Radio România Internațional

Tag: BREEZE 18

  • July 30, 2018 UPDATE

    July 30, 2018 UPDATE

    WEATHER — The weather is unstable in Romania, particularly in the centre, east and north. The authorities have issued a code yellow alert against rainfalls, thunderstorms and gusty wind valid for those regions until Monday evening. Rain water might exceed 20 l/square meter and even 50-60 l/square meter locally. Hydrologists have issued code yellow and orange alerts for several rivers in the country, valid until Wednesday, at midnight. At least two people lost their lives because of heavy rains and flooding over the past few days, many households have been submerged and traffic has been disrupted on several national and county roads.



    BREEZE 18 — Three ships belonging to the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group are currently docked at the Constanta Military Port on the Black Sea Coast, until Tuesday. The participating ships include ROS Lt. Lupu Dinescu, TCG Anamur, and FGS Rhein. The ships have made stops in the ports of Burgas, Bulgaria and Odessa in Ukraine. They participated in the multinational exercise BREEZE 18, in Bulgaria’s territorial waters and in the Black Sea international waters, and took part in joint exercises at sea, with Ukrainian ships. Exercise BREEZE provided training to the participants in various fields of maritime warfare and enhanced interoperability among NATO Navies. On Sunday, the ships were open to visitors.



    ACTIVITY REPORT — Minister for Romanians Worldwide Natalia-Elena Intotero on Monday presented the activity report for the first six months, outlining the main actions and projects carried out by the ministry she represents, as well as the ongoing projects addressing Romanians across the borders. Some 24 projects of organizations and associations of Romanians worldwide have been approved, with funding standing at over 1 million lei. The Ministry has also sent 3,200 Romanian-language books to the Republic of Moldova, and 1,000 scholarships have been awarded to Romanian children studying in Ukraine.



    GREECE — 91 people died in the wildfire that devastated the eastern coast of Attica in Greece, the latest provisional death toll made public by the Greek authorities shows. Several children are among the victims, as well as four foreign nationals-two Poles, an Irish and a Belgian citizen. An investigation carried out by the Greek fire-fighters shows a local would be at fault for starting the first fire and the Greek authorities know who he is. PM Alexis Tzipras has said he assumes full political responsibility for the tragedy, whereas the Opposition has accused the Government of being incapable of protecting the citizens’ lives. We recall the two Romanian military aircraft, one used for extinguishing fire and the other one providing logistical support, which were sent to Greece by the Bucharest authorities shortly after the wildfire broke out, completed their mission on Saturday and returned to Romania.



    UNEMPLOYMENT — The unemployment rate stood at 3.48% in late June, the lowest in the last 26 years for the second month in a row, according to data released by the National Employment Agency. The total number of unemployed people was 304 thousand, of whom 51 thousand receive unemployment benefits. Most of them are aged between 40 and 49, while the lowest number are young people aged 25-29. In terms of education, people with basic or no education hold the largest share of the total number of unemployed. The authorities say the rate goes down in the summer months, given that a large number of people get temporary employment as seasonal workers in constructions, farming or the services industry.



    INTERNET — Over 500 towns and villages in Romania have been fitted with high-speed Internet connections under the RO-NET program in the last six months, Communications and Information Society Minister Bogdan Cojocaru has said. The Romanian official hopes that over 400 thousand households as well as public institutions in the area will have high-speed Internet access by the end of September. A new project devoted to expanding broadband connections to underdeveloped areas will also be implemented, Minister Cojocaru has announced. With a budget of 64 million euros, the project is aimed at equipping 170 thousand households with Internet access.



    OLYMPIAD — Romania’s delegation has won five medals at the International Physics Olympiad this year, one gold, two silver and two bronze, the Education Ministry has announced. Students with the International Computer Science High School in Bucharest and the Mircea cel Batran National College in Constanta are the recipients of the awards. The 49th edition of the Olympiad was hosted by Lisbon, Portugal over July 21-29, bringing together 400 competitors from 90 countries. The first edition was held in 1967 in Poland, Romania being one of the five participating countries. Romania has hosted the Olympiad twice, in 1972 and 1983.



    TENNIS — Romanian tennis player Simona Halep continues to be no.1 WTA, according to the world ranking made public on Monday. She is followed by Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki and the American Sloane Stephens. Halep is no.1 for the 39th week, thus equalling the performance of French Amelie Mauresmo. Other best ranking tennis players are Mihaela Buzărnescu (24), Sorana Cârstea (54), Irina Begu (56), Monica Niculescu (60) and Ana Bogdan (87).



    (Translated by D. Vijeu & V. Palcu)

  • July 30, 2018

    July 30, 2018

    WEATHER – The weather is unstable in Romania, particularly in the centre, east and north. The authorities have issued a code yellow alert against rainfalls, thunderstorms and gusty wind valid for those regions until Monday evening. Rain water might exceed 20 l/square meter and even 50-60 l/square meter in places. The highs of the day range from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius. Hydrologists have issued code yellow and orange alerts along several rivers in the country, valid until Wednesday, at midnight. At least two people lost their lives because of heavy rains and flooding over the past few days, many households have been submerged and traffic has been disrupted on several national and county roads. The noon reading in Bucharest was 27 degrees.



    BREEZE 18 – Three ships belonging to the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group are currently docked at the Constanta Military Port on the Black Sea Coast, until Tuesday. The participating ships include ROS Lt. Lupu Dinescu, TCG Anamur, and FGS Rhein. The ships have made stops in the ports of Burgas, Bulgaria and Odessa in Ukraine. They participated in the multinational exercise BREEZE 18, in Bulgarias territorial waters and in the Black Sea international waters, and took part in joint exercises at sea, with Ukrainian ships. Exercise BREEZE provided training to the participants in various fields of maritime warfare and enhanced interoperability among NATO Navies. On Sunday, the ships were open to visitors.



    GREECE – 91 people died in the wildfire that devastated the eastern coast of Attica in Greece, the latest provisional death toll made public by the Greek authorities shows. Several children are among the victims, as well as four foreign nationals-two Poles, an Irish and a Belgian citizen. An investigation carried out by the Greek fire-fighters shows a local would be at fault for starting the first fire and the Greek authorities know who he is. PM Alexis Tzipras has said he assumes full political responsibility for the tragedy, whereas the Opposition has accused the Government of being incapable of protecting the citizens lives. We recall the two Romanian military aircraft, one used for extinguishing fire and the other one providing logistical support, which were sent to Greece by the Bucharest authorities shortly after the wildfire broke out, completed their mission on Saturday and returned to Romania.



    SUMMER SCHOOL – The Bucharest University is organising until August 6, the 58th edition of the Romanian language, culture and civilisation Summer School, which enjoys the participation of 28 foreign students from Europe and the US. This years edition is dedicated to the celebrations occasioned by the Centennial of the Great Union of 1918 Centennial and to the commemoration of the Romanian poet Nichita Stănescu. The young people have the opportunity to attend Romanian language courses, workshops and conferences on Romanian culture and civilisation, cultural events and to visit museums. A novelty this year is the introduction of two workshops “’Mass-Media and Advertising and “Comics for beginners.



    PENITENTIARIES – Trade unions in the Romanian penitentiaries have today made public the timetable of protests against what they call “the indolence and incompetence of the justice minister Tudorel Toader and against the Governments lack of involvement in solving the problems they are facing. They call for the resignation of the minister, better working conditions, the elimination of payment disparities and drafting the status of policemen working in penitentiaries. Trade unionists also warn they will go on a token strike on August 10 and will take part in a rally and protest march on October 3.



    HAMANGIA CULTURE – Bulgaria and Romania will join efforts to create a tourist product meant to promote the Hamangia prehistoric culture which existed on both sides of the border between the two countries. Tourist landmarks of the archaeological reserve in Durankulak will be developed during the project called ”Hamangia: the first civilization of old Europe”, run by the cities of Shabla in Bulgaria and Cernavodă in Romania, according to the administration in Shabla. The project will benefit from 1.5 million Euro funding, under the European program Interreg V-A Romania-Bulgaria 2014-2020.



    ANTHEM – The national anthem, consecrated by the Romanian Constitution as a national symbol alongside the national flag, the countrys coat of arms and seal, is one of iconic elements which define the Romanians national identity and is a unique musical and symbolical synthesis of the Romanian spirit, according to a communiqué issued by the Romanian Foreign Ministry. This year, too, the Romanian diplomatic missions, consular offices and Romanian cultural institutes abroad have organised a series of events of public and cultural diplomacy to mark the Anthem Day. Celebrated on July 29, the National Anthem Day was proclaimed in 1998. The current anthem, considered to be a national symbol is “Awaken Thee, Romanian! and it was chosen after the fall of the communist regime, in December 1989. It is based on the patriotic poem by Andrei Mureşanu, published in 1848, and a tune collected by Anton Pann.



    TENNIS – Romanian tennis player Simona Halep continues to be no.1 WTA, according to the world ranking made public today. She is followed by Denmarks Caroline Wozniacki and the American Sloane Stephens. Halep is no.1 for the 39th week, thus equalling the performance of French Amelie Mauresmo. Other best ranking tennis players are Mihaela Buzărnescu (24), Sorana Cârstea (54), Irina Begu (56), Monica Niculescu (60) and Ana Bogdan (87).

  • July 29, 2018 UPDATE

    July 29, 2018 UPDATE

    ANTHEM DAY – National Anthem Day was celebrated in Romania on Sunday. On the occasion, president Klaus Iohannis conveyed a message, saying that this year, when Romanians celebrate 100 years since the formation of the Romanian unitary state, celebrating Anthem Day is another opportunity to reiterate this countrys commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law. National Anthem Day was proclaimed in 1998 and is celebrated every year on July 29th. The current anthem is titled Awaken, thee, Romanian! and is based on a poem by Andrei Muresanu, published in 1848.



    SIGHISOARA FESTIVAL – Sunday was the last day of the 25th Medieval Festival in Sighisoara, central Romania, the only medieval fortress in south-eastern Europe that is still inhabited. 270 artists from five countries participated in the festival with some 100 performances. This years theme was Medieval Legends. The organizers did their best to bring this years edition to the level deserved by the oldest medieval festival in Romania.



    NATO – Three vessels with the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group are stationed for four days in the Romanian Black Sea Port of Constanta, in south-eastern Romania. After stopovers in the ports of Burgas and Odessa, in Bulgaria and Ukraine respectively, the Romanian minesweeper Lt. Lupu Dinescu, the Turkish mine hunter TCG Anamur and the German auxiliary ship FGS Rhein are now docked in the Romanian port until July 31st. The vessels have participated in the multinational exercise BREEZE 18 in the territorial waters of Bulgaria and the Black Sea international waters, and also in joint drills with Ukrainian ships. On Sunday, the vessels were open to visitors. After the stop in the Constanta Port, the NATO ships will carry on their training and surveillance missions in the Black Sea.



    ARMY – The Romanian Defense Ministry carries on the army equipping program, by allotting this year one third of the total budget earmarked for this field, the Defense Minister Mihai Fifor has announced. He has also stated that a mobile anti-vessel missile launching system will be purchased. “We want all our major equipping programs to be able to bring back to the industry a large amount of money”, Mihai Fifor has said. As regards the Piranha 5 Infantry Fighting Vehicle program, the minister has stated that the first 36 vehicles are to be received this year. Six of them will be assembled at the Romanian Defense Industries National Company.



    GREECE – An investigation run by the Hellenic Fire Service has revealed that the first fire in Greece was started by a local, who wanted to burn some branches, and the authorities know the identity of that person. The New Democracy party, the main opposition party in Greece, has accused the Government of being incapable of protecting the Greek citizens lives and assets. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has stated he takes full political responsibility for the tragedy. The investigation into the causes of the disaster is still underway. The provisional death toll stands at 88. Romania helped the Greek authorities with one aircraft designed to extinguish fires and another one for logistical support. Their mission ended on Saturday, and the aircraft returned back home.



    WEATHER – Extreme weather is affecting the entire world. Northern Germany is faced with severe drought, and farmers have lost hope that anything will save their crops. They have called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency, in order for them to get state aid. Sweden is in a similar situation, affected by drought and wildfires. Norway too has reported the most severe drought in the past decades. Across the ocean, in northern California, forest fires have destroyed hundreds of buildings and continue to be a threat to thousands more. Also, dozens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. In Japan, several people have been wounded and thousands have had to leave their homes, as Typhoon Jongdari hit the west of the country, less then a month after the region was devastated by flooding.

  • July 29, 2018

    July 29, 2018


    ANTHEM DAY – According to the Romanian Defense Ministry, National Anthem Day is celebrated in garrisons across the country today. To honour the day, a religious mass and a musical show have been held in the National Flag Square in Bucharest. The Romanian head of state Klaus Iohannis has conveyed a message on the occasion, saying that this year, when Romanians celebrate 100 years since the formation of the Romanian unitary state, celebrating Anthem Day is another opportunity to reiterate this countrys commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law. National Anthem Day was proclaimed in 1998 and is celebrated every year on July 29th. The current anthem is called Awaken, thee, Romanian! and is based on a poem by Andrei Muresanu, published in 1848.



    SIGHISOARA FESTIVAL – Today is the last day of the 25th Medieval Festival in Sighisoara, central Romania, the only medieval fortress in south-eastern Europe that is still inhabited. 270 artists from five countries have participated in the festival with various shows and events. This years theme has been Medieval Legends. Todays program includes conferences, recitals, a shadow play based on the legend of Tristan, knight fighting and fire juggling. The organizers have tried to bring this years edition to the level deserved by the oldest medieval festival in Romania.



    NATO – Three vessels with the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group have docked for four days at the Romanian Black Sea Port of Constanta, in south-eastern Romania. After stopovers in the ports of Burgas and Odessa, in Bulgaria and Ukraine respectively, the Romanian minesweeper Lt. Lupu Dinescu, the Turkish mine hunter TCG Anamur and the German auxiliary ship FGS Rhein are now docked in the Romanian port until July 31st. The vessels have participated in the multinational exercise BREEZE 18 in the territorial waters of Bulgaria and the Black Sea international waters, and also in joint drills with Ukrainian ships. Today, the vessels are open to visitors. After the stop in the Constanta Port, the NATO ships will carry on their training and surveillance missions in the Black Sea.



    ARMY – The Romanian Defense Ministry carries on the army equipping program, by allotting this year one third of the total budget earmarked for this field, the Defense Minister Mihai Fifor has announced. He has also stated that a mobile anti-vessel missile launching system will be purchased. “We want all our major equipping programs to be able to bring back to the industry a large amount of money”, Mihai Fifor has said. As regards the Piranha 5 Infantry Fighting Vehicle program, the minister has stated that the first 36 vehicles are to be received this year. Six of them will be assembled at the Romanian Defense Industries National Company.



    GREECE – An investigation run by the Hellenic Fire Service has revealed that the first fire in Greece was started by a local, who wanted to burn some branches, and the authorities know the identity of that person. The New Democracy party, the main opposition party in Greece, has accused the Government of being incapable of protecting the Greek citizens lives and assets. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has stated he takes full political responsibility for the tragedy. The investigation into the causes of the disaster is still underway. The provisional death toll stands at 88. Romania helped the Greek authorities with one aircraft designed to extinguish fires and another one for logistical support. Their mission ended on Saturday, and the aircraft returned back home.



    WEATHER – Extreme weather is affecting the entire world. Northern Germany is faced with severe drought, and farmers have lost hope that anything will save their crops. They have called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency, in order for them to get state aid. Sweden is in a similar situation, affected by drought and wildfires. Norway too has reported the most severe drought in the past decades. Across the ocean, in northern California, forest fires have destroyed hundreds of buildings and continue to be a threat to thousands more. Also, dozens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. In Japan, several people have been wounded and thousands have had to leave their homes, as Typhoon Jongdari hit the west of the country, less then a month after the region was devastated by flooding.