April 8, 2017 UPDATE
April 8- the International Roma Day/ Romanian citizen wounded in Stockholm/ US attack on Syria
Newsroom, 08.04.2017, 18:26
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.
Stockholm terror attack – A Romanian citizen was wounded in Friday’s terrorist attack in Stockholm, the Romanian Foreign Ministry officials announced on Saturday. The Romanian is in hospital in Stockholm and his condition is stable. The Romanian Foreign Ministry 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. Stockholm is in mourning 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. According to the press, 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.
UN Commission on Population and Development — Romania’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations Organization, ambassador Ion 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.
US attack on Syria — The British Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson, said Saturday that he cancelled his visit to Moscow, scheduled for April 10, after the events in Syria, which fundamentally change the situation. The British official deplored the fact that Russia continues to defend the Assad regime, even after the past days’ chemical attacks on innocent civilians. The US on Friday blasted a Syrian air base with cruise missiles, in response to the chemical attack of the past days in the northwest of the country, which Washington blames on the Syrian president’s forces. Russia has warned at the UN Security Council meeting that the attack might have serious consequences. In turn, Washington said it was ready for more attacks, if the case may be. The American stand was supported by France and Great Britain, two permanent members of the Security Council. 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.
Madrid ETA — The Basque militant group ETA on Saturday surrendered arms after about 4 decades of armed conflict that killed over 800 people. In a first stage, ETA provided the French authorities with information on the sites where it says its caches of weapons, explosives and ammunition are hidden. The Basque separatists declared a ceasefire in 2011 but did not give up its remaining arms. In exchange for their gesture, ETA has asked for negotiations regarding the almost 360 members still in prisons from Spain and France as well as for clemency for clandestine militants. Both countries have refused to negotiate. The EU considers ETA a terrorist organization.
Migration — 15 foreign citizens, 4 Cuban and 11 Pakistani, were caught while trying to illegally enter Romania from Serbia. They were discovered at the border-crossing point in Moraviţa (southwest). Following preliminary checks the Cuban migrants among whom a child and two women wanted to reach the US while the Pakistani citizens were heading for Western Europe. The Romanian authorities started investigations for illegal border crossing.
Assasination attempt — The Moldovan authorities on Saturday confirmed that one of the most influential politicians and businessmen in the Republic of Moldova, the president of the main ruling party, Vlad Plahotniuc, was the target of an assassination attempt organized upon the command of a mob boss in Moscow. The news was made public on Friday by the Ukrainian Interior Ministry. The Moldovan police on Friday arrested 8 people, among whom two Ukrainian citizens, while another 9 members of the group were apprehended in Ukraine. According to the police the assassins were to receive 200 thousand dollars. (translated by L. Simion)
