February 21, 2014 UPDATE

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Florentin Căpitănescu, 21.02.2014, 12:05

PEACE DEAL SIGNED IN UKRAINE – Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych and opposition representatives on Friday signed in the presence of EU mediators an agreement aimed at putting an end to the political crisis that has gripped Ukraine in the past three months. The agreement provides for a limitation of the president’s power, the setup of a national coalition government and holding early presidential elections. Thousands have been killed in clashes between supporters of the opposition and riot police this week. Meanwhile, the financial rating agency Standard & Poor’s has downgraded Ukraine to CCC, which means the country runs the risk of defaulting on its payments.

ROMANIA REACTS TO PEACE DEAL IN UKRAINE – The Romanian Foreign Ministry on Friday hailed the signing of the ceasefire agreement in Ukraine. According to a Ministry press release, Romania will see that the crisis is fully solved. Moreover, the Romanian Foreign Ministry believes that its hard-wearing and thorough implementation will bring stability and prosperity to the Ukrainian people. In light of this week’s tragic events, all parties involved should make efforts to prevent any unwarrantable violence from escalating in the future. Such dramatic episodes have a deep impact on the Ukrainian people, the press release also reads.

MOLDOVA – The Prime Ministers of Romania and the Republic of Moldova Victor Ponta and Iurie Leanca respectively on Friday signed two agreements in the field of education and emergency medical services in Chisinau. On the sideline of the meeting, Prime Minister Ponta expressed Romania’s support for Moldova’s EU accession process, initiated by the pro-Western ruling coalition. Victor Ponta also said his Cabinet was ready to provide Moldovan authorities with expertise in accessing EU funds. The agenda of the Romanian official also included meetings with head of state Nicolae Timofti and Parliament Speaker Igor Corman.

TENNIS – After last weeks win in Doha, Qatar, Romanian tennis player Simona Halep became the 12th player in the history of women’s tennis to win seven WTA finals in a row. If she manages to win the next final, she will equal the performance of American Serena Williams, No. 1 WTA, who won 8 titles in 8 consecutive finals. The record is held by German Steffi Graf, who won 15 trophies in 15 finals played in a row.

DEBATE – The city of Iasi in north-eastern Romania on Friday played host to the debate entitled “Act. React. Decide”, ahead of the European parliamentary elections of May. The debate is part of a wide awareness-raising campaign conducted by the European Parliament, focused on the role Parliament plays in EU enlargement. Attending the debate were several Romanian MEPs. Romania holds 32 of the total of 751 seats in the European Parliament.