President Klaus Iohannis attends European Council meeting for the first time
Prolonged peace talks in Minsk today have determined a two-hour delay of the European Council meeting where EU’s high officials are going to be informed about the results of the negotiations tonight. Talks will be attended by Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko as well.
Romania’s new head of state Klaus Iohannis is attending the reunion in Brussels for the first time. Earlier this morning he has met European People’s Party leader Joseph Daul and talks focused precisely on the geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe amid the negotiations in Minsk intended to obtain a ceasfire in Ukraine. Some other aspects included internal political matters in the months following last November’s presidential elections in Romania.
Prime Minister Victor Ponta meets Pentagon chief in Washington
Prime Minister Victor Ponta has met in Washington with the US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel reiterating Romania’s interest in reinforcing bilateral military co-operation. The talks at the Pentagon have also stressed out the largely-shared support in Romania for a consolidated presence of NATO and US troops in our country. On his turn, Secretary Chuck Hagel has welcomed Romania’s contribution to international operations, especially in Afghanistan and mentioned the excellent bilateral co-operation in these theatres. The two officials have also discussed regional developments in Eastern Europe. PM Victor Ponta has reiterated Romania’s firm position against Russia’s actions in Ukraine and pointed out the crucial importance of EU’s and NATO members’ solidarity in front of these challenges, according to a press release.
Former minister and presidential contender Elena Udrea taken into custody
Former minister and presidential contender Elena Udrea was taken into custody at Bucharest Police Headquarters on Wednesday night following a 30-day warrant issued by the High Court of Cassation and Justice in the so-called Microsoft case involving several former government officials. The former minister will remain in custody until ruled otherwise by the High Court whose decision has already been appealed against. Elena Udrea is being accused of trading her influence and receiving undue benefits worth 9 million euros. She is also being accused of asking for a half-million dollars bribe from former tennis player Dinu Pescariu to solve his justice-related problems.
Former Riot Police Chief Receives Suspended Prison Sentence
Former chief of Romania’s Gendarmerie (riot police) Costica Silion has received a suspended prison sentence of three years ruled by the High Court of Cassation and Justice and the decision is final. The former official has been found guilty of use of forgeries and malfeasance in office in a case regarding reinstatement of a lower-officer in the Romanian Police who had been previously decommissioned on disciplinary grounds. Some other members of the former leadership have been convicted to similar sentences.
Romania comes 52nd in „Reporters Without Borders” Top on Freedom of the Press
Romania has gone down 7 positions compared to 2013 in the yearly top published by „Reporters Without Borders” regarding freedom of the press and subsequently came 52nd. The top includes 180 countries and is reviewed every year. Data for 2014 show that press freedom has been affected in many countries and is getting worse even in some Western states. However, press freedom in Romania seems to have a better aura than in Hungary – 65th position, the Republic of Moldova – 72nd, Italy – 73rd, Greece – 91st or Bulgaria, which came 106th.
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Campaign
The Romanian Heart Foundation and the Romanian Cardiology Society have launched a campaign today on the eve of the National Day for Cardiovascular Disease Control marked on February 14th. The two organisations aim to promote the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease and strokes calling for a healthier lifestyle, more exercise and periodic examinations. On February 14th, The Romanian Heart Foundation will host a contest on its Facebook page called „How do you nurture your better half’s heart?” aiming to reward posts of healthy food recipes.
Golden Bear Award contender movie by Romanian director presented at the Berlinale
The Golden Bear contender movie „Aferim!” by Romanian director Radu Jude has had its world premiere last night at Berlin International Film Festival. Leading actor Teodor Corban starring in the movie is also nominated for the Silver Bear Award for Best Actor Performance. Another Romanian feature movie titled „Why me?” by director Tudor Giurgiu is competing in the Panorama category of this year’s Berlinale and also had its first night on Wednesday. The movie is based on a true story of a young Romanian prosecutor trying to solve an entangled corruption case. The investigation targeting high-profile officials is ultimately dashing his trust in the justice system and leads him to commit suicide.
Romania joins 100 other countries at International Tourism Exchange in Milan
100 countries including Romania are presenting their tourism offers today in Milan. The International Tourism Exchange is the most important relevant event on the Italian market which precedes the official start of the Universal Exhibition Expo Milano 2015 in May. The Romanian exhibitors are insisting this year on promoting eco-tourism and gastronomy reason for which a food tasting event with local products is scheduled today.
Bianca Ioniţă
