April 20, 2018

The Romanian Government will continue to support the countrys Strategic Partnership with the neighbouring Republic of Moldova

Newsroom, 20.04.2018, 13:49

EMBASSY — Relocating Romania’s Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem would represent, at this stage, a violation of international law in the filed, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has said, adding that he has not been informed or consulted about this decision. Such an important decision must be taken only after consulting with and getting the approval of all institutions with attributions in the field of foreign policy and national security. Also, in keeping with the Constitution, it is the head of state that takes the final decision. President Iohannis’s reaction comes a day after the Chamber of Deputies Speaker, Liviu Dragnea, announced that the Government adopted a memorandum through which it green lighted the start of the procedures for the relocation of Romania’s Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. President Iohannis, in his capacity as decision maker in Romania’s foreign policy matters, and in keeping with the Constitution, reiterates the fact that Bucharest’s stand as regards the status of Jerusalem is the one decided under the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly resolutions. President Iohannis has again emphasised the need for a fair and long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, through the implementation of the ‘two-state solution’, Israel and Palestine, coexisting in peace and security, as the only viable solution able to guarantee the fulfilment of the two parties’ aspirations.

PROTESTS – The Romanian healthcare trade unions have announced the protests timetable to be held in the upcoming period against the background of discontent with the employees’ salaries. A rally is scheduled for April 26 in Bucharest, then a token strike is to be held on May 7, with a 2-hour suspension of work, while and all-out strike is scheduled for May 11.

MOLDOVA — The Romanian Government will continue to support the country’s Strategic Partnership with the neighbouring Republic of Moldova, Ministers for the Romanians Abroad, Natalia-Elena Intotero has said on the occasion of her first working visit to Chisinau. The Romanian Minister met with representatives of the central administration, religious denominations and local authorities. Natalia-Elena Intotero discussed with the Moldovan Minister of Education, Culture and Research, Monica Babuc, about the projects conducted jointly in the Diaspora. The Romanian language is a heritage of both Romania and the Republic of Moldova, Minister Intotero has said, adding that Bucharest counts on Chisinau’s support to promote the study of the Romanian language in all regions of the Republic of Moldova.

RAILWAY — Over 2,000 trade unionists in the Romanian rail transport sector are protesting today in Bucharest. They ask for solutions to avoid the insolvency of the National Rail Freight Company CFR Marfa, for support for the endorsement of a law on the status of the railway personnel and also for the multiannual investment in infrastructure. Romania has the seventh longest rail network in Europe, but the lack of funds for upgrading works has triggered the instatement of hundreds of speed limits, that extend a lot the duration of a trip by train. Transport Minister Lucian Sova says that solutions are being looked for so that the railway administrator retrieves the debt of over one hundred million euro from CFR Marfa, money that could be used for repairing works.

FED CUP — The most important sporting event of the weekend is pitching the Romanian women’s tennis side against Switzerland in a match counting towards the Fed Cup. The games are to be taking place in Cluj, northwestern Romania, and the winner is to qualify for the competition’s World Group. Unfolding after the “best of five” formula, the competition will see its first two singles on Saturday, while two other singles and a double match are to take place on Sunday. For the matches in Cluj, Romanian skipper Florin Segarceanu has summoned the world’s number one player, Simona Halep, Sorana Cirstea (WTA 34th), Irina Begu (WTA 38th) and Mihaela Buzarnescu (WTA 40th). (Translated by Elena Enache)