September 9, 2023 UPDATE

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsroom, 09.09.2023, 18:41

Drone. The identification by the
Romanian authorities on the Romanian territory, near the border with Ukraine,
of new drone parts similar to those used by the Russian army indicates that an
absolutely unacceptable violation has taken place of the sovereign air space of
NATO member Romania, posing real risks to the security of Romanian citizens
living in the area, said president Klaus Iohannis on Saturday. He again firmly
condemned Russia’s repeated strikes against Ukraine’s population and civilian
infrastructure, including against Ukraine’s Danube river ports, near the border
with Romania. He also said he spoke over the phone on Saturday with NATO
secretary general Jens Stoltenberg, briefing him on the latest developments,
with the latter reiterating full solidarity with Romania. Stoltenberg posted
on social media that there is no indication of Russian intent to hit NATO, but the
strikes are destabilising. The defence ministry in Bucharest announced
that parts of a drone
similar to those used by the Russian army were found on Saturday by Romanian
Navy military in Tulcea county, near the border with Ukraine. These attacks
are unjustified and gravely at odds with the rules of international
humanitarian law, being tantamount to war crimes, the defence ministry has
emphasised.

Finance.
Fitch rating agency affirmed Romania’s government debt rating at BBB-/F3 for
the long and short term hard currency debt and a stable outlook, said the finance
ministry. According to the agency, the decision is supported by the country’s
EU member status and the positive evolution of its GDP per capita. It also
highlights Romania’s stable public debt and the downward trend of the inflation
rate. Fitch also expects Romania’s economy to see a 2.9% growth rate this year
and 3.2% next year, as the country will benefit from considerable European
funds, both as part of the 2021-2027 multiannual financial framework and the
Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. The agency’s decision to affirm Romania
sovereign debt rating and maintain its stable outlook are, according to finance
minister Marcel Boloş, a strong signal that the country is on the right track
and that we have the trust of international investors and partners. The
announcement recognises our continued efforts to keep the budget deficit in
check, support business and promote sustainable economic development, Boloş
also said.

Earthquake. The Romanian authorities
are in close contact with the Moroccan authorities and are ready to provide
assistance, said prime minister Marcel Ciolacu. Thousands of people were killed
and injured in a strong quake that hit Morocco on Friday night, causing huge
damage and wreaking panic in Marrakesh, a popular tourist destination, as well
as in other cities. The quake measured 6.8 on the Richter scale. Sad about the
disaster in Morocco. Our thoughts go out to the families of those who lost
their lives in this tragedy. We wish the injured a speedy recovery, Romanian
president Klaus Iohannis posted on social media. The quake triggered a wave of
solidarity around the world, with many countries, including Israel, offering to
help the Moroccan authorities. Algeria offered to open air space, closed since September
2021, to allow humanitarian flights.

Rowing.
Romania won three medals in Satruday’s finals at the World Rowing Championships
in Belgrade: silver in the women’s four and bronze in the women’s pair and the
women’s lightweight double sculls. Romanian rowers will compete on Sunday in
three more finals: women’s double sculls, men’s eight and women’s eight. Last
year, Romania won four medals at the World Rowing Championships in Racice, in
the Czech Republic. (CM)