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Purple State
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« on: August 18, 2009, 09:26:03 PM »
« edited: February 22, 2010, 12:32:17 AM by GM Purple State »

Welcome to the pages of the Atlasia Dispatch-Herald, the number one source for national, regional, financial and foreign news and information.

This thread will serve exclusively for the posting of articles. For comments please visit the Atlasia Dispatch-Herald's news unit next door.

Also check out the Dispatch-Herald's Wiki page here.



Pending News Queue:
ItemStatus
Regional newsX

X = posted; C = completed, pending post



Tentative Schedule for Recurring Reports:

Topic: Schedule; Next expected release

Federal Revenue/Expenditures: The second Wednesday of every other month; December 9
Regional Budgets: The second week biannually; February 7-12
LIBOR/Prime, Bonds: The last Thursday of every other month; December 31 (Don't expect it Tongue)
Employment/Unionization: The first day of every other month, with regional numbers the following day; December 1, 2
Population: The first day of every year; January 1
Retail Sales: The first Tuesday of every other month; November 3
Consumer Spending: The first Monday of every other month; December 7
Consumer Confidence: The fourth Thursday of every other month; November 26
Housing Data: The second Friday of every other month; November 13
Durable Goods/Factory Orders: The last Monday of every other month; November 30
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2009, 09:30:21 PM »
« Edited: August 19, 2009, 12:08:52 AM by GM Purple State »

Economic and Financial News

Atlasian National Stock Exchange Opens
GM Purple state today announced the opening of the Atlasian National Stock Exchange (ANSE), Atlasia’s first such exchange for trading financial products. Asserting the nation’s independence from the United States, Atlasians flocked to the ANSE to buy up local stock.

ANSE     1,000  (Unch)

Financial Indicators
  • $1 Atlasian = $1 U.S.
  • Unemployment = 10%
  • Crude Oil = $70/barrel
  • Revenues = $2.3 trillion; Expenses = $3.6 trillion
  • GDP = $14 trillion
  • Trade Deficit = $700 billion
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2009, 09:32:34 PM »

Regional News

Lt. Governor Race in Pacific Causes Excitement, Protests
Over the past few weeks the Pacific has seen more excitement than ever before in recent memory. What has long been and is still considered a stronghold for the Jesus Christ Party, the region seemed unsure how to react to the candidacy of Hamilton, a member of the Regional Protection Party.

Since his announcement, Hamilton was met with doubts. Shortly after, prominent JCP member Ebowed threw his hat into the race. With massive JCP turnout expected, this was thought to cinch the race for the former President; however, RPP members seemed determined to turn the tide in the Pacific, with Hamilton supporters streaming to the region to register to vote.

With tensions building, confrontation appeared inevitable. After a number of back-and-forth attacks and counter-attacks from the campaigns, supporters began to turn out at opposition protests en masse. While at first these appeared small and isolated in character, they soon led to confrontation and some reports of injuries. Police quickly stepped in to maintain order at campaign stops for the candidates.

Since the initial confrontations matters have calmed and the campaigns have refrained from fanning the flames any further. The authorities remain on high-alert for the remainder of the campaign to break up fights and address any credible security threats that may arise on and before election day.
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Purple State
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« Reply #3 on: August 18, 2009, 09:34:58 PM »

National News

Atlasian National Healthcare Act Goes Into Effect
The following are the relevant statistics for the Atlasian National Healthcare Act as passed by the Senate:

Current number of uninsured Atlasians =  40 million
Projected # uninsured under Act = 25 million
Projected # to join ANHCP = 285 million

Projected 10 year cost of Act = $3.4 trillion
Projected 10 year revenue from Act = $3.45 trillion

Analysis
With an available universal program under the Act, this office projects that 25 million currently uninsured Atlasians will receive health insurance coverage with the passage of this Act. Without individual mandates or subsidies to cover premiums for the poor, few poor Atlasians will join the new government program, despite the absence of co-payments and deductibles. With no mandate and new taxes on benefits, those wealthy Atlasians who had refrained from purchasing an insurance plan now have a disincentive from buying in, while middle and upper-middle class Atlasians are somewhat more likely to drop their insurance plan.

Taxes on benefits with the absence of any mandates are likely to result in many employers dropping coverage. Some smaller insurance companies will also be forced to downsize or close due to new requirements to cover those with previous medical conditions and rules preventing them from providing certain basic services. This office projects a loss of $50 million to $250 million in economic activity in this area over ten years.

However, because businesses will no longer be burdened with providing health insurance coverage, projected wages over the next ten years are substantially higher, especially for those who make between $60,000 and $125,000 annually. In addition, the lightened load on businesses, especially smaller ones, will increase economic activity by approximately $700 million over five years.

While most people will proceed to purchase insurance through the exchange, most relying on the universal ANHCP, an estimated 10 million will refrain from buying new insurance. This nets approximately 15 million additional Atlasians with health coverage.

While the cost of the Act and projected number to join government run health care programs seem high, these numbers include the people and funding transferred from Medicare and Medicaid. It also includes those who previously had private insurance, but were transferred to coverage under the government program. Without those numbers, the cost is closer to $1.4 trillion and revenue equivalent to $1.45 trillion over ten years.
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Purple State
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« Reply #4 on: August 18, 2009, 09:43:25 PM »
« Edited: August 18, 2009, 09:52:40 PM by GM Purple State »

Foreign News

Reports Link Venezuela to FARC Rebels in Colombia
A report by the international Human Rights Watch, as well as a Department of External Affairs investigative report has found clear ties between Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s military arm and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels.

The news has sparked international criticism, with the Global Treaty Organization, consisting of Atlasia, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, India, Japan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom expressing major concern and formally requesting that Chavez cease all connections to the group.

Colombia has gone a step further, vowing action against Venezuelan agents believed to be aiding FARC rebel groups on the ground in Colombia. However, the GTO has yet to back Colombia up with support and the Atlasian Department of External Affairs has not yet commented.

On the other side, Chavez has vehemently denied any form of tangible support to the FARC while continuing to espouse his absolute support for their intentions. Referring to Atlasia as “Yankee occupiers,” Chavez said that the FARC was necessary to undermine Atlasian influence in Latin America. Meanwhile, Chavez ordered the delivery of a dozen more Russian tanks and stationed armed military personnel along the large Colombian border.
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Purple State
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« Reply #5 on: August 19, 2009, 10:04:02 AM »

Here is this morning's news...

Foreign News

Chavez Undeterred
In a show of defiance to the international community, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez challenged Atlasia and the Global Treaty Organization (GTO) in a televised and radio address early Wednesday morning over the state-owned television and radio stations.

Referring to what he dubbed “elitist interference,” Chavez denounced the pronouncements of the various foreign ministers and secretaries of the GTO member nations, singling out Atlasian Secretary of External Affairs HappyWarrior as an “imperialist crusader.”

In more troubling developments, Chavez continued to militarize the border with Columbia, with a number of Venezuelan armored divisions seen making their way towards the vast border area.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe was quick to accept the support of SoEA HappyWarrior, echoing the Atlasian secretary’s statement, saying that “Venezuelan saber-rattling” would not be tolerated and would be met with “equal and unyielding force.” As President Uribe said these words, Colombian forces could be seen mobilizing along the Venezuelan-Colombian border.
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Purple State
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« Reply #6 on: August 19, 2009, 10:30:12 AM »

Quick regional update, more later today or tomorrow on regional budgets...

Regional News

Mideast to Enact “Freedom to Roam” Law; Northeast Continues to Work At Reform
The Mideast Assembly today seemed poised to pass a “Freedom to Roam” law that would allow travelers and campers to “access, use, and pass through” private land exceeding 400 acres.

An initial slew of opposition to the bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Swedish Cheese (DA), resulted in a flurry of amendments that would increase the restrictions on what land could be used under the bill’s provisions. It is expected that the bill would open up around 75,000 km2 of land in the region. Now the question remains whether Governor Inks (RPP), who had previously voiced his concern that the bill is a “violation of private property,” will sign “Freedom to Roam” into law.

In other news, the Northeast continues to enact much needed regional reform, entering its second month of negotiations on the subject. While seemingly closer than ever thanks to the combined, tri-partisan efforts of Lt. Governor Barnes (DA), Regional Party Chairman RowanBrandon (RPP), and Frenchman Antonio V (JCP), opposition still remains on the specifics of reform. A vote is expected sometime in the next two weeks.
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Purple State
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« Reply #7 on: August 19, 2009, 03:00:21 PM »

With the markets closing at the bell, here is today's financial news...

Economic and Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     1,023  +23 (2.3%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99952 U.S. (-0.00048)
  • Crude Oil = $70.65/barrel +0.65 (0.9%)

Analysis:
With the passage of major legislation by the Senate meant to buoy the economy, Atlasian stocks received a sizable bump as investors begin to re-enter the market.

The Atlasian Dollar fell slightly against the U.S. Dollar as some economists have begun to vocalize worries about future budget crises as a result of the sizable deficits projected over the next few years.

Crude Oil prices took a slight bounce as commodities have become noticeably more expensive. Mostly a result of the falling Atlasian Dollar, commodities are expected to continue to rise as the global economic crisis tapers off and market demand is restored.
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Purple State
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« Reply #8 on: August 20, 2009, 09:41:26 AM »
« Edited: August 20, 2009, 09:48:21 AM by GM Purple State »

Regional News

Regional Budgets Released
For the first time in Atlasian history the budgets of each region were released to the GM. They will be released in the order of largest to smallest over the course of the next few days:

Pacific: This region has revenue of $850 billion and expenses of $900 billion, resulting in a deficit of $50 billion. The deficit is mostly a result of generous spending with lagging sources of revenue, exacerbated by the current economic crisis. With approximately $200 billion in stimulus funding likely to reach the Pacific in the next one and one half years, this office recommends an additional region-wide income tax increase of 1.5% on all brackets or an equivalent progressive increase in tax rates to balance the budget and maintain adequate spending to alleviate the recession.
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Purple State
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« Reply #9 on: August 20, 2009, 09:46:42 AM »
« Edited: August 20, 2009, 09:51:17 AM by GM Purple State »

Foreign News

SoEA HappyWarrior Visits Colombia, Meets With President Uribe
Atlasian Secretary of External Affairs HappyWarrior visited Colombia today in a show of support for the close ally as the nation prepares for a tense standoff with neighboring Venezuela.

The trip was announced just minutes before the SoEA boarded a flight headed for Bogota, Colombia’s capital. HappyWarrior met with President Alvaro Uribe, as well as with Foreign Affairs Minister Jaime Bermudez and Defense Minister Gabriel Silva Luján.

After visiting troops stationed at the Colombia-Venezuela border, HappyWarrior and Uribe held a joint press conference in which the SoEA stressed Atlasia’s reemergence on the world stage.The SoEA also made a point to alert Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez that he is on a short leash and should be cautious in his next move.

President Uribe in his remarks mentioned the close ties between Colombia and Atlasia, referring to a “bond of mutual trust” between the two nations and stressing Colombia’s record as a free, democratic nation. Perhaps most tellingly, Uribe capitalized on Atlasia’s recent backing of Colombia, returning throughout the press conference to Atlasia’s “commitment” to and “support” for Colombia.


President Uribe’s full statement is translated below:
“Good afternoon everyone,

I would like to thank Secretary HappyWarrior for coming to Colombia. This visit is an important sign of the bond of mutual trust between Atlasia and Colombia.

Earlier today the Secretary and I had a chance to visit some of the soldiers stationed here along the border. He then expressed to me the support of his President Lief against the hostile aggression of Hugo Chavez. Atlasia has reaffirmed their commitment to a safe and secure Colombia where democracy reigns and tyranny is denied.

I, along with my Defense and Foreign Ministers, spoke at length with HappyWarrior about where Atlasia stands in this conflict, and he has clearly stated that Atlasia stands with us! No exceptions!

Today, Atlasia and Colombia stand together as partners, steadfast in our unity. The support of Atlasia has been instrumental in combating the FARC and we will continue to fight the rebellion and those who support it, whether financially or by harboring radical agents.

Thank you.”
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Purple State
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« Reply #10 on: August 20, 2009, 11:35:55 AM »

Adopted from an AP article...

Foreign News

AP: Term Limits in Columbia Set to Be Extended
BOGOTA (AP) -- Colombia's Senate voted today to pass a bill calling for a referendum on whether to change the constitution to allow President Alvaro Uribe to run for a third term.

The measure, which is to be voted on by the lower House next week, was approved 56-2 by senators after deputies from two opposition parties left the 102-member chamber. The opposition acknowledged earlier that they lacked the support to block the bill.

If the lower House approves the bill, it would then be submitted to the Constitutional Court, which would have three months to determine if the referendum was legal. Prospects for its passage through the lower House and Constitutional Court are uncertain.

The referendum would ask voters if Colombia should modify its constitution to allow presidents to run for two consecutive re-elections. The current constitution, which was already modified once to let Uribe run for a second four-year term, allows for a single immediate re-election.

Colombia's next election is in May 2010, and Uribe has not yet said publicly if he will run for a third term. It is almost certain that the matter was raised during SoEA HappyWarrior’s meeting with Uribe.

Uribe, a conservative closely allied with Nyman, is highly popular for reducing Colombia's murder and kidnapping rates and putting leftist rebels on the defensive. But critics have urged him to step aside, saying eight years is enough and a healthy democracy requires alternating leadership. However, the current confrontation with Venezuela is likely to make a powerful case for continuity in the Colombian government.
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Purple State
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« Reply #11 on: August 20, 2009, 03:27:48 PM »

You financial report for today...

Economic and Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     1,016  -6 (0.59%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99785 U.S. (-0.00167)
  • Crude Oil = $73.54/barrel +2.89 (4.1%)

Analysis:
Atlasian stocks fell slightly as questions arise about the future direction of the Senate. While investors show confidence that current measures will be effective, many are unsure what shape additional measures may take as Atlasians prepare to head to the polls on Friday. The decline was tempered by significant bounces in energy stocks, rising as the price of oil rocketed Thursday.

The Atlasian Dollar continued to weaken as energy and commodity prices pinched consumers and businesses.

Crude Oil prices jumped significantly, rising over four percent in one day as tensions with Venezuela continued to simmer. Venezuela supplies just over 10 percent of Atlasian petroleum imports.
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Purple State
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« Reply #12 on: August 21, 2009, 10:53:27 AM »

Regional News

Regional Budgets Released
For the first time in Atlasian history the budgets of each region were released to the GM. They will be released in the order of largest to smallest over the course of the next few days:

Northeast: This region has revenue of $780 billion and expenses of $780 billion, resulting in a balanced budget. The reduction of the budget surplus to a balanced budget is mostly a result of a decline in revenues due to the impact of the economic crisis on Wall St., the largest industry in the region. However, without a credit crisis alleviation package yet passed by the Senate, this office recommends proactive actions by the regional government, including the use of most of the stimulus funding to bailout troubled financial industries. In addition, a one-time tax credit for small businesses and middle-income workers could help in the long-run, despite creating a small short-term deficit budget.
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Purple State
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« Reply #13 on: August 21, 2009, 10:58:18 AM »

National News

High Speed Rail Construction Underway!
This past April the Senate passed and then-President bgwah signed the High Speed Rail Act, sponsoring the construction of “railroad tracks designed for high speed electrically operated trains running up to 250 km/h (156 mph).”

The legislation plans routes between St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL; Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA and New York, NY and Boston, MA; San Francisco, CA and Los Angeles, CA; and Dallas, TX and Houston, TX. After months of planning, construction has begun on the line between St. Louis and Chicago, placing the cornerstone of what will be an expansive network of paths connecting major Atlasian cities. Sooner than most expected, those charged with implementing the Act attributed much of the early start to the $30 billion in stimulus funding designated for the project, allowing more of the funds allocated thus far to be pushed up.

Many analysts believe that the HSR Act is an achievement of great foresight by the Senate, putting into effect a new nationwide source of construction employment just as the worst economic crisis in recent memory was setting in. In fact, some have gone so far as to dub the Thirtieth Senate one of the great sessions in Atlasian history in terms of quality of legislation, noting the HSR Act as well as the Help Atlasia Study Act of 2009, the Voting While Banned Act and the Middle East Peace Act of 2009.

Although it is not yet clear how big the impact of the HSR Act will be on the construction industry, it can be expected to create upwards of half a million jobs around the nation, dropping the unemployment rate in construction well below the current level of 25 percent.
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Purple State
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« Reply #14 on: August 21, 2009, 05:12:49 PM »
« Edited: August 21, 2009, 05:25:00 PM by GM Purple State »

Economic and Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     1,000.50  -15.50 (1.53%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99799 U.S. (+0.00014)
  • Crude Oil = $74.79/barrel +1.25 (1.7%)

Analysis:
Atlasian stocks fell with the usual Friday sell-off. Indicators for the weekend are unclear, as investors wait patiently for news on the ongoing Senate elections. There are deep worries in Atlasia about the future direction of the Senate, as investors fear that major legislation may be repealed or that the Senate will fail to properly address remaining problems confronting the nation during the economic crisis. The markets are now closed until Monday.

The Atlasian Dollar was slightly up as other currencies took hits due to the global recession.

Crude Oil prices continued to rise, but at a much slower rate than the previous day, likely resulting from the quiet news day from South America.
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« Reply #15 on: August 22, 2009, 09:32:52 PM »

Regional News

Regional Budgets Released
For the first time in Atlasian history the budgets of each region were released to the GM. They will be released in the order of largest to smallest over the course of the next few days:

Mideast: This region has revenue of $600 billion and expenses of $680 billion, resulting in a deficit of $80 billion. The deficit is mostly a result of the current economic crisis, which has hit the region harder than most. While the numbers currently seem reasonable, this office projects that Mideast industries, especially the automotive industry, will continue to falter beyond the end of the current recession. With that in mind, it is highly recommended that the region directly inject all stimulus money into local industries, cut the corporate tax in half and operate in an increased deficit economy for the near future. This office also urges the federal government to direct an additional $50 billion to $100 billion to the Midwest over the next year to alleviate the region’s budgetary woes.
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Purple State
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« Reply #16 on: August 23, 2009, 09:28:05 AM »

Regional News

Regional Budgets Released
For the first time in Atlasian history the budgets of each region were released to the GM. They will be released in the order of largest to smallest over the course of the next few days:

Southeast: This region has revenue of $480 billion and expenses of $500 billion, resulting in a deficit of $20 billion. The deficit is mostly a result of minimal taxation along with, at times, lavish spending initiatives. The damage to the manufacturing and agriculture industries in the current economic crisis has also hurt the region. This office, first and foremost, recommends cuts in major projects deemed unnecessary to the economy of the region. In addition, a temporary region-wide income tax increase of 3% on all brackets or an equivalent increase in tax rates should help balance the region’s budget. Stimulus money should be spent predominantly to help the troubled industries in the Southeast.
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« Reply #17 on: August 23, 2009, 09:28:58 AM »

Foreign News

Analysts Say GTO Expansion Faces Premature Drama
With the Senate looking into expanding the Global Treaty Organization, many analysts say the drama unfolding in the chamber may be premature and, in some cases, dangerous to Atlasia’s international image.

The GTO, a group made up of democratic nations committed to international progress and peace, is currently made up of Atlasia, Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Germany, India, Japan, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Entrance into the GTO requires a petition from a country, followed by acceptance by four-fifths of current member nations.

Now the Senate is ramping up debate on a package to extend membership to a number of countries, possibly including the European Union, Argentina, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Chile and Israel. However, some are voicing concern that Atlasia is moving unilaterally, not even consulting the nations it is seeking to include in the GTO.

A member of the Australian delegation, asking to remain anonymous per diplomatic protocol, said that he had confirmed that “some of the nations Atlasia seeks to include just are not interested in membership.” These included Argentina, which has been aligning closer and closer with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez , as well as Israel, usually cautious about joining international organizations.

Others argue that Atlasia may do more harm to itself than good by having these discussions prematurely. German representative to the GTO Franz Heidrich, sounding more than somewhat annoyed, said “Atlasia has pushed forward on this without a word of consultation with the other member nations.”

Meanwhile, public misgivings in the Senate about the inclusion of some nations in the bill have sparked angry responses from government officials. An aide to the Israeli Foreign Minister, who asked to remain nameless, remarked that the language coming from the Senate floor was “ an absolute affront” and “damaging to Israel’s standing as an upright and free democratic nation.”

In an interview for this article, Atlasian SoEA HappyWarrior, without offering a direct quote, did indicate that he would soon initiate an outreach campaign to smooth the situation over. He said he would seek to assure member nations that Atlasia had not intended on acting alone, but was rather looking to begin the preliminary stages of the process. HappyWarrior also plans on visiting the nations mentioned in the bill to lobby them to join the GTO.

While the bill has not yet been finalized, the Senate may be wise to tone down the rhetoric and buckle down before the attempt at broadening international partnership damages Atlasia's standing irreparably.
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« Reply #18 on: August 24, 2009, 09:08:15 AM »

Your welcome HappyWarrior...Wink

Foreign News

Unrest In Somalia Spills Into Gulf of Aden
Major troubles confronted Somalia’s Transitional Federal President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed as well-armed militias have begun to make more deliberate encroachments into Mogadishu, the capital.

The conflict in Somalia has also translated into problems for the international community, as piracy in the Gulf of Aden has gone unregulated. Efforts by Atlasia and other nations with vital financial interests in the successful transport of goods through the Gulf have committed funds and military resources in an attempt to stem the growing trend.

Despite the efforts, the unrest in Somalia has resulted in over 100 reports of attempted or successful hijackings in the Gulf of Aden so far this year. Many more instances of piracy are expected as the seas in the region calm after the annual storm months pass.
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« Reply #19 on: August 24, 2009, 09:10:05 AM »

Last, but not least...

Regional News

Regional Budgets Released
For the first time in Atlasian history the budgets of each region were released to the GM. This is the last region:

Midwest: This region has revenue of $350 billion and expenses of $360 billion, resulting in a deficit of $10 billion. The deficit is mostly a result of the current economic crisis, which has hit the agriculture industry especially hard. This office recommends that half of the stimulus funding provided be used to prop up farmers and related sectors.
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« Reply #20 on: August 24, 2009, 04:11:32 PM »

Foreign News

President Lief Recognizes Western Sahara; International Reactions Mixed
A few hours ago President Lief at a press conference in Nyman announced that Atlasia would now recognize the sovereignty of Western Sahara.

The dispute over Western Sahara began in the 1970’s as Spain sought to disengage from the former colonial territory. Upon departing, the nations of Morocco and Mauritania annexed portions of the territory, rather than enter under a tripartite arrangement with the Polisario Front, the main independence movement in the region, as had been envisioned by Spain’s General Francisco Franco.

Since that time, numerous efforts at advancing Western Saharan independence from Morocco have stalled, much to the chagrin and anger of the Polisario Front.

The news of President Lief’s announcement was met by mixed reactions from the international community.

President Mohamed Abdelaziz, leader of the Polisario Front that seeks autonomy as the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in Western Sahara, greeted the news with much fanfare, saying that Atlasia’s recognition is “a huge step towards instituting full and free independence for the SADR people.”

Meanwhile, Moroccan King Mohammed VI was infuriated, saying that Atlasia had acted “foolishly” and attacking President Lief for “continuing to make unilateralism the norm.” However, the Global Treaty Organization stood behind the President’s actions, with representatives from some member states attending the earlier press conference.

The Arab League, on the other hand, was cold to the announcement, refusing to send representatives to the press conference and releasing a number of statements supporting Morocco in its actions in Western Sahara.

While it is unclear what impact the President’s words will have and what action Atlasia plans to take in support of the Polisario Front, it is clear that the struggle for independence in the region is far from over.
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« Reply #21 on: August 24, 2009, 04:15:43 PM »

Financial News

Financial Indicators
  • ANSE     1,006  +5.50 (0.55%)
  • $1 Atlasian = $0.99645 U.S. (-0.00154)
  • Crude Oil = $74.04/barrel -0.75 (1.0%)
  • Libor = 4.2075; OIS = 0.96
  • Prime Rate = 4.5
  • 3-Month Government Bond Yields = 0.218
    6-Month Government Bond Yields = 0.722
    2-Year Government Bond Yields = 1.42
    10-Year Government Bond Yields = 3.45

Analysis:
The ANSE rose slightly at the news that the Senate’s composition would remain relatively stable. Investors, hoping that the incoming Senate will continue to address economic matters, were comforted by the stability, as it was the previous Senate that passed major health care reform and the economic stimulus bill.

The Atlasian Dollar continued its falling trend as regional budget numbers have appeared worse than expected.

Oil fell slightly after rising nearly six percent in one week. This is likely a result of the lack of tense news coming from Venezuela.

The split between the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and the Overnight Index Swap (OIS) rate is 3.2475 and growing. The rising LIBOR indicates that banks believe the other banks they are lending to have a higher risk of defaulting on the loans so they are charging a higher interest rate to offset this risk. It also tells us that the credit markets are not functioning as smoothly as they could be.
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« Reply #22 on: August 25, 2009, 06:51:11 AM »

Economic and Financial News

Employment by Sectors
Note: These numbers are as of August 1, 2009 and do not take into account recent legislation
The following is the breakdown of employment figures in Atlasia by sector/industry:
Manufacturing = 13 million
Construction = 7.5 million
Service = 23 million
Agriculture = 3 million
Government = 23 million
Education = 15 million
Health = 4 million
Trade and Transportation = 26 million
Other/Unknown/Temporary = 9.65 million

The following is the breakdown of unionization figures in Atlasia by sector/industry:
Manufacturing = 7 million
Construction = 3 million
Service = 5 million
Agriculture = 450,000
Government = 20 million
Education = 14 million
Health = 3.7 million
Trade and Transportation = 7 million

The following is the breakdown of unemployment figures in Atlasia by sector/industry:
Manufacturing = 18% 2.34 million
Construction = 25% 1.875 million
Service = 11% 2.53 million
Agriculture = 20% 600,000
Government = 4% 920,000
Education = 7% 1.05 million
Health = 6% 240,000
Trade and Transportation = 11% 2.86 million
TOTAL = 12.415 million
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #23 on: August 25, 2009, 06:52:40 AM »

Foreign News

Chavez Meets With Russians, Mocks Atlasia
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, seemingly outraged by SoEA HappyWarrior’s surprise visit to Colombia on Thursday, met with Russia’s ambassador to Venezuela this weekend for extended closed-door meetings.

Chavez kept uncharacteristically over the weekend, opting to navigate diplomatic channels in the run-up to a previously planned Tuesday speech.

In his remarks, Chavez denounced Atlasian support for Colombian aggression and vehemently denied support for the FARC rebels. He insisted that Venezuela was forced to militarize against further Atlasian encroachments in South America, referring to Colombian President Alvaro Uribe as President Lief’s “little puppet.”

The Venezuelan president also took the opportunity to announce that, during his talks with the Russian ambassador, he had spoken with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev via satellite video. He reported that Russia fully backs Venezuela in its current standoff and plans to expedite the shipment of twelve Russian tanks to help them defend against “foreign influences.”

With the stakes growing and major international players picking sides, it is clear that the situation on the Venezuela-Colombia border has become more contentious than most analysts had initially expected. While most are uncertain how the matter can be resolved, it is widely agreed that raising the stakes any further could lead to the initiation of hostilities and even all-out war.
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Purple State
Junior Chimp
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« Reply #24 on: August 26, 2009, 11:54:54 AM »

Foreign News

Nations Worldwide Feel Pinch, Reform Policy Towards Homosexuals
Earlier in the year the Atlasian Senate passed the LGBT Trade Act providing the Secretary of External Affairs (SoEA) with the power to temporarily sever free trade agreements with nations that continued to criminalize homosexual conduct. Shortly after passage, SoEA HappyWarrior proceeded to suspend FTAs with Kuwait, Bahrain, Morocco, Singapore, Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana.

Since then, many nations have felt the economic toll of their policies. Most of the Caribbean nations have seen substantial drop in GDP, some entering recessions as investor confidence in their markets have dropped. To address this, the nations of Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as Guyana in South America have begun to make efforts to decriminalize homosexuality and homosexual conduct.

Efforts range from laws passed to provide full and equal rights to gays and lesbians, such as in Antigua, Jamaica and Saint Lucia, to the repeal or easing of laws criminalizing such individuals in many of the other nations listed. Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago are the only Caribbean nations not to make any effort to ease their current restrictions.

The Middle Eastern and Asian nations have so far resisted change, leaning on oil wealth to so far avoid major financial meltdowns. However, Morocco seems to be laying the groundwork for an easing of laws in the coming months.

Meanwhile, many nations around the world have begun to consider removing such laws and easing relations with their gay communities to curry favor with Atlasia. These include Egypt, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Turkmenistan, Lebanon, Qatar, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
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