfire in the distance.

Contact was re-established this morning. The commando unit reported shooting three of the gunmen. Authorities will be hoping the rest of the gunmen can be stopped in a timely manner, and one that minimizes damage to the Marshall Islands' reputation as a safe tourist destination.

[Rasputin]

poor natives !!!!!

[Mr. President]

With attention apparently distracted, the Marshall Islands National Guard has brought the siege to a swift end, with 23 gunmen apparently killed.

Left-wing student groups in Karakan universities immediately charged the troops with brutality in rallies and meetings.

The government has declared the situation "satisfactorily resolved" and an "isolated incident". It also does not seem to be expected to damage Karakas' chances of being awarded the 'Poly 2004 finals.

[ceroomaster]

Ceroo's government congratualtes the Karakan government on solving the crisis quickly.

The Marshall Islands have now been removed from the Cerooan government's 'black list' of destinations for citizens.


It has also been noted that tourist numbers on Isla d'Ibia, San Antonio Bay, have swelled dramatically recently, and that this may be as a direct result of the situation.

[Squeblish Nef?]

That's how you deal with insurgents, eh?
I prefer to capture as many as possible alive.
It's such a good deterrent, and keeps up the crowd numbers in the Pits of Chastisement.

[Rasputin]

Originally posted by ceroomaster
Ceroo's government congratualtes the Karakan government on solving the crisis quickly.

The Marshall Islands have now been removed from the Cerooan government's 'black list' of destinations for citizens.


It has also been noted that tourist numbers on Isla d'Ibia, San Antonio Bay, have swelled dramatically recently, and that this may be as a direct result of the situation.

Auldonina is shocked that ceroo supprts this death of natives...

[Mr. President]

"I would be delighted to hear how the elimination of 23 insurgent gunmen who threatened the local fishermen's livelihoods and the Marshall Islands' tourist trade constitutes 'death of natives' or a similar crime."

-- Rafael de Vries,
Marshall Islands Secretary for Trade and Diplomacy

[Rasputin]

i dont mind it would be how i would hanfle the situation.. but always surprising when some nations who seem peaceful applaud use of force.... they usually would say negotiate or give them some autonomy

[Mr. President]

Oh, I see. No hard feelings

Actually, Karakas has a proud tradition of building its army - and using it.

[Squeblish Nef?]

Heh. Al Mastif's using its army right now.
They're torturing Estiirians, but you lot don't know that!

[Mr. President]

The Marshall Islands Tourism Bureau admitted that its visitor figures were decreased due to the Carlos Alberto incident.

"Our loss is San Antonio's gain," said Tourism Secretary Eric Heitinga. "Not like San Antonio doesn't get a lot of tourists anyway."

He also said he expected it to be quite some time before visitor numbers reached their previous levels, but seemed able to see the lighter side, according to reporters.

"We'll definitely be hoping for good fishing and rubber crops this year," Heitinga joked.

[ceroomaster]

The Cerooan government disregards the Auldoninnans' comments. Saying that the deaths for of 'natives' is irrelevant and trying to imply Ceroo supports the murder of civilians. It is our belief that once one has taken up arms, one is no longer a civilian, Ceroo appluaded the quick action of the Karakan government, which prevented civilian casualties. The fact that these insurgents were dealt with in such a manner is their own fault for taking up arms against the legitimate government. Whilst we would have preferred a peaceful resolution, ending the situation quickly before further incident is preferable...