Gitenstein, US Ambassador in Romania, Reports on Missile Defence, Guantanamo Detainees, Visas/International Adoptions, NATO Strategic Concept in Iran, ... Russia, Moldova (Global Factors Book 1)

AMBASSADOR'S JANUARY 22, 2010 MEETING WITH NEW ROMANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER BACONSCHI

In his introductory call on new Romanian FM Teodor Baconschi, Ambassador previewed the upcoming visit to Romania by U/S Tauscher and expressed U.S. gratitude for the GOR’s January 21 decision to increase its Afghanistan contingent by an additional 600 troops. FM Baconschi noted his government’s eagerness to schedule high-level meetings as soon as possible, including a POTUS meeting for President Basescu in the first half of 2010 and a meeting with Secretary Clinton for Baconschi himself in February or March 2010. He also expressed Romania’s enthusiasm for developing a robust New Strategic Concept for NATO. Other topics of discussion included GTMO detainees, Romanian acquisition of F-16 aircraft and relations with Moldova, Turkey and Iran.

Romania Presidential Elections: Frontrunner Mircea Geoana - Heavy On Foreign Policy Experience But Little Substance

A first look at the potential foreign policy priorities of Mircea Geoana, the
Social Democratic Party (PSD) candidate who, for the moment,
could be poised to unseat incumbent President Traian Basescu.
Septels will address Geoana's political background, and also
his relationship with the PSD dealmakers and oligarchs who
many expect would really pull the strings in a Geoana
presidency and PSD-led Government of Romania. Geoana shares
Basescu's emphasis on strong relationships with NATO and the
U.S., but he clearly signals his desire for enhanced
cooperation with the EU and improved relations with Russia.
While the economic crisis and restrained budget could impact
Romania's international military commitments were Geoana to
win, major shifts in overall foreign policy are unlikely.

Romania: Vp Biden Meeting With President Basescu

Vice President Biden met with President
Basescu on October 22, 2009. The Romanian President and Vice
President Biden discussed the motivations for Biden's trip to
Europe; the U.S. and Romanian relationships with Russia;
missile defense; and the coalition strategy in Afghanistan
and Pakistan. They also touched on energy security, the visa
waiver program, and international adoptions. Biden thanked
Basescu for Romania's continued presence in Afghanistan,
calling Romania's troops there "warriors" who had earned the
respect of the U.S. military.