September 9, 2016 UPDATE
Click here for a roundup of domestic and international news
Newsroom, 09.09.2016, 12:30
TALKS Romanian president Klaus Iohannis said in Berlin on Friday that he proposed during his talks with German chancellor Angela Merkel, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and that of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel the setting up of a European agency for fighting terrorism. Iohannis has said that in the near future there will be concrete measures on terrorism prevention. At the same time, the head of the Romanian state said the EU needs increased transparency and legitimacy of institutions but also better communication. The meeting of the four officials took place against the background of preparations for the informal meeting of the European Council in Bratislava on September 16th, which will have high on the agenda the future of the EU after the Brexit. The meeting in Berlin is part of the contact series president Klaus Iohannis is having with European leaders for talks on the future of the European Union.
NUCLEAR TEST US president Barack Obama has condemned the nuclear test North Korea carried out on Friday, saying it represents ‘a grave threat to regional security and international peace’. Obama said he had spoken by telephone with the leaders of South Korea and Japan, who agreed to work with other countries “to take additional significant steps, including new sanctions, to demonstrate to North Korea that there are consequences to its unlawful and dangerous actions.” The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also voiced concern after Pyongyang’s announcement about the nuclear test. The ministry says this action represents a severe violation of the UN Security Council’s resolutions being also a provocation to peace and security in the region and at the global level. In its capacity as chair of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, Romania will continue to closely monitor the latest developments in the North-Korean nuclear file and its implications, the Ministry says. Pyongyang announced it had successfully carried out its fifth nuclear test. South Korea’s president Park Geun-hye has described the test as “fanatic recklessness” and a sign that leader Kim Jong Un “is spiraling out of control.”
FUNDING — EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Romanian Corina Cretu, met in Brussels with the Bucharest General Mayor Gabriela Firea, whom she ensured of her support for several ongoing projects, including the completion of subway construction works and the modernization of the heating system. According to a European Commission release, other projects that might benefit from funding are the system of waste collection and the building of a subway link to Henri Coanda Airport. Over 2014-2020 Bucharest has been earmarked 2,3 billion euros, accounting for over 10% of the European Fund for Regional Development and the European Cohesion Fund.
DIASPORA — The Romanian Foreign Ministry is urging Romanians living abroad to sign up with the Election Registry so as to be able to take part in the legislative elections of December 11th. September 14th is the deadline by which all Romanians with a right to vote, living or residing abroad, can submit their applications for the Election Registry. Romanians must also stipulate whether they opt for postal voting or for voting in one of the polling stations. The election campaign will run from November 11 through December 10.
ACCUSATIONS — All education units in Romania observe the legislation in force, Foreign Minister Lazar Comanescu said after meeting with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak. The declaration comes in response to a series of harsh attacks by representatives of the Turkish diplomacy in Romania, claiming that the “Lumina” educational centers in Romania are being controlled by the Turkish president’s most vocal opponent, Fetullah Gulen.
