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Ambassador Klemm, in dialogue with students of the Bucharest University
U.S. Ambassador in Bucharest Hans Klemm this Monday engaged in dialogue with students of the Bucharest University about the civic involvement of the youth, as well as about Romania's topical policy subjects, voicing his opinion that President Klaus Iohannis had a very difficult task following the street demonstrations this November, and made a courageous decision by appointing a Government of technocrats.
The political leadership and President Iohannis in particular had a very difficult task. I think what President Iohannis realized was that Romania's people want a new direction for this country, and under these circumstances, with parliamentary elections due next year, he decided to create a Government that should not include members of the parliamentary parties, but a group of democratic experts who should attempt to govern the country in the coming year. It was a courageous decision. If it proves successful (...) I think it should have Parliament's support in taking some important decisions that will improve Romania's public administration, to continue the fight against corruption, back Romania's alliance with NATO, its EU membership and strategic partnership with the U.S. If it is successful, it could give this country a new direction, said the U.S. Ambassador.
He argued that the actions that followed the Colectiv club tragedy were "inspiring," as tens of thousands of Romanians peacefully took to the streets of Bucharest and other cities, in the spirit of civic participation, demanding that Romania be headed for a better, more prosperous and less corrupt future.
Asked about the priorities of his term, the Ambassador said that the most important goal is the promotion of security, stressing that Romania and the U.S. are powerful allies within NATO.
As we have seen in recent months and weeks, the world stays a very troubled place. Instability is present not only in areas like the Middle East or Afghanistan, but it also exists here in Europe, in the context of the Russian aggression on Ukraine, so that, as I have said it, the U.S. found a powerful ally in Romania and we will continue to seek ways to improve our joint defense both here in Europe, and as far as our partnership in countries such as Afghanistan is concerned, said the diplomat.
The Ambassador mentioned that the second priority is the promotion of democracy, stressing that Romania's attachment to the values of democracy cannot be questioned.
Just like the U.S., Romania seeks to strengthen democratic institutions. The U.S., acting together with the international partners of Romania and the EU, attempts to assist Romania in strengthening democracy. This includes very strong support for the combat of corruption, respect for minorities, the freedom of the press and religious freedom, said Klemm.
He also spoke about promoting prosperity, mentioning that this implies an increase in the flow of goods and investments. The U.S. Ambassador said that the Romanian President and Prime Minister have asked him to engage in improving the climate for foreign investors, with a view to attracting not just American, but European, Japanese or Chinese investments as well. Hans Klemm also stated that he wants to encourage cultural exchanges, cultural, educational and scientific cooperation.
U.S. Ambassador in Bucharest Hans Klemm met on Monday at the Faculty of Law with students of the University of Bucharest, addressing the audience on President John F. Kennedy and the civic involvement of the youth.
To me this legacy is as simple as that. We have the duty to serve humanity, serve our countries, communities and promote a better world for the next generation. And isn't the duty to serve exactly what you, the citizens of Romania, have recently shown to your politicians and fellow citizens by taking to the streets of Bucharest and other major cities of this country?, argued the U.S. Ambassador.