EUROPEAN UNION – TAJIKISTAN : A DEVELOPING RELATION

Between 25-26 July 2011 Ambassador of Tajikistan to European Union , Rustamjon Soliev  ,  had made an working visit to Romania at the invitation of Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on International Relations  in order to further develop the bilateral relation and offer new dimensions to economical, cultural and political dialogue between Tajikistan  , European Union and Romania .

His Excellency Ambassador Rustamjon Soliev – Ambassador of Republic of Tajikistan to European Union

In the framework of the visit Ambassador Soliev paid special attention to de-frozen  the economic dimension of the relations between the two countries.

Ambassador of Tajikistan had arranged meetings with Romanian Chamber of Commerce President and European Union Bilateral  Chambers of Commerce Vice-President , Director of Romanian Investment Agency  and Ministry of Economy and other Romanian economic officials .

The parties expressed the common desire of re-launch the bilateral relations by mutual assured investment , development of trade and tourism . Romanian side express the desire , in accordance with Tajikistan Ambassador views ,  to have an Romanian ( EU) – Tajikistan Economic Forum , to have Tajikistan investment in Romanian tourist sites and to have practical offers for investment in Tajikistan .

In the meetings  held by Ambassador Soliev  at Energy Minister , Romania offered technical expertise for rehabilitation of Tajikistan energy system and also expressed interest in programs for solar and wind energy exploitation in Tajikistan .

In all the meetings Ambassador Rustamjon Soliev received official congratulation on the appointment of President of Tajikistan, Emamoli Rahmon for the prestigious European Award of LEADER OF XXI CENTURY , the Romanian side underlining  that this famous award is the expression of Tajikistan new position of strength in the world and also an incentive for foreign investors to seek closer economical and political relations  with Tajikistan , as the prize is awarded as a proof of European confidence in a country and a leader.

In a special meeting at the European Council on International Relations Headquarters Ambassador Rustamjon Soliev presented for an impressive audience of academics , politicians, diplomats and foreign observers , a report about Tajikistan development today .

The report was based on the masterpiece book TAJIK ARTS AND CRAFTS THROUGH THE CENTURIES by Hamrokhon Zarifi , Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan and highlighted the cultural richness  and lofty tradition  of the country. From Alexander the Great to Silk Road and today development and beauties of Tajikistan under President Emomali Rahmon economic and social reform program , the complete image of Tajikstan was presented in the Ambassador Soliev report .

Ambassador Soliev and european academics.

In the official audience granted by President of European Council on International Relations , professor Dr. Anton Caragea to Ambassador Soliev  the parties expressed the determination to boost cultural and academic relations, to create a framework for cultural and political dialogue and to organize an art exhibition : TAJIKISTAN IN THE HEART OF SILK ROAD  based on the art crafts presented in the book of   Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan ,  Hamrokhon Zarifi.

The parties had agreed a calendar of mutual consultation to search for new ways of fostering European Union – Tajikistan relations  but also Romania-Tajikistan relation.

The cultural dimension of bilateral Romania- European Union-Tajikistan relation was underlined also by meetings at Ministry of Culture and by visit of Ambassador Soliev Rustamjon Abdulloevich   to the oldest ethnographic museum in Eastern Europe : Village Museum of Romania .

The two day visit succeeded , after  a long time, to recreate a new dimension of European Union – Tajikistan relation.In addition in August 2011 a delegation of high ranking officials of European Council on International Relations are expected to arrive in Tajikistan for a working visit.

Solid discussion on economy, culture and political agenda create a new framework and the Romanian side expressed, at the end of the visit of Ambassador Soliev , the desire for a continuity in this fruitful dialogue and for new ways according with the concepts of XXI century diplomacy to develop the bilateral relation in the framework of European Union .

DANUBE AND DANUBE DELTA – THE CENTER OF EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CONFERENCE

On 23 June 2011 in the presence of Diplomatic Corp accredited to Romania and European officials it was unveiled the International Exhibition : DANUBE & DANUBE DELTA under the High Patronage of the European Council on International Relations .

 

Professor Dr. Anton Caragea – President of European Council on International Relations opening the INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DANUBE AND DANUBE DELTA

It is the first edition of such an exhibition and as the organizers are stating it hopes to provide real support in erecting a platform to encourage and support fostering new initiatives and partnerships between local and regional authorities , private and state entities , environmental protection foundation in order to further develop the economic power of the Danube region .

The opening speech of the International Conference : DANUBE AND DANUBE DELTA : OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES was held by Professor Anton Caragea who offered his High Patronage to the event had presented the main objectives of the Conference: to mark 29 June 2011 as the official International Day of Danube , to emphasize the economic dimension of Danube as the second European rivers , crossing 10 countries , uniting 4 capitals and constructing a water way between North Sea and Black Sea and offering an avenue for more than 100 billions exchanges on goods and services .

Taking in consideration this economic dimension of Danube is absolutely vital for European Union and for Romania that is receiving 28, 9% percent of the length of the Danube, to transform this in economic opportunity and constructing international partnership not only with riverbanks’ country but with Mediterranean area countries, stated in his opening speech professor dr. Anton Caragea . 

The INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION DANUBE AND DANUBE DELTA (23-26 June 2011 ) opened under the High Patronage of European Council on International Relations.

Dr. Petru Lificiu, Vice-president of National Agency for Energy and President of Ecological Forum had presented in his speech the importance of economic development of Danube in the framework of environmental protection and also emphasize the importance of energy and transportation exploitation of Danube shores .

The main focus of the conference was offered by United Arab Emirates and State of Qatar ambassadors’ assessment of the Danube Delta and Danube potential after participating in the diplomatic trip along the Danube. 

Huge european presence at the opening ceremony.

H.E Yacoub Yousef Al Hosani – United Arab Emirates Ambassador to Romania focused his speech in assessment of the economical and environmental opportunities of Danube and Danube Delta and the practical dimension of his trip for observing area of interest for investors from United Arab Emirates . Also Ambassador Yacoub Yousef al Hosani expressed his appreciation towards the European Council on International Relations and President Anton Caragea for hosting this trip and for opening the magic gates of a UNESCO heritage site as valuable as Danube Delta and in such a short span of time to organize and an international conference on Danube and Danube Delta.

H.E Salem al Jaber- Ambassador of State of Qatar underlined his complete appreciation toward the observation and insightful analyses of Danube and Danube Delta offered by United Arab Emirates Ambassador stating also that now they are sharing a friendship cemented by waters of Danube , that according to legend make the perfect friendship .

Instead his speech will be directed toward concrete proposal such as including Danube Delta among the national flag carrier destination, including Mr. Petru Lificiu`s book as the travel guide for the area and offering support for state investment in tourism area in Danube region. He also expressed his gratitude for European Council on International Relations for offering this conference to European public.

At the end of the conference officials and ambassadors made the honor tour of the International Exhibition on Danube and Danube Delta admiring the marvelous objects presented in the exhibition and receiving a complementary book of Natural Patrimony of Romania by Mr. Petru Lificiu, book that was honored with Romania Book Award for 2011.

SYRIA IS THE ONLY DEMOCRACY IN THE MIDDLE EAST- IS THE CONCLUSION OF AN EUROPEAN UNION SEMINARY

The Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania had organized on 19 of May 2011 the European seminar on the topic: Syrian Reforms. Building  a democratic society in the Middle East.

The seminar was sponsored by European Council on International Relations and was targeting the correct information of international affairs experts, journalists and politicians on the reform process inaugurated by Syrian president Bashar al Assad eleven years ago, when he ascended to power.

Presenting the actual facts, the speakers highlighted the fact that Syria has managed to overcome the recent international conspiracy against his unity and independence   , to repeal the terrorist aggression and to protect civil population against foreign and domestic enemies .

The main factor for this victory was based upon the political unity of people of Syria around charismating figure of president Bashar Al Assad   and the confidence in the reform process initiated by Damascus authorities. The Syrian victory in front of a modern type aggression , using the paraphernalia of a XXI century informatics war, by dint of mass media aggression, falsified media reports, incitement towards inter-ethnic and inter-religious clashes , sending highly equipped terrorist units , all proven the resilience of an open society , in full democratic restructuring process and in national identity reassertion  had underlined professor dr. Anton Caragea, the director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania.

Syria`s  strength point in this reform process are : an open society with a democratic structure in full consolidation , with 13 legal political parties framework , with an abundance of opinion debate and information’s rare encountered in the area.

Syrian society already enjoys the befits of multiparty system , independent and vigorous mass media presence , a civil society in full build up and is one of the most liberal societies in the Middle East, appreciated professor dr.Anton Caragea . Another speaker, professor .dr. Ioan M. Constantinescu, deputy director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania had offered in his report an analysis on the present day stage of reform process initiated by President Bashar Al Assad of Syria.

This new phase in reform process is constructed around a deeply rooted national wide consultation, including non-governmental bodies and entities and even key broker personalities that offered an in-depth research of real internal situation in Syria holding even community town level debates. By this way the Syrian reform will succeed, as is build on real national need assessment and is the fruition of a general consultation, concluded professor Constantinescu.

Other reports highlighted the mass media freedom enjoyed in Syria, the Syrian informational system resilience in front of outside forces propaganda.

All the participants congratulated Romanian position of being on the fore front of supporting Syrian people and leadership of President Bashar Al Assad. Romanian decision of tacking the side of good and democratic forces against the forces of destruction was emboldening  for many EU countries to have a positive stance toward Syria.

The seminar has concluded  with the general view of supporting and promoting Syrian reform process    and the certitude that Syrian upcoming electoral process will be held according to the reform program and will insure for Syria the continuation of her status as the most important consolidated democracy in the region .

NO MASS GRAVES IN SYRIA. JUST ORDER AND PEACE

DAMASCUS, (SANA)_ Minister of Information Dr. Adnan Mahmoud said the coming days will witness a comprehensive national dialogue in all Syrian governorates. In a press conference on Friday Dr. Mahmoud added that the government is currently implementing a comprehensive political, economic and social reform program in the interest of the people. ” There is a correlation between security and stability from one hand and the reform from the other hand,”

The Minister said that in light of the situation in some governorates, police and security forces have been sent to pursue the armed groups which perpetrated acts of killing citizens, terrorized people, burned public and private properties, halted social and economic life, threatened schools and public security. He affirmed that the army units arrested several members of the armed groups and seized a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and improvised explosive devices that were prepared to target citizens, the vital economic installations such as bridges, oil pipelines, railways and others as part of a plan to hit the social and economic life and public facilities in the country.

He mad it clear that this process led to the martyrdom of 98 officers and soldiers of the army and security forces in addition to injuring 1040 besides the martyrdom of 22 policemen and wounding 451 others, due to the strict instructions by President Bashar al-Assad not to open fire and use weapons.

Minister Mahmoud went on to say that targeting the army by armed groups wasn’t linked to demonstrations, but it was a result of the armed groups’ deliberate attacks on the checkpoints in some areas. He said after the restoration of tranquility, stability and security, the army units began to gradually depart from Banias and surroundings while the army units deployed in Daraa and surroundings are completing the gradual depart to return to their main camps.

Dr. Mahmoud pointed out that life in those areas has been gradually returning to normal where citizens start to exercise their normal activities.

The Minister hailed the important role of people that helped the army units detect and arrest those armed groups to be prosecuted. Dr. Mahmoud said the government is determined to restore security, tranquility and serenity to all governorates and separate between the right to peaceful demonstrations and the use of weapons, killings, terrorizing and vandalism to destabilize and hit the public life.

On the request of the UN Mission for Human Rights to provide humanitarian aid to people in Daraa, the Minister said the Syrian government and Syrian Red Crescent, were following up the situation in Daraa and there was no shortage of food and medicine.

“We have informed the UN that there was no need for any assistance to Daraa,” the Minister said, noting that no one of those organizations proposed to provide humanitarian aid when Syria experienced a five-year drought and Hasaka, north-east Syria, witnessed floods at the beginning of this month.

As for the European sanctions, Dr. Mahmoud regretted that these states adopted their positions depending on what was broadcast by some biased media and electronic sites on the events in Syria without making sure of the reality on the ground.

The Minister said ” That will not affect our determination to confront the armed groups and extremism,” adding “destabilizing Syria will not deter us from continuing the work to implement the comprehensive reform program.”

Regarding the national dialogue, Dr. Mahmoud said “President Bashar al-Assad met with popular activities from different Syrian governorates and listened to their opinions, demands and visions on what is happening in Syria,” adding that next days will experience a national dialogue involving all the Syrian governorates.

On statements of businessman Rami Makhlouf, the Minister concluded by saying that those statements express his own opinion and do not reflect the stance of the government and the leadership in Syria.

AN EUROPEAN UNION STATEMENT ON SYRIA

On 27 April 2011 the Board of Directors of European Council on International Relations  had convened in a special session to give a strong message of support for Syrian people and for Syrian Arab Republic independence and unity .

Professor Anton Caragea , President  of  European Council on International Relationshad read the final declaration of the meeting stating that :

Professor dr. Anton Caragea-President of European Council on International Relations

In front of  a media campaign of lies and disinformation  and manipulation regarding the events in Syrian Arab Republic we, the intellectual community of Europe we state our solidarity with Syrian people, victim of foreign intervention and aggression .

We voice our support for Syrian Arab Republic territorial integrity as is stated in all international law and United Nations Charta with territory of Golan as a integral part of Syrian Arab Republic as stated in the UN Charta .

We condemn the terrorist aggression that had launch attacks in Deraa , Latakia and Damascus  and we underline our support for the Government of President Bashar Al Assad as the soul legal , legitimate and unique representative of Syrian people.

We support the legal and lawful intervention of Syrian security forces against terrorist attacks in order to protect the life and property of Syrian people . Syrian security forces had only done their duty with honor and professionalism repealing the aggression and invaders from Syrian territory.

We condemn the media outlets that are calling terrorist attacks a revolution , mercenaries and terrorists as freedom fighter`s and advocate the destruction of Syria . We must state clear that in Syrian there is no revolution , in Syria a democratic reform process organized by President Bashar Al Assad is giving to every person the right to freedom of expression and human rights and dignity are provided for making useless any revolution.

Finally we express our trust in President Bashar Al Assad of Syria as the representative of the unity of Syrian people and the guarantor  of the integrity of Syria  , as the representative of reform policy for a better, democratic and free Syria. President Bashar Al Assad is in this grave hours the voice of people of Syria and is giving the example and dedication of  a true leader, we are respecting and we express our solidarity with him .

European Union must stand beside Syria as are under question the fundamental values that Europe is speaking for: freedom, independence, national unity and non-interference in internal affairs. If this principles will be forgotten not only Syria`s security will be under question but Europe and any other state existence will be subject to debate.   Supporting Syria , Europe is supporting herself.

In this difficult time European`s must not forget and abandon the brother people of Syria , the European-Syrian relation is a historical one and Europe must always stay behind Syria , his people and his leader, in the process of building a free and independent Syria.

EUROPEAN UNION ACCEPTS KAZAKHSTAN AS A NEW DEMOCRACY

On 12 April 2011 in a public ceremony , held in Bucharest at Aula Magna of Romanian Academy of Science, the world democratic community had rejoice to count a new member: Kazakhstan.

Democratic community had gathered to apllaude  a new member : Kazakhstan

In the presence of diplomatic representatives of traditional democratic states, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, president of European Council on International Relations  and director of Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation of Romania , had presented the EU-Romanian Monitoring Report on Kazakhstan Presidential Elections. The ceremony was especially important as it was a double held ceremony Brussels- Bucharest, as the Romanian report was accepted as a European document and publicly presented in the same day by the European Council on International Relations as a European report.

Professor Anton Caragea is endorsing the Election Monitoring Report on Kazakhstan

The conference was open by Professor Dr.Anton Caragea presentation on the electoral supervision methods, objectives, electoral monitoring theory and electoral monitoring practice. Other speeches on behalf of members of European Union- Romanian team for election monitoring   where held by Mr. Sali Negiat, undersecretary of state of Romanian Government and Mr. Gabriel Arsene, journalist. Then in a public ceremony , the Final Report of  Election Monitoring Mission in Kazakhstan was presented and handed off to Mr. Kairat Aiman – Charge d`affairs of Kazakhstan.

Monitoring commission has under scrutiny the mass media law, the election law, the political laws and the Constitutional Law of Kazakhstan and had operated a surveillance of the measure taken by the Central Electoral Commission in order to insure a free and open election atmosphere.

The European union- Romanian monitoring mission insured also the Election Day supervision, the supervision of counting and tabulation of elections results in a significant and representative number of sections and commissions.

A crowded audience listen the lesson of the birth of a democracy : Kazakhstan

The report conclusion being that is endorsing the Kazakhstan elections as representing the free and democratically expressed voice of Kazakh people decision

In his speech H.E.Kairat Aiman had warmly appreciated European Union-Romanian election monitoring team for the special efforts and dedication, for the energy inputted into this mission and for the electoral monitoring report.

″Specially I was interested by the international observer`s opinion on the democratic progress of my country and I was enthusiast to learn that our elections have obtained the international community support as democratic. I appreciate Romanian efforts″ concluded Kazakhstan Charge d`affairs-Kairat Aiman.

The Diplomatic Corp is listening to Election Monitoring Report

A question and answer session followed for a half an hour and has touched on all the pending issues on presidential elections held on 3 of April in Kazakhstan.

The 12 April 2011 event had represented for Kazakhstan the certificate for democratic and free elections and a support in continuing democratic reforms and for European Union , Romania and world democratic community a moment of pride as a new member is affirming himself on democratic path: Kazakhstan.

THE PERSONALITY OF 2010 IN DIPLOMACY IS PROFESSOR ANTON CARAGEA

Professor Anton Caragea is declared THE ROMANIAN PERSONALITY OF 2010.

 

The summer of 2010 brings with it, two important international recognition to the diplomatic activities organized by the Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation. First, Professor Anton Caragea had received from United States Biographical Institute the title of ROMANIAN -MEN OF THE YEAR 2010. The decisive element in awarding the title to Professor Anton Caragea was his part in organizing and hosting the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Bucharest conference in February 2010. The OSCE Conference hosted in Bucharest by Professor Anton Caragea was perceived universally as an unshakable support for the activities of the OSCE and for the security of all European continent. For the Awarding Committee : the security of United States is inextricable linked by the continuous activity of OSCE at European level and in this direction the efforts of professor Anton Caragea in promoting OSCE activities during 2010 where a crucial one .

Not only the European Union direction of activity of Institute of international Relations and Economic Cooperation had attracted the attention, but also the activities destined to promote the dialogue between Europe and others civilizations area and specially the professor Anton Caragea sustained implication in promoting and constructing a dialogue among Christian and Islamic faith . To reward this long time commitment the EUROPEAN MUSLIM WOMAN CONFERENCE has invited Professor Anton Caragea  as a invite of honor to deliver a speech and he received the SPECIAL PRIZE for encouraging the inter-faith dialogue and supporting  the empowerment of woman`s in all area of life. Both of recognition, had declared Professor Anton Caragea are not address to myself, but to all the people of the Institute that proved in this time of economic havoc that they can organize actions of European echo and could sustained peace and security thru organizations such as OSCE and they could promote the Romanian voice in all the major issues of our time. The voice of Romanian cultural and academic elite will continuously be heard by the efforts of the Institute of International Relations and Economic Cooperation assured Professor Anton Caragea