February 4, 2024

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsroom, 04.02.2024, 13:02

Weather.
A yellow code warning was issued in Romania for wind, snow and blizzard at high
altitudes in place until Monday morning. The wind will pick up across most of
the country, with speeds reaching 55-70 km/hour in the south-west, centre,
north-west and in the mountains, and even passing 90-110 km/hour at altitudes
of over 1,500 m. Rain is also expected in the mountains, leading to the melting
of the snow, while snow is expected at altitudes of over 1,700 m. An orange
code for wind and blizzard was also issued for Monday in the higher regions of
the southern and south-eastern Carpathians.

Sanctions.
The sanctions against Russia are working, despite the difficulties, Romania’s
foreign minister Luminiţa Odobescu told Agerpres news agency. She attended an
informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels where talks focused, among
others, on the 13th package of sanctions against Russia and a
possible clearer roadmap for EU accession for Ukraine and the Republic of
Moldova. Referring to the military support forUkraine, Odobescu said comprise
proposals were on the table and that she hoped an agreement would soon be
reached on this subject. The meeting in Brussels also tackled the Union’s
relationship with Turkey. Odobescu said Turkey is an indispensable partner for
the European Union and a NATO ally who plays an important role in ensuring
Black Sea security, while also being a key partner in managing a number of
global challenges. In another move, the Romanian official said the needs of the
Palestinian civilians would continue to be a priority for Romania, in the context
of an investigation concerning UNWRA, the United
Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. Until
this investigation is over, the foreign ministry will not launch new procedures
for voluntary contributions.

Strike.
A general strike announced for Monday by town hall employees in Romania was
postponed for two weeks. According to the Solidarity of Towns and Villages
trade union, the decision was taken following consultations with its members,
85% of whom were in favour of giving the government more time to solve their
demands. Town hall employees want bigger salaries to match those in the public
administration, saying they have received no pay rises in recent years.
Employees from 800 town halls stopped work for two hours on 31st
January, as part of a warning strike.

Sport.
Greece leads Romania 2-nil after Saturday’s singles matches in Athens in the
David Cup World Group I play-offs. Nicholas David Ionel lost to Aristotelis
Thanos, while Marius Copil lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas. In today’s doubles,
Copil and Victor Vlad Cornea are playing Petros and Stefanos Tsitsipas, while
the final singles matches will see Stefanos Tsitsipas take on Nicholas David
Ionel and Copil play Thanos. In women’s handball, CSM Bucharest on Saturday
defeated the Hungarian side Gyor in the Champions League. Gyor top the group,
while CSM are in third place. In Champions League Group B, Rapid are today
playing another Hungarian side, Ferencvaros. Rapid are in the last but one
place in their group. (CM)