February 26, 2023

A roundup of domestic and international news

Newsroom, 26.02.2023, 14:00

Russia. Romanian diplomacy condemns the press release of the Russian Foreign Ministry regarding the pro-Russian secessionist region of Transnistria, in the east of the Republic of Moldova, as well as the threatening and provocative rhetoric used. Moscow speaks of Transnistria as being part of Russia and threatens to retaliate militarily if Ukraine sends troops to that region. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bucharest, the intentional propagation of information that has no correspondence in reality represents an extremely dangerous approach, in the current security context, in which the Russian Federation is intensifying its war of aggression against Ukraine. This attempt to artificially create tension and destabilization in the region and in relation to the Republic of Moldova is unacceptable. The Romanian MFA calls for responsibility, for abandoning aggressive, escalating and provocative rhetoric, as well as for refraining from any statements and acts that may affect the stability of the region and of the Republic of Moldova. Transnistria de facto came out of the control of the central authorities after an armed conflict that resulted in hundreds of deaths and was ended by the intervention of Moscows troops on the side of the secessionist rebels in 1992, not even a year after Chisinau proclaimed its independence. About 1,500 soldiers and important Russian arsenals are believed to still be there.

Parliament. On Monday, Romanias Parliament holds a jont session of its two chambers to mark one year since the start of Russias military aggression against Ukraine. A moment of silence will be held at the meeting, and Ihor Prokopciuk, the ambassador of Ukraine to Romania, will give a speech. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has reaffirmed Romanias multidimensional support for Kyiv. Ukraine will do everything in its power to win, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, has said. For their part, NATO and EU leaders say they will continue to support Ukraine from a political, economic and military point of view, in order for that country to regain its territorial integrity, in accordance with the principles of international law. They condemn Russia not only for its attack on Ukraine, but also for its irresponsible nuclear threats and its use of food and energy as weapons in hybrid warfare. NATO officials call on Russia to immediately stop the war and withdraw from the occupied territories. On the other hand, the Russian president has accused NATO of participating in the conflict in Ukraine by supplying weapons to Kyivs troops. Reuters says that the war in Ukraine has become one of attrition, and both sides are suffering increasing losses, with Russia controlling a fifth of Ukraines territory.

Sanctions. The EU promised to intensify the pressure on Moscow “until the liberation of Ukraine” and adopted, on Saturday, one day after the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a tenth package of sanctions against Russia. “We now have the most far-reaching sanctions ever, depleting Russias war arsenal and biting deep into its economy”, said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The High Representative of the EU for foreign policy, Josep Borrell, warned that the bloc will continue to impose more sanctions against Moscow. The package also adds to the list of banned exports electronic components used in Russian weapons systems, including drones, missiles, helicopters, as well as specific rare earth elements, electronic integrated circuits and thermal cameras. The new sanctions also impose stricter export restrictions on 96 other entities accused of supporting Russias military-industrial sector, including, for the first time, seven Iranian entities that produce military drones used by Moscow. Additional restrictions are also imposed on imports of goods that generate significant revenue for Russia, such as asphalt and synthetic rubber.

Visit. The Speaker of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies, Marcel Ciolacu (PSD), will pay a formal visit to Azerbaijan on Monday and Tuesday, at the invitation of the President of the National Assembly of that country, Sahiba Gafarova. On Monday, in Baku, Marcel Ciolacu will meet with the president of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, after which he will participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Eternal Flame Monument. Also on Monday, the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies will have meetings with Sahiba Gafarova, but also with members of the board of the state company SOCAR. On Tuesday, the Romanian official will visit the Sangachal terminal and the place where the worlds first oil well was drilled. Marcel Ciolacu will be accompanied in this visit by the Deputy Prime Minister Kelemen Hunor (UDMR), Marian Neacșu, the Secretary General of the Romanian Government, Alfred Simonis, the leader of the Social Democratic group in the Chamber of Deputies, as well as by a delegation made up of members of the management of the Romanian national companies Transelectrica and Transgaz.

Protest. Education trade unions in Romania are threatening protests next month, which may culminate in a general strike in May, if the Government continues to ignore the problems facing the system. The Federation of Free Trade Unions in Education and the Spiru Haret Trade Union Federation have expressed their discontent with the removal from the draft education law of the article relating to the updating of salaries in the field in accordance with the average gross salary per economy from the previous year. By removing this article, a beginning teacher will get a net income of some 3,900 lei (approx. 795 euros), which is lower than that of many employees with lower education than that of teachers, the trade unionists say.

Festival. The fourth edition of the Classix Festival starts today, simultaneously in Iasi (north-west) and in Chisinau in the neighboring Republic of Moldova. For seven days the two cities will host classical music concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, debates and other events. According to the organizers, more than 90 artists will come to Iasi from countries such as Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Denmark, Norway. This years program is designed around the theme of metamorphosis. Thus, Classix Festival brings to the public works and compositions by both great composers such as Vivaldi, Beethoven and contemporary composers. Classix redefines the concert experience and adapts it to contemporary audiences, encourages dialogue and brings classical music closer to the curious, the passionate and those who love to explore. The purpose of the festival is to stimulate a new generation to broaden their intellectual interests, as well as the cultural revitalization of the city. (MI)