July 12, 2014
Click here for a roundup of domestic and international news
Florentin Căpitănescu, 12.07.2014, 13:25
7 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and over 30 wounded in the latest clashes with pro-Russian secessionists in the east of the country, sources in Kiev have today announced. The Government troops, which in the past days have taken control of several towns and villages including the former breakaway stronghold of Slavyansk, are advancing towards Donetsk and Lugansk two regional capitals in which the rebels are putting up a strong resistance, international press agencies have announced. On the other hand, the European Union has added 11 more names on the list of Russian or pro-Russian personalities to whom sanctions will be applied. The list has so far included 61 people, accused of compromising the territorial integrity, the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.
Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean is in Dubrovnik to participate in an international conference entitled Croatia Forum, which is devoted to the European integration of the states in the Western Balkans. The Forum will also be attended by high European officials, foreign ministers from EU countries as well as from the countries involved in the enlargement process. Invitees from China, Japan, the USA and New Zealand are also attending the event.
Romanian tennis players, third world seeded Simona Halep and Monica Niculescu will today be playing in BRD Bucharest Open, a WTA tournament with 250 thousand dollars in prize money. The winner will play in the finals on Sunday against Slovakian Kristina Kukova or Italian Roberta Vinci. BRD Bucharest Open is the first WTA tournament staged in Romania.
The Israeli army on Saturday has continued its air strikes against the Islamic movement Hamas without managing to stop the rocket attacks against Israel from the Gaza Strip though. The international community, including the United States, is increasingly worried about the escalation of the Middle East crisis and has called for a ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the army operations are unfolding according to the schedule and new stages are to follow. According to Palestinian sources, 120 people have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the Israeli operations.
The Romanian diplomacy has decided to activate a crisis cell to grant consular assistance to the Romanian citizens in the Gaza Strip, including in terms of evacuation. A hot line has also been set up to offer support to the families of the Romanian citizens who are now in Gaza. The Foreign Ministry in Bucharest is recommending Romanians to avoid trips to Israel and Palestinian territories.
Football side Astra Giurgiu has won Romania’s Supercup after a 5-3 shootout win against champions Steaua Bucharest. The game, held in the National Arena in Bucharest has announced the opening of the domestic football season, due at the end of this month. In another development Brazil and the Netherlands are today meeting for the third and fourth positions in the world cup, while in the finals on Sunday Germany will take on Argentina.
