MIDDLE EAST CRISIS – In a telephone conversation with his Israeli counterpart,
Isaac Herzog, Romania’s president, Klaus Iohannis, on Friday condemned the
unacceptable attacks against Israel, expressing regret over the loss of
countless innocent lives. Romania is ready to provide emergency assistance if
required, Klaus Iohannis said, thanking president Herzog for Israel’s support
in helping Romanian citizens get back safely. The Knesset on Thursday voted the
creation of a national emergency government and a war cabinet. Pundits say an
extended coalition is needed to pass military and political decisions over the
coming days after last Saturday’s unprecedented attack on Israel. Launched by
Hamas insurgents in Gaza, the attack and the ensuing Israeli retaliation strikes
have already killed thousands of people on both sides. Some 150 people are held
hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
ROMANIAN VICTIMS – Two
Romanians with Israeli citizenship and residing in Israel have been killed
since the start of the crisis in the Middle East, the Romanian Foreign Ministry
announced. One fatality was announced by Israeli authorities on October 9 while
another person reported missing on Thursday was confirmed dead on Friday. The
Romanian MFA has conveyed condolences to the victims’ families, firmly
condemning terrorism in all its forms. The Romanian Embassy in Tel Aviv and the
General Consulate in Haifa are in permanent contact with Israeli authorities to
collect reports on Romanian citizens.
REPATRIATIONS – Over 2,160 Romanian
nationals have been brought back home safely from Israel onboard flights
operated by the national airline TAROM, the Romanian Foreign Ministry
announced. A few hundred Romanians in Gaza are monitored by Bucharest
authorities as well, although only some request assistance to get home. Prime
Minister Marcel Ciolacu says the Cabinet might cover repatriation costs for
citizens with low income and has called on Romanians to avoid pilgrimages to
Israel.
PRODUCTION – Romania’s
agricultural production in 2022 stood at nearly 22 bln EUR, according to data
published by the National Statistics Institute. Yields went up slightly in the
south compared to the previous year. Overall, however, total output went down
by as much as 39%. Compared to 2021, livestock reported increases in developing
regions in the west, northwest, south and center.
FOOTBALL – Romania’s national
football side ended in a goaless draw their Thursday’s match against Belarus in
Budapest as part of the EURO 2024 preliminaries. Although they managed a good
show on Thursday, the Romanians failed to defeat a rather modest opponent.
Belarus is playing its games on neutral ground, under a UEFA decision. In
another Group I game, Kosovo defeated Andorra 3-0 while the match pitting Israel
against Switzerland has been postponed for November 15th. After the draw on
Thursday, Romania ranks second in the group with 13 points after Switzerland
with 14. Israel ranks third with 11 points, followed by Kosovo with 7, Belarus
with 5 and Andorra with 2. On Sunday, Romania will be playing Andorra at home
in a game where only children under 14 are granted access to the stadium. (DB
& VP)