Lizbonn Granted Independence
Ceremony Held With Empress In Absentia

Just over a year ago, the El-Hussaqi army were at the gates of a nascent Lizbonn Empire. Noe had fallen the night before to a lightning attack from El-Hussaq. Miketon changes sides from the United Commonwealth of Lindsholm (UCL) to join the Rattanjeetland Confederacy. Only hours earlier, Rattanjeetarr troops had taken over Wendorra la Vella with El-Hussaqi assistance and forced that country into a protectorship that lasts to this very day. With invasion imminent, quick trilateral diplomacy between Rattanjeetland, Marcusburg, and Lizbonn resulted in Lizbonn's hasty accession into the Phalanx Treaty Organization (PTO).

On December 29, 2001, with the threat of invasion greatly diminished, the Prime Chancellor of Marcusburg reached agreement with the Empress of Lizbonn over independence. A grand base, which was the only structure in the country for the majority of its history, provides protection while a brand new fishery provides employment for Lizbonnian civilians. A new palace and parliament, the Lizbonne Assembly, have been constructed to provide the rudiments of government in the country.

While Lizbonn may be well poised for independence, many analysts are worried about the chronic negligence of the Empress in dealing with the nation's affairs. An already troubling sign is the Empress's absence in the formal termination of Marcusburg protectorship. The Empress was unavailable for comment. Neither deputies of the the Lizbonne Assembly or the Royal Secretary knew where she was.