James von Puchow made Austenasian subject at summit in London
James von Puchow, founder of Landashir and long-time friend of the Empire, became an Austenasian national earlier today at a summit held in central London. Emperor Jonathan I met at Mile End with von Puchow and with Richard Cunningham (a former holder of the offices of GUM Chair and Pope of the Proto-Cults), to be joined later by Sebastian Linden of Francisville. Pierre d’Égtavie of Renasia had intended to attend the meeting, as had Evren Filgert of the recently founded Austenasian town of Porthbokon, but both had to cancel. The Emperor, von Puchow and Cunningham visited the Tower of London and the British Museum before going back to Mile End to meet Sebastian Linden and his significant other. After refreshments, the group went to Mile End Park, where von Puchow was made an Austenasian national by the Emperor under the provisions of an Act of Parliament last week. Von Puchow now holds the status of a non-residential subject, and will soon be appointed Deputy Chief Ambassador to share the workload of the current Chief Ambassador, the Prime Minister Countess Eritoshi.
James von Puchow speaks of the future for himself and Landashir
Article by Evren F Yesterday, James von Puchow issued a statement explaining that his two-year involvement with Francisville was coming to an end. A micronationalist of long standing in the micronational community – Mr von Puchow has been nationbuilding for well over a decade – James has decided to cement Landashir’s status as “a politically autonomous collective which operates as a nation state” in order that it may “continue to exist without needing me to prop it up… [so that] the inactivity of my own self would not indicate that Landashir had ceased to exist. Landashir is still my home, but I would like to invest my efforts somewhere else.” James cited personal commitments such as his studies for the reasoning behind the decision, which “was made a long time ago”. Mr von Puchow does not see his announcement as an “announcement of radical ideas” but simply a confirmation of a naturally made decision and stated further that, “I have felt personally disappointed that I have not been able to fulfil any major duties as Premier nor go out and be a diehard micronationalist since I arrived in Edinburgh, but what needs to be stressed is that I am not the country. I have done a lot for it – I built it up – but Landashir can still be a functioning small little country with a government and territory without my constant input. I’ve learned to embrace the feelings of guilt by knowing that I belong to a country, but that country does not necessarily belong to me.” On the subject of James’ intent towards the Empire of Austenasia, he stated that, “The Emperor and I are looking to use my experience as a statesman to work for the Empire’s diplomatic service and embassies, possibly installing me in the office of an Austenasian embassy… The Emperor and I have been very close friends in the professional world, and I have taken time to attend national events in Austenasia and visit. I see a stable, structured nation and a possible new home. They have also embraced democratic institutions and their culture is not too different from my own. However, it can’t be denied that I am a staunch republican, so any oaths I take will have to reflect that although I may give allegiance to an Emperor, I remain loyal to a nation and its people. “I may be a critical voice within the country as a result, but I know that this will not stop me from taking part in Austenasian processes and its culture. Think of it this way – Landashir is my spiritual home and place of rest, but I will live and work with Austenasia. Landashir doesn’t need all my time because it can function without a designated leader or a stack of laws – it is a commune.” When asked about his future plans, hopes and dreams for this new, evolved role in micronationalism, James simply answered that “Plans will simply be to keep everyone updated on how I’m doing – I’m a friend of this entire community and a veteran at the same time. I have asked that my experience be used and somewhat exploited; at the end of the day, I find much comfort in being involved in this community because it realises my passion for politics and talking about what sort of country I wish to live in. We’ve yet to see the fruits of my labour, so I look forward to the future.” An inspiring message for long-standing members of the community everywhere, James von Puchow is a shining example of the evolution of micronational statesmanship. We await further developments with interest.
New South Scotland invaded as Zealandia condemned for aggression
Despite being roundly condemned by numerous national leaders for her aggression towards New South Scotland, Queen Astrid of Zealandia this morning sent Zealandian troops into the Austenasian crown dependency. Announcing that she had renamed the land “Nyaskane”, Queen Astrid – also known as Anna Lindstrom – claimed to have annexed it into Zealandia, a claim unrecognised by the international community. Claims that this has been done in accordance with the principle of self-determination have been ridiculed, with nobody living on the land and there being no citizens of New South Scotland registered with the Austenasian government. Much confusion has resulted from claims by Queen Astrid she had been “pressured unfairly into dismissing half our government”, asserting that Emperor Jonathan I had been pressuring her to sack her Prime Minister and two high-ranking military officers. The Emperor has clarified that upon her complaining to him that one of said military officers was actively trying to depose her, he suggested she consider dismissing him, but challenged her to produce any evidence that he had ever done anything more, and said that the Zealandian Prime Minister had “never even [been] mentioned”. After Queen Astrid suspended the treaty allowing ZDF personnel to be present in New South Scotland, the Emperor gave 24 hours for them to leave the area before he would consider their presence a violation of sovereignty. Astrid has been ridiculed by some for comparing this action to the British colonisation of Australia (that is, not her troops occupying the land, but them being given time to leave). The actions of Zealandia have been condemned by the international community of small nations: Emperor Jonathan I has given the following statement: It is with great sadness that Our Imperial Majesty has seen the betrayal of our former friend play out before us. Astrid has lied to us, to the Zealandian government, and to those who have tried to help the situation through mediation. Her lies about us cannot be tolerated – nowhere did we pressure her to dismiss the members of her government that she claimed, and we challenge her to prove otherwise. While we advised she dismiss an officer attempting to depose her, this was advice given in a spirit of friendship after she informed us and our Privy Council that she was at risk of losing her throne. We cannot now help but think that this was a ruse to cause us to say something of the sort which she could present to her government as proof of “imperialism” – even she does not seem unstable enough to promote an officer if he had genuinely attempted to overthrow her mere days ago. It is clear that, far from having been forced by her government to invade New South Scotland, she has manipulated them into doing so by feeding them lies about Austenasia. The occupation of New South Scotland is illegal under international law. It is sovereign Austenasian land, and never has been Zealandian. The principle of self-determination has no relevance, there being no New South Scotlander population; Astrid’s claims to herself be a citizen of New South Scotland started only yesterday, after the crisis had begun, having never before claimed this status (which, if she held, would anyway make her guilty of treason for encouraging foreign invasion). Her claims of Austenasia being imperialist and aggressive are so laughable and hypocritical that we would debase ourselves to dignify them with a response. Furthermore, we dishonourably revoke Astrid’s honour in the Austenasian Order, and relinquish our own knighthood from her deceptive nation. In conclusion, the occupation of New South Scotland is an affront to the majesty of the Empire and the customs of civilised nations. However, it is not that which pains us, but the lies, deceit, and betrayal from somebody who for so long has claimed to be our friend. If that friendship was a ruse, a mere trick to be able to occupy some land, then we must condemn Queen Astrid and her actions as truly despicable. ICJA Wrythe, 3 June 2014
Sebastian Linden visits Wrythe and Orly
Sebastian Linden, a leader of the Federal Republic of Francisville, today visited Carshalton. Linden, who is a member of Francisville’s Federal Council (a body which serves as the country’s collective head of state) and governor of the Francillian canton of Rudno, was met by Emperor Jonathan I at Carshalton station. The Emperor then gave Linden a guided tour of Orly, which is situated very close to the station, before the two walked to the house of Queen Emma I of Copan, where they were served drinks and engaged in discussion with the Queen and some of her friends. Jonathan I and Linden then walked to Wrythe, speaking to Countess Eritoshi (Chief Ambassador and candidate for Austenasian Prime Minister in next month’s elections) via mobile phone on the way. At Wrythe, Linden was introduced to Emperor Father Terry, Emperor Mother Margaret, Crown Princess Caroline and the Imperial Family’s two pet bullmastiffs Rose and Edd. After being shown Wrythe Public Park and its various monuments, Linden had his photograph taken with the Emperor before the two had some food and discussed several matters. Jonathan I then accompanied Linden back to Carshalton station. Austenasia has recognised Francisville – founded in November 2008 – as a sovereign state since 13 August 2012. Francisville does not formally recognise the Empire in return due to its complete lack of any official foreign relations, but has granted tacit recognition to Austenasia several times besides today’s visit, including a letter sent in December 2012 stating the wish of the Francillian government to eventually pursue formal diplomacy with the Empire.
The Emperor returns from Paris
His Imperial Majesty Emperor Jonathan I has returned to the Imperial Residence after spending five days in Paris. The 2013 Intermicronational Summit which he attended in Paris was also attended by representatives from Francisville, Juclandia, Rukora, Draega, Lostisland, Angyalistan, and the Formori Institute, with a total of nine delegates taking part. The Emperor arrived in Paris on Monday 15th, the first day of the summit. He shared an apartment with Sir Sebastian Linden of Francisville and Pristinia, Tom Turner of Rukora, and Sir Daniel Morris of Draega and Lostisland. The delegates staying in the apartment met most days with King Ciprian I of Juclandia, who was staying in Paris with his girlfriend and cousin. Representatives of Angyalistan and of the Formori Institute were also met on Thursday and Friday evening respectively. The delegates used the five days there to take part in a great deal of discussion on relations between their nations, international politics, and the GUM. They also visited many Parisian landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triumph, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. A new international residential summit is already being planned for July next year in Perugia, Italy.
2013 Intermicronational Summit begins in Paris
The third summit of politicians and diplomats involving a large number of members of the MicroWiki Community has begun in Paris. His Imperial Majesty Emperor Jonathan I arrived in Paris yesterday with Tom Turner, leader of Rukora and former Viceroy of Hookwood in the now-defunct Slinky Empyre. They later met with King Ciprian I of Juclandia and his nephew. After eating at a restuarant near to the apartment at which the Emperor and Turner are staying, the group went to Mountmarte hill, from which a view of a large part of Paris can be seen. Sir Sebastian Linden of Francisville will be arriving at the apartment Tuesday afternoon, and Sir Daniel Morris of Draega will be arriving Wednesday morning. Sogoln Yg Ysca of the Formori Institute has also expressed interest in meeting with the summit members at some point later in the week. The summit will last until Saturday 20th, and follows on from the 2011 Intermicronational Summit in Hyde Park and the 2012 PoliNation Summit in Chelsea.
Austenasia voted most influential MicroWiki nation
The Empire of Austenasia was voted the most influential nation in the MicroWiki Community in the latest of a series of regular surveys released yesterday evening. The first MicroWiki Influence Survey took place on 4 October 2010 and disregarding a 5 month-long hiatus last year the surveys have taken place every month or two months since – yesterday’s was the Twelth. Users of the microwiki.org.uk website are asked to submit a list of 25 micronations in the community in order of their percieved influence, with the nations given points accordingly. Halfway through the voting period, a Midway Table is released showing the scores so far, and a Final Table is released a few days afterwards with the official scores. Austenasia came first with 279 points, only just beating the Free State of Renasia (278 points) and the Federal Republic of St.Charlie (276). This was a very close race for first place – the micronation in fourth place had 240 points. Nemkhav leader Marka Mejakhansk said that he doesn’t “see Austenasia getting lopped off the top point any time soon”, and St.Charlian diplomat Lucas Campos stated that “Austenasia should be in the top for a long time now”. However, Francillian politician Sebastian Linden expressed surprise that the Empire came first, and that in his opinion the top place should have gone to Renasia. HIH Crown Prince Jonathan described the Influence Survey as “just a popularity contest”, but still expressed happiness at the Empire being voted into the prestigious first place. The State of Sandus came 6th (207), the Community of Landashir and Kingdom of Juclandia came joint 7th (190), the Technological Federation of Erephisia came 9th (164), the Grand Duchy of Flandrensis came 12th (135), the Kingdom of Überstadt came 16th (97), the Federal Republic of Francisville came 18th (83), and the United Kingdom of New Wessex came 21st (49). This is the first time that the Empire has reached first place. Austenasia reached the top spot on the Midway Table of the Eleventh Survey in September, but lost out to St.Charlie in the Final Table – likewise, the Empire came second to St.Charlie in July’s Tenth Survey. Austenasia has consistently been voted as being in the top four most influential nations on MicroWiki since the Sixth Survey in December 2011.