May 21, 2014
For a roundup of domestic and international news, click here.
Ştefan Stoica, 21.05.2014, 12:00
US VP VISITS ROMANIA — On the second day of his visit to Bucharest, US vice-president Joe Biden met with president Traian Basescu. Talks focused on topics high on the bilateral and regional agenda. Joe Biden highlighted progress Romania has reported over the last years and congratulated Romanian military deployed in operation theatres for their display of courage in combat. In turn, president Basescu said that Romania’s Strategic Partnership with the US signed after our country’s accession to NATO and the EU was the third most important achievement in the past 25 years. Basescu thanked the US official for his country’s prompt reaction to the Ukrainian crisis and the annexation of Crimea by supplementing the number of air, naval and land forces on standby. Also Today the US official met with Prime Minister Victor Ponta. Talks focused on furthering economic cooperation and the developments in Ukraine. Romania can be the key to liking the energy markets in Central and Eastern Europe provided it modernizes internal energy infrastructure, Joe Biden said. The US official said his country was willing to help Romania develop its pipeline network to transport oil.
FLOOD ALERT – Hydrologists have issued a code orange alert against flooding on the River Danube in the aftermath of the heavy rain in the Western Balkans. Water levels continue to rise in several areas, while dams are being monitored closely. Naval traffic restrictions have been imposed to prevent waves and lower pressure on water banks. In Romania, the weather is unusually warm for this time of the year, with temperatures ranging between 22 and 29 degrees Celsius. Isolated showers are reported in the east and southeast. The noon reading in Bucharest was 26 degrees.
SUPPORT — The Romanian Government has approved the dispatch of humanitarian aid worth 200,000 euros to flood-hit Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. A Romanian military fire squad has been deployed in Serbia to help transport water pumps, electrical generators and rescue boats. The Romanian Red Cross has also launched a fund-raising campaign.
FEAST DAY — Romanian Orthodox and Greek-Catholic Christians today celebrate Sts. Constantine and Helena, the first Christian emperors in history and the patron saints of the Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral in Bucharest. On this occasion a procession will be held in Bucharest displaying the reliquary of St. Constantin Brancoveanu, martyr ruler of the Romanian Principalities between 1688 and 1714. He was put to death in Istanbul together with his four sons. Constantine the Great, Roman emperor in 4th century, is best known for the Edict of Milan, granting empire-wide tolerance for Christianity. Constantine’s mother queen Helena is best known for the discovery of the True Cross of Jesus’s crucifixion and for building several churches in holy places. Some 1.8 Romanians celebrate their name day today.
UKRAINE — The UN Security Council is today debating the developments in Ukraine as part of an emergency meeting. The main point on the agenda is the latest UN report on human rights in this country and prospects regarding the presidential elections of May 25. According to the report, from the outset of pro-Russian aggression in the region, some 10,000 people were forced to leave their homes. Another UN document reads that pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine are deliberately killing, torturing and intimidating people”.
MILITARY DRILL — A complex military drill is being carried out today in Berlin, aimed at showcasing NATO’s capacity of rapid intervention in the event an allied state should be attacked. Over 4,000 NATO military, including from Romania and partner countries like Georgia, are taking part in the drill. The Romanian Defence Ministry says the drill is aimed at developing training skill for carrying out joint missions in NATO countries, stepping up inter-operability and enhancing working procedures.
STEAUA WINS THE TITLE — On Tuesday Steaua Bucharest celebrated the 25th title in the club history. In the last round on National Arena Stadium in Bucharest Steaua drew 2-all against Otelul Galati. On Friday, Steaua will play vice-champions Astra Giurgiu in the Romanian Cup final.
