[Xiomera]

3 February 2021


Mallacaland seizes foreign nationals, threatens Lauchenoirian embassy

- Actions of government spark international crisis

- Multiple nations demand government of King Hassan reverse course, threaten action




In response to a statement from Lauchenoirian Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez, the government of Mallacaland has surrounded the Lauchenoirian Embassy there. Mallacaland security forces also stormed a Lauchenoirian cultural center and detained many Lauchenoirian nationals. The government has also blocked Slokaisian nationals seeking to leave Mallacaland. Today's incidents have sparked a major international crisis and stem from ongoing unrest in Mallacaland.

Timeline of unrest in Mallacaland

January 1st: Protests begin against new social guidelines issued by the Council of Emirs

January 2nd: Over 40 students at Mallacaland City University are arrested for protesting; a violent attack by unknown individuals takes place at Mallacaland International Airport

January 4th: King Abdin II meets with protesters in an attempt to ease tensions

January 5th: The Council of Emirs removes King Abdin II from the throne, replacing him with his nine-year-old brother Hassan; the Emir of Permang is named regent; the Emir of the Western Isles is also removed for refusing to back the deposing of King Abdin II

January 7th: Soldiers in Mallacaland City and the Western Isles revolt, backing the deposed King Abdin II

January 23rd: Peacekeepers from the Slokais Islands arrive in Mallacaland to help maintain peace during elections

January 30th: The governing Muslim Union party dominates national elections that both Mallacaland democracy activists and the international community denounce as rigged

February 2nd: Fighting breaks out between Mallacaland police and Slokaisian peacekeepers in several brief skirmishes

February 3rd: Lauchenoirian Prime Minister Josephine Alvarez issues a condemnation of violence by the Mallacaland government against protesters and expresses concern about the elections, stating that Lauchenoiria is reviewing possible responses. The Mallacaland government then surrounds the Lauchenoirian Embassy and storms a Lauchenoirian cultural center, detaining many Lauchenoirian nationals. The government also blocks Slokaisian nationals from leaving Mallacaland.

---

What other nations are saying

Milintica: "President Matōchmizalo, standing in front of Haven House, issued the following statement: 'The stripping of rights from the people of Mallacaland, followed by fake elections, was bad enough. But the incidents today against diplomats and innocent civilians are beyond the pale. The government and people of Milintica strongly condemn the actions of the King and his government and demand their immediate reversal. We will support the Lauchenoirian government and people in whatever response they choose to undertake, and further pledge to support the democratic movement in Mallacaland. So far, no Milinticans have been harmed in Mallacaland, and we warn the King and his government to keep it that way. Milintica will respond with all possible force to defend our nationals if they are threatened in any way.'

After the President was done speaking, General Tlehuaque, commander of the Milintican military, issued his own statement: 'Our Popular Freedom Militias are locked and loaded and ready to defend both our own people and anyone whose freedom is threatened. We did it in Xiomera and can do it in Mallacaland, if need be.' " (Voice of the People)

---

Libertas Omnium Maximus: "These brazen arrests have stunned the international community, with many politicians around the world calling for military intervention and a regime change in Mallacaland. According to Steven Jones, a Maximusian attorney specializing in international law, these arrests constitute an unprecedented and needless violation of international sovereignty, and are tantamount to a declaration of war.

The Maximusian Department of State has issued a formal advisory encouraging all Maximusian citizens in Mallacaland to leave the nation as quickly as possible. As of this evening, all flights to the micro-state have been grounded as well.

Though no sanctions on Mallacaland have been announced, Lucas Brown, the Conservative President of Libertas Omnium Maximus, explained during a press conference this evening that the Maximusian government is disgusted by Hassan's treatment of the Lauchenoirian citizens and diplomats who have been detained. The President further decreed that any attempt to similarly 'hold hostage' Maximusian citizens in Mallacaland would be viewed as an act of military aggression." (Litudinem Herald)

---

Eiria: "Earlier today, Lauchenoiran diplomats in Mallacaland were rounded up and detained by Mallacalandian police, under orders of the King, who is but nine years old. This is an inexcusable and shocking act, and we stand in solidarity with our Lauchenoiran friends. This stunning event has demonstrated that the safety of our own diplomats cannot be ensured while they remain in Mallacaland. If the Lauchenoiran dignitaries are not returned unharmed within forty-eight hours, we will withdraw all diplomats we have in Mallacaland. And if any Eirian is harmed, tourist or official, the Mallacalandian government shall be met with swift action. This new incident has revealed the unpredictability and danger of the Mallacalandian Monarchy. From dubious elections, to arresting peaceful protesters, lately Mallacaland has exhibited very undemocratic and almost hostile actions to its own people. I urge every Eirian in Mallacaland to leave immediately, for their own safety." (Chancellor William Lancaster, ENN)

---

Xiomera: "While we have been close friends and trading partners with Mallacaland, the threatening of embassies and diplomats and the other recent incidents in Mallacaland are not something that the Xiomeran Empire can accept or be associated with. For the sake of the people and nation of Mallacaland, I urge King Hassan and his government to rescind these recent hostile actions and restore diplomatic relations to a normal status before it is too late. We advise Xiomerans currently in Mallacaland to return to Xiomera as soon as possible and until further notice. While we remain committed to our friendly relationship with Mallacaland and its government, the Xiomeran Empire is obligated to state that any harm to Xiomeran nationals or interests in Mallacaland will require us to respond." (Empress Calhualyana, XIN)

---

Huenya: "The Huenyan Federation fully condemns the blatant violations of international law and diplomatic norms that took place today in Mallacaland. We call upon King Hassan and his advisors to retract their hostile actions against the Lauchenoirian Embassy, as well as Lauchenoirian nationals there. As part of our national platform of conscience-based diplomacy and trade relations, the Huenyan Federation will be forced to decline any diplomatic or trade relations with Mallacaland moving forward if these actions are not reversed, and if the current government does not allow for a viable path forward to democracy." (Vice-Speaker Tiacihitli, Federal News Service)