Should President Basescu look for political wildcards amid ‘Govt crisis’? (Jul 28, 2005)

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jul 28, 2005)

Lately, the Romanian media and politicians as well largely speculated on the would-be ruling Coalition’s crisis.

However, there is a common place to detect ‘crisis’ elements within heterogeneous coalition governments – in fact, any coalition emerges from the need to provide ‘crisis management’ of a given political environment.

Under the present circumstances, the right measure in judging a certain coalition government rather resides in its particular ruling effectiveness and not in various leadership disputes. And it is obvious that the coalition government in place do not act properly amid recent flood disasters and pressing EU bid agenda. Is this the outcome of the weakening of the ‘DA Alliance’ – the main ruling force in Romania? Some analysts are thinking so.

The ruling Alliance“ (the National Liberal Party - PNL - and the Democratic Party - PD) is no longer what it used to be. PNL and PD have reached ‘discord’. As for their partners in the Coalition at rule, UDMR (the Democrat Union of Hungarians in Romania) and PC (the Conservative Party), they seem to use a double standard politics: on one hand they provide support their old ally PSD (the Social-Democrat Party – in opposition), but they still back a weakening government on the other.

There has also been speculation on the crisis PNL is going through. And the premises are right one more time. The loss of credibility and Tariceanu's oscillations has fed adversaries outside the party as well as scum party members who have even attempted the coup that has just failed, says Sorin Rosca Stanescu (from ‘Ziua’ daily newspaper).

As the Liberal minister of culture Mona Musca announced her resignation mainly because of Liberal PM Tariceanu’s change of view regarding early elections this year, Rosca Stanescu immediately speculates this should represent the very sign of ‘President Basescu’s party crisis.’ Indeed, ‘Basescu’s group’ is likely to face hard times as even the Social-Democrats (PSD) in opposition openly backed PM Tariceanu in parliament, early this week.

Sources say that a ‘national union government’ would be possible as being supported by some Liberals, PSD and the Conservative Party. Thus, an older Ion Iliescu’s project would materialise.

Nevertheless, the new Social-Democrat leadership seems to reject such an alliance on the short run.

The bare facts show that, at this moment, President Basescu seemed to marrow his margin of influence on both the government and the parliament. However, the would-be ‘Presidential party’ still has lots of opportunities – to begin with supporting a strong Govt. reshuffle complemented with a healthy re-launching of the present ruling coalition, and ending – for instance – with re-designing the political parties’ environment in order to create a ‘popular’* majority. One should never discard the President’s ability to produce surprise winning solutions for apparently no-way-out occurrences. Under particular circumstances, many MPs (Liberals, Conservatives and even Social-Democrats) would eventually agree upon a new Presidential political project. Anyway, in Romania, there is a very thin line to separate perception of such terms as ‘popular’ and ‘populist’.

Paradoxically, the Romanian Constitution – which reads that presidency must be above political parties – would even allow President Basescu to shape and re-shape parliamentary majority. Surprise movements are expected as the summer is still young for the Romanian President who kept silence so far.

Mihai D. Popescu -- Romania Report

____________

*) President Basescu eventually managed to set up a new 'popular party' as late as the beginning of 2008 [MDP].

Romania's PM Tariceanu Says He Won't Resign Amid Floods

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jul 19, 2005; Source: Bloomberg)

July 19 (Bloomberg) -- Romanian Prime Minister Calin Tariceanu said he no longer plans to resign to push for early elections because his government must help the country recover from the worst flooding in more than half a century.

Floods killed more than 20 people in the past two weeks, destroyed hundreds of houses and bridges and forced the evacuation of more than 11,000 people.

Tariceanu, 53, said he would ask Parliament in coming days for a vote of confidence on a plan aimed at flood reconstruction and overhauling the judiciary to boost Romania's chances to join the European Union in 2007.

"It would have been cowardice to resign now,'' Tariceanu said today in a statement in Bucharest, without indicating whether he would quit later. "At this time I'm not interested in early elections, we have people suffering.''

Tariceanu first said July 7 that he would resign after Constitutional Court judges rejected parts of laws to overhaul the judiciary, including those that would have barred them from holding multiple judgeships. Their ruling also blocked other laws meant to strengthen Romania's bid to join the EU in 2007.

Romanian President Traian Basescu took note of PM Tariceanu’s decision and expressed his will to grant political support to the Government in targeting the January 1st 2007 as the date for EU accession. However, President Basescu said a favourable moment for early elections was just missed.

EU Threat

The EU last month threatened to delay the country's accession if the government fails to turn around its judiciary to fight corruption while enforcing antitrust laws.

Tariceanu, who also is the head of the National Liberal Party, had previously said twice he would resign even after parliament on July 13 again made changes to laws amended by the Constitutional Court. He said parliament's amendments wouldn't entirely bring laws on Romania's judiciary in line with the EU.

President Traian Basescu, who won presidential elections in November on a ticket with the Democratic Party, the liberals' main coalition partner, has also said he wants early elections to ensure the government no longer needs to rely on legislative support of the Conservative Party (former Humanist Party), the smallest in the four-party governing coalition.

"Accession to the European Union is the dream of every honest citizen in this country. We need to adopt courageous laws and decisions so that this dream can come true,'' Tariceanu said today. "In order to achieve this, we wanted a more comfortable majority in parliament.'' The Liberals and the Democrats also rely on the Hungarian Democratic Union ethnic party for parliamentary support.

The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, will report Oct. 24 on Romania and Bulgaria's progress toward meeting accession criteria. The report's findings could be the basis of a possible recommendation as late as April to the EU's 25 national governments to delay entry by a year until 2008.

Source: Bloomberg

President Basescu calls for constitutional solution following Court ruling

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jul 12, 2005)

Bucharest, Presidential Palace, July 12 – Romanian President Traian Basescu by acknowledging state institutions' open conflict following Court ruling invited all parties involved (Parliament's Speakers, parliamentary groups, the Prime Minister) to provide political solution to crisis. PM says his resignation is no longer imminent. Early elections date uncertain.

Last week, Romanian Govt intention to resign – following Constitutional Court ruling against some critical issues in the judiciary reform bill – resulted into a political crisis asking even for early elections.

This afternoon, according to his constitutional powers, President Basescu invited at Cotroceni Palace the chairmen of the Senate and the Lower Chamber, the Parliamentary groups leaders, PM Calin Popescu-Tariceanu and members of the Constitutional Court.

After two hours talks, President Basescu gave a press statement saying that he invited the legislative and executive state bodies to find a political solution to the crisis. President Basescu added that he will never put to question any Constitutional Court ruling, therefore the MPs are to provide solutions on the disputed articles of the judiciary bill in such a way that the required steps be undertaken for the reform boosted by the Govt and approved by the EU to become effective.

President Basescu underlined that however he will ask again the Constitutional Court ruling on the resulting bill after Parliament's mediation.

Following the meeting at Cotroceni Palace, PM Tariceanu admitted that political solution is still possible and said that his resignation is no longer imminent.

President Traian Basescu said to 'Realitatea TV' he would still support the idea of early elections even if, in his opinion, the right timing for early polls was before summer holidays.

One should remember that recently Tariceanu's cabinet asked for a confidence vote in the Parliament on a bill package regarding the reform of the judiciary and property restitution.

Dispite of a massive confidence vote, Social Democrat opposition asked for a Court ruling on the constitutionality of the bill. The Constitutional Court was against some four articles in the bill – i.e. precisely those cutting privileges of judges in the Constitutional Court and some other high-ranking magistrates.

Romania Report

PM Tariceanu: Romanian Cabinet to Resign After Ruling

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jul 7, 2005)

BUCHAREST, Romania Jul 7, 2005 — Romania's Prime Minister Calin Popescu Tariceanu said Thursday his Cabinet would resign and early elections would be called after the Constitutional Court ruled against the essential justice reforms required by the European Union.

Tariceanu said he will formally file resignation to President Traian Basescu this evening (i.e. July 7, 2005).

PM Calin Popescu-Tariceanu underlined that resignation was caused by yesterday Constitutional Court’s ruling to approve part of the Social-Democrats exceptions on the judiciary reform bill.

The Court's ruling delays critical justice reforms requested by the European Union, which Romania wants to join in 2007.

The EU has warned Romania that its admission to the bloc would be delayed by a year if it fails to reform its inefficient justice system and enforce antitrust rules.

Tariceanu met Thursday with President Traian Basescu to discuss the situation."The blocking of the justice reforms compromise our chances to get a good report from the European Union. There is only one solution, to return to the people" for a new vote, Tariceanu said. "People can vote on whether they want to keep this dirty (justice) system, dominated by the former ruling party. We don't want to simulate justice reforms."

The court, which is packed with people who are close to former president Ion Iliescu, declared certain parts of the justice laws to be unconstitutional. The judges stroke down passages which provided for competition for judicial appointments and a mandatory retirement age for judges were unconstitutional.

Justice Minister Monica Macovei said those measures were necessary to provide for competent judges and an end to political influence on the courts.

Sources: AP and TVR (Romanian public TV)

Romanian President, PM discuss early elections (in 2005)

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jul 7, 2005)


Bucharest, July 7 – President Basescu and PM Tariceanu discussed earlier this morning the opportunity of parliamentary early elections, following Constitutional Court decision of slashing reform bill on judiciary.

PM Calin Popescu-Tariceanu said to the press that the Constitutional Court rule asks for an extraordinary parliamentary session to settle the issues. Tariceanu also said that President Traian Basescu has the constitutional right to call the Parliament in session in order for the judiciary reform to be launched immediately.

Romanian PM stated that legislative bodies have to find a swift solution to Constitutional Court requirements, as postponing reform bills would prevent Romanian authorities from fulfilling tasks already agreed upon with EU.


It is also worth mentioning it is the first time PM Tariceanu assessed, together with President Traian Basescu, the possibility of early elections. Up to now Tariceanu considered actions related EU accession bid as more important, but the crisis triggered by the Constitutional Court seemed to make him change attitude.

Liberal MP Cristian Boureanu confirmed to 'HotNews.ro' that PM Tariceanu definitely accepted the early polls idea.


Romania Report

Constitutional Court hinders Romanian Govt's reform bills on justice reform

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jul 6, 2005)


The Romanian Constitutional Court ruled that that some points included in the bills package the Govt won a Parliamentary confidence vote were unconstitutional.

Such a decision provides Tariceanu's Cabinet with some unpleasant prospects. As a matter of home internal affairs, such a decision should call for his resignation. As a matter foreign affairs, the outcome of the Constitutional Court rule will be unfavorable to the country's EU accession bid – while one should remember that important EU representatives praised the reforms brought about by the recent bills.

Two days ago President Traian Basescu himself claimed that rejection of the bills on property restitution and reform of the judiciary system would certainly mean Romania's failure to seek access to European Union in January 1st, 2007.

Yesterday the Constitutional Court (whose most of the members were appointed by the previous Social-Democrat administration) admitted part of the objections raised by PSD (the Social-Democrat Party) and PRM ("Great Romania" Party). Therefore, the Court judges eventually sent back the bills to the Parliament.

The Minister of Justice, Monica Macovei, pleaded for the laws' constitutionality and stated that the law texts broke neither the non-retroactivity principle nor the principle of magistrates' independence by setting a different age for retirement.

The Majority leaders in the Parliament said that, according to the new bill, many 'diehard' magistrates (who actually are Communist-era survivors) would have lost their privileges and top positions in the Romanian judiciary.


Romania Report

President Basescu pleads for an actually independent judiciary system in Romania

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jun 30, 2005)

Bucharest, June 30 – "Romanian institutional framework meets the European standard, but a critical issue still exists: the institutions should actually function in an effective manner," President Basescu said at the "Democracy and Rule of Law in SEE: Challenges and Perspectives" conference.

The event, organised by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation*, was aiming to address pressing reforms in South East Europe. President Basescu opined that well performing public institutions would require significant re-training of professionals.

As regarding the judicial system reform, Basescu asked for "an accelerated change in mentality" of those implied in the act of justice, in order to become "independent and free of any political influence. (...) This is the key Romanian justice needs in order to perform as a real state power, under the rule of laws and national Constitution only."

"I believe it's only a matter of time until Romanian judiciary will become effective," President Basescu stated. As addressing the ethnic minority's issue – and Roma minority issue in particular –, President Basescu admitted, "Romania has a problem here, and I count myself among those politicians who think this is not a problem to be fully contained at a national level, but an issue to be tackled at the European level as well. Nevertheless, Romania is to accomplish its duty and the new ethnic minorities bill would create the necessary legal framework so that all minorities (apart from Hungarian minority) to enjoy the social rights required by the European standards."

President Basescu opined that in the very case of Roma minority "there are both an educational matter and a need for a 'consciousness awakening' regarding the existing rights and the manner of exercising these rights. Thus, the (Roma emancipation) process is expected to be slower, quite difficult, and definitely more costly. But, I declare without any hesitation that the present Romanian administration is determined to pursue policies aimed to provide actual emancipation for Roma minority."

When addressing the regional cooperation issues, President Traian Basescu said: "Romania must assume responsibility as a democracy provider in the region, by promoting the EU concept related to Western Balkans ethnic issues. (...) By having in mind that the European standards are both mandatory and they represent the fundamental condition in solving regional conflicts, my assessment is that, by now, the tensions in Western Balkans are quite dispersed. We are witnessing a reconstruction phase and the European approach regarding autonomy and countries cooperation seems essential with a view of solving Western Balkans conflicts."

President Basescu also said that promoting hard-line nationalism in the Western Balkans is an obsolete solution at this point: "They are fooling themselves those trying to negotiate their way to Europe on the ground of inter-ethnic and inter-confessional disputes."

President Basescu reminded that: "As tensions in Western Balkans resulted in the war followed by disastrous outcomes, we should seriously engage EU and NATO member states in solving the conflicts within the Black Sea region – i.e. Trasdniester, Nagorno Karabakh, Osetia, Abhazia."

Basescu believes that through diplomatic efforts and peaceful means, the Black Sea region frozen conflicts must be solved before irreversibly degenerating in the same manner they did in the Balkans.

Romania needs a proactive foreign policy in this part of the world, as the country is located just in between the Western Balkans and the Black Sea regions. Such an active role, President Basescu said, is not meant "for Romania to gain any kind of 'regional leadership' status, but mainly for fulfilling the country's obligations towards EU and NATO."

______________

*) The 'Konrad Adenauer Foundation' is related to the Christian Democratic movement. Having emerged from the 'Society for Christian Democratic Education Work' founded in 1956, it was named after the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic in 1964. We are guided by the same principles that inspired Adenauer's work.

Romania Report

Romanian President Basescu officially condemns Ribbentrop-Molotov pact

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jun 29, 2005; Romanian Presidency release)

Bucharest, June 29, 2005 -- The Presidential 'Cotroceni Palace' – Romania's President Traian Basescu firmly condemned the Soviet-German 'nonaggression pact', which led to the invasion and annexation of Romanian provinces of Bassarabia and North Bukovina by Russian troops 65 years ago, on June 28.

According to a Presidency press release, Romania's Basescu cannot ignore the sufferings of "our brothers across the Prut River following these resentful historical facts."

The message also reads: "Romanian President expresses his respectful veneration for those people who had to learn to live in torment by being separated from their families and by tragically being alienated from their mother tongue and nation."

According to a Romanian Presidency press release

This day, 65 years ago, Soviet Union invaded Romanian province of Bassarabia

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jun 28, 2005)

On June 28, 1940, the Soviet Union troops occupied the Eastern part of Romania (i.e. Bassarabia, Bukovina and Hertza) together with some strategic points at the Black Sea and Danube Delta. The Nazi Germany (by then allied with Russia) approved this invasion (in accordance with the Soviet-German nonaggression pact and its Secret Protocol), before Romania was to enter the WWII.

"Who he forgets is worth nothing," the great Romanian historian and politician Nicolae Iorga said – and the same reads a recent statement by Josep Borrell – President of European Parliament –, while addressing the issue of Soviet Union invasion of the Baltic states 65 years ago.

The Stalin-Hitler pact (Aug 23, 1939) is now condamned in Washington, Brussels, Riga, Tallinn or Vilnius.

As we remember, the Soviet policy in Eastern Europe from September 1939 lent weight to fears. Soviet forces occupied eastern Poland and the Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, were pressured to accept Soviet troops on their soil, and became in effect, Soviet protectorates.

In November 1939 the Soviet Union attacked Finland after the Finnish government rejected demands for territorial accessions and Soviet basis on Finnish soil.

The Baltic States were fully incorporated into the Soviet Union, and Romania was forced to concede the territories of Bessarabia and the northern Bukovina.

Stalin expanded Soviet interests in Eastern Europe as Hitler had done before 1939. His priority was security against any threat posed to him by the other major powers.

In May this year (2005), while in Riga, George W. Bush louded "the historic injustice" which led to "captivity millions of people in Central and Eastern Europe."

Once occupying the Romanian province of Bassarabia, on June 28 1940, Stalin actually applied Peter the Great's strategy for dominating South-East Europe.

Nevertheless, in 1924, Stalin already decided on Romania's fate by creating the Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova (on the territory of the now breakaway Transdniester region), thus threatening Romania's nation state. Also in 1924, the Russian Communist Party Central Committee released the document "Memorandum on the necessity of creating the Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova" witch reads: "Uniting the territories on both Dniester banks would serve as a strategical breakthrough for USSR targeting both the Balkan region (by including Dobrogea) and Central Europe (by including Bukovina and Galitia)."

Romania Report

Romanian National Flag Day celebrated in Bucharest

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jun 26, 2005)

Bucharest, June 26 – Romanian MoD together Bucharest Prefecture organised a military ceremony to celebrate National Flag Day.

During the event in 'National Flag' Sq., a Romanian consecrated banner was raised on top of the mast and united MoD and MoIA choirs sang the National Anthem and military music.

There were present representatives of civilian, military and religious organisations, foreign military attachés in Bucharest, war veterans.

***

This day in Romanian history:

On June 26, 1848 – The revolutionary provisional government in Walachia gave the National Flag decree. According to this decree, the flag was set in three colours (i.e. blue, yellow and red) while having the "Justice and Brotherhood" slogan inscribed in the middle.

About the Romanian National Flag: Whitney Smith (Flags and Arms across the World - McGraw-Hill Book Company UK Ltd.) mentions that the first tricolours were allowed in 1834 by the Ottoman sultan, that in 1848 the tricolour (but not in current in "French" pattern) was popularized and finally officially adopted in 1859. The tricolour has been used since as national flag, war ensign (also state flag) with coat of arms, and the vertical version was adopted in 1866.

After WWII, in 1948 all the variants of the flag (civil, state, military) were defaced with the emblem ("coat of arms") that was changed several times and finally cut out (literally) and plain tricolour was re-established in 1989.

The Constitution of Romania, adopted on 21 November 1991, effective on 8 December 1991, says: Title I: General Principles, Article 12. National Emblems, 1. The flag of Romania is tricolour; the colours are arranged vertically in the following order from the mast: blue, yellow, red.

Romania Report

Romanian Democratic Party to get closer to European "Popular family"

(Initially published in www.romania-report.ro - Jun 25, 2005)


Bucharest, June 25 – Today, at an extraordinary national convention, Democratic Party (PD) opted for the Popular political doctrine.

Over 3,550 out of 4,000 PD delegates at the convention voted in favour of "Prosperous Romania, Democrat Romania" motion issued by interim leader Emil Boc.

As the motion passed, Boc was subsequently elected as PD president. Emil Boc said that Popular centrist approach is to replace party's former social-democrat doctrine, while party's name, anthem and logo are to remain unchanged.

As invited to attend the convention works, European People's Party (EPP) Secretary General Antonio Lopez said members of the European People's Party express openness to all political forces that share EPP's visions and values on Europe.

On Monday, PD leader Sorin Frunzaverde shall pay a visit to EPP HQ in Brussels in order to file the formal affiliation letter of intend. Frunzaverde stated for 'Realitatea TV' as addressing the new doctrine: "We are still to display an important social component in our programme, but we shall also include specific Popular themes such as subsidiarity, national values, personalism and so on."

[For those unfamiliar with these terms it is worth mentioning that according to EPP vision: 1) the principle of subsidiarity states that in areas of shared competence between the EU and the Member States, Community action is only justified if the objectives of the proposed action cannot be sufficiently achieved by the Member States but can be better achieved by the Community; 2) Christian Democracy, on the basis of its political tradition, seeks to appeal to what is "best", to the "constructive" aspect which exists in each human individual, and to give contemporary expression to the ideals of social Christian personalism.]

In the opening session of the convention, Romanian PM Calin Popescu-Tariceanu (Liberal) reiterated the idea of a near future merger between Democratic Party (PD) and the National Liberal Party (PNL).

Emil Boc later said to the press that the merger opportunity would be seriously assessed starting with July 8, once PD concludes its new leadership structure. In 2004, the PNL-PD "Justice and Truth" Alliance secured a surprise victory for Traian Basescu in country's presidential runoffs.


Romania Report

German possible future chancellor positive about Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jun 24, 2005)

German opposition leader and possible future chancellor Angela Merkel has spoken out in favour of the EU upholding its commitments to Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia.

In an interview with German daily 'Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung', Mrs Merkel said that "with its enlargement policy to date, the EU has reached the limits of its ability to integrate".

She said that the bloc should set new priorities but stresses that the EU's membership promises toward Sofia, Bucharest and Zagreb should be kept.

Her words appear to draw a line under the several negative comments that have been emerging from Christian Democrat quarters implying that even Bulgaria and Romania's membership - planned for 2007 - is no longer so sure.

But the CDU leader drew the line at both Turkey's and the Balkans' membership by adding "but by then a point will have been reached where we stop".

She suggested that full membership should now longer be the only result of a European perspective. Speaking generally about the EU, she suggested that there should be a change in how power is divided between Brussels and the member states, indicating that it is no longer acceptable that competences go to the EU without governments getting power back in return.

With general elections set to take place in Germany in September and with Mrs Merkel having a strong chance of becoming the new chancellor, her words have taken on a far greater weight.

One German paper suggested this morning that British prime minister Tony Blair's keynote speech before the European Parliament on Thursday (23 June) was addressed to the successors of French President Chirac and German chancellor Gerhard Schroder.

Source: EU Observer

Min. of Home Affairs investigation: Former PM Adrian Nastase involved in shady "EADS deal"

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jun 23, 2005)

Former PM Adrian Nastase (Social-Democrat, now the Lower Chamber Speaker) and state secretary Toma Zaharia allegedly pushed negotiations and signing of the dubious contract regarding state border security between Romanian Interior Ministry and EADS Germany, 'Averea' daily reads.

This assumption together with many other illegal actions resulted from an investigation performed by the control body of the Romanian Administration and Interior Ministry (MAI) – which filed a complaint to the General Prosecutor.

'Averea' also reads that, in the past 6 months, the Anti-corruption and Intelligence Directorate with the MAI (under the command of Virgil Ardelean) didn't do anything in the matter, even if it should have informed the general Prosecutor and the Anti-corruption National Prosecutor.

The questionable provisions of the 'EADS deal' were put under scrutiny by the new Interior Minister, Vasile Blaga, as soon as he took office earlier this year. Blaga appointed a special commission to investigate the conditions under which the former Social-Democrat administration negotiated and closed the deal worth around €1 billion with the German arm of EADS.

Following a several month investigation, the final 730 pages report stated that generals Toma Zaharia, Gheorge Carp, Anton Gagiu, Mihai Badescu and Mihai Tatut were involved in illegal activities.

Beyond technical issues, the commission also concluded that the contract's negotiation process and the signing procedure were performed under political pressure. Many of the Romanian experts involved in negotiating with EADS stated, in front of the investigation commission, that each time they had objections regarding some issues that were in favour of EADS they have been warned that PM Nastase and general Zaharia "are watching them."

More than that, MAI officers received messages that (the then) PM Nastase does not tolerate any drawbacks from schedule because otherwise they will have to suffer.

On another hand, some members of the negotiation commission have been replaced because they had raised various objections.

The investigations show that on July 14, 2004 procedures meant to provide the offers selection were initiated, and general Anton Gagiu was appointed as project manager. In absence of any technical assessment Gagiu "chose" four offers, coming from Thales, Finmecanica, EADS and IBCOL.

On July 15, lacking in any technical rationale, General Gagiu files a report (approved by Mihai Badescu, Nicolae Chesnoiu, Gheorghe Carp and Toma Zaharia) according to which the contract is awarded to EADS Germany.

The report was not approved by the IT, Logistics Management and European integration directorates. Instead, the report was not approved by the IT, Logistics Management and European Integration directorates. Following this procedure, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of European Integration and the Ministry of Justice provide their approval respectively. On July 23 - 2004, PM Nastase swiftly issues the Govt. Decision 1157/2004, officially awarding the contract to EADS. The suspect speed of the whole process is underlined by the fact that the Legislative Council's approval of was released as late as on July 26 - 2004.

Awarding the contract to EADS was performed even before the EADS offer was open – i.e. on August 4, the date EADS had filed the offer acceptance. In order to close the 'EADS deal' (supposed to be financed with €650 million from public money and €200 million from PHARE programmes) officials of the former Romanian Govt had to swindle EU bodies.

Therefore, on September 1 - 2004, EC asked Romanian officials to confirm that there is no overlapping between 'EADS deal' and PHARE financed programmes and that the financing process will not involve EU money.

It is worth mentioning that EADS competition also contacted EC for additional elements regarding the observance of EU rules in this case. On September 2, Interior Minister (Marian Saniuta) and Finance Minister (Nicolae Tanasescu) signed an answer letter to EC stating that there is no overlapping with EU programmes and that EDAS contract was not to be financed with EU money.

Following the Blaga commission investigations it appeared that PHARE 2003 and 2004 programmes include some €60 million procurement to overlap with EADS contract.

Another illegal issue addresses the offset framework. According to the contract, EADS had to close a framework accord regarding the offset, in less than 60 days. In the very day of signing the EADS contract Romanian authorities did not even have the Offset Agency in place – as the law stipulated. The Offset Agency was registered in September 2004, but EADS failed up to now to close an offset accord regarding the border security project.

The MAI investigation commission also found out that the Romanian negotiation team did not include high ranking officers and high skilled experts. Meetings memos were missing and the translation was performed by EADS lawyers. All along negotiation process, Gheorghe Carp, Anton Gagiu and Toma Zaharia pressed that the contract to include all the provisions required by EADS. After signing, in mid September, Toma Zaharia did not approve any changes in the contract, even if Romanian specialists stressed striking errors within the document.

The investigation commission report reveals that a local firm – Midocar Consulting SRL – provide consultancy to EADS during negotiations with Romanian authorities. Members of the negotiation team were ordered to discuss the EADS contract in Midocar Consulting offices. This means negotiations were performed in EADS 'home' – as long as the multi-national group had not a Romania-based office. Previous to negotiations start off, Gheorghe Carp met EADS representatives, at Midocar Consulting offices, in order to settle the framework and schedule for negotiation steps, signing the commercial contract, the financing method, and coming into force of the contract.

As about Midocar Consulting SRL, it appears that the firm was registered in 2002, with 70% participation from mother-company Midocar SRL. Midocar SRL is an important operator on the local automotive market, performing many contracts in the public sector (MAI and an intelligence service included). The close links with the Ministry of Interior seemed to provide Midocar with the required qualification for consultancy services in the EADS deal.

General Prosecutor is to find out if the consultancy firm was possibly "recommended" by the Romanian negotiators in the EADS contract.

Romania Report - according to 'Averea' daily

Romanian Govt reform bill gets landslide vote in Parliament

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jun 23, 2005)


Bucharest, June 23 – On Wednesday, Govt's bill package on judiciary system reform and property passed with a 60% majority vote, as the Chambers, in a joint session, dismissed a non-confidence motion issued by the opposition.

The motion was rejected with a vote of 265 to 186.

Thus, the law package on which the Government assumed responsibility last week is considered adopted.

The Speaker of the Lower Chamber, Adrian Nastase, said that the Social-Democrat opposition party will file a complaint at the Constitutional Court to rule against the bill.

***

Jonathan Scheele, Head of EC Delegation in Romania, said to national TV that the bill was an important step forward in Romania's bid for EU accession, and he is waiting for the law framework to be implemented as soon as possible.

Romania Report

President Basescu after six months since taking office

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jun 22, 2005)

Bucharest, June 22 – In an interview with 'Romania Libera' daily, Traian Basescu provides significant hints on his half-year performance as Romania's President.

Excerpts from Romanian President's interview with 'Romania Libera':

Overnight changes are not productive

Q: Most of us expected that, once the Democrat-Liberal alliance took power, changes would have had to be performed regarding top executives in justice system, intelligence services, and in other state bodies. You preferred instead to provide a six months 'grace term' to those above. What was the rationale behind this strategy?

Traian Basescu: I wanted to bring about the perception that state institutions should not be the object of an endless political infringement. We must put an end to this habit of ousting high ranking public servants only because they don't have the same political colour with us, those in power. On another hand, at the Presidential level we are dealing with replacing chiefs of some state structures of an utmost importance. Such decisions cannot be performed overnight – they need o lot of thinking, assessment and when the decision is taken, it is taken in full awareness of the system. And when replacing someone you also must be sure that you have nominated the right person – who, in his turn, would provide the required changes. This was the reason I thought it is wiser not to sack immediately and 'in corpore', but to wait and see, to assess and eventually to send the Parliament requests regarding top-level replacements in intelligence services or in other state bodies that, according to the law, fall under the Presidential direction.

(...)

No political infringement over the justice process

Q: Charges were pressed against the former President Ion Iliescu regarding the street riots in June 13-15, 1990. Some analysts said prosecutors acted under political command.

Traian Basescu: I think that many fellow citizens still do not understand what is going on. It seems by now that I am closer to the target of providing the real freedom of the justice system – and this is actually happening at all levels, no matter if we deal with charges regarding "miners' riots" or regarding economic crimes. Many say Traian Basescu is behind all these judicial actions – actually there is no prosecutor and no judge I should have asked to act on a specific court case. I only tried to provide the judicial bodies with confidence that they are free to pursue any priorities they would have considered as best. And I have tried to assure them that there will not be any political infringement. We are now able to see the results of such approach – nevertheless there are still many to provide conspiracy scenarios, but these are speculations emerging from a social body which is not healthy yet. We still suffer from a "scenarios disease", the syndrome according to which the political power is still infringing the justice system.

(...)

Q: Are we to expect spectacular court trials? Are there any "big sharks" brought to justice these days?

Traian Basescu: I don't know. The rule of law is the only thing I am continuously asking from the judiciary. In fact, the rule of law is the missing pillar which prevents us from having a real democracy. For the rest, we have the law framework in place and we have the wishful thinking as about democratic values. We still have a big problem: judiciary is not functioning as it should in order that the rule of law reigns in our country.

(...)

Foreign policy

Q: When you said Romania's priority is to get closer links with Washington and London, some pointed out that you have forgotten major European powers.

Traian Basescu: It is crystal clear that, from our point of view, we have unsolved problems regarding the national security. Romania is located at the borders of NATO and EU. When advancing eastward from these borders, one would find a region of frozen conflicts – that is an extremely dangerous and politically volatile region. This issue strongly asks for closer ties with USA and UK. As about the links with Europe we have a perfect relationship – as perfect as it might be, taking into account the present EU's own problems. This two folded foreign policy has, therefore, its actual reasons as Romania must pursue utmost national interests. I will give you a strait proof: at the time being, even the European states need US partnership in matter of national security; therefore I do not see why Romania should not need such a partnership. Q: You have recently mentioned a future cooperation with some Arab countries. How do you think that our present partners will perceive this strategy? TB: From the Romania's interest viewpoint, our country actually needs new markets, other than the EU's – where we still cannot compete with local economies. Therefore opening a new politic and economic stage towards the Arab world cannot be but helpful for us. Traditionally, Romania had a market share in the Arab countries and now we should revive this presence.

Romania's EU accession treaty will be observed

Q: Which was the most important message you have got in Brussels, last week?

Traian Basescu: The message saying that Romania will join the EU and that the accession treaty will be observed – I have received this message from French President Jacques Chirac, German leader Gerhard Shroeder, British MP Tony Blair, and Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi. There is no European leader to state that "we shall not observe Romania's accession treaty." (..) I can tell you that, there exists the feeling (among European leaders) that Romania swiftly started to overcome its drawbacks on the issues of fight against corruption and modernising judiciary system according to EU standards. I can assure you that we shall go all the way in solving these issues. In fact, our citizens know that I use to achieve my tasks. I shall not be partner in some cheep comedy. I have no right to fail chiefly because of the 22 million Romanians who are looking forward a modern state, a performing country, and on my account I shall do everything in my power to attain such a goal – to provide them with the means to live in a modern Romanian state.

Romania Report – according to 'Romania Libera' daily newspaper

President Basescu: "We shall keep our troops in Iraq as long as Baghdad Govt needs them"

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jun 21, 2005)

Bucharest, June 21 – In an interview with 'Radio Delta', President Traian Basescu said regardless a possible public debate on the country's military presence in Iraq, Romania will keep its promise to the international coalition.

Basescu said that Romanian troops will stay in Iraq "until Baghdad Govt will say it no longer need our military presence on the territory."

As about French President thanking Romania for help in rescuing kidnapped journalist Florence Aubenas, President Basescu said "We should not overstress this issue. The French authorities hold the merit of freeing the journalist – but yet we had a good collaborative work."

Romania Report

"The Empire strikes back" – Troubled EU leaders looking for help in Washington

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - Jun 20, 2005)

Senior EU politicians and officials will meet President Bush in Washington for a US-EU summit, days after their acrimonious meeting in Brussels. Following several years of overoptimistic enlargement process, EU "bigs" stumbled because of financial reform disputes. US and UK expected to further support the Union's enlargement.

Last week EU summit showed how deep the cleavage between British pragmatism and French "Social Europe" really is. That is, there is a profound disagreement on whether the EU should focus on becoming a broad and inclusive free-trade zone, which Britain champions, or a narrower and politically more cohesive quasi-federation, as France would prefer.

Now, EU leaders will visit Washington and, together with President Bush, they eventually should look for a common vision on the fate of the "Western world". US President George W Bush will meet top officials of a deeply-troubled European Union on Monday, as his administration underscores its desire to boost trans-Atlantic cooperation on international affairs.

The summit comes two days before an international conference on Iraq in Brussels, jointly sponsored by the United States and the European Union in an effort to show that the deep rifts caused by the invasion of Iraq are behind them. It comes on the heels of last week's acrimonious EU summit, which broke down amid budget squabbles, leaving a sense that the 25-member bloc is in crisis.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, who holds the EU presidency, EU commission chief Jose Manuel Barroso, EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and other top EU officials were to convene at the White House early on Monday local time, for meetings followed by a press conference.

President Bush wants Europe to continue the process of enlargement.

Overall, EU and US relations have improved dramatically since their row over Iraq. But there is now the uncertainty of Europe's future direction – a BBC report reads today.

BLAIR STANDS FIRM IN DEMAND FOR EU FINANCE OVERHAUL

An unrepentant Tony Blair will tell the European Parliament this week that he remains committed to a "fundamental reassessment" of Europe's finances despite the fury he has provoked among the leaders of "Old Europe".

TONY Blair will turn up the heat on Jacques Chirac this week after his unprecedented clash with the French president over the EU budget. The defiant British PM makes his second visit to Brussels in a week to repeat he is ready to deal on Britain’s £3billion rebate — but ONLY if there is wholesale reform of finances.

Mr Blair will tell the European Parliament that any deal on our rebate must be linked to French farmers losing some of their handsome subsidies. Mr Blair will make a Commons statement on the issue today before flying to the Belgian capital on Thursday. He fought off an attempt by Mr Chirac to make Britain give up the rebate without concessions at last week’s bitter EU summit. Mr Blair is expected to give MEPs a character reading on Thursday in the wake of the summit collapse. He plans to say: “It is time to show that Europe is capable of change and is willing to listen to what the people have been saying. We must reconnect the EU leadership with the people.”

Mr Blair plans to emphasise that means spending on beating crime and illegal immigration, plus boosting skills.

CLOSER TIES WITH US AND UK - ROMANIA'S RIGHT CHOICE

When Romanian President Traian Basescu took office, in January this year, he clearly stated he will give priority to closer ties with US and UK – ties he expected to boost Romania's EU bid also.

In the beginning, Basescu's vision seemed bizarre to many local analysts, but until now it proved to be the right choice as US has great expectations from "New Europe states" and, following last week EU crisis, PM Blair renewed his support for Romania.

Thus, during a press conference following Brussels EU Summit 18 June 2005, British PM Blair was asked if he is going to support the accession of Romania and Bulgaria if they are doing their work for 1 January 2007? PM Blair answered: "Yes, we fully support Romania and Bulgaria coming into the European Union, and we actually think the advent of the accession countries has been very healthy for Europe. We defend enlargement, we defend it strongly."

On another hand, some authorised voices in the "Old Europe" expressed serious concerns on further EU enlargement process. European Commission vice-president Günter Verheugen said the EU should exercise restraint in admitting new states, and yet the accession treaties of Bulgaria and Romania must be observed.

The EU official, a former enlargement commissioner, strongly advocated for the two aspirant countries saying, as quoted by DPA, that the safeguard clauses would be enforced only if either applicant is unprepared for EU entry on 1 January 2007. He said that it is irrelevant to make new promises for enlargement beyond those already agreed.

Instead, Austrian chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel said fears over enlargement contributed to the rejection of the constitution in France and the Netherlands. "There are other options apart from full membership of the European Union for achieving political and economic stability throughout Europe," Mr. Verheugen told Bild am Sonntag newspaper.

He said the accession of Bulgaria and Romania, which are due to join the EU in 2007, could be postponed if they were not ready. Mr. Schüssel told Der Standard newspaper that the EU should be more imaginative in its relationships with neighbouring countries. "At the moment the only instrument we have is membership. Otherwise a country stays outside the door. That is inadequate."

Some EU leaders have accused Britain of seeking to abandon the process of political integration in Europe, and of attempting to reduce the EU to a free-trade zone. Mr. Schüssel said: "The British want a different Europe. They want more a market-oriented Europe, a large market, but no deeper union. Anyone who wants such a model leaves behind the European social and economic model which has served us well, which the citizens want and which has made us strong," he said.

Therefore, there is a profound disagreement on whether the EU should focus on becoming a broad and inclusive free-trade zone, which Britain champions, or a narrower and politically more cohesive quasi-federation, as France would prefer. There is a strong and growing resistance to any more members, as stated by the bright and aggressive Nicolas Sarkozy – likely to become next French President in 2007.

THE EURO-ATLANTIC "EMPIRE" – THE PARADIGM THAT NEEDS A CLOSER LOOK...

As the "Old Europe" leaders in place (i.e. Chirac and Schröder) are likely to be soon replaced (maybe along with their outdated "EU Federation" vision), there should be seriously taken into account the alternative of building the "New Empire" of the Euro-Atlantic region. As carefully nurtured in the last years, the "New Empire" idea is able to bring about enough interesting suggestions to the post-modern world in the West.

Mihai D. Popescu -- Romania Report

Interior Minister wants to bring to justice those involved in the "EADS deal"

(Initially published in www.romania-report.ro - Jun 15, 2006)


Vasile Blaga (Romanian Interior Minister) said he filed judicial complains against former officials involved in closing the "EADS deal" for Romania's border security.

After concluding a several months control on the circumstances the contract for securing the state borders was awarded to EADS Germany by former Govt's high officers, Blaga explained (during a press conference) how the Romanian law was trespassed in this case.

Mr. Marcus Hellenthal - E.A.D.S. Vice-President - was also present at the press conference.

Blaga also explained that former Govt ignored significant overlapping between EU funds granted to the project and financial resources mobilised from the state budget. The feasibility study provided practically overnight by Bearing Point was also put to question.

Minister Blaga said he filed complains against rear generals Toma Zaharia (former secretary of state), Gheorghe Carp, Anton Gagiu and Mihai Badescu.

One should remember that, on August 12 2004, EADS Germany was awarded the contract for securing Romanian borders in the absence of any tender procedures – even if important bidders, such as Thales and Finmeccanica, were looking for a fair competition under EU standards.

General Toma Zaharia, who was involved in some other highly questionable "businesses" in the past years, is now retired with a monthly pension of 45 million ROL. When retiring he was also provided 1 billion ROL as financial support for old age.


Romania Report

EPP's group leader, Hans Gert Poettering, visits Bucharest

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - June 3, 2005)


Bucharest, June 3 – Leaders of EPP (the European People's Party, Christian-Democrats) visited Bucharest in order to assess local parties' possible bid for EPP membership.

Yesterday, while in Bucharest, Hans Gert Poettering, leader of the EPP group in the Parliament of Europe, opened the session of the EPP Political Bureau and of the European Democrats in the Parliament of Europe. Local PPCD (Christian Democrat Popular Party) and UDMR participated as associate members of EPP.

There were present, among others, EPP president Wilfried Martens, PPCD (Romania's Popular Christian-Democrat Party) leaders Gheorghe Ciuhandu, Ion Diaconescu, Serban Bubenek, Marian Milut, Cosmin Alexandru, Ion Caramitru, UDMR (the Democrat Union of Hungarians in Romania) leaders Marko Bela, Marton Arpad, Konya Hamar Sandor, PD (Romania's Democrat Party) leaders Emil Boc, Gheorghe Seculici, Sorin Frunzaverde. PC leaders Dan Voiculescu, Daniela Popa, Silvia Ciornei were also present.

The EPP representatives had invited PD and PC leaders to attend the debate focused on two main points: the present state of the Romanian political framework and the EU integration.

PD (Democrat Party), PC (Conservatory Party), PPRM (The Popular "Greater Romania" Party) and more non-parliamentary groups are bidding for EPP accession.

EPP has opened gates for the Democrat Party (PD), the now ruling party in Romania. During its next congress by the end of the month, PD is going to decide a doctrine change to fit Popular movement.

On another hand, EPP delegation sources expressed certain concern regarding Dan Voiculescu's Conservatory Party prospects. Sources also said that, provided PD chooses the 'Popular way', EPP would prefer the fusion of PD and PPCD, which would somehow simplify the accession of PD to EPP.

However, at least for now, the former Christian-Democrats (PPCD) disagrees to such a solution. PPCD leader Gheorghe Ciuhandu pleaded for the founding of the Popular front, likely to bring together PPCD, PNL (the National Liberal Party) and PD. During the EPP meeting all leaders present outlined the wish of Romania and of the Romanian government to carry out the requirements of the EU accession roadmap, so that Romania would join the EU in January 1st 2007 – process which was not to be influenced by the referendums in France and the Netherlands.

MARTENS ENDORSES ROMANIA'S 'DEMOCRAT PARTY' (PD) BID FOR EPP

EPP president Wilfried Martens mentioned that PPCD and UDMR (associate members of the EPP) would become full right members of the EPP when Romania becomes a EU member.

As PD leaders expressed intention to assume the Popular doctrine, Martens explained he already had talks on issues requirements regarding PD accession to the EPP.

The EPP president outlined that the EPP had never made decisions on grounds of compromise or out of political pragmatism, but on principles only.



Romania Report

Romanian President calls for early elections in 2005

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - May 26, 2005)


Bucharest, May 26 – Yesterday, during a press conference, Romanian President Traian Basescu said now is the right time for early parliamentary elections.

"A solid parliamentary majority would be needed provided what we have to do until January 1, 2007," he said.

January 1, 2007 represents the target date for Romania's EU accession. Amid European political turmoil related both to EU Constitution and EU enlargement process – to include Romania and Bulgaria –, early elections in Romania are not likely to significantly affect the country's European roadmap.

Moreover, parliamentary doctrinal environment has changed in Romania since elections last year, as some political parties tried hard to gain EPP's attention and acceptance (i.e. the Democrat Party).

On another hand the main opposition Social Democrat party (PSD) looks more and more weak, and the ruling coalition 'DA' (the Democrat Party and the National-Liberal Party) might seek to take good advantage from this situation.


Romania Report

War on terror: Military planners from 68 nations met in Bucharest

(Initially published in www.romania-report.ro - May 26, 2005)


BUCHAREST, Romania – On Tuesday, Military planners from 68 nations met in Bucharest Tuesday to plan cooperation in the war on terror. Meanwhile, the first ever Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council Security Forum was held in Are, Sweden, from 24 to 25 May.

U.S. Lt. Gen. Walter Sharp, the Joint Chief of Staff`s director for strategic plans and policy, co-hosted the two-day Multilateral Planners Conference III, along with his Romanian counterpart, Brig. Gen. Valeriu Nicut, American Forces Press Service reported.

The Romania conference was the third of its kind. The first took place in May 2004 at the National Defense University at Fort McNair, in Washington, D.C., and the second was held in Warsaw last October.

The conference`s agenda Tuesday focused on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Its Wednesday meetings were to address the larger issues of fighting terrorism around the globe. Some 10 more nations attended the conference than the 58 that attended the Warsaw gathering, AFPS said.

The Afghan National Army's biggest needs from the international community are training opportunities and equipment, the country's first deputy defence minister said.

The ANA continues to make progress, Nuristani said, noting Afghanistan's army will have an operational brigade in every region of the country. But to continue its work and achieve the capabilities it will need for the long term, he said, Afghan forces will need more training from the international community -- whether it be foreign in-residence training, visits from mobile training teams, or embedded battalions of trainers falling in on ANA brigades -- and more NATO-standard equipment.

Nuristani also said the Afghan government is committed to eradicating poppy growing in Afghanistan, noting that a 30 percent reduction already has been achieved. Afghan poppy growers provide much of the raw material used in the illegal drug trade, and, Nuristani said, the key to stopping the growers from continuing in the enterprise is for alternative livelihoods to become available to them.

As the country's legitimate economy grows, he said, more opportunities will open up for training and jobs. The government's goal is to eradicate the poppy-growing industry in Afghanistan in five to six years, he said. In one province, he added, a personal appeal from Afghan President Hamid Karzai achieved an 80 percent reduction in poppy production.

Nuristani also addressed the issue of detainees now being held by the coalition being turned over to Afghan authorities. "In principle, we would like to have the prisoners," he said, noting that Karzai had brought up the issue May 23 with President Bush in Washington.

But Afghanistan needs to have adequate prisons and the necessary accompanying infrastructure before that would be practical, Nuristani said.

Army Col. Barry Shapiro, representing Combined Forces Command Afghanistan, provided the conferees with an update on Operation Enduring Freedom. The ANA is now 23,000 strong, Shapiro said, with a target of more than 39,000 Afghans in the army by the end of the year. The Afghan National Police now have almost 38,000 members, with a goal of 62,000 by October 2006.

Along with security and counter-narcotics efforts, he added, challenges in Afghanistan include building the country's infrastructure and economy, effecting judicial reform, and eliminating corruption. Shapiro said NATO's role is expanding in Afghanistan.

Nineteen provincial reconstruction teams are now up and running, with four in the northern part of the country led by NATO's International Security Assistance Force.

Plans call for more ISAF-run PRTs to open, and ISAF is taking over teams in western Afghanistan now being run by coalition countries. PRTs operate to extend the reach of the national government outside the country's capital of Kabul and out into the provinces, and to provide construction and other help to the Afghan people.

Army Lt. Gen. Walter L. Sharp, the Joint Staff's director for strategic plans and policy and conference co-, told the group that it may be next spring before ISAF takes over the PRTs in southeastern Afghanistan because of the security situation in that region.

In response to a question, Sharp said merging OEF and ISAF operations in Afghanistan is something officials will have to look at, but that it would take time to bring about because of various nations' rules of engagement and so-called "national caveats," under which the forces of some nations, are allowed to do certain things but not others to be in line with their nation's policies.

Nuristani said his country is seeking more help from the international community. He characterized that help as an investment. "Afghanistan hopes (in time) to be on the donating end, rather than on the receiving end" of international aid, he said.



Meanwhile, the first ever Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council Security Forum was held in Are, Sweden, from 24 to 25 May.

The event brought together a number of Ministers from NATO and partner countries, as well as senior decision-makers, representatives of think tanks and civil society.

The meeting demonstrated NATO’s desire to reach out to civil society in recognition of the role NGOs play in all aspects of NATO’s agenda, particularly peace-building and reconstruction in areas such as the Balkans and Afghanistan.

The forum also gave delegates an opportunity to discuss more openly and in greater depth than is usual in ministerial meetings the key issues in Euro-Atlantic security today. This included for instance how to deal with frozen conflicts in the Caucasus; how to integrate the Balkans into Europe and resolve the unfinished business of the 90s, such as the status of Kosovo, bringing Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina into the Partnership for Peace; and how to bring better synergy among international organisations so that they can apply their resources in a more effective way towards meeting common tasks such as security sector reform, border management, and civil reconstruction.

In this context, the Director-designate of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Kemal Derviş, who was one of the keynote speakers, stressed the need for more focus on development as part of a long-term security strategy.

The forum also heard keynote speeches by the NATO Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, and Swedish Foreign Minister, Mrs. Laila Freivalds, setting out their vision for security in the Euro-Atlantic area.

This was followed by four panels on: addressing Europe's unresolved conflicts; NATO and its other Partnerships; Central Asia - future cooperation in the EAPC; and acting in concert in the Balkans and elsewhere – how can institutional cooperation make the world more secure.



Romania Report – according to UPI, US DoD, NATO website

President Basescu: Europe shared Romania's views on Black Sea region issues

(Initially published in www.romania-report.ro - May 20, 2005)


Bucharest, May 20 – During a TV show on Thursday, President Basescu said Romania's foreign policy regarding the Black Sea region was successful as the European awareness significantly increased and concrete actions were agreed upon with this respect.

Earlier this week, at the Council of Europe Summit in Warsaw (Mai 16-17), President Traian Basescu said: "the Council of Europe is confronted by a series of problems related to human rights and democracy in a number of 'gray zones' which are threatening the security and stability of the European continent. I will mention here just one case of such a “gray zone”, the Transdnistrean region in the Republic of Moldova." "Romania has a legitimate interest in the settlement of these issues and in the developments taking place in its neighborhood. In our view, the best way to erase those 'gray zones' from the European map is to promote the respect for human rights, the state of law and democracy all over the continent. Romania stands ready to share its experience, acquired during the accession process to the European structures, to the countries in our vicinity, from the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and countries in the Western Balkans and across the Black Sea, now facing similar challenges on their road towards the Euro-Atlantic integration."

It is also worth mentioning that on May 16 in Warsaw, Presidents Kwasniewski, Adamkus, Vladimir Voronin of Moldova, and Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Borys Tarasyuk representing Yushchenko (who had to change his schedule for medical reasons) held a working dinner at the outset of the Council of Europe summit.

They focused on coordinating positions in international organizations, keeping the EU's doors open for such countries as Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia, and advancing the reform agenda in that region. Transnistria also figured prominently on the agenda, with Voronin calling for a solution based on "democratic norms and European standards." Poland, Lithuania, and Ukraine are also close to fielding a tripartite peacekeeping battalion. Its first mission is planned to begin later this year in Kosovo, with Poland and Ukraine contributing 200 to 300 troops each, and Lithuania 140 troops, to the NATO-led, UN-mandated Kosovo Force (KFOR).

Outside NATO's framework, it should be wholly realistic for LitPolUkrbat to consider participating in peacekeeping missions in Moldova and Georgia at these countries' request.

President Basescu also said, during Thursday's TV show, that the latest Ukraine solution for Transdniester crisis eventually included Romania's vision expressed at Chisinau GUUAM Summit. "I am glad that I have managed to boost international actions regarding the Black Sea region critical issues (...) Europe's security for the next twenty years depends on the manner in which we shall provide a security framework in the Black Sea region."

In order to better understand President Basescu's statement we should refer to the Vinnitsa meeting (May 16-17), where the Moldovan and Transdniestrian sides supposedly had a positive reaction to a plan recently put forward by President Viktor Yushchenko to settle their 13-year-old conflict.

The gathering in the Ukrainian city of Vinnitsa marked the second time the two sides had been in contact since Chisinau officially suspended reunification negotiations last summer.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Dmirto Svistkov said Moldovan and Transdniestrian negotiators also discussed Yushchenko's proposals to invite the European Union and the United States to join in the negotiation process.

The proposal follows an earlier call by Moldova to include the United States, European Union, and neighboring Romania in the negotiations. Representatives of the OSCE, which is part of the Transdniester negotiations framework together with Ukraine and Russia, were also present at the Vinnitsa talks.

Mr. William Hill, the OSCE's ambassador to Moldova, told RFE/RL that both Moldova and Ukraine lobbied to include the U.S. and EU in future negotiations. "The statement that we adopted at the end of the [Vinnitsa] meeting, it indicates that representatives of Ukraine and the OSCE supported the initiative of the Republic of Moldova to invite representatives of the European Union and the United States to the next meeting," Hill said.

It is unclear whether Transdniester supports the proposal. But Moldovan Foreign Minister Andrei Stratan told 'Radio Free Europe' that his government has forwarded official invitations to the European Union, the United States, and also Romania to join the negotiations. Stratan said the European Union has already responded favorably.

"We have received an official reply from EU's foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, and from the Luxembourg foreign minister [editor's note: Luxembourg currently holds the rotating EU Presidency], saying that the invitation presented by Moldova has been accepted," Stratan said.

"This demonstrates once again that the EU intends to offer assistance to Moldova and to find the mechanism for the peaceful solution of the [Transdniestrian] dispute." The dispute dates back to 1990, when the Russian-speaking Transdniester -- a narrow stretch of land on the left bank of the Dniester River -- declared independence over fears that Moldova might seek reunification with Romania.

The two sides fought a short but bloody war in the summer of 1992, in which some 1,000 people were killed.

Russian forces left over in Transdniester from the Soviet era quelled the conflict and negotiated an uneasy truce between the two sides.

But attempts to settle the dispute in negotiations sponsored by Russia, Ukraine, and the OSCE have failed, mainly because of Transdniester's condition that Moldova become a federation of two independent states.

The new seven-point plan was put forward by Ukrainian President Yushchenko during a 22 April summit in Chisinau of GUUAM -- a group comprising Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Moldova.

The OSCE Ambassador Hill noted that main sticking point between the two sides remains Transdniester's refusal to accept being part of Moldova. "You clearly need a clear acknowledgement from the left bank that Transdniester is a part of Moldova and that we are not talking about two separate states here," Hill said.

"What we are talking about is a division of powers and the provision of adequate rights of local self-government to a region of a recognized state -- and finding acceptable agreement on this is crucial. The issue of democratization [in Transdniester] is also crucial."

The Yushchenko plan also proposes international monitoring of the Transdniester section of the Moldovan-Ukrainian border and of arms factories in the separatist region. Transdniester has been repeatedly accused of illegally producing and smuggling weapons across the border with Ukraine.

Many of the smuggled weapons are also believed to have come from the huge arms cashes that remain at Russian bases in Transdniester. The withdrawal of thousands of tons of Russian military equipment and more than 1,000 troops has been another obstacle in resolving the dispute.

Under a 1999 OSCE-supervised agreement, Moscow pledged to withdraw its troops and military equipment by the end of 2002. A one-year extension of the term has also expired without Russia fulfilling its obligation.

Mr. Hill told 'Radio Free Europe' that the Russian withdrawal has been frozen for more than a year. "There has been no movement -- we've had no trains leaving since March of 2004," Hill said.

"I've been to Moscow, I've been in discussions with Russian authorities here, and we continue to try and to hope to find ways to renew the withdrawal activities."

Mr. Hill also said the OSCE has and can provide the necessary resources to assist and support the withdrawal, which could be completed in as little as six months -- provided the political will is there.


Romania Report

Moscow: Romanian President looking for ties in 'multipolar world'

(Initially published in http://www.romania-report.ro/ - May 10, 2005)

Moscow, May 09, 2005 - Political relationship between Romania and Russia have reached a satisfactory level, but there is room for better cooperation (the Black Sea region included) – Romanian President Traian Basescu, who has been invited to Moscow to take part in the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the victory over the Nazis, has stated in an interview with the RIA-Novosti.

"Political relations have reached a satisfactory level, but they can become very good. In the person of the Russian president, I met a partner in a very subtle dialogue and the one who is open towards establishing good economic relations," Basescu noted.

"We proceed from our recognition of the Russian Federation's interests in the Black Sea area and, at the same time, we wish for our interests and those of the Republic of Moldova to be recognized and observed.

This is the key to reaching excellent political and economic relations," Basescu stressed. Basescu made assurances that Romania expressed complete openness to a joint discussion and study of existing issues until the understanding that "the future is more important than the past" is reached.

Answering a question as to the main goals which Romania puts for itself at the moment, Basescu named integration into the European Union and the creation of a zone of security in the Black Sea region in order to stop smuggling with arms, people and drugs.

According to Basescu, frozen conflicts in this region "could find a democratic and European solution". This also applies to the conflict in the Dniester region, which is one of the priorities of Romania's foreign policy and "to a considerable extent concerns the issues of independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova," the Romanian president said.

During visit in Moscow, President Basescu also had bilateral talks with Samuel Schmid – President of Swiss Confederation –, Hu Jintao – President of Popular republic of China –, Adrienne Clarkson – General Governor of Canada –, and Monmohan Singh – India's PM.

As about the meeting with Chinese President, Basescu praised the now traditional ties with the powerful state in the Far East, ties that need to be further developed.

Basescu invited Chine to invest in Romanian pharmaceutical, defence, infrastructure and tourism sectors. "China wishes to promote an strong development and cooperation partnership with Romania," President Hu Jintao said, and invited President Basescu to visit China this year.

Romanian President Basescu also met India's PM, Monmohan Singh, who is looking for East Europeans support in getting permanent membership of India within the UN Security Council.

Basescu's fresh contacts with the new-born "Chindia axis" were not louded yet but they seem fashionable for Romania in the near future.

Romania Report

Bush–Putin meeting and democracy issues

(Initially published in www.romania-report.ro - May 8, 2005)


MOSCOW, May 8 - Despite contentions over Moscow's commitment to democracy, President Bush thanked Russia's Vladimir Putin on Sunday for help on Iran and the Middle East and said "there's a lot we can do together."

During a brief photo opportunity before their talks, the two leaders exchanged pleasantries as they sat alongside each other in front of an unlit, ornate fireplace.

Putin said Bush's visit was "of special importance" and he spoke of "a very large volume of cooperation between our countries."

Bush said he looked forward to Monday's celebration in Red Square of the 60th anniversary of Nazi Germany's defeat, saying it will help the world "recognize the great bravery and sacrifice the Russian people made in the defeat of Nazism."

"The people of Russia suffered incredible hardship and yet the Russian spirit never died down," Bush said.

Earlier Sunday, Bush celebrated the end of World War II 60 years ago at an American cemetery in Margraten in the Netherlands, emphasizing the themes of democracy and freedom. "The world's tyrants learned a lesson: There is no power like the power of freedom and no soldier as strong as a soldier who fights for that freedom," Bush told a crowd of thousands, including many white-haired war veterans who wore plastic rain ponchos on a raw spring morning.

"On this day we celebrate the victory they won," Bush said, "and we recommit ourselves to the great truth that they defended: that freedom is the birthright of all mankind."

Relations between Bush and Putin have soured of late amid U.S. unhappiness with Russian missile sales to Syria and crackdowns on business and Moscow's complaints of American meddling in its traditional sphere of influence.

Even before Bush arrived in Moscow, Putin appeared increasingly irritated at Bush's criticism of Russia's treatment of its former republics and the president's push for democracy along Russia's borders.

Bush said at an earlier stop in Latvia that Russia should acknowledge the Soviet Union's domination of Central and Eastern Europe and its harsh occupation of the Baltic country.

"This is not an issue of lecturing Russia," Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told reporters on Air Force One. "It is that the United States and Russia have a deep and broad relationship. We'd like it to get deeper and broader. And the issue of common values and how Russia's democracy progresses is one of the issues on the agenda, an important issue on the agenda." Rice took issue with Putin's assertion last month that the collapse of the Soviet Union was "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century."

"I'm not going to try to second guess President Putin on this," Rice said. "I do know it was traumatic for many people to see the Soviet Union collapse. That's not surprising. Quite clearly the fall of the Soviet Union has led to some very good things including democracies throughout Eastern Europe and Central Europe and free Baltic states."

The United States has expressed repeated concern that Putin is quashing dissent and consolidating power. Putin said in an American television interview that the United States should question its own democratic ways before looking for problems with Russia's.

Putin also told CBS' "60 Minutes" that the United States shouldn't try to export its democracy, as it is trying to do in Iraq. The Russian leader pointed to what he believes are drawbacks to America's own brand of democracy, including the Electoral College system.

The Russian leader also has rebuffed calls from Bush and others for an apology for the Soviet occupation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.



Bush on Monday will join Putin and dozens of world leaders at a Red Square parade celebrating the defeat of Nazi Germany.

Bush has no scheduled public remarks during his 24-hour stay in Moscow.

Moscow has not disguised its unhappiness that Bush's four-nation trip was planned to bracket his stop in Russia with visits to two former Soviet republics, Latvia and Georgia.

A day before arriving in Moscow, Bush said in a speech that Putin should not fear the growth of democracy around Russia's borders and that "no good purpose is served by stirring up fears and exploiting old rivalries in this region."

Rice said Bush and Putin intended to cover a range of issues like Iran, Iraq, the broader Middle East and economic issues such as Russia's hopes of joining the World Trade Organization. She said the United States has been encouraging Russia to sign border treaties with its former republics in the Baltics, without success. "The future of Baltic and Russian relations should not be one of tension," Rice said. "And I think that's the message that the president will deliver." She acknowledged that the history has been "an unhappy and tragic one."



AP

US President Bush says settlement after WWII one of great wrongs

(Initially published in www.romania-report.ro - May 8, 2005; source: Reuters)


RIGA (Reuters) - President Bush denounced Soviet Cold War rule of Eastern Europe as "one of the greatest wrongs of history" on Saturday in a jab at Moscow two days before celebrations of the 1945 victory over Hitler.

Bush, visiting Latvia before the ceremonies in Moscow marking 60 years since the end of World War II in Europe, also held up the three Baltic states as examples of democratic reform since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

He said the end of the war brought liberty from fascism for many in Germany but meant the "iron rule of another empire" for the Baltic states -- Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia -- and nations from Poland to Romania.

Bush admitted the United States shared some responsibility for the Cold War division of Europe after the 1945 Yalta accord between Russia, the United States and Britain. "Once again, when powerful governments negotiated, the freedom of small nations was somehow expendable," he said.

"Yet this attempt to sacrifice freedom for the sake of stability left a continent divided and unstable. "The captivity of millions in central and eastern Europe will be remembered as one of the greatest wrongs of history," he said in a speech at Riga's guildhall.

The three Baltic states joined both NATO and the European Union last year. Bush's visit to Riga has angered Russia by reviving tensions about the Soviet occupation when Moscow is focusing on celebrating the end of World War II, a conflict that cost 27 million Soviet lives.

Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed calls by the Baltic states for an apology for Soviet rule and accused them on Saturday of trying to cover up past Nazi collaboration.


BUSH MEETS PUTIN

The differing versions of history may make for frictions when Bush meets Putin in Moscow on Sunday and Monday. Putin insists the Red Army was a liberator, not an oppressor, of Eastern Europe.

"Our people not only defended their homeland, they liberated 11 European countries," Putin said on Saturday after laying a wreath at a monument to Russia's war dead. In a recent state of the nation speech he bemoaned the demise of the Soviet Union as "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century." He has also said Washington should not try to export its own brand of democracy.

Bush said Russia's leaders had made "great progress" in the past 15 years. "In the long run it is the strength of Russian democracy that will determine the greatness of Russia and I believe the Russian people value their freedom and will settle for no less," he said. "As we mark a victory of six decades ago, we are mindful of a paradox.

For much of Germany, defeat led to freedom. For much of Eastern and Central Europe, victory brought the iron rule of another empire." He also held up the Baltics as examples of successful shifts to democracy, a theme he stressed for nations including Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Belarus.

"These are extraordinary times that we're living in and the three Baltic countries are capable of helping Russia and other countries in this part of the world see the benefits of what it means to live in a free society," Bush told a news conference. But Bush did not back pleas by the Baltic countries for an apology from Russia.

"My hope is that we are able to move on," he said. He later flew to the Netherlands where he will spend Saturday night. The presidents of Lithuania and Estonia will boycott the May 9 ceremonies in Moscow. Georgia's president will also stay away, but Latvia's president will attend.

All three Baltic nations, whose combined population is now about 6 million, were occupied by the Soviet Union in June 1940 after a pact between Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia which divided up spheres of influence in East Europe.

In 1941, German troops occupied the Baltics and remained there until the end of the war when Soviet troops returned and ruled with an iron fist.

The collapse of communism enabled the Baltic states to win their independence in 1991. Bush also urged free elections in Belarus, which shares borders with Lithuania and Latvia, and ruled out any secret U.S deal with Moscow allowing President Alexander Lukashenko to remain in power. "We don't make secret deals," he said.

Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga wrote in the Washington Post on Saturday: "Russia would gain immensely by ... expressing its genuine regret for the crimes of the Soviet regime.

"Until Russia does so ... its relations with its immediate neighbors will remain uneasy at best." But writing in the French daily Le Figaro, Putin dismissed calls for an apology and accused the Baltic countries of trying to justify their own government's "discriminatory and reprehensible policy" toward their Russian-speaking populations.


Reuters