REGGIO DI CALABRIA- In a bold move to consolidate power in the Two Sicilies, Prime Minister Gianni Gargano (commonly referred to as "Il Capo" among the nation's citizens) has ejected opposition members from the interim Sicilian National Assembly. This action has been expected for a long time, as Gargano's Sicilian Falangist Party (formerly the Sicilian National Coalition) has outnumbered the opposition parties in the National Assembly for a while and elections have been withheld indefinately. Although this clearly anti-democratic move has raised some international eyebrows in fear of looming totalitarianism, Gianni Gargano has made vast improvements in the civil liberties that citizens of the Two Sicilies can enjoy. Gargano seems to be widely popular in the Italian nation, as he has defused the political anarchy and economic instability that once plagued the region.

To celebrate the recent consolidation of power, Gargano has renamed the nation to "la Repubblica Falangista delle Due Sicilia" (the Falangist Republic of the Two Sicilies) and has renamed the Sicilian National Assembly to the Falangist National Council, which will now serve as a permanent legislative body. Also, the national flag was changed. It is now the Italian flag with a red falange in the center with a small white cross on it.

In a speech made to commerate the transition of the republic, Gargano pledged to combat some of the underlying problems in the nation: social inequality and crime. In parts of the nation, the mafia stills holds great political sway over the populace. In a demonstration of power, members of Gargano's personal army, la Polizia Nationale Siciliana, arrested the don of a prominent crime family. Charges include tax evasion, bribery, blackmail, money laundering, murder, and the possession and intent of distribution of controlled substances. When questioned whether or not Gargano felt unsafe after his actions against organized crime, the Prime Minister simply laughed. He has pledged to continue his campaign against high crime rates, as well as implement welfare programs and bolster education.

However, many political opponents of Gargano have espressed their concerns. Milos Scraemier, former premier of New Garneria and founder of the Balkans International Socialist League, has been in political asylum in the Two Sicilies since the collapse of the New Garnerian nation and offered his reservations, "The nationalist fervor being whipped up by the Falangists is very dangerous to the political stability of the Balkans. Since Gargano came to power, social equality has been damaged in the name of economic growth. Also, the Prime Minister has yet to allow legislation that is in any way against the tenants of Roman Catholicism. All citizens are currently required to be a member of the Church, and all progressive policies (such as abortion and homosexual marriage) still remain illegal. Unions remain illegal. And Gargano has shown very little reservation about throwing around his band of the thugs, the greenshirts [la Polizia Nationale Siciliana]. If the citizens of the Two Sicilies don't take notice, we may soon be living in a totalitarian state." Scraemier also mentioned the possibility of moving to a different nation for fear of being targeted by the Polizia Nationale Siciliana. Gargano has dismissed Scraemier's claims as ridiculous, though he did reiterate that the Sicilian Falangist Party would keep Roman Catholicism as a fundamental part of the state.

Official Statement, USSM Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The Union of Socialist States of Makharovsk wish to express our extreme disapproval and concern over matters within the Two Sicilies, particularly with regard to enforced religion and support and suppression of unions. A full list of our greivances will be presented to your diplomatic representatives in our country by midday.

1pm News Broadcast, Makharovsk News Network: Today, Pyotr Tarasov, a leading right-wing commentator, has alleged that President Ivanov's administration has been working to provoke social unrest within the Republic of the Two Sicilies. Tarasov claims to have proof that the People's State Security Service, the NSK, has been supplying arms and financial aid to Communist guerillas and noted criminal elements within the Two Sicilies, with the intent of overthrowing the government of President Gargano. 'We have absolutely no right to be interfering in the affairs of a sovereign state. An independent inquiry must immediately be conducted into the NSK's activities.' Inquiries to NSK Headquarters and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not been answered.

REGGIO DI CALABRIA- Anti-Makharovsk demonstrations have erupted in virtually all cities in the Two Sicilies this afternoon. After the news leaked out about an alledged tie between President Ivanov and socialist insurgents operating in Le Due Sicilia, protesters have spontaneously taken to the streets. Many flags of Makharovsk have been burned while protestors chanted, "Death to the communists! Italy for Italians! Long live Il Capo!" and demanded President Ivanov's resignation. The government has advised that all immigrants from Makharovsk remain indoors for their own safety.

An extremely disgruntled Prime Minister Gianni Gargano spoke about the situation at a press conference this afternoon, "If these allegations prove true, then the Union of Socialist States of Makharovsk have committed an act of war which will be dealt with militarily. If a single drop of Italian blood is spilt resulting from President Ivanov's reckless actions, then the USSM will be crushed under the heels of the Sicilian army's boots. The only way to peacefully diffuse this situation is for President Ivanov to resign, give us the names of all funded insurgents, and then to take Ivanov to the Balkans International Court of Justice." When asked about the list of grievances that Makharovsk plans to give to the Two Sicilies, Gargano replied that he was not concerned about complaints from a state sponsor of terrorism.

In preparation for a possible military confrontation the Sicilian army has been put on alert for mobilization, Milos Scraemier has been arrested and will be deported once a host country is found, and all diplomats to Makharovsk have been recalled.

OOC:Oh god, its like when the galactic republic became an empire from the inside and the rebel alliance started up. Yes, excellent starwars parallel.

IC:Region, this is EXACTLY WHY we need the security council and the ball rolling on that concept, and making it a reality, I ask for all nations to throw downt here differences and work together to create a unified security council! the differences in how it should be run are there, but we must ignore them for now, for we must prepare once again for tensions, and lead a council meeting quickly on this situation!

Also, High numbers of Edessian citizens who formally lived in Edessia Italia, but are now secceeded over to La Due Silicia demand seperation and re-secession to Edessia or formation of a "free state" semi independant of all governments, much like Gdansk was, niether Prussian, nor Polish at the time. Creating a sort of multi-city state, until a later date. They do not wish to be caught in the turmoil or live under a dictatorship.

OOC: I have not seen the new Star Wars yet. I need to do that...

IC: We are appalled at Edessia's claims that Italian individuals formerly under its control want readmition to Edessia. Recent polls in the newly acquired territory show that its citizens are quite content with le Due Sicilia's government. Also, Edessia's argument that they don't want to "live under a dictatorship" is very hypocrital as Edessia is a monarchy. So it's okay for them to live under a dictatorship as long as it's not mine? The former territory will not be given back to Edessia, as that is imperialism. Both Makharovsk and Edessia have expressed their concerns about the Two Sicilies, but they should keep in mind that the UN has categorized us as being "Very Good" in regards of civil rights, the exact same rating that the two criticizing nations received. We may not have democracy, but we are far from being a totalitarian regime.

We advise Edessia to stay out of Italian politics, as that nation's presence in the Adriatic (no. 29 on the map) was only authorized by Tediad-B as a "temporary/provisional" measure (http://invisionfree.com/forums/Balkanic_Union/index.php?showtopic=3&st=105). Edessia has sure been in the Adriatic for quite some time, and we suggest that they do not wear out their welcome by interfering with the soveriegn nations on the peninsula. Also, do not turn this international incident into fodder to push your agenda for a region-wide military; that is not the issue.

The issue remains about President Ivanov of Makharovsk's support for an insurgency; Sicilian intelligence have discovered credible financial links between the premier and small communist rebel cells. The Two Sicilies will await a response from Makharovsk before taking any action.

MNN: President Ivanov today vehemently denied the claims of the opposition political parties regarding funding for communist guerillas fighting in La Due Sicilia, claiming that while he supported their cause, he refused to intervene in the affairs of a sovereign state. He also went to great lengths to make clear that these allegations did not affect his stance against the Sicilian regime.

Yes, we are a monarchy, but we do have an elected ppresident and prime minister and an elected parliament, just check the polls im sure there still there,t he cyber-rights party won the election. And yes, many Edsessian Italians have expressed interest in leaving a dictatorial regime, for they did quite like it under Edessia Italia, anyway. Im not trying to push anything onto the nation, im showing the region the dire urge for a security council and force. And I am as soverign as you are, Edessia Italia is mine and has been for quite sometime, I intend to administer to it, as long as it remains so.

We recommend that the Sicilians take their own advice and remain out of matters that concern them not. You attempt to tell Edessia to remain out of Edessia Italia yet you provide munitions to rebel forces attempting to overthrow a democratic government.

Granted democratic does not necessarily mean perfect, however, Molvanja has had a completely blank record of human rights violations and has been known for treating its citizens well. In this case it's government has done well.

Yeah besides, ive had that territory for over a year now. It was long emtpy since before. So ive given that region some stability, im not Italian, i gave you as much as i could of it, its mine, Im holding it.