Newsflash, June 29
For a roundup of domestic and international news, click here...
Leyla Cheamil, 29.06.2013, 00:00
Almost 20 billion euros will be earmarked for the Romanian agriculture under the next community budget for 2014-2020. The statement was made in Bucharest by the European Commissioner for Agriculture Dacian Ciolos, who also pointed out that the funds would be used for subsidies, rural development and investment. In another development, Romanian President Traian Basescu announced that the National Strategy for Agriculture, valid until 2030, would be made public on Monday.
Romanian Prime Minister Victor Ponta on Saturday paid a visit to China, the last leg of his Asian tour that also included Azerbaijan, Kazahstan and Uzbekistan. Previously, in Taskent, Prime Minister Ponta and his Uzbeki counterpart Shavkat Mirziyayev decided to boost economic ties between Romania and Uzbekistan and to set up an joint intergovernmental commission. Energy, transports and health are the main fileds of interest for both sides. Authorities in Taskent see Romania as a potential display market for some of their products, such as cotton.
Romanian Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean will attend on Sunday in Bahrain’s capital city Manama, the joint EU – Gulf Cooperation Council Ministerial Meeting. On this occasion, Minister Corlatean will present Romania’s stand as regards the Syrian crisis and the peace process in the Middle East. During this 23rd session, Ministers will review the state of play of the EU-GCC relationship. Their discussions will focus on the strategic importance of strengthening ties between the EU and Gulf countries. The two sides will exchange views on the situation in the region. The catastrophic situation in Syria and the increased sectarian tensions in Lebanon and Iraq as a spill-over of the Syrian crisis will feature prominently in the discussions.
The Romanian Foreign Ministry warns the Romanian citizens who plan to travel to Egypt or are already in this country, over the protests in Cairo and several other Egyptian cities. Tension is mounting in Egypt where protests against the Islamist President Mohamed Morsi will be staged on Sunday. Several people were reported dead, an American citizen included, in the clashes between President Morsi’s supporters and opponents.
As many as 130 athletes from 13 countries will take part, as of Sunday, in the 50th edition of Romania’s Cycling Tour that ends on July 6th. According to organisers, the route will be 1,050-kilometer long. Romania will be represented in the competition by 7 cyclists. On the other hand, Tour de France, the biggest such event in the world, started on Saturday. Almost 200 athletes from over 30 countries are taking part in the French competition.
Christians around the world on Saturday celebrated Saints Peter and Paul. Apostle Peter is considered the founder of the Christian Church in Rome while Apostle Paul is known to have preached the Bible to pagans. Historically, the reason why the Church celebrates both apostles on the same day is that they were both martyred in Rome on the same day, during Emperor Neros reign around year 68AD. As many as 500 thousand Romanians celebrate their name day today.
The International Danube Day, which is marked every year on June 29, has been celebrated ever since 2004 by all countries bordering the European river. It is a popular event and the opportunity for many official gatherings and festive events. The Danube is the second largest river in Europe and this celebration day was created for an environmental purpose, to motivate people to protect the Danube River Basin ecosystems. The Danube crosses the territory of ten countries: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.
