September 9, 2016

For a roundup of domestic and international news, click here.

Warning: Trying to access array offset on null in /home/web/rri.ro/public/wp-content/themes/rri/template-parts/content.php on line 98
Newsroom, 09.09.2016, 12:00

DIASPORA – The Romanian Foreign Ministry is urging Romanians living abroad to sign up with the Election Registry so as to be able to take part in the legislative elections of December 11. September 14 is the deadline by which all Romanians with a right to vote, living or residing abroad, can submit their applications for the Election Registry. Romanians must also stipulate whether they opt for postal voting or for voting in one of the polling stations. The election campaign will run from November 11 through December 10.

MEETING – Romanias President Klaus Iohannis is today meeting German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and Luxembourg Prime Minister Xavier Bettel in Berlin. The visit is part of the efforts to prepare the informal Summit of the Council of Europe in Bratislava on September 16. Ranking high on the agenda for talks is the future of the EU after the Brexit referendum in the United Kingdom. According to the Presidency, the meeting in Berlin is also part of a series of contacts between president Iohannis and European leaders regarding the future of the EU.

TRANSDNIESTER – The Romanian presidency has said that the decision of Yevgeny Shevchuk, the leader of the breakaway region of Transdniester, east of the Republic of Moldova, to join Russia is part of a “provocative rhetoric. The presidency spokesperson said this topic must be approached with care and responsibility to avoid the further escalation of tensions. The President supports the efforts of the acting presidency of the OSCE to peacefully solve the conflict in the region.

FUNDING – EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Romanian Corina Cretu, met in Brussels with the Bucharest General Mayor Gabriela Firea, whom she ensured of her support for several ongoing projects, including the completion of subway construction works and the modernization of the heating system. According to a European Commission release, other projects that might benefit from funding are the system of waste collection and the building of a subway link to Henri Coanda Airport. Over 2014-2020 Bucharest has been earmarked 2,3 billion euros, accounting for over 10% of the European Fund for Regional Development and the European Cohesion Fund.

NUCLEAR TEST – The Romanian Foreign Ministry has expressed concern with the completion of North Koreas fifth nuclear test. Holding the presidency of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization, Romania will continue to carefully monitor the developments of North Koreas nuclear program, the Foreign Ministry also announced. The test was detected as 5.3 Richter-scale earthquake in the nuclear test area. South Korean president Park Geun-hye has labeled the move as an act of self-destruction, showing the North Korean President Kim John-uns blatant ignorance. Meanwhile, the United States has warned against serious consequences.

ACCUSATIONS – All education units in Romania observe the legislation in force, Foreign Minister Lazar Comanescu said after meeting with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Veysi Kaynak. The declaration comes in response to a series of harsh attacks by representatives of the Turkish diplomacy in Romania, claiming that the “Lumina educational centers in Romania are being controlled by the Turkish presidents most vocal opponent, Fetullah Gulen.

(Translated by V. Palcu)