Delegates Debate New Constitution

L'Unité - Delegates from the four groups involved in the Treaty of Ran met in L'Unité today to discuss a new constitution for Jonquiere-Tadoussac, and hopefully reunite the country after nearly three years of intense civil war.

Some of the groundwork had already been laid in the treaty. For example, the current provincial divisions were accepted on a provisional basis, and a new name for the country has been selected (the Consular Commonwealth of Jagera). On the table today was the key issue of government structure, seen as the most important issue for the unity of the country.

For each side, the form of government is important, as each sees a different model as right for Jagera. The Communistes are supporting an extremely decentralised mode, which will allow them the best ability to run their own territories as they see fit. The Démocratiques, having seen the failure of a decentralised confederacy, are fighting for a nigh-unitary state, in order to keep the decision making in the hands of the majority. The Royalistes seek the return of the old Constitutional Monarchy, and see the country as the territory of the King. Representatives of the Eeyo'Uch peoples of the eastern provinces don't care what type of government there is, as long as they have the right to govern themselves. The right mix of these is seen as key to the success of a lasting peace.

Also on the table is a proposal to make the subdivisions of the provinces permanent. Currently, the province of Lamontagne is split into the western "Chicoutimi" district and eastern "Estmont" districts, while Alma is broken into "Ouest", "Nord", and "Sud" districts, Jonquiere is split into
"Nord" and "Sud" districts, and both Côte-St-Jean and Translaurent are split into "Est" and "Ouest" districts. If this resolution passes, each subdivision would become independent, for a possible total of 14 provinces instead of the current eight. The proposal is contentious, but has strong backing from the Communistes, who stand to gain Alma du Ouest, and the Royalists, who hold Alma du Nord, Jonquiere du Nord, and Translaurent du Ouest.

At current, the peace seems to be holding. Though Jageran troops remain on standby throughout the country, most arms have been turned in, and violent incidents are at a lower level than before the war began.

Royalistes Sue For Peace

War At An End

Acadière, Îles Jontadains - The Jontadain Civil War has come to an end this evening, as Démocratique forces have accepted cease fires and issued terms to their rivals. An air of calm covers the country for the first time in two years, as fighting subsides across the country.

Faced with a renewed Démocratique offensive, supported by the Jageran First and Second Armies, Roland Tadoux, self proclaimed King Roland XXXII and leader of the Royaliste forces, sued for peace from the overwhelming force of the attacking armies. The Démocratiques demanded an unconditional surrender, which they then received. The cease fire appears to have been accepted by all Royaliste troops. As of press time, Démocratique and Jageran forces are moving to occupy all formerly hostile areas.

The surrender comes on the heels of a cease fire signed with the Communiste rebels. Negotiations had been entered by the Jageran Military Government on June 17, and an official agreement reached June 21. Under the terms of this cease fire, Communiste forces retain political control over the province of Lamontagne until a more permanent arrangement can be reached. Due to the remaining strength of the Communistes, an unconditional surrender was not on the table.

Agreements have also been reached with the Eeyo'Uch peoples of Eastern Jonquiere-Tadoussac. These groups had taken control of their traditional territories partway into the conflict, and continued to hold them despite attempts to overpower them. A similar arrangement has been made as with the Communistes, again with the provision that the current treaty is temporary.

No word at this point as to whether Jageran forces will withdraw from Jontadain soil any time soon. Several commentators believe the new Jontadain officials will need to show strength to stop Jonquiere-Tadoussac from becoming a Jageran military outpost, like the nominally independent country of Njordheim.

Jageran/Démocratique Forces Begin Final Push Against Royalistes

Cease Fire Reached With Communiste Forces

From the "Commonwealth Star"

Acadière, Îles Jontadains - Elements of the Jageran Ground Force stationed in Jonquiere-Tadoussac, along with their Démocratique allies, are beginning a major push, aimed at destroying the last bases of power for the Royaliste rebels of the country. This would bring the war within tangible distance of its end, as the Royalistes have been the main opposing force in this stage of the conflict.

According to Generalmajor Heiström, commander of the Jageran First Army, the attacks are aimed into the heart of remaining Royaliste territory, with a goal of no less than forcing a surrender of the rebel forces or destroying them in the process. Elements from the First and Second Armies, along with the Jontada Major Air Command, are to participate in the assault, aiming at the Royaliste headquarters of Île-de-Loup. "At the least, we can cut them in half," states Generalmajor Heiström.

In related news, the Jageran/Démocratique command has entered negotiations with the Communiste forces for a cease fire. There is no word yet on whether this will be accepted. Reports indicate the Communistes want control of at least one province, and autonomy to govern it almost as an independent protectorate.

Talks have also been entered with the indigenous Eeyo'Uch peoples residing in the east of the country. They had occupied the areas at the outbreak of the latest stage of the war, and are pressing for autonomous government in the area. Reports indicate the Jageran forces are amenable to this, but no word yet if the Démocratiques will accept it, and no official word has been given.

Jageran Aircraft Quietly Fly West

Acadière - The quiet above the city of Acadière was broken roughly this morning, as the sonic booms from several Jageran supersonic aircraft rocked local buildings.

According to witness reports, three Jageran transport aircraft of the most advanced variety lifted off at about 0935 this morning, accompanied by a dozen fighter planes. After liftoff, the planes accelerated more quickly than normal, streaking quickly towards the west at extremely high altitudes. The sonic booms as the planes exceeded Mach 1 happened well within city limits, which reports suggest is normally against Jageran Aviation Codes, both military and civil.

As of yet, no word has been received as to why the planes took off. Military sources deny the event even happened. When pressed, Bakgeneral Heinrik Thrumann, of the Jageran Air Force Division, suggested, "There were to be some test flights taking place today; perhaps this is what was seen."

As of press time, the planes have not returned to base, leaving speculation open as to their true intentions, though some reliable forces suggest a strike against Communiste leadership in Chivaque.

MORE TO COME...

Jageran-Démocratique Forces Take City of Jonquière!

Acadière - Following a major offensive Saturday, a Jageran-Démocratique force has taken control of the city of Jonquière today. Stemming from a week-long drive up the Transjontadain Highway, the successful forces entered the city on Saturday, and by 15:00 local time had driven the last of the rebel Royaliste forces out.

"This is the largest joint operation yet attempted, and it came off beautifully," stated Generalmajor Thorgeir Helström, commander of the Jageran Expeditionary Force. "Though largely untrained guerrillas, the Démocratique forces performed admirably alongside five crack divisions of Jageran troops. Together, the combination was too much for the Royaliste forces. We even managed to secure victory without undue damage to the city or surrounding infrastructure."

The fall of Jonquière is yet another in a string of defeats plaguing the Royaliste forces since the current twelve Jageran divisions landed in Jonquiere-Tadoussac on April 3. With this latest
event, the nominal capital of the Royaliste area has been pulled back to the small city of Île-de-Loup, in the Laurent River. Unfortunately, King Roland XXXII, leader of the Royaliste forces, is reported as successfully retreating to this new area, so resistance from the Royalistes
cannot be expected to end any time soon.

Meanwhile, the indigenous Eeyo'Uch groups currently controlling the province of Roberçal and southern Côte-St-Jean and Translaurent have reportedly entered into negotiations with the Jageran military government for autonomous control of their areas of control. These groups had taken the opportunity of the civil war to take possession of their local areas, and have resisted all attempted attacks by neighbouring Démocratique and Royaliste forces looking to bring their areas under their control. Current indications show the Jageran military government of Jonquiere-Tadoussac to be amenable to the proposals, but no official statement has yet been issued.

No word yet on how the events coming out of Ferveo will affect the actions of Jageran troops in Jonquiere-Tadoussac, as the government of Jagera puts its entire military on high alert and has rerouted several naval groups. Official reports state the Gugnir Carrier Group will remain in Jontadain waters for the time being, though it is expected its air coverage will be mainly restricted to the Jageran strongholds on the Îles Jontadains.

Last Floating Fortress leaving for Jagera

Acadière - Jonquiere-Tadoussac's last floating fortress is departing Jontadain waters on a course for the Jageran port of Colisin.

According to reports, the FBJ Bonaventure is being prepared for the long, transoceanic passage through the Fervean archipelago and around Eisophca and several Schnauzer countries. According to Amiral Fritz Költz, commanding officer of the Jageran South Battle Fleet, "The FBJ Bonaventure is being moved to a Jageran port to help protect it from rebel sabotage, as well as for the first part of what we hope will be a long and beneficial technological and cultural exchange between Jagera and Jonquiere-Tadoussac."

The vessel is planned to leave along with approximately two-thirds of Jageran vessels currently in Jontadain waters, including the aircraft carrier JAS Niðhogg. The exact date and route of the voyage is secret, owing to military protocol.

Royaliste and Communiste forces are using the departure of the Bonaventure as a rallying point, stating this shows citizens "what Jagera's true motives are. Instead of trying to save the great citizens of Jonquiere-Tadoussac, they steal whatever they can at the first opportunity!" The statement was punctuated by a joint strike towards Tadoussac, which was easily repelled by a Jageran-Démocratique joint force.

Other concerns have been raised due to the probable proximity of any proposed route to Ferveo's Exordium Island, where a mysterious object has recently been discovered.

At its height, the Jontadain navy boasted five floating fortresses. The FBJ Roi Roland XXVI and FBJ Impérmiable were destroyed in their respective harbours of Acadière and Baie-Jaïm at the start of the Civil War, while the Démocratique controlled FBJ Forteresse-Boyante was destroyed by Communiste sabotage in December 2005, and the Communiste-held FBJ Île-en-Fer (renamed Prolétariat by the Communistes) was sunk on April 25, 2008.

Jagera Occupies Jonquiere-Tadoussac

Acadière, Îles Jontadains - Seeking to free Jonquiere-Tadoussac from the grip of civil war, troops from the Commonwealth of Jagera have landed to suppress the fighting.

As of midnight on April 2, Jageran troops first came ashore on the Îles Jontadain, securing first the Petit-Île at the behest of the Démocratique troops occupying it, later landing at Acadière on the Grand-Île by noon on April 3. The troops first joined battle on April 6, when troops came ashore at the Démocratique-held city of Tadoussac and threw back besieging Royaliste forces. Casualties were light on both sides, as the Jageran forces were both better trained and better armed than the opposing force. Since that point, Jageran forces have managed to quell fighting throughout the provinces of Tadoussac and Côte-St-Jean, as well as the city of L'Unité and the bordering portions of La Montagne, Alma, and Translaurent.

"We have high hopes of the entire country liberated by the end of summer," quoted Generalmajor Thorgeir Heiström of the Jageran Expeditionary Force. "Our troops are proceeding according to schedule, and we believe the rebel bases of support to be crumbling. More details than this, I cannot give."

Currently, the Jageran Ministry of Defence has declared Acadière as the provisional capital of Jonquiere-Tadoussac, and have instituted Generalmajor Heiström as military governor. There is no elected government. At time of press, the Royalistes hold the north of the provinces of Jonquière, Alma, and Translaurent, and have installed King Roland XXXII as the nominal leader of the country from a capital of Jonquière. The ACJT hold western Alma and nearly all of La Montagne, and have proclaimed a military dictatorship of the proletariat centred around Chivaque.

Meanwhile, the Jageran South Battle Fleet, headed by the aircraft carriers JAS Niðhogg and JAS Gugnir, disabled and sunk the Communiste controlled Floating Fortress FBJ Prolétariat with assistance from the Démocratique flotilla led by FBJ Bonaventure. Stated Amiral Fritz Költz, commander of the Jageran fleet, "The sinking of the Île-en-Fer [former name of the Prolétariat] means the last rebel naval forces on the Jontadain coast have been neutralized. Our work is finished."

The Jontadain Civil War began in August 2005 due to failed royal elections and threats from the Armée Communiste du Jonquiere-Tadoussac. Many-sided fighting has continued until this point, with an interlude of a Consular Confederacy supported by Baranxtu from February through May of 2006. The Consular Confederacy failed, and fighting between the Démocratique, Royaliste, and ACJT factions continues to this day.

Le Jontadain Publishes Again!

Acadière, Îles Jontadains - Yes, dear readers, we have returned! After 2 years, Le Jontadain is finally back in production. Though we are currently publishing out of our makeshift press headquarters in the Îles Jontadains, our readers should not be concerned for the quality of our newspaper, either in the printing or in the reporting. Le Jontadain will be held to the same standards as ever!

Though our great nation has seen many changes in the face of the Civil War, with the loss of Chicoutimi to Baranxtu, Arvida to Gerainia, and Île Québec to Ferveo, Le Jontadain will not falter. With the aid of the peace-keepers from Jagera, we will soon return to our offices in Jonquière itself, and reestablish our full glory. Avec la renaissance, tous deviendra un!

We would like to close this editorial by mourning the death of our previous editor. Yves Proulx was a grand man, one who could spin a story like no other, and keep everyone entranced from the first syllable to the last breath. Sadly, he was killed in the Royaliste attack on Jonquière in September, 2006. He will be missed.

Valérie Brossard,
Rédactrice en chef (Editor), Le Jontadain

Jonquiere-Tadoussac Creates Orders of Merit

L'Unité - The federal government today unveiled a scheme of honours to be bestowed upon citizens for extraordinary accomplishments. Known as Orders of Merit, these will take the form of awards to worthy citizens and non-citizens who have played a major role in Jontadain society.

"Previously, there had been the granting of royal titles available to recognize citizens for their deeds," explains Consul Lise Garimaou, chairperson of the committee that created the system. "The Consular Council felt this was no longer appropriate, as the character of the country has changed dramatically since that system was implemented. Rather, a system of honours bestowed by the government as all the citizens is better related to our current political situation."

The committee decided on five types of awards to be bestowed by the government: the Order of the High Consul, the Order of Jonquiere-Tadoussac, the Jontadain Democratic Medal, the Order of Unity, and Seal and Medal of Valour. Each of these is to have four levels, "Honourable", "Distinguished", "First Class", and "Exemplary", to mark the degree of importance of the award. Each level of award will also include a second part, whether a cash award, the granting of a title, or military promotion.

The Order of the High Consul will be granted by the High Consul for lifetime contributions to the country. It is largely intended for civil servants, though it can be given to others, as well, and will be granted at the retirement age. It is to include a pension stipend, which will be awarded over several years. This is the only award that cannot be granted to non-residents of the country.

The Order of Jonquiere-Tadoussac is bestowed upon those who have made significant contributions to the culture and way of life of Jonquiere-Tadoussac. This normally includes artists, writers and designers, but may also include architects, scientists and engineers. It recognizes a significant impact upon the people of Jonquiere-Tadoussac and their definition of themselves, their neighbours and their country. It will include a cash award.

The Jontadain Democratic Order is bestowed upon all current and former members of federal and provincial governments in Jonquiere-Tadoussac. It will also be granted retroactively to members of the old royal governments, as well as heads of state of other countries in the International Democratic Union. It includes the right to use the level of award granted as a title.

The Order of Unity recognizes a conspicuous deed on the part of a person or government to safeguard peace or unity in Jonquiere-Tadoussac. This includes efforts to prevent war, encourage unity of the provinces, or improve the situations of minorities in the country. It is the highest honour the government can bestow upon one of its citizens. The Order of Unity is an exception among the Orders of Merit, in that any of its levels may be bestowed upon a non-citizen. This is to recognize that the strongest efforts to defuse situations and prevent conflict can come from abroad, with neutral mediators. It is accompanied by a cash award.

The Seal of Valour and Medal of Valour are awarded for acts of conspicuous bravery and gallantry during times of war or civil unrest. They are awarded in wars both on Jontadain soil and abroad, though they are only bestowed for actions that directly impact the war effort. The Seal of Valour is bestowed upon civilians, and is seen as a mark of character. The Medal of Valour is bestowed upon military and civil security personnel (police, fire, etc.), and is the highest honour that can be awarded. It is accompanied by a cash award for civilians and a promotion for military personnel.

Granting of these orders will be done through committees for each, which will both select individuals and review nominations for their chosen award. Should a person be selected for the award, they will receive it from the High Consul during the yearly ceremony.

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