August 21, 2021 UPDATE

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Newsroom, 21.08.2021, 19:24

AIR BRIDGE 15 Romanian nationals landed in Bucharest on Saturday on
board of a Hercules plane belonging to Romania’s Air Forces as part of the government’s
efforts to repatriate all the Romanian citizens from Afghanistan. The plane,
which has also evacuated four Bulgarian citizens has so far flown to Kabul
three times. Romanian president Klaus Iohannis has hailed the repatriation of
the Romanian citizens and the commitment of the authorities involved in the
process. 30 Romanian nationals have so far been evacuated from Afghanistan by
planes of partner states. Iohannis pledges that authorities in Bucharest will
carry on the operations aimed at evacuating the Romanians and Afghan citizens
who contributed to the Romanian troops stationed there, of the students who are
owners of Romanian scholarships or those in vulnerable positions. In turn,
Romania’s Defence Minister, Nicolae Ciuca, has underlined the cooperation with
the North Atlantic Alliance, with the US partners and thanked the Pakistani
authorities for the support given to the Romanian crew. According to Minister Ciuca, the Romanian army
is ready to provide assistance in all the missions involving the protection of
the country’s citizens wherever they are.

COVID 591 new Covid infections were reported in Romania in the past 24
hours out of 40,100 tests conducted as well as 15 related fatalities. 182
patients are being presently treated in ICUs. Romania’s capital city has
reported the largest number of infections while authorities are looking for
ways to convince the people to get the jab. The head of Romania’s vaccine
rollout, physician Valeriu Gheorghita has told a TV channel, that the idea of
inviting those vulnerable to vaccination points through SMSes, is being
considered by the authorities. He has also announced that third booster shots
could roll out in Romania in October, but authorities here are waiting for a
recommendation from the European Medicines Agency.

FESTIVAL The city of
Sibiu in central Romania on Friday saw the opening of the 28th edition of the
International Theatre Festival, the largest event devoted to arts in Romania
and one of the most important in Europe. 600 theatre and dance performances,
concerts and workshops are to be put up in various historical locations during
the festival, which also involves the participation of 2,000 artists from 38
countries. The festival will unfold with a real audience as well as online. 40
events were scheduled on Friday, performed by artists from 15 countries.

ASSISTANCE Romania has deployed to Greece 142 firefighters and 30 fire
engines to help the local authorities put out wildfires that are affecting the
country. The Romanian firefighters’ mission is due to last ten days but their
stay could be extended if need be. The firefighters from Romania are going to
operate in the province of Attica, close to Athens, where it is difficult to
intervene because this region of pine forests lacks proper roads for vehicles.
Two weeks ago 108 firefighters from Romania were dispatched to Greece and had a
good contribution to putting out fires in the island of Evia. Their
professionalism has been highly appreciated by the population, their Greek
colleagues and the local press.

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