November 13, 2022 UPDATE

A roundup of domestic and international news

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Newsroom, 13.11.2022, 20:00

MISSION – Aircraft of the Air Policing Unit of the Romanian Air Forces on Saturday carried out an air policing mission in Romanian airspace, designed to intercept and escort a civilian aircraft flying from Poznan to Tel Aviv, following a report of civilian air traffic controllers about an onboard bomb alert. Following the interception of the aircraft, the Romanian jets escorted the civilian aircraft in line with the legislation and procedures in force, including over a section of Hungarian airspace, where it was taken over by Hungarys Air Forces. Coordinated by the NATO Center for Air Operations, the mission was carried out in completely secure circumstances.

WAR IN UKRAINE – Ukraines president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that, before leaving Kherson, the Russian invaders fully destroyed critical infrastructure in this city. The president promised all would be restored, warning however the process will take time. The mayor of Kherson also warned the city has run out of bread and medicine after Russia withdrew its occupation forces on Friday. After retaking the city, Ukraine is now focusing on the critical humanitarian crisis in Kherson, where residents have no heat or electricity. According to the BBC, authorities worry about a new possible attack on the city from Russia, after the international airport has been targeted by artillery fire.

ELECTIONS IN THE US – The Democrats have secured control of the US Senate after a surprising victory in Nevada. This gives a significant boost for president Joe Biden into the second half of his mandate, as the Senate validates candidates nominated by the White House, particularly in the Department of Justice. The Senate can also reject any draft laws advanced by the House of Representatives in the event the Republicans secure the majority here and push their own agenda. This also marks the best result ever obtained by a ruling party in mid-term elections, while many Republicans are already talking about the need for a party-level change. Nevertheless, the Republicans have secured slightly more seats in Congress, which allows them to take control of the House of Representatives. Should the Republicans do so, they would still not give them the leverage they had expected, Radio Romanias Washington correspondent reports.

SUMMIT – US president, Joe Biden, on Sunday told participants in the ASEAN Summit in Cambodia that lines of communication between the United States and China will remain open to avoid conflict with this country, highlighting, however, the importance of peace in the Taiwan Strait and securing free navigation to the South China Sea. At the same time, the White House leader condemned Russias “brutal and unjust” invasion of Ukraine and North Koreas ballistic test threats. Next week, Southeast Asia will host the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. Before that, president Biden will meet his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, for the first time in his current tenure. The meeting will be held against the backdrop of Chinese-US relations deteriorating to the lowest level in recent decades.

MEETING – Foreign Minister Bogdan Aurescu on Monday will attend the EU Foreign Affairs Ministers meeting in Brussels. Debates will focus on Russias aggression in Ukraine. Ukraines Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, will participate via videoconference. Talks will also tackle the latest developments in the Western Balkans, Lebanon and Iran. At the same time, EU Foreign Ministers will look at the results of the UN meeting devoted to climate change, hosted by Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt.

EUROVISION – Artists can enroll in the national selection for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest starting Monday. The public TV station announced that both Romanian and foreign composers can submit their original compositions for audition. As a novelty this year, songs can be enrolled without having an interpreter. The winner will be designated exclusively by the public, with votes cast as part of a live show. The 2023 edition of the Eurovision song contest will be hosted in May by Liverpool. The United Kingdom will organize the contest on behalf of Ukraine, due to the Russian invasion of this country.

RUGBY – Romanias rugby team lost 16-21 to Uruguay in a friendly match played at home. Both teams are qualified to the 2023 World Cup in France. Romania will play in Group B alongside South Africa, Ireland, Scotland and Tonga. Romania is ranked 17th in world standings. The last match for Romania this year will be on November 19 against Samoa at home. Last week, Romania defeated Chile 30-23. (VP)