In The News Today;
Hinali allocates hundreds of millions of Follars into S.D.I. Contracts.
A spokeswoman for the Panin Administration confirmed that the government voted to invest f360 million Follars into contracts with Syndicated Defense Industries Research and Development in order to research Future Technologies for a Military purpose. Nothing was confirmed however about the nature or content of these contracts but the government has at least seen fit to declassify the contract's existence.
Damage to Energy Facility Not in Vain, Navy Takes Prisoners
The Follandan Navy was abuzz with activity Wednesday when Salvage crews scouring the scene of a Naval battle just off Terol island discovered several survivors onboard a half sunk attacker vessel. The vessel partially capsized on top of a rock formation just under the surface which kept part of the ship above water. No additional information about the survivors or who they are is available but it's known that the Navy secured them on the Carrier FNS Cathleen, most likely for questioning.
Neighbors Oppose Rites Sea Exclusion Zone, Hinali Retorts
Several nations have expressed their opposition toward Folland's claim to a Military Exclusion Zone within the majority of the Rites Sea. Nearby Mitron and Kuyrut, who share coastlines with the Rites were the first to denounce, claiming Folland is blocking International Shipping routes. Hinali attempted to reassure it's neighbors that the zone will not affect commercial shipping since the Zone only excludes foreign military vessels, however this seems to have fallen on deaf ears. In addition, Hinali gave an official statement to the world, claiming Folland will always be willing to cooperate with world leaders on any issue, however will continue to remain steadfast in its local interests. In related news, some countries around the world have gone as far as even reducing relations over the claim on the Rites.
Carksson City Withdraws Bid for USong, Claims "Unable To Decide on Presenters"
The internet was enthralled over recent weeks when the city of Carksson, West Territories placed it's bid to host the 2014 USong competition, a global musical event where Nations send their homegrown musical talents to represent them and their people on the international stage. However due to confusing and even somewhat controversial reasons, Carksson backed out of their bid, claiming they were having a difficult time finding official presenters to go along with the bid, and without presenters, the bid would have no chance of being considered.
Major Settlements in West Esdikkom Make Use of New Energy
The first Geothermal Power Plant, built by Follandan engineers came online last week, providing much welcomed energy to seemingly isolated villages and towns around Esdikkom's northwest border with Folland. The joint project, which includes more power plants in the near future will have Esdikkom in turn provide Folland land rights to drill for Natural resources, including Oil and Natural Gas.
Crew That Crashed in Sinope Return Home
Several Follandan Air Force personnel who's UT-130 crash landed in a Sinopian field last month finally returned home on commercial flights via Calibria and Shayden. The crew could have flown home sooner however they decided to wait in Calibria for their fellow crewmembers that were hospitalized in Sinope due to injuries sustained in the crash, so they could all go home together. The rescue of the Follandan service men and women, along with a couple Military vehicles that were salvaged from the crash is a surprising olive branch between the Follandan and Sinope republics during times of increased political tension, of which Hinali is grateful of. But for the men and women of the Air Force, they're just happy to finally be back home with their families, even though the same cannot be said for the lone Cargo plane Pilot who died in the crash, trying to land the plane as safely as possible. In a statement released by the Military, the Air Force will be awarding the Pilot with the Green Star, Folland's highest commendation for valor above and beyond the call of duty, to his family, as well as a reparations package.
Border Crossing Station Near Oboden Attacked
A border crossing on the Follandan Fraesian border near the city of Oboden was attacked in the evening hours of June 17th. A mid sized truck attempting to pass through the station into Folland detonated an explosive after border patrol canines discovered something suspicious about the vehicle. The explosive destroyed the truck and severely damaged the part of the station it was in. Three agents and a canine were killed while another two were injured by debris and shrapnel. The border was temporarily shut down to secure the scene. The bomber was suspected to have been heading for Fort Perondeux, a joint Army Air Force base located near Oboden along the border with Fraesia. The Fort had received numerous threats against it, mostly from Fraesian sources over Folland's previously botched two day Occupation of Fraesia.