Mappstat News
PUT ONLINE: APRIL 29, 2004 2157 MST (-0700 GMT)
Rattanjeetland Breaks Riksholm
The Ethnarch formally banned left-wing parties from Rattanjeetland, breaking a key political article of the Riksholm Treaty. Natharctica, a Rattanjeetarr mandate, followed suit within minutes.

Following a renaissance in the country's foreign affairs after dispatching troops to protect Octavton from Zimbabnese aggression in the Zimtifadeh, many in Rattanjeetland felt that their country had the right to reassert itself on the international stage.

Claiming that insurgents were afoot within the Empire, the Ethnarch put forth a motion in the Adiposia on April 22, 2004. A similar motion was placed in Natharctica by Sir Rapeolon, a close affiliate of the Ethnarch.

It stipulated that due to a spike in leftist terrorist activity within Rattanjeetland, left-wing parties such as the Labour, Socialist, Green, and Pacifist parties should be banned. After hours of debate, the Rattanjeetarr deputies approved the bill while the Natharctican government, controlled by the Pacifists, decisively rejected it.

Overriding Natharctican objections, both the Ethnarch and Sir Rapoleon gave the motion assent on April 29. The move is sure to cause domestic upheaval and concern abroad, as the move violates the Riksholm Treaty which was placed upon Rattanjeetland and Natharctica for their participation in the War of 2K1. The treaty is enforced by the GX: Gorditas, Lindsholm, and Marcusburg. However, there has not yet been any formal reaction from these nations.

As a side note, Rattanjeetland has continued its renewed foreign policy by strengthening ties with Octavton. The Rattanjeetarr garrison stationed in that country has been treated to a peace festival by the Principal Councillor. In addition, both nations are opening formal diplomatic relations.