December 28, 2014
For a roundup of domestic and international events, click here.
România Internațional, 28.12.2014, 12:00
ALERT — Meteorologists on Sunday issued a code orange alert against snowfalls, cold snap and sleet for ten counties in the south and southeast, valid from Sunday evening to Monday evening. Authorities have warned the alert might be upgraded to a code red during the interval in four counties in the south. Strong wind will be reported in this period, with a high likelihood to generate snowdrifts combined with fresh snow. Additionally, a code yellow alert will become valid on Sunday evening for the capital city Bucharest and 25 counties nationwide.
SNOWFALLS — Winter has set in across Europe as well. Meteorologists have issued alerts against cold weather in several countries. In France, 19 departments in the north and the east are under a code orange alert against snowfalls. Several thousands of cars remained stranded overnight in the Alps due to heavy snowfalls. In Belgium the authorities have issued a code orange alert against snow and sleet, while rail traffic has been severely disrupted. 12 provinces in Spain are under a code orange alert against snowfall and cold weather. In Germany, the snow layer measures 40 cm in certain areas. The cold snap has caused traffic jams in other regions. Strong wind is reported in Slovenia, while Croatia is under a code orange alert against heavy snowfalls and strong wind until Wednesday. The Dalmatian Coast is also under a code red alert.
ISAF — The International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF) on Sunday completed its official mission to Afghanistan by means of a ceremony marking the end of 13 years of fighting in a country still facing terrorist rebels. Since 2001 some 3,500 military have been killed in this country. NATO has not made public any data regarding the ceremony due to Taliban threats and attacks, targeting the Afghan capital. On January 1, the Resolute Support mission will start in Afghanistan, aimed at helping and training Afghan security forces. Some 12,500 military will stay behind to help ensure the security of Afghanistan against the Taliban threat. Romania will contribute 450 military to NATO operations in Afghanistan in 2015.
PLANE MISSING — An AirAsia airliner carrying 162 people onboard went missing on Sunday. The plane was travelling from Indonesia to Singapore, and the pilot had asked permission to “deviate” from the original flight plan due to unfavourable weather conditions. The Indonesia authorities have kicked off search and rescue operations, with the plane likely to crash off the Belitung Island. This is the third air crash in 2014 involving an airline operator from Malaysia.
MOLDOVA — The Parliament of Moldova will convene on December 29, one day before the deadline for the first plenary session of the new Parliament. The three pro-European parties, the Liberal-Democratic Party, the Democratic Party and the Liberal Party have for the last three weeks holding talks with a view to setting up a new ruling coalition. Together, the three parties have grabbed 55 of the 101 seats in Parliament, which is enough to enable them to hold a majority, but not enough to allow them to vote for a new president or change the Constitution. Parliamentary elections were held in Moldova on November 30.
FIRE — A fire broke out on Sunday onboard an Italian ferry off the Corfu Island. The Greek Coast Guard has kicked off an operation to rescue the 466 passengers onboard. So far 55 people have been transferred to another ship. Rescue operations are however hindered by harsh weather conditions.
ELECTION — Presidential elections are today taking place in Croatia. The current president, Ivo Josipovic, supported by the Social-Democratic party in power, is seen as favourite to win in oppinion polls. His main opponent in the presidential race is former Foreign Minister Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, representing the Democratic Croatian Union. Under the Constitution, the president enjoys limited powers. He is the supreme military commander and regulates foreign policy jointly with the Government. If none of the candidates obtains 50% plus 1 of the total number of votes, a second ballot will be held on January 11, 2015. The latest comer to the family of EU Member States, Croatia is currently facing a severe economic crisis.
FOOTBALL — Romanian coach Cosmin Olaroiu will sit on the bench of Saudi Arabia as his first official match on December 30, in a friendly match against Bahrain, played in Melbourne, Australia. Saudi Arabia will play another friendly match against South Korea on January 4, 2015 in Sydney, the last before the Asian Nations Cup. Saudi Arabia has been drawn in Group B, alongside China, Uzbekistan and North Korea. Saudi Arabia has won the trophy 3 times, the last time in 1996.
