[Xiomera]

Diplomatic row over drug smuggling intensifies


Lauchenoirian police after concluding a drug raid

The diplomatic row over drug smuggling conducted by a Kvask-based smuggling group has intensified, with the governments of Lauchenoiria and Kerlile trading accusations over the matter.

After a recent series of raids in Lauchenoiria aimed at curtailing drug smuggling, the Lauchenoirian government accused Kerlile of providing the smugglers from Kvask a safe haven in return for access to illicit and contraband items, in an effort to evade sanctions levied on Kerlile after the Second Lauchenoirian Civil War. Lauchenoirian Foreign Minister Sandra Pavía made a statement to Lauchenoirian reporters that the Lauchenoirian government had warned Kerlile that its actions related to the Union of Merchants were "simply unacceptable". Pavía then made an accusation on social media claiming that the Council of Kerlile was engaging in “wilful ignorance” on the smuggling issue. Pavía accused the Kerlian government of deliberately ignoring smuggling in order for Council families to have access to goods and products to evade sanctions. The Foreign Minister's words were followed up by a speech from Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez in the Lauchenoirian Federal Parliament, warning that those who do not cooperate with the Lauchenoirian government's investigation into the Union of Merchants may face unspecified “consequences”.

Councillor Electra Georgiou released a public statement on behalf of the Kerlian government denying the Lauchenoirian accusations and stating that Kerlile is continuing investigations into Kvaskm smuggling operations in their country. While the Kerlian Border Patrol Agency has claimed that there has been a sharp reduction in smuggling to the country, foreign observers have noted that Kerlian government funding for anti-smuggling operations has steadily decreased since 2012 and that no smugglers have been arrested in Kerlile since 2019.

What is the Union of Merchants?
The Union of Merchants is a Kvask-based smuggling organization which is known for sales of illicit products in a number of nations. The organization's activities are considered a criminal enterprise in a number of nations.

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A new nation emerges in the IDU
Netlcoātl Islands declare independence in further disintegration of Xiomeran Empire


Ahuac, new leader of the Netlcoātl Islands

In a shock announcement which observers fear could lead to further instability in eastern Caxcana, the Netlcoātl Islands have declared their independence as the Xiomeran Empire continues to disintegrate further into civil war.

After forcing Imperial troops to abandon the islands, Ahuac, the son of the former leader of the islands Itzamatul, has taken over as the new leader of the government there. In a brief speech to the media, Ahuac stated that the Netlcoātl Islands have declared themselves to be "the newest nation of the IDU." He further warned that the islanders would resist "any attempt by Xiomerans or their allies" to force the islands to return to Xiomeran authority. A new government is in the process of being formed by the islanders, with temporary leaders to be appointed followed by proposed elections in April 2021, Ahuac stated.

Reaction to the surprise announcement has been mixed. Most nations, as of yet, have not recognized the Netlcoātl Islands as an independent state. The government of Milintica, however, did announce that it will be sending a diplomatic delegation to the islands' capital, Citlamina, to meet with Ahuac and the provisional Netlcoātl Islands government. Milintica's Representative Assembly has reportedly approved a proposal to begin the process of recognizing the Netlcoātl Islands as a sovereign nation and exchange ambassadors. Some observers warn that this may cause friction between Milintica and the loyalist Xiomeran government under Empress Yauhmi. The two governments are currently allies in the attempt to overthrow the government of Emperor Xochiuhue, and observers have warned that Milintican recognition of the Netlcoātl Islands' independence could cause a fracture in the coalition against Xochiuhue's regime.

As of yet, neither Empress Yauhmi nor anyone in her loyalist government have addressed the declaration of the Netlcoātl Islanders or their future status in Xiomera. However, Emperor Xochiuhue's government issued a statement declaring the independence move by the islanders "null and void before the ink even dried on it" and asserted its right to "re-establish the legitimate authority of the Xiomeran Empire" over the islands at a later time. When advised of this statement from the Emperor, the response by Ahuac was succinct: "Come and try."

Why are the Netlcoātl Islands important?
The Netlcoātl Islands are a small island chain between Legionas and Xiomera. They occupy a strategic location between the Aegir Sea and the Nereus Sea, and also sit in the path of vital shipping lanes. The islands, along with the Zarmesa Islands, were a source of border disputes and tension between Legionas and Xiomera for many years before a final resolution of their status. Observers warn that a change in the status of the Netlcoātl Islands could cause further border disputes or unrest in eastern Caxcana.