Greater Middle EastBoard

CNN Indonesia | Sunday, 06/01/2019 03:51 WIT

Today is called the peak of the flow behind Christmas and New Year holidays

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia - Head of the National Police Corps (Kakorlantas) Inspector General Refdi Andri predicts the peak of the return flow of the Christmas and New Year holidays to Jakarta will occur today.According to him, the volume of vehicles going to Jakarta that enter the Cikarang Utama Toll Gate will continue to increase starting Saturday (1/5) to this day. "The number of vehicles passing from the direction of Cikampek to Jakarta at the Cikarang Utama Toll Gate on Saturday from 06.00 to 16.00 WIB as many as 30 thousand vehicles," Refdi said in a written statement received by CNNIndonesia.com on Saturday (5/1) afternoon.

"[Sunday] tomorrow morning at 06.00 WIB is estimated to reach 80 thousand vehicles," he continued. He also explained that the traffic conditions on the Cikopo-Palimanan (Cipali) toll road were monitored smoothly in both sections, both for Palimanan and Jakarta. With these conditions, according to him, motorists are expected to be able to drive their vehicles at speeds of around 80 to 90 kilometers per hour."The smooth flow of vehicles makes some drivers drive faster vehicles," said the two-star general. Previously, the Ministry of Transportation noted that as many as 59 thousand vehicles had not returned to Jakarta after the Christmas holiday 2018. They were said to be returning after the New Year. Budi Setiyadi, Director General of Land Transportation at the Ministry of Transportation, said that there were 420,251 vehicles coming out of Jakarta through the Cikampek toll road during the Christmas holiday season. Meanwhile, those who have returned to Jakarta are around 361 thousand.

Meanwhile, in the early hours of this morning, the density of the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road was monitored from a 10-kilometer 24-kilometer kilometer to Jakarta."Density occurs due to narrowing of roads and the operation of class III, IV and V transport vehicles mixed with (private vehicles) backflow," Refdi said late Saturday (5/1) as quoted by Antara.Regarding this density, Refdi said that traffic engineering had been implemented since 18:30 WIB by diverting the flow through the West Cikarang route to unravel the density at the Cikarang Utama Toll Gate.Due to the density of this backflow, the average speed of the vehicle that passes is approximately approximately 30 Km per hour.Kakorlantas said that for the number of fixed traffic personnel there would be 100 personnel at that location even though Operation Lilin 2018 had ended on January 1, 2019.

G R E E K R E P O R T E R

King Pavlos Glücksburg announces meeting with Turkish President

ATHENS- King Pavlos Glücksburgs plane departed from Athens today headed to Ankara for a meeting with the Turkish President Muharrem Ince. King Pavlos Glücksburg in fact reached out to Ankara asking to restore relations between the two EU countries after centuries of conflict, calling it a conflict of the old generation that should be overcome for the better of both nations.

Oh Ship
^{Southern Sea}

A Japanese whaling ship has been spotted in the Southern Sea, hauling up a 20-meter Sperm whale. When Australian FNAS Melbourne saw the Japanese ship 120 nauticle miles south-west of Tasmania.

Another was found in the Tasman Sea, 40 nauticle miles east of Auckland, hauling 2 6-meter minke whales, with one already on the ship.

A third ship, found 10 nauticle miles from Casey Research Station (Antartica), hauling up a 16-meter Humpback whales.

And that was just a few days ago, in the space of 8 hours.

This comes only a few days after Japan annouced that they will start whaling again, with conservative groups worried that this might be the worst whaling period yet.

Sea Shepards, a non-profit, marine conservation organization based in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Washington, in the United States and in Melbourne, Australia, has been tackling this threat since 1977.

The Federal Navy of Australia also work very closely alongside Sea Shepard, assisting in using pirate-like tactics to try stop Japanese whalers from killing hundreds of whale speices, most of whic are endangered.

Australia has donated a cape-class patrol boat to Sea Shepard, saying that Australia "[hopes] to further assist Sea Shepard in their battle against Japanese whalers."

The ship, dubbed M/Y Paul Watson, after the organisation's founder. It will be released from Melbourne early next month.

REPRETEL News
National News

CICICA permanently ends
The Central American government today announced the end of the CICICA and will be removed from the country within 24 hours.
Chancellor Carlos Castaneda informed during a press release that the CICICA will have to leave the nation within 24 hours and has personally said that he hopes the people of the nation will respect the government's decision.
The government and the CICICA have had many clashes recently ever since they investigated president Jimmy Morales and other government officials. The CICICA has been operating in Central America for more than a decade, and was currently investigating more than 600 people within the government until today.
2019 Presidential Elections
This year is the Central American presidential elections and currently 4 candidates are taking the lead. Nayib Bukele who's political party is GANA, Zury Ríos who's political party is Valor, Laurentino Cortizo who's political party is the democratic revolutionary party, and Alejandro Giammattei who's political party is Vamos. According to many analyst in the country, Nayib Bukele is more likely to win fallowed by Zury Ríos.

Новините - Информационна агенция София
9 януари 2019 г.

ARMED FORCES EQUIPMENT INDUCTION COMPLETE

The Bulgarian Armed Forces were seen on a New Years Day parade, displaying some of the Leopard 2A6M main battle tanks bought by the Bulgarian government in late 2018. As of today, it has been reported by official sources that the induction period for these vehicles has been finished, greatly boosting the estimated combat capability of the Bulgarian Armed Forces. Furthermore, the Navy has seen a similar boost following the acquirement of new Type 214 submarines, the delivery of which has been completed last week. The new purchases marked the end of the Project 2018, which aimed to gradually begin the modernisation procedure of the Armed Forces to compete with NATO standards, particularly in the Balkans. Since the fall of communism in 1989, the Bulgarian Armed Forces had been on sharp decline, ranking as one of the weakest militaries in NATO on it's joining in 2004. Now, analysts claim that the Armed Forces are now on par with their 1989 size, strength and reach.

MONUMENT TO FINNISH TROOPS REFURBISHED

In a celebratory commemoration of the Finnish personnel that fought during the Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman Empire, the Bulgarian government has unveiled a new refurbishment to the Lavrov memorial park outside of Gorni Dubnik, a village during which Finnish troops under Russian command fought the Ottomans as a wider part of the siege of Pleven. The opening ceremony of the new park, having been refurbished to focus on the deeds of the Finnish troops as well as the Russian commanders, was visited by a small delegation from the government of Vikslandia, as well as an official military salute being given jointly by the Bulgarian National Guard and the Finnish Guard Jaeger Regiment, the latter of which traces it's origins to the battle itself. Representative of the Pleven Oblast Miroslav Petrov said the ceremony, "shows the unity and friendship between European nations and peoples exists beyind the confines of time".

Saudi woman Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun declared a refugee by UN
^{Perth, WA}

Along Swan River, a Western Australian man sits on a faded park bench, over looking the city skyline. Next to his left foot, he places his cup of coffee. He opens "The Australian" and starts reading, before heading to a day in the office.

A spokesman for the Department of Home Affairs said it would consider the referral from the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees.
“The UNHCR has referred Ms Rahaf Mohammed Alqunun to Australia for consideration for refugee resettlement,” the spokesman said.

He sighs. The man has seen this before, people doing anything and pulling any excuse to get into the nation. "We're full," he thought, as he kept reading.

The Australian reported this morning that Immigration Minister David Coleman was likely to offer Ms Alqunun — who believes her family will kill her for leaving the Islamic faith — a humanitarian visa if she was deemed a refugee and passed character and security checks.
The 18-year-old planned to enter Australia on a tourist visa and apply for asylum but was stopped by Thai authorities at an airport in Bangkok on Monday.

Angered, the man shut the paper, picked up his coffee, and left for work. "We're full," he thought to himself, "full of arabs... We don't need more..."
As he walked, he overheard a news programme on this issue, and overhead President Pyne speaking. Although he couldn't hear exactly what was said, he could make out "Alqunun will not be calling Australia home. She can go to China or somewhere, but she ain't coming here." This made the man smile, as he contiuned his commute to work.

T H E   T E L E G R A P H

PM Promises Brexit Referendum; Nigel Farage Slams the European Union

During Prime Minister's questions this afternoon Prime Minister May determined the House that she will put forth a vote on Tuesday to allow the public to vote on whether or not they will stay within the European Union. Since 2016 many UKIP and far right political figures heavily criticised Europe for it's weak stance on the Italian budget crisis and poor budgeting expenditure practices such as funding the border wall for both Spain and Turkey. EU Parliamentarian Nigel Farage and fellow UKIP member has called the EU Commissions a disgrace and a feeble-minded institution for feeding into such demands from both Madrid and Ankara. Mr. Farage gave a statement that says:

"They come into our union and take our money! Only poor leadership will allow this and this must not stand. The UK sends the EU 350 million pounds a week, roughly 19 billion pounds a year! Instead of spending more money on infrastructure and the corruption that riddles most of the Mediterranean, and human rights violations in Eastern Europe, they spend roughly 30% of the EU budget on border security for the two hosting nations! A disgrace indeed! The UK follows France and Germany in EU contributions to the EU and I demand the president of the EU commissions to revise this wretched budget!

Nigel Farage's comments were brought up during the Prime Minister's Questions and the PM was asked if she shared Nigel Farage's view and she simply denied that she supports Farage's radicalised comments against the EU and fellow EU member states, however she did determined that the Brexit vote will happen. Theresa May is scheduled to be in Brussels very soon to meet with the President of the European Council on the matters of government at home and Brexit.

China Central Television
中国中央电视台
10/01/2019

CHANG'E 4 PROBE CELEBRATED AS NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT

The lunar probe Chang'e 4 made history last week following a remarkable landing on the far side of the moon, the first in the history of space exploration. The landmark achievement has received praise across the world, with many calling it a major technical feat, and a solid reprisentation of Chinese space ambition and capability for the coming years. In response, the government has commended the China National Space Administration (CNSA) for its work, awarding many key scientists and engineers with state prizes, as well as releasing sets of commerorative postage stamps and badges aimed at citizens and tourists alike. The achievement is likely to draw further interest from the Chinese government, who have been rumoured to consider increasing funding to look into more ambitious missions in the near future. Thus far, the CNSA has released that it has planned two further lunar probes, Chang'e 5 and 6, whose missions will be to collect samples from the far side of the moon for researching. The former, Chang'e 5, is expected to launch in December 2019.

PLAAF ORDERS CHENGDU TO UPGRADE J-20 STEALTH FIGHTERS

Commander of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) Lt General Ding Laihang has reportedly issued orders to the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group to perform upgrades on the J-20 stealth fighter, due to concerns amongst the Central Committee that the aircraft is not capable enough to face western counterparts. The aircraft, which entered service late last year, was seen as a direct challenger to the F-22 Raptor operated by the American-state, with similar doctrine and combat missions expected to be completed. However, analysts deduced that the fighter was "majorly underperforming" in various areas, most notably it's stealth functions, which have been sharply criticised by the Central Military Committee. The 28 aircraft currently in service will be sent in batches back to the factory for overhaul, with the hopes that the performance of the aircraft can be greatly improved. Lt General Laihang has suggested that the PLAAF intends the J-20 to act as "the leading aerial supremacy fighter for the PLAAF", and has thus stressed the need for perfection in it's design.

LANDMARK MEETINGS IN SIBERIA SOLIDIFY SINO-RUSSIAN RELATIONS

President Xi Jinping concluded meetings today with President Vladimir Putin of Pestan, in a series of landmark deals set to strengthen the ties between the two states and to promoto Sino-Russian co-operation for the future. The meetings were conducted not in Moscow, but in Novosibirsk, which has been described as the beating heart of Russia's plans to massively industrialise the Siberian republics and create a new centre for economic output. As a gesture of goodwill, the T-62 main battle tank captured by the PLA during the Sino-Soviet border crisis was presented to the Russian President as a gift, with the returning of the vehicle symbolic of the repairing of relations that were left largely bruised by the Sino-Soviet split of the 1960s.

Detailed within the meetings, the Chinese delegation expressed great interest in improving the economic ties shared between the two nations. The Chinese government have stated that they will be formulating an investment program to support the Russian effort to industrialise the Siberian republics, with particular interest in improving infrastructure. Discussed were plans to expand railway and road networks between the two nations, with the mindset of increasing and improving the transportation of goods and people. It has been stated that China intends on investing heavily into Novosibirsk, already drafting agreements to allow Chinese companies to establish base in the city. The Chinese delegation stated that they "intend to see Novosibirsk as a new Asian hub for trading a gateway between Eurasian markets".

Furthermore, multiple military deals were signed between the nations, with China purchasing numerous Russian-produced hardware as part of the PLA's 2025 modernisation program. An integral part of the deal was the finalisation of the purchasing of an additional 150 S-400 surface-to-air missile launchers, with an undisclosed but numerous number of missiles. This comes as a supplement to the previous batch bought earlier in 2018. The Central Military Committee has stated that "the S-400's will be integral to Chinese air defence, which we believe is a sector that has been overlooked in the last few decades. The purchasing of such equipment will great improve our capability to target and eliminate aerial threats". A second deal had been struck in which China was given access to the blueprints of the Kirov-class battlecruiser and the license to produce under the designation Type 100. The proposed ship would act as a flagship for the PLAN surface fleet, next to it's 3 aircraft carriers, and has been described as "a Chinese ship in a Russian shell". The PLAN has announced that the ship will be entirely retrofitted with Chinese equipment and assembled in an unnamed location, with the ship intended to begin full time service by June 2019. Chinese officials have also hinted that the hull of the ship will be expanded, with the intent of the vessel "meeting or surpassing" the total size of the Japanese battleship Yamato, with the hopes of becoming the largest of it's type.

President Putin remarked at his joy on the conclusion of the meetings, as did President Xi, who stated "these deals will set forward a premise for greater cooperation between our ancient and mighty nations, and bring us forward together to a brighter future". President Xi returns to Beijing this evening to prepare to welcome King Pavlos Glücksburg of Aftokratorikos elladas in his first state visit to the nation.

GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR SOUTH CHINA SEA MEETINGS

Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi has today announced in an official conference that the Chinese government wishes to pursue diplomatic talks to work towards resolutions to the South China Sea issues. China has stated that the region is of vital importance, and both the People's Republic and Taiwan have held to their interpretation of the "nine dash line", which along with the construction of artificial military complexes in the region, has been the source of major tensions in the region. Minister Yi openly stated, "China is willing and ready to work towards a diplomatic resolution to the major conflict of interests so that all parties may benefit in some way". Concerns were raised in late 2018 after ships from the Navy of The Australis Republic were reported to be patrolling the area, with fears over clashes with the PLAN leading to conflict between the two nations. However, it was announced during official state meetings that agreements had been signed to limit the presence of Australian Naval ships in the region, on the premise that China would closely monitor illegal actions in the area and continue working towards fair settlement of the issues.

In related news, the Chinese government has declared that "rogue fishing ships" that have recently been operating outside their set zones are being heavily sanctioned and monitored by the government and Coast Guard, with the mindset of preventing escalation of the tensions and thus breaking down diplomatic talks over the region. This comes soon after a Chinese fishing vessel was destroyed by authorities off the coast of Argentiniya, after entering illegal waters.

Diario Centroamerica

Celebrating 23 years of peace
Today the nations celebrates the 23rd anniversary of the signing of the Central American peace accords, which ended 30 years of internal armed conflict. In the National Palace, president Jimmy Morales will meet with hundred officials, diplomats, and politicians to commemorate 23 years of peace after the signing of the Central American accords in January 10 1996. The day started with a moment of silence for the victims of the unknown amount of massacres in the nation. President Morales reminded the nation to maintain peace, to maintain peace in this time of crisis with government and the CICICA, and not to return to the old times of conflict.

Corruption investigator killed
A investigator from the CICICA was shot in villa nueva during the hours of dawn, the national federal police has began an investigation of this crime and has blamed the MS-13 for this assasination. The CICICA has demended a investigation from thier own but so far has been denied leading more backlash for both the government and the CICICA. The only information released from the PNF is that the victim works for the CICICA, was killed by the MS-13, and was currently investigating the government of jimmy Morales. As of right now no one has heen arrested.

Tsar in Buckingham Palace

Tsar Alexander and Tsarina Catherine have landed in London and are now to make their way to meet with Queen Elizabeth. This royal visit is historic as it would be the Tsar's first visit to meet another monarch, this also indicates the first time in over a hundred years a Russian Tsar has visited a fellow monarch in a proper mission.

Tsar Alexander who was born and grew up in the United Kingdom said that he was thrilled to be visiting where he had spent many years of his life, and although Russia has been fair to him, he sometimes misses his former home. The Tsar has intentions of staying in London for several days and also has plans on visiting the English and Scottish country sides were he had spent a vast majority of his childhood and teenage years.

The meeting although considered of great importance to many Russians, is expected to be a fairly simple visit, as the Tsar is expected to attend a special lunch and dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth, although not much is known as it is Buckingham Palace.

Tsar Alexander:

"I am thrilled to see Queen Elizabeth, the monarchy of Russia is accomplishing new missions that never was in sight even as recent as two decades ago. This is showing a great change for our nation, as we integrate ourselves better with the nations of the West and the global economy as a whole, we must persevere and continue in working closely with Europe. I hope that by the end of this discussion, the antagonistic nature that Russia has been viewed due to our long history under Stalinist rule. There will be changes in Russia, in our day-to-day life and how we are perceived by the world."

Russo-Sino Meetin in Novosibirsk

President Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin met in Novosibirsk to sign several agreements in regards to the growth of both states. The two discussed the expansion of the Trans-Siberian railway, and plans for Chinese investments in Siberia. Under the confirmed 3 year deal for 150 S-400 systems, worth $60 billion. President Vladimir Putin has stated his intentions to use much of this fund to help develop the industry of the region. The city of Novosibirsk is expected to receive much investment from China to industrialise the city.

President Putin to the people of Novosibirsk:

"Great citizens of Novosibirsk, your city has always been a city of great innovation, but due to geographical location that this city rests on, expansion has been very limited, we want to change that. We intend to create a whole new power in the region, shift the balance of power to establish an equilibrium between Western Russia and Siberia. We want to bring in money and a greater workforce, we want you the people of Novosibirsk and all of Siberia to reap the benefits of this development program. Siberia will be the future of Russia, and I am excited to see what the future brings to this great region."

Skandinavien Nu

Prime Minister Löfven "Skandinavien - vi - kommer att stå med Åland..."

Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister of the United Kingdoms of Scandinavia gave a rousing speech in defence of the neutralization, political and cultural autonomy and demilitarization of the Åland islands (Åland Öarna) to the Riksråd. The speech garnered media attention all over Scandinavia with even the Queen, Margaret II of Scandinavia, herself in attendance to hear the speech.

Scandinavian society, in fact, all Nordic societies base themselves on one principle. This one principle allows Nordic society to exist in prosperous peace and camaraderie. This principle is trust. Regardless if one is Scandinavian, Ålandic or Finnish, this same trust towards one's neighbour is found everywhere in the north. One reason why diplomacy and relations have been so seamlessly smooth and amicable between Nordic countries is this trust. The very same trust Scandinavians and Finns could extend to each other transferred to the national level making diplomacy easy.

Trust, however, is hard to earn and easy to break. Scandinavia and Vikslandia built their mutual trust through centuries of historic cooperation, yet the recent actions of Federala Republiken Viksland (Vikslandia) have greatly taken advantage and corroded this trust which exists -existed- between our two nations. I am of course referring to the remilitarization of the Åland Islands. This remilitarization of the Åland Islands breaks all three agreed-upon points reached with diplomatic negotiations between Scandinavia, Vikslandia and various other nations.

It is illegal according to international conventions. By this, I refer to the 1921 Convention relating to the Non-Fortification and Neutralisation of the Aaland Islands which was signed most importantly by the Finnish and Scandinavian governments but also by Britain, Italy, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, France and Germany. By signing this convention, all participating parties agreed to the neutralisation of the Åland islands meaning that if a war or a crisis were to break between the signatories, Åland would be left out of the conflict and by ignoring this convention, Vikslandia has shown great disregard and disrespect towards international diplomacy, the UN, the EU and all the signatory countries of the 1921 Convention relating to the Non-Fortification and Neutralisation of the Aaland Islands. In the early days of the proposed remilitarisation, it was stated that Åland would be militarized in a crisis. With all countries, except Russia and Lithuania signing this convention, it would be clear that Åland and by extension Vikslandia would receive significant aid from these signatory countries making Russian or - dare I say - Lithuanian occupation of the archipelago unlikely at the very least.

With Åland's security all but assured by centuries of diplomacy, it is clear that this is not about protecting peace or securing Åland. It is about increasing the influence of Vikslandia, about rekindling political tensions decades old by now. I want to emphasize this as much as possible. This is NOT an act of national security. This is an act of Aggression from Vikslandia aimed directly at Scandinavia - at us. The to-be military fortification will be situated directly at the side of Åland facing Scandinavia. What makes this act even worse is that it is not being committed by an enemy or a hostile power but rather by our very neighbour by one of Scandinavia's greatest if not the greatest friend. This is what makes this an act of heinous betrayal from Vikslandia towards Scandinavia, Åland, the EU, the UN and all signatory countries of the 1921 convention.

Still, this doesn't only affect us Scandinavians or simply the Finns. In the middle of all of this are Åland and its people. Over 90% of Åland's population is composed of Fenno-Swedes. A great point in the Åland dispute was that Åland was granted wide-reaching autonomy by Vikslandia. This came in the form of cultural and political autonomy. However, the remilitarization and reintroduction of conscription to the Åland islands without the consent of Ålandic people and parliament breaches upon both of these autonomies. Vikslandia is a country without true political freedom where people are sent to "re-education camps" for having the wrong political ideology. This is in direct violation of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. In the past, due to historic ties and a common amicability between the two, Scandinavia has not interfered in opposition to Vikslandia on these bases. However, Scandinavia -we- will not stand for the introduction of this practice in the Åland Islands, for the violation of Human Rights in Åland. As Scandinavians, we are lucky to have such a wide degree of political freedom. Others not so much. We will not abandon Åland in its time of need. Scandinavia - we - will stand with Åland and its people when Vikslandia will not. It is for this reason that the UKS shall officially accept and protect any Ålander fleeing political and cultural oppression from Vikslandia.

We have already held talks with close Scandinavian allies in both the EU and NATO: Italy, Britain and Germany to prepare for the worst case scenario. Scandinavia greatly appreciates its allies for their support for both us and Åland. However, I will emphasize that this is a Nordic matter first and foremost. It is for the collective good of all Nordic countries that we aim to solve this between ourselves.

Lastly, I want to urge Fedarala Republiken Viksland (Vikslandia) to open diplomatic discussions with Scandinavia and Åland to reach a compromise. For this purpose, I personally invite President Susanna Korpela to Stockholm Palace to sort this Nordic matter between Nordic countries. It is not too late to go back, to once more trust one another. There is no need for political tension between our two nations; it is not necessary to cast aside all that which makes our countries great. Freedom, Camaraderie and Trust. Let us once more stand for brotherhood and prosperity!

As the speech ended, the Riksråd light up with applause for the Prime Minister's speech. Following the end of the speech, the Royal standard of Scandinavia, the Flag of the Federal Republic of Vikslandia, the flag of the Kingdom of Sweden and the flag of the Åland Islands were all raised in front of the Riksråd in both Stockholm and Copenhagen replacing the usual flags of Norway, Denmark and Iceland as a show of Nordic solidarity and a wish for a peaceful and amicable compromise.

^{Alles-Tag Deutschland, 11/1/2019
Published in Berlin, Germany}

^{Quick Summary.}

^{Plastic "diversion". — German plastic manufacturing
companies have begun on increasing the focus of
production on other long-term-use plastic products
such as plastic trolleys instead of water bottles and
other certain one-use plastic items.}

^{German civilian arrested on a joke. — A German
civilian was arrested at Berlin Tegel Airport after
causing mass panic when shouting out the word
"bomb", which was discovered to be a joke. He
has been charged with 300 Euros by the airport's
authorities.}

^{Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit
Unity and Justice and Freedom}