Wednesday, July 9th

Romanian President's younger brother and his alleged accomplice remain in custody, court ruled

Romanian President's younger brother Mircea Băsescu and his alleged mediator in a bribery case Marian Căpăţână prompted the idea that the country's judiciary could be brought under their influence given Mr. Băsescu's position as brother of Romania's current president, according to an Appeal Court in the capital Bucharest who explained its decision to maintain the preventive arrest of the defendants on Wednesday. The defendants sought substantial benefits from people interested in solving illegaly their judicial problems while promising a favourable verdict for money. The court said that such facts affected the popular confidence in the country's judiciary, RADIO ROMANIA reported.

Romania's PM in alleged talks with UDMR leaders

Romania's Prime Minister Victor Ponta is expected to open talks with Kelemen Hunor, the leader of the Democratic Union of Ethic Hungarians in Romania (UDMR), and Foreign Minister Titus Corlătean in an effort to persuade the UDMR to remain in the governing coalition. Tensions between the to sides were reported last week when Romania's MAE and UDMR raised differences concerning an initiative designed to ensure the protection of national minoritie - a project rejected by the European Commission. Mr. Ponta told RADIO ROMANIA on Wednesday he would make every effort to keep the UDMR in the government. "However, the state policy is not negociable. Talks are expected, and I am confident that we could find a solution", Mr. Ponta said. In a comment on the issue, State Secretary Csilla Hegedüs pointed out that, "in making a decision, the Romanian government should consult all coalition partners." When asked to mention other potential issues subject to negociations, Ms. Hegedüs stopped short of making comments.

Hundreds of 112 emergency calls in Romania's western Arad county

Hundreds of 112 emergency calls were reported in the Romanian western county of Arad following recent storms and heavy rains, RADIO ROMANIA reported on Wednesday. High winds caused extensive damage to roofs while firefighters had to intervene where sewers collapsed or trees were falling down. Emergency units of Romania's General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU) are still on the ground in such cities as Chişinău Criş and Ineu, RADIO ROMANIA reported.

Police raids for alleged tax evasion

Raids were underway in the Romanian south- and northwestern counties of Mehedinţi and Maramureş on Wdenesday where police opened an enquiry into an alleged tax evasion of 3.3 million euros through dummy companies. The suspects were operating through eight trade companies in Strehaia and another in Maramureş county. Suspects include leading members of different criminal gangs, RADIO ROMANIA reported.

Alexandru Danga

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