Premier forced to suspend Board

BREAKING NEWS

PREMIER ANDERSON SUSPENDS BOARD OF MINISTERS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Alston, NCD, Nov 2 - Premier Daniel Anderson has been forced to suspend the Board of Ministers until final notice with growing tensions between Sirocco and those outside of it.

At 8:22pm this evening, Anderson made the announcement that the Board of Ministers is to be suspended pending an investigation into the conduct of certain Board members. This comes as Anderson fields attacks from all sides against himself, his leadership and Sirocco as a whole.

"It has come to my attention that there are ominous rumblings by those outside Sirocco" stated the Premier in an announcement just minutes ago. "I have also discovered there is dissention within the Board of Members. I have called for an immediate investigation into this. I have also been forced to suspend the Board of Ministers whilst this is underway. Essentially this means that I will be running Sirocco by myself. I have no other option but to do this. The suspension will not mean the firing of any persons within the Board until we can ascertain exactly what is going on inside it. We may see some members fired within days, but it is too early to call at this stage."

The suspension means foundation ceremonies could possibly be put on hold until the problem is sorted out. However it is not all bad news for the Premier, as both Vice-Premier Jesse Coles and Minister of Health and Education Chanelle Gibson have come out in defence of the Premier.

Coles gave his two-cents worth after the announcement: "I think he should stand up for his beliefs. He knows what he's doing and I support him. It's not fair what these guys are doing and it's good he's fighting against them. It's a shame that this has happened, though."

Gibson also voiced her support. "If my opinion counts for anything, I'm glad the Premier is different. We need someone who isn't afraid to be their own person.

With just hours to go until foundation, this crisis could mean a very bumpy start to the Federal Commonwealth of Sirocco.

Federal Constitution finished

Alston, NCD, Oct 31 - Premier Daniel Anderson has announced that the Constitution of the Federal Commonwealth of Sirocco has been finished after two months' work.

At around 3pm this afternoon the Constitution was completed after work began on it on September 4th. After final checks were made it was printed off at around 3:10pm, much to the Premier's relief.

"I put so much work into that, and it has been frustrating at times, but at last it is complete. We're at last ready for foundation now" stated Anderson this afternoon. "We're finally ready."

The Constitution, the legal document of the Federal Commonwealth upon which all laws are based, shall be ratified by the Premier on November 4th during the foundation ceremonies.

Disaster in A1 as volcano erupts

New Central, A1, Oct 27 - The A1 protectorate of Lichthalzen is today in a state of emergency after the eruption of a nearby volcano, which has claimed the lives of at least 29 Indonesians and injured seven A1 citizens.

Mount Merapi, located in Central Java, erupted on Tuesday, spewing ash across a wide area, including across Lichthalzen. Some 13,000 people were immediately evacuated, yet this order came too late for seven A1 citizens who were out on a day trip when the volcano exploded into life. It is understood hot ash rained down on the citizens, causing severe bodily burns. The party was immediately rushed to hospital for treatment in Yogykarta.

In Aldebaran commune working parties have already been organised to clear the ash and debris. There have been reports of breathing difficulties, but despite this a meeting was held last night in Aldebaran by the protectorate's Governor, Mars McTavish. The meeting was held to discuss the course of action to be taken after the eruption and what to do in the resulting clean-up.

It is not known if the earthquake which occurred after the eruption has caused any damage to the already volcano-stricken protectorate.

Chairman Fish said that he hoped everyone emerged from the catastrophe unharmed. He also stated that he had heard of the injuries to the party less than half an hour from his briefing on the Lichthalzenite situation.

Many nations have expressed their sympathies and offered their thoughts and prayers for A1 and Lichthalzen. Premier Daniel Anderson stated that "all Sirocco joins with A1 in their time of need. As we are based in a volcanic macronation we understand the trauma Lichthalzen is going through. We wish all the best for a fast recovery for both the injured citizens and Lichthalzen in general."

The Most Glorious People's Republic of A1 was dissolved yesterday in preparations for reorganisation into the Federated Republics of A1. This comes as A1 changes from a democratic communist dictatorship (known as 'A1ism') to that of a parliamentary democracy. The date of reformation is scheduled for November 4.

When asked what his opinion on the matter was, Premier Anderson merely gave a tounge-in-cheek reply: "We booked November 4th first!"

The end of Wikia as we know it?

Alston, NCD, Oct 19 - The Wikia users have spoken, and the Wikia staff aren't listening.

Wikia users from across the world are outraged at the mandatory change from the old 'Monaco' skin to the new 'Oasis' skin. The reasons for this have been made very clear: it is too cramped and it is too ugly.

Prominent micronational leaders Alexander Reinhardt, Philip Fish, Aldrich Lucas and King Anthony I, to name a few, have lashed out at the new skin.

"The new skin is actually pretty good, I think, but it's terrible for our wiki" Reinhardt commented. "We need something that does not stick to a certain size, that can have infoboxes without having the text look all cramped."

Philip Fish of A1 stated that "If it stuffs up our articles, we need to move. MicroWiki is now almost certainly moving away."

Alrich Lucas of Yabloko confirmed that the old 'Monaco' skin will be switched off from November 3rd. Mr. Lucas has also announced the reservation of several MicroWiki sites on different wiki hosts, such as Referata and ShoutWiki.

King Anthony of Zealandia gave a more light-hearted response to the controversy: "This new design seems to be bad news for us, why does Uncyclopedia get to be exempted? That wiki is stupid and useless. If the Wikia people are going to act like this then good bye, Tschüs, au revoir, arrivederci, vaarwel and don't let the door knob hit you where the good lord split you."

Premier Daniel Anderson has announced that he is displeased with the changes. "It's too cramped. It's article title, infobox, THEN information. Those blue bands aren't being used for anything except loitering like shifty chavs. This skin needs to be tweaked. I urge all Wikia users to adopt the slogan 'Oasis must go!' Wikia isn't listening, we'll now have to vote with our feet."

Despite the universal protests, Wikia staff are refusing to listen to users and administrators alike. Many users have been reporting being blocked from the site for protesting. The new 'Oasis' skin has been rolled out across Wikia and will become the only skin used for the site. The only exception to this is Uncyclopedia, a parody site spoofing Wikipedia. Many users have slammed this "useless" wiki being exempt from the change.

See the protests at http://community.wikia.com/wiki/Forum:Anti-Wikia_Alliance

YOUR TIMES
What do you think of the new 'Oasis' skin? See it for yourself at www.wikia.com and leave a comment below. If you want to see how it affects the MicroWiki page in particular, visit http://micronations.wikia.com/wiki/Main_Page.

Slinky Empyre, Los Bay Petros recognise Sirocco

Alston, NCD, Oct 18 - The Slinky Parliamentary Monarchy, better known as the Slinky Empyre, and the Federal Republic of Los Bay Petros have officially been recognised by the Federal Commonwealth of Sirocco and will become official friends from November 4th this year.

Yesterday, Premier Anderson was informed of a diplomatic request from the President of Los Bay Petros, Adriansyah Yassin Sulaeman. Within a few minutes, it was accepted, becoming the first official friendship with an external micronation. The Times understands that the Premier was very pleased at this opening of relations.

However, Los Bay Petros was not the first nation to enter diplomatic relations with Sirocco.

Late last night, whilst the Premier was going about his MicroWiki business, he discovered that Sirocco had a section within the diplomatic page of the Slinky Empyre. After some investigation, he found that Kyng Fyrst of the Slinky Empyre had accepted his earlier request for diplomatic relations on October 9th (October 8th Slinky Time). Sources have revealed that the Premier was most jubilant at this discovery.

The Premier has stated that "we look forward to working with other micronations just as soon as we officially become one."

Don't forget that Sirocco is now on Twitter! Follow the FCS at FCSirocco.

Sirocco will stay out of Atlantis Civil War

Alston, NCD, Oct 13 - Premier Daniel Anderson has announced that Sirocco will be adopting a neutral policy towards the Atlantis Civil War should it continue to be active by the time of Foundation on November 4.

Anderson joins a growing list of leaders condemning the War, including Alexander Reinhardt (St.Charlie), Sir Philip Fish (A1) and Wilhelm I (New Europe). He said today that after studying the Atlantis Civil War, he too views it as a pointless and silly conflict.

"The Atlantis Civil War strikes me as a very silly little quarrel between two people that don't seem fit to lead a micronation. There does not seem to be any point to this fight and it would be beneficial to all micronations if those involved would put their stuff away and go home. If this fight continues through to November 4th, Sirocco will not get involved. We don't want to have to fight in wars, much less ridiculous arguments like this."

The Atlantis Civil War began one month ago today after a vote of no confidence was passed against President Alexander Virgili by Minister of the Interior Sante Carbone and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gabriele Pellecchia.

Board of Ministers announced

Kingford, NCD, Oct 12 - Premier Daniel Anderson today announced the full list of Ministers who will serve in the Siroccan Board of Ministers from November 5 this year. In alphabetical order, they are:

• LIVIA AÏROSSER, Minister of Finance
• ANDREA CARROLS, Minister of Defence
• JESSE COLES, Minister of Transport
• CHANELLE GIBSON, Minister of Health and Education
• TAYLOR PETRELLI, Minister of Foreign Affairs
• ELIZABETH POUNTNEY, Minister of Culture
• JOHN PRESIDENT, Minister of Sport and Recreation
• JEMIMA RIDER, Minister of Architecture and Design
• BUDDY WRIGHT, Minister of Justice

Premier Anderson announced that Minister of Transport Jesse Coles has also been appointed Vice-Premier. Anderson also stated that alongside the office of Premier he shall also hold the portfolio for Minister of Broadcasting.

 

The Ministers confirmed today will not be able to resign from their positions until December 31, 2010 at earliest.

Micronationalism gains mixed responses: Premier slams 'Subversive Dissidents'

Alston, NCD, Oct 11 - Premier Daniel Anderson today publicly announced plans for a new micronation (Sirocco) within New Zealand, which has gained mixed responses.

Upon revealing plans at around 2:20pm this afternoon, Premier Anderson received numerous responses, many of which were positive, but a few that contained more than a little slander. Whilst the Premier was called "stupid" and the nation ridiculed as "a dumb idea", more positive messages of support were given to the Premier. It is understood that most were of an inquisitive nature, asking about the details of the nation, whilst a few were wishes of support and congratulations.

Anderson slammed the ill-wishers, stating that "Sirocco is not a project to be taken lightly. Micronationalism is a popular pursuit for many like-minded individuals worldwide, and such subversive comments  are just proof of the jealousy and wonder of the dissidents surrounding us. If you mock Sirocco, you mock the great micronations - St.Charlie, Molossia and Sealand, for starters - and you mock micronationalism as a whole. Such comments should not be tolerated."

Despite the setbacks of external criticism, the day has been very productive for the preparations for the Federal Commonwealth in twenty-three days. The first members of the Board of Ministers have been decided and details will be confirmed within the next few days. The Times understands that the final Minister to be appointed was the Minister of Justice, a Mr. B. Wright.

In addition to this political success, a local eccentric, who identifies himself as the 'Tsar of History', forwarded a grant of §40,000 towards the foundation of the new micronation, which was gladly accepted by the Premier.

When asked about his views on today's events, the Premier stated that he was "pleased that Sirocco has come so far even though it hasn't actually been founded yet. A complete government means one less task that needs to be completed now, and focus can now switch back to the Constitution, which is still in a state of construction."

The Premier added that he did, indeed, observe yesterday's curious time oddity: 10/10/10 at 10:10AM.

Sirocco gains first political party

ALSTON, NCD, Oct 9 - Premier Daniel Anderson today announced the creation of Sirocco's first political party. The Siroccan Federal Party is a liberal conservative party aligned to the New Zealand National Party and shall be the first party to govern Sirocco when it is founded on November 4th this year.

Anderson, who will be the President of the Federal Party, stated today that it was important that Sirocco had a governing party as ruling without one could be troublesome.

In light of the news, it is understood there is already talk of the creation of a liberal political party. There is some speculation a social democratic party could be on the way.

Andersonia to be renamed Sirocco

BREAKING NEWS: SIROCCO REPLACES ANDERSONIA

Government announces that Andersonia is to be renamed Sirocco.

ALSTON, NCD, Oct 3 - Premier Daniel Anderson today announced that Andersonia will not be seeing foundation on November 4th. Instead, that honour shall go to Sirocco.

This afternoon it was made public talks were underway about the soon-to-be-nation's name. The Times can now confirm that at 8:25pm this evening, Sirocco was confirmed as the new national name.

The Times has decided to reflect this change, altering its name from the Andersonian Times to the Sirocco Times. However the archived news articles will not be changing from the use of the names of Andersonia and the FCA for archival purposes and historical accuracy.

The Government has confirmed it will take a few days to change the names of many key departments being set up, as well as the Constitution.