April 8, 2017
April 8 is the International Roma Day/ Ambassador Jinga president of the 51st session of the Commission on Population and Development/ Us attack on Syria
Newsroom, 08.04.2017, 14:18
International Roma Day — April 8 is the International Roma Day which Romania has marked since 2006. The event has occasioned the organization, at the weekend, of various manifestations meant to promote the culture and tradition of this ethnic community such as book launches, crafts fairs, painting exhibitions and shows. On the occasion, President Klaus Iohannis underlined the importance of interethnic dialogue and of economic, social and cultural emancipation of the Roma people. They are of Indian origin and starting in the 5th century they moved from the northern parts of India to the west, to Europe and America. According to the official site of the European Parliament, they are the largest ethnic minority in Europe. Of the 10 million Roma people living in Europe, 6 million are living in EU countries, and many are frequently the victims of discrimination and social exclusion. Therefore the International Roma Day is a good opportunity for talks about equal chances and fighting discrimination.
UN Commission on Population and Development — Romania’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations Organization, ambassador Jinga, was elected in New York, president of the 51st session of the Commission on Population and Development. On the occasion he underlined that, over the past 50 years of continuous activity, the commission has contributed to the implementation of many courageous policies and programs meant to help the most vulnerable and marginalized social categories. Their focus was on reducing poverty, educating girls, maternal and infant mortality, access to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning. The Commission on Population and Development is a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council of the UN. Romania is fulfilling its second consecutive mandate as member of the Commission in the period 2018-2021.
Stockholm terror attack — Today is a day of mourning in Stockholm after Friday’s attack that killed 4 and wounded 15. A truck hit a group of people on the most crowded pedestrian street in the Swedish capital. The alleged attacker, a 39-year old Uzbek, a supporter of the terrorist group the Islamic State, has been arrested. His modus operandi recalls that used in the attacks in Nice, Berlin and London, which were claimed by the Islamic State. The Romanian Foreign Ministry has categorically condemned the terrorist attack in Stockholm, conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with the Swedish people. Also the Romanian authorities have reiterated Romania’s firm commitment to fighting all forms of terrorism.
US attack on Syria — The US attack, on Friday, on an air base of the Syrian government forces, in response to the chemical attack of the past days in the northwest of the country, may have very serious consequences, Russia has warned at the UN Security Council meeting. Moscow has harshly condemned the US’s “illegitimate actions” which could have serous consequences on regional and international stability. In turn, Washington, which blames Bashar al-Assad’s forces for the attack, said it was ready for more attacks, if the case may be. The American stand was supported by France and Great Britain. Romania considers that the American action in Syria was a firm reaction to the atrocities perpetrated by Bashar al-Assad’s regime. At the same time, Romania supports all efforts aimed at ending the conflict, which has lasted for 6 years and has so far killed hundreds of thousands of people. (news translated by L. Simion)
