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BBC

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces new policy on 'on foreign-made equipment' used in 5G networks and telecommunications

In an announcement from the House of Commons, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new policy on telecommunications equipment used by British companies to provide services to British citizens. The speech focused mainly on the Prime Minister's desire to "safeguard national security" and "protect British people's information on the internet." He went on to say that a recent report by the GCHQ regarding foreign actors having access to and being employed by British companies to provide services was a large risk to British national security. The report, which was published in 2018 did not provide any specific companies, but did suggest immediate government action on the issue. Following the publishing of the report, the Ministry of Defence along with the Government banned the use of phones and electronic equipment that "come from unreliable and unfriendly nations." The Government gave a salary incentive to all personnel who had to get rid of their equipment due to the ban.

In January of this year, the Government opted to prevent any further expansion of the Zhen company Huawei in British 5G networks. The Government introduced a cap on the company's ownership and development of 5G networks. Following this, many companies have begun to phase out Huawei equipment, expecting a potential future ban. On Monday, the Prime Minister announced an effective ban on "dangerous telecommunications equipment from hostile actors" during a meeting of the British Parliament. According to the new policy, the British Government has ordered all ISP's and telecomm companies to get rid of equipment with that description. As part of the new policy, the British Government will also provide tax incentives over the next six years, to make up for the costs of removal.

Companies have warned however, that the UK could be facing a temporary telecommunications blackout if the government continued to push on the policy. BT Group CEO, Philip Jansen warned on Monday, that Johnson would have to "be patient" and give companies time to remove and replace equipment. "It is not that easy. Crews have to go out there and replace the entire antenna because we simply upgraded 4G systems to 5G. This could take many months." Jansen told the BBC. "The problem is not the cost, but rather what this means for the British consumer." He added, stating that phasing out Zhen equipment could take more than eight months.

Following the announcement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson also encouraged companies to "put money into 5G technology research and development" in order to "create a true domestic 5G network in Britain."

South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
Foreign Nationals Arrested For Drug Trafficking
July 13, 2020

DURBAN- A Turkish National and a British National was arrested Friday night on the charges of drug trafficking. The Durban Police Department arrested them at 8:55 pm local time. They were found in a alleyway behind a restaurant. The restaurant called the police on the basis of suspicious activity.

The two foreign nationals were carrying 5 pounds of cocaine. The individuals were arranged in a Durban courtroom. Both pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. If convicted they could face 10 years in prison.

Durban is notorious for drug trafficking, drug dealing, murder and violent crime. Durban is the most unsafe city in the country. The murder rate and crime rates are double the national average. The city government of Durban requested aid from the Provincial Government of Natal and the Federal Government in 2008. The murder and crime rates have fallen by half since then. But Durban still remains the most violent city in the country. Work will continue to decrease crime and improve the lives of the people of Durban.

Neum, Bosnian Republic (Boznia-hersegovina

Chief of the General Staff Hulusi Akar nodded as the Patriot Missiles Systems activated, before handing his report to one of the sergeants as he headed back for his bunker to plan the next phase of Turkish Operations. The phrase 'Cumhurbaşkanlığı' (Presidency) written on it, as per instruction, the sergeant oversaw the letters transition directly to President Akşener.

Izetbegović Resigns
Sarajevo Times
7/13/2020

Duran Izetbegović announced his resignation from Interim Presidency during a press conference. Upon being asked who would succeed him, he gave a rude gesture to the journalist and cursed at him, before walking off the podium and into a backroom as the press yells questions at him. The room immediately filled with commotion as reporters discussed with each other. The other officials in the room panicked among each other. Izetbegović's now former secretary walked up to the microphone and awkwardly stated, "You all may leave now."

No clear successor is in line, and the Interim Government of Bosnia is now leaderless. Some of the Interim President's most adamant supporters resigned from office, leaving a large chunk of the government empty. The military is mostly intact, although suddenly decentralized as there is no Commander In Chief or Minister of Defense. The Chiefs of Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia is mostly still intact, and now the burden of ruling Bosnia will most likely fall upon them, who are usually tasked with reforming the military.

Chaos shortly thereafter quickly swept across Sarajevo as looters and rioters alike are taking advantage of this national confusion and near collapse of central authority. This Anarchy leaves the city incredibly vulnerable to the rebel government, which has called itself the "Bosnian Republic." Firefights between opportunistic rioters with stolen weapons and police are happening at some parts, and in some cases police and soldiers are defecting to the side of the rioters and looters. Police stations in the city are being relentlessly attacked, possibly by people who want to seize equipment.

covert stuff that isn't public news
The Bosnian Islamic Legion, understanding what the next phase of the struggle will be, have begun abandoning their bases. Anything they can't bring with them is being destroyed, including the Egyptian missiles they possessed. Now, they plan on setting up camp in the mountains of Central Bosnia, where they'll hopefully be mostly hidden from whoever takes charge next.

RTNC - Radio-Télévision Nationale Congolaise
Breaking News

“Hello, I am Alongi Ilunga, and welcome to another session of Ilunga Power Hour. This time we will be talking about the decision President Tshiskedi had made earlier this afternoon declaring an end to MONUSCO in the Congo.

Today I am joined with the regional winner for Africa for the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award, Evariste Mfaume, Governor of Rwanda, Ange Kagame.

Mfaume, you work with refugees from the Buganda and Lunda, helping them have a life after leaving everything behind. What's your take on the President calling for the full withdrawal of the UN mission?

Do we have the clip of her address? Can you run it?”

“Citizens of the Congo, it is time that we take back control of our nation. For too long have other nations put their nose where it does not belong, and therefore I am calling for the full withdrawal of MONUSCO.

We tried to settle this through the UN, but instead of leaving it to a vote, they vetoed it. Nations of present-day imperialism seek to keep their influence rather than focusing on the issue at hand.

When I was a little girl, the ADF did not exist, there were no radical Islamic groups. Though through our back to back civil wars, nations seeking to reap the land of our resources, rather than helping us in our time of need, cultivated these radical groups from other lands. They gave them the resources to create a Radical Islamic State within the Congo, and to this day they still fund them with the resources to do so.

I am not oblivious to the nations of Tanzania and Kenya who are the middle man to this fight. They supply these groups with the help of no good leaders around the world. We do not have the courtesy of sovereign rights like first world nations do. We are seen as nothing more than money to fill their pockets. You don't see the Chinese and Americans propping up rebels in each other's nations to reap the benefits of their natural resources. We have to fight for our right to be treated like humans.

I still wish to work with the nations of the world to bring peace to Central Africa. It is a common thought that stability in the Congo leads to stability in the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa, and we wish to accomplish that goal, on our terms. It is time for the Congo to take back control, today is the day we kick out the imperialists and declare war on the Radical Islamic State.”

“Yes Ilunga, the President's words seemed to ring out to many of the people in the East. I have heard from many that this is the first time in years that they have had hope that they could return home before they died.”

“Kagame, what do you have to say about the President's address to the public?”

“Well Ilunga, as I did not like the presence of MONUSCO in the country, I see them as a deterrent. They haven't done much at all in their time here, but they are what is stopping the ADF from doing much larger attacks.

The ADF has no international presence other than it's links with other radical groups. They don't have an online presence and have been relatively quiet compared to when they started out in Uganda. This has resulted in a very small recruitment rate for a Muslim country.”

“Mfaume, do you have a response to that? Do you also see MONUSCO as being a deterrent and simply their presence enough to protect lives?”

“No Ilunga I do not. Their presence in the Congo isn't a deterrent and protecting lives they have not done. They haven't deterred the multiple attacks on the city of Beni leaving hundreds dead. Not to mention they didn't show up until the attack was over. Not even the participating countries in MONUSCO gave their condolences, we only received two, one half-hearted one from MONUSCO, and one from the Pope himself. A Muslim nation received Pope Francis’s condolences saying that it was a “shameful silence.

I would say their presence has actually cost more lives than protected, as multiple countries on multiple occasions have been caught using their position in MONUSCO to sell weapons and ammunition to the rebel groups in exchange for goods in the occupied lands.”

“You two have very interesting views. Now some might say that the Congo can not revoke MONUSCO’s right to be in the country as it is a stability mission. That MONUSCO has to do all in its power to complete its mission. Kagame, what do you have to say about this being the leader of a semi-autonomous state?”

“Ilunga, it is our sovereign right to decide who and who can't be in our nation. It is what makes a sovereign nation and not just a puppet of a larger state. Not to mention the first principal of the UN forces is consent from all parties. All principals are reliant on each other, without one the others collapse. I might not agree with Tshiskedi’s judgment, but she is in her full rights as sovereign of the nation. Though just because she is capable of kicking out MONUSCO doesn't mean she should. She could potentially ostracize the Congo from the international community. Just because countries are contributing to MONUSCO today doesn't mean they will participate in whatever plan she has for tomorrow.”

“Wow, what do you have to say about this Mfaume? I know you have connections through your time working with the UN. You haven't talked to the politicians of the world, but you have spoken to the people and those who run humanitarian organizations around the world.”

“This is the Congo, if people want our resources and to actually bring peace, then they will help. We already have seen direct help through China and Uganda and we expect to see help through many other nations. Now that we are getting MONUSCO out of the way, it is just a matter of time tell we bring peace back to the Congo.”

“Thank you Efaume and Kagame, that is all the time we have here on Ilunga Power Hour. We thank you for your intuitive comments tonight. It has been a pleasure having you on and we wish to have you on again.

Thank you for watching this session of Ilunga Power Hour. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter, give us your take on the news. Remember to stay safe in these tumultuous times, amín.”

帝国日本だより | Teikoku Nihonda yori | News from Imperial Japan

Special Report: Chaos in the LDP / 2020 Tokyo Gubernatorial Election / & more

Japan has been experiencing several transformations over the last couple of days. First, the Liberal Democratic Party has seen itself become a hotbed of conflict between its' members. First, as of late many have begun to criticize Abe's move to espouse a platform of heightened security for Japan whilst simultaneously securing pacts with the Pattaya Alliance, notable members of which include China & Russia. Starting with the Prime Ministers move in which he fully supported the reformation of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. Then, Prime Minister Abe would go on to champion the bill, 'The Revitalization of the Imperial Armed Forces' which was aimed at rapidly expanding the capabilities & strength of the newly reformed Imperial Armed Forces.

However, this would contrast with Japans diplomatic moves to secure peace with China & Russia. Starting with Japanese Affiliation with the Pattaya Alliance as an observer, to symbolize the agreement between Japan & China to not declare war on each other & their commitment to peace & stability within Asia. Then, Japan would hold a summit with Russia in Tokyo where Russian President Putin would speak with Prime Minister Abe over the status of the Kuril Islands. A negotiation which ultimately proved fruitful between the countries as dialogue was began regarding the historical Soviet–Japanese Joint Declaration of 1956 wherein Article 9, specifically, stipulated the following:

"...for the continuation of negotiations for the conclusion of a peace treaty after the restoration of diplomatic relations between the countries and further stipulated, that "in this connexion, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, desiring to meet the wishes of Japan and taking into consideration the interests of the Japanese State, agrees to transfer to Japan the Habomai Islands and the island of Shikoton, the actual transfer of these islands to Japan to take place after the conclusion of a Peace Treaty between the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Japan."

Although it would seem the terms of the treaty had concluded, a threat made by the United States at the time to keep the island of Okinawa prevented the negotiation of such a treaty. Regardless, this was seen as a step in the right direction by Abe's Cabinet. However, now that the budget has begun to be affected with drawbacks being made to account for the rise in expenditure for the Armed Forces. Disagreement has begun to unfold between Party Members. Some believe that the Armed Forces should be demobilized once more amidst the peace secured with China & Russia. Thereby making the Armed Forces an unnecessary source of high spending. While others maintain that the presence of North Korea within the Region & the initiation of the Burmese War necessitates a strong presence within Japan.

This was further exacerbated when the Zhen Dynasty announced it's colonial neutralisation mandate, followed by the developments in the Burmese War & concluded with the announcement of full Japanese membership in the Pattaya Alliance once amendments were made that modified the Alliance to be more reasonable to Japanese interests. As Debate raged within the Party & other Parties began to take advantage of such conflict like the N-Koku led by Takashi Tachibana.

As all of this occurred, Abe looked for a way to unify his party & stave off the wave of attacks from other parties. Soon he delivered an announcement which proved interesting, his decision to call a snap election. He released the following statement to justify it,

"I believe a snap election could be a way to garner the view of the Party on my handling of COVID-19'

At first a shock, some believe that this is a sly move by Prime Minister Abe to unify the Party. The general consensus amongst the LDP on COVID-19 in Japan has been that the Prime Minister has handled it well given the situations in other countries. Thus why Abe believed it would be a good way to ensure the Party diverts its interests from the debate.

As the election went underway, the Capital underwent its own elections. The 2020 Tokyo Gubernatorial Election. Even at the start, strong showings have been seen from the incumbent Yuriko Koike, followed by Kenji Utsunomiya as an independent, in 3rd is Tarō Yamamoto under the Reiwa Shinsengumi, followed in a big shock to many by Takashi Tachibana under the Horiemon New, in 4th is Taisuke Ono as an independent, followed last shockingly by Makoto Sakurai under the Japan First Party. Although the first three were not too surprising, the big upset by Takashi Tachibana's Party against the other two came as quite a shock. Many did not believe Tachibana's Party was serious enough to gain such a large following. Nonetheless, the "meme lord 9000" as many on the internet call him has continued to promulgate his Party furiously in the race. Reiterating that he is here to ensure the will of the people are seen against the corrupt, & despotic wishes of the Central Government who manipulate the people through the NHK or National Broadcasting Organization of Japan.

"天皇陛下をお迎えください！日本に栄光を！ | Ten'nōheika o o mukae kudasai! Nihon ni eikō o! | Hail His Divine Majesty the Emperor, Glory to Japan!"

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News from the United States

United States Government exercises harsh measurements against Venezuela

Recently, as President Trump flew off to France to participate in Bastille Day. He released statements on social media indicating the tough stance of the U.S. Government on Venezuela & Allies as seen below:

"Just finished talking with select members of the Government. U.S. is gonna make sure the illegitimate Dictator in Venezuela feels some pressure!"

"Apparently Venezuela has friends coming in boats. I'm sure they won't mind the Navy showing off U.S. power!"

This was then corresponded by several articles from Fox News. In the articles, they explained that the U.S. Government would be placing new sanctions on several unnamed companies who were found to still be trading with the Government. These entities were not named & not identified whether they were domestic or foreign. However, one thing was for certain. U.S. relations with Iran continued their icy drift. After news arrived to the U.S. of Iranian Oil Tankers docking within the port of Caracas to supposedly joyous crowds (the authenticity of which has been rebuked by President Trump & several news outlets like Fox).

Secretary of Defense, Jim 'Mad Dog' Mattis, announced that the U.S. would ensure that the Maduro Regime continued to be ostracized. But he did not elaborate much further. Tucker Carlson, a famous personality at Fox, addressed the situation. He stated,

"I believe the South Americans, if you can even call them that, or Venezuelans as they call themselves. Are biding their time. Soon President Trump will show them the might of the United States. The Amazing Land of Freedom! They will feel the wrath of the White, Red & Blue!"

This view reflected much of the Conservative populace in America, even drawing support from the Hispanic Community within the U.S. wherein several figures came out to denounce Maduro on social media.

Tag: Verapazuela / Afsharid Persia / Central American Alliance

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BBC

Opposition questions budget changes to UK police during Chancellor's speech

On Monday, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak delivered a speech to the House of Commons, detailing the Government's plan to provide more funding for law enforcement in the United Kingdom. Sunak, who is seen as Prime Minister Boris Johnson's most powerful political ally, delivered his plan to give additional funding to law enforcement to "tackle serious crime" and "end the crime epidemic in Britain's major cities." The Chancellor emphasized the Prime Minister's position that the Government would have a tough policy on crime, especially violent ones such as stabbings, robberies, shootings, and other major crimes. Sunak went on to say that the additional funding would go toward the recruitment of some 5,000 additional police officers across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Funding would also go toward the National Crime Agency to support local police forces in combating organized crime and tackle the crisis.

Keir Starmer, the leader of the Opposition questioned why the government wanted to focus on "serious crime" rather than pushing for the enforcement of UK laws in general. "Is the central government planning to push for selective enforce the laws of the land?" Mr. Starmer asked following Sunak's speech, adding whether the Prime Minister planned to push for his "conservative conspiracy theories" describing how UK police agencies were going after "hateful persons such as Tommy Robinson or Mark Meechan, who the Prime Minister has supported in the past."
In response to the question, Mr. Sunak explained that the Government was providing funding to agencies across the UK in general, with the primary focus being that it be used for recruitment and upgrades.

"This Government's plan is to end the wave of crime across the board in Britain. Our plan facilitates this by increasing funding to struggling departments such as the London Metropolitan Police." The Chancellor explained, adding that previous governments had stripped funding from police, "sparking a crisis that we need to solve."

The government's full funding plan for the police will see an additional £2 billion spent on law enforcement. These funds will go primarily for recruitment, upgrades to police equipment, better training, and extra benefits for police officers working in especially dangerous areas. According to the government, this is the first phase of a plan to overhaul UK police, in order to "increase safety across the country."

2020 İstanbul Opening Ceremony

Over 100,000 packed the Atatürk Olympic Stadium (also known as Atatürk-Ali Sami Yen Stadium), the side of the stadium facing the old city slightly curved. Allowing for the cities historic landmarks to act as scenery within the stadium. The football pitch the stadium is known for covered with a massive LED stage, with a circular path going around it for the Parade of Nations and opening ceremony. On the LED stage, the countdown finally begins at 00:59, with each second that drops only growing the anticipation. As the numbers reach the final 10, they fade out as a text reading 'In memory of the Eternal President Mustafa Kemal Atatürk' appears. Including a picture of the Eternal President. Both fade out as the final numbers on the countdown are visible again, only momentary with a few seconds left. Over 20,000 fireworks proceed to light up the İstanbul skyline as the countdown finally reaches zero, the stadium itself going dark as those taking part in the opening ceremony move into place. Thousands break into a frenzy of applause in the stadium, millions across the city cheering at the sight of the fireworks. Afterward promo package for the Olympics plays, including a scene showing multiple children from across the world during the video coming across the spirits of Turkic mythological figures. Asena, the wolf, guiding them out of a seemingly dark cave into the clear plains of Anatolia.

The lights finally coming back up in the stadium, the LED stagedisplaying a field, very reminiscent to the plains of the steppes. In the center stands a man by himself, holding a dombra (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dombra) and dressed in traditional Turkic garb. Beginning to play the dombra, each movement of its strings speeding up as similarly dressed in traditional Turkic garb, though on horseback, start doing rounds around the track. A total of 16 men, each holding up one of the flags of the 16 Great Turkic Empires, their garb similar to that of the nations flag they are holding. Soon the the field, the same children are seen following (whatever this https://i.imgur.com/2JQBm8u.png is called, but as a wolf). The children watch as others dressed in similar nomadic garb join the man in the center, taking part in the choreographed display as thousands of actors begin to fill the LED stage. The music begins to change from the traditional nomadic style as drums beat, Ottoman Drums only found on the Mehter Teams, the Mehter team soon become visible as a boat is dragged onto the LED stage. Recreating Fatih Sultan Mehmet's order to have the Ottomans carry boats over land during the siege of İstanbul in 1453. The Mehter team begins making its way off the boat, as those wearing traditional garb slowly start to board the boat, with now those dressed in Ottoman era garb coming off the boat in their place. Those on the stage soon bring an end to the performance, allowing for those in attendance to applaud as they reached the break in the part.

The camera's pan over to the viewing deck set up with all the world leaders. Including heads of states ranging from President Trump, the Queen Elizabeth II, Ardeshir Shah, and much more. Almost every nations being represented by their head of state at the ceremony. The announcer begins to speak saying 'Please welcome the President of the Turkish Republic, Meral Akşener' (first in French, then English, then Turkish). Cheers break out once more as the opening ceremony now resumes.

Back on the field, everyone was now in place. The ceremony continues, the Mehter band beginning to play the theme 'Senden daha güzel' on their Mehter sets (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bfkyXtuIXk). Thousands more fill the stage in a performance of pure athletic ability, and the utmost choreography. Though the mood does change in the display as the garb of the people begin to modernize, symbolizing the change of time. Reaching the early 1910s before hundreds wearing 'western uniforms' (1910s British, Italian, French, Greek) fill the stage. The Turks previously on the stage no longer, as their 'western' counterparts continue the choreography, but at a much slower pace. Symbolizing the occupation of İstanbul from 1918-1923 after WW1. This time a replica of the 'Bandırma' (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Band%C4%B1rma), is seen entering the stage. Coming out of it thousands dressed in now modern Turkish garb, once again filling up the stage, the city liberated. As the Olympic theme now continues but in its modern form. Those dressed in western, ottoman, and nomadic garb also filling up the stage for the section of the opening ceremony. Finally they reach the end as fireworks once again light up the sky. The Mehter band begins to play an orchestral variation of 'https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXZMIC-Z-XA'.

Once again the speaker comes on the microphone, speaking his message first in French before repeating it in English and Turkish. Welcoming eight different athletes, all previously competing for the Turkish Olympic Team in the past. Winning multiple gold metals for the country. They march toward a massive flagpole, carrying a Turkish flag in between them. At the flagpole await multiple men dressed in military garb to honor those fighting in Bosnia, as they connect the flag to the pole. The speaker, once again in the same order of languages, asks everyone to rise for the Turkish Anthem (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y75Km7dlt94).

After the anthem, each national team began to make its entrance. Including Greece who went on first, due to Olympic tradition, despite starting with Y in the Turkish alphabet. Afterward Afghanistan made its way onto the stage, followed by Iran who was met by a relatively warm reaction. Following Iran it was the Germans, then the Americans who were also met by a warm reaction. The list would go on through the A's until Azerbaijan was reached, the first Turkic country. The LED stage even displaying the Turkic Council flag along side Azerbaijan's name on the stage. Loud cheers filling the stadium during the announcement for their team. Going into the B's the Bosnian team, waving the Unity Flag was met with a very warm reception from Turks. Many opting to simply do the military salute, as a sign of respect for those fighting in Bosnia right now. Bulgaria, though not being a Turkic Council member, would receive a fairly warm reaction given its Turkic roots. Nothing notable happened till the letter F when Palestine entered the stage, receiving a very mixed reaction of cheers and boos from Turkish fans. Israel received a similar mixed reaction later in the night. The other Turkic states would also receive relatively warm reactions, the Korean Empire received the most positive reaction for non-Turkic teams, followed by the Kongo. Another country starting with the letter K, this time Canada (Kanada in Turkish) caused mixed reactions from the crowd, but one of surprise turning into praise as the Canadian Olympic Team took a knee against racial justice in the face of the recent black face scandal rocking their Prime Minister. Finally the list of nations would come to an end with Turkey, the host nation, making its arrival on the stage to a load ovation from the crowd. Chants of 'Türkiye' filling the stadium when they do, fireworks going off across the city as well. Something organized by the cities mayor, not the Olympic organizers. Following this the teams would once again make their way off the stage for the final part of the opening ceremony, which comprised of Turkish musicians preforming songs, more preferences about Turkish culture, and so forth. This would all conclude with a speech from the President of the International Olympic Committee, and then President Meral Akşener welcoming the world to İstanbul for the 2020 Olympics.