US 'concerned' after Romania's president impeached
(WASHINGTON) - The United States expressed concern Friday over the impeachment of Romania's president by parliament, urging the European Union member state to ensure that the rule of law is respected.
"We are concerned about recent developments occurring in Romania, our NATO ally and partner, which threaten democratic checks and balances and weaken independent institutions, such as the courts," State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said in a statement.
Romania's parliament voted Friday to impeach center-right President Traian Basescu, with 256 out of 432 lawmakers voting in favor of the move. The impeachment will only take effect if approved in a referendum within 30 days.
"As the government contemplates the serious step of removing Romania's head of state, we urge that the process be conducted in a fully fair and transparent manner, with scrupulous respect for the rule of law and democratic ideals," Nuland said.
"The United States stands with our EU partners and urges that Romania uphold and protect the common values and principles that unite the European and trans-Atlantic community of nations."
A cruel Romanian reality
Romania for a short time will seem stable. Government will attempt (to the president impeachment referendum) appear impartial and will bribe the population through various forms (creating of wealth appearance). The president suspension will be obtained . Late, when Europe will be sleeping, the Romanian political power will make major changes in the Constitution and finally the justice will be enslaved. It will be too late ... it will be a long time to return to democracy