Crossbell Times (Azure)/Issue 9

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> **Crossbell Times - Issue 9**
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> [News Flash] Crossbell Declares Independence!
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> Preface:
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> The state election board announced that 90% of eligible voters submitted a ballot in the referendum. 70% of votes cast were in favor of independence.
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> The high voter turnout can be attributed to the anguish inflicted by the raid on Crossbell City. Many voters suspect that the attacks could have been perpetrated by the Empire or Republic. This attitude reflects the average Crossbellan's dissatisfaction with the status quo that has been in place for the past 70 years.
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> Concerning this Result:
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> The referendum held was designed to ascertain the average Crossbellan's perspective on the matter. However, after counting the ballots, something exceptional occurred. Despite the cautious stances of many diet members, Mayor Crois ignored each and every one of them and declared independence unilaterally. This unprecedented move is bound to have major ramifications in Crossbell's relations to its neighboring countries.
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> ◆Mayor Crois Declares Independence◆
>     In a press conference yesterday, Crossbell City's mayor, Dieter Crois, declared independence on the behalf of Crossbell's citizens. The mayor stated that his was an official international proclamation, and that henceforth this land would be known as the Independent State of Crossbell.
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> Mayor Crois then outlined the changes that would need to be made to cement Crossbell as an independent nation. First, the creation of a state constitution. Next, the abolition of the state's subservient relationship with the Empire and Republic. This includes the repeal of the ten percent revenue tax collected by these nations. Finally, the formation of the Crossbell Defense Force. This organization will unify the police and CGF, taking over their responsibilities of keeping the peace and maintaining national security.
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> Following the listing of these measures, Mayor Crois said the state government (soon to be the independent state government) will be enacting these changes within the coming month.
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> As for the declaration itself, even those well versed in politics were taken off guard by the suddenness of the move, calling it 'an unusually quick development.' Apparently, the mayor went against the cautious advice of Speaker MacDowell when pushing this decision. It will likely be a while until all facets of this unprecedented declaration are made clear.
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> ◆What of Other Countries' Reactions?◆
>     Both the Imperial and Republican governments, the current suzerains of Crossbell, issued their statements on the day of the declaration, rejecting the bid for independence. 'The land of Crossbell State has always been a part of the Republic's territory,' proclaimed the Republican government. Under this framework, Calvard rebukes the declaration as a matter of course.
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>     Queen Alicia II of Liberl weighed in, saying that while the common will of the people should be respected, the declaration of independence happened far too hastily. The Principality of Remiferia issued a similar statement while requesting further elaboration of the facts.
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> Meanwhile, the Holy City of Arteria has opted not to make a formal statement. 'A nation is not made in a single day,' said a bewildered public relations staffer.
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> ◆Within Crossbell City◆
> Despite the widespread confusion caused by the announcement, many citizens are welcoming the change with open arms. Others aren't so sure, saying things like, 'I only voted for it because I thought this vote was just gauging interest.'
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> The prevailing theme throughout this entire story is the ubiquitous confusion felt by everyone involved. That said, if Crossbell truly is set upon the path to independence, this is merely the beginning of troubles our fair state will face.
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