New Bava - The Newspaper for the Twenty-First Century - Circulation 211,500 est.

9 July 1998

The Socialist Party published today a public statement drafted by Governor Pond and approved by the SP committee within the last two days. In the statement, the SP states that it is leaving the United Coalition of the Cyberian Left (UCCL). The coalition, which has been embattled, has been controversial within Socialist ranks. The SP told the New Bava that it hoped to pursue informal alliances, for the foreseeable future, rather than organized coalitions.

It is speculated that the SP will want to keep up its longstanding contacts with the LDP in some form. But precisely what form this alliance will take now that the LDP looks set to merge with Labor is not certain. Senior SP members are known, though, to be annoyed at the polarization that the bicoalitional situation has produced. They hope in future that they can work together with both Labor and the PFP on matters of common interest. This should not be seen as excluding informal working arrangements with the CWP in future either.

The CWP was informed in advance of the likely SP decision, and Governor Rosario was reported to be resigned to it. He sent a letter to the SP indicating the CWP's exit from the UCCL shortly before the SP published its formal decision on UCCL membership. It will be interesting to see what new coalitions and alliances emerge in the newly revitalized multiparty atmosphere, and whether the Federalist Coalition continues in existence at all.

Bavans discuss the province's constitution

Governor Pond has indicated his intention to press ahead with ratification of the Bavan constitution. This was repeatedly delayed through the governor's previous term of office.

The Governor this week emailed all Bavan citizens asking for any amendments to the Constitution to be submitted to him by Sunday 12^th.

Rosario trial continues

The trial of Mike Rosario, CWP leader, is continuing. The prosecution (led by Special Prosecutor Peter Hickey) recently called Terry Clare, their second witness. All sides have indicated a desire to wind up the trial soon.

Asked to comment, Governor Pond, one of the three jurors (the other two being Conan Saunders and Michael Key), stated that he, too, hoped the trial could be concluded soon, since he would be on holiday from 16^th-30^th July.

Pond looking at health issue

The Socialist Party committee has asked Governor Pond of Bava to look at a possible health care bill to be submitted to the National Assembly by the SP plurality, according to an SP spokesperson.

New Bava is published by the Bavan News Company (BNC), a workers' cooperative.