September 14, 2014
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România Internațional, 14.09.2014, 12:00
BEHEADING — The Islamic State has uploaded a video of the beheading of British aid worker David Haines as retaliation to the United Kingdom joining the international coalition aimed at combating the Islamic State. If the video proves genuine, this would make the third execution of this type after last month US journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff were killed in a similar way after being held hostage in Syria. The video also includes a footing of another hostage, while the masked terrorist warns that he would be next in line to die unless British Prime Minister David Cameron stops supporting the fight against the Islamic State. David Cameron has condemned the execution of Haines and promised he would hunt down the killers and bring them to justice. In turn, United States president Barack Obama harshly condemned the barbaric execution of Haines. Over 40 countries worldwide, including 10 Arab nations, have joined efforts as part of a US-led plan to combat this terrorist cell that is now de facto controlling large areas of Iraq and Syria.
REACTION — The Romanian Foreign Ministry on Sunday condemned the barbaric beheading of British David Haines by Islamic State terrorists. Foreign Minister Titus Corlatean said he was shocked and appalled by this new act of cruelty, pointing out that its perpetrators must be held accountable. The Romanian Foreign Ministry has sent a message of compassion to the family of David Haines and to the British people.
ACCUSATIONS — Russian Foreign Minister Serghei Lavrov has accused the US of trying to isolate Russia and cutting all of its economic ties with the European Union. The accusations follow several days after fresh EU and US sanctions were imposed on Moscow for its alleged involvement in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile on the ground clashes continue between pro-Russian rebels and Ukrainian forces, despite the ceasefire agreement signed 9 days ago in Minsk, Belarus. Violent clases were reported in the vicinity of Donetsk airport, a stronghold of pro-Russian separatism. Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk on Saturday said the main objective of President Vladimir Putin was to wipe out Ukraine as an independent state and to recreate the borders of the Soviet Union.
RURAL FEST — EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Romanian Dacian Ciolos attended the opening of RuralFest in Bucharest, an event organized by the European Commission Representative Office in Romania. Dacian Ciolos said that rural traditions are not on the verge of extinction due to the efforts undertaken under the Common Agricultural Policy. Over 150 farmers and craftsmen will be attending the fair. The event also includes a miniature animal farm, traditional crafts workshops, selling exhibitions, cuisine demonstrations, a parade of Romanian traditional outfits, folk dances, games and prize-winning contests. RuralFest is part of the European Commission campaign called “The Common Agricultural Policy — For Stronger Roots”. The event is held simultaneously in all 28 EU Member States.
TENNIS — The last two singles matches as part of the Davis Cup fixture pitting Romania against Sweden will take place today in Bucharest. The matches are counting towards Group 1 of Europe/Africa Zone. In the first match Adrian Ungur will play Elias Ymer, while Marius Copil will play Christian Lindell. Romania currently has a 2-1 lead after the first two days. Yeasterday in the doubles match Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau defeated Isak Arvidsson and Johan Brunstrom 7-6, 7-6, 6-3. On Friday, Adrian Ungur lost to Christian Lindell while Marius Copil won against Elias Ymer. The winning side will remain in Group 1, while the other team will play the playoffs for remaining in this Group against either Latvia or Austria.
STRIKE — The French passenger airline operator Air France has announced some 60% of its flights will be cancelled on Monday due to a pilots’ strike. Pilots are criticizing the terms of development of a low-cost branch of Air France. The SNPL trade union has called for an all-out strike between September 15 and 22, while the other two trade unions call for extending the strike until September 18. The company advises all clients with booked tickets for next week to delay their trips or to change the dates for the tickets without incurring any additional costs.
BACK TO SCHOOL — A new school year will start tomorrow in Romania, with the authorities announcing several changes to curricula, including a series of optional subjects, from architecture and chess to the history of jazz. Handbooks for first and second graders have been changed, although the authorities have not yet been able to make them available in all schools. Education Minister Remus Pricopie said that despite the delays, the schoolbooks would eventually become available in all schools.
