Security and Terrorism

No reasons to raise the alert level in Romania, says Higher Defence Council

Daniela Budu, 27.07.2016, 13:04

Romania does not need to raise its security alert level, in spite of the growing frequency of terror attacks in Europe, President Klaus Iohannis said after Tuesdays meeting of the Higher Defence Council. According to the Romanian Intelligence Service, the blue alert level in force in Romania at present means that judging by the information available and the recent developments, the risks of a terrorist attack in the country are low.

Klaus Iohannis: “An assessment report has been presented, of the security situation in Romania in terms of terrorist risks and threats. All the public institutions having responsibilities in this field have assured me that for the time being there are no reasons to raise the terror alert level above its current level, which is ‘guarded.

Klaus Iohannis also announced that a task force has become operational in Bucharest, which will be in charge with the preparations for the establishment of the NATO multi-national brigade under Romanian command. The decision to set up the brigade was taken at the NATO Summit recently held in Warsaw. The unit will be operational as of next spring, and will be made up of troops from 6 Allied countries. According to the Romanian official, the decisions made in Poland must be implemented fully, efficiently and quickly, and all the relevant Romanian institutions have been informed of their responsibilities.

The President also announced that Romania is waiting for the suggestions of the NATO planning structures with respect to the Black Sea region. As Klaus Iohannis put it, “we stay in touch with all the Allies involved, in view of the implementation of what we may call the historic decisions made in Warsaw. All these measures and Romanias efforts also contribute to the implementation of the National Defence Strategy and the consolidation of our countrys position.

As regards Turkey, Iohannis said that the Higher Defence Council assessed the situation in that country further to the attempted coup and added that Turkey would remain a strategic partner of Romania, a crucial ally for NATO and a key partner of the European Union. As a NATO member state, Romania has an interest in ensuring the security and stability of the region, as well as the respect for the principles of democracy and the rule of law. Romania has clearly expressed its position with respect to the attempted coup, and firmly condemned all actions coming against constitutional order and jeopardising the democratic institutions of Turkey. The Romanian President also voiced his confidence that authorities in Ankara are aware of the importance of respecting democratic institutions and values and the fundamental human rights and freedoms.